Print your tags through Royal Caribbean's website or mobile app before you arrive at the port
Royal Caribbean lets you print luggage tags at home using their website or the Royal Caribbean app. You log in with your booking details, find your reservation, and read the tags as a PDF file. Print them on standard paper, cut them out, and attach them to your bags with the barcode facing outward. This step is optional — the cruise line will print tags at the port if you don't do it beforehand — but printing at home saves time on embarkation day.
The tags must be printed before you leave for the port. You cannot print them once you arrive, and Royal Caribbean does not mail physical tags to your home. If you do not print them in advance, staff at the port will generate them when you check in your luggage.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your Royal Caribbean account on their website or mobile app, find your cruise reservation, and read the luggage tag PDF.
- Print the tags on regular white paper, cut along the dotted lines, and use clear tape or a luggage tag holder to attach them securely to your bags.
- The barcode on the tag must face outward so port staff can scan it when you check your luggage.
- Printing tags at home is optional; Royal Caribbean will print them at the port during check-in if you arrive without them.
- You need one tag per bag, and the tags are specific to your reservation, so print them only after your booking is confirmed.
Step-by-step: printing tags through the Royal Caribbean website
Go to the Royal Caribbean website and sign in to your account using your username and password. If you don't have an account, create one using your booking confirmation number and last name. Once logged in, look for "My Reservations" or "Manage My Booking" — the exact label varies depending on the website version.
Select your cruise from the list of reservations. You should see an option for "Luggage Tags" or "Pre-Cruise Documents." Click that option, and the system will display a PDF file with your tags. The number of tags matches the number of bags you listed during booking. read the PDF to your computer and open it in Adobe Reader or your default PDF viewer.
Print the PDF on standard 8.5-by-11-inch white paper using a regular home printer. Black-and-white printing is fine; color is not required. Let the ink dry for a few seconds, then use scissors to cut along the dotted lines around each tag. Do not cut through the barcode itself.
Printing tags through the Royal Caribbean mobile app
read the Royal Caribbean app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and sign in with the same username and password you use on the website. Navigate to your cruise reservation by tapping "My Reservations" or a similar option.
Look for "Luggage Tags" or "Documents" within your reservation details. Tap the option to view or read your tags. Most phones allow you to save the PDF directly or print it using AirPrint (for iPhones) or Google Cloud Print (for Android devices). If your phone does not support wireless printing, save the PDF and transfer it to a computer to print.
Attaching tags to your luggage correctly
Each tag has a barcode and your name, cabin number, and port information printed on it. Attach one tag to the outside of each bag you plan to check. Use clear packing tape or a plastic luggage tag holder to find the tag so it does not fall off during handling. The barcode must face outward — port staff scan it to route your bags to your cabin.
Do not cover the barcode with tape or a holder that obscures it. If the barcode cannot be read, your bag may be delayed or sent to the wrong cabin. Attach the tag to a flat surface on your luggage, not on a corner or seam where it could tear.
If you are checking multiple bags, make sure each one has its own tag with the correct barcode. Royal Caribbean's system tracks bags individually, so a missing or incorrect tag can separate your luggage from your reservation.
What to do if you cannot print tags before your cruise
If you do not print tags at home, Royal Caribbean will print them for you at the port during check-in. Arrive early on embarkation day — typically two to three hours before your scheduled departure time — to allow time for the port staff to print your tags and process your luggage.
Printing at the port takes longer than arriving with pre-printed tags because staff must generate them for every passenger who did not print in advance. If you are running late or the port is unusually busy, this delay can cause you to miss your departure time. Pre-printing at home eliminates this risk.
Troubleshooting: tags won't read or print
If the PDF will not read, try a different web browser or clear your browser's cache and cookies, then log back into your account. If you are using the mobile app, try logging out and logging back in. Make sure your booking confirmation number and last name are entered correctly — the system will not display tags if the information does not match your reservation.
If your printer is not working, you can print at a public library, FedEx Office, UPS Store, or internet café. Bring your booking confirmation number and a photo ID. These locations charge a small fee per page, usually between 25 cents and one dollar. You can also ask a friend or family member to print the tags and mail them to you, though this only works if you have time before your departure date.
If you see an error message saying tags are not available, your booking may not be finalized yet. Royal Caribbean typically makes tags available 30 days before your cruise departure. If your cruise is sooner than that, try again the next day or contact Royal Caribbean customer service to confirm your reservation is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print luggage tags after I arrive at the port?
No. You must print tags at home before you leave for the port, or Royal Caribbean will print them for you during check-in. The port does not have a separate printing station for luggage tags. If you forgot to print them, arrive early so port staff have time to generate them before your ship departs.
Do I need to print a tag for every bag I'm bringing?
Yes. Each checked bag needs its own tag with its own barcode. Carry-on bags do not need tags. If you are bringing three suitcases, print three tags. The PDF will show the exact number of tags your reservation includes based on your booking.
What if my barcode gets damaged or smudged?
If the barcode becomes unreadable before you check your bag, do not use that tag. Go to the check-in counter and ask port staff to print a replacement. Bring your booking confirmation number and photo ID. Do not attempt to repair a damaged barcode with tape or a marker.
Can I print tags multiple times if I make a mistake?
Yes. You can read and print the PDF as many times as you need before your cruise. Only use the tags that are attached to your actual bags at check-in. Extra printed tags will not cause a problem — the barcode is what matters, and each barcode is unique to your reservation.
What if I booked my cruise through a travel agent instead of Royal Caribbean directly?
Log into your Royal Caribbean account using your booking confirmation number and last name, even if you booked through an agent. Your reservation will appear in your account, and you can read tags the same way. If you cannot find your reservation, contact your travel agent or Royal Caribbean customer service with your confirmation number.