Where to Get Your Royal Caribbean Luggage Tags
Royal Caribbean sends luggage tags to you before your cruise in your cruise documents packet, which arrives by mail about two to three weeks before departure. The tags come pre-printed with your cabin number and ship name. You do not need to request them separately — they arrive automatically once your booking is confirmed.
If your tags do not arrive with your documents, or if you lose them before your cruise, you can pick up replacements at the port on embarkation day. The cruise line staff at check-in will print new tags for you at no cost. You can also request tags through the Royal Caribbean website by logging into your booking, though this takes longer than waiting for the mail packet or getting them at the port.
Some travelers prefer to buy their own luggage tags before the cruise arrives, either to label bags earlier or to use tags they already own. This is optional — Royal Caribbean tags work fine, but any durable tag with your cabin number written on it will get your luggage to your cabin.
Key Takeaways
- Royal Caribbean mails official luggage tags to your home address two to three weeks before your cruise departure date as part of your cruise documents.
- Tags arrive pre-printed with your cabin number and ship name, so you do not need to fill them out or request them separately.
- If tags do not arrive or you lose them, you can get replacements at the port on embarkation day from cruise staff at no charge.
- You can use any luggage tag with your cabin number written on it; the official Royal Caribbean tags are convenient but not required.
What Information Is on Your Luggage Tags
Each tag shows your cabin number, your ship name, and a barcode that Royal Caribbean uses to sort luggage. The barcode is the most important part — it tells the port workers and ship staff where your bags belong. Do not cover or damage the barcode when you attach the tag to your luggage.
The cabin number on the tag is what gets printed on your cruise documents. If you booked a suite or a specific cabin type, that exact number appears on your tag. Write this number down separately in case you need to reference it during your cruise.
How to Attach Tags Before Embarkation Day
Attach your official Royal Caribbean tags to the outside of each checked bag using the plastic loop or tie provided. Pull the loop tight so the tag does not slip off during handling. Place the tag on a flat part of your luggage where it will not get caught on conveyor belts or other equipment.
Attach tags the night before you leave for the port, or the morning of embarkation. Luggage tagged too early can get lost or misdirected if it sits in your home for days. Tags are durable and waterproof, so they can handle rain or moisture on the way to the port.
If you are using your own tags instead of the official ones, write your cabin number clearly in permanent marker and make sure the tag is securely fastened. Some travelers use both an official tag and a backup tag with their name and cabin number, which helps if one tag gets torn off.
What Happens to Your Luggage After You Tag It
When you check in at the port, cruise staff scan your tagged luggage and send it to the ship. Your bags are loaded onto the vessel separately from you and sorted by cabin number. Most luggage arrives in your cabin by early evening on embarkation day, though on busy sailing days it can take until the next morning.
If your luggage does not arrive by the evening of embarkation day, notify guest services on the ship. They can track your bags using the barcode on your tag and tell you when they will be delivered. Delayed luggage is rare, but it happens on ships with thousands of passengers.
Replacing Lost or Damaged Tags
If a tag tears, peels, or becomes unreadable before you board, ask the port staff to replace it when you check in. They have blank tags and can print a new one with your cabin information in minutes. There is no charge for this.
If you lose a tag after you board the ship, go to guest services and they will print a replacement. This is less common because you do not need the tag once you are on the ship — it is only used to route your luggage from the port to your cabin.
Using Your Own Luggage Tags Instead
You do not have to use Royal Caribbean's official tags. Any luggage tag with your cabin number clearly written on it will work. Some travelers prefer their own tags because they are more durable, match their luggage, or include their name and contact information.
If you use your own tags, write your cabin number in large, permanent letters. You can also write your name and a phone number, which helps if a bag gets separated from the group. Make sure the tag is firmly attached and will not come loose during baggage handling.
The barcode on the official Royal Caribbean tags speeds up sorting, but port workers can also sort luggage by reading the cabin number you write by hand. Using your own tags takes slightly longer to process, but it does not delay your luggage significantly.
Luggage Tags for Connecting Cruises or Back-to-Back Sailings
If you are booked on two cruises in a row, Royal Caribbean will send tags for both ships. Each set of tags will have the correct cabin number and ship name for that sailing. Keep the tags organized so you do not mix them up — using the wrong tag could send your luggage to the wrong ship.
When you disembark after your first cruise, your luggage will be tagged for the next ship if you are staying on the same vessel or transferring to another Royal Caribbean ship. If you are leaving the cruise line and returning home, you will not receive tags for a second cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not receive my luggage tags in the mail?
Contact Royal Caribbean customer service through your online booking account or by phone. They can remail tags or arrange for you to pick them up at the port. You can also get replacement tags at embarkation day check-in with no advance notice needed.
Can I use a luggage tag from a previous Royal Caribbean cruise?
No. Each cruise has a different cabin number and ship name. Using an old tag will send your luggage to the wrong cabin or ship. Always use tags that match your current booking.
Do I need to remove the luggage tag before I leave the ship?
No. The tag stays on your luggage throughout the cruise. You can remove it after you disembark and collect your bags at the port, or leave it on if you plan to cruise again.
What if my luggage tag gets wet or damaged on the way to the port?
The official Royal Caribbean tags are waterproof and designed to survive baggage handling. If a tag is damaged, port staff will replace it when you check in. If you are concerned, you can place the tag in a plastic bag or use a backup tag with your cabin number written on it.
Can I print my own luggage tags at home?
Yes, if you want to use your own tags instead of waiting for the official ones. Write your cabin number, ship name, and your name clearly on a durable tag and attach it securely to your luggage. This works just as well as the official tags for routing your bags to your cabin.