Royal Caribbean sends luggage tags to you before your cruise departure
Royal Caribbean includes luggage tags with your cruise documents, which arrive by mail about two to three weeks before your sail date. The tags come pre-printed with your booking number and cabin assignment, so you do not need to fill them out yourself. If your documents have not arrived by one week before departure, or if you need tags before the official mailing, you have other options to get them.
The tags are essential because they let the cruise line sort your bags at the port and deliver them to your cabin while you board. Without them, your luggage may be delayed or routed incorrectly. Royal Caribbean does not charge for the tags—they are part of your cruise package.
Key Takeaways
- Royal Caribbean mails luggage tags with your cruise documents two to three weeks before departure, pre-printed with your booking and cabin number.
- If your documents arrive late, you can print tags from the Royal Caribbean website using your booking reference number.
- You can also pick up physical tags at the port on the day you arrive, though this creates a delay in getting your bags to your cabin.
- Attach the tags securely to the handle of each bag before you arrive at the port, using the plastic loops or ties provided.
- If you lose your tags after receiving them, contact Royal Caribbean customer service to request replacements before you travel.
Waiting for tags in the mail from Royal Caribbean
When you book a Royal Caribbean cruise, the cruise line automatically mails your travel documents and luggage tags to the address on file with your reservation. This package typically arrives 14 to 21 days before your departure date. The tags come in a packet labeled with your name and booking reference, and they are already printed with your stateroom number and a barcode unique to your reservation.
Check your mailbox regularly during this window. If you have moved recently or changed your address, update it in your Royal Caribbean account online before the documents ship. The cruise line uses the address in your account at the time they process the mailing, so a change made after that date will not reach your new location in time.
Keep the tags in a safe place until you pack. Do not attach them to your bags until the morning of your departure, because they can peel off or get damaged during storage.
Printing tags from the Royal Caribbean website if mail is delayed
If one week before your cruise arrives and you have not received your documents, you can print luggage tags directly from the Royal Caribbean website. Log into your account, find your booking, and look for a section labeled "Luggage Tags" or "Travel Documents." The site will display a PDF file with your tags, which you can print on standard paper at home.
Cut out the printed tags along the dotted lines and attach them to your luggage using clear tape or a plastic sleeve. They will not be as durable as the pre-printed tags, but they contain the same barcode and information, and the port staff will scan them the same way. Make sure the barcode is visible and not creased or folded.
If you cannot print at home, you can also print at a library, office supply store, or internet café before you travel. Bring your booking reference number so you can access your account on a public computer.
Getting tags at the port on arrival day
If you arrive at the port without tags, Royal Caribbean staff can issue them to you at the check-in desk. You will need your booking reference number and a photo ID. The process takes a few extra minutes, and your bags will be tagged and sent to your cabin after you board, rather than before.
This option works, but it means your luggage will not be waiting in your stateroom when you arrive. You may not see your bags until later that evening or the next morning, depending on how busy the port is. For this reason, it is better to have tags in hand before you arrive.
Attaching tags securely to your luggage
Each luggage tag comes with a plastic loop or tie that threads through the handle of your bag. Slide the tag onto the loop so the barcode and your cabin number face outward and are straightforward to read. Pull the tie tight so the tag cannot slip off during handling.
If your bag has a soft handle, wrap the tie around the handle itself rather than threading it through. For hard-sided luggage with a recessed handle, you can also use clear packing tape to find the tag to the side of the bag, as long as the barcode remains visible and flat.
Attach one tag per bag. If you are checking multiple pieces of luggage, each one gets its own tag with the same cabin number. Do this the morning you leave for the port, not the night before, so the tags do not get damaged or lost.
What to do if you lose your tags before departure
Contact Royal Caribbean customer service as soon as you realize the tags are missing. You can reach them by phone using the number on your cruise documents, or through the "Contact Us" page on the Royal Caribbean website. Have your booking reference number ready.
The cruise line can reprint and mail replacement tags if you call at least three days before departure. If you are leaving sooner than that, ask them to hold replacement tags at the port for you to pick up when you arrive, or ask for instructions on printing them yourself from the website.
Do not buy luggage tags from a third party or make your own. Royal Caribbean needs the specific barcode on the official tags to route your bags correctly. Using unofficial tags can result in your luggage being delayed or sent to the wrong cabin.
Luggage tag requirements for connecting flights or transfers
If you are flying to the port or using a cruise line transfer service, your airline or transfer company may also require luggage tags. These are separate from your Royal Caribbean tags. Your airline tags go on top of or alongside your cruise tags—do not remove the cruise tags.
If you are using Royal Caribbean's ground transfer service from an airport, the company will provide additional handling tags. explore those tags as instructed by the transfer service, and keep your Royal Caribbean cruise tags visible as well. The cruise line's tags are what matter once you reach the port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use luggage tags from a previous Royal Caribbean cruise?
No. Each cruise has a unique barcode and cabin assignment. Old tags will confuse the port system and may send your bags to the wrong ship or cabin. Always use tags printed for your current booking.
What if my cabin number changes after I receive my tags?
Contact Royal Caribbean customer service and request new tags with your updated cabin number. Do not use tags printed with an old cabin assignment, as your bags will be routed to the wrong stateroom.
Do I need luggage tags for carry-on bags?
No. Luggage tags are only for checked baggage that you want the cruise line to transport to your cabin. Carry-on bags stay with you throughout the boarding process and do not need tags.
Can I print multiple copies of my luggage tags at home?
Yes. If you need extra copies, print them from the website. Each copy has the same barcode and cabin information, so the port system will read them identically. Print as many as you have checked bags.
What happens if a luggage tag falls off during travel?
If your tag comes off before you reach the port, reattach it when ready or print a replacement from the website. If it falls off at the port, notify a Royal Caribbean staff member right away. They can look up your reservation by name and booking number and reattach or reprint a tag before your bag is loaded onto the ship.