Print your tags directly from the Royal Caribbean website before your cruise

Royal Caribbean lets you print your own luggage tags at home using their website. You log into your cruise reservation, find the luggage tag section, and print the PDF file to your home printer. The tags are color-coded by deck assignment, and you attach them to your bags with the string or adhesive provided — or you can use tape. Most guests print tags one to two weeks before departure, though you can print them as early as you book.

You do not have to print at home. Royal Caribbean will print tags for you at the port on embarkation day, but printing ahead saves time when you arrive and means your bags are ready to load onto the ship faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your Royal Caribbean account, find your reservation, and look for the luggage tag option in the pre-cruise section to read and print the PDF.
  • Print the tags on standard 8.5-by-11-inch paper using any home printer, then cut them out and attach them to your luggage with the provided string or tape.
  • Each tag shows your cabin number, deck, and a barcode that the ship uses to route your bags to the correct stateroom.
  • If you do not print tags at home, Royal Caribbean will print them for you at the port terminal, but this adds time to your check-in process.

Log into your Royal Caribbean account and locate your reservation

Go to the Royal Caribbean website and click "Sign In" in the top right corner. Enter the email address and password you used when you booked your cruise. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your booking confirmation number and last name.

Once you are logged in, click "My Reservations" or "Manage My Booking" (the exact wording varies by page update). Find your upcoming cruise in the list and click on it to open your reservation details. Look for a section labeled "Pre-Cruise" or "Get Ready" — this is where Royal Caribbean groups all the tasks you can do before you board.

Find and read the luggage tag PDF

In the pre-cruise section, scroll down until you see an option for luggage tags, baggage tags, or checked baggage. The exact name changes, but it is always near other packing and preparation information. Click the link or button to open the luggage tag generator.

Royal Caribbean will show you a preview of your tags. The system automatically fills in your cabin number and deck assignment based on your reservation. Review the information to make sure it is correct — if your cabin number looks wrong, contact Royal Caribbean before printing, because the barcode routes your bags to that stateroom. Once you confirm the details are right, click "read" or "Print" to save the PDF file to your computer.

Print the tags on standard paper and cut them out

Open the PDF file on your computer and send it to your home printer. Use standard white 8.5-by-11-inch copy paper — you do not need special tag stock or cardstock. Print in color if your printer supports it, because the color coding helps Royal Caribbean staff sort bags faster, but black-and-white printing works fine.

Once the page prints, use scissors or a paper cutter to cut out each tag along the dotted lines. Most Royal Caribbean tags are roughly 4 by 6 inches. Be careful to keep the barcode intact and readable — do not fold or crease it. If the barcode gets damaged, the ship's baggage system may not be able to scan it, and your bags could be delayed.

Attach the tags to your luggage securely

Each printed tag comes with a string loop or adhesive backing. If your tag has a string, thread it through the handle of your suitcase or duffel bag and tie it tight so it does not slip off during handling. Pull the knot snug — baggage handlers throw bags around, and a loose tag can fall off and get lost.

If your tag has adhesive, peel back the backing and stick it flat to the side of your bag, away from corners and edges where it might peel up. For extra security, especially on soft-sided luggage, tape over the edges of the tag with clear packing tape. This keeps the tag from curling or peeling during the journey from your home to the port to the ship.

Attach one tag to each piece of checked luggage you plan to bring. If you are bringing a carry-on bag that you will keep in your stateroom, you do not need a tag for it — tags are only for bags you want the ship to transport to your cabin.

What to do if you cannot print tags at home

If your printer is broken or you do not have access to a printer, Royal Caribbean will print tags for you at the port terminal when you check in. Walk up to the baggage drop-off desk and tell the agent you need tags printed. They will print them on the spot, attach them to your bags, and send them to the ship. This process usually takes five to ten minutes per guest, so expect a short wait if the terminal is busy.

Printing at the port works fine, but it adds time to your embarkation day. If you have the option to print at home, doing so means you can drop your bags off faster and get to your cabin sooner.

Common mistakes to avoid when printing luggage tags

Do not print tags more than two weeks before your cruise. Royal Caribbean sometimes changes cabin assignments during the final weeks before departure, and if your tag shows an old cabin number, your bags will go to the wrong stateroom. If you print early and then get a new cabin assignment, log back into your account and print new tags.

Do not laminate the tags or cover them with plastic. The barcode needs to be scannable, and lamination or plastic wrap can interfere with barcode readers. Do not fold the tag or crease the barcode area. Do not write on the barcode or cover any part of it with tape or stickers. If the barcode is unreadable, the ship's system cannot route your bag, and it may end up in the wrong place or delayed.

Do not attach the tag to the bottom of your bag where it might get scraped off during baggage handling. Attach it to the side or top of your suitcase where it is visible and protected. Make sure the string is tied tight or the adhesive is pressed down firmly — a tag that falls off during transit is a tag that cannot be scanned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print luggage tags before I receive my cabin assignment?

No. Royal Caribbean will not let you read tags until your cabin number is assigned, which usually happens 30 to 45 days before your cruise. If you try to access the luggage tag section and see a message saying tags are not yet available, check back in a few days. Once your cabin is assigned, you can print when ready.

What if I lose a luggage tag after I print it?

Print a new one from your account on the Royal Caribbean website. You can print tags as many times as you need. If you lose a tag after you board the ship, ask the front desk or guest services — they can print a replacement tag for you at the port.

Do I need to print a tag for my carry-on bag?

No. Luggage tags are only for checked bags that you want the ship to transport to your cabin. Carry-on bags that you keep with you do not need tags. If you bring a small bag that you plan to check, it does need a tag.

What if the barcode on my printed tag does not scan?

Tell a baggage handler at the port or on the ship. They can manually enter your cabin number into the system, or they can print a new tag for you. Do not try to fix a damaged barcode yourself — let Royal Caribbean staff handle it so your bag gets routed correctly.

Can I print tags on colored paper instead of white?

You can, but white paper is better. The tags are designed to print on white, and colored paper may make the barcode harder to scan. Stick with standard white copy paper for the best results.