Cruise Tips

We've learned most of these the hard way.
Just trust us on this.

Pack a small carry on bag with meds, change of clothes, bathing suit, cosmetics, deodorant, etc. in case your luggage is not delivered to your room before dinner. Make sure your passport, Set Sail Pass, and transfer (if applicable) are in your carry on. Dinner the first evening is very casual. Traveling clothes are ok.

After we receive your registration form we will pre-register you online. After both you and any roommates have registered we will email your Set Sail Pass. This will expedite boarding.

When you approach the desk to sign in at the pier, have your passport, picture ID and Set Sail Pass. They will KEEP your Set Sail Pass and exchange it for a Ship-card much like a credit card. Roommates should register together when possible.

Upon showing your credit card to the agent, they will issue you your Ship Card. This card will contain your name, dining table number and other information. It will also be your means of entry to your stateroom. You will use this while on board. You will not use money. The only time you will use cash will be if you want to tip someone (room service) in addition to the suggested tipping guidelines, which can be placed on your Ship Card, the last night of the cruise. . HANG ON TO YOUR SHIP-CARD, YOU MUST SHOW THIS UPON EXITING OR RETURNING TO THE SHIP!

Make sure luggage tags are on your check- in luggage before you leave home. Make sure you write your name, Cabin Number, The Independence and the date, November 19, 2008. After you give your luggage to the porter at the pier (tipping strongly recommended- I usually give $1 - $1.50 per bag), you will not see your luggage again until it is outside your door.

For those arriving the day before, your hotel shuttle will bring you to the pier. You will need to show your passport, picture ID and Set Sail Pass to security. They will direct you to the correct pier.

For those arriving by plane the day of sailing, follow the instructions on your transfer. Please read your transfer COMPLETELY. All those needing transportation to the port from the airport should have received your transfers via email. If you have not received them, call me right away. Make sure your passport, picture ID, Set Sail Pass and transfer are IN YOUR CARRY ON. Make sure you see that ALL your luggage goes under the bus and when you arrive at the pier make sure ALL your luggage is taken off.

For those driving, as you go through the security checkpoint they will need to see your passport, your picture ID and your Set Sail Pass. They will direct you to the proper pier for the Independence.

Regardless of how you arrive, there will be porters to take your luggage. Make sure it is all there and tagged properly. Don’t forget to tip. They are the missing link between you and your clean underwear!

Tipping. RCCL’s guidelines are $10.00 per person per day. This is not mandatory but certainly recommended. It can be placed directly on your ship board account. This money is divided among all the folks who will do everything in their power to make your cruise enjoyable. The tips they receive are their prime source of income.

Remember soft drinks are not included in your package. Upon registration you might want to pay a fee and have unlimited soft drinks.