Setting Sail: Boarding Day - Our First Royal Caribbean Adventure on Utopia of the Seas
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Sep 23
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 15
Hubs and I are heading out on our very first Royal Caribbean cruise next week aboard the brand-new Utopia of the Seas, with stops in Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 🚢
It’s no secret I’m a Disney girl at heart, but I’ve always loved exploring new destinations and trying new travel experiences. When hubs suggested we check out the newest Royal Caribbean ship, I jumped right in. I’m also loving that this getaway will be just the two of us—something we don’t do nearly enough.
✦ Planning a cruise but not sure which line is right for you? We put Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean side by side — staterooms, dining, shows, kids’ clubs, private islands, and more. 👉 Read our full Disney Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean comparison guide
Since I’ve never sailed with Royal Caribbean before, I did what I always do: dove into research mode. 📝 Planning and digging into the details is honestly one of my favorite parts of traveling (well, besides actually being there). And because I can’t resist sharing what I learn, a brand-new travel series was born right here on the blog.
Planning a Disney trip? Pop over to our Disney World Planning guide to get starts.
What You Can Expect From This Series
Every cruise line handles things a little differently, and I’m excited to share what I discover along the way. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be covering:
How to Check In and Board a Royal Caribbean Cruise (starting today!)
What to Do in Nassau: From classic tourist stops to hidden gems
Perfect Day at CocoCay: Low-key relaxation vs. splashy adventure
15 Relaxing or Romantic Things to Do on Your Day at Sea: Finding quiet corners and recharge time to suggestions to couples looking for special moments
Disney Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean: What’s the same, what’s different, and what surprised me
And probably a few surprises that come up along the way!
Boarding Day Basics
Every cruise line has its own rhythm on embarkation day—even if the bones are the same. Since this was my first time figuring out Royal Caribbean’s process, I took notes so you don’t have to. Let’s look at the steps of checking in, boarding, and the best first things to do once you’re on board.
These were written specifically for a cruise out of Port Canaveral - but the general process is the same for any RCL sailing from a port in the United States.
Step 1: Complete Online Check-In (and Unlock Pre-Cruise Planning)
Royal Caribbean’s online check-in usually opens about 45 days before your sailing. This is when you’ll upload your travel documents, take a quick security selfie, and pick your arrival time at the port.
Once you’re checked in, you can unlock pre-cruise planning options in the Royal Caribbean app and website, including:
Booking shows and activities 🎭 (The Broadway-style productions and comedy clubs require reservations)
Locking in excursions for your ports of call
Pre-purchasing drink packages and internet (sometimes cheaper than waiting until you’re on board). If you are top of checking daily there is almost always a 40% - 50% discount on the Delux Beverage Package.
Bidding to upgrade your stateroom if you’re feeling lucky
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Keep checking the app in the weeks leading up to your sailing—sometimes new show times, excursions, or special offers pop up that weren’t available right at check-in.
🧚♀️ Bonus Pixie Dust: Almost every Royal Caribbean sailing (or just about any major cruise line, tbh) has its own Facebook group created by guests. Joining one is a great way to:
Stay updated on last-minute details, changes, and tips
Connect with fellow cruisers before you even board
Find out about unofficial meetups, cabin crawls, or group activities
Ask questions and get advice from past (and future) cruisers on the same itinerary
It’s like a little built-in community for your specific cruise—perfect if you like to be “in the know” before embarkation day.
Optional: Bidding for a Stateroom Upgrade
Once you’ve completed online check-in, you may see an invitation in your Royal Caribbean app or email to participate in RoyalUp, the cruise line’s bidding program for stateroom upgrades.
Here’s how it works:
Choose your category – You’ll see which stateroom types are available for bidding (e.g., balcony, suite, oceanview).
Name your price – Drag a slider to set your bid. There’s usually a “weak,” “fair,” or “strong” indicator to give you an idea of your chances.
Wait and see – If your bid is accepted, you’ll be upgraded before sailing and charged the bid amount. If not, you keep your original cabin.
Is it worth it?
Pro: It’s often cheaper than paying the full difference for an upgrade upfront.
Pro: If you’re flexible, it’s a fun way to snag a bigger room or better view without breaking the bank.
📝 Our Experience with RoyalUp
For our Utopia of the Seas sailing, we placed a bid on a stateroom category that was normally way outside our budget. We didn’t bid very high (since the ship is almost sold out, we’re not expecting it to be accepted), but it felt worth trying.
That’s the nice thing about RoyalUp: it gives you a shot at something a little bougier without committing to the full upgrade cost. The trade-off is that you have to be flexible and okay with last-minute changes — if your bid isn’t accepted, you’ll keep your original room, no harm done.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Think of bidding as a fun “maybe” upgrade, not something to count on. If you’d be disappointed without it, go ahead and book the higher category outrigh
Step 2: Gather Your Boarding Day Documents
Make sure you have these handy in your carry-on:
Passport (or birth certificate + government ID, depending on your itinerary)
Printed or digital SetSail Pass
Any required visas or vaccination paperwork
Credit card you’ll use for your onboard account
Don't forget to print those luggage tags and attach them to your luggage
Step 3: Arrival at the Cruise Terminal
Here’s what happens once you arrive at the port:
Drop your big suitcases with the porters (they’ll deliver them to your stateroom later).
Make sure to tip - we usually tip at least $5-10 a bag depending on how large and heavy they are.
Head through security (just like at the airport—bags scanned, walk through detectors).
Show your documents & SetSail Pass at the check-in desk.
Snap a quick ID photo if you didn’t upload one during online check-in.
Walk the gangway—it’s time to board! 🎉
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Keep a small carry-on with essentials like medications, swimsuits, sunscreen, and anything you’ll want before your luggage arrives. Staterooms usually aren’t ready until early afternoon, so you’ll want easy access to comfort items. And while it’s important to arrive on time for your assigned boarding slot, don’t expect to get on the ship early just because you showed up ahead of schedule—Royal Caribbean enforces check-in times pretty strictly.
Personal Experience: Our Embarkation Flow
We stayed in a hotel near the port the night before, which made our morning completely stress-free — something I definitely recommend if you’re flying in or want a relaxed start. On the day of boarding, we had our printed luggage tags ready and our safety/health check-ins already completed, allowing us to use Express Boarding. We were able to use the tram from the hotel to the port, which kept down costs.
Our bags were taken through security and onto the ship right from the drop off spot. Although our official boarding time was 1:00 p.m., we were pleasantly surprised to be let in earlier than expected, and breezed through the secuirty and passport checks.
Once on board, we headed to Guest Services to update show reservations, did our safety muster check in, and then made our way to our stateroom. From there, it was an easy to drop our carry-on bags, pop into swim suites, grab of our SeaPass cards and a leisurely journey to the pool deck, drink in hand. We found a quieter corner to sit and enjoy the view - the perfect calm before the sail-away energy
Step 4: First Things to Do After Boarding
You’ve made it onto the ship—now what? Instead of standing around wondering, or getting overwhelmed by the size of the ship - here’s your boarding-day checklist:
Book reservations for specialty dining, shows, spa, or activities that you could not pre-book before the cruise. There is often additional availablity for shows that you can not reserve in the app. But act quickly - popular spots fill fast.
Find your muster station & complete the mandatory safety drill (the ship can’t sail until everyone’s checked in).
Explore the ship to get oriented—it’ll feel less overwhelming later.
Check your stateroom (when it's ready). Make requests early if something isn’t right.
Grab some lunch (Windjammer buffet, grab-and-go cafes, or even main dining room options).
Change into pool gear if you want to beat the crowds to the hot tubs or loungers.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Use the Royal Caribbean app to manage reservations, see daily schedules, and even check menus—it saves so much wandering.
🌊 Once you’re settled in, ever wonder what life looks like behind the scenes aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest ship? Don’t miss our deep dive into the Behind the Waves tour on Utopia of the Seas — it’s a fascinating peek into how this floating city really runs.
Where to Go for Sail Away
Once you’ve checked off your embarkation must-dos, the highlight of the afternoon is always sail away — when the ship sounds its horn and slowly pulls away from port. 🎉
Royal Caribbean hosts a lively Sail Away party up on the pool deck, complete with music, dancing, and lots of energy. If you love being in the middle of the action (cocktail in hand, surrounded by fellow cruisers), this is the place to be.
But if that’s not your jam, don’t worry — there are plenty of quieter corners where you can soak in the moment without the crowds. Some favorites:
Your balcony (if you booked one) for a relaxed, private view
The jogging track toward the back of the ship, where you’ll often find wide-open views and fewer people
The Sports Area on Level 16 - there are tables where you can sit and watch the launch and water from aft of the ship
The Solarium - the adults only pool area. There are many lounge chairs and even lounde couches facing the bow area, giving you fabulous views. This area is much quieter than the main pool deck.
Any tucked-away lounge or aft deck where you can slip into a chair and just watch the shoreline drift away. We had a favorite table in the El Loco Fresh Taco Bar where you could just sit, have a drink, and enjoy the ocean.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Board as early as you can, take time to explore the ship, and make a mental note of where you’d like to be for sail away. That way, when the horn blows and the ship starts moving, you won’t be scrambling for a spot.
Wrap-Up
Boarding day can feel like a whirlwind, but with a little planning, you’ll skip the stress and slide right into vacation mode. ✅ By checking in online, arriving with the right documents, and knowing what to do after stepping on board, you’ll set yourself up for smooth sailing (literally)
Royal Caribbean Boarding FAQ
When can I check in for a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Online check-in usually opens 45 days before your sailing. You’ll need to log into the Royal Caribbean app or website, upload your travel documents, take a security photo, and select your arrival time at the terminal.
What documents do I need for boarding?
Most cruises require a passport (or a birth certificate + government ID for certain U.S. sailings), your SetSail Pass, and a credit card for your onboard account. Some itineraries may also require visas or vaccination records—always check your specific cruise requirements.
What happens at the cruise terminal?
When you arrive, you’ll drop off your large suitcases with porters, pass through security screening, and show your documents. Then you’ll head through the gangway and officially board the ship! 🎉
When are cabins ready on embarkation day?
Staterooms are usually available in the early afternoon (around 1–2 PM). Until then, you can explore the ship, grab lunch, or head to the pool with whatever you packed in your carry-on.
What’s the first thing I should do after boarding?
The number-one priority is completing the muster drill (a quick safety briefing at your assigned station). After that, many cruisers like to grab a bite to eat, book dining or show reservations, or just explore the ship before sailaway.
Still have more questions? A great place to find detailed answers (and community chatter) is the Royal Caribbean Blog. It’s a go-to resource for RCL cruisers and a handy spot to double-check the latest updates.
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn & Kim
💌 P.S. If this post has you dreaming of your own Royal Caribbean adventure, I’d love to help you plan it! You can Book with Bren through my MEI-Travel page — I’ll take care of the details so you can just enjoy the fun.
