What you need to know before your cruise

Embarkation/disembarkation procedures
Currency
Dining
Dress code
Familiy facilities
Luggage
Medical facilities
Pricing
Service charges
Shore excursions
Smoking
Stateroom facilities
Can I be contacted?

How do I check in for the ship?
Simply present your cruise documents to one of our receptionists in the cruise terminal. USA embarkations require pre-registration documentation for all nationalities, please check for further details at the time of making your booking. Once all necessary forms have been completed, you will then be allowed to board.

Upon check-in you will be given a Super Charge card(s). This will be your identification card for re-boarding the ship, your key to your cabin, your charge card for on board purchases as well as confirming your seating and table number for meals. Your cabin steward will deliver your luggage to your cabin usually within two hours after boarding.

NB: It is your responsibility to board at least two hours before the ship's scheduled sailing time failing which your booking may be cancelled and incur 100% cancellation fee.

Disembarkation procedures
Commences as soon as the ship has docked. Guests are disembarked at different times and schedules per the colour of luggage tags provided by ship. Early disembarkation needs should be discussed at the time of booking and reconfirmed on-board the ship. The Cruise Director will give detailed instructions about clearing customs and immigration during the departure talk on the last day of the cruise, this talk will also be available on the interactive TV available in all cabins.

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How do I pay for on board purchases?
All Royal Caribbean ship's operate on a 'cashless' system. Simply validate your Super Charge card account card with an acceptable credit or charge card (American Express, Diner's Club, Discover, MasterCard and Visa), or sign for payment if paying by cash or traveller's cheques. You can sign on board services and purchases to your account with your card.

At the end of your cruise you will receive an itemised statement. You can also check your purchases on your interactive television in your cabin.  Only US currency is accepted on board Royal Caribbean ships. We recommend that you take sufficient US$ traveller's cheques which may be cashed on board in small amounts. We do not accept personal cheques.

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When and where can I dine on board?
There are two seatings for meals in the restaurant. If you have a preference, you should make this known at the time of booking. Please note that seating requests cannot be guaranteed, but every reasonable effort will be made to meet your request.

Splendour of the Seas on 7-Night Mediterrenean sailings will offer later evening dining times of main seating at 18.30 and second seating at 21.00.

If you wish to be more flexible in timing and in casual dress, breakfast, lunch and dinner are also served in alternative locations. A room service menu is also available 24 hours a day.

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What should I pack?
Planning what to wear on your cruise holiday is easy if you keep in mind three types of clothing; casual shipboard attire or day wear; resort wear for sightseeing or shopping; and evening wear. On a 7-nights cruise there are two formal nights, one informal night and four casual nights.

For evening wear allow for:
Casual Nights - sports shirt and trousers for men, trousers and top or skirt and blouse for women
Informal Nights - dress or trouser suit for women, jacket, shirt and tie are requested for men
Formal Nights - cocktail or evening dress for women, suit and tie or tuxedo for men

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What about facilities for families?
Our complimentary Adventure Ocean Programme is offered on board all ships throughout the year and is split into five different age groups ranging from 3-17 years of age. Click here for more information.

Cots are available for babies, but please note that this will limit the floor space available in your cabin. Baby sitting and child minding (at the applicable hourly rate) can usually be arranged provided Cruise Staff are available to provide this service. The child must be a minimum of 12 months.

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What are my Luggage Allowance?
There is no limit on how much luggage can be taken on the ship, though careful consideration should be given to cabin space available for storing. All luggage has to be kept in guests cabin(s).

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What happens if I am ill on board ship?
There is a medical centre on board which is usually staffed by a fully qualified doctor and at least one nurse. However, there is a charge for all medical services and adequate medical insurance is recommended. The medical center provides complimentary motion sickness tablets if required.

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What is included in the cruise price?
The cost of your cruise includes:
• Accommodation on board (all cabins have en-suite facilities).
• All meals on board.
• Applicable taxes.
• On board activities*, themed lectures and culinary demonstrations.
• Fully supervised Adventure Ocean program and dining for children. (Dining option not available every night).
• Cabin attendant and room service available 24 hours a day.
• Entertainment including shows, live bands and nightclub.
• ShipShape fitness centre, fitness classes, sauna, Jacuzzi and steam room.
• Captain's cocktail party and gala buffet.

*A charge may be made for some on board activities.

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What are on board service charges?
It is customary to offer gratuities to staff members you feel have given you exceptional service and personal attention. A daily total of US$9.75 per guest, per cruise day, will cover cabin and dining room service for adults and children.

On the last night of the cruise an envelope will be left in your cabin in which any gratuities should be placed and passed to the relevant member of staff. Alternatively, you may pre-pay your gratuities during the booking process and vouchers will then be provided in your cabin for you to pass onto the relevant members of staff.

A standard gratuity of 15% is automatically added to the price of drinks from the bar and beauty treatments.

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How do I arrange shore excursions/Explorations?
All shore excursions are bookable and payable in advance.  You can browse and also purchase your shore excursions from our main website, 10 days prior to your sailing date. The excursions may also be booked and paid for on board however places are limited and therefore we recommend pre-ordering to avoid disappointment. Excursions can be booked on board at the Shore Excursion Desk, or via the on board interactive TV and the cost may be charged to your SuperCharge account.

Alternatively, you may prefer to make your own arrangements for sightseeing on shore or wish to remain on board. The staff at the Shore Excursion Desk will be happy to provide you with any information you may require about the destinations you are visiting.

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What is your smoking policy?
There are designated smoking and non-smoking areas in public areas on all ships. All theatres and dining rooms are non-smoking. Cigar and pipe smoking is only permitted on the outer ship decks. There are no non-smoking cabins.

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Stateroom Facilities
All staterooms have twin beds which can be converted into one queen-size bed, private bathroom, vanity area, television, radio and phone.
Electricity Voltage is 110/220 volts on all ships.
Hair Dryers are available in all cabins on all ships.
Safes are available in staterooms on most ships and
Safety deposit boxes are available at the Purser's Desk.

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Can I be contacted?
Guests can be reached on board 24 hours a day via telephone. We can provide you with ship's telephone numbers. Callers dial directly.

In addition our ships offer an internet communications centre for guests to send and receive e-mail. Costs are billed directly to your SuperCharge account. You must have your own e-mail account to use the e-mail facility.

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