First time cruise goer?

Question

This is my first time going on a cruise (Royal Carr.) and I was wondering what I should take with me when they port. I know I'll need a credit card and passport but should I take anything else? For example, if I want to just lay out on the beach ... should I take a towel on shore with me?

Answer 1

As a first-time cruiser, you can get lots of answers to this and all your other questions at CruiseCritic.com [click on "Boards"].  You might particularly be interested in "First Time Cruisers", "Ports of Call" and "Royal Caribbean".  There is also a "Roll Call" board, where you can "meet" some of your fellow passengers before you cruise.

BTW, there has been a lot of discussion on CC about whether you should take your actual passport or a copy with you when you go ashore.  One "pro" is that if you do happen to get left behind, you'll need an actual passport to use the airport, although having a copy would be helpful at the "consulate" or whatever to verify that you do have a passport.  One "con" is some people feel there's a risk of having passports stolen.  You should always have a copy, in any case, either with you or on the ship, just in case.

Answer 2

i just cruised rc for the first time.  they said bring picture id, but all you needed was your sea pass card.  i stopped in 3 out of the country ports and was only able to get my passport stamped in 1 place.  it's optional.  you can bring your sea pass and license, you don't need your passport to leave the ship.

Answer 3

When you get to port stops you will need your cruise card to get off the ship (and back on).  You will be issued a cruise card when you check in at the port.  It serves as your room key, charge card for all things purchased on ship and your pass to get off and on the ship.  You should also take a photo ID, a driver license is sufficient in lieu of a passport.  Make a copy of your passport (the page with your photo and info) and carry that with you but leave your passport in your room in the safe.  Most  Caribbean islands all you will need is your cruise card and a photo ID.  If you are traveling in Europe you should take your passport, but in the Caribbean its not necessary.

The ship will have beach/pool towels in your room that you can take with you to the beach (or bring your own).

Yes take a  credit card if you plan to make a big purchase.  But at the craft markets in the Caribbean you can use US dollars and most stuff is $25 or less so you can pay cash.  Take your sun screen, a big hat and a small bag for all of your stuff.  When you get to the beach they mostly do not have lockers for valuable, like camera, MP3 players, so the best rule is "out of sight, out of mind".  Have someone watch your stuff while you are in the water, or hide it under your towels and clothes when you go off.

Answer 4

Take a bag with sunscreen, sunglasses, credit card, a very small amount of US Dollars for small purchases such as soda, water, lunch, or souveniers. A towel would be good if you want to lay out. You can where your suit under shorts, a shirt and sandals. You will also need your Sail and Sign card, which is used for identification to regain entry on the boat, as well as for purchases while on board.

Have fun! Cruising is a great way to go!

Answer 5

I've cruised RCCL 8 times and the best advice I can give you is this.  If you have any question at all, attend the orientation talks that are given before each port of call.  They will tell you everything you need to know.