PREPARE YOUR HOME
Give it a chew toy and tell it you'll be home real soon. Just kidding. But there are some helpful - and important - things you can do in and around your home to make sure it stays happy while you're away.

1. Make sure someone is taking care of the pets. Get a friend or neighbor to feed the fish, walk the dog and water your plants. Then they'll be tip-top when you return.

2. Put your lights and/or radio on a timer. People shouldn't be able to tell you're away just by looking at your house. A simple timer can turn the lights and a radio or TV on after dark.

3. Make sure someone gets your mail/newspapers. Same reason as #2. Plus, there's only so much mail the carrier will jam into your mailbox. You could also have the post office hold your mail from 3 to 30 days.

4. Check your thermostat settings. If there's no one home to enjoy the heat or a/c, turn it off before you go or set your thermostat to its recommended temperatures.

5. Change the settings on your answering machine. A constantly ringing phone could annoy your neighbors and let strangers know you're away.

6. Make sure everything that needs to be off is off. Your vacation should be worry-free, and that includes thoughts like "did I leave the stove on?" Double-check before you go. You can even unplug non-essential appliances like your computer, TV and other electronics.

7. Get rid of perishable items and leftovers. No one wants to come home to fuzzy things in the fridge. If it's uneaten the night before you go, just toss it.

8. Turn the water off. Close the water valves for your sinks, dishwasher and clothes washer. That way nothing can leak and make a mess while you're not home.

9. Keep track of your house keys. When you don't use them for a week or more, it's easy to forget where you stuck them. Find a spot in your carry-on luggage where they'll be safe for the duration of your trip.

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Expedite the Boarding Process

Completing the Online Check-In process for all guests in your reservation will save you from having to fill out forms at the pier, which means your cruise vacation adventure can start right away. When you arrive at the pier, you'll just need your SetSail Pass, credit card for your onboard purchases and appropriate proof of citizenship and identification documentation to board and begin your adventure.

It doesn't matter whether you reserved your cruise online or through a travel agent. To complete your Online Check-In process, you'll need the reservation number, identification documents (international sailings and domestic sailings) and emergency contact information for each guest you want to check in.

Royal Caribbean International requires guests to be checked in no later than 90 minutes prior to the scheduled sailing time*. Guests arriving late will not be permitted to sail. This supports government regulations in some ports that require cruise lines to submit a departure manifest 60 minutes prior to sailing. Guests are requested to complete Online Check-In no later than 3 days prior to the cruise in order to expedite the pier check-in process.

*Some sailings may require an earlier check-in time. Please refer to your Guest Vacation Documents for specific information.

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Before Leaving Home:
Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the required travel documents you will be asked to provide prior to boarding the ship. Caution: The requirements described below are required by government regulations and policies. They are subject to change without notice.

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LUGGAGE
Each guest is permitted to carry a reasonable amount of personal property (including luggage) aboard the vessel; however, for your comfort and convenience, it is recommended that you limit the number of pieces you take. Keep in mind that airlines may charge for excess or oversize luggage. Charges incurred for excess or oversize baggage are the sole responsibility of the passenger. Each airline has a different limit on the amount of luggage they allow. Check with your air carrier for specific restrictions, such as allowance of pounds and any additional charges.

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PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

U.S. Citizen Passport Requirement

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) when fully implemented on June 1, 2009 will require all travelers to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda to present a valid passport or other approved document that establishes the bearer's identity and citizenship in order to enter or reenter the United States.

Passport Requirements

A valid passport is a requirement for air travel to / from Canada, Mexico the Caribbean and Bermuda

Effective June 1, 2009 only a valid passport (unless otherwise noted below) or other WHTI compliant document will be accepted for entry or re-entry into the United States. For a list of all approved documents visit: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html#compliant_document

U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate and laminated government issued picture ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth. A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original or a certified copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issues by DOS, or Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Alien Registration Card (Green Card)

U.S. lawful permanent residents will continue to be able to use their Alien Registration Card issued by the Department of Homeland Security or other valid evidence of permanent residence status to apply for entry to United States.

Card renewal is an important matter. ARC holders (United States permanent residents) with expired cards may be considered "out of status" and may be denied entry / reentry into the United States. If your ARC was issued over 10 years ago, you should check the expiration date printed on the front of the card. If your card is expired, or it is about to expire, you should renew your card before you sail.

If you are holding an old edition ARC WITHOUT an expiration date, you will not be detained from entering the United States but U.S. Customs and Border Protection highly suggests that you apply for a new card before you sail.

For additional information, visit: http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/greencard_renewal.html

Sea Travel Only (before June 1, 2009)

For domestic travel which includes: the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, a Passport (valid or expired), valid U.S. Passport Card or State or Provincial Enhanced Drivers License is highly recommended.

In the absence of a Passport, U.S. Passport Card or State or Provincial Enhanced Drivers License (when available - this secure drivers license will denote identity and citizenship) or any other Department of Home Land Security approved Identification / Citizenship document(s), a birth certificate (original or certified copy), plus a laminated picture ID card including photo, name and date of birth issued by a federal, state, or local government agency is required.

U.S. and Canadian citizen children ages 16 and under will be expected to present a birth certificate issued by a federal, state, provincial, county or municipal authority.

Note:
Baptismal paper and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable.
A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship.

For U.S. Naturalized citizens, in the absence of a passport, Naturalization papers (either original or notarized copy) plus a laminated picture ID card issued by a federal, state, or local government agency is required.

International Travel

A valid passport is required; visas are required where they apply. This includes Europe, Asia, Central and South America.

For additional passport information, visit www.travel.state.gov.

Our Recommendation

Royal Caribbean International strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. This greatly assists guests who may need to fly out of the United States to meet their ship at the next available port should they miss their scheduled embarkation in a U.S. port; guests entering the U.S. at the end of their cruise; and guests needing to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends, because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ship's departure from a port of call, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct, or other reasons.

Guests who need to fly to the United States before their cruise ends will likely experience significant delays and complications related to booking airline tickets and entering the United States if they do not have a valid U.S. passport with them. For additional passport information visit www.travel.state.gov

Non-U.S. Citizens

You will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. If you live in the U.S., you will also need the original copy of your Alien Registration Card (ARC or "Green Card") and any other documentation the countries on your itinerary require due to your alien status.

Canadian Landed Immigrants

All Canadian Landed Immigrants (inclusive of those who are citizens of the British Commonwealth countries) who reside in Canada must have valid passports and US visas. Also required is the original copy of your Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) formally the IMM 1000 or with respect to any country on the itinerary any other travel documentation required because of alien status.

Visas

Please contact the Embassy (Consular Services) of each country on your sailing itinerary or the visa service of your choice for specific visa requirements, information, forms and fees for your nationality.

VISA WAIVER PROGRAM

Citizens from the Visa Waiver Program countries of: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunel, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom seeking to enter the United States will be required to have in their possession a machine readable, biometic passport with a digital photograph valid for the duration of the voyage.

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INOCULATION / HEALTH

As detailed in our brochure, all guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. In many cases inoculations are recommended but in some circumstances they are required. We recommend that you check with your health care professional or a Travel Medicine Specialist certified by the WHO for guidance. Other informational resources can be accessed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Traveler's Health website at www.cdc.gov/travel or toll free at 1-877-FYI-TRIP, and the World Health Organization website at www.who.int/vaccines-diseases/.

Family Legal Documents

Should the last names of the parent and minor child traveling with them differ, the parent is required to present the child's valid passport and visa (if required) and the child's birth certificate (original, a notarized copy or a certified copy). The name of the parent(s) and the child must be linked through legal documentation.

Adults who are not the parent or Legal Guardian of any minor child traveling with them are required to present the child's valid passport and visa or the child's birth certificate (original, a notarized copy or a certified copy) and an original notarized letter signed by at least one of the child's parents. The notarized letter from the child's parent must authorize the traveling adult to take the child on the specific cruise, must authorize guardian to sign legal documentation/waivers for participation in any activities requiring them (i.e. Rock Climbing, Flowrider, Bungee Trampoline, Inline Skating, or Ice Skating) and must authorize the traveling adult to supervise the child and permit any medical treatment that must be administered to the child. If a non-parent adult is a Legal Guardian, the adult must present a certified certificate of Guardianship with respect to the child.

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When can I board?
Boarding usually begins at 1 PM. It is the guest's responsibility to arrive on time. Individual ticketed reservations will be held as late as 60 minutes before the vessel's scheduled departure without risk of cancellation. Failure to check in at least 60 minutes in advance will constitute a no-show. our booking will be cancelled and cancellation charges will be assessed. 
Note: For security reasons, guests are not allowed to bring visitors onboard Royal Caribbean vessels in any port.

FOOD ONBOARD
You're going to need some serious energy food for all the activities and excursions on a Royal Caribbean cruise. And whether you're hungering for a quick snack or an elegant dinner, we've got you covered!

Dining options vary from ship to ship, but here's an idea of what you'll find:
Enjoy a warm, full meal for breakfast and a multi-course feast for dinner in the Main Dining Room.
Options abound in the Windjammer Café - perfect for a quick lunch or a casual meal.
Our Specialty Restaurants - like Chops Grille or Portofino - offer amazing food in a restaurant atmosphere.
If you've got a sweet tooth, grab a scoop at Ben & Jerry's or a creamy shake at Johnny Rockets - our lively onboard diner.
Meals from many onboard venues, such as the Main Dining Room and Windjammer Café, are included in the price of your cruise. There is a $20.00 USD per person service charge to dine at the Portofino Restaurant and a $25.00 USD per person service charge for Chops Grille. To dine in Johnny Rockets, there is a $3.95 USD per person service charge. All prices subject to change.

Entertainment
When you go out on the town in this town, you don't have to worry about parking, taxis or anything else except how to see the show, dance in the lounge and sneak off for a quiet drink all at the same time. We offer our dance floors where the music is hot and the people really get warmed up. Then, if you're still feeling uninhibited, you can sing in our Karaoke contest. (You'll sound better than you do in the shower - and if you don't, at least no one back home can hear you.)  Put together an act for our Passenger Talent Show or a costume for our Masquerade party or Fabulous 50's night
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Of course, our elaborate revues and other shows are better left to the professionals. So we recruit professional singers, dancers and comics from some of the best stages on land. Then we go through weeks of rehearsal before the curtain ever goes up.

And when the show is over, the band plays on you can enjoy our musical talents throughout the ship, from the lounges to the dining room to the pool. And with everything from a classical piano player to a calypso band on board, we can harmonize with pretty much any mood you're in.

If that mood is a lucky one, better head to the casino. We'll look for you by the blackjack or roulette tables. That is, if you can tear yourself away from the video poker and slot machines. And if the only kind of chips you're familiar with are the ones that come covered in salsa, we'll even give you lessons.

How Do I Pay For Onboard Purchases?
For the passenger's convenience use the Supercharge signing system. This system allows you to charge all onboard purchases simply by presenting your validated Passenger Cruise Card which is issued to you upon boarding. Your Supercharge charges will be automatically applied to your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Optima, Diners Club International or Discover card allowing for fast and convenient debarkation. On the last morning of your cruise, an itemized, carefully audited statement of your account will be delivered to your stateroom for verification. Supercharge is used for all purchases on board except those few instances where we require cash such as gratuities (other 
than wine and bar service), casino gambling and foreign exchange.

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Royal Caribbean Information & Tips

Royal Caribbean - Things to Know Before you go & Booking Information
Royal Caribbean - Welcome Aboard Information - what to expect
Royal Caribbean - What to pack for your Royal Caribbean cruise
Royal Caribbean - Special Honeymoon Cruise Section
Royal Caribbean - Adventure Ocean Kids Program read all about it
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