virgin cruise line luggage tags

30+ Things Virgin Voyages Doesn’t Tell You About Their Cruises

But there were a few things we encountered that will probably never make it into one of our blog posts about Virgin Voyages or, for that matter, even the most well-researched Virgin Voyages (VV) website – including their own!

I mean, everyone will tell you that kids aren’t allowed on this cruise; it’s strictly 18+. And all will mention that basic Wi-Fi, as well as non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and drip coffee are free on the ship. But there are plenty of things that, I think, are important to know when planning a cruise on VV that might be a little bit more difficult to find out.

This list is made up of things Joe and I experienced, as well as what several people who were on the same sailing as us – the July 17-22 Richard’s Birthday Bash cruise – said they noticed.

Wristbands and luggage tags

Many cruise lines send you luggage tags ahead of time, so you can attach them to your bags and the porters know where to bring your stuff when you arrive. At VV, you drop your luggage off upon arrival, the porters ask you for your cabin number, and they put it on a VV baggage tag, similar to the ones they use at the airport.

WIth Virgin Voyages, you’ll receive a wristband (used for checking in and out of the ship, charging for drinks and souvenirs, and opening your cabin door) when you check in at the kiosks on the 2nd floor of the terminal. If you have a regular cabin, it’ll be red. If you’ve splurged on a Rock Star or Mega Rock Star cabin, your wristband will be black. And if you have some other status, whether purchased or earned, that will be in the form of a ribbon you wear around your wrist.

The app is buggy

Everything you do on VV – reservations for meals, activities and excursions, etc., are all done on the VV app. Heads up that the app is VERY buggy and it will crash as often as it works. Generally speaking, if you shut the app down and restart it, it will work again. Well, for a while, anyway. And when it crashes again, rinse and repeat. 😉

They only email 1 person

Maybe it’s because we were working with a travel agent who only put down Joe’s email. But any time there was something we needed to know – like a new form we had to fill out ahead of time – the email only went to him. The thing is, I’m the one who checks email on a regular basis, whereas Joe may only check his email every few days. So make sure that emails go to everyone involved – or at least to the person who actually, you know, reads their emails ;-).

Parking at the port?

If you’re driving to Terminal V, you can drop your luggage off first and then park at their parking garage across the street. I know you want to park as close to the ship as possible. Don’t. Park by the elevators, which are in the center of the garage. When you’ve disembarked and have to bring your luggage to your car on the 3rd floor, you’ll thank me if you’ve parked near the elevator, rather than 4 or 5 rows over.

Ride sharing to the port?

The Port of Miami is pretty big. Choose “Terminal V” as your destination when prompted.

Meal, activity and excursion reservations

So let’s say you’re all ready for your cruise, you’ve downloaded the app, and filled out all the info it asks of you. You go to make some reservations and you notice that they only have a limited number of reservations available before your cruise. Maybe only 3 available times for The Wake, or only 9:15pm or later for The Test Kitchen. Don’t panic! They’ll open up more opportunities as your cruise gets closer; just keep checking the app. And they’ll open many more opportunities on the day you set sail. In fact, brunches at the Wake and Razzle Dazzle are only available when reservations are made on the ship’s Wi-Fi.

In fact, when you get to VV’s “Terminal V” in Miami, you can join their free Wi-Fi either before you get on the ship, or the very moment you go aboard. Either way, just join the MERMAID4U Wi-Fi network and you’ll be able to start making reservations then and there. Make your reservations as soon as you’re able, especially for shows.

By the way, even if you try to make a reservation (for dinner or a show) and there’s no availability, go anyway. There’s no guarantee they’ll be able to get you in, but restaurants will do what they can to make room for you. And each show has a “wait line” that starts about 30 minutes before showtime, in case there are “no shows.”

Have friends on board?

With the exception of solo cabins and the occasional triple, most cabins only hold 2 sailors each. So if you’re with more than 1 other person, your party is going to have more than 1 cabin. Use the app to link with them before you get on the ship, so you can add to each other’s agendas for meals, shows, etc.

The pineapple people

Virgin Voyages is the most open, all-inclusive and accepting cruise I’ve ever been on. That being said, we saw a lot of pineapple people on our cruise. If you’re into that, no judgement here, and more power to you. But if you’re not, you may not want to wear anything with pineapples on it. Especially upside down ones. Just sayin’ 😉

Intimacy kits

If you’re with a special someone and want to go, (ahem) “below deck,” they sell intimacy kits in the gift shop near Extra Virgin (the Italian restaurant) so you can have fun and stay safe (Note to those who may be interested: the jelly included in the kit is 100% vegan, and glycerin, glycol and paraben-free).

Food & beverage

You can buy growlers of beer and drink them all over the ship.

Heads up that the Italian and Mexican restaurants are “authentic” versions of each nationality, not Americanized versions. So don’t go to those restaurants expecting to see chicken parmesan or a Chimichanga on their respective menus, because you’ll be deeply disappointed.

None of the restaurants give really huge portions (although we practically rolled out the door of the Italian restaurant), but Test Kitchen in particular has 6 “tastings” on their menu, rather than full plates. Joe and I generally try to eat “right,” without overstuffing ourselves, and left Test Kitchen comfortably full. But we saw many people complain they didn’t get enough food there and that they left hungry. If you’re used to big servings, plan accordingly.

They don’t have “doggy bags” at any of the restaurants so if you don’t think you’ll be able to finish, BYOB (bring your own bag). And yes, each cabin has a small fridge so you can store food & beverages there.

Charging your devices

It goes without saying that you should bring chargers for your devices. But sometimes people forget. If you have an iPhone or iPad, you’re in luck – they sell Apple chargers on the ship. However they (Inexplicably? Stupidly?) don’t sell chargers for Android devices. You can ask your cabin attendant if they have any Android chargers others have left behind that you can borrow, but there’s no guarantee that they will.

That being said, there’s a Samsung tablet in each cabin – you can charge your Android devices on the tablet’s charger. It’ll also work for late model iPhones that are charging pad compatible.

Also, although the cabins have plenty of wall plugs and USB ports, if you sleep on the side of the bed closer to the window/terrace, the closest plug may be a good 6+ feet away (hello, design flaw!). Bring an extension cord or long charger cord (but not a long surge protector – they’re not allowed on ships; they’re considered a fire hazard).

VV has lots and LOTS of photo ops that are perfect for Insta, FB, etc. One thing they DON’T have on board is photographers. So there won’t be someone taking photos at the restaurants, pool, dance parties, etc., with the hopes that you’ll buy copies at the end of the cruise. If you want photos, take photos. Or ask the people working on the ship to take your photo – they’ll always be willing to oblige.

Those hammocks!

There is a hammock on the terrace of most cabins that have a terrace. There are also hammocks all over the Virgin Resort on Bimini. Y’all, these hammocks are AMAZING and, for me, were one of the best parts of our cruise.

The company that makes them, Yellow Leaf Hammocks, were featured on Shark Tank a couple of years ago. Anyway, VV sells the hammocks on the cruise ship, but it was my experience that they only had one style available, in only one color choice.

Yellow Leaf Hammocks has several color choices on their website , as well as 3 different styles of hammocks – the “Chair” style that’s on VV, their “Signature” hammock (that one is available in classic size and family size – those were the ones at the resort on Bimini), and a cotton rope one that looks like the signature hammock but is made with 100% natural cotton instead of acrylic.

Heads up that all 3 styles are also available, still from Yellow Leaf Hammocks, on Amazon.com. And as of this writing, they’re about $5 less than on Yellow Leaf’s main webpage. I ordered one on Amazon and was also offered a coupon (the fine print on the coupon says it’s only good for a limited time, but I don’t know how long that “limited time” is. In 2022, the coupon was $20, now it’s $25.).

Cabin bathrooms

VV supplies you with towels for wherever you go – they’re by the pools, at the spa, and they even offer you towels as you disembark on some port days. However inside the cabins, they give you bath towels, hand towels and makeup remover towels. But no washcloths. The makeup towels are the size, shape and texture of washcloths. But if you’re using one to remove makeup, you may not want to use it to wash yourself in the shower. So either bring your own washcloth(s), or ask your cabin attendant for extra makeup remover towels.

Heads up that there is no electric outlet in the bathroom. If you want to use an electric razor, charge your electric toothbrush or blow dry or curl your hair, you’ll have to do it outside the bathroom. And if you want to have a night light in your bathroom, you’re going to be out of luck ( just like at this bizarre hotel ). Fortunately, the cabin lights can be adjusted to 5%, which is enough light for most people to find their way to the toilet.

Also – if you’re in an XL Terrace cabin, both the shower and toilet rooms have doors that are made to stay closed unless you manually open them. If you have to use the toilet in the middle of the night, I discovered you can hang a towel over both the towel bar on the door and on the wall to prop the toilet door open. That way you don’t have to worry about finding the door handle in the dark.

Room service

VV offers room service for a $7 Ship Eats fee (the fee is waived if you purchase a premium drink). It’s available 24 hours a day (breakfast from 5am to 11am and other foods from 11am to 5am), but heads up that the service ends at 11pm on the day before you disembark the ship.

The Ship Eats service fee is waived for Rock Stars and Mega Rock Stars.

When in port

When you’re in port, you may or may not be in the same time zone as where you set sail. Miami, for example, is on Eastern Time, but Playa del Carmen/Cozumel is on Central Time. SOME (but not all) ship captains keep “ship time” the way it was when they left their original port – so it may be 3pm in Cozumel, but 4pm on the ship. Other captains switch to local time. They’ll announce this, but make sure you keep track, especially for excursions and whatever time you’re required to be back on board.

Also, depending on where you’re in port, bring bug spray. We had no problems at Bimini, but others on our ship got eaten up by bugs.

The 3-hour spa pass

The spa on VV has all sorts of treatments available for purchase. They also have a 3-hour spa package that allows you to experience their sauna, salt room, mud room, hot tub, cold tub, pool, etc. The package is available from 11am to 2pm or 2pm to 5pm and you can come and go as you please.

The 3-hour spa package has 2 different prices – it’s $39 per person for port days and $59 for at sea days. The price is mentioned on the app, but ONLY ON THE DAY OF. So you may be at Bimini, see that it’s $39, sign up for tomorrow (which is a sea day), and suddenly get a bill for $59. If you sign up in person, like we did, they don’t even mention the price.

As I said earlier, VV is a non-tipping cruise. Their crew is said to be paid well, at least in comparison to the rest of the cruise industry, and tips are not required or requested. That being said, if someone on the cruise was particularly helpful, you CAN tip them; you just don’t HAVE to. Writing a letter to VV about a particular crew member or members can also help them to get bonuses, etc.

Also keep in mind that people who you encounter for your VV cruise – particularly the porters at the terminal – are not VV employees. Kindly tip them. Here’s an international tipping guide for who, what, why, where, when and how to tip .

Disembarkation

Like many cruise lines, you can leave your luggage outside your cabin by a certain time on the evening before disembarkation. The cabin attendants will pick up your bags and you’ll find them as you leave the ship. You get to choose what time you’ll need to disembark and pick up your luggage, although you’re also welcome to bring your luggage yourself and disembark whenever you feel good and ready, as long as it’s by “last call.”

Heads up that the earlier disembarkation time you choose, the less crowded it is, although everyone needs to be off the ship by 10:45am. If you wait until around that later time, the queues are minimal.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

As I said, some of these were things that Joe and I noticed while we were on our VV cruise. However other people noticed other things, as well. So a HUGE THANK-YOU to Marney B., Kay C., Suzanne E., Barbara H., Lin H., Nancee H., Paul H., Sue H., Richard P., Alexis R., Mark S., Shannanaghans S. and Amanda W. for their input for this post!

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This Cruise Life

Virgin voyages boarding process.

What a whirlwind of a week on board our first-ever Virgin Voyages sailing. We just debarked Valiant Lady in Miami on Sunday, and are excited to share our thoughts after 8 days on board this $700M Lady ship. For those getting ready to board Valiant Lady out of Miami for the first time, we put together this quick Virgin Voyages Boarding Process – and give you tips on how you can get onto the ship even faster.

Virgin Voyages Boarding Pass: Don’t Panic!

If you’ve ever cruised before, you know the drill. Check in, print your boarding pass or save it to your phone, and head to the terminal. But, like everything else, Virgin Voyages decided to do things different! There are no bar codes, no boarding docs or luggage tags, and nothing in the app (other than your itinerary). Don’t panic! That’s all normal. As long as you’ve checked in and completed your health-screening, you are good to head to the terminal!

Getting to the Port

Virgin Voyages is located at Terminal V in Miami. Both Uber and Lyft recognized the terminal, so getting to the port should be fairly easy. As always, plan for Miami traffic. We checked in on both apps at least half a dozen times embark morning as we didn’t want to miss our early arrival window!

While general boarding started at 2pm, we arrived at the port area just before 1:30pm local time. Because of Virgin’s later embarkation start time, it was much easier to get around, and less chaotic in the port area. Virgin Voyages Terminal V is at the end of the Miami cruise port closest to downtown and the address is 718 N Cruise Blvd, Miami, FL 33132.

We are ON OUR WAY to the port! Virgin Voyages, you’re about to take away these cruisers’ virginity! ❤️ Get your Born Again VIRGIN shirt in our online store soon! Anchors away! ⚓️ pic.twitter.com/ycncc40WG3 — This Cruise Life (@thiscruiselife) November 18, 2023

Bag Drop – Checking Bags

Due to the smaller size of the ship, and the reduced chaos in the port area, the porters were much easier to spot. Unlike other cruise lines, however, the porter asked for our room number. He then wrote our room number on a bag tag that he stapled to the handles of each of our bags.

Cruise tip: Do not remove the bag tag from your luggage as it’s also used for the debark process! The tag does tell you not to remove it for the duration of your cruise, however, we didn’t read that… Thankfully, they’re like airport bag tags; peel back the sticker and you can reattach it to the bag for debark. But just follow the instructions to make it even easier.

Embarkation

From the time I took the below picture (1:32pm) to the time we arrived on board the ship (1:52pm), a mere 20 minutes had passed. This embark process was SLICK!

Because we leveraged Virgin Voyages Match and Sea More Status Match Program, we were able to skip the queues and jump into the exclusive Sailing Club line. Not only did this allow us to get to the terminal right at 1:30 when check-in began, it allowed us to skip all the queues that were already forming for 1:45, 2:00, etc.

Cruise Tip: the “A Splash of Romance” package also provides you with Priority Boarding, so check this out if you don’t qualify for Sea More Status Match.

We joked that Virgin Voyages is the only cruise line we know that employs a “bouncer” to let you into the club. The crew member confirmed our name was on the list, gave me a Virgin Voyages wristband, and sent us into the terminal.

The terminal was still pretty empty at this point, so we skipped all of the empty queue lines inside and made our way directly up the escalator to check-in for passport review.

Passport Review and Check-In

The queue here took longer, but still, maybe only 10 minutes. Check-in was a breeze; the agent reviewed our passports and gave us The Band. Described by Virgin Voyages as, “a sleek wearable technology made from recycled ocean plastic that will unlock voyage adventures for future Sailors,” The Band did not disappoint. From accessing your stateroom, to paying for purchases on board or even on land at The Beach Club in Bimini, this thing was slick. And there’s a series of sayings on each of the bands (I was “Feelin’ Nauti”).

Once we had our newest fashion accessory attached, we headed to the cruise line’s version of TSA Pre-Check. We placed our items onto the conveyor, walked through the x-ray, and collected our belongings on the other side. All in, this process took less than 3 minutes.

From here, we headed toward the ship. One quick tap of The Band to the handheld devices at the terminal door, and we were cleared to board!

First 24 Hours Onboard YouTube

We talk more about the Boarding Process in our First 24 Hours Onboard review on YouTube and provide additional images of the port area, terminal, security check-in process, etc. Plus, we share our thoughts after 24 hours on board Valiant Lady.

Final Thoughts on Virgin Voyages Boarding Process

This was probably the easiest embark we’ve had in a long time. The later boarding time allowed the chaos of the Miami cruise port to die down and the benefit of Priority Boarding is HUGE. I highly recommend reviewing the Sea More Status Match or A Splash of Romance packages. If neither of those apply, keep in mind that booking through Rocky also gets you Priority Boarding.

I’m thankful that there were experienced Virgin Voyages sailors there who guided us to the Virgin Voyages Sailing Club line, otherwise, we would have likely gotten into the longer queue. Keep this in mind if you have Priority Boarding. But don’t try to fake it. The “bouncer” has a list and checks it twice to confirm you’re on it. It was odd that there were no boarding passes or indicators in the app; the employee checking names on a paper list seemed dated, but it actually added to the experience creating the bouncer vibe we joked about.

You can tell the terminal is new. It still has that “new cruise terminal” smell! Everything was clean, crisp, and in working order. Even the bathrooms were pretty!

Check-in took about 10 minutes to get through the queue, and passport review was easy. We received The Band for our wrists and headed through security screening before tapping our wrists on the handheld devices.

All in, 20 minutes from getting to the terminal to being on the ship was amazing, especially considering it was all new and we were taking a TON of pictures and videos.

Excited to hear your thoughts and experiences on Virgin Voyages embarkation process in the comments below!

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Virgin Voyages Tips | 10 Things to Know Before Your First Cruise

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: January 2, 2024

If you’re sailing with Virgin Voyages, you should be prepared for sun-soaked days, fun-filled nights and flavor-packed meals. But you should also be prepared to do a bit of prep in advance if you want to take your cruise to the next level. In this post, we’ll share our 10 best Virgin Voyages tips to help you get the most out of your cruise.

I recently returned from a 5-day Virgin Voyages Dominican Daze Cruise on the Scarlet Lady . Before this trip, I had only cruised with Disney Cruise Line, and the Virgin Voyages experience was very different. (If you’re interested in how those two cruise lines compare, be sure to check out our post on Disney Cruise Line vs Virgin Voyages .) I learned so many things from my first Virgin Voyages cruise, and I’m sharing it all here.

Follow these tips and you can be sure that you won’t miss out on any of the fun (or food) onboard. The best part about these tips is that most of them can be done before your trip, so by the time you board you can sit back and relax.

Disclaimer: My Virgin Voyages cruise was graciously gifted by our trusted travel advisor, Lauren Quirk, from  Travel With Character . This post is not sponsored by Virgin Voyages or Travel With Character, and I do not receive any compensation in exchange for this post. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

1. Complete the “Before You Sail” tasks ASAP.

As soon as you book your Virgin Voyages cruise (or as early as 120 days out), download the Virgin Voyages mobile app and complete the “Before you Sail” tasks. You’ll need the app for a few different things before and during your cruise, so you might as well get it now.

The “Before You Sail” task list has seven steps and takes about ten minutes. It includes things like confirming your passport information, taking a security photo and linking a credit card to use onboard. Most importantly though, this is where you can schedule your embarkation time. (Aka the time you can board the ship.)

It’s important to book your embarkation as soon as possible, because the best boarding times can book up quickly. What are the best embarkation times for Virgin Voyages? The earliest ones, which leads us to …

2. Schedule the earliest embarkation time.

I’d strongly recommend booking the earliest possible embarkation time for your Virgin Voyages cruise. On my cruise, this is 2 PM.

Early boarding has many benefits. Most obviously, you will have more time on the ship, plus shorter queues in the terminal. Most importantly though, early boarding means earlier access to registration for onboard activities. (We’ll talk more about that in tip #6.)

The embarkation experience will vary based on the port you’re sailing from. If you’re sailing from Miami, Virgin Voyages’ Terminal V is very well organized and boarding is quick and orderly. We were scheduled for earliest boarding group, and we were on the ship 20 minutes after we arrived at the terminal.

Boarding times are pretty strictly enforced. There are queues outside the terminal for each boarding time. If you arrive early, you’ll have to wait with your group for your time. You will not be able to board early if you arrive early.

3. Book dining reservations as soon as they open.

Meals are included on all Virgin Voyages cruises. That includes food from all quick service and table service restaurants onboard, as well room service. While all of the food onboard is pretty good, the very best, chef-curated meals can be found at the table service restaurants.

These high-end dining establishments are one of the selling points on Virgin Voyages, but actually getting a table at them takes a little bit of effort.

Virgin Voyages does not automatically schedule any meals for you. That means you’re not guaranteed a chance to dine at every (or any) table service restaurant onboard. You need to proactively make a reservation if you want eat at these table service restaurants.

Dining reservations open up 45 days before your sailing date. The exact time reservations open up reportedly varies, but it is typically around midnight in the departing port’s timezone. For example, if you are scheduled to sail on December 16, 2023 from Miami, your dining would open just after midnight ET the morning of November 1. You could potentially start checking the website in the late evening hours of October 31, around 11:30 PM, because sometimes they open early.

That said, the reservations don’t book up instantly. Unless you have a large party and are really set on a specific restaurant on a specific date and time, you probably don’t need to stay up till midnight to book your reservation. You should definitely plan to book in the morning of the day reservations open, though, for the best selection.

If you happen to miss the reservation window, don’t give up hope. All of the restaurants do have limited space for walk-ups and same-day reservations. This will just take more time and effort. There is also quick service dining available at all times.

4. See if you qualify for Deep Blue Extras.

Virgin Voyages is a relatively new cruise line, so they don’t have an established frequent sailor program just yet. While they build that up, they’re offering a collection of perks to seasoned sailors called Deep Blue Extras through the end of 2024.

Deep Blue Extras are pretty good, too. The perks include a $100 onboard drink credit, $10 per day specialty coffee credit, some complimentary laundry services and a free upgrade to premium wifi. You’ll also have access to a dedicated Sailor Services rep onboard, expedited boarding and a special happy hour.

Anyone who sailed with Virgin Voyages in 2021 (Sea-Blazers) or has sailed twice in 2022 and 2023 (Sea-Rovers) will receive Deep Blue Extras. If you qualify, these rewards will automatically be applied to your next sailing through 2024.

4.5 (Bonus tip!). Don’t tighten your Deep Blue Extras bracelet.

If you do qualify for Deep Blue Extras, you’ll get a special bracelet when you check in at the terminal. This one is a ribbon style bracelet with a one-way clasp — meaning you can tighten it but not loosen it.

If you put this bracelet on, make sure that you keep it loose enough to slide on and off. You don’t actually need this bracelet for anything, and all the perks are connected to your other NFC band. I think this is literally just to demonstrate your status on board.

I slipped mine off right away and just kept it in my purse, but I didn’t actually need it.

5. Use a hair tie for The Band.

When you check in at the terminal, they will give you a bracelet to use during your cruise. The Band is a contactless device that you need to use for pretty much everything on board. It serves as your room key, ID and credit card onboard, and you are required to tap it every time you get on and off the ship.

The NFC device itself is plastic with two attached loops. It is on a rope bracelet that wraps around your wrist twice and attaches with a small metal anchor. As you would expect from that description, the bracelet broke immediately.

Since the tap device is so important for your cruise, I’d recommend bringing a backup bracelet for it. A hair tie is the perfect solution. Slip the hair tie through one of the loops on The Band, and then pull one side of the hair tie through the other side of the hair tie to create a loop knot. Then you can wear the hair tie around your wrist and The Band won’t go anywhere.

Also, any small bracelet that can fit through these loops will do the trick.

6. Sign up for activities in the app as soon as you board.

As soon as you board, connect to the ship’s wifi and open the Virgin Voyages app. At this point, you will be able to see the full itinerary for your cruise and begin signing up for activities. To sign up for an activity, click “Add to Agenda.” (Hearting an activity doesn’t officially sign you up for it.)

Some events are “ticketed,” meaning that there is a cap on how many people can participate. Some ticketed activities have an additional fee (like cocktail classes or coffee tastings), while others are free (like yoga, spin classes and select stage shows). For ticketed events, you’ll need to tap your bracelet in order to enter.

You should sign up for all of your ticketed events as soon as you board, because some ticketed events fill up quickly. If any of these activities are important to you, be sure to check the itinerary and sign up quickly or you may miss out.

Other activities on board (like fitness classes, bingo and parties) are not ticketed. There is no formal cap on who can attend and they don’t check to see if you’ve registered before they let you participate. For these activities, adding them to your agenda is just to keep you organized.

Unfortunately, the Virgin App isn’t great and it’s even worse when everyone is using it at the same time. We experienced the app crashing, spinning and logging us out numerous times on both the basic and premium wifi. So I’d recommend heading to a bar and grabbing a drink for this process so it feels less annoying.

6.5 (Bonus Tip!). Link your party in advance.

Passengers staying in the same room should automatically be connected with each other in the app. That means that anyone in your cabin can register anyone else in your cabin for activities.

However, if you are traveling with friends or family in other cabins, you will need to manually connect them. You can complete this step at anytime, but ideally you should do it before you board. That way, anyone in your party can start booking for the entire party right away.

7. Plan for any in-person registrations.

While most things onboard can be booked in the app, there are a handful of sign-ups that have to be done in person on the ship. These are things with individual time slots, like tattoo and spa appointments and private karaoke registration, and they will be noted as such in the app. If you are set on any of these services/activities, do some research in advance and plan your first day accordingly.

For example, the tattoo parlor opens after the ship has left port and reaches international waters, often around 6 PM. The line for tattoo appointments forms early and gets long very quickly. Appointments on the last cruise day usually book up first, but they’re usually fully booked within a couple hours. If a tattoo is a priority, plan to be there about an hour before it’s scheduled to open for bookings.

Spa appointments book up less quickly, and karaoke spots usually open up daily. There might be other in-person registrations, but these are the three I know about. This is just something else you’ll want to take care of early for the best choice in times.

8. Skip luggage service when you board.

Most Virgin Voyages cruises have a luggage service available at embarkation and debarkation. The exact details vary based on your port, but here’s how it works at Terminal V in Miami.

There is a luggage check location outside the terminal. You can leave your bags here and then they will be delivered to your cabin that evening. The timing can vary, but on my cruise they were scheduled to be delivered by 6 PM.

This service can make it easier to navigate the terminal and board the ship without having to deal with your bags. This can also make security a bit easier. If you do use this service, just make sure you keep everything with you that you’ll need before 6 PM (including swimsuits, make up, meds, etc.)

It’s a good service, but I would actually recommend you skip luggage check when you board.

The main reason for that is because rooms are typically ready as soon as you board. On other cruise lines, that’s not the case, so you want to check your bags so you can enjoy the ship without lugging them around. But on Virgin Voyages, you can usually drop your bags in your room right away. This is easier than having to pack a day bag and then waiting for your bags to be delivered.

The Miami terminal is also easy to pull your bags through. The entire route is accessible by elevator, escalator, and/or ramp, so you won’t have issues with stairs. You do have to go through security, but you don’t have to remove anything from your bags like at the airport. If you have an early boarding time, this process can take less than 20 minutes.

8.5 (Bonus Tip!). Do use luggage service if you have a late debarkation time.

Similarly, Virgin Voyages also offers luggage check service on your debarkation day. You can leave your bags outside your door the night before you disembark, and then pick them up just before you exit the terminal. There is a cutoff time, but it’s usually around midnight.

This service does actually make sense if you have a late debarkation time. Most itineraries allow you to stay on the ship as late as 10:30 AM. However, access to the rooms is usually cut off before that. That means you have to keep your luggage with you.

If you plan to leave the ship late and want to have a relaxing morning, you don’t want to be lugging your bags. In this case, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the baggage service.

9. Pack the essentials.

This is not a complete packing list, but there are a few things you should be sure to pack for your Virgin Voyages cruise.

• Passport. There are some ways around this, depending on your itinerary, but it’s best to have it on you when cruising.
• Scarlet outfit. There are a few cruise parties and events, some of which vary by season, but the highlight of every Virgin Voyages cruise is Scarlet Night. Everyone wears red and there are a few events around the ship. It’s really fun and everyone gets into it, so this is the one onboard event you should definitely plan for.
• Sunblock and aloe. I’m usually pretty firmly in the buy-it-there camp, but that’s not always possible on a cruise ship. The stores onboard are only open when the ship is at sea and they are closed when the ship is at port. You might not always be able to buy these important items onboard when you need them.
• Portable charger . Virgin Voyages offers free wifi for everyone, so you might be on your phone more than you think. Plus, you’ll probably be using the app a lot to check the day’s schedules. A portable charger is nice to have in your bag. There are also many outlets around the ship, so you can also just bring an extra cord to keep with you.

10. Plan your flights properly.

If you are flying on either side of your cruise, selecting the right flight times is a delicate art.

Regardless of what port your sailing from, I would recommend flying in at least one day before you sail. Even if you don’t board until late in the afternoon or evening, I still wouldn’t recommend flying in the same day as your cruise departure. There’s always a chance that your flight gets delayed, you get rerouted, your bags get delayed, etc. You don’t want one bad travel day to cost you your entire cruise if you don’t make it there in time.

That same rule of thumb does not necessarily apply to your departure flight. It’s rare (but not impossible) that your cruise disembarkation will be drastically delayed. You can usually plan to fly out the same day that your cruise is scheduled to arrive. This of course varies based on your specific itinerary and port.

If you’re sailing from Miami, Virgin Voyages officially recommends booking a flight no earlier than noon on your arrival day.

Based on my recent personal experience, though, I would say that you could make a domestic flight as early as 10 AM. My disembarkation was scheduled for 8 AM, but I went down at 7:30 AM and walked right off the ship. There were no lines in the terminal, and I was at the Uber pick-up area by 7:42 AM. I arrived at the Miami airport at 8:02 AM and was through PreCheck security by 8:17 AM.

Everything might not always go that smoothly. However, I just wanted to share an actual timeline to help give you an idea.

Final Bonus Tip: Work with a travel advisor.

As I mentioned before, this trip was graciously gifted by our travel advisor at Travel With Character . We always work with them to book our Disney vacations , but this was my first time working with them on a cruise. I got to experience first hand what it was like to have a dedicated travel advisor help with my cruise vacation, and it was a dream.

They stayed on top of all of the timelines I mention throughout this post, and sent out reminders for each task to make sure nothing slipped through the cracks. Not only did they make the cruise planning a breeze, but they also helped plan my hotel and activities in Miami before the cruise, and they quickly found a third-party tour provider when our cruise itinerary changed last minute.

If you want your travel planning to be as stress-free as the cruise itself, I’d highly recommend reaching out to Travel With Character. (And no, they’re not paying me to say that.)

Cruise Luggage Tags and Holders – Frequently Asked Questions

Sharing is caring!

Can we talk about cruise luggage tags? If you’re going on a cruise, you might be wondering how you’ll get your luggage tags from the cruise line, what to do with them, and if you should buy cruise luggage tag holders.

In this post, I’ll be answering the frequently asked questions about cruise luggage tags, and also sharing the information you need to know about which cruise luggage tags holders are best.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cruise Luggage Tags F.A.Q.’s

How will you get luggage tags for your cruise?

Once you complete your online check in on your cruise line’s website, you’ll be instructed to print out your cruise documents, which will include a boarding pass and luggage tags. The luggage tags will often be printed with your name, cruise ship, sailing date and cabin number.

If you’re in a guarantee cabin , your stateroom may not have been assigned, and the cabin number may be left blank. If this is the case, it’s just fine.

It’s a good idea to print out at least 2 luggage tags for each member of your family or travel party. A little extra cruise tip is to keep one “extra” with you and your cruise documents.

Can you order luggage tags through your cruise line?

In some cases, you can request adhesive printed luggage tags from your cruise line. This should be done after you receive a notification that your cruise documents or edocs are ready, however leave about 2 weeks before your cruise sailing date. This may not be available in every country, and may vary by cruise line.

You can check with your cruise line or travel agent for information specific to your booking.

Printing, folding and attaching cruise line luggage tags

It’s very simple to print your cruise ship luggage tags. I like to make several copies, so I have enough to label my cruise carry on bag, garment bag, as well as my regular size suitcases .

Instructions for how to fold the luggage tags will be on each paper (usually in 3). When folded, you can staple each luggage tag onto the handles of your luggage. Make sure to bring a mini stapler with you, especially if you go to a hotel a night before your cruise.

You may want to bring some scotch tape to reinforce the paper luggage tags as well.

Should You Purchase Cruise Luggage Tag Holders?

Cruise luggage tags aren’t a necessity for cruising, however they do make things much easier. By using the plastic luggage tag holders , you eliminate the need for stapling and using tape, and won’t worry that paper luggage tags may fall off.

Cruise luggage tag holders are durable and reusable, and truly may be one of the best purchases you ever make for cruising .

Something to note is that some cruise lines use longer luggage tags, while others use shorter tags. Make sure to check to see which luggage tag holders are right for your cruise line. I’ve listed them below in this post for your convenience.

What if you forget your luggage tags at home?

In a worst case scenario, if you forget your luggage tags at home , you can ask the porters at the cruise terminal on boarding day for assistance. They will usually be able to provide you generic tags before embarkation .

Cruise Luggage Tags for Major Cruise Lines

Here are the cruise ship luggage tag holders needed for each cruise line. Click on the link or the photos for pricing information, reviews and details (on Amazon).

All cruise luggage tag holders are made of clear plastic and are in waterproof pouch will keep your luggage tags dry in all weather conditions. The stainless steel metal rings are durable and rust-proof when exposed to water.

Luggage tags: Carnival Cruise Line

Luggage tags: Celebrity Cruises

Luggage tags: Holland America Line

Luggage tags:  norwegian cruise line.

Luggage tags: Princess Cruise Line

Luggage tags: royal caribbean.

Luggage tags: MSC Cruises

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Planning a cruise? Here are some related posts that might be helpful

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What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise (packing list included)

25+ Most Recommended Amazon Items to Bring on a Cruise

23 Essentials to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On Bag

Packing Cubes for Cruise Vacations

Have you used luggage tag holders for past cruises or do you print and staple? Please share your tips and experiences in the comments below.

Happy cruising!

If you found this article helpful, please pass it along. Please feel free to share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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10 Comments

Useful article! You can also create personalized luggage tags online.

I guess you can, although you will need to use the actual cruise line tags for boarding. Personalized or novelty luggage tags are good additions. Glad you liked the article.

Is there one luggage tag holder that will fit all of the cruise line’s tags?

Not really, although it seems the shorter wider tags fit most. Longer tags are generally Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.

What’s the specific size dimensions for Carnival cruises please? I bought the 2.75 in x 4.125 in.

I don’t have the specific dimensions – you might find the answer in a Carnival facebook group or on cruise critic. If you bought the Carnival size on Amazon, that should be good (read the reviews if you aren’t sure).

Enjoy your cruise,

Hi Ilana, I’ve only begun to view your videos and read some bits of your (well-designed) website, and I’m already a fan of yours! You’re easy to understand, well-versed, easy to hear and extremely likable! Thank you for helping me prepare for our very first cruise together (as husband and wife) to embark in October on Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas. God Bless You!

Thanks for much for your kind comment. Your cruise sounds wonderful – I think you’ll love this ship.

Hi Ilana! Love your site! I’ve never used luggage tag holders before, but thought I’d try them for our Celebrity cruise this time. I ordered the ones specifically for Celebrity. When I print the tags in my edocs, they come out way smaller than the tag holders. Are they supposed to fit the exact width/height of the holders? I don’t seem to be able to print them out any larger.

Hi Louise, I wonder if it may a printer setting. I think the luggage tags usually print to a regular 8 x 11 paper size.It will likely be a bit smaller than the tag size. If you’re really not sure, perhaps it’s best to contact the cruise line.

Have a great cruise!

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• Virgin Voyages

VV Welcome Kit?

By The_Force , December 17, 2021 in Virgin Voyages

Recommended Posts

We're sailing on December 29th. Haven't received the welcome kit with bands, luggage tags etc.    We are supposed to pick up bands at the port according to the Virgin app. Anyone know how/where we get luggage tags? Prefer not to run around the cruise port terminals looking for luggage tags. Appreciate any help.

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Share on other sites.

• 2 yr The_Force changed the title to VV Welcome Kit?

The porters can help you with the luggage tags when you first get to the port.  The will give you the bands when you check in.

It is really easy and you don't have to do any more running around than the normal cruise check in.

We are also going on 12/29!!!  We have not received our VV Kit yet too. Hope to get it soon!

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8 Popular Cruise Luggage Tag Holders for Major Cruise Lines

Are you heading on a cruise? Don’t forget to print your cruise luggage tags! Cruise luggage tags are a must and are provided by the cruise line. They come with your name, cabin number, and where you’ll be on the ship (AFT, FWD, or MID). They’re color-coded and often have a space for your address.

In the old days, cruise tags were mailed to you. With technology, you can print them at home or buy tag holders for that extra touch. They might mail them out weeks ahead if you’re in a suite or on a luxury cruise.

Mainstream cruise lines often have you print tags at home, which are included in your e-docs at check-in. Some, like Disney Cruise Lines, send them about two weeks before your sail date. And then there is Virgin Voyages, a cruise line that does it differently and provides no luggage tags until you get to the port.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

In this article, we’ll review frequently asked questions, how to print and attach them, and the most popular cruise luggage tag holders on the market so you can choose what works best for you! What creative ways do you attach your cruise luggage tags? Let us know in the comments!

Table of Contents

Luggage Tag Holders for Major Cruise Lines

Our suitcases are ready with luggage tags in our hotel room for embarkation.

If you must print your cruise luggage tags before your cruise, you may want to invest in luggage tag holders. The idea of stapling a piece of paper to your suitcase handle may make you uneasy as it is not the most solid way to attach your cruise luggage tags.

We recommend the following luggage tag for the following cruise lines:

• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean Cruise
• Princess Cruises
• Holland America Line
• MSC Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• One Size Fits Most

All the tag holders below come with a waterproof sleeve to slip your at-home printed cruise luggage tags. The stainless steel metal rings attach easily to your luggage handle.

If you’re an avid cruiser with a particular cruise line, consider the cruise luggage tag holders a small investment.

The luggage was delivered to our cabin. See the cruise luggage tags attached to the handles.

Norwegian Cruise Line Luggage Tag Holders

Unless you’re cruising the Haven, you must print your tags at home and attach them to your luggage. We recommend these clear plastic luggage tag holders designed for NCL luggage tags .

We purchased these recently before sailing on the Norwegian. They worked as advertised. Now, we are saving them for our next NCL cruise.

Don’t Miss: 10 Convincing Reasons to Cruise Norwegian Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line Luggage Tag Holders

You will need to print your tags for a Carnival cruise. We recommend these clear plastic luggage tag holders designed specifically for Carnival luggage tags .

Royal Caribbean Luggage Tag Holders

You will need to print your tags for a Royal Caribbean cruise. We recommend these clear plastic luggage tag holders designed specifically for Royal Caribbean luggage tags.

Princess Cruises Luggage Tag Holders

You will need to print your tags for Princess cruises. We recommend these clear plastic luggage tag holders designed specifically for Princess luggage tags .

Holland America Luggage Tag Holders

You will need to print your tags for a Holland America cruise. We recommend these clear plastic luggage tag holders designed specifically for Holland America luggage tags .

MSC Cruise Luggage Tag Holders

You will need to print your tags for an MSC cruise. We recommend these clear plastic luggage tag holders designed specifically for MSC luggage tags .

Celebrity Cruises Luggage Tag Holders

In the past, Celebrity has mailed luggage tags to us before our sail date on the Celebrity Equinox . However, this has changed; you may need to print your tags for a Celebrity cruise.

We recommend these clear plastic luggage tag holders designed specifically for Celebrity luggage tags . We recently ordered and used them for the first time without any issues on our most recent Celebrity Solstice cruise, and now we have them for future cruises with Celebrity.

Luggage Tag Holders with Most Cruise Lines

These one-size-fits-most tags are mostly compatible with most cruise lines.

How do you attach cruise luggage tags?

No luggage tag holders? Here are a few creative tips for attaching your printed luggage tags without luggage tag holders:

• You can print them on cardstock paper instead of regular paper. This way, the tags are slightly sturdier when you fold them on the sides and staple them to your suitcase handle.
• Laminate the tags at home or at your nearby office supply store. Punch a hole at the top, then use a plastic zip tie to secure it to your luggage tag.
• Print them out, whether on cardstock or regular paper (I prefer cardstock), and cut them to size into a long strip. Then, use clear packaging tape on the front and back to make your own laminated tag at home. Once this is done, loop it around your luggage handle and staple it on the sides. This is how we did it many times before purchasing luggage tags.

Do you need cruise luggage tags?

A cruise luggage tag is necessary if you plan to drop off your luggage with the porter on embarkation day. The tag lets the cruise line know where to drop off the luggage once it’s on the ship and to your cabin.

What happens if you have to print the cruise luggage tags at home?

If you have to print your own cruise luggage tags at home, don’t worry, it’s easy! The cruise line will send you an email when your e-docs are ready. You will sign in to your account, look for your e-docs, and click where it says “print cruise luggage tags.” A PDF will download, and you can print the cruise luggage tags home.

Where should I attach my cruise luggage tag?

You should attach the cruise luggage tag to the top handle of your suitcase.

Do cruise luggage tags have to be printed in color?

We recommend printing it in color to make it easier for the porters and cruise line. Black and white printed cruise tags may make it more difficult for the cruise line to organize and deliver your luggage to your cabin.

What happens if you don’t own a printer?

If you don’t have a printer at home, you can try to print the cruise luggage tags at a local print shop or office supply store. You can also wait to get to the port to request them. However, if you are staying at a hotel the night before your cruise, you can ask the front desk to print it for you, or they’ll have a guest computer and printer for you to use.

Should you purchase cruise luggage tag holders?

It’s not required, but we think it makes it easier. You don’t have to worry about ruined or lost cruise luggage tags.

Can I get luggage tags at the port?

You can get luggage tags at the port, which may or may not add to your check-in process. The lines for luggage check-in and tags can sometimes be long, depending on the cruise port/terminal. The best way is to find a porter, tip them, and they’ll provide you with a luggage tag.

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

• Steps to Prepare for a Cruise
• Cruise Packing List Essentials
• What is a Cruise Roll Call?
• Tips for Cruise Embarkation Day

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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Boarding the Ship Early

We all want to get our vacation started as quickly as possible and waiting in the departure lounge in anticipation isn’t the best way to kick off the celebrations. Here’s a guide on how to get on the ship as early as possible.

This guide was last updated on 16 May 2024 by David Todd . If you spot any errors or missing information, please let us know .

Tips on how to board the ship as early as possible

When it comes to starting your Virgin Voyages vacation as early as possible, there are a few ways to ensure you board the ship promptly. Follow these tips to make the most of your getaway right from the beginning:

• Check in ASAP (Early Boarding Time) – Check in is open as soon as you book, keen sailors can get one of the earlier times for free directly in the app.   How to: Go to the Virgin Voyages app > Scroll down to the Check-in section of the app and scroll to the final section “Step Aboard” > Pick a Slot.
• This option is only available for 75 cabins (with 2 people sharing) per sailing.
• Currently, the cost for Splash of Romance is $200 per cabin.
• By choosing this option, you’ll have the opportunity to start your vacation ahead of others.
• If you’re a Sea-Rover or Sea-Blazer , you’ll enjoy the benefits of Deep Blue Extras through the end of 2024.
• Deep Blue Extras provides a dedicated VIP line for sailors who qualify.
• This exclusive perk allows you to bypass the regular boarding process and access the ship sooner.
• Guests staying in Rockstar Suites, the highest level of accommodation, are granted early boarding privileges.
• Look out for dedicated staff members who will assist Rockstar and Sailing Club guests during the boarding process.

Important Early Boarding Information

• Early Boarding Time: Early boarding typically begins around 1:30 PM at most locations.
• Exceptions to App Times: If you qualify you can ignore the scheduled boarding time in the Virgin Voyages app, you can still board starting from 1:30 PM even if the app has a later time. Simply follow the instructions provided by the staff at the port.
• Splash of Romance and Deep Blue Extras Guests: After Rockstar guests have boarded, Splash of Romance and Deep Blue Extras guests will be invited to step onto the ship immediately.

By following these guidelines, you can maximize your vacation time and start enjoying all that Virgin Voyages has to offer as soon as possible. Whether you choose Splash of Romance, are a part of the Sailing Club with Deep Blue Extras privileges, or are a Rockstar Suite guest, early boarding ensures you can begin your unforgettable journey without delay.

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• SOUTH DAKOTA

Cruise luggage tags ⚓ Do you need to print luggage tags to check-in for your cruise?

So you can carry your own luggage onto the cruise ship if you want, or you can do a luggage drop-off before you go to check-in for your cruise.

If you want to do a luggage drop-off, then you will need to put cruise luggage tags on your bags before you drop them off.

You only need the cruise luggage tags if you will be dropping off your luggage to have your bags delivered to your cabin by someone else.

If you will be carrying all of your bags onto the cruise ship yourself, then you do not need the cruise luggage tags.

These cruise luggage tags are similar to the tags that are put on your bags when you do checked baggage for your flight .

The cruise luggage tags will identify your bags so they will end up at your cabin on the cruise ship.

Your luggage will be delivered directly to your cabin.

It is typically left in the hallway outside your cabin.

Important note: You may not get your checked cruise luggage until later in the day. So if there’s anything you want to have immediately upon boarding the cruise ship, then be sure to have a separate carry-on bag for that.

So you can print these luggage tags that identify your luggage at home before you leave for your cruise.

You will need to print out as many luggage tags as you have bags, plus you might want to print off extra just in case.

If you won’t be using any cruise luggage tag holders, may also want to bring along some basic tape so you can tape the luggage tags to increase the chance of not ripping the luggage tags.

You will also want to bring a mini-stapler to staple part of the tag.

If you’re flying with your luggage and you will be checking it in for your flight, you generally don’t want to attach the cruise luggage tags for your flight.

Or if you do, have extra luggage tags in case the tags get ripped in the process or something.

Do you need to print the cruise luggage tags?

You don’t NEED to print the cruise luggage tags before you arrive at the cruise port.

If you don’t have a chance to print the luggage tags (or can’t), then you can also get tags for your luggage when you arrive at the cruise ship terminal.

But most people like to have them printed off before they arrive.

It will reduce an extra step you need to do at the cruise port on embarkation day.

If you’re traveling and/or you don’t have access to a printer, then in the US you can go to a place like fedex to print off your luggage tags.

You can do self-service printing at fedex .

To do this, you can first save a copy of the luggage tag as a pdf.

Then, you can either email that pdf to yourself or save it to a USB.

Then, you can access either your email or that USB when you go to fedex to print off your luggage tags.

Another option to print your cruise luggage tags is to go to a local library.

You don’t need to be a resident of the local community to go to the library!

How to print your cruise luggage tags

How to get your cruise luggage tags will vary by cruise line.

Here is information directly from cruise lines.

The way you get luggage tags can change, so be sure to see the cruise line website for the latest information.

The information below is from each of the websites in August 2023.

Carnival luggage tags

How to print Carnival cruise luggage tags:

Your Carnival Cruise Lines luggage tags will be included with your eTicket. Please ensure 1 tag is printed, filled in and attached to each piece of luggage prior to arriving at the terminal on the day of departure. These tags will enable delivery of your luggage to your stateroom.

See updated Carnival luggage tag info.

How much luggage can I bring? To help you plan, we suggest you limit your luggage to a maximum of one bag per person, if traveling on cruises of 3-5 days duration, and no more than two bags per person, for cruises of 6 days or longer. In addition, you must personally carry-on any boarding documentation (passports, Visas, I.D), valuables, medications and items which require special handling. Guests who are scheduled to arrive at the terminal before 1:30 PM, usually check their bags with a porter so they can be free to enjoy lunch on Lido Deck before access to their stateroom is granted. Checked baggage service is only available until 2 hours before the ship’s published sailing time (printed in the cruise documents). Guests arriving after this time will be responsible for taking their bags on board. Each checked suit case and carry-on suit case should not weigh more than 50 pounds, and when lying flat, bags must not exceed 16 inches high by 24 inches wide (the length of the bag is not a factor). For security screening purposes, all luggage should be unlocked. Oversized luggage and locked luggage may cause delivery delays. Personalized luggage tags are included in the guest’s Electronic Documents (available once online check-in is completed). It is not necessary to print the tags in color. Carnival luggage tags must be affixed to your baggage prior to arriving at the terminal. Additional tags can be obtained at curbside from the porter. Porters will re-tag any luggage tag with a TBA cabin assignment. Curbside porters are customarily provided a $1 tip per bag. They are not employees of Carnival and should a guest experiences any problems, they must report it to porter management on site. Since the screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security screening process, large coolers are not permitted as carry-on or checked luggage. Small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches, for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage.

See more Carnival luggage info.

Royal Caribbean luggage tags

How to print Royal Caribbean cruise luggage tags:

The Royal guest document (eDocs – electronic document) we issue includes a bag tag specific to the guest ship, sailing date, stateroom and deck number. The bag tag also provides information on how it should be used. In addition, generic bag tags are available at the pier on the day of boarding.

See updated Royal Caribbean luggage tag info.

NCL luggage tags

How to print Norwegian cruise luggage tags:

Luggage tags can be downloaded and printed from your eDocs.

See updated NCL luggage tag info.

Holland America luggage tags

How to print Holland America cruise luggage tags:

Luggage Tag Information: Holland America Line is pleased to introduce new Holland America Line’s Express Docs cruise documents, along with new luggage tags. Please see the following important information about your luggage tags. Printable luggage tags are available at the Online Check-In start page. You may select to print as many as you need for your vacation. The new luggage tags will be available for you at the airport on the day of sailing and the pier prior to your final check in, too. At the airport, please find Holland America Line representatives outside of the customs area or/and at the baggage carousel. The representatives will help you with luggage tags. Also, luggage tags will be located near the entrance to the pier area where you will be checking in your luggage. The luggage tags are clearly marked with your ship name. Please attach a tag to each piece of luggage you will be checking on the cruise. There is a space on the tag for you to print the following information; Name, Stateroom Number, and Sailing Date.

See updated Holland America luggage tag info.

Celebrity luggage tags

How to print Celebrity cruise luggage tags:

Are bag tags still available for guests who prefer to receive them prior to traveling to the ship? Yes, we are able to send the bag tags electronically, so guests can print as many as they’d like prior to joining the ship. While we are no longer shipping the tags, the digital option allows guests to travel with as many bags as they prefer. If guests choose to print the electronic tags, we recommend reinforcing them with a plastic or leather tag holder. Some guests even choose to laminate their baggage tags. If a guest chooses to opt-out of the electronic bag tag, what are their options? Luggage tags will be available at the pier for guests who prefer to use this service at the terminal prior to boarding. It takes just a few minutes to acquire the tags and fill out your information with the porter. Please make sure you know your stateroom number and room location.

See updated Celebrity luggage tag info.

Princess luggage tags

How to print Princess luggage tags:

Printing your luggage tags is fast and easy! Beginning 75 days prior to sailing, you can print your luggage tags once the booking is paid in full and you have provided all your guest immigration information and credit card registration. Simply log-in to Cruise Personalizer to access and print this information!

See updated Princess luggage tag info.

Note: It is not that simple, unless you know where to go within the Princess cruise personalizer! 🤪 If you don’t know: How to print your Princess cruise luggage tags !

How to place the cruise luggage tag on your suitcase (or other bags)

• Fold the left third of the page at the dashed line
• Fold the right third of the page at the dashed line
• Fold in half vertically at the central dashed line
• Wrap around luggage handle and staple securely

The exact way to place the cruise luggage tag on your luggage may vary based on cruise line, but this will give you an idea of how cruise luggage tags work!

This is the way it is with Princess cruise luggage tags.

HAPPY TAGGING YOUR CRUISE SHIP LUGGAGE!

• Dinner menu
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• How to find your boarding time for a Princess cruise
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• What is the first day of the cruise like: Embarkation day
• What is the day you get off the cruise ship like: Disembarkation day
• Sample daily activity schedule on a cruise ship: Princess cruise activities (princess patter)
• What to watch on your stateroom TV (really!)
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• What happens when a port is canceled during a cruise?
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• Alaska cruise with time zone change
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Carrying-On Bags vs Checking Luggage on Your Cruise

Packing is an important step when preparing for your cruise, but of course all your stuff needs to actually make it onto the ship.  There are several options for this, as similar to when you fly, bags can be carrier on or checked.  There are advantages and disadvantages to each – both at the start and end of your cruise.

Carrying on Bags

The advantage of carrying on bags is that you take your luggage with you, walk right on the ship, and that’s it.  The downside of course is that you may find yourself carrying your things around on embarkation day until your stateroom is ready - though on some lines, such as Holland America and Celebrity, this isn't an issue as you can drop your bags off as soon as you arrive.

Most people carry on at least some bags on embarkation day – and you really should.  Items such as documents, cash, medications, and other valuables should stay with until you get to your room.  If you enjoy laying out in the sun or hanging out in the pool, you should also put your bathing suit in your carry-on, since the pool is often not very busy the first few hours of a cruise and you don’t want to watch others enjoying the pool while you wait for your checked bags to be delivered.  If you’re carrying on wine, water, soda, etc, this should also go into your carry-on.

We've started carrying on the eBags Professional Flight Laptop Backpack (shown above), as we can fit our entire "mobile office" as well as some extra clothes and toiletries.  Generally, you shouldn’t carry on more than you can easily keep on your person, fit into an elevator, etc.  Embarkation day can be crowded on many ships, so you’ll be hauling whatever you bring between other guests’ legs, onto busy elevators, etc.  Outside of that, there aren’t many hard regulations as to the size or weight of your carry-ons.

Checking Bags at the Start of Your Cruise

If you have too many bags to carry on (or you simply don’t feel like walking onto the ship with your luggage), you can check your bags at the curb when you arrive to the port.  Unlike airlines, cruise lines do not charge money for checking bags.   The cruise line will provide you with luggage tags (either by mail, or in most cases now, with the documents you can print from the cruise line’s website).  You affix these tags to your bags and sometime the first day of your cruise (generally before dinner), they’ll arrive in front of your stateroom door. 

**Tip: We recommend using reusable luggage tag holders like these to help ensure tags aren’t accidentally ripped off in transport – which could delay you getting your bags.**

If embarking in North America, know that it is customary to tip the porters taking your checked bags at the port.  Many suggest $1-2 per bag, though we often check two bags and give $5 ( more on tipping here). 

Different cruise lines have different rules about how many bags you can bring and how large or heavy they are – though they’re not nearly as strict as airlines.  You can find the baggage rules for popular lines here , but in general, “be reasonable” seems to be the rule.

Does it cost money to check a bag on my cruise?

As mentioned above, cruise lines do not charge extra to check bags.  This is true of they're handing of your bags getting on the ship, as well as if you choose to check bags at the end of your cruise.  If you're flying from the port of disembarkation, ask about the availability of Luggage Valet services.  Only some cruise lines, airlines, and ports participate, but this allows you to check your bags on the ship, and have them automatically checked on your return flight.  While there is a cost to the service, the nice benefit here is that you don't pay overweight baggage fees to the airline if you do this, so in this way, checking bags on your cruise can actually save you money.

Do I need to put tags on all of my luggage?

You’ll need to put the provided tags on checked bags (so the cruise line can deliver them to your room).  Carry-on bags do not require any tagging – though we recommend putting standard tags with your contact information on them just in case.  In fact, we often put the cruise line’s checked bag tags on our carry-ons just in case something were to happen (truth be told, we accidentally checked a bag a few months ago – so this worked out nicely).

Carrying Bags Off at the End of Your Cruise

Disembarkation is never fun (who wants a cruise to end?!), but a little forethought can make things less painful.  If your goal is to get off the ship as early as possible, most cruise lines offer “express disembarkation” or "self disembarkation" where you carry off all your bags yourself.  That means no porters, no nothing – just you and your bags.  If you’re a light packer or on a short cruise, this can be a nice option, as you’ll save some time for sure.

It may be however you just have too many bags to carry off the ship (especially if you did a lot of shopping on vacation), so you want to check bags.  You should still hand-carry valuables, documents, medications, and anything else that is really critical.

Checking Bags at the End of Your Cruise

Any bags you don’t want to carry off the ship yourself can be checked on the last night of your cruise.  On the last day (or earlier), you’ll be provided with color-coded and numbered luggage tags to affix to any bags you want the cruise line to handle.  Fill out your contact information, and note the tag color/number.  You’ll then leave your bags outside your state room on the last night, and they’ll be collected by the crew.

In the morning, when disembarking, the number/color will help you find the section with your bags.  This number/color also correlates to a specific time by which your bags will be ready.  Disembark before that time, and your bags may not yet by ready for your pickup in the port facility.

**Tip: Usually these tags have a small section with the tag number/  Affix this to the back of your stateroom card, which will be scanned when leaving the ship.  This makes it easy to reference your color/number when it’s time to retrieve your luggage.  If your tags don’t have this, simply take a photo before putting your bags out in the hall.**

Have more questions about packing ?  We've got an entire packing section for you.  Comment below with questions, and we'll help you get ready for your next cruise!

View the discussion thread.

• Virgin Voyages

Pre-cruise docs & luggage tags

By RotaryMike , November 23, 2022 in Virgin Voyages

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How far before sail date does VV mail out doc, luggage tags, and wrist bands ?  was told today by sailor services that we'd get it all at port check-in. ???

what size are VV luggage tags,?  large like Princess, or small like Celebrity ?   TIA,  Mike in CT 

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As far as I know they don't mail wristbands anymore and they do luggage tags at the curb.

In October, they did it all at the terminal.  The luggage tags are more like airline tags than other cruise line tags, and they are not mailed.  The porters verify your name and cabin number and show it to you on the tag as they place the tags on the suitcases.   They showed up in our room about 10 minutes after we got there!   We were initially told that our wristbands would be mailed, but sometime over the months before our cruise, they quit mailing them.

All you need to do in advance is complete the on line check in on the app.  FWIW, luggage check in took under 5 minutes and we were in our cabin 5 minutes before our scheduled terminal arrival time.  We did follow the request and showed up exactly 30 minutes before that terminal arrival time (they ask you not to arrive more than 30 minutes before and explain that you will be asked to leave if you are earlier than that.)  They do have queue slots based on your scheduled arrival time; they can't force you to leave, but you will stand there and wait until a few minutes before your time.  

You get tags at the port  docs are on your phone seemed strange not having with me when checking in and dropping off luggage but it was fast 😀   

CruisingWalter

On 11/23/2022 at 4:23 PM, RotaryMike said: How far before sail date does VV mail out doc, luggage tags, and wrist bands ?  was told today by sailor services that we'd get it all at port check-in. ??? what size are VV luggage tags,?  large like Princess, or small like Celebrity ?   TIA,  Mike in CT 

As others have mentioned, no luggage tags sent in advance. The porter will put them on your bag. And unlike other cruise lines, LEAVE the tags on your bag as they will also be used for disembarkation. 

Wrist bands may or may not show up in advance. For our July sailing we had a Cheeky Corner Suite as did our friends. They got the sea bands in advance with their names personalized on them, we did not. We were given generic bands at the terminal. 

My only advice is to make sure you have the VV app up and running on your phone before you enter the terminal. As with any other terminal, it's a steel building and there can be issues connecting. Once inside, connect to the Ship's WiFi and you can start making reservations onboard. 

angela12345

4 hours ago, WheresWalter said: Wrist bands may or may not show up in advance. For our July sailing we had a Cheeky Corner Suite as did our friends. They got the sea bands in advance with their names personalized on them, we did not. We were given generic bands at the terminal. 

Any idea how far in advance they booked ?  How far in advance did you book ?  Just wondering if that has anything to do with it.  Maybe there's not time to have the bands custom printed and mailed if you book less than XX days in advance of the cruise ??  

3 hours ago, angela12345 said: Any idea how far in advance they booked ?  How far in advance did you book ?  Just wondering if that has anything to do with it.  Maybe there's not time to have the bands custom printed and mailed if you book less than XX days in advance of the cruise ??  

I booked about 7 months in advance and was told that bands would be mailed.  In fact, they verified the address that we wanted them sent to.  And then, they weren't being mailed any more.  My guess is that there were too many people forgetting them or that they decided it cost too much to do them customized for each Sailor.  I would just plan on getting them at the port; if they happen to be mailed, you can be surprised. The system for embarkation is very good.  We showed up at our designated time, and spent almost no time in line either for luggage drop or for check in.

20 hours ago, angela12345 said: Any idea how far in advance they booked ?  How far in advance did you book ?  Just wondering if that has anything to do with it.  Maybe there's not time to have the bands custom printed and mailed if you book less than XX days in advance of the cruise ??  

We booked three years in advance, in 2019. 🙂  We were going to be on one of the original Scarlet Lady cruises when all hell broke loose. The cruise was rebooked three times. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Luggage Tags FAQs
• FAQs Overview

Are bag tags still available for guests who prefer to receive them prior to traveling to the ship?

• Yes, we are able to send the bag tags electronically, so guests can print as many as they’d like prior to joining the ship. While we are no longer shipping the tags, the digital option allows guests to travel with as many bags as they prefer.
• If guests choose to print the electronic tags, we recommend reinforcing them with a plastic or leather tag holder. Some guests even choose to laminate their baggage tags.

If a guest chooses to opt-out of the electronic bag tag, what are their options?

• Luggage tags will be available at the pier for guests who prefer to use this service at the terminal prior to boarding.
• It takes just a few minutes to acquire the tags and fill out your information with the porter. Please make sure you know your stateroom number and room location.

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Icon of the seas: the best dining, amenities and more on royal caribbean's new ship.

This family-friendly megaship features plenty of activities, entertainment and restaurants.

Icon of the Seas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Key Takeaways

• Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, with 18 passenger-accessible decks, eight different neighborhoods and 2,805 staterooms.
• Think of Icon of the Seas as an all-in-one adventure vacation contained on a ship. Young families and energetic travelers will enjoy it most.
• Itineraries originate from Miami , sail to destinations around the Caribbean and include a stop at Royal Caribbean's private island , Perfect Day at CocoCay.

If you have any degree of interest in traveling or cruising, chances are you've heard the buzz around Icon of the Seas. Another record-breaking ship by Royal Caribbean International , Icon of the Seas debuted on Jan. 27, 2024, as the largest cruise ship in the world. It is epic in every sense, featuring 18 cruiser-accessible decks and stretching 1,196 feet from bow to stern.

With greatest-of-all-time soccer player Lionel Messi as the ship's godfather, the Icon of the Seas is truly iconic. Messi brought the entire Inter Miami team along for the opening ceremony and the big reveal of the team's new Royal Caribbean-sponsored jerseys. I was fortunate enough to attend this star-studded ceremony as part of the press preview sailing in the days leading up to the ship's grand debut to the public. It was everything I thought it would be and more, and nobody could have been more appropriate than Messi to send this ship on her maiden voyage.

Boarding a ship of this size can seem overwhelming, but not when you understand the layout. Icon of the Seas is broken up into eight distinct neighborhoods: AquaDome, Central Park, Thrill Island, Chill Island, Royal Promenade, The Hideaway, Suite Neighborhood and Surfside, a neighborhood built for young families looking for nonstop fun and kid-approved eats and treats.

In addition to these public areas, there are 2,805 staterooms spread across 12 decks. Icon of the Seas' capacity maxes out at 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members, but with the plethora of public spaces and variety of things to do and see, you can choose your own adventure without encountering more crowds than you want to.

Find your perfect cruise

Skye Sherman

Icon of the Seas itinerary

During its inaugural 2024-2025 cruising season, Icon of the Seas offers seven-night eastern or western Caribbean adventures from Miami, stopping at a variety of tropical destinations. All sailings include a stop at Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas . Other destinations include Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis ; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico .

During the 2025-2026 cruising season, new destinations will include Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic ; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; Labadee, Haiti; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas (part of the U.S. Virgin Islands ). All sailings will originate from Miami.

No matter your Icon of the Seas itinerary, you'll visit beautiful places – but you can expect to feel torn about spending any time off the ship, because it's just that jampacked with things to do.

Who should sail on Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas appeals not so much to a demographic as to a psychographic; you're going to need to be someone who likes to live life in all caps. Royal Caribbean set out to create "the world's best vacation" contained on a ship, so Icon of the Seas is for anyone who would enjoy the combination of a beach trip, a resort stay, a water park adventure and island-hopping.

Fun-loving travelers and families with kids of varying ages will do best on this ship; it feels a little bit like Disney World with over-the-top everything and a truly massive sprawl. Older travelers who prefer a more quiet, refined experience may want to opt for a less kid-friendly ship. Still, even couples without children will find plenty of fun adult-friendly things to do and romantic places to tuck in.

The Royal Promenade can be quite loud and buzzy, but simply relocating to another onboard neighborhood can completely shift the vibe. Also, keep in mind that the ship really is huge, and walking from end to end can be a hike, so those with limited mobility or endurance might want to look into a smaller ship.

Icon of the Seas prices are high in its opening season, but cruisers with big dreams and small budgets can expect rates to drop by the time the next ship in the series debuts.

The stateroom

With a ship this overstimulating, it's imperative that your stateroom is a haven. Luckily, Icon of the Seas offers peaceful rooms, many of which feature ocean or Central Park neighborhood views. Cruise ship accommodations are stereotypically compact – even cramped – but the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in Icon of the Seas' cabins (with the exception of the windowless interior rooms) lend an airy, open feel. The cabin layouts are also optimized to provide the maximum amount of storage, floor space and comfort.

Stateroom decor is mildly nautical- and tropical-themed, with calming hues that mimic the scenery outside your window (think blues, beiges and whites). High-tech elements include smart TVs, LED mirrors and the ability to control many aspects of your room from an app.

My husband and I stayed in an Ocean View Large Balcony Stateroom, a 204-square-foot refuge from the hustle and bustle of the ship (the balcony adds another 65 to 70 square feet). This room type can sleep up to four people with a sofa bed for one or two; the room also features twin beds that convert to a king bed for couples.

My husband is 6 feet, 3 inches tall, and we were comfortable in our room, even though our quarters included a large bed, a bathroom, a sofa and a desk. We loved sitting on our private balcony and watching the deep blues of the Atlantic Ocean flow by.

If money is no object, the Ultimate Family Townhouse – an over-the-top eight-guest, three-story pad with a private whirlpool on the balcony, three bathrooms, a slide that connects the second and main levels, an in-suite cinema, a dining room and a kitchenette – looks epic. But keep in mind, it costs nearly $100,000 for the week.

The Sunset Corner Suites (about one-fifth of the cost of the Ultimate Family Townhouse, but still expensive) are also pretty sweet, with a wraparound balcony and a bed facing the sea.

Luckily, not all rooms break the bank; with four main stateroom categories (suite, balcony, ocean view and inside) and 28 subcategories, there's something for everyone.

Best amenities on Icon of the Seas

It's almost impossible to run out of things to do aboard Icon of the Seas.

For thrill-seekers, the largest water park at sea – Category 6 – features the Frightening Bolt (the tallest waterslide on a ship) and the Pressure Drop (the first open freefall waterslide on a cruise vessel).

If you've tired of the seven swimming pools, six waterslides, laser tag, mini-golf, rock climbing wall, escape room, sports courts, outdoor decks, theater, spa and all-day programming, simply take a stroll down the Royal Promenade for Las Vegas -style people-watching. The Royal Promenade has 15 restaurants, bars and lounges, as well as a Starbucks that seems to have a line no matter what time you go. The neighborhood feels a bit like a shopping mall … if a shopping mall had floor-to-ceiling ocean views made possible by the world's largest kinetic art sculpture.

The Pearl, a feat of engineering, is one of the most unique aspects of the ship's design. This art piece is actually a load-bearing structure supporting three decks, but it looks and feels like an interactive art experience designed solely for the enjoyment of guests. The multisensory immersive structure has 3,000 kinetic panels and moody ever-changing lighting. It is one of the first things guests will see when they walk on board, as it stretches from the Royal Promenade up to Central Park.

My husband and I spent most of our time at the FlowRider surf simulator – his favorite amenity – but we made sure to leave time for Taylor Swift trivia at Spotlight Karaoke and the superhuman stunts of the Aqua Theater show, a must on any Icon of the Seas voyage. The ship even has a massive ice arena called Absolute Zero for ice skating (the 20-minute sessions are complimentary) and impressive shows.

We also loved lounging in The Overlook Bar & Pods, an area at the very front of the ship (behind the AquaDome) that features two levels of floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows. It felt airy and open, which can't be said about many cruise ship interiors.

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Best dining venues on Icon of the Seas

There are more dining options aboard Icon of the Seas than you can fit in on a seven-night cruise – but you can give it the old college try. Thirteen of the dining venues are complimentary, while 14 are specialty restaurants (which cost extra; fees vary). There are also 18 bars and lounges.

The best meal we experienced on the ship was at the Chops Grille specialty eatery. When we spotted Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty and a group of bigwigs at a table next to us, we knew we were in the right place. We loved sitting outside and enjoying the breezes of Central Park while we chowed down, but you can eat indoors for an elegant steakhouse experience and a view of the open kitchen and butcher's display, which shows off specialty cuts like high-grade wagyu and bone-in tomahawks.

While I'd never turn down a swanky steak dinner, grabbing quick poolside bites at El Loco Fresh and indulging in some food hall-style grazing at AquaDome Market were equally enjoyable. We also had no complaints eating several meals at Windjammer, the classic complimentary cruise ship buffet.

Even though we don't have children, we stopped into Surfside Bites for a very kid-friendly meal, complete with soft serve ice cream cones from Sprinkles (because no cruise is complete without soft serve). We didn't try anything from the open-air, lemonade stand-inspired Lemon Post bar, but its menu of cocktails and mocktails looked delicious.

And since you're on vacation, be sure to check out the milkshake bar Desserted, where the sugary creations are as photo-worthy as they are decadent. They're worth the upcharge.

Best excursions on Icon of the Seas

Depending on what's on your Icon of the Seas itinerary, you may be able to book activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, tropical jungle adventures, visits to Mayan ruins, volcano hikes, rainforest zip lining, relaxing beach days or cultural immersion tours.

Note that Royal Caribbean features the same options on many of its other Caribbean cruises; none of the excursions on offer are exclusive to Icon of the Seas.

Because our press preview sailing only visited Perfect Day at CocoCay, we did not experience any of the shore excursions. Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas was plenty of fun, even though we didn't plan anything in advance.

If we had made plans, we would have liked to check out the Up, Up and Away tethered hot air balloon, which wasn't running that day, and the overwater cabanas at Coco Beach Club, which were all booked. Thrill Waterpark (which features the tallest waterslide in North America), Oasis Lagoon (the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean) and the adults-only Hideaway Beach are other highlights of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Overall impressions of Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean seems to be focused on superlatives. It has the biggest, best, tallest, largest and most of everything – especially when it comes to Icon of the Seas. If you like jampacked, adventurous vacations that squeeze a lot of adventure and relaxation into one memorable week, Icon of the Seas is probably for you.

While I love seeing Royal Caribbean push the limits of what cruises can be, the ship may almost be too big for some. It's an all-out Vegas-esque vessel that feels more like a floating city; you will probably forget (more than once) that you're not on dry land.

That's not necessarily a bad thing – if Icon of the Seas looks fun to you, it probably will be – but my husband and I tend to gravitate more toward authentic, immersive, on-the-ground cultural experiences when we travel. While Icon of the Seas is a lot of things, it's not that. We had a fantastic time and have already started planning a future Royal Caribbean cruise with a group of friends and family, but we also sympathize with the anticruisers of the world. Vacationing does not a traveler make.

Still, the shows are entertaining, the service is attentive, the music is jamming, and the architecture and design are incredibly impressive. I have no real complaints and suspect that most cruisers will have the time of their lives on Icon of the Seas – exactly as the minds at Royal Caribbean envisioned when they dreamed up this iconic ship.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Skye Sherman has been cruising since childhood, when her parents took her on her first cruise through the Caribbean. She has sailed various ocean cruise lines, gone off the grid for a six-day riverboat expedition deep into the Amazon River and even planned a European river cruise with 48 of her closest family and friends. She's a fourth-generation Floridian and hopes to visit every country in the world during her lifetime. She covers travel and lifestyle topics for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships
• Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival
• The Largest Cruise Ships in the World
• The Best New Cruise Ships
• The Best Cruise Insurance

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Royal Caribbean Cruises

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A holiday isn’t a holiday if it makes life more difficult, right? And for many, a cruising trip abroad can feel like a bridge too far.

If you’ve ever gone away and been tutted at or gawked at while enjoying a moment at the bar, you’d probably rather stay home instead.

Well, a number of cruise operators have been thinking about how to make their trips more inclusive and accessible to a wider variety of guests, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Whether it’s gender-neutral toilets or sign language interpreters, we’ve plucked the boats that boast a better experience for everyone from the Sailawaze Excellence Awards .

Virgin Voyages

After a day of sightseeing, what can be more entertaining than a night of drag performance? It’s par for the course at Virgin Voyages, where all staff are encouraged to express their gender identity freely.

The company prides itself on being a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ passengers with its gender-neutral toilets and hospitable atmosphere.

Founder Richard Branson has a long history of supporting gay rights, beginning with legendary Heaven nightclub in London, and the celebrations on his ships ramp up in June as themed parties are thrown and guests are presented with pride-inspired cocktails and on-deck DJs.

Celebrity Cruises

If you thought cruises were only for the silver-haired, you’d be wrong. Celebrity Cruises are a riot of colour, flying every hue of the LGBTQ+ flag – especially in June, Pride Month.

The operation, which travels to every continent, even hosted the first legal same-sex marriage at sea in 2018 and regularly holds gay weddings.

Celebrity Cruises says it promotes diversity among both staff and guests and throws regular LGBTQ+ welcome events to get the party started.

Disney Cruise Line

Family-friendly operators Disney Cruise Line prides itself on making trips accessible to those with additional needs. Guests with disabilities have access to comfortable staterooms and suites, along with a full range of services, facilities, and amenities, including auxiliary aids.

Its liners are also home to specially designed communication staterooms for guests with hearing disabilities, including a vibrating bed shaker under the mattress and an indicating panel with light signals for the doorbell, telephone calls, general alarm and fire alarm.

The ships also provide sign language interpreters for shows and entertainment.

Saga Cruises

If a loud party isn’t for you, over 50s can enjoy a more sedate voyage, with Saga Cruises providing a number of options for guests with mobility issues. A chauffeur service to and from ports is provided as standard on all trips, rooms are equipped with hearing loop systems and hoists are available to help guests in and out of the pools.

Assistance is also provided to those who need help with baggage and large print is provided in the cinema guide and daily paper, alongside Braille playing cards.

A-Rosa Cruises

Meanwhile, A-Rosa Cruises are designed with families and multi-generational groups in mind. Under-15s travel for free and family rooms have been provided so up to five can share a room while they meander along Europe’s rivers, waking up in a different city each day.

Hosts are available to take care of youngsters in the kids club, where children can choose from a variety of activities, including crafting, T-shirt design and face painting while adults can enjoy a relaxing treatment at the spa.

The rest of the nominations

Food & beverage.

Aqua Expeditions

TUI River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Explora Journeys

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

P&O Cruises

Riverside Luxury Cruises

Emerald Cruises

Amawaterways

Swan Hellenic

Princess Cruises

MSC Cruises

Royal Caribbean

Sustainability.

AE Expeditions

The Majestic Line

Portsmouth International Port

Hurtigruten

ENTERTAINMENT

Carnival Cruise Line

Marella Cruises

COLLABORATIONS

Ambassador Cruise Line

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Oceania Cruises

Havila Voyages

Pandaw Expeditions

Holland America Line

CroisiEurope

VIVA Cruises

This year, European river specialist VIVA Cruises launched its inaugural LGBT voyage, which took travellers to Antwerp, Rotterdam and Amsterdam where they could visit the world’s largest archive of LGBTQ+ history by day and party at the city’s vibrant gay and lesbian bars by night.

VIVA is a member of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, an organisation built to promote equality and safety within LGBTQ+ tourism.

Autistic travellers, those with Down syndrome and other additional needs can benefit from a specially designed holiday with Royal Caribbean. Priority check-in, boarding and departure are available to those who need it and the Autism on the Seas programme offers ‘staffed cruises’ with specialised respite sessions and private activities and sessions.

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Guests can choose from Autism-friendly dietary menus and scooters, wheelchairs and walkers are provided for on shore excursions and service animals are welcome on board.

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Disney Cruise Line Luggage: What You Need to Know Before Sailing

Wondering what the deal is with luggage on Disney Cruise Line vacations? We’re covering the luggage policy, details on checking bags, and more below.

If you’ve never sailed on Disney Cruise Line before, you probably have a ton of questions before your vacation begins. One of the details that’s typically top of mind for soon-to-be cruise sailings is luggage. How many pieces of luggage are you allowed to bring on your Disney Cruise Line vacation? How many pieces of luggage are you allowed to check or carry on with you when boarding? Do Disney Cruise Line staff members help you with your luggage?

In this guide, we’ll answer all of those questions, and more related to luggage on Disney Cruise Line ships, to help alleviate any stress before you set sail.

The Disney Cruise Line Luggage Allowance

How many pieces of luggage are you allowed to bring on your Disney Cruise Line vacation? The luggage allowance for Disney Cruise Line ships is two suitcases per person.  

Ahead of your Disney cruise, you will receive luggage tags. These are meant to be placed on the pieces of luggage you’ll be checking (those two suitcases mentioned above). The luggage tags contain your cruise specifics, from your name and reservation number to your stateroom number, ship information, and sailing date. It’s how the porters, or the individuals who handle Disney Cruise Line luggage, will keep track of all of the checked luggage that comes on board.

In addition to the two suitcases you can check, you may bring one carry-on bag (not to exceed 22 inches high, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches deep in dimension) and one personal bag onto the ship.

Pro tip: Make sure you save a little room in your suitcases for any souvenirs you may purchase while on your vacation!

Do Disney Cruise Line Cast Members Help You With Your Luggage?

Yes, Cast Members – porters, to be specific – will be on hand on your departure day to help with your luggage.

If you’re driving or taking cruise transportation , as soon as you arrive at the port, porters will take your luggage off your hands and ensure it gets on the ship. If you’re flying, you will check your luggage in with the Disney Cruise Line Cast Members at the airport after you have arrived.  

Regardless, once you hand over your luggage (with those luggage tags attached!), Cast Members will hand-deliver your luggage to your stateroom later on that day. Luggage typically takes just a couple of hours to arrive at your room.

The Port Canaveral Terminal boarding entrance. Photo by Danny Shuster

Is There a Luggage Storage Service at Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal?

Disney doesn’t offer luggage storage outside of your stateroom onboard whichever Disney Cruise Line ship you’re sailing aboard, but there are plenty of spots to tuck the bags away after unpacking, such as in the closets or underneath the bed.

What to Pack in Checked Luggage for a Disney Cruise

You can pack pretty much anything in your checked luggage – with a few exceptions! Your checked suitcases are ideal for the bulk of your cruise attire, your toiletries, and items like beach towels, hats, outwear, shoes, and more.

You cannot, however, bring the following on board in your checked luggage:

• Firearms and ammunition, any kind of knife, sword, dagger, bullwhip or any other type of weapon
• Homemade, precooked, or other perishable items
• Bottle warmers
• Sporting equipment
• Musical instruments
• Illegal drugs (inclusive of medically prescribed and synthetic marijuana)
• Coolers, except those carrying medications, baby food or items related to dietary constraints

Please note that Disney Cruise Line is not responsible for lost personal items.

What to Pack in Carry-On Luggage for a Disney Cruise

It’s important to keep any necessities you’ll need during the boarding process and throughout your first few hours onboard the ship with you in your carry-on cruise luggage. This means you’ll want to pack items such as medication, travel documents, credit cards and cash, and valuables in your carry-on bags, as it can take a few hours before your luggage shows up outside your stateroom door.

Even with your essentials in your carry-on luggage, cruise vacationers should always be cautious when carrying cash, credit cards, jewelry, cameras, personal electronics, and medications. Keep these items within reach until  you complete the check-in process and are on board. Then, you’ll be able to bring these important items to your stateroom and store them inside the safe.