Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner is an online platform designed to help guests customize, purchase, and manage onboard and onshore experiences before their sailing begins. Think of it as a centralized hub where you can pre-book dining, shore excursions, beverage packages, Wi-Fi, entertainment, spa treatments, and special activities. It allows travelers to spread out planning, secure limited-availability experiences early, and often save money through pre-cruise discounts.

The Cruise Planner typically opens after your booking is confirmed and remains available until approximately 48 hours before the ship departs. Its purpose goes beyond convenience—it transforms your cruise from a standard vacation into a personalized, curated experience aligned with your travel style, budget, and interests. Whether you're sailing for adventure, relaxation, family fun, or luxury indulgence, the platform helps you sculpt each day of your voyage in advance.

Key Features of Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner

What You Can Book Inside Cruise Planner

Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner hosts a large catalog of pre-cruise purchase options, ensuring every guest can design their ideal onboard experience long before stepping aboard.

Dining Packages

Dining is one of the most popular categories inside the Cruise Planner. Royal Caribbean offers specialty restaurants ranging from steakhouses and sushi bars to fine-dining concepts and themed eateries. By booking early, guests secure preferred dining times and avoid missing out on high-demand venues like Wonderland or Izumi.

Many cruisers opt for:

 Unlimited Dining PackageThis gives access to nearly all specialty restaurants throughout the voyage. Booking it through the Cruise Planner ensures better pricing than buying onboard.

3-Night or 5-Night Dining PackagesThese allow flexibility while still offering savings. Guests can reserve restaurant times after boarding or sometimes earlier based on ship policies.

 À La Carte ReservationsInstead of packages, you can simply pre-book one-off dinners at chosen restaurants.

Booking dining in advance also helps larger groups stay seated together and reduces boarding-day queues at restaurant reservation desks.

Beverage Packages

The Cruise Planner is the best place to purchase drink packages, which often come with heavy discounts compared to onboard prices.

Deluxe Beverage PackageThis includes cocktails, beer, wine, specialty coffees, soft drinks, and more.

Refreshment PackagePopular among non-alcohol drinkers, offering mocktails, fresh juices, specialty coffees, and bottled water.

Soda PackageBudget-friendly and perfect for kids and soda lovers.

Buying before the cruise means you're locking in a lower rate, especially during Royal Caribbean’s frequent Cruise Planner sales events.

Shore Excursions

One of the most important uses of the Cruise Planner is the ability to reserve shore excursions early. Royal Caribbean excursions tend to fill quickly, especially on perfect-day destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Types of excursions include:

• Scenic tours

• Adventure sports

• Water activities

• Cultural and historical experiences

• Beach retreats

• Wildlife explorations

• Special access tours

Each excursion includes a detailed description and difficulty level so you can choose options that match your preferences and physical comfort.

Internet Packages (VOOM Wi-Fi)

Royal Caribbean’s VOOM, known as the fastest Wi-Fi at sea, can be purchased at lower rates via the Cruise Planner.

Options include:

Surf Package – Ideal for messaging and basic browsing.H4: Surf + Stream Package – Best for video calls, streaming, and high-bandwidth use.

Spa and Wellness

If you're planning to relax during your cruise, the spa section of the Cruise Planner is essential.

Popular pre-bookable services include:

• Massages

• Facial treatments

• Couples’ spa rituals

• Thermal suite access

• Beauty salon services

• Teeth whitening

• Barber services

Spa discounts can go up to 30% pre-cruise, making early booking worthwhile.

Entertainment and Activities

Although Royal Caribbean’s entertainment is included in your fare, select ships allow online reservations for high-demand shows such as:

• Ice skating shows

• Broadway musicals

• Aqua theater productions

• Comedy clubs

You can also book premium activities such as:

• North Star (Quantum-class ships)

• iFly indoor skydiving sessions

• Behind-the-scenes ship tours

• Cooking classes

• Wine tastings

Booking early guarantees availability, especially on newer ships with more advanced attractions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner

Setting Up and Logging In

Create or Access Your Royal Caribbean Account

Before accessing the Cruise Planner, ensure you have an active Royal Caribbean account. Link your reservation using your booking number, ship name, sailing date, and last name.

Navigating the Homepage

Once logged in, you will see your cruise information along with major categories such as:

• Shore Excursions

• Beverage Packages

• Dining

• Internet

• Spa & Fitness

• Entertainment & Activities

• Gifts & Gear

Each category opens up a detailed page with available options tailored to your specific ship and itinerary.

Adding Items to Your Cart

How the Pricing Works

Cruise Planner prices fluctuate based on promotions, season, demand, and inventory. Frequent sales include:

• Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals

• Holiday sales

• Weekend flash promotions

The system shows the original price crossed out next to the sale price, making savings clear.

Selecting Quantities, Days, and Participants

Each purchase allows you to assign the package or activity to specific guests. Some items, like beverage packages, require all adults in the same stateroom to purchase them for fairness and compliance.

Completing Checkout

Payment Methods

The Cruise Planner accepts multiple payment options including:

• Credit cards

• Debit cards

• Gift cards

• Onboard credit (applied after booking)

Refund Policy

Cruise Planner purchases are fully refundable until approximately 48 hours before departure. After that, cancellations must be handled onboard, where they may be refunded as onboard credit depending on the item.

Managing and Editing Bookings

Adjusting or Canceling Purchases

Your Cruise Planner dashboard has a “My Orders” section where you can:

• Add new activities

• Modify existing reservations

• Cancel items for a refund

• Review upcoming experiences

If prices drop after you purchase something, simply cancel and rebook it at the lower rate.

Checking for Updates and New Offerings

Royal Caribbean often adds new excursions, dining slots, or activities as sailing dates approach. Checking the Cruise Planner periodically is recommended—many cruisers do this weekly or whenever a new sale is announced.

Advantages of Using the Cruise Planner

Savings on Pre-Cruise Purchases

One of the biggest advantages of using the Cruise Planner is cost savings. Many onboard items are significantly more expensive once you’re on the ship. Pre-booking often yields discounts between 10% and 40%.

Securing Limited-Availability Spots

Whether it’s a coveted dining time, a sold-out spa session, or a high-demand excursion, advance booking ensures you don’t miss out.

Faster Onboarding Experience

Because you’ve already booked your shows, packages, and activities, boarding day becomes more relaxing. You don’t have to rush to guest services or restaurant desks to make reservations.

Budget Management and Planning

The platform allows you to structure expenses long before sailing. By paying for items ahead of time, you reduce onboard charges and better manage your vacation budget.

Personalized Vacation Experience

By hand-selecting everything from meals to adventures, you create a trip tailored exactly to your preferences. It adds a personal touch to your cruise and ensures each day aligns with your travel goals.

Tips for Using Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner Effectively

Check Prices Often

Cruise Planner pricing changes frequently. Savvy cruisers:

• Check prices weekly

• Rebook when discounts appear

• Compare promotion periods like Black Friday vs. regular sales

Because cancellations are refundable before sailing, there’s no risk in rebooking.

Book High-Demand Items Early

Shore excursions in popular ports, specialty dining on smaller ships, and certain spa treatments book out fast. Early planning ensures availability.

Read Reviews and Itineraries Carefully

Every port has multiple excursion options. Research beforehand ensures you choose experiences that truly match your expectations and fitness level.

Don’t Buy Everything at Once

Prices change, so spacing out purchases can help you catch better deals later.

Use Onboard Credit Strategically

While you can apply onboard credit (OBC) to Cruise Planner purchases, many cruisers prefer using OBC onboard for gratuities, souvenirs, and last-minute bookings.

Final Thoughts

Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner is more than a pre-booking system—it’s a powerful tool that lets you create a customized, budget-friendly, and stress-free cruise experience. From dining and shows to adventure excursions and spa days, every element becomes part of a tailor-made vacation. By booking early, tracking deals, and selecting the best packages for your preferences, you maximize both value and enjoyment.

Whether you're a first-time sailor or a seasoned cruiser, understanding how the Cruise Planner works ensures your Royal Caribbean journey is smooth, delightful, and uniquely yours.