Day of Embarkation at Port Canaveral

If you are booking a flight to and from Orlando we suggest that you consider arriving a day or two earlier so that you can take advantage of the local attractions in Central Florida. This also helps to avoid potential flight delays, baggage collection and transfer problems that could occur. If you are flying in the day of the cruise (Monday), we recommend that you book a flight that arrives at Orlando International Airport no later than 10:30am EST.

Boarding is scheduled to begin as soon as the previous cruise clears customs. We expect this to begin around 11:30am, however, it could be later. You should plan to arrive at Port Canaveral no earlier than 11:00am. This will help you avoid a long wait in the terminal prior to boarding.

All passengers must be on board the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to sailing (be on board by 2:30 pm). No Exceptions!

• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Approximately 45 miles (45 minutes) from Port Canaveral
• Melbourne International Airport (MLB)
• Approximately 42 miles (50 minutes) from Port Canaveral
• Sanford International Airport (SFB)
• Approximately 67 miles (1 hr 10 min) from Port Canaveral

Port Address:

Cruise Terminal #1

9050 Discovery Road

Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920

Once at Port Canaveral, follow the signs to designated terminal (looks for the signs leading to the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas).

Orlando International Airport:Approximately $60 each way (Uber/Lyft) and $100 each way (Taxi)

Melbourne International Airport:Approximately $60 each way (Uber/Lyft) and $100 each way (Taxi) – Rates subject to change

We recommend a Taxi, Uber or Lyft as these are the cheapest, fastest, and most convenient transportation options to get to the port. Shuttles are usually more expensive if traveling with friends (priced per person) and slower as you have to make several stops at the different terminals.

If you are parking at the port, drop off your party at the bag drop area (with baggage) and let them check the bags with the porters. The designated driver should proceed to the parking garage, park the car and return to his/her party at the terminal.

Parking at Port Canaveral is approximately $20 per day (subject to change).

Checking Luggage: You may check your luggage with the porters outside of the cruise terminal, and your bags will be delivered directly to your cabin. Each piece of checked luggage must have an affixed luggage tag, listing the ship, your name, and cabin number. Additional luggage tags can be obtained from the porters if necessary. It is customary to tip the porters $1-$2 per bag. Up to two checked bags (50lbs or less) are allowed per guest.

Carry-On Bag: Be sure to bring a carry-on bag for items you may need prior to receiving your luggage, which may not arrive until the early evening.

Carry on your:

• Passport/Identification- You will need them to check-in
• SetSail Pass- You will need it to check-in
• Money/Credit Cards- You will need a Credit Card to set up your on-board spending account
• You should also consider carrying on other essential items or valuables you may need during the first day on the ship, such as medications, sunglasses, sunscreen, cameras, cell phones, etc.

NOTE: DO NOT PACK YOUR PASSPORT OR CRUISE DOCUMENTS IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE. Carry on your SetSail Pass, passport or birth certificate, Government issued photo ID, and other relevant identification.

What Not to Pack: No illegal substances, no alcohol (except those allowed by Royal Caribbean below) or non-alcoholic beverages, “unsealed” food, weapons, or pets. The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited onboard Royal Caribbean cruises. All US and International laws pertaining to drug use should be respected, and will strictly be enforced.

Bringing Alcohol on board: Guests are not allowed to bring beer, hard liquor or non-alcoholic beverages onboard for consumption or any other use.

Guests may bring personal wine and champagne onboard only in their carry-on luggage on boarding day, limited to two (2) 750 ml bottles per stateroom. Additional bottles of wine beyond two (2) bottles that are brought onboard or any alcoholic beverages purchased in ports-of-call or from Shops On Board will be stored by the ship and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the sailing. Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned. Security may inspect containers (water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash, luggage etc.) and will dispose of containers holding alcohol. Guests who violate any alcohol policies, (over consume, provide alcohol to people under age 21, demonstrate irresponsible behavior, or attempt to conceal alcoholic items at security and or luggage check points or any other time), may be disembarked or not allowed to board, at their own expense, in accordance with our Guest Conduct Policy. Guests who are under the permitted drinking age will not have alcohol returned to them. 

After going through security, you will proceed to the check-in desk. At that desk, you will present your passport (or birth certificate and Government Issued Photo ID) and your SetSail Pass to a Royal Caribbean agent. In addition to checking you in for the cruise, the agent will take your form of payment (credit card or cash deposit) for all of your onboard charges.

You will then be presented with your Royal Caribbean "Seapass" Card, which serves as both the key to your cabin door, identification on the ship, and your onboard charge card. You will use this card to pay for everything you purchase onboard the ship such as drink packages, duty-free items, spa services, shore excursions, etc. The card will also be your form of ID to get on and off the ship. You should carry this card with your as ALL times.

If you lose your cruise card, please visit the Guest Services Desk (Deck 5) immediately to get a new one. Keep your card away from water and cell phones as it can get demagnetized and stop working.