Reserving shows on Royal Caribbean is one of the best ways to make sure you don’t miss out on the cruise line’s world-class entertainment—Broadway musicals, AquaTheater productions, comedy acts, ice shows, headliner performances, and more. Whether you’re new to cruising or just want a smooth, stress-free experience, understanding how show reservations work will transform your vacation.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to reserve shows, when to book, what’s free, how to avoid long lines, and what to do if reservations are full. The whole process is easy once you know the system—and I’ll walk you through everything step-by-step.
Show reservations have become standard on most Royal Caribbean ships, especially Oasis Class, Quantum Class, and select others with large theaters or AquaTheaters. These ships offer high-demand productions that can fill up quickly, so the cruise line allows guests to reserve seats in advance.
Ensures every guest has a fair chance at premium entertainment.
Prevents overcrowding in theaters.
Helps ships manage capacity safely and efficiently.
Reduces the need for long lines outside venues.
Not all shows need reservations. Some are “open seating,” while others require pre-booking.
Most commonly reserved shows:
Broadway/West End productions
Comedy club shows (limited seating)
Ice shows in Studio B
AquaTheater shows
Virtual concerts or multimedia events
Production-style Royal Caribbean signature shows
Live music
Poolside performances
Themed parties
Parades on Royal Promenade
Karaoke
Game shows
Bar entertainment
Now let’s walk through the exact steps for booking shows.
Royal Caribbean offers three main ways to reserve shows:
Via the Cruise Planner website (before your cruise)
Through the Royal Caribbean App (before and during the cruise)
At the venue or box office (after boarding)
Booking via the Cruise Planner is the most convenient option because it gives you the largest selection before most guests even board.
Log into your Royal Caribbean account.
Select your sailing.
Click "Entertainment" from the menu.
Browse available shows.
Select date and time.
Add reservation to your cart (shows are free).
Complete the checkout process.
You’ll receive a confirmation email after booking.
Not all ships release entertainment reservations before sailing. Some release them only after boarding, especially newer ships with dynamic schedules.
The Royal Caribbean app is the easiest and most popular way to reserve shows because you can do everything from your phone.
Open the app and sign in.
Select your cruise.
Go to "Plan My Cruise".
Tap “Entertainment”.
Choose the show time.
Tap “Reserve”.
If pre-cruise booking isn’t open yet, the app will say “Check back onboard.”
Once you’re connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi, the app unlocks onboard reservations:
Broadway shows
Ice shows
AquaTheater performances
Comedians
Headliner acts
Reservations fill fast, so book as soon as you embark.
If you’re not comfortable using the app, you can still reserve shows onboard.
Visit the box office or theater desk
Use kiosks (available on some ships)
Ask Guest Services
Ask your cabin attendant for guidance
Your stateroom number
Names of all guests reserving
Getting the shows you want is all about timing and strategy. These tips will help you secure the perfect schedule.
Reservations often open 30–45 days before sailing, though this varies. Check the app weekly.
Sea days often offer more time slots for major productions, giving you more flexibility.
People are busy:
Exploring the ship
Attending muster drill
Dining
Getting settled
This means fewer showtimes—and more crowding.
Large shows sometimes offer:
Early evening performance
Late-night performance
Special matinee on sea days
Choose based on your dining schedule.
If you book a show too close to your dining time, the app may warn you—or you may miss your chance at a seat.
Each person must have a reservation. Make sure you add everyone before finalizing.
Don't worry—Royal Caribbean still allows standby entry.
Every major show offers a standby queue. Here’s how it works:
Arrive 20–30 minutes early.
Guests with reservations are admitted first.
Then standby guests fill remaining seats.
Many guests fail to show up because:
They go to dinner late
They forget the time
They oversleep
They’re at another activity
So even “full” shows usually have some space.
Because Royal Caribbean wants to keep entertainment organized, there are a few rules you’ll want to remember.
When you arrive at the theater, crew members will scan your QR code to verify your reservation.
If you arrive late:
Your seat may be given to standby guests
High-demand shows fill faster
You may have to sit separately from your group
If you miss one show, your other bookings remain safe.
Especially on older ships or smaller venues.
Yes—Royal Caribbean makes it easy.
In the Royal app:
Go to My Calendar
Select the show
Tap Cancel
Re-select a new time
In Cruise Planner:
Select My Plans
Cancel the old time
Add a new one
Show reservations are completely free—no penalties.
Show reservations are most common on newer classes.
Symphony of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas
Allure of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas
Features:AquaTheater shows, Broadway musicals, ice shows.
Quantum of the Seas
Anthem of the Seas
Ovation of the Seas
Spectrum of the Seas
Features:Two70° shows, virtual productions, comedy, headliners.
Icon of the Seas
Star of the Seas
Features:Absolute best entertainment—reservations nearly always required.
No. Many shows are open seating. Only premium productions require reservations.
Yes—Broadway shows, AquaTheater shows, comedy acts, and ice shows are included.
Yes. You can add all guests in your stateroom with one click.
Yes—use the standby line.
On Icon, Oasis, and Quantum Class ships, yes—book early.
Reserving shows on Royal Caribbean isn’t complicated—it simply requires knowing when and how to book. Whether you use the Cruise Planner, the Royal Caribbean App, or onboard assistance, securing your spot ensures you’ll experience every jaw-dropping performance during your cruise.
With the right planning, you’ll enjoy:
Broadway musicals
Comedy nights
Ice skating spectaculars
AquaTheater stunts
Virtual productions
Headliner shows
All without stress, long lines, or last-minute scrambling.
If you're ready for a smooth and unforgettable entertainment experience, just follow the steps in this guide—and get ready to enjoy some of the best shows at sea!
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