You’ve booked your Royal Caribbean sailing — congratulations. Now comes the part that actually shapes how your trip will feel: excursions, dining, shows, spa treatments, Internet, and extras. That’s where Cruise Planner lives.
Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner isn’t just a booking page. It’s your pre-sail command center: the place to reserve shore excursions, specialty restaurants, spa appointments, photo packages, internet plans, and even some onboard activities. Used smartly, it turns a “good” cruise into a “perfect” one. Used poorly (or ignored), you risk long lines, sell-outs, missed must-dos, and regret.
This guide shows exactly how Cruise Planner works, step-by-step, what to prioritize, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to use timing and tactics to lock the best experiences — and sometimes save money doing it. Read this now or face FOMO at the pier.
Cruise Planner is Royal Caribbean’s pre-cruise online reservation system. It opens weeks or months before your sailing and allows you to:
Browse and book shore excursions (shorex).
Reserve specialty restaurants and beverage packages.
Buy Wi-Fi packages and drink plans.
Book spa treatments, fitness classes, and events.
Pre-purchase photo packages and retail items.
Buy perks like fuel surcharges? (No — but it shows available paid offerings.)
Manage and pay for purchases ahead of time.
Think of it as the marketplace and scheduling layer that sits in front of the ship. It can reduce onboard stress (no waiting in lines), guarantee limited-capacity experiences (specialty dining, excursions), and sometimes offer early-booking discounts. For many passengers, the Cruise Planner determines whether they get the snorkeling day that sold out or the specialty dinner table they wanted.
Key realities:
High-demand items sell out early — Cruise Planner is first come, first served.
Some items are refundable within certain windows; others are not. Always check cancellation rules.
The Cruise Planner experience and inventory vary by ship, itinerary, and date. Not everything is available for every sailing.
Now, let’s dig into how to use it well.
Booking smart on Cruise Planner gives you concrete advantages:
Guarantees for limited seats: Adventures like helicopter rides, private island events, or specialty dining often sell out. Early booking locks your spot.
Shorter lines and less stress: When dining and spa are booked, you spend less time in queues onboard.
Budget control: Prepaying and seeing the total cost helps avoid surprise charges.
Better planning: Knowing your daily schedule before you sail means you can pack and plan logistics (arrivals, transfers, shore shoes, cash).
Potential discounts or package deals: Early-bird pricing or bundled packages sometimes reduce per-item cost.
Priority access and peace of mind: Families and groups benefit massively by reserving early.
Fear Of Missing Out: the best shore excursions, private tours, and specialty restaurant time slots disappear quickly. If you wait until embarkation day, you’ll likely choose from leftovers — or pay premium last-minute prices.
Below is a detailed, chronological plan you can follow from the moment you book until you step aboard.
Cruise Planner availability varies, but generally:
It often opens 90–75 days before sailing for most guests.
Crown & Anchor (loyalty) members may get earlier access or member-only offers.
Check your booking confirmation email for exact opening dates.
Action: Mark the Cruise Planner opening date on your calendar and set reminders for one week, one day, and the morning it opens.
Go to Royal Caribbean’s website or the ship’s app.
Log into the account used to book the cruise or create a new one and link your reservation using your confirmation number.
Open the Cruise Planner section.
Action: Confirm your guest names, passport details, and contact information are correct before purchasing.
Shore excursions sell out fastest, especially on popular islands or for limited experiences (scuba, helicopter, private tours).
Tips:
Decide what matters: beach time, cultural tours, active adventures, or private experiences.
Look for excursions labeled “Family-friendly,” “Active,” or “Private” if relevant.
Pay attention to start times and return windows — pick excursions that clearly guarantee return before ship departure.
Consider independent operators when Cruise Planner options are expensive — but weigh the risk of missed departure and whether they guarantee return.
Action: Book your top 1–2 must-do excursions immediately when the planner opens. If you’re flexible, consider waitlisting or checking again later for reprices.
Specialty restaurants (steakhouses, sushi, Chef’s Table) and unique experiences (dinner with show) are limited.
Tips:
Book must-have nights first (e.g., anniversary dinner).
If you want multiple nights at specialty restaurants, book early.
Make note of cancellation policy if you want to try last-minute offers onboard.
Action: Reserve your desired specialty dining time slots right after shore excursions.
These are higher capacity but still useful to pre-purchase if you plan to use them.
Tips:
Compare cost vs. likely consumption: a drink package is often worth it only if you drink several alcoholic beverages per day or specialty coffees and bottled drinks.
Wi-Fi: buy the plan that fits your usage — social vs. streaming.
Photo packages can be useful if you know you’ll buy many photos; otherwise wait to see actual shots onboard.
Action: Add packages only if you’ve done a rough cost/usage calculation.
The spa and popular fitness classes (spin, yoga, SoulCycle) can fill up.
Tips:
Spa treatments often run on packages (massage + facial). Book early for prime slots (sunrise/sunset).
If you want a spa cabin treatment or couples’ massage, lock it early.
Action: Reserve spa services and fitness classes within the first week of Cruise Planner opening.
Some ships allow reservations for certain shows, behind-the-scenes tours, or instructor-led classes.
Tips:
Check the planner for limited places like Broadway-style premium experiences or mixology classes.
Use the planner to set your must-attend times so you don’t double-book yourself.
Action: Add these to your schedule once top priorities are secured.
Before paying, always verify:
If the item is refundable and until what date.
If there is a transferable policy.
Whether you can cancel without fees if plans change.
Action: Keep a list of cancellation deadlines and refund rules in your calendar.
You can pay for Cruise Planner items in full or sometimes hold via deposit. Payment options include the card on file.
Tips:
Use a credit card that gives travel protection or rewards.
After payment, download receipts and confirmations.
Action: Save all confirmations in a trip folder (email + screenshot).
Inventory changes. Some sold-out items can reappear (cancellations), and new options sometimes open.
Tips:
Check the planner 30 days, 14 days, and 72 hours before sailing.
If you find a better time or price, modify your reservation where allowed.
Follow up on waitlists and cancellations.
Action: Recheck daily during the two weeks prior to sailing if you want something specific.
Once aboard, the app and Guest Services continue to manage bookings. You might get last-minute upgrades or "onboard-only" specials.
Tips:
If you didn’t prebook something, check the app each morning; releases happen as plans change.
Guest Services can often help swap times if something conflicts.
Action: Open the app daily and check the daily program for surprises.
Shore excursions — highest priority, limited slots.
Specialty dining — high demand on certain nights.
Spa treatments & fitness classes — slots fill fast.
Shows/paid events — reserve if extra cost and limited.
Drink & Wi-Fi packages — buy if you’re confident you’ll use them.
Photo packages and retail pre-purchases — lower urgency; shop after seeing photos.
Book early for discounts — but watch for promos: sometimes Royal Caribbean runs limited discounts on excursions or packages.
Share experiences: book a private excursion and split the cost among friends.
DIY shore plans: in larger ports, independent excursions can be cheaper; however, weigh the risk of missed sailing — independent operators rarely guarantee ship return.
Skip blanket packages: purchase only what you’ll use rather than buying a large bundle.
Use onboard credits or gift cards: if you have onboard credit, apply it to planned purchases in Cruise Planner where possible.
Monitor repricing: if prices drop after booking and you paid in full, call Guest Services to ask about adjustments or credits.
Problem: Excursion sold out.Solution: Join the waitlist, check the app frequently, look for similar independent options, or book an excursion on a different day.
Problem: Specialty dining times unavailable.Solution: Book an earlier/later slot and request adjustment via Guest Services or check for cancellations the week of sailing.
Problem: Change fees or non-refundable items.Solution: Know the cancellation rules in advance, consider travel insurance, and if a legitimate emergency arises, contact Guest Services and your insurer immediately.
Problem: Group coordination (everyone wants different things).Solution: Use a shared spreadsheet for priorities and booking responsibilities. Assign one person to monitor Cruise Planner and act rapidly on group decisions.
Use desktop for full view: the website often shows more details than a phone screen.
Use the app for speed: in the days before sailing and while onboard, the app pushes notifications and allows quick modifications.
Enable notifications: get alerted when the planner opens or when cancellations release.
Have card info handy: quick checkout wins the best slots.
Use stable Wi-Fi for transactions: avoid flaky connections during payment.
Example A — Family with Kids (7-night Caribbean)
90 days out: Book high-priority shore excursions (kids’ snorkeling, private beach day), reserve specialty dinner for one night.
60 days out: Book spa couples’ night for parents, add drink package for adults.
30 days out: Recheck for extra shorex or better times.
7 days out: Confirm timings and download confirmations.
Example B — Couple Celebrating Anniversary (5-night Bahamas)
90 days out: Reserve specialty steakhouse night and a private romantic shore dinner.
60 days out: Book couples’ massage and photo package.
30 days out: Buy limited Wi-Fi if you need connectivity for an anniversary post.
Embarkation day: Check app for last-minute sunset dinner availability.
Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner is the single most impactful pre-sail tool you have. It affects what you can do, when you can do it, and how much you pay. The difference between an average cruise and an exceptional one often comes down to how effectively you used Cruise Planner: which excursions you reserved, which dining nights you secured, and whether you prebooked the spa or Wi-Fi that mattered.
To recap the essential playbook:
Know when Cruise Planner opens and mark it.
Prioritize shore excursions and specialty dining.
Book spa and fitness classes early.
Check cancellation rules and use a suitable payment method.
Revisit the planner frequently — inventory changes.
Use the app onboard for last-minute gems.
Do this, and you’ll avoid FOMO, maximize experiences, and spend less time waiting in lines — and more time making memories.
1. When does Cruise Planner open for my sailing?
It varies, but Cruise Planner commonly opens about 90–75 days before your sailing. Loyalty members or certain promotional groups may get earlier access. Check your booking confirmation and Royal Caribbean emails for the exact date.
2. Can I cancel items I buy in Cruise Planner?
Cancellation policies differ by item. Some shore excursions and spa treatments have refundable windows, while some specialty dining or photo packages may be non-refundable after purchase. Always check the cancellation policy on the item page.
3. Are Cruise Planner prices cheaper than onboard prices?
Sometimes yes and sometimes no. High-demand items can be cheaper if booked early; onboard last-minute offers can be discounted too. For guaranteed seats or times, booking early via Cruise Planner is usually safer.
4. Can I book independent shore excursions instead of Cruise Planner?
Yes — independent operators can be cheaper, but they typically do not guarantee the ship will wait for you if you’re late. If you book independent, build ample buffer time and choose reputable operators.
5. Will specials or promotions appear after I book?
Yes. Promotions and discounts may run after you book. Some can be applied retrospectively as onboard credit or via rebooking adjustments — contact Guest Services or your travel agent to ask.
6. How do I change my Cruise Planner reservations?
Log in to your Royal Caribbean account, open Manage Reservation or the Cruise Planner page, find the booking, and modify or cancel within the allowed timeframes. For complicated changes, call Guest Services.
7. Can I use onboard credit to pay for Cruise Planner purchases?
Policies vary. Often, onboard credit is applied after embarkation. Check the terms for how onboard credits can be applied to pre-sail purchases or ask Guest Services.
8. What happens if an excursion is canceled by the cruise line?
If the cruise line cancels an excursion, they generally offer a refund or an alternative option. Refund processing timelines vary; keep documentation and confirmations.
9. Should I wait for last-minute sales or book early?
If your top priorities are limited or you’re traveling in peak season, book early. If you’re highly flexible and travel off-peak, last-minute deals sometimes produce bargains.
10. Can multiple people in my party book different things and sync schedules?
Yes. Have one person coordinate the main schedule and keep a shared document to avoid conflicts. Link all passengers to the booking so reservations appear in the same itinerary.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
Quick Links
Cruise Types
© 2025 Cruisefinderpro.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service