Cruising comes with all sorts of challenges that don't affect other types of vacations.
Much of this advice applies to every cruise line but there are different policies for every company.
First, when you take a cruise you need the proper documents. In most cases, a passport is best, but a driver's license and an original copy of your birth certificate will do. There can be exceptions to that, so it's always best to check with your cruise line.
Related: Royal Caribbean sets its sights on Disney World, Universal Studios
And even if you have a passport, there are quirks. Some can be fixed at the port while others might cause the cruise line not to allow you to board.
For example, on a recent Royal Caribbean cruise on Utopia of the Seas, I did not book my own ticket, and my name was entered as "Dan" and not "Daniel." Fixing that took a few minutes, but essentially someone at check-in sent an email to have it corrected.
On a later sailing on that ship, which I had booked myself through Royal Caribbean's casino, my last name was replaced by my middle name. Fortunately, both are on my passport so it was fixed after a bit of wrangling (and a lot of waiting) at check-in.
If you get married and you change your last name, it's important to have your marriage license with you. Not too many people carry that document around, and you might run into situations where other items are needed, so always check.
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Just getting on your cruise is not the only challenge facing Royal Caribbean cruisers and a number of frequent passengers took to Reddit to share what they wished they knew before their first cruises.
Image source: Dukas/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Do these things before you cruise with Royal Caribbean
Cruise vacations require putting in some work before you board. On Royal Caribbean's Oasis-Class ships, for example, show reservations can be made before your cruise.
"The shows will be available to reserve on the first day of the month before the sailing and guests will be able to view all the shows by date and time," Royal Caribbean says on its website.
Rockaway2018 is surprised that so many people make it to the ship without knowing some very basic things that could sharply affect their vacations.
"Research before booking! The amount of people on cruises that say they didn't know swim diapers weren't allowed in the pool, they didn't know the [main dining room] existed, they didn't know soda/alcohol weren't included; didn't know there weren't slides, etc. make my head hurt.," they wrote.
Many posters noted that you should lock in a drink package before you board. That's even better advice, since Royal Caribbean now offers no discounts to people buying on board.
"On my first cruise, I ran up a $700 bar tab on a 3-nighter and was a little surprised because I didn’t feel like I went that hard at it. I was also much younger and money was much tighter then. On every cruise since, I’ve purchased the deluxe drink package well in advance and drink carefree. For me, it creates a much more laid-back vacation," Teddy4444 wrote.
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Advice for when you are on board Royal Caribbean
Large cruise ships can be quite crowded, but that does not mean that tranquility can't be found.
"Early morning on the ship can be a magical time. Watch the sunrise from the deck. Walk around the empty ship coming to life. Take a free stretching class. Go to Windjammer when it's quiet and still. Grab a fancy coffee before the line gets too long," posted RubyFisch. "Also — I am not a morning person...But somehow I had no trouble on my last cruise partaking in all of that. Being in an oceanview surely helped."
Some people miss out on included parts of their cruises because they don't ask.
"I didn't know the main dining room (MDR) was nice and thought you had to pay. I hate buffets. Wasn't until the second to last day that we went and everyone loved it," shared HammerAndAnvilPro.
Elp22023 recommended watching what you're paying extra for.
"How much I would owe at the end of the cruise! Now I'm much more careful what I purchase onboard," they posted.
ALSO READ: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise
Many of the posters shared another money tip.
"Bring lots of 1s for tips. Most tips are included, sure. But a dollar for the luggage porters here, a dollar for your shore excursion bus driver there, it makes things easier. Also, tipping a dollar per drink at a crowded bar will definitely go a long way to keeping your glass topped off (assuming you have a drink package)," wrote Tubbis9001.
Related: Get the best cruise tips, deals, and news on the ships from our expert cruiser
