One of the most important things to do before you go on a cruise is to attach tags to your luggage.
But how does this work with Royal Caribbean? Where can you find them, how should you attach them, and how do they work in general?
Don’t worry because this guide will explain everything you need to know about the RCI Tags!
Where can you find your Royal Caribbean’s Luggage tags?
Prior to embarking on your cruise, you will receive an electronic document outlining details such as the ship name, date of departure, cabin number, and deck level.
This document is delivered via email and can also be found in the “Upcoming Cruises” area of Royal Caribbean’s website.
On the last page of this document, you’ll find the printable luggage tags.
How to print the tags?
To print your tags effectively, begin by accessing the document provided by the cruise line (it’s usually a PDF), ensure your printer has sufficient ink, and that it’s set to high-quality printing.
If you can, opt for thicker paper or cardstock to enhance durability, preventing the tags from tearing or getting damaged.
My advice is that before printing the entire batch, you conduct a print test to confirm the alignment and quality. Once you’re satisfied with the test, proceed to print the necessary quantity of tags.
Each suitcase you leave at check-in must have one. It is not necessary for hand luggage.
Do luggage tags have to be printed in color?
Printing your luggage tags in color is not a strict requirement, but it is recommended by Royal Caribbean to help porters easily identify and sort luggage on embarkation day.
The color-coded system assists in the efficient handling of bags, ensuring they reach the correct ship and stateroom promptly.
Therefore, even if they can be printed in black and white, printing them in color may reduce the chances of your luggage getting lost or delayed​​.
Anyway, I want to reassure you that in cases you don’t have access to a color printer, the only important thing is still the legibility of the information on the tag, including your name, stateroom number, and ship details.
As long as these details are clear, your luggage is fine and will be delivered to your cabin.
What if I don’t have a printer or can’t print the tags?
You don’t have to worry even if you don’t have a printer.
When you arrive at the port, speak to a Royal Caribbean representative and tell them that you did not apply the tags.
They will print the luggage tags for you at the port. It will make the boarding process a little longer but there will be no problem at all.
Royal Caribbean luggage tag size
It is recommended to print the file on US letter-sized or A4 paper.
The final size of the tag, after folding, should be approximately 5 1/2 inches by 1 5/8 inches or 14 cm by 4.13 cm.
Below here you can see what the dimensions should look like in the end.
Folding
After printing, do not cut the tags. They should be folded only.
The image below shows exactly the parts that have to be folded. They are basically the white sides that need to be folded over each other.
After you have folded the edges fold the middle part in two so that the information is shown on one side as well as the other.
While you’re doing it, always take care not to remove any important information.
How should the tags be attached?
Before embarking on your cruise, it’s crucial to ensure your luggage tags are securely attached.
From personal experience, avoid attaching labels too early. For example, don’t attach them before taking a flight, you risk them being damaged.
Attach them to your suitcases just before boarding the ship.
The most secure way to attach these tags is by using plastic luggage tag holders, which come with durable loops or cable ties that can be fastened to the handle.
If you don’t have a tag holder, secure the tags directly to the bag’s handle with staples or tape.
After you’ve done that, It’s important to verify that your luggage tags are:
- Securely affixed
- Details on them are accurate and easily readable
If you want added protection, for example if rain is forecast, consider laminating the tags or covering them with clear packing tape.
When Will My Luggage Get To My Stateroom?
Now, let’s address a very common question: “Once you leave your luggage, how long will it take to be delivered to your cabin?“.
Typically, it can take a few hours for your bags to be delivered to your stateroom. It’s common for luggage to arrive by early evening on the day of boarding.
The time it could take depends on several factors, including the efficiency of the crew, the number of passengers boarding, and the overall organization of the luggage handling process.
Always remember to carry a day bag with essential items such as medications, a change of clothes, swimwear, and any valuable items.
As you know I have been on many cruises and I must say that I have always received my bags within a few hours, only a couple of times they were delivered to me around 6 to 7 pm.
However, If you find that your luggage has not arrived and a lot of time has passed, contact the guest services desk from the phone in your cabin to inquire about the status of your delivery.
What Happens If My Luggage Gets Lost?
I have to say that it’s not common for luggage to get lost on a cruise.
It is a confined space in the end, so if it’s on the ship, they will probably find it.
On the contrary, many issues of lost luggage usually happen at the airport on the way to the cruise port. If this happens, notify airport staff immediately.
What can you do if your suitcase is lost on the ship? Always check the tag matches the stateroom number you have been assigned.
Check that your suitcase is not outside the cabins near yours. It happened to me once that my suitcase was in the next cabin.
Tags for disembarkation
With Royal Caribbean, the process for using luggage tags on disembarkation is distinct from embarkation.
On the final day of your cruise, you’ll be provided with specific luggage tags. They will be handed by your stateroom attendant or you will find them already in your cabin the night before.
These tags will indicate a set time for you to leave the ship and the baggage claim area at the terminal, facilitating the disembarkation process.
There are generally two disembarkation options: self-assist and regular departure.
Self-assist
Self-assist disembarkation means you’ll carry your luggage off the ship yourself. In that case, you won’t need any tags.
Choose this option if you prefer to leave the ship as early as possible and you are capable of handling the luggage without assistance.
Regular departure
For the regular departure option, you’ll use the provided luggage tags.
The evening before disembarkation, attach these tags to your bags and place your luggage outside your stateroom door. The ship’s crew will then collect and transport your bags to the terminal’s baggage claim area, where you can reclaim them following your designated disembarkation time.
To conclude
As you have seen, Royal Caribbean luggage tags are quite simple to use.
You just have to be a little careful and check that the information on the labels is correct and visible.
As I have already said, in rare cases your luggage may get lost or delayed, which is why you should always bring a handbag with all the essential things.
