Smart Port Day Tactics for Casino Royale Players

Port days are a fantastic part of any cruise, but they can easily turn stressful if you aren't prepared. Whether you're sailing on a comped casino offer or working your way up the tier ladder, managing your time shore-side is crucial. We've gathered some excellent advice to help you avoid common port day blunders so you don't end up stranded on the dock.

Crucial Port Day Mistakes to Avoid

According to the experts, the biggest mistakes cruisers make on port days come down to poor planning and timing issues. First, stepping off the gangway without a solid plan wastes precious hours. You'll also want to check if you're visiting a tender port. Tendering requires riding smaller shuttle boats to land, which adds a lot of transit time and can easily disrupt your schedule.

Most importantly, you've got to watch the clock. The all-aboard time is usually 30 to 60 minutes before the ship actually sails, and the ship won't wait for you if you're late. To make matters worse, your cell phone might automatically switch to local time, which doesn't always match the ship's clock. It's always safest to lock your phone's clock to ship time manually so you don't get confused.

What This Means for Casino Royale Players

As a Casino Royale player, your onboard time is highly valuable. Here's how you can use these port day tips to maximize your gaming and tier benefits:

• The Private Island Advantage: Remember, when your ship stops at Royal Caribbean's private destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay or Labadee, Casino Royale actually stays open. If you're close to hitting your next tier status or simply want to utilize your free play, you don't even have to leave the ship. You'll get a quiet casino with plenty of open seats while everyone else is on the beach.
• Avoid Tender Port Delays: If your itinerary features a tender port, it's going to take longer to get back onboard. That's less time you'll have to relax before the casino opens up once the ship reaches international waters. Plan a shorter day ashore on tender days so you aren't stuck in massive lines waiting for a shuttle boat.
• Time Your Return for Casino Openings: On regular port days, the casino remains closed while the ship is docked. By planning your return carefully and avoiding traffic delays, you can be showered, dressed, and ready to play the second those casino doors slide open after sailaway.

Source: Cruise Port Day Tips: 20 Mistakes You’re Making (And What to Do Instead)