Can You Reserve Shows Early for Royal Caribbean Cruises? Unlocking Entertainment Before You Sail

If you’re planning a Royal Caribbean getaway, one big question likely on your mind is: can you reserve shows early for Royal Caribbean Cruises? The answer is a resounding yes—but with important caveats. Timing, ship class, loyalty status, and even how you book (app, website, or onboard) all influence your chances of securing show seats before embarking.

Why Reserve Shows Early?

Royal Caribbean’s shows—Broadway‑style musicals, ice‑skating extravaganzas, AquaTheater acrobatics, Two70 multimedia performances—can fill up fast on larger ships.

Pre‑reserving offers clear advantages:

🎯 Secure preferred showtimes that align with your dinner plans or excursions
🚫 Avoid long queues or sold‑out performances on embarkation day
🔁 Ensure a seamless cruise experience, with scheduling certainty

In short, reserve shows early for Royal Caribbean Cruises to plan your adventure like a pro.

Which Ships Let You Book Early?

Not every ship qualifies. Only Oasis, Quantum, and Icon class ships offer pre‑sail show reservations:

Oasis class (Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, Wonder, Utopia) – you can reserve Broadway, Comedy Club, AquaTheater, and ice shows.
Quantum class (Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Spectrum, Odyssey) – includes Two70 and main theater shows.
Icon class (Icon, Legend, Star) – also offer full entertainment booking options.

Freedom, Voyager, Radiance, and Vision class ships do not require reservations. Seating is first‑come, first‑served .

When Do Reservations Open?

You might wonder exactly when you can reserve shows early for Royal Caribbean Cruises, and the answer depends on your sailing and status:

General guideline: pre‑booking opens around 30–45 days before sailing—usually the first day of the month preceding your cruise
Royal Caribbean FAQ confirms: show bookings open on the first day of the month before sailing, and you can reserve up to 4 days before departure
Loyalty and suite perks:
- Diamond Plus/Pinnacle members: 120 days out
- Diamond: 105 days
- Platinum: 90 days
- Gold: 75 days
- Everyone else: 60 days
- Suite guests get 90‑day access regardless of tier

So yes—you can reserve shows early for Royal Caribbean Cruises, sometimes up to four months before boarding if you’re a top-tier member.

How to Make Reservations

🌐 Web (Cruise Planner)

Log into My Royal Cruise online.
Go to Cruise Planner → Entertainment & Activities.
Select your ship, then show and time.
Reserve seats for yourself and linked guests.

This usually offers fuller inventory than the app.

📱 Royal Caribbean App

Download and log in with your booking info.
In Cruise Planner, tap Entertainment/Shows.
Reserve seats quickly as soon as the window opens.
Onboard, ensure you’re connected to ship Wi‑Fi to access live booking.

🚪 Onboard Booking

If you missed pre‑boarding:

As soon as you embark, try booking through the app using ship Wi‑Fi.
Visit the Box Office or Theater Guest Services on Day 1.

Reddit users confirm standby and in‑person booking works well:

“As soon as you get on board… get on the app… if you’re having problems…the box office. If you can’t reserve, go 20 minutes early and get in standby line—the standby lines look hellacious, but pretty much everybody gets in.”

Standby & Backup Options

Even if you miss the boat, there are backup options:

Standby lines: Popular shows free unsold seats ~15–30 minutes before performance. Early arrival is key.
Cancellations: People cancel pre-reservations—check app or Box Office regularly, especially after sail date gets closer.
Multiple performances: Many shows occur multiple times; if one time slot is full, other options are often available .

Reddit user experience sums it up:

“Reservations are only available on Oasis, Quantum, Icon class… most of the shows will be available around 45 days before boarding… Once on board, if you try to reserve onboard, check back a lot… standby line works too.”

Insider Tips for Smart Booking

⏰ Mark Your Calendar

Set reminders for your booking window—your cruise class, loyalty tier, and sailing date determine this.

✅ Link Guests Early

Connect all your travel companions in the system so you can reserve seats together .

🧭 Use Both Web & App

Start on the web, then monitor the app daily—even small openings can appear unexpectedly .

🛋️ Prioritize Most Popular Shows

Think Broadway, AquaTheater, ice rink, and Two70—these sell out fastest.

🔁 Rebook Flexibly

If timings change, adjust or cancel through the app or box office—no penalty for changes before showtime .

🧘‍♀️ Relax—Standby Is Reliable

Even without reservation, standby lines get guests in; shows often have open seats due to cancellations.

When You Can’t Reserve Early

Freedom, Vision, Voyager, Radiance class: All shows are open seating—no reservations needed.
Small ship itineraries: Limited entertainment venues reduce need for pre‑booking.
Short notice sailings: Reservations might not appear until you’re onboard —log in via Wi‑Fi and book ASAP.

Real Guest Experiences

“First Time Cruiser” Tip (Reddit):

“Allure of the Seas… I was able to reserve shows on boarding day through the app! For ones full, I just went standby line and got in!”

“Oasis vs Smaller Ships” Insight:

“Biggest difference … you have to reserve tickets to the shows in the AquaTheater, Studio B Ice Rink, and Main Theater… shows … available starting the first day of the month before sailing.”

“First Day Priority” Strategy:

“Book your entertainment as soon as you get onto the ship!… entertainment overview in your cabin on embarkation day—take 10 minutes… to book before you head into the sunshine.”

“Standby Works” Confirmation:

“People cancel, slots open up… standby lines look hellacious, but pretty much everybody gets in… For aqua show… get in standby line 30 minutes ahead.”

Summary Table: Pre‑Booking Quick Guide

Step	Action	Why It Matters
1. Check Ship Class	Oasis, Quantum, Icon = early booking; others = not needed	Determines show availability
2. Know Booking Window	~30–45 days prior; varies by loyalty/suite	Avoid missing reservation openings
3. Use Web + App	Cruise Planner & app ensure maximum visibility	More inventory access
4. Book First Day Onboard	Via Wi‑Fi/app/Box Office	Fill in gaps and schedule changes
5. Standby Interests	Arrive 15–30 min early	Backup for full showtimes
6. Manage Changes	Modify or cancel if needed	Keeps your plan flexible

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Reserve Shows Early

Absolutely—you can reserve shows early for Royal Caribbean Cruises, but success hinges on timing, ship type, and planning tools.

✔️ Pre‑book if you:

Are sailing on Oasis, Quantum, or Icon class
Want priority seating for Broadway, ice, or Aqua theater shows
Appreciate having your cruise entertainment locked in before departure

📱 Use:

Cruise Planner (web) for fullest access
App for on‑the‑go availability and onboard booking
Box office for real‑time help and backup

⏳ And if you miss it?

Standby lines are surprisingly effective—just arrive early
Apps and box office often experience cancellations/availability

With preparation and flexibility, you’ll sail onboard with your entertainment plans secured. So set those calendar reminders, link your crew, and get ready for some spectacular sea‑stage magic!