Can You Reserve Shows Early for Royal Caribbean Cruises?: A Complete Guide

When planning a cruise vacation, entertainment is often one of the highlights. Royal Caribbean is known for offering world-class entertainment experiences, from Broadway-style productions to aqua shows and ice-skating performances. But one question many guests ask before they set sail is: Can you reserve shows early for Royal Caribbean cruises?

The answer is yes—with a few details to understand. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how reservations work, why booking in advance is important, and how to make the most of your cruise entertainment experience.

Why Entertainment Matters on Royal Caribbean Cruises

Before diving into reservations, let’s talk about why Royal Caribbean’s shows stand out. Unlike traditional cruises where entertainment may be limited to small performances, Royal Caribbean invests in full-scale productions that rival land-based venues.

Some of the highlights include:

• Broadway Shows – Popular productions like Grease, Mamma Mia!, and Hairspray.
• AquaTheater Performances – Daring acrobatics, synchronized swimming, and diving in open-air amphitheaters.
• Ice Shows – Original performances featuring professional skaters on the ship’s ice rinks.
• Original Musicals & Live Music – From comedy to tribute bands, the lineup is diverse and exciting.

Because these shows are so popular, understanding how reservations work is crucial. So, can you reserve shows early for Royal Caribbean cruises? Absolutely—and here’s how.

Can You Reserve Shows Early for Royal Caribbean Cruises?

Yes, Royal Caribbean allows passengers to reserve shows before the cruise begins. Typically, reservations open about 30 to 45 days before sailing, and you can book them through the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner online or via the Royal Caribbean app once you have your booking number.

Not all shows require reservations, but the most popular productions—especially those in the AquaTheater, Studio B (ice rink), and main theater—often do. Reserving early ensures you have guaranteed entry without waiting in long standby lines.

How to Reserve Shows Before Your Cruise

Now that we’ve answered can you reserve shows early for Royal Caribbean cruises, let’s go step by step:

1. Log into the Cruise Planner

• Once your cruise is booked, log into the Royal Caribbean website.
• Go to the Cruise Planner section with your booking number.

2. Check for Entertainment Listings

• About 30–45 days before sailing, shows begin appearing in the planner.
• Look for specific options such as Broadway musicals, aqua shows, and comedy acts.

3. Select Showtimes

• Each production typically offers multiple showings.
• Choose the date and time that fits your schedule best.

4. Reserve for Free

• Unlike specialty dining, reserving entertainment usually does not cost extra.
• Simply confirm your time, and your reservation will be added to your cruise itinerary.

5. Use the Royal Caribbean App Onboard

• If you didn’t reserve before, you can still make reservations using the app while on the ship.
• The app allows last-minute changes and standby options.

Why Reserve Shows Early on Royal Caribbean Cruises?

You may be wondering—if the shows are free, why reserve in advance? Here’s why:

• Guaranteed Entry – Some shows fill up fast, and standby guests aren’t always guaranteed entry.
• Better Planning – Booking early helps you coordinate dinner reservations, excursions, and other onboard activities.
• Peace of Mind – You won’t have to stress about missing out on popular performances.
• Flexibility – By securing your spot early, you can adjust your schedule around entertainment.

So, can you reserve shows early for Royal Caribbean cruises? Yes, and doing so gives you the best chance to enjoy everything the ship has to offer.

What If You Don’t Reserve Shows Early?

While advance reservations are recommended, it’s not the end of the world if you forget. Here’s what happens if you don’t reserve:

• Standby Seating – Each show keeps some seats open for standby guests. Arrive 30–40 minutes early for a chance to grab these.
• Alternative Showtimes – If one performance is full, there may be another later in the week.
• App Updates – The Royal Caribbean app updates in real-time, so you can grab cancellations.

However, for major productions like Broadway musicals, not reserving early may mean missing out.

Types of Shows You Can Reserve on Royal Caribbean Cruises

Let’s break down the entertainment you can (and often should) reserve ahead of time.

1. Broadway Musicals

• Ships like Oasis and Harmony of the Seas feature full Broadway productions.
• These shows are extremely popular and reservations are strongly recommended.

2. AquaTheater Shows

• Found on Oasis-class ships, these outdoor shows combine diving, acrobatics, and special effects.
• They often sell out quickly.

3. Ice Skating Shows

• Studio B hosts professional ice-skating performances unique to each ship.
• Seating is limited, so early reservations are advised.

4. Comedy Clubs

• Comedy shows are smaller and more intimate.
• Reservations are required since seating is limited.

5. Headliner Acts

• Guest performers such as magicians, tribute bands, and musicians sometimes require reservations.

Tips for Reserving Shows Early

If you’re still asking can you reserve shows early for Royal Caribbean cruises, the answer is yes—but here are some tips to make it easier:

1. Mark the 30–45 Day Window – As soon as entertainment opens in the Cruise Planner, book right away.
2. Plan Around Dining – Reserve shows after dinner to avoid scheduling conflicts.
3. Use Different Devices – If slots are limited, check both the website and the app.
4. Arrive Early – Even with a reservation, seating is first come, first served. Arrive 15–20 minutes before showtime.
5. Stay Flexible – If your top choice is unavailable, reserve another time and adjust other plans later.

Can You Change Show Reservations Once Made?

Yes. Another great benefit is that reservations are flexible. If you reserved a show but your plans change:

• Log into the app or Cruise Planner.
• Cancel your original reservation.
• Select a new showtime (if available).

This flexibility makes it easy to rearrange plans if you decide on a late dinner, a shore excursion runs long, or you want to attend with friends.

Do All Shows Require Reservations?

Not every entertainment option requires booking ahead. Smaller venues like live music lounges, karaoke, and piano bars usually operate on a walk-in basis. However, for large productions and high-demand performances, reservations are highly recommended.

So, can you reserve shows early for Royal Caribbean cruises? Yes—and while you don’t need to for every event, the major productions benefit from early booking.

Final Thoughts: Can You Reserve Shows Early for Royal Caribbean Cruises?

If you’ve been asking yourself, “Can you reserve shows early for Royal Caribbean cruises?” the answer is a definite yes. By reserving in advance, you’ll enjoy:

• Guaranteed entry to the most popular shows.
• Stress-free planning for your evenings onboard.
• Flexibility to adjust plans if needed.
• More time enjoying entertainment instead of waiting in standby lines.

Royal Caribbean has revolutionized cruise entertainment, making it an essential part of the onboard experience. Reserving shows early ensures you won’t miss out on the Broadway productions, aqua shows, comedy acts, and ice-skating performances that make these cruises so memorable.