Royal Caribbean changes debarkation process

We all know how much we dread the end of a cruise. The big reason is because it's time to go home to reality, but there is another reason. The nightmare that is debarkation. Getting up ridiculously early, gathering your things and family members, and heading down to one of the public rooms to wait for hours to have your color called is just no fun and no way to end what was probably a great vacation. Many cruise lines have changed this "old way" of handling the debarkation process and now Royal Caribbean has joined the ranks by introducing the "As You Depart" policy which promises a more relaxed procedure where you can take your time.

The way the new policy works is pretty simple. You will be provided with information the night before debarkation via a flier left in your cabin detailing what needs to be done that night like putting out your luggage, etc. The flier will also provide info on waiting areas and debarkation time for the different luggage tag colors. Fairly standard stuff right there. The big news is that you will now be able to stay in your cabin up until the time that you are supposed to be at your designated debarkation room. Very nice.

Refreshments and entertainment will be provided in the main waiting areas and a Family Zone departure area with stuff to keep the kids occupied will also be available. All announcements will be made either in the waiting areas themselves or on the TVs in passenger cabins. No more ship wide announcements so you had better be where you are supposed to be or you will not hear your color called. Suite passengers will have some added perks, of course. They will have their own departure area with a Continental Breakfast provided.

The self debarkation will still be available for those who don't mind carrying their own luggage off the ship. I really think this is the way to go. If you can pack a manageable amount of bags, go for this option as you will be among the first passengers off the ship. That's what we did on our last cruise on board Freedom of the Seas and it was a breeze. We were off the ship and on the road before most people were awake.

I'm still waiting to see what else they come up with in order to get the nearly 6000 people on and off of the upcoming Oasis of the Seas in a reasonable amount of time. It's going to have to be more extensive than this. I'm sure they have a plan.