Community Drop: Discord Invite Inside + Last Call for Transportation Details!

Your Tekko's Tropical Voyage Discord is ready! Plus transportation updates and embarkation day tips 🛳️

Author

Elijah Sleczkowski
March 13, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes

Let's Talk Transportation, Discord & Getting Ready to Sail!

Ahoy, Tekko fans!

We've got a few fast updates to keep everything running smoothly as we get closer to sail-away. Please take a moment to review and complete any action items that apply to you.

🚗 Transportation Updates: Action Required!

Shuttle Buses by Andrew Wang

📋 Haven't Submitted Your Transportation Form Yet?

If you need ground transportation for any of the following, please submit your information ASAP:

✈️ MCO to pre-cruise hotel
✈️ MCO direct to cruise port
🛳️ Post-cruise transfer back to MCO

Please submit your transportation form ASAP so we can finalize headcounts and timing. The sooner we have your details, the better we can coordinate smooth, stress-free transfers for everyone!

🏨 Already Submitted Transportation & Staying at the Pre-Cruise Hotel?

We need one more piece of information from you!

If you've already submitted your transportation form (or do not need an airport transfer) AND you're staying at the pre-cruise hotel, please email me your cruise check-in time so we can coordinate the hotel shuttle schedule.

📧 Email to: [email protected]
Subject suggestion: "Hotel Shuttle - My Check-In Time"
Include: Full name, # of people in your room, Royal Caribbean check-in time

This helps us make sure the shuttle gets everyone to the port with plenty of time before their boarding window!

🎮 Discord Server Is Live!

It's here! Our Tekko's Tropical Voyage Discord server is officially LIVE and ready for you to join! 🎉

What is Discord?
If you're new to Discord, it's a free chat platform where our cruise community can connect in real-time! Think of it as your digital cruise ship lounge where you can hang out before we even set sail.

What's Inside? (Work in Progress!)
We're still building out all the channels and features, but here's what you can expect:

💬 General chat - Meet your fellow cruisers!
🎭 Cosplay coordination - Plan group cosplays and share ideas
🗺️ Port day planning - Coordinate shore excursions
📸 Photo sharing - Share your excitement (and later, your cruise pics!)
🎪 Event updates - Real-time announcements about Tekko activities
❓ Q&A channel - Ask questions and get answers from the community

Please be patient with us! We're actively setting up channels and features, so things might shift around a bit as we get everything organized. Your feedback is welcome as we build this space together!

Don't forget: We also have our Facebook Group for those who prefer that platform. Both communities are here for you! 💙

📄 Download Your Cruise eDocs & Print Luggage Tags

Before you start packing, make sure you have all your essential documents ready!

How to Access Your Cruise Documents:

1️⃣ Visit: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/account/upcoming-cruises
2️⃣ Log in to your Royal Caribbean account
3️⃣ Select the 4 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day for April 9 - 13, 2026 sailing from your upcoming cruises
4️⃣ Download your cruise documents and luggage tags

What You'll Find:

📝 Cruise Contract - Review the terms and conditions
📋 Important Information - Key details about your cruise
🏷️ Luggage Tags - Print these and attach them to your checked bags

Note: Your SetSail Pass (boarding pass) is generated during online check-in, not in the eDocs section.

Luggage Tag Tips:

✅ Print on regular paper or cardstock
✅ Fold according to instructions and attach securely to each checked bag
✅ Use packing tape or a luggage tag holder to protect them
✅ Make sure your name and stateroom number are clearly visible

Pro Tips: 
💡 If flying: Don’t attach the Royal Caribbean luggage tags before checking luggage for a flight as they may get damaged or removed. Wait to attach after picking up checked luggage from baggage claim.
💡 Check the "Tips for a great day" on the calendar screen of the Royal Caribbean app for daily suggestions and information!

🛳️ Embarkation Day: What to Expect

Port Canaveral Terminal 6 (Not Ours! We are terminal #5)

Let's walk through what your boarding day will look like so you know exactly what to expect!

⏰ Timeline for Embarkation Day

Before You Arrive:

  • Complete online check-in (if you haven't already!)

  • Have your SetSail Pass ready on your phone or printed

  • Complete the health questionnaire in online check-in 24-48 hours before sailing

  • Pack a small carry-on with essentials (swimsuit, change of clothes, medications, valuables)

    • If you are bringing a bottle of wine/champagne or the allowed amount of non-alcoholic beverages, they must be brought on board in a carry-on, not in porter checked luggage

Arrival at Port Canaveral:

  • Recommended arrival: Within your selected boarding time window

  • Latest arrival: No later than 90 minutes before 4 PM sail time

The Boarding Process:

1️⃣ Drop Off Luggage - Porters will take your checked bags (tips welcome, usually $1-2 per bag)
2️⃣ Enter Terminal - Bring your carry-on, ID/travel docs, and SetSail Pass
3️⃣ Security Screening* - Similar to airport security (remember: no weapon props!)
4️⃣ Check-In Desk* - Verification of documents
5️⃣ Photo Time - They'll take your official cruise photo (if no selfie or selfie done wrong)
6️⃣ Board the Ship! - Welcome aboard! 🎉
*Order of process varies by terminal.

Once Onboard:

  • Your cabin may not be ready until around 1:30-2:00 PM

  • Grab lunch at the buffet or other venues (food is available immediately!)

  • Explore the ship and find your way around

  • Come to Dizzy’s Lounge (Deck 14, forward) at 3:30 PM for the Sail Away Sundae Social + Badge Pickup!

  • Your checked luggage will be delivered to your cabin (usually by 5 PM)

  • Mandatory Safety “Muster” Drill - Should be completed by 4:00 PM

Pro Tips:
💡 Eat a light breakfast before arriving - you'll have plenty of food onboard!
💡 Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be doing a lot of walking
💡 Keep medications, valuables, and important documents in your carry-on
💡 Download any desired entertainment to your devices beforehand (If no streaming WiFi packages purchased)
💡 Charge all your devices the night before

🍽️ Pre-Book Your Onboard Experiences

Want to secure your spot at specialty restaurants or book activities? Here's what you need to know!

📅 When Can You Book?

You can make reservations for specialty dining, spa treatments, and activities up to 2 days before your cruise begins through:

  • The Royal Caribbean app

  • The Royal Caribbean website (Cruise Planner)

  • Once onboard, you can book directly at restaurants or by calling from your cabin

Popular Items That Book Up Fast:
🍣 Specialty Restaurants (Izumi, Chops Grille, etc.)
💆 Spa Treatments
🏝️ Shore Excursions

Do You Need Specialty Dining?
Nope! All main dining room meals, buffet, and some casual venues are included in your cruise fare. Specialty restaurants are optional upgrades for unique culinary experiences.

Dining Packages Available:
If you're interested in trying multiple specialty restaurants, Royal Caribbean offers dining packages that can save you money compared to paying à la carte.

Pro Tip: If you want to try a specialty restaurant but haven't pre-booked, you can always walk up once onboard and ask about availability. Sometimes they have open tables!

🗺️ Shore Excursions

Our cruise includes port stops in Nassau, Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay, and you have options for how to spend your time:

Book Through Royal Caribbean:

  • Book through the Cruise Planner or app

Book Independently:

  • Often less expensive

  • More flexibility and variety

  • Important: You're responsible for getting back on time!

Explore on Your Own:

  • Nassau has shops and eateries right off the pier

  • Great for budget-conscious travelers

  • Perfect if you prefer a relaxed, unstructured day

  • Just make sure you get back to the ship by the posted All-Aboard time!

⚓ eMuster 2.0: Safety Muster Drill - What to Expect

Royal Caribbean's safety briefing is quick and easy:

1️⃣ Watch the safety video in the Royal Caribbean app or on your stateroom TV (mandatory)
2️⃣ Go to your assembly station to check in with crew (mandatory)
3️⃣ Listen for the safety announcement

Pro tip: Knock this out shortly after boarding to avoid crowds!

🧳 Luggage 101: Carry-On vs. Checked

Carry-On Must-Haves:

✅ Passports/IDs, meds, valuables, tech/chargers, SetSail Pass
✅ A change of clothes/swimwear
✅ Any delicate cosplay pieces
✅ Any allowable beverages

Checked Bags:

✅ Use your cruise luggage tags
✅ Porters will deliver them to your stateroom later in the day

⚠️ Note: Irons/steamers aren't allowed—bring wrinkle-release spray and a small sewing/repair kit.

🚫 Security Reminder: Weapon replicas are NOT allowed and will be confiscated. Weapon-like props may not make it through security even if clearly fake—when in doubt, leave it out!

🚫 Security Reminder: CBD and THC containing products are illegal to bring on a cruise ship due to international laws. Cruise ships are bound by the laws of the countries they visit and your own state’s laws are not applicable. Possession of items containing those chemicals are illegal in many Caribbean and Central American countries. This is strictly enforced and may result in arrest.

Wondering what you might want to bring for your cruise aside from your cosplay? Check out this helpful video by Ilana of Life Well Cruised:

Link if embedded video doesn’t work in your email:
📺 Watch: What to Pack for your Caribbean Cruise!!
By Life Well Cruised

In this video Ilana shares helpful advice and items to pack for a Caribbean cruise along with some cautions on what you cannot bring (but might not realize) on to a ship. I highly recommend if you have never been on a cruise to the Caribbean. (Also helpful packing tips for any travel, including your next Tekko!)

Reminders

📅 Your Action Items Checklist

Here's what to tackle this week:

☐ Join the Discord server and introduce yourself!
☐ Submit transportation form if you haven't already
☐ Email your check-in time if you're staying at the pre-cruise hotel ([email protected])
☐ Consider pre-booking specialty dining or activities (available up to 2 days before cruise)
☐ Review embarkation day timeline so you know what to expect
☐ Complete cruise check-in if you haven't already
☐ Download your cruise documents and print your luggage tags
☐ Review eMuster steps and your carry-on essentials
☐ Start finalizing your packing list (don't forget that cosplay repair kit!)

🔗 Link Hub

Quick access to everything you might need:

Tekko's Tropical Voyage Resources:

Royal Caribbean Resources:

Shore Excursions / Pre- & Post-Cruise Activities:

If Flying:

⚓ What’s Next?

More updates are coming as we get closer to embarkation, including:

🎉 Final embarkation day details and port arrival logistics
🎭 Tekko-specific programming and onboard event schedules
📱 Royal Caribbean app tips to maximize your onboard experience
🎊 Last-minute reminders and final prep checklist

We're getting SO close now! The countdown is real, and I couldn't be more excited to see this community come together. Thank you for trusting me to help make Tekko's Tropical Voyage an unforgettable adventure.

As always, if you have questions, need help coordinating plans, or want to talk through options, I'm just an email (or DM) away.

If you missed any previous newsletters or want to revisit past updates, you can find them all here: https://ttvnews.takaworldtravel.com/

See you on the high seas! 🌊

Fair winds and following seas,
🌸🛳️
— Elijah
Your Travel Advisor for Tekko’s Tropical Voyage
TakaWorldTravel.com

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