This Seattle Port's Free Luggage Service Is A Game-Changer That Makes Cruise Disembarking A Breeze

The beginning of a cruise vacation is like watching a herd of cattle squeeze into security lines to embark. Everyone rushes out of the parking lot with their rolling luggage in hand. Then, the staff collect it, throw it on a rolling cart (as shown above), and drop it off in front of your room. It's organized chaos, to say the least, and the way out is similar to the way in, except it's all self-handled. However, with Royal Caribbean — a cruise line of many record-breaking "firsts," such as Icon of the Seas — you can eliminate that very last step to make your disembarkation feel as luxurious as the sailing by using their luggage valet service. With this service, the staff will take your luggage for you and transport it directly to your flight. So, not only do you save time onboard, but you also save time at the airport, where the experience has been getting consistently worse for many.

Of course, with anything, there are caveats to the rule. While Royal Caribbean has sailings out of multiple ports, this service is only available for any trip that ends in Seattle. Additionally, the guests' flight and all connections must be with the following airlines out of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines (domestic flights only), JetBlue, Southwest Airlines (with the latest flight departing at 6 p.m.), and United Airlines. Finally, your sailing must be seven-nights or longer to qualify, and your flight must depart the same day you arrive at the port.

Getting rid of your luggage while traveling feels like a weight off your shoulders (literally) — at least that's what passengers are saying on the Royal Caribbean blog. You can sign-up for the luggage valet service before your sailing or in your stateroom, and it's an easy process onboard. For a minimal fee and airline luggage fees, you can have smooth sailing from the start of your adventure until the minute you touch down at your home base. For those staying in Grand Suites and above, the per person fee is waived. Some Reddit users also claim they didn't get charged for all of their bags, and others didn't even see a charge at all; however, we're unaware if it is a company discrepancy, as they did not specify the rooms they stayed in, either.

Onboard, you'll receive your airline boarding pass, luggage tags, and baggage claim checks for your checked-in luggage to your stateroom. You'll also be allowed to check-in for your flight onboard the ship. Then, leave the rest to the staff. Want to learn about more Royal Caribbean Group perks? Check out their other brand, Celebrity Cruise, a line with a secret, sweet, and free benefit.