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What should I pack?
Attire is dictated by occasion. In general, cruise vacations are casual by day whether you are on the ship or ashore. Evening attire varies, with some evenings being casual and some being formal. For the captain's gala, for example, you'll probably want to wear something more formal such as a dark suit or cocktail dress, perhaps even a dinner jacket or gown. For a beach party theme night, you will fit right in with your Hawaiian shirt or sundress.
Don't forget your usual toiletries, as they are quite expensive to replace on the ship. If you are going to a sunny destination, pack sunscreen and a hat. Lastly, remember any prescriptions you are taking, and keep them with you in your carry-on bag while traveling.
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Will I need formal wear?
On some cruises, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun; however, you don't need to buy a tuxedo just for the trip. For one thing, many ships offer tuxedo rental services. But even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are perfectly acceptable for the dressiest occasions. With today's more relaxed lifestyles, many cruise lines also offer resort casual attire where jackets and ties are not required at all.
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What travel documents do I need?
What travel documents you need depends on the type of cruise and destination and requirements are subject to change at any time. In general, under many circumstances, the following documentation is acceptable for U.S. and Canadian citizens:
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A valid passport, or a birth certificate or certified copy of a birth certificate (either must be accompanied by official photo identification such as a valid driver's license).
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Non-U.S. citizens who have previously been admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence must carry their passport and alien Registration Receipt Card, Form I-151. All other non-U.S. and non-Canadian citizens must have valid passports and any necessary visas. Minors under 18 who are traveling with one parent are required to have a notarized consent letter from the other parent for admittance into Mexico and Canada.
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What currency should I bring, and how much of it?
You can bring whatever currency you want (including U.S. dollars) because you’ll be able to exchange money at the front desk or at port as necessary. If you bring travelers checks or an ATM card, you can also get whatever currency you want onboard the ship or in port.
Bring only the minimum amount of cash or traveler's checks that you feel is necessary. For convenience throughout the cruise, cruise lines have a "cashless" onboard program that allows guests to charge their purchases directly to their personal account. Registration for this program will take place during the embarkation process or onboard at the front desk. You must present the completed application form (included with your cruise documents) along with your preferred credit card.
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How do I get to the departing port from my city?
If you have purchased a cruise line air/sea package, a cruise-company representative will meet you at the airport of the port city, and then will shuttle you directly to the ship in a bus. Some cruise lines arrange to transport your luggage between airport and ship, so you don't have to hassle with baggage claim at the start of your cruise or with baggage check in at the end.
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What if I make my own air arrangements?
It is your responsibility to select flight schedules that will give you plenty of time to collect your luggage and get transportation to the ship on sailing day and back to the airport when the cruise is over. Allow extra time for flight delays, mechanical problems, traffic, lost luggage, and other “unknowns”—you won’t want to miss the ship or your return flight home. Most cruise lines will allow you to buy transfers from them in advance. The transfers operate between the airport and the ship on embarkation day and disembarkation day only. Be aware that ultimately you are responsible for your flights and luggage. The cruise line will not compensate you if you miss the ship or your flights for any reason.
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What if I arrive at the departing port a day or so before my cruise?
If you purchased a pre-cruise package from the cruise line, you will have accommodations and transportation to the ship. If not, you will need to find a hotel and transportation on your own.
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How do I get to the ship?
Our agents are happy to assist you with air reservations and local transfers to the cruise ship to and from our cruise departure ports.
If you purchased a transfer package from the cruise line, you will be advised on the time to meet your ride to the terminal. If you did not purchase a transfer package from the cruise line, you are responsible for getting to the terminal, by whatever means necessary in plenty of time to board before the ship sails.
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What time do I board the ship?
Your cruise documents will advise you what time you should arrive at the terminal and when the embarkation process begins.
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What if I miss the ship?
You should contact the cruise line immediately.
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More Frequently Asked Questions...
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