Important Travel Information
Applying for a Visa
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What is a Visa?
A visa is an authority issued by the Embassy/Consulate of a country that permits a traveler to visit that particular country. The majority of visas are stamped inside your passport. (A small number of visas are either separate documents to be carried with the passport or issued electronically.) Visas are issued with specific limitations regarding purpose of visit, length of stay, validity of visa, etc… It is the traveler’s responsibility to obtain necessary visas for their travel itinerary.
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Do I need a Visa for a cruise vacation?
Most countries do not require U.S. Citizens to have a visa to travel if they are arriving by cruise ship; however, there are exceptions. Some countries like Russia, for example, do not require a visa unless you plan to do your own independent sight-seeing separate from the cruise line’s own, ship-organized shore excursions. Other countries like Brazil require everyone to obtain a visa even if the
passenger does not disembark the ship in that port. If you are staying overnight in a country before or after your cruise vacation, some countries may require a visa as well.
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How do I obtain a Visa?
The Embassies and Consulates of various countries are authorized to grant visas. Appropriate visa documentation must be presented to the Embassy/Consulate in proper order for the visa to be issued. Visa Central obtains visas on travelers’ behalf by submitting proper visa documentation to the Embassy/Consulate. This eliminates the need for the traveler to visit, communicate and
correspond directly with the Embassy/Consulate.
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Do I need to send my actual passport?
For the majority of countries, a visa is stamped on a visa page inside your passport. However, there are a few exceptions.Please view the Visas Section of the Visa Central website and select your country of travel to determine whether or not you must submit your actual passport.
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How long will it take to process my Visa?
Various governments have strict and varied regulations on length of visa processing time. Please view the Visas Section of the Visa Central web site and select your country of travel to determine visa
processing time.
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How much does a Visa cost and what is included in the cost of a paid Visa?
Total cost of visas includes service fees, consular fees established by and paid to the appropriate consular office for your country of travel and shipping fees for the return of your completed
documentation. Total cost of visas will be clearly listed for you on the downloadable instruction form located on the Visa Central site. Consular fees are subject to change without advance notice at any time by various governments. Please note that whether or not you choose to use Visa Central, consular fees must be paid to the consulate for completion of your visa.
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Do I have to use Visa Central to obtain my Visa?
No, you do not have to use Visa Central to obtain your Visa. They do have years of experience and can save you time chasing down answers, but you can save money by obtaining your visa on your own. To obtain a visa on your own, you must contact the Embassy or Consulate of the country you are visiting. Most will have visa procedures and costs on their websites.
Obtaining a US Passport
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What is a Passport?
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.
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What are the requirements for a Passport?
Passport requirements vary by destination and your citizenship. Please review the section below to determine your passport requirements.
U.S. Citizens
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government implemented the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative). The rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card. Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security’s website for more information on the changing travel requirements.
U.S. PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:
U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport to enter or re-enter the United States when traveling via air, land or sea from outside the country.
U.S. Passport Card: The passport card is only valid for re-entry into the United States at land border crossings and sea
ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of January 31, 2008:
Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (when available)
Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
Form I-872 American Indian Card
PLEASE NOTE
If your cruise requires air travel between the U.S. and the Americas, Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda or Mexico, you will be required to present a passport when departing from or returning to the U.S. by air. Even if your cruise does not involve air travel outside the U.S., should you be required to unexpectedly depart a vessel prior to the end of the sailing, a passport would be required to re-enter the U.S. by air. As such, all cruise lines continue to strongly recommend that all passengers are in possession of a passport.
LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENTS
Air Travel
All travelers including children must present a passport or secure travel document when entering the United States by air.
Land/Sea Travel
Lawful permanent residents may continue to present their Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card. More available at CBP.gov.
CITIZENS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
Air Travel
All international visitors regardless of country of origin must present a passport or secure document when entering the United States by air. US-VISIT biometric procedures apply to international travelers holding a non-U.S. passport or visa with limited exceptions. Find out how US-VISIT works.
Land/Sea Travel
Canadian Citizens – Beginning June 1, 2009
Canadian citizens will need to present a single document that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). See the WHTI Program for more information.
Bermudian Citizens – Beginning June 1, 2009
Bermudian citizens will need to present a single document that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). See the WHTI Program for more information. Mexican Citizens – Mexican citizens, including children, must present a passport with a non-immigrant visa or a laser border crossing card.Document requirements for most Mexican citizens, including children entering the United States, do not change under WHTI. See the WHTI Program for more information.US-VISIT biometric procedures may apply to some Mexican citizens. Find out how US-VISIT Work.
All Others
Travel Document Requirements – Visitors Traveling Under the Visa Waiver Program: International travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program need to present an e-Passport if their passport was issued on or after October 26, 2006.
US-VISIT: Entry and exit process for visitors requiring a visa, using biometrics such as digital fingerscans and digital photographs, to ensure the person crossing the U.S. border is the same person who received the visa.
e-Passports: The United States requires that travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program have an e-Passport if their passport was issued on or after October 26, 2006.
Travel For Non-U.S. Citizens: (CBP) Information for visitors to the United States that are visiting for the purpose of working, studying, business travel or immigration.
ALL TRAVELERS
All travelers are responsible to learn of the documentation requirements for your vacation. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you must contact the embassy or consulate representing the country of your citizenship. Due to changing security conditions, neither the cruise line nor WMPH Vacations is able to provide complete information. ALL DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING VALID PASSPORTS, BIRTH
CERTIFICATES, VISAS, ETC. IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE TRAVELER. You will be denied boarding by the cruise line without recourse for failure to present proper documentation and no refund will be given by the cruise line or WMPH Vacations.
NON-US CITIZENS TRAVELING TO CANADA OR ALASKA
The Canadian government requires foreign citizens from most countries other than the U.S. to obtain a visa for entry into Canada. This law affects travelers on all cruise itineraries that begin or end in Canada, as well as those that make a port of call in Canada. Failure to present the required visa will result in denied boarding with no refund. To learn if Canada requires a visa for citizens of your country, please call your embassy or consulate.
HOW TO OBTAIN A US PASSPORT OR VISA FOR YOUR CRUISE
The United States Department of State will be requiring passports for more and more types of travel. We encourage all cruise passengers to obtain a passport well in advance of their cruise reservations. The information below will help you alleviate any last-minute rush and expense of obtaining necessary documentation before your sailing.
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How do I apply for my First Passport?
To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of 7,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license. Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of
county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, which serve customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required in such cases. You’ll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time; if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you are under 16; or your current valid U.S. passport has been lost of stolen. For more information, visit these links on U.S. State Department Website.
- How to Apply & Documentation
- How to Get a Passport Quickly
- Where to Apply in the U.S.
- Where to Apply Abroad
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My Passport has expired or is expiring. How can I renew it?
You can renew by mail if: Your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged; you received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over age 16 when it was issued; you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change. If your passport has been altered or damaged, you cannot apply by mail. You must apply in person.For more information, visit this link on U.S. State Department Website.
How to Renew Your Passport
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How much does a Passport cost?
The cost of a passport varies on whether or not it’s your first passport or a renewal and your age. Passport fees are non-refundable.
Age 16 and older: The passport fee is $135 (includes acceptance)
Under Age 16: The passport fee is $105. (includes acceptance).
Passport Renewal (Form DS-82)
You may use this form if your previous passport:
1. Was issued when you were 16 or older.
2. Was issued in the last 15 years.
3. Is not damaged.
4. Is submitted with your application.
The Passport renewal fee is $110 (includes acceptance fee)
Note: When applying at one of the thousands of designated application acceptance facilities in the U.S., you pay the passport fee and the security surcharge to the ”U.S. Department of State” and the execution fee to the facility where you are applying. Acceptable forms of payment vary. When applying at a Regional Passport Agency, both fees and the surcharge are combined into one payment to the ”U.S. Department of State” and may be paid by check (personal, certified, travelers’), major credit card (V, MC, AE, Discover), bank draft or cashier’s check, money order (U.S. Postal, international, currency exchange), or if abroad, the foreign currency equivalent, or a check drawn on a U.S. bank.
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How long does it take to get a Passport?
If you are applying for a Passport in person and select “Routine Service” you will receive your passport in the mail in about 6 (six) weeks. If you apply in person (or by mail if renewing a passport) and select “Expedited Service” you will receive your passport in the mail in about 2 (two) weeks. “Expedited Service” requires an additional “rush” fee plus the cost of overnight delivery services.
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Can I use a commercial Passport Expediting Service?
Yes, there are numerous private commercial firms that specialize in arranging expedited issue or replacement services for
an additional service charge.
For more information about applying for an expedited passport, please
visit: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/new.html
Travel Insurance
TDE Tours strongly recommends Travel Insurance. The purpose of the Travel Insurance is to provide protection for travelers against the covered unique risks associated with travel, before trip departure and during the trip itself. We will be delighted to give you a quote. It’s imperative to protect your travel investment. Read more about Travel Insurance below:
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How much does travel insurance cost?
Travel Insurance premiums are based on the total cost of your vacation and your age at the time of travel. Prices fluctuate as items are added to or deleted from your invoice.
Travel Insurance premiums can be priced in a variety of ways and may depend on one or more of the following factors:
> Length of the cruise
> Cabin price including port charges, taxes and fees
> Total cost of the vacation
> Your age at the time of travel
Travel Insurance by Allianz Global Assistance is based on 8% of the total cost of the trip including all covered components such as air transportation purchased separately. This plan is available to persons whose primary residence is in the United States. This plan is not available to residents of WA. The cruise lines use a variety of criteria to price their premiums. For example, Carnival Cruise Line prices its premium based on the length of the cruise, with longer cruises requiring a higher premium cost than short ones. Holland America Line determines its premium amount by calculating a percentage of the cost of the vacation. In addition, some cruise lines offer more than one level of coverage. This information is available on most cruise line’s websites. Your booking agent can provide additional information.
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What does travel insurance cover?
TRAVEL INSURANCE COVERS:
- Cancellations due to a covered sickness, death, injury of you, a family member, domestic partner or traveling companion
- Travel delays due to inclement weather or natural disasters
- Bankruptcy of an airline, cruise line or other travel supplier, when policy is purchased within 14-days of initial deposit
- Terrorism (domestic and international)
IN ADDITION, TRAVEL INSURANCE COVERS:
- Existing medical conditions subject to certain requirements being met
- Lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and personal effects
- Covered emergency medical and dental expenses incurred during your trip
- Expenses incurred if your travel is delayed
- Emergency transportation to an adequate medical facility, with an escort when medically necessary
If you must cancel your cruise or incur expenses or penalties for any of the covered reasons above, Travel Insurance can reimburse you for covered costs. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read your Policy/Certificate of Insurance carefully.
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What else does travel insurance cover and not cover?
In general, Travel Insurance covers medical emergencies, such as a covered death, illness or injury to you, your traveling companions and any immediate family members. It is important to know that most cruise line Travel Insurance policies do not cover existing medical conditions under the trip cancellation clause. An existing medical condition is usually defined as one for which you have been treated within 120 days of purchasing Travel Insurance. However, this exemption does not preclude your need for, or the validity of, the trip interruption and medical benefits. Business and personal obligations are not normally covered for trip cancellation under a Travel Insurance policy, but
waivers may be available through the cruise line that offer credits toward future travel if you must cancel for a non-medical reason. Please discuss your Travel Insurance needs with your booking agent to learn your options.
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Should I buy travel insurance?
We recommend you purchase Travel Insurance. All cruise lines charge penalties if you must cancel your cruise within their penalty periods. It is unwise to expect that they will make an exception, even under the most dire of circumstances. Travel Insurance will refund these penalties if you cancel for a covered reason. Another reason to buy Travel Insurance because most Americans have little or no health care coverage when they travel outside the country. When you board a foreign-flagged cruise ship, you physically enter another country. For those who do have health coverage in effect outside the US, medical evacuation may not be included. Airlift transportation from a ship to a qualified medical facility can cost thousands of dollars, and without Travel Insurance, you may be forced to pay out of pocket, up front! Travel Insurance provides emergency medical transportation for covered illness and injury when necessary. Medical facilities on cruise ships and in resort destinations are extremely limited and may be inadequate for your condition. While the medical facilities on many of the newest cruise ships are state of the art, they are not hospitals. They are designed only to stabilize a patient until more comprehensive care can be obtained. It is not safe to assume that a cruise ship is equipped to treat every illness or injury. If you must be evacuated for a covered reason, your Travel Insurance is designed to cover the costs. Cruise lines and airlines claim little responsibility when things go wrong. It is not the responsibility of the cruise line to connect you with the ship if you miss it. And if you’re flying to the port of embarkation, the airline is obligated only to fly you there. Travel Insurance can reimburse you the additional costs incurred for missed connections and flight delays.
Any one of the above reasons is good enough to buy Travel Insurance, but consider that every one of them applies to everybody all the time! The bottom line is that Travel Insurance is the only way you may get your money back if you have to cancel your cruise for a covered reason.
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What does a travel insurance policy include?
A typical Travel Insurance policy includes three main benefits:
- Trip cancellation / interruption
- Medical with medical evacuation
- Baggage protection
Most policies offer some type of travel delay coverage, but it may or may not cover delays due to strikes or other labor problems. The trip cancellation benefit is designed to reimburse you up to the total cost of your vacation in the event a covered medical emergency forces you to cancel when under penalty with the cruise line. Trip cancellation benefits apply prior to the start of the cruise, while trip interruption coverage works for you after you have left home. If a covered emergency to anyone traveling, or to those immediate family members left behind, causes you to cut the trip short, trip interruption coverage is intended to reimburse you for the missed portion of the vacation and the out-of-pocket expenses necessary to return home. Without these two important benefits, you have no recourse but to lose both the cruise and the money you’ve paid for it. Medical and medical evacuation benefits offer you medical protection outside the area covered by your primary care provider without a deductible for covered illness and injury.
In addition, emergency medical transportation for covered reasons, including helicopter airlift, is covered to transport you to a medical facility where you can be treated.Baggage protection provides you with reimbursement for lost, stolen or damaged luggage. Most people do not consider the repercussions of taking a cruise without their clothing! Baggage benefits can provide you with the necessary cash to replace some of the missing articles during your trip so that your cruise is not a complete fashion emergency.
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Does travel insurance cover existing medical conditions?
CSA Travel Protection will cover existing medical conditions if certain requirements are met, including if you purchase the plan on or before your Final Payment Due Date as shown on your original trip invoice. This provision allows you to file for cash reimbursement of the cruise line’s penalties.It is important to know that existing medical conditions are not covered by the cruise line’s Travel Insurance plans. However, many cruise lines have a
waiver built into their Travel Insurance that provides you with a credit toward future travel.
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What is considered an existing medical condition?
An existing medical condition is one that exists during the 120 days (four months) preceding, and including the day Travel Insurance is purchased. A condition is considered existing if you, a travel companion, or immediate family member has:
1. Received a recommendation for a diagnostic test, examination or medical treatment; or
2. Took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine during the 120-day period.*
*Does not apply to a condition that is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine and remains treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the required prescription throughout 120-day period before coverage is effective under this policy.
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Is pregnancy considered an existing medical condition?
Pregnancy is not considered an existing medical condition. Travel Insurance may cover complications during pregnancy as a reason for cancellation if the pregnancy occurred after the policy was purchased and can be verified by medical records.
Please notify TDE Tours Connection Inc. immediately if you or someone in your party is pregnant. If pregnant, you must carry with her a written letter of permission from your doctor. If you are pregnant 22 weeks or more, you will be prohibited from taking the cruise.
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What happens if I get sick or hurt while on my trip?
Travel Insurance can take much of the worry out of a bad situation by paying for covered medical evacuation required to transport you to the nearest hospital. In addition, assistance services are included to verify coverage so that you can be treated immediately. The assistance services can also help you communicate with the doctors if you don’t speak the same language.
Without the medical coverage included in a Travel Insurance plan, you may be forced to pay out of pocket up front for medical treatment and medical transportation, and you’ll be on your own dealing with the doctors and the hospitals in a foreign country.
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Where can I obtain travel insurance?
TDE Tours Connection Inc. offers Travel Insurance from CSA Travel Protection, which may provide coverage for existing medical conditions.
All cruise lines offer Travel Insurance, but the coverage amounts can vary greatly from one cruise line to another.
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What is the difference between travel insurance and a waiver in the cruise line's policy?
Travel Insurance offers cash reimbursement for cancellation due specifically to covered reasons. A waiver usually means that you can cancel for any reason, but that a large portion of your payment will be held as a credit toward future cruise travel. Travel Insurance covers you from the effective date of your coverage until the moment you return home. A waiver usually stops protecting you a day or so prior to the start of the trip. Many cruise lines offer a combination of both a waiver and Travel Insurance, which provides maximum flexibility for you by offering recourse for a wide variety of both medical and non-medical situations.
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Are there alternatives to the cruise line's insurance?
Travel Insurance by CSA Travel Protection offers a number of benefits including:
AFFORDABILITY
Premium amount is often less than those being charged by the cruise line.CSA Travel Protection plan also offers reimbursement for cancellations due to covered existing medical conditions*, which is different from the cruise line policies because they offer credit toward future travel.
COVER OTHER TRAVEL PRODUCTS
If you purchase your airline tickets or other arrangements separately from the cruise line, the cruise line’s insurance will not cover the separate costs you paid for your airline tickets, hotel or rental car. Travel Insurance by CSA Travel Protection can cover all travel products as long as the total cost of your vacation was factored into the premium for the insurance.
Existing Medical Conditions* This coverage is included at no additional cost to you and applies if you meet certain requirements and if you pay the premium amount prior to your Final Payment Due Date for your cruise.
$500,000 per person for covered Emergency Medical Transportation* Expenses
Most cruise line policies pay $50,000 per person or less. If you exceed this amount you will pay out of pocket.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
CSA Travel Protection will refund your Travel Insurance premium if you cancel your plan within 10 days of purchase, depending on your state of residence, and you haven’t started your trip or filed a claim.*Please review the Certificate of Insurance/Policy for terms, conditions, and exclusions which may apply.
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When do I have to buy travel insurance?
We recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance when you book/deposit your trip. However, Travel Insurance by CSA Travel Protection must be purchased on or before your Final Payment Due Date listed on your trip invoice; otherwise certain benefits may not apply.
If at any time you purchase additional services such as air travel, ground transportation, hotel accommodations, etc. as part of your planned trip, you should contact TDE Tours Connection Inc. within 14 days of purchase so that the cost of these items can be added to your Travel Insurance policy. Additional premium costs will apply. Failure to do so may result in the denial of your claim by the insurance provider. Also, in the event that you extend or alter your travel dates you should alert TDE Tours Connection inc, CSA Travel Protection , or alternate provider; otherwise your insurance plan may not cover any claims you may have. If you have elected to purchase Travel Insurance through one of the cruise lines, you must include the premium amount with your final payment. However, there are a few cruise lines that require the premium to be paid with the deposit. If this is the case, your booking agent will advise you properly prior to booking.
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Who can buy travel insurance?
U.S. residents are eligible to purchase Travel Insurance.
Non-US residents should obtain Travel Insurance from a company doing business in their home country.
What if I have to cancel and file a claim?
If you become ill or injured, first see a doctor. Then if you find that you need to cancel, contact CSA Travel Protection immediately. We will speak to the cruise line on your behalf, cancel your cruise and advise you what to do next. Whenever possible, we will request the necessary forms to assist you in starting the claims procedure. You must complete the appropriate forms and return them to your insurance provider with documentation to support your claim, so it is important to have visited the doctor first. In situations when only one member of the party is unable to travel, contact CSA Travel Protection to learn what options are available without having to cancel your cruise altogether.
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How do I make a decision on travel insurance?
First, review the cancellation and refund policies applicable to your trip so that you know what the penalties are and when they will go into effect. This includes fees/penalties charged by all vendors including cruise lines, airlines, hotels, transfer companies, tour operators, etc. Next, take a look at what insurance coverage you may already have in place and decide if it is adequate for you. Take the time to compare the cruise line’s policy against CSA Travel Protection so that you can make an informed decision about which one is best for you.
Contact the insurance provider directly if you have specific coverage questions. TDE Tours are happy to assist you in understanding the general provisions of a Travel Insurance policy, but are unable to actually determine how those provisions will apply to your personal situation.
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What else can I do to increase my chances of a trouble-free vacation?
In addition to purchasing Travel Insurance, consider flying to the city of embarkation a day prior to the sailing date. This will help offset weather or airline mechanical delays, and you’ll arrive onboard your cruise more rested. This is especially important if you are traveling internationally or across several time zones. If affordable, consider booking your airfare through the cruise line as part of the total cruise package. Most people want to compare the price of the cruise line’s air add-on with the price charged directly from the airline. Saving money is important, but you would need to save a lot of money to offset all the advantages offered through the cruise line if something goes wrong. Make sure all of your baggage is clearly labeled. Consider keeping a separate, written inventory of all the items you are taking with you including cameras, jewelry, clothing, etc., as well as their approximate values and descriptions. If you do have something that is lost or stolen, it could be easier to locate if you have this information. Additionally, it ensures that you do not forget to file a claim for something.
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How can I learn more about my policy?
You will receive a comprehensive Certificate of Insurance/Policy following your insurance purchase.
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What if I have problems during my trip?
Your Travel Insurance plan will include both US and International 24-Hour Emergency Telephone Numbers to call in the unlikely event you may encounter a problem during your trip.
Please document everything carefully. This includes date, time, names, supervisor names, locations, stores, facilities, phone numbers, people you spoke with, etc. Be sure to save all receipts and keep them organized so that you can file your claim later. The more thorough you are, the quicker your claim will be processed.
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If I must cancel, when will I get a refund?
When you cancel, you must begin filing a claim with the Travel Insurance provider. This involves paperwork. If you had to cancel for medical reasons, you will be expected to provide proof from physicians. If you experience travel delays or lost baggage, you’ll be expected to provide copies of all receipts for expenses as well as a summary of events and actions taken to resolve your issues.
Upon reviewing all of the material you submit, and upon approval, the insurance company will send your reimbursement check within 30 – 60 days of approval.
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What if I have more questions?
If you have more questions about Travel Insurance, please call TDE Tours Connection Inc. 718-515-5100 or call CSA Travel Protection directly at 1-800-348-9505.
Visit this site for more details: www.csatravelpro.com/00521625
What to Pack for Your Cruise
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What is the important documentation for a cruise vacation?
All cruise ships are required to file a passenger manifest with the National Immigration Naturalization Service (I.N.S) prior to sailing. The government asks for key personal information from each
passenger including, but not limited to, names, gender, dates of birth, residency, citizenship and passport details, if applicable. The Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) is standard for all airlines and cruise reservations. Failure to provide this information to your cruise line in advance of your cruise may result in delayed or denied boarding without a refund. You will receive additional information with your cruise documents.
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What are the travel essentials for a cruise?
Travel Documents, Wallet Items & Paperwork
- Airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation
- Cruise documents
- Passports and visas (if necessary) or proof of citizenship (check with your cruise line for requirements)
- Vaccination certificate (if required)
- Driver’s license and auto insurance card – in case you decide to rent a car when ashore
- Medical insurance cards and medical history (especially if traveling alone
- Copy of prescriptions and list of all medicines you are taking
- Another picture ID – if you don’t take driver’s license
- Credit cards – be sure to call credit card companies before traveling to alert them you are traveling outside your normal area ATM card
- Pre-paid phone card
- Cash or traveler’s checks (be sure to keep traveler’s checks receipt in separate location)
- 3 copies of airline tickets, cruise tickets, passports/visas, itinerary – pack 1 copy in carry on, 1 copy in checked luggage, and leave one copy with someone at home
- Contact numbers to report lost/stolen credit cards or traveler’s checks
- Emergency numbers at home
- Currency conversion chart
- Wallet and fanny pack
- Watch – dual time zone watch is perfect!
Reading Materials and Necessities
- Glasses, contact, contact cleaner
- Extra reading glasses
- Sunglasses
- Reading sunglasses
- Guidebooks and other port of call information
- Foreign language phrase book or dictionary
- Maps
- Reading material – books to read while on the plane or lounging by the pool
- Journal or notebook and pen/pencil – for making notes to tell your friends back home about your experiences
- Business cards with email address to give out to new cruise friends
- Home and email addresses of friends/relatives back home – for sending postcards, emails, or gifts
- Photo album
Electronics and Camera Equipment
- Plug adaptor and converter
- Cell phone and charger
- PDA and charger
- Laptop computer
- Binoculars
- Film camera and manual
- Extra film (don’t put undeveloped film in checked luggage)
- Disposable underwater camera – for snorkeling or beach days
- Digital camera and manual
- Extra memory cards for digital camera
- Batteries for digital camera
- Battery charger
- Extension cord/power strip with multiple plug-ins
- iPod of MP3 player (for walking on deck or on treadmill)
- Small travel alarm clock – battery operated
- Lighted dial clock for cruise ship cabin
- Small flashlight
- Night light
Medicine Kit
- Prescription drugs and any other essential medications in carry on bag
- Ear plugs or “ear planes”
- Small first aid kit (band aids, Q-tips, vaseline, dramamine, antibiotic cream, bandages, anti-diarrheal medication, cortisone
- Cream, aspirin/tylenol/advil)
- Germicidal hand cleaner
- Handi-wipes (for cleaning hands when ashore)
- Hand lotion
- Rubbing alcohol or foot lotion for soothing tired, hot feet
- Bug spray (not for your cabin on the ship, but for those pesky mosquitoes and “nonos” ashore)
- Sun screen/sun block and lip sunblock
Other Necessities
- Duct tape or strapping tape
- Extra plastic cable-lock ties for securing luggage for return trip
- (better than locks, but one-time use only)
- Extra luggage name tags (in case yours are lost on the outbound trip)
- Zip loc bags of all sizes and garbage/laundry bags
- Small umbrella
- Collapsible travel pillow for those long airplane flights
- Crazy glue
- Playing cards
- Sports gear (e.g. snorkeling gear)
- Shoe horn for getting those shoes back on your swollen feet
- Sewing kit and scissors (pack in checked luggage)
- Travel-sized Woolite
- Clothes pins
- Empty folding tote bag – for souvenirs or the beach
- Hats/caps/visors
- Insulated large coffee mugs
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What should women pack for a cruise?
Clothing
- Bras (include strapless if needed for evening wear)
- Panties
- Lingerie/night gown/pajamas/robe
- Compression stockings (for airplane flight to prevent swollen ankles)
- Exercise/walking socks
- Trouser socks or pantyhose
- Camisole/slip
- Purses (day and evening)
- Belts
- Scarves
- Gloves and stocking cap(if expect cold weather)
- Walking shoes
- Walking sandals
- Rubber sandals for reef walking and beach
- Evening shoes
- Costume jewelry and extra watch
- Swim suit
- Swim suit cover-up/pareo/sarong
- Thongs/flip flop shoes
- Work out clothes and jog bra
- Dress/outfit for informal nights on ship
- Dress/outfit for formal nights on ship
- Dress/outfit for casual nights on ship
- Shorts
- Tops of all types (sleeveless, short-sleeved, long-sleeved)
- Capri pants
- Slacks
- Windbreaker jacket
- Sweatshirt
- Evening sweater
- Raincoat with hood
Sundries and Miscellaneous
- Blow dryer
- Curling iron or curlers
- Comb/brush
- Hair gel
- Hair spray (non-aerosol)
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Shower cap
- Bar soap in plastic container
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
- Tweezers
- Make-up mirror
- Make-up and make-up bag(list can be endless!)
- Make-up remover
- Cleanser
- Moisturizer and freshener
- Nail polish and remover
- Nail clippers and file (be sure to pack in checked luggage)
- Razor and shaving cream
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What should men pack for a cruise?
Clothing
- Underwear (briefs or boxer shorts)
- Undershirts
- Pajamas and robe
- Compression socks (for airplane flight to prevent swollen ankles)
- Exercise/walking socks
- Black dress socks
- Belts
- Gloves and stocking cap(if expect cold weather)
- Walking shoes
- Walking sandals
- Rubber sandals/shoes for reef walking and beach
- Evening or dress shoes
- “Docksider” casual shoes
- Tuxedo jacket and pants (or dark suit)
- Tuxedo tie, suspenders, and cummerbund
- Tuxedo cufflinks/studs
- Sport jacket
- Regular ties
- Tuxedo shirt
- Dress shirts
- Swim suit
- Swim suit cover-up
- Work out clothes/T shirts
- Shorts
- Casual shirts
- Slacks (casual and dress)
- Windbreaker jacket
- Sweatshirt
- Raincoat with hood
Sundries and Miscellaneous
- Comb/brush
- Shampoo and hair products
- Bar soap in plastic container
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers and file (be sure to pack in checked luggage)
- Razor and shaving cream (or electric razor and supplies)
Group Travel
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