Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to the Cruise
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:
-
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).
-
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 purser’s desk or at port as necessary.
If you bring travelers checks or a credit 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, most cruise lines have a
"cashless" onboard credit 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 purser's office. 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 an 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 or minivan. 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 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 on your own.
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How do I get to the ship?
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.
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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?
Cruise lines are more
likely to make accommodations for you and work with the airline if it was their
booking that did not get you to the ship on time. Also, they will be better able
to track your late flight, and might even delay the ship if they know you will
only be a little late. If they can’t hold the ship, they might pay for you to
stay in a hotel, or pay for flights so you can catch up with the ship at the
next port. Depending on the circumstances, they might even rebate some of your
cruise or give you a discount toward your next cruise with them.
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