First Time Cruisers

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Typically, your deposit is due up to 5 days after your agent makes your reservation. Final payments vary by cruise line, but are typically due anywhere from 130 to 75 days prior to your departure date. Your agent will advise you of your final payment date and send a reminder. 

It is a good idea to make note of this final payment date on your calendar, along with a reminder. If you miss making your final payment date, you may forfeit your deposit.

Additionally, also make special note of the cancellation terms and conditions and when cancellation penalties begin to apply – sometimes cancellation penalties begin before you make your final payment. 

Bring your ID: 

• For international travel bring your passport books. Bring copies of all travelers’ passports and keep them in a separate place from actual passports. 

1. You may need a VISA for certain destinations; obtain well in advance of travel dates
2. Your passport needs 6 months of validity from your RETURN date
3. You must have at least 3 unused pages for stamps (additional blank pages if traveling to multiple countries)
4. You may need proof of covid vaccination.

• For domestic travel, bring your REAL ID (Driver’s license with a gold star) or passport 
• For cruises that depart and return to SAME port in the USA with stops in other countries: we strongly recommend bringing your passports. While it is technically possible to travel with a raised seal birth certificate and REAL ID, it is not recommended.

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Ships today are so well stabilized that most of the time you won't notice you are even moving! It's a good idea though to take along some motion sickness precaution (follow the directions on the box) as well as aspirin and sunscreen. If you do have a problem on board, all ships have a doctor and a nurse aboard. And be sure not to forget any prescription drugs you are taking. These should be put in your carry-on-luggage. Consult your physician before taking any medication.. 

Make sure to NOT give this bag to the porters at the port - keep this bag with you. Often times, people will pack a swimsuit & coverup, as well as a change of clothing in this carry-on bag. That way you can begin enjoying the pool area, if you wish, prior to your large luggage being delivered to the outside of your stateroom later in the afternoon/evening. 

Assure that all luggage given to the porters has your specific luggage tag (that you printed out during the check-in process) securely affixed to it. 

Consider packing as you would for land vacation. In general, daytime attire is more casual and comfortable for on-shore sites and activities, however, evening dining in some restaurants will have a specific dress code that vary by cruise line. Think smart casual – typically slacks and a collared shirt for men, and dresses, slacks, pantsuits, or informal evening-wear for women will suffice. 

While cruising in general has become more casual, most cruise lines still have gala or formal nights where a dark suit, jacket and tie, or tuxedo for men is commonplace, as are cocktail dresses or gowns for women. There can be one to three formal nights during a sailing and are at the ship’s discretion. 

Most times swimwear should be worn only on the pool deck. Shorts, ripped jeans, and swimwear are not commonly accepted dining room attire. Sometimes shorts may be acceptable during breakfast and lunch service, depending on the dining venue and cruise line.

Some ships have themed nights, which range from masquerade balls to ‘white hot’ party nights, where guests glow on the dance floor in their white attire. 

Visit travel.state.gov (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html)  to review travel advisories and precautions for your intended destination(s).

Consider enrolling in the free STEP program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program): https://step.state.gov/step/
This is a service of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip(s) with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

• Some benefits of enrolling in the STEP program include receiving important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, it helps the U.S. Embassy contact you in case of an emergency (such as natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency), it also helps family/friends reach you in case of an emergency.

Many countries, destinations, cruises, airlines, and events may require proof of covid-19 vaccination.  There may be travel restrictions or negative covid test requirements.  You can see more by selecting your cruise line here.  Prior to travel you will need to sign our travel waiver.

Visit your doctor and the “Travelers’ Health” section of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-vaccines) to see if there are recommended vaccines for your destination(s). You could also contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) via the International Travelers Information Line 1-877-347-8747.

Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/) to learn if specific diseases are prevalent in your intended destination and if vaccinations are recommended.
Learn more about the Zika virus
(https://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html)  

• Make sure to let your banks and credit card companies know that you'll be traveling out of the country. If you don’t, your accounts might become “frozen” for suspected fraudulent activity. Bring several credit cards as a safety measure. Bring bank/credit card contact numbers with you and keep all credit card contact numbers separate from credit cards in case the cards are lost or stolen and you need to contact the credit agency. 
• Hold your mail so it’s not obvious that you’re traveling: USPS Hold Mail: https://holdmail.usps.com/holdmail/ 
• Bring something to hold your room key / sea pass card like a lanyard (this can usually also be purchased onboard, but it will likely be less expensive if you purchase them ahead of time (1 per person). You'll use this credit card size pass for everything, including purchases on the ship and entry into your room. 
• Memorize your stateroom number. It’s not indicated on the room key card. 
• Bring small bills/coins (dollars, euros) along … they'll come in handy for extra tips and small purchases off the ship. 
• Consider bringing small alarm clock for your stateroom. Most ships won't have one. 
• Bring a highlighter for your daily cruise program – it’s filled with information. 
• If you're traveling with friends or family, bring post-it notes for mirrors and doors for easy communication.
  
• Keep all of your mobile devices in AIRPLANE mode or in AIRPLANE mode and OFF at all times. If you do not do this, you will likely incur high, unexpected roaming and data charges in international waters and at foreign ports. Do check with your mobile carrier prior to your departure to see if your mobile device(s) will work in the foreign ports. Be sure to tell them you are traveling by ship. Additionally, if necessary, obtain an international calling plan PRIOR to departing North America. Please note, that you will not want to use your phone’s data or cellular service at any time while the ship is sailing – you will connect to the ship’s satellite which is very expensive. If there is someone onshore that you wish to connect with while sailing, consider purchasing the ship’s internet package and having all parties pre-install an internet communication app, such as Whats App, Facebook Messenger, or another internet-only communication app. 
• Check your onboard account and settle all cruise payment issues before you depart by going to the purser’s desk. Many times, you can access your shipboard account via the cruise line’s app or via your stateroom television. If you notice any issues do not wait until the traveling last night to contact the purser’s desk, as the desk tends to be very busy right before departure.

• Verify that your mobile device has enough storage space for new photos
  
• Backup & remove old photos to save device storage space if necessary  
• Update your mobile device(s) to the latest operating system and antivirus software 
  

Hotel, cruise, tour group travel-specific apps

• Bring your account login details to access amenities, pre-checkin etc. 

1. Offline maps
2. Currency conversion app

•  Unit conversion app Itinerary app  
• Travel budget app
  
• Language translator app
  
• What to pack app  
• Mobile Passport app (https://www.mobilepassport.us/)  

If you do not have Global Entry, having this app at one of the 31 air/cruise ports in which the Mobile Passport app is available may help save some time going through customs. 

• A photo journal app 
• Notes app

The Cruise Lines will open an onboard account for bar purchases, soft drinks, souvenirs, to pay for shore excursions, etc, which you can settle by credit card, travelers checks or cash at the end of the cruise. The purser's office will also cash travelers checks for you. In addition, most of the duty-free shops on board and most shops in port will also cash travelers checks. Most shops in port will accept major credit cards as well as American dollars or travelers checks. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CASH PERSONAL CHECKS ON BOARD THE SHIP.