Minors

For Minors (under the age of 18) traveling without parents, ( say, going with a friend and his/her parents)  other documents may be required by the cruise line and/or the countries being visited.  For example, Mexico requires a notarized affidavit signed by ANY parent not accompanying the minor.  If only one parent is going on the trip, the other parent must sign a release form.  If neither parent is going, then BOTH parents must sign. 

Important Note:  

If you arrive without proper proof of citizenship, a visa if required,

or other required documentation, you may be denied boarding and unable to

cruise. Further, you will not get a refund if you fail to bring the

required documentation.

Without exception, it is the responsibility of the individual traveler to obtain visas and other documents required to enter a foreign country. Simply put: If you find yourself being turned away for a lack of documentation, your options for recourse are nil. Always contact the embassy or consulate of any country you'll be visiting and request a copy of its entry requirements            Minor Travel Document Copy

Youth programs are divided into small age groups in order to provide engaging activities for different developmental levels. Generally, children under two, or those not potty trained will not be accepted into most children's programs. Even on ships with nurseries, due to legal constraints, counselors will rarely change diapers or assist children with their bathroom needs.  On some ships, parents are issued a beeper to summon them in case of a problem.

Transfers
Most cruise lines include transfers between the airport and the pier on embarkation/  disembarkation day if you have purchased an air/sea package directly with them.  Passengers providing their own air must get their own transportation to/from the pier.  Prepaid transfers can be purchased separately from most cruise lines. We can help you secure transfers, we will just need to know your air flight information. Transfer prices vary from port to port.  The average price is $30.per passenger roundtrip.

Visitor Policy
For security reasons most cruise lines have implemented a "no visitor" policy aboard their vessels.

Shipboard Account
Most cruise lines have set up a "cashless" system designed to make your life on board as simple as possible. You simply sign a receipt for each of your on-board purchases and then settle your        shipboard account at the end of the cruise. Cash, VISA, American Express, MasterCard, Discover, and traveler's checks are accepted as payment on most cruise lines.

Gratuities ( Tips )
The following are recommended guidelines:

In most cases,  a 15% tip is included for beer, wine, soft drink and liquor purchases at the bar

Shipboard Check Cashing Policy
Most cruise lines will cash traveler's checks. Personal checks cannot be cashed and cash cannot be drawn from your shipboard account.

How do I pay for onboard purchases?
For your convenience, you may charge most of your purchases on board. A personal account will be set up when you board and purchases will be billed automatically to your major credit card. If you do not have a credit card, you may use a cash deposit. The amount of this deposit varies from cruise line to cruise line, usually ranging from $100 for the week to $100 per day. Traveler's checks may be cashed at the purser's desk to cover gratuities and to pay off your onboard account if you don't want the charges to be applied to your credit card.

What is the Fountain Fun Card?

Carnival Cruise Line

We will offer to all guests the option to purchase a "Fountain Fun Card" which will allow them unlimited soft drinks for the duration of the cruise at a one time purchase price (including gratuities). The "Fountain Fun Card" can be purchased at the casino, lobby and pool bar onboard the ship.  In all locations where beverage service is offered, guests may receive a glass of the soft drink of their choice - one glass will be served at a time and only to the guest whose name appears on the card. The card cannot be used through room service. NOTE: A 15% gratuity will automatically be added on at the time of purchase of the Fountain Fun Card. Coke Program On a Royal Caribbean Cruise, children have their own beverage programs, too. Young cruisers, 18 years and younger, can have as many fountain soft drinks as they like for a fixed price by participating in the Kid's Coke Special. This can be purchased throughout the ships' lounges and beverage service counters. Coke Program Rates are as follows: 3 Days = $9.00 4 Days = $11.00 7 Days = $20.00 10 Days = $29.00 11 Days = $32.00 12 Days = $35.00 14 Days = $40.00 (A 15% gratuity will be automatically added to each rate) Norwegian Cruise Line Adult Soda Program. Prepaid @ $5.75 per day per person x Cruise days Unlimited Fountain Soda The entire cruise must be purchased Non-Refundable. Norwegain/Kid's Crew™ Refillable Soda Fountain Cup (12 years of age and under) * Pricing is subject to change without notice 3-day cruise Item # 342-3 - $8.00 4 and 5-day cruises Item #342-4 - $10.00 7-day cruise Item #342-7 - $16.00 10-day cruise Item #342-8 - $22.00 14-day cruise Item #342-14 - $32.00

Celebrity's soft-drink program has been established for all guests onboard to obtain soda drinks at a daily rate of $5.00 plus 15% gratuity.

ADULT'S BEVERAGE PROGRAMS:

Adult Non-Alcoholic Card:
This program is available to all guests nineteen (19) years of age and up and may be purchased at all bars and lounges. This entitles the holder to twelve (12) non-alcoholic drinks; fountain sodas, juice, mineral water and mocktails only.

Charge per card is $29.95 inclusive of service charge.

Adult Fountain Soda Package:
This program is available to all guests nineteen (19) years of age and up and may be purchased at all bars and lounges.

3 days: $15.00
4 days: $19.00
5 days: $24.00
7 days: $33.00

The purchase of the package should be for the entire cruise and not on a daily basis. In the event the purchase of the package is not made on the first day of the cruise the guest will be charged for the remaining days of the cruise inclusive of the purchase day.
Guests with the CoCa-Cola stickers can obtain sodas from all bars throughout the ship and with exception of room service or the mini-bars. The sodas will only be served when the guest is present and one drink at a time.

In the event a guest loses their signature account card with the soda sticker, a new folio number has to be issued together with a new card and soda sticker.

Shore Excursions
All cruise lines offer extensive shore excursion programs designed to enhance your cruise experience.  Shore excursions will help you make the most of your time in port and provide you with the best transportation and guide services available. For certain destinations, such as  Europe, tours can be pre-requested by completing the form found in the shore excursion brochure sent to you 4-6 weeks  prior to departure. On other cruises you can book your tours through the shore excursion office once you are on-board, or book online through your cruise lines website.  Because the internet is so popular many are booking their excursions on line and if you cannot do this call us for help!  It is always easier to cancel a tour than trying later to get one, especially if they are passenger limited.

When can I expect to receive my final documents?
Final documents will be sent to you 20-15 days prior to departure. These documents will include cruise tickets, airline tickets and transfer vouchers (if applicable), immigration forms, general ship information, shore excursion information, embarkation details and baggage tags.

When will my airline itinerary be made available?
Air arrangements purchased through the cruise line are generally made available about 3 weeks prior to departure. Please note that air schedules are booked at the discretion of the cruise line and cannot be changed. Anyone requiring special itineraries/air carriers must arrange for custom air prior to final payment. The minimum charge for custom air itineraries is $35-$50 per person and additional charges may apply. Custom air should be booked as early as possible to ensure flight availability. It is the traveler's responsibility to confirm seat assignments and other special services, such as special meals or wheelchair assistance directly with the airline.

Must airline reservations be reconfirmed?
Since arrival and departure times are subject to last-minute changes by the airlines, we recommend   that you call your airline(s) 24 hours before your initial flight departure to verify all the flight numbers, departure and arrival times shown on your ticket. (Reconfirm international flights 72 hours prior to your departure from home.) Plan to be at the airline counter at least 2 hours before flight time for domestic flights and 3 hours before flight time for international flights.

Is parking available at the pier?
Parking is available at most of the piers, for a minimal fee (usually about $10/day). At some piers only cash is accepted.  Check out the parking fees by going to the address provided: 

Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance can be purchased through the cruise line or with CSA Travel Protection Insurance. The price will vary depending on the cost and length of your cruise. It is strongly suggested that you   purchase travel insurance. Once you are within the final payment period the cruise lines will impose strict cancellation penalties as outlined in their brochures. These penalties will not be waived even for medical reasons. http://www.csatravelprotection.com/

Do I need a passport?
This depends on the type of cruise and your destination. United States and Canadian citizens traveling on an Alaska, Caribbean, Hawaii or Eastern Canada & New England cruise must have a photo identification and proof of citizenship. On cruises to most other destinations a valid passport will be required. Valid forms of proof of citizenship include either an original or certified copy of birth certificate, a valid passport or a U.S. naturalization certificate. Visas may be required for entry to certain countries.

* December 31, 2007 - Passport required for all air and sea travel to or from the Caribbean,            Bermuda, Central and South America.

* December 31, 2007 - Passport required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.

* December 31, 2007 - Passport required for all air, sea and land border crossings.
You may print a passport application or get additional information from the government on this subject by visiting:  http://travel.state.gov/passport
Non-U.S. citizens who have previously been admitted to the United States for permanent residence must carry their passport and Alien Registration Receipt Card.
All other non-U.S./non-Canadian citizens must have valid passports and any necessary visas. Such guests should verify carefully the existing identification requirements for their particular travel situation, as these requirements may change.
IMPORTANT: Guests arriving for embarkation without proper documentation may be denied         boarding and will not be entitled to a refund.

Immunization
Please contact your local physician, Health Department and/or travel medicine clinic to discuss            immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site at: www.cdc.gov. Click on Travelers' Health and then Vaccinations. It is also a good idea to bring along a record of your immunizations, as requirements      for immunizations may change.

Medication
Your prescription medication should be kept close at hand in your purse or carry-on bag rather than in your checked luggage. Be sure to bring a sufficient supply of medication and transport it in the      original container. It is also a good idea to carry a written list of your medications in case they are     lost. The list should include the name of the drug, dosage, and times taken.

The Medical Department
Depending on the size of the ship, there is one or more doctor(s) and at least 2 nurses. Medical staff may be from anywhere in the world but generally speak English. The infirmary is open during regular office hours for both passengers and crew, and 24 hours for emergencies. Each ship’s infirmary has  different capabilities, but generally there are IV fluids, splints, ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) medications and a defibrillator. The medical staff can perform minor procedures, treat accidents, dispense medications and begin treatment for cardiac problems. Most ships have capabilities to communicate with backup experts on shore. This is useful for both medical and legal considerations.  Infirmary beds are available for observation. Passengers are generally responsible for infirmary costs, and these can be significant. Medical insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.  Prices for medications are usually higher when compared with home.  There is a good proportion of occupational medicine among the crew, especially overuse problems. If a crew member is very sick, the medical staff may recommend evacuation. For less urgent problems, consultation with portside consultants in the USA and in other countries can be made while a ship is in port.
Medical Release form for Minors

Is motion sickness a concern?

Ships today are so well stabilized that most of the time you won't notice you are even moving.  If you have experienced motion sickness in the past while traveling in a car or flying in a plane, it is always wise to pack Dramamine or a similar-type product.  All ships have a doctor and a nurse aboard should you need medical attention.

Life boat drills
Experienced cruisers as well as first time cruisers all too often endure lifeboat drills with only cursory  attention. Saving your life in the rare event of a disaster will be up to you as well as the staff. Knowing what to do and where to go can make the difference of life and death or at the very least it can reduce the anxiety of not being prepared sufficiently.
It is up to the passenger to know the ways to their life boat station and what items that should be carried to the boat with you.
Don't count on someone being at every turn to direct you, assume responsibility for your safety any time you set foot on a ship.

Ships are required by law to conduct safety drills the first day out. Most do this either right before the ship sails or shortly thereafter. Attendance is mandatory. A notice on the back of your cabin door will list the procedures and advise as to your assigned muster station and how to get there. You will also find directions to the muster station in the hallway. You will be alerted as to the time in both the daily program and in repeated public announcements (and probably by your cabin steward as well).

At the start of the drill, the ship will broadcast its emergency signal. At this time, you will be required to return to your cabin, grab your life jacket (which you're shown as soon as you arrive in your cabin), and report to your assigned muster station--usually in a lounge, the casino, or other public room. If  you're traveling with children, make sure your cabin is equipped with special children's life jackets.  If not, alert your steward.

During the drill, crew members will review how to use the life jackets and explain the ship's safety procedures. Some drills last only a few minutes, while others are quite detailed. If you have any questions about safety procedures, you can address them to a crew member or officer at this time.