Cruise Ships: What To Do Before You Board
Cruise Ships: What To Do Before You Board
Theres far more to preparing properly for a cruise ship vacation than simply checking with the cruise line for recommended apparel and going shopping for the right items of clothing. Youll have plenty of other details to see to besides what you intend to pack in your luggage not the least of which is ensuring that you have all your paperwork in order.
The first item of importance is your identification. You wont be allowed on your cruise ship without a photo ID and proof of citizenship A passport will suffice for both but if you dont have one then your drivers license and official birth certificate with a raised seal will work. Even your kids will need the right identification. Make sure you dont put your ID in your checked luggage if you are flying to your cruise departure point because checked baggage can get lost!
The cruise lines dont set the identification requirements; the US Department of Immigration does. So if you have any questions call their tollfree number which will almost certainly be included in the information packet which the cruise line sends with your tickets.
If youre cruising to or in a foreign country you will need a passport. You can apply in person for a US passport at a designated Post Office at different probate state or Federal courts in your area or at an official passport office of which there are thirteen around the US. Youll need an official birth certificate and a photo ID and youll also need two identical 2? x 2? photos taken within the past six months. You should have them taken professionally because they MUST be taken with a special camera if theyre to be identical.
Where if youre a US citizen wont you need a passport? Puerto Rico the U.S. Virgin Islands Guam the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa. Cruises to Bermuda the Bahamas Mexico and Central America require them. You should apply for your passport a minimum of eight weeks before your departure date but the earlier you apply the better especially if youll be cruising at the height of tourist season. You can also speed up the processing of your passport by applying in person and paying an extra 35 for expedited delivery.
When you have your identification squared away you can focus on your other paperwork: airline tickets; your boarding documents which will include your cabin assignment and possibly your dining table assignment many cruises no let you eat whenever you like; you luggage tags; you transfers from the airport or hotel to your port of departure; and any papers for offshore excursions youve arranged. Make sure your flight leaves you time to get to your port of departure at least an hour in advance of the time you set sail.
Bring along your health insurance card in case you need medical treatment while on your cruise. Pack your medications of course and ask your doctor for a spare prescription in case your existing medication gets lost and you need a refill before returning home.
Get enough travelers checks to cover your estimated travel expenses. Carry only the minimum amount of cash because all cruise lines will accept either credit cards or travelers checks. Before leaving home make sure to give your ship itinerary to whoever is looking after your home while youre gone so that you can be reached in an emergency. Most cruise ships now have Internet cafes so you can be reached by Email if necessary. Also arrange to have someone be your contact person at home.
Once all your paperwork is in order you can begin the fun by heading out to shop for your new cruise clothes!
About the writer: myroadtotravel was created in late 2007 as way for my wife and I to do what we love most…Travel. We love to share our experiences with others and have recently created our first blog myroadtotravelblog.com to help us do just that. Through this blog we offer travel tips our own personal experiences/adventures and photos from our vacations. Please stop by and give us your feedback and remember for all your travel booking needs please visit us at myroadtotravel.com
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