Important Cruising Information

Customs

U.S. citizens are allowed $400 worth (retail prices) of duty-free merchandise. Those over age 21 may include one quart of liquor and 200 cigarettes. If you are returning from the U.S. Virgin Islands, the allowance is an additional $800, including up to four quarts of liquor.

If you travel to Alaska via Vancouver, there is no limit on duty-free purchases of Canadian goods for U.S. citizens and legal aliens. Canadian citizens may purchase up to $300 (Canadian) duty-free of U.S. merchandise. However, goods such as firearms, other weapons, drugs and articles made or derived from endangered species may be restricted or controlled. Those over 21 may include one quart of liquor and 200 cigarettes.

You are not permitted to bring fresh fruits, meat products, fresh milk products, plants or tortoise shell products into the U.S.

These are general guidelines and may vary by itinerary. Check onboard your ship for the latest information.

Immigration

For embarkation and re-entry into the United States, U.S. citizens and those Canadian citizens who are not alien residents of the U.S. must carry documentary proof of citizenship such as a passport, certified birth certificate, certified naturalization documents, or valid voter's registration card, together with a current drive's license with a photograph. If your state does not include a photograph, you must carry either a passport, or certified naturalization documents.

Permanent resident aliens of the U.S. must have their passport and Alien Registration Card |(Form I-551). In some instances aliens may be required to have sailing permits and/or visas to enter some of the countries visited.

Foreign passengers must be in possession of a valid passport and multiple entry B-2 (visitor) visa. There is no refund if a passenger is denied boarding by U.S. Immigration officials for lack of proper documents. In some cases, foreign passengers may be required to obtain a visa depending on the port. It is the passengers responsibility to secure all necessary documentation.

Other documentation may be necessary based on point of departure and/or ports visited. Complete information will be provided before departure.

Travel Insurance

To protect your vacation investment and have peace of mind before and during your vacation, we strongly recommend purchasing optional travel insurance. Travel insurance covers cancellation due to illness, delayed or cancelled airline flights, baggage insurance, and emergency medical.

Personal Funds

Generally, travelers checks may be cashed at the Purser's Desk (same as front desk clerk at a hotel). Most major credit cards are accepted for goods and services onboard and at many shops ashore. Proper photo I.D. is required. Onboard cash advances on credit cards are available in the casino, however, there is usually a small charge for satellite approval transmission. It is also advisable to carry a small amount of U.S. currency in small denominations.

Onboard Credit

Sign up for onboard credit the first day of your vacation by authorizing charges to your credit card. You will be asked to settle your charges the evening of your last night onboard. |After that you may use cash, credit card or travelers checks. Your onboard credit plan allows you to charge drinks, spa services, shore excursions, and shop purchases to your cabin. Some purchases may not be allowed such as trapshooting and horse racing.

Special Diets

Our professional staff can handle any request for special diet in advance of your cruise.

Special Occasions

Let us know if you wish to order a gift to celebrate a special occasion while onboard. You may also advise the Maitre d' on your first night should you need a cake to celebrate.

Attire

Informality is the norm for most ships. Casual attire and/or swimwear is in order during the day. For formal evenings, gentlemen are requested to wear a tuxedo or dark suit with tie; ladies long gowns or cocktail attire. For days in port, comfortable clothes and shoes are a must. If you travel to a colder climate such as Alaska, you should also bring a jacket and/or raincoat.

On three day cruises, you will generally have one formal evening and two informal evenings. On four day cruises, you will generally have one formal evening, two informal evenings and one theme evening (i.e country & western). On seven day cruises, you will generally have two formal evening, two informal evenings, and three theme evenings.

Baggage Assistance

Porters are available at each pier during embarkation and disembarkation to take your bags. The customary tip for porters is $1.00-$2.00 per bag. Please make sure each piece of luggage is locked and has a tag listing your name, ship and cabin number. Special bag tags will be provided in your final documents.

Electricity

Most ships offer 100 volts AC, sufficient to accommodate electric razors, hand-held hair dryers, curling irons and small travel irons.

Medical Services

A physician and nurse are available on most ships. Customary charges will be made for all medical care and services. |Please note that medical facilities and personnel are only equipped to provide basic medical care. Medical personnel cannot offer care for conditions requiring specialized expertise or equipment. Passengers with such conditions, or in the event of an emergency, may be evacuated at the passenger's expense. No prescription medications will be dispensed onboard without an examination by the physician.

Handicapped passengers should travel with a passenger who will take responsibility for any assistance needed during the cruise and in the event of an emergency. Physically impaired passengers must sign a statement releasing the cruise line of any and all responsibility associated with ability to use shipboard facilities and must provide a medical statement certifying fitness to travel. Passengers requiring wheelchairs must bring their own onboard.

Expectant mothers who have not reached their third trimester of pregnancy may travel but must provide a medical statement certifying fitness to travel.

Personal Services

Most ships offer a beauty salon/barber as well as health center and sauna/massage. Appointments for these services should be made early in your cruise, and there is a charge for each service.

Babysitting

Babysitting is generally available on most ships. Arrangements can be made through the Purser's Desk upon boarding. There is a charge for this service.

Laundry/Dry Cleaning

Laundry, dry cleaning, spot removal and pressing services are available for a charge. Consult your cabin steward for exact details.

Dining

Seating and smoking preference or dining with friends must be requested when making your initial reservation with us. Most requests can be accommodated, but not all.

Main seating is the first or early seating and generally follows these times:
Breakfast: 7:30am or Open Seating: 7:00-9:00am
Lunch: 12:00pm or In Port: Open Seating from 12:00-2:00pm
Dinner: 6:00pm

Late seating or the second seating is generally as follows:
Breakfast: 8:34am or Open Seating: 7:00-9:00am
Lunch: 1:30pm or In Port: Open Seating from 12:00-2:00pm
Dinner: 8:30pm

Times may vary slightly by ship and line.

Tipping

On the last day of your cruise, it is customary to extend gratuities. We suggest to following guideline:

Cabin Steward/Stewardess: $3.25 per person per night
Waiter: $3.25 per person per night
Bus Boy: $1.75 per person per night
Maitre d': $1.75 per person per night

A 15% gratuity is already included on all bar tabs. Other staff may be tipped as services are rendered.

Safety

Passenger safety is the number one priority on every cruise. About one hour prior to sailing, all passengers are required to attend a mandatory lifeboat drill. |This drill familiarizes passengers with where their "muster station" is located in case of emergency.

Pets

Pets are not allowed onboard, except dogs assisting disabled passengers.

After Your Cruise

Upon return to port after your cruise, the vessel must be cleared by Customs and Immigration officials. This procedure generally takes 2 to 3 hours. Return flights should not be scheduled before 1:00pm.

After leaving the ship you may claim your luggage on the pier. If you purchased an air/sea vacation, transfers are provided to the local airport.

At Sea

You can phone, telex, radiogram, or facsimile to anywhere in the world, and you will be billed at applicable ship-to-shore rates (which are VERY expensive).

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