Passports are required for all U.S. citizens to take a cruise aboard a foreign-flagged ship. Some countries on your itinerary may also require a visa for entry. U.S. citizens traveling aboard U.S.-flagged vessels in Hawaii and Alaska can board the ship without a passport; however, valid proof of identity is still required.
Yes! During cruise checkout, you’ll have the option to enter your past passenger number in the “Guests” section. While this step is optional, we highly recommend it if you've booked with the cruise line previously, as adding your past passenger number helps link your new cruise booking to your existing profile with the cruise line. This ensures your loyalty status, perks and past sailing history are recognized, which can make for a smoother check-in and a more personalized experience onboard.
After your final payment, you will receive an email from your cruise line to complete online check-in. The United States Border Security Act requires cruise ship passengers to complete their registration prior to arriving at the pier. Please be sure to have your Booking ID ready. After your check-in is complete, you will be able to reserve onboard add-ons like specialty dining, beverage packages, spa services & more.
The cruise lines have no limitation for onboard luggage. You will receive luggage tags with your cruise documents. Please complete them and attach the tags to your bags prior to arriving at the pier. If you have electronic documents or Pier Pick-up Documents, the porters at the pier have extra baggage tags and will help you complete them when you arrive.
Your baggage will be delivered to your cabin within 2 hours after you board the ship. It is highly recommended that each person brings a carry-on bag with a change of clothes, medication, sunscreen, bathing suit, camera, etc. to have until your bags arrive.
Your baggage will be delivered to your cabin within 2 hours after you board the ship. It is highly recommended that each person brings a carry-on bag with a change of clothes, medication, sunscreen, bathing suit, camera, etc. to have until your bags arrive.
Generally speaking, cruise lines offer a traditional dining experience in a main dining room with the option of two seating times. Early Seating typically begins between 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm and Late Seating typically begins around 8:15 pm. Some cruise lines may have other specific seating times & schedules.
You can order from a set menu that changes daily. For most cruisers, this is one of the highlights of the cruise experience and gives them an opportunity to meet new people from all over the world and develop a relationship with a wait staff who has learned how to cater to their individual needs.
Many cruise lines now offer alternatives to this more structured dining experience. This not only includes casual dining venues like buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and pizzerias; but also, specialty gourmet restaurants offering Asian, French, Italian and Southwestern cuisine. Depending on your tastes or mood for the night, you can eat anywhere you want, including room service, which is available on most cruise ships 24 hours a day.
You can order from a set menu that changes daily. For most cruisers, this is one of the highlights of the cruise experience and gives them an opportunity to meet new people from all over the world and develop a relationship with a wait staff who has learned how to cater to their individual needs.
Many cruise lines now offer alternatives to this more structured dining experience. This not only includes casual dining venues like buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and pizzerias; but also, specialty gourmet restaurants offering Asian, French, Italian and Southwestern cuisine. Depending on your tastes or mood for the night, you can eat anywhere you want, including room service, which is available on most cruise ships 24 hours a day.
You can eat all you want on a cruise ship without having to pay for a meal. However, if you prefer to dine at a more intimate, upscale specialty dining restaurant, you can make a reservation for an additional fee.
These "reservations-only" restaurants are smaller dining bistros that cater to a limited number of guests every evening. They offer passengers a chance to break the normal routine and have a nice, romantic dinner for two without the kids to enjoy each other's company. Many of these specialty restaurants are comparable in quality to the world’s finest restaurants. The additional charges range from an average of $10 - $50 per guest depending on the cruise ship and restaurant, with some venues offering premium experiences of $100 or more per person.
These restaurants book very quickly, so you should make your reservations as soon as you board your ship.
These "reservations-only" restaurants are smaller dining bistros that cater to a limited number of guests every evening. They offer passengers a chance to break the normal routine and have a nice, romantic dinner for two without the kids to enjoy each other's company. Many of these specialty restaurants are comparable in quality to the world’s finest restaurants. The additional charges range from an average of $10 - $50 per guest depending on the cruise ship and restaurant, with some venues offering premium experiences of $100 or more per person.
These restaurants book very quickly, so you should make your reservations as soon as you board your ship.
Most ships can accommodate salt-free, Kosher, gluten-free, vegetarian, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise the cruise line of this requirement when you book your cruise.
Soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine and spirits are usually not included in your cruise fare. Many cruise guests opt to purchase a beverage package to help lower the cost of onboard expenses. While inclusions vary by cruise line, most beverage packages include beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, soda, juices, non-alcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees and most bottled water. Limitations related to drink cost & gratuity charges may apply.
Cruise lines offer a wide variety of inclusive onboard activities and entertainment. Most outdoor activities such as waterparks & waterslides, recreational sports games and mini-golf are free of charge. Live music, game shows, nightclubs & select performances are also usually included in your fare. Larger attractions may have an additional fee and require reservations. Please visit your cruise line site to learn more about specific onboard activities & entertainment.
Most cruise lines offer youth clubs for guests under 18 years old at no extra cost. To have the most up-to-date information, check on the cruise line's site to find any updates to kids' club times/rules/availability, as these vary by cruise line and some cruise lines may not have those typical options available at this time.
Each program is organized by age groups and is supervised by certified cruise personnel. The minimum age for a child to participate in the program varies but is usually 2-3 years old and must be potty trained.
Please keep in mind that luxury cruise lines and specialty cruises may not offer facilities for families traveling with children.
Each program is organized by age groups and is supervised by certified cruise personnel. The minimum age for a child to participate in the program varies but is usually 2-3 years old and must be potty trained.
Please keep in mind that luxury cruise lines and specialty cruises may not offer facilities for families traveling with children.
Due to heightened security and screening measures, it is mandatory that you arrive at port no later than 90 minutes (about one and a half hours) prior to departure to board the ship.
For cruises departing the continental United States, you should plan to arrive no later than 1:00 pm on the day of departure. This should provide ample time to collect your bags and transfer to the ship, even if the port is an hour from the airport. By arriving early, you are planning for unforeseen flight delays and increasing your chances of meeting the ship on time.
Return flights should not be booked any earlier than noon on the day your cruise returns. For airports that are longer distances from the cruise port, plan accordingly and ask your Cruise Expert.
If you are booking your own flights, we recommend you consider arriving a day prior to the cruise to ease any concerns of arriving at the port on time. This is especially recommended for travel during the winter months when weather delays are common.
For cruises departing the continental United States, you should plan to arrive no later than 1:00 pm on the day of departure. This should provide ample time to collect your bags and transfer to the ship, even if the port is an hour from the airport. By arriving early, you are planning for unforeseen flight delays and increasing your chances of meeting the ship on time.
Return flights should not be booked any earlier than noon on the day your cruise returns. For airports that are longer distances from the cruise port, plan accordingly and ask your Cruise Expert.
If you are booking your own flights, we recommend you consider arriving a day prior to the cruise to ease any concerns of arriving at the port on time. This is especially recommended for travel during the winter months when weather delays are common.
If you booked your airfare on your own, you are responsible for your transportation from the airport to the pier. This may include taxi and shuttle services to the pier, which are available at all major airports, or you may purchase transfers from the cruise line.
If you need to cancel, policies vary by cruise line and specific sailings. Please call for your exact cruise’s policy.
In the event you need to postpone your cruise vacation, we strongly encourage you to reschedule your cruise to a later date, rather than canceling. To reschedule your cruise, please call .
In the event you need to postpone your cruise vacation, we strongly encourage you to reschedule your cruise to a later date, rather than canceling. To reschedule your cruise, please call .
