See also First Cruise Information

This page contains information about:

• Nonmedical Information
• Traveling with Children
• Consular Affairs
• Rates
• What Does My Cruise Fare Include?
• Cancellations
• Paying for Onboard Expenses
• Buggage
• Clothing Suggestions
• Currency Exchange
• Passports
• Business Services
• Computers And Internet Access
• Customs Inspections
• Restrictions regarding smoking, alcohol and gambling aboard ship
• Children & Children's Programs
• Passengers With Special Needs
• Medical Services
• Gratuities
• What other services are available?
• Celebrating Special Occassions
• Valuables
• Calling Home

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Nonmedical Information

• U.S. State Department Travel Page
• Passport Services
• Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets
• International Aviation Safe Assessment (IASA)
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Traveling with Children

Please see the Destinations section for recommendations for specific countries.

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Consular Affairs

About Consular Affairs Our Mission How to Contact Us Search the Consular Affairs Home Page U.S. Embassy and Consulate Web Sites Customer Service Initiatives Consular Notification and Access Look for Career Opportunities with Consular Affairs Additional Resources Go to the Main State Department Web Site  Document Authentication Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) U.S. Customs Foreign Consular Offices in the U.S. Links to Foreign Embassies in Washington, DC More Links to Foreign Embassies Worldwide

Services Travel Warnings/Consular Info Sheets List of Current Warnings and Announcements Travel Publications Information on Preparing for a Crisis Abroad Help for Americans Abroad Citizenship and Nationality Lists of Doctors/Hospitals Abroad Tips for American Students Abroad Children's Issues International Adoption International Parental Child Abduction Child Protection Services Passport Information Print Passport Applications Certificates of Birth, Death & Marriage Visas for Foreign Citizens to Come to the US Visa Bulletin J Visa Waivers Visa Reciprocity Tables Visas for US Citizens To Go To Other Countries Judicial Assistance Lists of Lawyers Abroad

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More Info:

Rates:

All prices are in U.S. dollars per person based on double occupancy for most cruise lines. Single and other multiple occupancy rates are available from The Cruise Marketplace highly trained cruise consultants. Upgrades to suites onboard ship and hotel accommodations available upon request, subject to availability.

What Does My Cruise Fare Include?

Although this also varies among the cruise lines, generally your fare entitles you to accommodations, meals and entertainment aboard ship. Some cruise line ships have various restaurants that require a nominal cover charge for specialty items. Generally the fare does not include personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, spa treatments, laundry, photographs, casino, ship-to-shore phone calls, internet access and e-mail and fax. Government taxes and fees are also not included.

Cancellations
Since the refund and cancellations policies vary among the different cruise lines, please call for details. Generally, refunds will not be given for partially used services. Cancellation of hotel programs or extended land excursions are subject to cancellation fees charged by the operators of the facilities. Please call for details.

Paying For Onboard Expenses
The policy for paying onboard expenses also varies. Generally a bill is presented to the passenger the last night of the cruise with expected payment in full at that time. Most cruise lines only accept payment in U.S. dollars or major credit card. Very often your credit card information will be requested when you board ship or a cash deposit will be requested upon boarding. Call your cruise consultant for further information.

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Baggage
Most cruise lines restrict baggage per person from up to 200 lbs. to no limitations. However, please remember that all airlines do have baggage restrictions and you will need to check with your airline as to what they are. Airlines and the cruise lines have very limited liability for loss, so be sure all baggage and personal belongings are properly insured. Suitcases must be securely locked and tagged. You should hand-carry medications, jewelry or other valuables and important documents.

Clothing Suggestions
Attire is another variable, dependent on cruise lines. Casual wear or resort wear is appropriate on all ships and ashore. Some of the cruise lines allow casual wear at all times with formal evening wear as an option, while others have formal evenings as a requirement. Please check with your cruise consultant as to what your specific cruise line policies are. Casual wear consists of open neck shirts, slacks and sport outfits. Women will find dresses, pantsuits, or separates suitable for evenings, and a dressy sweater, shawl or cover up may come in handy for evening strolls on deck. Formal evening wear is usually, gowns and cocktail dresses, tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits.

Currency Exchange
When in major ports of call, a local bank representative may be on board to assist with exchange of the local currency. In certain ports of call, due to local restrictions, the ship purser's office will not be able to exchange foreign currency for U.S. dollars.

Passports
It is the responsibility of the passenger to check with the cruise consultant, travel professional, local immigration office and/or respective embassy or consulate to determine requirements for passports, visas and other documentation, including vaccinations for infectious diseases. Guests denied boarding by local immigration officials for lack of proper documentation are not entitled to cruise refunds. Here are some hints but they are not all inclusive:

• Travel from the United States to destinations in Canada, Bermuda, Mexico, the Bahamas, the South Pacific and the Caribbean - US and Canadian citizens who are not resident aliens must carry documentary proof of citizenship, such as a passport or certified birth certificate, along with picture ID. US resident aliens must carry a passport and Alien Registration Card (Form 1551). Foreign guests must carry a valid passport and multiple entry visa for the United States (B-2 Visitor's Visa), or a visa waiver.
  
• For travel abroad:  All guests traveling abroad are required to carry a passport that is valid for at least two months after your return date. Non-US citizens residing in the US need a Resident Alien Card for their return to the US. Visa requirements may vary from country to country and are subject to change. US Immigration regulations require all guests on Hawaiian cruises that call at Fanning Island in the Republic of Kiribati to carry a passport. - subject to change.  Be sure to check with local immigration for current updates and requirements.

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Business Service
Most cruise lines have fax capability onboard for a nominal fee for the business traveler. Ship-to-shore phone calls are available at standard tariffs and charges. Conference/meeting facilities are also available on some ships.

Computers And Internet Access
Here is another variable from cruise line to cruise line but in general state-of-the-art computers are available with internet access and e-mail capability. Guests may surf the internet or retrieve e-mail for a nominal fee, depending on the cruise line.

Customs Inspections
You can expect inspection of all baggage upon returning to the United States by U.S. Customs Service. Guests originating or terminating their cruise in a foreign port may also be subject to inspection by local customs officials. Residents of the United States are allowed a duty-free exemption of $400 per person and those over the age of 21 may include one liter of liquor and one carton of cigarettes in their exempted purchases.

Restrictions regarding smoking, alcohol and gambling aboard ship
Some of the cruise lines have smoke free cruises, while others allow smoking in restricted areas only. Please ask your cruise consultant for details. Guests must be 21 or older to purchase and/or consume alcohol aboard ship. No one under 21 years of age are allowed to gamble or entry into the casinos on the ships that offer gambling. Current regulations prevent gaming from being offered on cruises to Hawaii.

Children & Children's Programs
Many of the cruise lines offer children's services and programs between specific age groups. Disney offers specific programs and a supervised deck just for children. Please ask your cruise consultant for details.

Passengers With Special Needs
All of the cruise lines make every attempt to accommodate passengers with special needs. Advanced notice is normally requested to ensure availability. Passengers requiring oxygen or oxygen therapy must supply their own oxygen. Please ask your cruise consultant for details and requirements.

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Medical Services
Medical services are either available onboard ship or via communication with medical services onshore. Passengers are responsible for all fees and expenses incurred. Some passengers may require medical assistance onshore in the nearest port of call. Please be aware that the standards of care in various ports of call vary from that of the United States. If you have a current medical condition, it is strongly advised that you consult your physician before traveling.

Gratuities
Please ask your cruise consultant for details and requirements.

What other services are available?
Generally all of the cruise lines offer barber and beauty shop services including hair styling, manicures, pedicures, facials and massages. Gift shops featuring duty-free shopping with jewelry, perfumes, clothing, cosmetics and limited drug store items. Laundry and dry-cleaning services. Some ships offer tuxedo rental prior to sailing.

Celebrating Special Occasions
Special occasions are often celebrated onboard, such as weddings and anniversaries. Please ask your cruise consultant for details and prices according to cruise line.

Valuables
A safe for storing valuables is available in the pursers office onboard most of the cruise ships for a nominal fee.

Calling Home
We hope that your vacation will be worry and responsibility free, but in the event you need to call home for any reason, ship-to-shore phone calls are available for a fee and subject to availability at the time of the call. Passenger is responsible for all charges and taxes.

Still Have Questions?
Let The Cruise Marketplace Help You For Personal Service with a Cruise!
Call Toll Free: 1-800-826-4333

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