Cruise Line Vacations Specials

What should I pack?
Attire is dictated by occasion. In general, cruise vacations are casual by day whether you are on the ship or ashore. Evening attire varies, with some evenings being casual and some being formal. For the captain’s gala, for example, you’ll probably want to wear something more formal such as a dark suit or cocktail dress, perhaps even a tuxedo or gown. For a beach party theme night, you will fit right in with your Hawaiian shirt or sun dress.Don’t forget your usual toiletries, as they are quite expensive to replace on the ship. If you are going to a sunny destination, pack sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a hat. If you’re going on an Alaska cruise, don’t forget a rain jacket and warm layers. Keep all prescription medicine with you in your carry-on bag while traveling. You may also want to stow a change of clothes and a bathing suit in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost or so you can more comfortably enjoy the ship’s amenities while waiting for your bags to arrive in your stateroom.

Will I need formal wear?
On some cruises, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun; however, you don’t need to buy a tuxedo just for the trip. You can rent a tuxedo at home or on the ship, or wear a dark suit and tie, which are perfectly acceptable for the dressiest occasions. With today’s more relaxed lifestyles, cruise lines such as Norwegian and Windstar only request resort casual attire (jacket and tie not required) for evening dress.

What travel documents do I need?
What travel documents you need depends on the type of cruise and destination; and requirements are subject to change at any time. Under current passport law, all U.S. citizens traveling by air between the U.S. and a foreign country (including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda) will need a valid passport. Likewise, all foreign nationals flying into the U.S. will be required to show a passport and visa if applicable. The cruise lines highly recommend that all cruisers carry valid passports regardless of itinerary. Otherwise, for land or sea travel into a foreign North American nation, an original birth certificate or a certified copy combined with a government-issued photo I.D. will be accepted.

As early as January 1, 2008, all cruisers will need passports to travel by land or sea between countries. The only cruisers who wouldn’t need passports would be U.S. citizens flying from the U.S. to Hawaii for an NCL America Hawaii cruise that does not leave U.S. waters.

Non-U.S. citizens who have previously been admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence must carry their passport and Alien Registration Card (”Green Card”). Minors under 18 who are traveling with one parent are required to have a notarized consent letter from the other parent for admittance into Mexico. It’s often a good idea to carry such a letter when traveling to other countries as well.

What currency should I bring, and how much of it?
You can bring whatever currency you want (including U.S. dollars) because you’ll be able to exchange money at the purser’s desk or in port as necessary. You’ll typically get the best exchange rate by paying for goods and services with a credit card and getting cash from an ATM machine. Check with your bank about any fees or surcharges on foreign purchases before you leave for your cruise.

Bring only the minimum amount of cash or traveler’s checks that you feel is necessary. For convenience throughout the cruise, most cruise lines have a “cashless” credit program that allows guests to charge their onboard purchases directly to their personal account. Registration for this program will take place during the embarkation process or onboard at the purser’s office. You must present the completed application form (included with your cruise documents) along with your preferred credit card.

Source: http://www.smartertravel.com/cruise/faq/gettingthere.html#gt1