A passport is recommended and is always a good idea to have. If you do not have one it usually takes less than six weeks to process. I can assist you with information about obtaining a passport or you can call (202) 647-0518, the office of Passport Services for further information. If you do not have a passport and are a US citizen, then you will need the original or a notarized copy of your birth certificate or proof of citizenship (they need to see the raised seal) and a picture ID. For non- US citizens you will need to check the document requirements based on your country of citizenship.
Make two copies of your passport, driver’s license, and credit cards before leaving home. Leave one set of copies with a friend or family member at home and leave the second set in a safe place on your ship. Carry the passport copy ashore with you.
Complete the cruise check-in prior to arriving at the port. Generally, your travel agent will do this for you if you provide them with your log in information. This will speed up the boarding process and you can board quicker and begin your cruise experience.
Bottom line, have your passport, picture identification and boarding pass handy upon arriving at the pier for quick boarding process.
WHAT TO PACK
Clothes - Typically you would bring clothes that you would normally wear at a resort. Research your destination and see what the weather will be at your time of travel. Cruises will normally have a minimum of one formal night. This can mean a dark suit, a tuxedo, or dress shirt and dress pants for men and cocktail dresses, gowns or dressy pant suits for women. Although, cruise lines are changing with the times and are offering the dress option of ‘evening chic’ which is allowing you to dress nicely but not necessarily in gowns and tuxedos. During the day your ship is casual. You will want to bring a light jacket or sweater for the evening if you’ll be walking on the upper decks. Many of the ships have laundry facilities or your cabin steward can have clothes laundered or dry-cleaned at a nominal charge. TIP: Bring a pair of comfortable shoes for the evenings. I will wear my nice shoes to start the night and bring an extra pair in my purse just in case my feet need a break.
Carry-ons Bags - You will want to bring a small carry-on bag with you when wandering the ship your first day. You luggage will arrive sometime in the afternoon and you want to make sure you have anything you need with you in case it’s running late. Think medications, swim suit, change of clothes, etc. TIP: I like to wear something casual nice onboard my first day just in case my luggage doesn’t arrive prior to dinner time.
Sun Protection & First Aid – For those of you headed someplace warm, remember to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and aloe cream (for post-burn relief). Make certain to bring a cap/hat/bandanna to wear to protect your scalp. Bring any over the counter meds you may need as well. Buying band aids, pain relievers, and dramamine can be pricey on the ship. TIP: SPF lip balm is a must!
Extra Storage – If needed, a “pop-up” mesh clothes hamper packs flat in your suitcase and keeps your closet neat. Also, a collapsible hanging shoe organizer keeps your shoes off the floor. The pocket-type collapsible shoe organizer is great to hang over the bathroom door to put small items to keep at your fingertips (i.e., toiletries, receipts, cameras, etc.)
TIP: There are many sites that offer their advise on packing for your vacations. If you are still uncertain check one of them out. ie. https://www.celebritycruises.com/blog/cruise-planning-and-packing-tips-101
Other Odds and Ends - binoculars, post-it-notes (come in handy if you shut your phone off while traveling), power strip for plugging in many devices,
Approximately 3-4 weeks prior to your cruise you will receive documents from your travel advisor. If you booked at the last minute, your docs will be at the dock.
If a transfer service has been arranged to take you from the airport to the ship they will meet you in baggage claim, unless otherwise stated. The transfer service will be responsible for getting your luggage to your cabin. You will have received baggage tags from your travel agent or your cruise line in your documents. It is important to have these on your luggage with your cabin number.
If you are arriving at the pier on your own, parking is generally available near the dock, but please check for current costs. From the parking lot, head toward the terminal entrance with your luggage. If you are being dropped off, pull up to designated areas and head toward the terminal entrance with your luggage. TIP: Have clear identification and luggage tags on all pieces of luggage … including carry-ons.
EMBARKATION (Process of getting on the ship)
Keep in mind that your embarkation day cannot officially begin until the ship is clear of departing guests and their luggage. While the previous weeks’ passengers make their way reluctantly down the gangway, the staff and crew are busy readying the ship for the next sailing. By the time the last straggler departs, trucks are already arriving at the dock with provisions and a lot of heavy work is going on behind the scenes. Staterooms and public lounges are thoroughly cleaned and readied and a steady stream of supplies and luggage are brought aboard. There can even be an exchange of crew members, with some leaving and others arriving.
The first people you encounter at the terminal are baggage handlers. They are not cruise line employees and they do expect a tip – a couple dollars per suitcase is sufficient. Be sure your ship’s luggage tags are securely fastened to your suitcases before you hand them over.
Cruise line shore side staff are milling about to point you in the right direction – they are easily recognizable in official looking attire with name tags and, often, a clipboard. At some point, usually before you enter the check-in area, you and your hand luggage will have to pass through a security procedure, somewhat like that at airports. Most cruise ships allow you to bring one bottle per person per cruise of wine or champagne for consumption in your cabin. There is a corkage fee if consumed in the dining room. All other liquor will be confiscated at this time.
Boarding times are scheduled prior to your arrival to the port. If you arrive prior to your designated boarding time, they will turn you away and tell you to return at your designated time. If you arrive after the designated time, they will try to accommodate you as soon as possible. During check- in, you will be asked to produce your citizenship documents and any forms you completed ahead of time, plus a photo I.D., and a credit/debit card or cash (for your onboard charges). You are issued a boarding card that also doubles as your stateroom “key” and shipboard charge card and directed to the gangway.
TIP: Have the gift shop make a hole in your plastic room key-card (where it won’t interfere with the magnetic strip) and wear it on a lanyard around your neck. You won’t have to waste time waiting in line for a new card if you lose it.
