Welcome!

                                                               Pre-Cruise 

1. You will need proper identification.  In most cases you will need a passport.  Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond your travel date. NOTE: Typically, a government id is requested as well – we bring our license. This is a personal choice, but it is advisable to carry your passport in foreign ports in case someone needs to go to the hospital, miss the ship, etc.  
2. UPDATE Your cruise planner:  Go to the cruise line web site and make sure all your information is correct – double check that names match passports.  On the “cruise planner” (may be a different name depending on cruise line) you can check out excursions, specialty dining, drink packages and more.  Doing this pre-cruise eliminates long lines once onboard. 
3. Bring printed copies of all documents.  Most lines have a pre-check-in process online or through their app now, but we always suggest bringing printed copies as backup. PLEASE remember to pack these and have them ready when you head to the Port  You will need these for check in along with your Passports. 
4. Luggage Tags:  Luggage tags will be available online through your cruise line before you depart. Print these, assemble them, and bring them with you. DO NOT ATTACH THEM IF YOU ARE FLYING TO YOUR PORT. THEY CAN BE TORN OFF. ATTACH THEM THE NIGHT BEFORE YOU BOARD OR AFTER YOUR FLIGHT.  
5. Credit Card:  No cash is exchanged on the ship except in the Casino – and even in there you can charge to your cabin (be very careful – it adds up fast!)  If you don’t want to put up a credit card you can pay cash up front at the customer service desk.  No need to exchange money.  Almost all ports these day take US Dollars or Credit Cards. 
6. What to Pack: Most cruise lines have done away with “formal nights” but do have “Chic or Dress Up” nights.  You will see everything from gowns and cocktail dresses, to dressy tops and long pants or skirts.  Guys typically will wear suit/tie or I have even seen sport coats and khaki’s with a “collared” shirt (Polo type)….. they don’t seem to enforce the dress code lately (other than NO SHORTS) in the main dining rooms so be comfortable!  If you like  “to dress up once in a while” this is the time to do it! 
7. Bring a carry on:  Typically, we keep a carry-on with us at check in (either a back pack or small suitcase) with medicines, valuables, etc. as you will not have access to your luggage after you drop it with the porter and it eventually gets delivered to your cabin.  
8. Getting to the Port – We always advise getting to your departure location a day early especially if flying in… allow time for schedule changes etc. And give yourself time to get in vacation mode relaxing at a hotel the night before.   Most hotels within range of the port will offer transportation to the port – if not Uber or Lyft have become very popular and work well, or there are always taxi’s available at the hotels. 

                                                                   On Board: 

1. Boarding:  At the port you will be directed to the luggage area first to drop your larger luggage.  Be sure to remove your boarding docs and credentials. Don’t leave them in your luggage! 
2. Proceed to the check in lines with your cruise documents, passports and credit card ready.  You will be directed to the correct line.  After presenting documents, your picture will be taken if you did not do it during your online check-in process. Port staff will likely ask you a series of COVID related questions.  
3. Keep your carry-on with you that has your valuable, medications and bathing suits, flip flops and cover ups!    You may want to change right away and head to the pool!  Sometimes it takes a while for your luggage to get to your cabins so this way you can start enjoying the ship right away   This is also good to have your last night on the ship.  Luggage will be collected before you retire for the evening.  Keep the minimum for what you need the next day, and any valuables with you.  You won’t see your luggage again till you disembark. You will then be directed to lines for on-boarding.   
4. HAVE FUN AND EXPLORE!  Once you pass through the terminal you are free to roam about on the ship.  Most often cabins are not ready yet, so take this time to roam around the ship and get familiar with the open spaces, locations of restaurants and bars, and have some lunch.  Typically, most people head to the buffet, but if you ask a crew member or just look around you may find one or two of the “sit-down” restaurants open for lunch – much more relaxing this way. 
5. Keep your key card with you at all times:  It will be requested at dining venues, bars and shops. Key cards are generally posted at your cabin and may not be available until cabins are ready which can be anywhere from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM usually.  
6. Make reservations:  If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to make reservations at one of the Specialty Restaurants.  It is also a good time to check out the excursion desk to make any changes or updates to your excursions.  Check out the Spa area – they typically give tours and specials at this time. 
7. Listen for Announcements:  An announcement is typically made when cabins are available (if not ready when you board).  At this time you can go check out your cabin, luggage may take a while to get there but you can just relax there or continue exploring. 
8. Check your “Dailies”: Every cruise line calls this something different, but you will receive a daily newsletter telling you what’s happening and when.  Bring a “highlighter” so you know what you may not want to miss.  Typically this is delivered at “turn-down” the night before so you have time to review if they are still printing them.  On the newer ships this is being done “on the app” or on the TV in your cabin as they try to be “greener” and use less paper. 
9. Enjoy your Cruise: if you have any questions on board JUST ASK!  The crew is there to assist you in most cases, and if you ask someone that isn’t familiar with your question they will direct you to the correct area for assistance. 
10. All Aboard times: These are set in stone! Make sure you know when your all aboard time is for each port and ensure you are aware of any differences in "ship time" and local time. Usually this is the same, but there are times when the Captain may opt to keep the ship on home port time (especially with short cruises) even if crossing time zones.  
11. Cell Phone: PUT YOUR PHONE IN AIRPLANE MODE! Your cell phone will not have service at sea unless you've made arrangements with your carrier, large charges can occur in roaming. We always put our phones in airplane mode and then reactivate WiFi as we leave each port. Most cell carriers have service agreements in Canada and Mexico. Check with your carrier.  
12. Tipping:  You may have pre-paid your daily gratuities, if not you will see them posted to your account each evening.  This covers your cabin steward, wait and kitchen staff, cleaning staff and others.  It is not mandatory, but people will add tips along the way or at the end of the cruise – adding a $1 tip per drink to a beverage server, or perhaps you found a favorite wait staff person, or bartender – or your room steward was exceptional.  Customer service typically has envelopes you may use or I prefer to bring along Thank You note cards that I can use as needed.  The crew and staff work extremely hard to make this your best vacation ever – reward them! 
13. Review your cabin statement before the last day:  Most ships now have the ability to check your balances daily either on the TV in your cabin, the App, or with guest services.  It’s a good idea to check it once in a while…once you leave the ship it is nearly impossible to dispute any charges that may look “off”. 
14. Check in on line for flights home: Either check in on line if you have WiFi or go to find in-port WiFi if you're in port the day before your flight.  
15. Return to Airport:  We can help pre-arrange transportation or you can taxi or use a driver service.  Most cruise lines offer transfers but I have found it quicker and less costly to arrange your own. 
16. LET US KNOW HOW YOUR TRIP WENT!  I love feedback – please let me know you have returned safely and how things went, good or bad.