GENERAL INFORMATION-READ ME FIRST

We want you to feel confident– and excited– about the choice you have made, no matter if this is your first cruise or simply seeking a new adventure. We appreciate the opportunity to help you choose the cruise that’s right for you.

Please read and review the following information.  However, it may not cover completely every aspect of your particular cruise or cruise tour. Passengers are requested to review thoroughly their cruise brochure and the documents given to them by the Cruise Line. These documents will provide greater details and the legal and practical specifics concerning your cruise.

We welcome and encourage you to ask questions if there is something you do not understand, or if you need assistance. 

After reading this page, please go to our Consumer Disclosure Notice and "Disclaimer" page with information concerning our relationship with our customers. After reading the information on that page please review, sign and fax back to us a copy of the disclaimer page.  Click here to go there.

Please be sure to print out this GENERAL INFORMATION page as well, for your records. Thank you.

Recommendations
We recommend arriving at the city of your port of embarkation one day prior to the day your ship sets sail. You may encounter during the winter months or at times of bad weather, or flight problems, an en-route delay on sailing day. Be sure to ask us about custom air arrangements, and pre-cruise hotel packages. After all, you don't want to be waving goodbye on the pier as the ship sails out of port without you!
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend that everyone be insured. Your choice of travel insurance is Optional. You can choose to elect to take the Insurance or not. Just let us know. You can purchase trip insurance from the cruise line or through other insurance providers. Each Cruise Line's Vacation Protection Plan is different but in general covers trip cancellation, trip interruption and delay, baggage protection, medical expense coverage and emergency evacuation. There are monetary limits and restrictions that apply to such coverage's. The price varies based upon length of cruise. Details are available upon request. A general description of the cruise line's coverage can be found in their brochure. Travel Insurance offered by the cruise lines do not cover you if the cruise line goes out of business. Only certain 3rd party insurance companies cover that possibility.  Some policies do not cover preexisting medical conditions, while others require that the insurance be purchased within seven to 14 days of making the initial cruise deposit. Many policies purchased from the cruise lines exclude coverage for preexisting medical conditions. Find out more about travel insurance online with Travel Guard Insurance (1-800-248-8992, please be sure to mention CLIA code 00528953 ) Hint: To be sure you are getting the kind of coverages you want, read all the fine print and understand fully the benefits and limitations of the policy on offer, before you buy.

Proof of Citizenship/Proof of Identity  

United States and Canadian citizens including newborn infants, are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States. Don't leave home without proper identification.  The cruise lines have a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY regarding missing/unacceptable citizenship documents. Make sure you have all of the necessary documentation to travel.  IF YOU DO NOT, YOU WILL BE DENIED BOARDING, NO EXCEPTIONS.  There is no room for flexibility on this policy.  Guests who fail to provide the cruise line with proper proof of citizenship and photo ID will be denied boarding and will not receive a refund. 
Cruise Direct Online assumes no responsibility for advising guests of immigration requirements. The information below is for reference purposes only and is subject to change without notice. You are advised to contact the cruise line for the latest requirements and if necessary the appropriate consulate, U.S. Embassy or U.S. Immigration office to inquire further about travel documents.  

IMPORTANT

You are responsible for having the proper documentation with you when you travel.  In addition Visa's may be required to enter certain countries while on a cruise. So, well in advance of leaving home, check with the cruise line for the exact documentation requirements for your cruise or cruisetour. Failure to have the proper documentation ( Passport, Visa, Health Vaccination Certificates etc. ) as required will result in denied boarding and you will not get a refund for your cruise. 

The 27 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
 
If you are divorced and traveling outside the country with your children, you should check your divorce documents for restrictions. You should have a letter from your ex-spouse, notarized if possible, giving permission to leave with them. This would also apply to others’ children who are guests of yours.  For Minors (under the age of 18) traveling without parents,( say, going with a friend and his/her parents ) other documents may be required by the cruise line and/or the countries being visited.  For example, Mexico requires a notarized affidavit signed by ANY parent not accompanying the minor.  If only one parent is going on the trip, the other parent must sign a release form.  If neither parent is going, then BOTH parents must sign. 
 
Your exact legal name (first and last) must be shown on cruise documents.  This must match the name shown on your passport.  See notes below about birth certificates.. Middle names alone and nicknames are not allowed.
 
**Passports are required for all travel abroad and all guests including newborn infants, are required to obtain passports.
  
Guests are urged to read the information provided in the cruise lines brochure to see if a birth certificate, passport and/or visa is required and to check with the US passport office to determine the proper and current requirements.  Some cruises to the Caribbean and Panama Canal that stop in certain countries in South and Central America may require a passport.
 
Consult the National Passport Information Center (1-900-225-5674 or 1-888-498-3648) for guidance. ($4.95 per call flat rate fee, must use credit card) or 1-900-225-5674 (35 cents per minute for automated information or $1.05 per minute for operator assisted calls).
 
Go to Travel Resources for information on how to get a passport.   Also check http://travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html  for Foreign Entry Requirements.
 
Need a copy of your birth certificate?
 
Obtain a copy from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the state of your birth. Certified copies of your birth certificate are identified by a raised seal.   A list of phone numbers for obtaining a copy of a birth certificate can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm
 
Visa 
 
Visas are required for U.S. citizens to visit certain countries (countries like Australia, Russia and Turkey). The cruise line will usually provide the necessary forms for each passenger to complete to obtain these visas.  In some cases, the cruise line will only require the passenger to provide them with passport information and a "blanket" visa will be issued for all passengers on the ship.  You should always verify what documents will be required for your cruise.
 
Minors
 
For minors (under the age of 18) traveling without parents, other documents may be required by the cruise line and/or the countries being visited.  For example, Mexico requires a notarized affidavit signed by ANY parent not accompanying the minor.  If only one parent is going on the trip, the other parent must sign a release form.  If neither parent is going, then BOTH parents must sign.
 
Age Requirements: Children under the age of 21 cannot be in a cabin by themselves. Cruise lines require guests under the age of 21 years to be accompanied by a parent, relative or guardian 25 years of age or older in the same stateroom.   
 
Airport/Pier Check In : Many airports, as a result of heightened security procedures, may have passenger processing times of between two (2) to three (3) hours or longer. Expect delays and longer lines at the airport and the pier. The Embark and Debark process at the pier may take longer due to additional security measures. So, if you are flying to your cruise ship port of embarkation we recommend you plan to arrive at the pier at least 4 hours prior to sailing and that you do not plan your return flight home until at least 1:00PM on the afternoon of your return to the cruise port.
 
Your Responsibility
 
Without exception, it is the responsibility of the individual traveler to obtain visas and other documents required to enter a foreign country. Simply put: If you find yourself being turned away for a lack of documentation, your options for recourse are nil.  Always contact the embassy or consulate of any country you'll be visiting and request a copy of its entry requirements. 
 
Consumer Protection
For security reasons, we do not take credit card information over the Internet and with our Pay Direct Process (PDP) the credit card information provided by fax, phone or mail is given directly to the Cruise Line who will process your charges.

Their name will appear as the merchant on your monthly card statement. We also provide you with a copy of the Cruise Line's own confirmation showing the details of your cruise, itemized charges and any payments applied. Our Pay Direct Process provides comfort and assurance that your funds are deposited directly with the Cruise Line. Cruise Direct Online aka Travel Direct Corporation is a licensed, bonded Seller of Travel in Florida, Registration # 31254.
 
Normal deposit, refund, cancellation and processing fees that the cruise line charges and are part of the passenger contract will apply. These fees go to the cruise line and Cruise Direct Online does not benefit from these charges whatsoever.
 
Restricted Fares
If you are purchasing a restricted fare of any kind, as an example, a Senior Citizen Rate (1 guest in each stateroom must be 55 or older) or a Resident Rate (1 guest in each stateroom must be a resident of the state), you may be asked to produce proof of age or residency at the pier.  If you do not qualify for these fare restrictions or cannot prove it, the cruise line may be collecting the additional fare at the pier. Additional restrictions may apply.


Port Charges and Government Fees
May include various levies and fees that the various port authorities and government agencies charge cruise lines and their passengers. The port authorities will charge the vessel for local pilots' services into and out of the port, tugboats (if necessary), line handlers, phone and fax lines, garbage pickup, sewage and fresh water connections, and the actual berthing fees for the ship. Many components of the port charges are calculated by the size of the vessel; length, beam, draft and gross registered tonnage. In most cases, the government agencies will also levy a passenger head tax against the ship. They may also include additional income to the cruise line.
Some cruise lines today have now separated out these "fees" and list them on invoices as "non-commissionable cruise fares" , no longer referring to them as Port Charges and Government fees. These fees are often quoted together with the cruise fare. Cruise Direct Online separates them for you so you can see the "true" cost of cruising.
 
Read The Brochure
Take the time to read your cruise brochure thoroughly. Each brochure varies, but in general, you will find information concerning:  Itineraries & ports of call, ship's deck plans & services, pre & post cruise tours, air sea programs, payment, deposit and cancellation policies, legal disclaimers, proof of citizenship, visa requirements, customs & immigration regulations, medical services, etc and much more. If you do not have a brochure visit our web site www.cruisedirectonline.com/cruiselinelinkpage.htm and use the toll-free number provided for your cruise line to order direct from the cruise line.
 
What’s not Included?
Generally speaking, depending upon cruise line, air transportation, shore excursions, medical services, items of a personal nature – such as bar beverages (except coffee, tea, or milk with meals or when expressly specified) gift shop purchases, photography, beauty salon/barber shop and spa services, gambling and service/porterage gratuities are not included in the cruise fare. Also not included are charges for passports, visas, inoculations, laundry, travel insurance, postage, telegrams, telephone calls and surcharges, any items of a personal nature, Guests are urged to read the cruise line’s brochure and cruise line confirmation from the cruise line for complete details on what is or what is not included.
 
Purchases Onboard
On most cruise ships there is a "cashless" system in operation.
You simply sign for your purchases and services on board by using your American Express, MasterCard, or VISA card; or settle your account on the last day of the cruise with cash or traveler's checks. At the end of your cruise, you receive a completely itemized statement.
Personal checks cannot be accepted, and only U.S. currency is accepted on board
 
Cancellations and Refunds
After full payment is received, and a cancellation occurs, a guest reservation is released and not simultaneously rebooked on the same sailing. If a cancellation occurs, cancellation charges will be assessed. They vary by cruise line. Guests are urged to read the cruise line’s brochure for complete details. In most cases, deposits are fully refundable up to the time final payment is due. Deposits may not be refundable if final payment is late, or the booking is cancelled past the date and time requested for final payment by the cruise line. Cruise Direct Online and the Cruise Line must receive a written notification of cancellation by mail or fax.
 
Minor Guests
For most cruise lines, guests under the age of 21 years must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian 25 years or older in the same stateroom. Minor Guests may not occupy a stateroom on their own. Infants eligible to travel vary by cruise line. Proof of age documentation may be requested at check-in at the pier. The cruise line may deny boarding if a guest does not meet their Minor Guest policy. Guests are urged to read the cruise line’s brochure for complete details. If you or a member of your traveling party are denied boarding, you may not get any of your money back.
 
What About People With Special Needs?
Whenever possible the cruise line will try to accommodate people with physical or mental disabilities. However, any medical condition or physical disability that may require special attention must be reported to the cruise line when your reservation is made. The cruise line may deny participation in certain activities and boarding based on past or present medical conditions. You may be asked to sign an unconditional release of liability by the cruise line. Guests are urged to read the cruise line’s brochure for complete details.
 
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is regarded as a medical condition. Most cruise lines will not accept passengers who will be entering their third trimester of pregnancy by the time their travel with the cruise line concludes. The policy concerning pregnancy and eligibility vary by cruise line. A medical certificate establishing the due date and fitness to travel may be required by the cruise line.
As An Example: Women who have entered their 24th week of pregnancy as of their embarkation date and infants under 12 weeks old may be refused passage on most cruise ships due to safety concerns.  Guests are urged to read the cruise line’s brochure for complete details. Check with the cruise line regarding those restrictions for your cruise ship. You could be denied boarding, if so you will not get any refund. 
 
Smoking, Drinking and Gaming :. For the comfort of guests, most cruise ships have designated smoking and non-smoking areas available throughout the cruise ship.  Guests are urged to read the cruise line’s brochure for complete details. Staterooms may not be designated at all or designated as smoking, non-smoking or smoking optional. Passengers must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or drink alcohol or gamble aboard all ships at all times.
 
Dietary  Requests
Low-sodium meals, kosher meals, and certain other diet-restricted meals may be available. Dietary requests should be made at the time of booking
 
Celebrating an Occasion
If you are celebrating an anniversary or birthday while onboard on the ship, we can let the maitre d' know. The cruise lines have a special cake presentation at dinner one evening. Celebration requests should be made at the time of booking.

What's a Guarantee Reservation? ( Applies only if your reservation is booked under this program ) With a “Guarantee” type reservation, the cruise line guarantees the ship, sailing date and the category purchased. But it does not assign you a specific cabin number at the time of booking. You may not know what your stateroom assignment is until either two weeks before departure or until you check-in at the pier. For receiving the lowest price possible at the time of booking, the Cruise Line may upgrade the category or cabin from the category you paid for. Upgrades if done, usually are inside to inside or outside to outside. Once in a while you get a great deal when you paid for an inside cabin and receive an outside cabin.
Often we can “clear” the space before departure day and let you know your cabin assignment, but Cruise Direct Online has no control over cabin assignments, upgrades or location of your stateroom when you make a “guarantee” reservation. Should you not receive an upgrade, you will receive a stateroom, according to the category booked and paid for.  In short, under this booking procedure there is always the possibility of gaining a better accommodation at a lower price. If you would prefer a firm stateroom assignment, please let us know. That request could effect the price of your cruise.
What's a Run of Ship Reservation? ( Applies only if your reservation is booked under this program )
For receiving the lowest price possible at the time of booking, a  "run of the ship" reservation means you may be placed in any cabin on the ship (inside, outside, porthole, large window, obstructed view, balcony, forward, aft, near stairs, an elevator etc.) This type of reservation can best be characterized as “pot luck”. Sometimes it’s a great deal, sometimes not.
 
Pay Direct Process
For security reasons we do not take credit card information over the Internet. With our Pay Direct Process (PDP) the credit card information provided by fax, phone or mail, is given directly to the Cruise Line who will process your charges. Their name will appear on your monthly card statement. Our Pay Direct Process provides comfort and assurance that your funds are deposited directly with the Cruise Line.
 
Information About The Cruise Line's Air Sea Program
Applies only if your cruise quote includes airfare purchased from the cruise line
 
Airfare, if purchased is provided by the cruise lines' Air Sea Program and not Cruise Direct Online. You should know that the Cruise line has the choice of airline, the route you take, which may include one or more connecting flights, scheduled airlines or a chartered aircraft and the flight times you travel. The cruise line reserves the right to fly into a city of their choice and transport you by motorcoach to the port.
 
A major benefit to taking the cruise lines air sea program is that the cruise line knows the status of your flight and may hold the ship until you arrive at the port. That's not guaranteed, but if the delay is just for a short time most often they do. If your flight is delayed, you may not get to the ship on-time, in that case, you are responsible for meeting the ship at it's next port-of-call. You will not be reimbursed for that expense, or any unused cruise portion. You should investigate the purchase of Trip Insurance that may provide coverage for that possibility. With an air/sea package, you may get bus or van transfers to and from the ship. A cruise line representative can be found at the airport upon your arrival or in the baggage claim area to direct you to ground transportation. Look for a sign with the name of your cruise line.
 
If you decide to cancel the cruise before the final payment is due, and you have made your own air arrangements, you may be stuck with tickets that are nonrefundable or have a penalty for changes. If you take the air/sea package through the cruise line, you do not pay for your airline tickets until you make your final cruise payment. After final payment is made, cruise line issued tickets are nonrefundable and cannot be changed. In most cases your flight schedule may not be available from the cruise line before fifteen (15) to thirty (30) days prior to departure. If you wish to use your frequent flyer miles to purchase airline tickets, you will have to make your flight arrangements independently. Neither the cruise lines nor Cruise Direct Online can handle these arrangements for you. You may want to request a specific airline and/or route, or choose the day of the week you want to travel, non-stop flights and/or times that work best for you. If available, there is an extra charge for that. A deviation fee and additional air costs may apply. It varies by Cruise Line. If you do this, you should contact us as soon as possible, at least sixty (60) days prior to your departure date. Air deviation requests usually provides flight information within a week. The sooner you request a change in your air arrangements the better your chances of getting what you want. Once changed, your air arrangements are not refundable. Buying airline tickets through a cruise line does not guarantee that you will reach the ship on time or that the line will pay for additional tickets if you miss a connection or are delayed for any other reason.

Electronic Air Tickets or Standard Issue Tickets
Electronic air tickets may be used by the cruise line when possible to lessen the burden of returning air tickets for changes. Occasionally, on international air itineraries, a guest may receive a combination of both standard paper and e-tickets.

Airline Tickets/En Route Delays
All airline tickets, if purchased, were issued by the cruise line, not Cruise Direct Online. Please be sure to call the airline when you receive your documents and get your seat assignments. Transfers to and from the airport to the pier may be included with your airline ticket purchase. Be sure to check your documents for transfer instructions. If you encounter an en route delay on sailing day advise the airline as soon as possible and contact the cruise line immediately. DO NOT CONTACT US. Use the emergency contact phone number of the cruise line provided with your cruise documents. The airline and cruise line representatives will assist you.

International Air Travel
When departing on an international trip, you should arrive at the airport at least 120 minutes before departure. You should also confirm your flight within 72 hours of departure, and leave a local phone number with the airline in case your flight is rescheduled or cancelled.

Flight Confirmation/Seat Selection
If you purchased airline tickets through the cruise line, (the only way Cruise Direct Online sells air service is through the cruise line ) you should call the airline and re-confirm your flights as soon as you receive your tickets and cruise documents. You should also choose your seat assignments at that time.  Do not wait until the last minute to do this. Cruise Direct Online is NOT responsible for seat assignments, special meal requests, frequent flyer information or other similar airline-related matters and recommends that these be handled by the guest directly with the airline.
 
Note: Cruise Itineraries Are Subject To Change
Guest safety is the number-one priority for the cruise lines. On rare occasions, weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances require a change in itinerary. In these situations, the cruise lines will do everything in their power to visit an alternate port of call.
 
What If I Have A Problem?
What if there is a change in the ship's itinerary or a problem on board. Does that entitle you to some compensation?  You may find that answer under "Terms & Conditions" on the back of the brochure.  Below is an abbreviated and simplified explanation of the fine print you'll find in most brochures.  It is by no means complete. The content may vary from cruise line to cruise line and is for reference purposes only. All guests are responsible for understanding and agreeing to the Terms and Conditions of the cruise line. Note: If you encounter any problems on board such as problems with your accommodations, cruise ship staff, your bill etc. contact the Guest Services (aka Reception or Pursers) desk immediately. Try to resolve any problem on board rather than waiting until you get home to write a complaint letter. It may take weeks for your complaint letter to be investigated and processed.

Did you know that your cruise fare entitles you only to the specified number of days aboard ship, your accommodations as chosen and paid for, and all listed inclusions such as meals and entertainment. Your cruise fare does not guarantee specific ports of call, or the order in which the ship calls on them.

If a ship changes its itinerary (either before you embark or during the voyage), the cruise line may not be obligated to compensate you. Cruise lines are not in absolute control of the ports, and they may have to cancel a port call or change an itinerary for a number of reasons, ranging from medical, weather or mechanical problems.  Cruise departures can be canceled for many reasons, like shipyard delays, mechanical problems or a full-ship charter. If that happens, the cruise line is only responsible for refunding your cruise fare. If you've booked airfare or pre/post cruise arrangements separately, the cruise line is not liable for those costs.

If you're denied boarding because the ship is oversold (i.e., the line booked more passengers than the ship's cabins can accommodate), the cruise line will refund your cruise fare--but other than that, you're on your own. If you've booked your air through the cruise line, it will endeavor to change your air arrangements or secure you accommodations for the evening. The line might even offer you alternative arrangements on another one of its ships, or a ship from another line.  

You could also be denied boarding due to incomplete, insufficient or total lack of proof of your citizenship. In this instance, you are indeed on your own: It is the passenger's responsibility to verify immigration requirements and secure proper proof of citizenship. Denied boarding policies vary from cruise line to cruise line.

Even if you booked air through the cruise line, the lines disclaim any responsibility for airline problems or delays. Nor are they responsible for problems or delays encountered with ground transfers or shore excursions. Remember this above all else: Flip to the back of the brochure and read all of the terms, conditions and fine print.

Airport Security
For airline flights; be sure that you have proper photo identification before you leave home. Acceptable forms of identification are a valid photo driver's license, an active passport or a photo employee identification from a county, state or federal agency. Check with your airline prior to leaving home on updates about ID documentation, departure times and schedule changes. New baggage security measures require screening every bag. New airline regulations require you to get your luggage to the ticket counter ( in line doesn't count ) or to a curbside check-in station at least 30 minutes before departure. For passengers who fail to do so, you may face losing your seat on the plane. There will be an increased presence of law enforcement and security personnel at airports and piers.  There also will be heightened vigilance. Never leave your bags unattended. Be prepared for: a thorough search and security check of all airplanes and airport before passengers are allowed to enter and board aircraft  Physical searches of carry-on and checked bags, and 100% passenger/bag matching.

Plan Ahead
Many airports, as a result of the heightened security procedures, are reporting passenger processing times of as long as two (2) hours or longer.  Expect delays and longer lines at the airport.  You will need to allow enough time to arrive at the airport, collect your luggage, and obtain transportation to the ship. Familiarize yourself with the estimated travel time to the pier and plan accordingly.  Book flights that are early enough to allow for flight delays or cancellations, so you will have time to spare since the ship is not able to wait for delayed guests. For your return flight home after your cruise, do not book flights too early! Although the ship may return to port early in the morning, it will have to clear customs prior to passengers being allowed to disembark. With increased security measures in place, It may take 2-2 1/2 hours for the ship to clear after it has arrived. You should also leave ample time to get back to the airport with plenty of time to check in and go through security for your flight home. We recommend not booking your return flight prior to 1:30PM.

IMPORTANT
After reading the above information, please proceed to the Consumer Disclosure Notice and "Disclaimer" page, read the information provided then print the page, sign it and fax it to us at 407.365.8404.

Click here to go to the Disclaimer page, or cut and paste the link below into your browser

www.cruisedirectonline.com/disclaimerform.htm

Thank You.                                                                                 Return To Home Port