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Travel Direct Corporation Cruise Direct Online 4 Reserve Way Milford, New Hampshire 03055 Phone 603.672.0550 eFax 407.650.3271 |
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. Some information may not be up to date. It is intended as a guide only. Passengers are requested to review thoroughly their cruise brochure, visit the cruise line's web site and the documents given to them by the Cruise Line. These sources and documents will provide greater details , updated information 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.
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. 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 may 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
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: A VALID PASSPORT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS CRUISE
NEW... All citizens, regardless of age (infants included) will be required
to show a passport to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico,
Panama, Bermuda, the Caribbean and the rest of the World. Guests sailing on
or after January 23, 2007 will be required to present a valid passport
during ship check-in formalities. Passports must be valid for at least 6
months after sailing. Expired passports are not acceptable. You are
responsible for having the proper documenation 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 Vacination
Certificates etc. ) as required will result in denied boarding and you will
not get a refund for your cruise.
Important — visa information for travel to Canada — Alaska and coastal
voyages
* U.S. and Canadian passport holders do not require a visa for this cruise.
* U.S. Resident Aliens and Canadian Permanent Residents presenting a valid
alien registration card (US) / valid Permanent Registration Card ( Canada )
are exempt from the Visa requirement.
* All other nationalities must verify their visa requirements for each port
on this itinerary. Passengers will be embarking/disembarking or visiting the
Canadian ports of Vancouver or Victoria, British Colombia during the cruise.
* Non—U.S. and Non—Canadian passport holders may require a temporary
resident visa (trv) for Canada; it must be obtained in advance. This visa
requirement applies regardless if the passenger chooses to remain onboard or
go ashore.
* To obtain the visa, you may contact your local Canadian consulate or visit
www.cic.ga.ca/english/applications/visa.html.
* Passengers without the proper documentation required for this cruise will
be denied boarding, without any refund of the cruise or cruisetour fare
With a valid passport you may be able to fly from the U.S. to meet your ship
at the first port should you miss your scheduled embarkation and allow you
to disembark the ship before your cruise ends due to an emergency to fly
back to the U.S without significant delays and complications.
Very important! Passport requirements are subject to change. These changes
impact U.S. Citizens and non-U.S. Citizens. For more information, please see
the U.S. State Department website for passport information.
Homeland Security Rule
Guests are required to complete Online Registration (also may be know as
Check-In, Fun Pass, Cruise Personalizer or other name )
For sailings departing from the United States, U.S. government homeland
security rules require the cruise line to submit certain guest information
to law enforcement authorities at least 60 minutes prior to departure. To do
this, they must have the necessary information in their records at least 120
minutes before departure from the U.S. port. If they do not have your
information on time, you will be unable to sail. Guests who wait to check in
at the terminal risk being unable to sail even if they arrive before the
vessel leaves. You will be responsible for all costs you incur to join the
vessel at the next port. DO NOT FORGET TO REGISTER ONLINE. For guests
residing in the European Economic Area (EEA), note that check-in information
you provide to the cruise line may be shared with their affiliates and
agents and/or provided to government and enforcement agencies in the U.S.
and other countries outside the EEA where controls on data protection may
not be as strong as those in your country of residence.
All travel documents such as passports, visa,
proof of citizenship, etc., that are required for embarkation and re-entry
into the United States are the responsibility of the passenger. Passport
expiration date must not occur within six (6) months of the termination date
of your cruise.
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 or photo ID and birth
certificate. See notes below about birth certificates.. Middle names alone
and nicknames are not allowed.
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.
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 the
cruise lines web site and order one.
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, Refunds Etc.
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.
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.