Important Facts About Your Cruise Reservation

FINAL PAYMENT: Please be sure that we receive your final payment on or before the due date shown on your cruise confirmation so that we can forward it to the cruise line promptly to ensure timely delivery of your travel documents. All names must be correct and if children are traveling we must have birth dates in before the final payment due date. Most cruise lines have a age restriction that you may sail as long as you are 21 or older. If anyone under the age of 21 is traveling in a cabin must have a person of 25 or older traveling in the cabin with them. Each cruise line has their own age guide lines please feel free to ask us if you have any questions.

YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Please check to be sure that our confirmation has the correct spelling of your names as they appear on your proof of citizenship. When we receive your documents from the cruise line, we will forward them to the address you have provided to us. Expect your documents to arrive approximately 10 to 14 days before your departure. Any changes to your documents after the final payment date will result is a service fee from the cruise line.

PASSPORT/VISA INFORMATION: Proof of citizenship is always required for re-entry into the U.S. . In most instances a certified copy of your birth certificate and drivers license is sufficient. You will need a picture I.D. along with your birth certificate. If you are not a U.S. citizen please be sure you have the proper documents to enter the scheduled ports and return to the U.S. . More exotic itineraries may require visas, which the cruise lines will send paperwork when this is applicable. Proper proof of citizenship is your responsibility. Be sure to keep it with you and DO NOT pack it.

ABOUT YOUR AIR SEA PROGRAM: Your receipt confirms whether your reservation include the cruise line's air/sea package.

ADVANTAGES: *The cost of your air travel can be much lower, because the cruise line can negotiate lower air fares and they subsidize the cost, so you can save money. *Cruise lines block of discounted tickets on a particular route make the average cost per ticket its guaranteed fare for that year on that route. Transfers between the airport and pier are included in your air/sea package, and a representative from the cruise line are on hand at the airport(either at the gate or baggage claim area) to assist you. * The responsibility for your air travel arrangements is that of the cruise line. So, if weather or other unexpected events delay your flight, the cruise line takes action to insure you get to the ship on time.

POSSIBLE DISADVANTAGES: *You must use the routing,the airline, and the schedule arranged for you by the cruise line. Your routing may or may not include a stopover, change of planes, and /or an overnight flight, especially with coast-to-coast flights. ** You must depart and return to the same airport. **Once in a while, airs schedules necessitate an overnight stay at a hotel before or after the cruise. **We cannot advise you about your specific air flights until we are within a 25-30 days of departure. **The cruise line will not let you make any changes to your air after final payment has been made.

SPECIAL AIR REQUEST: In most cases, deviations from the cruise line's scheduling cannot be made. If you must change the date of your flight or the city from which you depart, please let us know in writing immediately, and we will try to satisfy your request. The cruise line will charge you a fee for non international trips of $35.00-$50.00 per person plus if there are any additional air cost. International departures - the deviation fees start at $50.00 per person plus any additional air costs if any. Once your written request has been sent to the cruise line they will send a deviation conformation form to us within a 24-72 hour status which depending how close to sailing you are they will need a written approval within a 24-48 hour period back from you. In the event that this can not be done or that you deny the deviation the cruise line's offer (as long as they receive your written denial within the time allocated by the cruise line) they will not charge you the deviation fees. If they do not receive their request by the date given they will charge the fees event you have denied their offer. Any name changes due to spelling error after the 70 days before cruising or after documents have been issued, the cruise line will charge a service fee to reissue.

AIR SEAT ASSIGNMENTS: Whenever possible the cruise line assign seats for the client. Due to the special arrangements with the airlines, sometimes the airlines do not offer advance seat selection, necessitating assignment upon check in.

PRE-AND-POST PACKAGES: When flying to and from your city of embarkation or disembarkation, note that the hotel packages are usually available to extend your stay there (Different cruise locations have different packages offered). Since transfers are generally from the airport directly to the ship, you may not otherwise have an opportunity to see that particular port.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: You should be aware that the cruise lines impose penalty fees if cancellations are made, usually within 70 days of the cruise departure date. We highly recommend that you take advantage of the travel insurance offered (detailed information can be found in the cruise brochure or you can speak directly to the insurance company for details. We will be more than happy to give you their numbers).

DINING REQUEST: The cruise lines will let you choose a dining schedule early or late. Most cruise lines will not guarantee dining but they accept a request of the client. Sometimes the dining you prefer might not be available and the cruise line will wait list you. If you have any medical reasons you may send them to us in writing and we will be more than happy to send this to the cruise line (Must be a letter from your treating doctor) and the cruise line will try to grant your request but once again they might not guarantee it. We will do our very best to try to accommodate your wishes.

CONSUMER DISCLOSURE NOTICE: Cruise Planners is acting as agent for our cruise line supplier in accepting reservations for services that are not directly supplied by us. Therefore, we shall not be responsible for any breach of contract or any international or careless action or omissions by such supplier which result in loss, damage, delay or injury to you. Furthermore Cruise Planners shall not be responsible for any damages or losses in connection with mechanical problems, terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, diseases, local law, climatic conditions, supplier bankruptcies, or any other conditions outside our control. Passengers are responsible for proper proof of citizenship. Please note that all sales are subject to the conditions of the individual cruise line as set forth in their brochure. Port taxes are subject to change. Cruise Planners makes no warranties expressed or implied. E&OE. Your usage of tickets shall constitute consent to the above.

Your cruise documents will be arriving shortly and that means it’s only a few short weeks until your sailing date. Most "first-timers" have a lot of questions - so here's a list of questions most commonly asked to help you get ready and ensure "smooth sailing" both before and during your cruise.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO TAKE?

In addition to your cruise documents, DON’T FORGET 2 PROOFS OF CITIZENSHIP

FOR EVERYONE IN YOUR PARTY, children must have a birth certificate. These would include a certified copy of your birth certificate with a raised seal AND a picture ID such as a drivers license or a STATE ID card. A current passport supersedes all other identification and may be accepted alone without other types of ID. A DRIVERS LICENSE alone is not sufficient proof of citizenship, nor is a voters registration card accepted anymore. Non US citizens must consult with the department of immigration for proper identification requirements.

HOW DO I PAY FOR ITEMS ONBOARD AND IN PORT?

The Cruise Lines will open an onboard account for bar purchases, soft drinks, souvenirs, to pay for shore excursions, etc, which you can settle by credit card, travelers checks or cash at the end of the cruise. The purser’s office will also cash travelers checks for you. In addition, most of the duty-free shops onboard and most shops in port will also cash travelers checks. Most shops in port will accept major credit cards as well as American dollars or travelers checks. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CASH PERSONAL CHECKS ONBOARD THE SHIP.

WHAT ABOUT TIPPING ONBOARD SHIP?

You will receive information onboard the ship about this, but it is generally suggested that you tip $2.50-3.00 per day* to your cabin steward and waiter, and $1.50-$2.00 per day* (*per person in your party) to your busboy. If you use the services of the wine steward or ask the maitre’d to assist in planning a birthday or special occasion cake in the dining room, it is appropriate to tip him whatever you think appropriate. When you see what excellent service you get and how friendly and helpful your waiter, steward and busboy are, I’m sure you will agree that they deserve this gratuity. If for some reason you are not satisfied with the service you are receiving, please bring it to the attention of the chief cabin steward, maitre’d or pursers desk. We want you to enjoy your cruise and this should not detract from it. On cruises of 10 days or less, it is customary to tip on the last evening and envelopes will be provided for you. "Note" most cruise lines add gratuities to bar tabs.

Always check your bills.

DO I NEED TO PACK A TUXEDO OR FORMAL DRESS?

On 90% of the ships, absolutely not! Only on the very upscale ships will you see the majority of the passengers in formal wear on "formal" nights. If you have a tux, by all means take it and if you’re dying to wear the dress you bought for that black tie affair, take it along, but "formal" is real a misnomer. A dark suit and tie for the men and a "dressy" Sunday dress or pantsuit are entirely appropriate for the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party and Farewell Dinner. On other evenings a sport shirt and casual dress or pants outfit is entirely appropriate, but please no shorts.

WHAT ABOUT MOTION SICKNESS?

Ships today are so well stabilized that most of the time you won’t notice you are even moving! It’s a good idea though to take along some Dramamine (follow the directions on the box) as well as aspirin and sunscreen. If you do have a problem onboard, all ships have a doctor and a nurse aboard. And be sure not to forget any prescription drugs you are taking. These should be put in your carry-on-luggage. 

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY LUGGAGE AFTER I LEAVE IT AT THE AIRPORT (OR PORT, IF YOU ARE DRIVING)?

If you are using the cruise line’s airfare program, you will affix the luggage tags sent with your cruise documents and check your luggage at the airport. The next time you see it will be in your cabin! There are a few ports where you will need to claim your luggage at the airport--this will be indicated in your cruise documents and, again, call me if you have any questions. If you are flying but NOT using the cruise line’s airfare program you still need to affix your cruise line tag but you will need to claim your own luggage at the airport baggage area when you arrive in your port city and take it with you to the port. If you are driving to the port, you will check your luggage when you arrive at the port, and they will take your bags to your cabin. It’s a good idea to check your cabin about 1/2 hour before sailing to be sure your luggage has arrived and to check with your steward or the purser’s office if it is not there. They have thousands of bags to deliver to cabins and it does take a while. The most important thing is your luggage tag -- without it, how will they know where to find you?

On the last night of your cruise you will be asked to put your luggage (except your carry-on bags) outside your cabin so that it can be taken to the holding area, and off loaded early the next morning. You will claim your bags in the customs area, don’t worry all this will be explained on the ship.

HOW CAN I BE REACHED ONBOARD THE SHIP IN AN EMERGENCY?

RCI...888 724 7447

CEL...877 266 1020

PCL...900 225 5744

NCL...888 627 4477

CCL...877 225 7447

HAL...900 225 5425

DISNEY...888 322 8732

HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON ONBOARD THE SHIP, OR FIND OUT ABOUT SHORE EXCURSIONS?

There will be all kinds of "goodies" about this in your cabin when you arrive and prior to sailing is a good time to explore and get your bearings as to where the dining room, gym, lounges etc. are located. There will be a daily program of activities put in your cabin each night for the next day. For first timers I suggest you attend the "shore excursion talk" or at least part of it, and the debarkation talk, both of which will be listed on the daily program, These are very informative and all the cruise directors do a pretty good job of making the fun.

"Also Note" that "shore excursions" should be booked as soon as you arrive on the ship. They do tend to sell out the more popular ones first. Some cruise lines will allow you to book "shore excursions" right through your TV in your cabin. This will save time. This procedure is available only on a few cruise lines

 IS IT BETTER TO TAKE A SHORE EXCURSION OR EXPLORE PORTS OF CALL ON MY OWN??

 A lot of that is really up to you! Most ships include a program of their shore excursions with your cruise documents but if not, you will have one in your cabin when you board the ship. Lots of the sailing and snorkeling excursions are lots of fun and much easier that trying to arrange them yourself. Some of the islands/ports that are easy to explore on your own (by cab, or even on foot in some places) are: St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Key West, Freeport, Cozumel, San Juan, Bermuda, Canadian ports especially Quebec City, Greneda and St. Barts. If you’re not the real adventurous type, consider a shore excursion in at least one port. We have lots of information on all the Caribbean islands, Cozumel/Cancun, Bermuda, Hawaii, Alaska and Canada. "Note" things have changed in our world today. There is a lot of unrest in many countries and ports of call. We highly recommend that you book your "shore excursions" with the cruise line that you are sailing on. If you’d like to get a little more information before you go, just contact us.

If your cruise documents have not arrived ten days before your departure date please let me know. When they arrive, please check them IMMEDIATELY to be sure they show your correct name, ship, sailing date and cabin number (if you have been assigned a cabin at booking). Also be sure your airline tickets if applicable, are accurate and reflect the correct name transport to the correct port. If you are using the cruise line air program you should also have vouchers for transportation from the airport to the port and back. All document packages should contain luggage tags and many will also include form to fill out for boarding passes, on board credit programs. All of these should be filled out before you leave. If you think you are missing anything or would like me to go over them with you, contact us.

If we don’t talk to you before you leave, BON VOYAGE!! Please contact us when you get back and let us know what a great time you had. It’s feedback from our clients that helps us assist all of you in making good choices for your cruise vacations!

MAY ALL YOUR SEAS BE SMOOTH!!!

Happy Cruising!

NOTE: If you are using the cruise line’s airfare program, be sure to checkyour cruise documents for voucher for transportation from the airport to the pier. When you disembark the plane, look for a representative from the cruise line you are sailing on near the gate or at the end of the concourse. They will direct you to the bus or van. If you don’t happen to see them right away (and this rarely occurs) just ask a rep from one of the other cruise lines to "point the way"!! Sometimes one person has to meet two planes at once andall the cruise people help each other out at the airport.