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Before You Cruise
Categories: Click on the topic(s) below to read about valuable "Before You Cruise" information!
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Required Documents
There are so many incorrect rumors on if a passport is required to cruise or travel outside of the United States of America. The bottom line is that Central Florida Cruises always recommends that you and your family have a passport regardless of the requirements.
Land / Sea Travel
U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry are required to have documents that comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), most commonly a U.S. passport, a passport card, a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST, or an enhanced driver's license. See the complete list of WHTI-compliant documents .
Air Travel
All U.S. citizens including children must present a passport or other approved travel document when entering the United States by air. U.S. citizens can present a passport, NEXUS card at airports with NEXUS kiosks, U.S. military ID with travel orders, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when on official business.
General Passport Requirements
It is essential that the name on the passport matches the name on the booking whether traveling by air, land or sea. Please refer to the State Department's website for any changes that need to be made to your passport.
Many countries require that your passport be valid for six months after the completion of travel. Ensure that there are enough blank pages for entry and exit endorsements or any visas that may be required. Be sure to allow sufficient time to renew your passport and/or obtain additional pages.
The Passport Card is a limited-use passport in card format is currently under development and will be available for use for travel only via land or sea (including ferries) between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It is not a globally interoperable international travel document. Similar in size to a credit card, it will fit easily into a wallet and offer a less expensive alternate to the standard passport. We echo again, these are not used for AIR travel and we recommend that a passport be used for all travel!
Packing Tips
Over packing is one of the most common things first time and seasoned cruises can often do. This tends to be the case because we do not want to leave something behind and always want enough clothing for the trip. Worst case scenario is when something is left behind; it can be replaced by purchasing something on the ship or in your next port of call. Although cruise lines do not have a limit on the amount of bags you can bring, the airlines are very strict and can charge you over $100 round trip per bag. Think about all the T-shirts you could buy on your cruise for $100!
Multiple Bags
When packing for you and your family, remember to split up clothing between multiple luggage bags. That way, if one is lost or delayed, everyone will have some clothing until the bag is found or replacements can be made. Travel insurance is highly recommended which can help with delayed or lost bags and the replacement of articles.
Airport Security
Every country has their own security measures in place and should be researched prior to your departure. The United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Eurpean Union follow a new policy that will limit the size of liquid toiletries to 3 ounces or less and must fit into a quart size ziploc bag. To check the most updated policies and learn how to get through security lines faster, please click here to visit the Transportation Security Adminstration website.
Packing List
Travel Documents
• Airline Itinerary
• Cash, Credit Cards, Debit Cards (don't forget singles for tipping)
• Cruise Documents (print out from cruise line website)
• Driver's License and Auto Insurance Card (for rentals and picture ID)
• Hotel Itinerary
• Passports and Visas or proof of citizenship
• Maps (directions, ports of call, etc)
• Medical Insurance Cards
• Travel Insurance Documents
• Vaccination Certificates (if required)
Electronics
• Camera, Extra Batteries, Extra Memory Cards
• Cell Phone and Charger (to rub it in as you are sailing away!)
• Laptop Computer and Charger
• Plug Adaptor and Converter (if travelling International)
• Power Strip (most rooms have only a few outlets)
• Walkie-Talkies (great for families)
Clothing List
• Wrinkle Release (helps with unpacking and wrinkles)
• Accessories (belts, gloves, socks, etc)
• Bathing Suits
• Bathing Suit Cover-up
• Day Outfits
• Hats or Caps
• Jewelry (otherwise he will have to buy you some on the ship!)
• Outfits for Casual Nights
• Outfits for Formal Nights including formal shoes
• Sandals
• Shoes (walking shoes for excursions)
• Slippers
• Sweatshirt or windbreaker for chilly evenings
Cosmetics
• Aloe Vera (a must for sunburns)
• Bug Spray (for excursions)
• Comb / Hairbrush
• Contact Lenses / Cleanser / Glasses
• Curling Iron
• First Aid Kit (band aids, Bonine, Tylenol, Q-tips, swimmers ear, etc)
• Hair Dryer (check first - most cruise ships include these)
• Hair Gel or Spray
• Hand Sanitizer
• Nail Clippers / File
• Perscription Drugs or other medications
• Razors / Shaving Cream / Electric Shaver
• Shampoo / Coniditioner
• Sun Glasses
• Sun Screen / Sun Block / Lip Balm
• Suntan lotion
• Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Mouthwash / Floss
Other Useful Items
• Binoculars
• Bungee Cord (hold for balcony door)
• Collapsible Cooler
• Duct Tape (you never know)
• Folding totebag
• Highlighter (to help with daily activites)
• Locks for suitcases (must be TSA compatible)
• Over the door shoe holder
• Ribbon for your suitcase (to help identify)
• Small sewing kit
• Sports Gear (snorkel / dive gear)
• Umbrella or Poncho
• Wine opener
• Ziploc bags (all sizes, xtra large work well for wet excursions)
To Do's Before Leaving the House
There are so many things to think about before leaving the home that we sometimes forget to do some very basic items. Below is a list of items that are suggested prior to leaving for your vacation.
• Call banks and credit card companies so they do not deactivate your cards during travel
• Contact your alarm company (if applicable)
• Make sure all appliances are turned off (don't leave your coffee pot on for 14 days!)
• Print directions, itinerary's, and cruise documentation
• Stop your mail and newspaper if no one is at your house
• Turn up/down water heater, AC, heater to acceptable temperature
Travel Resources
We have put together a list of resources to help your prepare for your vacation.
• Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
• Currency Calculator
• Domestic Flight Delay Information
• Flight Delay Information (Alaska & Hawaii)
• Locate a US Embassy
• New Passport Applications
• Time Zones
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Weather Conditions
