Cruise Planning Essentials
Before You Go

Thank you for choosing to make your reservations with the Luxury Cruise Source. Frequently our clients have questions they would like to ask about their cruise, about various policies and guidelines, or what to expect on board and ashore. On this page we have provided some essential information regarding preparation for your cruise but since each cruise ship is unique, please use this information as a guide and consult one of our specialists for specific information.

Whether this is your initial reservation with the Luxury Cruise Source or you're a repeat client, it is our goal to ensure that this vacation exceeds your expectations. If we haven't covered a subject that is important to you - or if you have a special request - please contact your cruise specialist for assistance.

We look forward to hearing about your cruise vacation upon your return, and once again thank you for your business.

Bon Voyage!

Prior to Your Departure

Air Flights
Please be sure to review your flight schedule prior to embarking on your trip because once you initiate your travel, changes to your air flights may not be possible. Any subsequent changes will incur additional collections or you may be required to purchase a new air ticket at your expense. Your cruise specialist can assist you with pre-assigned seating, frequent flyer numbers and special meal requests.

Please reconfirm your airline reservations and flight departure time 24 hours prior to leaving home. If you find that your flight will be delayed beyond your ship's departure time, please contact our office or the cruise line immediately. If the offices are closed, please contact the ship directly at the number provided with your cruise ticket package.

Customs
Prior to departing, please consider registering your valuables with U.S. Customs (e.g. jewelry, cameras, electronic equipment, etc.). Although this is not a requirement, it will help to prevent delays in clearing Customs upon your return to the U.S. For further information please see the U.S. Customs Services Internet website at http://www.cbp.gov/travel/travel.htm If you are not a U.S. resident, contact your local Customs office.

Dietary Requirements On Board
Most cruise lines will gladly accommodate guests with special dietary requirements. If you have any special needs, please advise your Cruise Specialist and note them on your Guest Information Form.

Embarkation
Most cruise lines require you to be on board the ship at least one hour prior to the ship's scheduled departure time. Once you arrive at the cruise terminal, you will be asked to show your cruise documents and your passport. We suggest that you keep all necessary documents handy in your carry-on bag.

Early Embarkation / Late Disembarkation
Some cruise lines offer the option of boarding or leaving their ships prior to or after the scheduled times. Early embarkation and/or late disembarkation must be arranged in advance and a fee may be charged. Please let your Cruise Specialist know if you are interested in this option.

Inoculations
Generally, inoculations are not required in most areas where the cruise ships travel. Please note that when traveling to countries that do require inoculations, written verifications will be necessary. These requirements are subject to change and we recommend that you verify current guidelines with your Cruise Specialist prior to departure. Before taking any trip overseas, it is wise to check with your doctor particularly if you are under a doctor's card.

Luggage & Airport Transfers
Transfers, porterage and luggage handling are part of most cruise lines Air/Sea Program. If you choose to arrange for air travel independently, most lines will allow you to purchase embarkation and disembarkation airport transfers. Please check with your Cruise Specialist regarding the policy of the cruise line you are traveling.

Many of the airlines have different luggage regulations and restrictions. Because the airlines tend to strictly enforce their luggage policies, upon request, your cruise specialist can check on the specific luggage policy for the air carrier you are using or you may contact the air carrier directly for specific luggage allowance and size information.

The following information is meant as a guideline only: typically air carriers limit the number of bags that you are permitted to check. First Class travelers are permitted to check two pieces of luggage no larger than 62" each. Economy Class travelers are permitted to check two pieces of luggage each that do not total more than 107". The largest piece of luggage must not exceed 62". One carry-on bag that will safely fit beneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin is also allowed for each passenger. Please not that garment bags, camera bags and laptop computers are considered carry-on luggage. In addition to the above size restrictions, most air carriers have strict weight restrictions. Your are encouraged to contact your individual carrier or check with your Cruise Specialist.

We suggest that guests always keep your luggage locked to guarantee its security from the time you leave home until the time you open it in your stateroom. However, U.S. airport screening procedures require that you leave your luggage unlocked for inspection. Please check with your air carrier or Cruise Specialist to verify the policy. We do suggest that you lock your luggage again prior to leaving the airport.

Ship and airline safety requirements prohibit the transportation of dangerous goods including, but not limited to, explosives, weapons, ammunition, mace, pepper-spray, hazardous material, martial arts devices, swords, or similar items that may be considered a security risk.

You may wish to avail yourself of the services from our affiliate luggage-free travel service, Virtual Bellhop. By registering online at www.VirtualBellhop.com, your luggage (including golf clubs) will be picked up at your home and delivered directly to the ship.

Medical Information

Special Medical Conditions
At the Luxury Cruise Source, your health and safety are our first priority. If you have any existing medical condition that may require the attention of the cruise line, or should you require oxygen for medical reasons while on board, we ask that you please send written notification to the cruise line prior to your cruise.

Pregnancy
At the time of booking, expectant mothers are required to provide a medical certificate establishing their fitness for travel. Most cruise lines are unable to accommodate women beyond their sixth month of pregnancy and will not be responsible or liable for any complications related to pregnancy during the entire duration of the cruise.

Prescription Medication
For your convenience and well-being, it is important that you bring a sufficient supply of any prescription medicine you may need. Prescriptions cannot be refilled on most cruises, and usually cannot be refilled overseas. To prevent delays in clearing Customs, it is also a good idea to travel with a doctor's letter explaining that your prescription medication is required for your continued health. It is also recommended that the medicine remain in its original container with the original drug store label intact.

Packing Essentials

Clothing Aboard the Ship
Shipboard attire ranges from casual to formal depending on the ship and itinerary. The dress policy of your particular cruise line will be included with your cruise documents. In general, casual resort wear is appropriate for daytime aboard most ships and consists of standard sports outfits as worn to resorts. Shoes should be flat or low heeled for deck activities and shore excursions that require a lot of walking. Evening attire falls in three categories: casual, informal and formal attire.

Casual Attire
On most cruises casual evenings would include a more relaxed attire, such as casual dresses and pantsuits for ladies, and sports shirt and slacks for gentlemen. Ties and jackets are not required and shorts and baseball caps would not be permitted.

Informal Evening Attire
On most cruises informal attire for ladies would be; evening dresses, cocktail dresses or pantsuits, and for gentlemen, we suggest a jacket and slacks; ties are optional.

Formal Attire
On most cruises formal attire for ladies would be; evening dresses and gowns of fashionable length for ladies, and a tuxedo, dinner jacket or dark suit and tie for gentlemen.

Again, please check your cruise documents or check with your cruise specialist for the appropriate attire for your particular sailing, as the dress guidelines may change on each sailing.

For days in port, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. Check with your Cruise Specialist for special items you might want to pack for your destination and the time of year you are traveling.

Other Items to Pack
Most ships have an on board store stocked with some toiletries as well as film. However, we do suggest that you pack a substantial supply of essential items, since toiletries are often very expensive overseas and sometimes unavailable. Also, be sure to pack an ample supply of film and batteries for your camera, over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs.

Travel Documents
To ensure that your journey runs smoothly, please remember to bring along all required travel documents. These may include air and cruise tickets, passports, visa and medical card inoculation verification, where applicable. Please be aware that security measures imposed by overseas governments may change from time to time. Although we will make every effort to provide you with notice of any regulations which may affect you, it is your responsibility to secure all relevant documentation for your trip.

Note: Some countries you visit may require that your passport be valid for six months after your return date.

For personal safety, most cruise lines require all guests to provide proper documentation in order to board the vessel. Should you have any questions regarding travel documents, please contact your Cruise Specialist for advice.

U.S. Citizens
On most cruise lines, all U.S. citizens who travel abroad are required to carry a valid passport.

In addition to your passport, you should also bring along a current government-issued photo identification card to use at pier and airport security checkpoints.

Visa Requirements vary from country to country. Your cruise line or Cruise Specialist will inform U.S. citizens of specific visa requirements. Visa information may also be obtained through the local embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting. Although it is your responsibility to obtain all necessary visas, your Luxury Cruise Source Specialist is able to assist you in obtaining travel visas. Visas must be obtained regardless of whether you plan to go ashore or remain on board while in ports which require visas. Everyone must be cleared by local Immigration authorities upon arrival in port, regardless of the length of the ship's call.

International Citizens
International guests should contact their travel specialist for details on passport and visa requirements. Please note that failure to comply with requirements may result in refusal of passage by authorities.