Please note where you may smoke on your cruise. However, saving a row of seats for the midnight show is just as rude as saving chairs on the sundeck if you arent going to use them for a few hours. Travel-with cabins are not eligible for either an FCC or refund. Starting then, masks will be recommended on board but not required. If you initiate cancellation, there could be a penalty fee, depending on your cruise line, or you could be limited in your options for receiving a refund. ), All passengers are required to attend on onboard safety drill, also known as the. Check whether vaping is permitted on your cruise ship. Does your cruise have a set dress code for events? Here we're offering a sampling, culled from American and Delta. Be Safe. You'll want to double-check the current guidelines (with a site like travel.state.gov for U.S. citizens) as they pertain to your specific travel plans. Any further testing performed in the terminal or on board the ship by providers retained by Carnival will be considered included in the cruise fare and there will be no charge to passengers. embarkation day). With eating in restaurants, many of them fancy, you might thinkyou need to tipall of the waiters and wine stewards who take care of you over the course of your cruise. Here are ten answers to questions you may have about enjoying yourself on a cruise. At the drill, you will learn howto properly put on and secure a life jacket and what to do in case of an emergency. If he gets sick, they need to find you right away. The 673-day Cruise Industry Battle With The CDC Over Its COVID-19 Conditional Sail Order. Legally married couples, including same gender couples, Health Protocols and Requirements for Sailings, Youth Programs (Under 2 and 2-11 years old), Turtles (Infants Under 2): Things to Know, Camp Ocean (2-5 Years) Penguins: Things to Know, Do Not Sell Or Share My Personal Information. See our mini-guide to cruising while pregnant for more. Opens in a new window. Even cruises which espouse a casual vibe prefer you to respect the culture by eschewing sloppy attire. FAQ: What Are the Latest Cruising Rules From the CDC? If youre cruise packing for the first time, make sure to bring the proper attire for dinner. A Carnival cruise ship; illustrative photo of a man fishing. Using a weighted yellow lure, they hooked into a small reef fish. Please note the following procedures and policies: The guest must bring the deceaseds Death Certificate. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Likewise, advance cruise payments can usually be fully or partially refunded (sometimes minus a service fee) if the trip is canceled well in advance of the sail date. External site which may or may not meet Be sure to hold on to receipts in order to declare goods purchased aboard, and to adhere to allowances for purchases of popular items like alcohol, cigarettes and cigars. External site which may or may not meet Note that further documentation could be required for boarding an airplane for international flights; you can check in with the. In order to board the ship, you'll need to show up at the embarkation terminal with your cruise boarding documents and personal identification in hand. Under the CDC's current guidance, being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is not enough protection to be allowed to resume cruise operations from the United States. (Strollers and car seats can often be gate-checked free of charge.). 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. .css-18jw8gc{-webkit-appearance:none;-moz-appearance:none;-ms-appearance:none;appearance:none;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none;position:relative;white-space:nowrap;vertical-align:middle;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;line-height:1.2;border-radius:var(--chakra-radii-md);transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-normal);height:auto;min-width:var(--chakra-sizes-10);font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);background:none;border:0;color:black;display:inline;margin:0px;padding:0!important;font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-Roboto);font-weight:500;padding-top:0.625rem;padding-bottom:0.625rem;-webkit-padding-start:1rem;padding-inline-start:1rem;-webkit-padding-end:1rem;padding-inline-end:1rem;}.css-18jw8gc:focus-visible,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-18jw8gc:disabled,.css-18jw8gc[disabled],.css-18jw8gc[aria-disabled=true],.css-18jw8gc[data-disabled]{opacity:0.4;cursor:not-allowed;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}.css-18jw8gc:active,.css-18jw8gc[data-active]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:hover,.css-18jw8gc[data-hover]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:focus,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}Cookie Consent, Flying to Your Cruise: A Guide to Long-Haul Airports, Airlines and Flights, 6 Cruise Ports and Regions That Have Banned Sunscreen (and What to Use Instead), Why You Should Buy 'Cancel for Any Reason' Insurance for Your Cruise. This handy cruise packing checklist for first-timers offers all the tips you need for an enjoyable voyage. The cruise ship cannot wait for you if you overdo it at a local bar in Mexico, get lost in St. Maarten, or lose track of time in Italy. Opens in a new window. Guests can identify their assigned muster. For more information, read the, Other rules: Most U.S. airlines limit carry-ons to one, plus one personal item. Guest may also be required to present the negative results of a COVID-19 test taken prior to - All other cruises still require proof of initial vaccination and a booster until further notice. Have questions? Saving seats is not polite, whether it is on deck or in the restaurant or movie theatre. All guests must complete their online check-in and select an arrival appointment time no later than midnight (Eastern time) prior to their sailing date. Exceptions: Guests under the age of 21 may travel without a relative or guardian of 25 years of age or older under the following conditions: Your rating has been submitted, please tell us how we can make this answer more useful. At best, the overview provided here is a snapshot. Bringing Cremated Remains On Board A guest may bring cremated remains on board. Some people get up early and put a towel on a recliner in a prime spot of the deck, either by the pool or by the bar. Comfortable Closed-Toed Sandals or Water Shoes. This is obviously not very accommodating of your fellow passengers, especially when you save more than two deck chairs for a group! Arriving early or late will result in a wait. Approved by the U.S. Department of State, the card is a limited-use passport reduced down to the size of a driver's license. Carnival Cruise Line is informing guests and travel agents of additional updates to its pre-cruise testing protocols for unvaccinated guests for voyages departing September 6, 2022, and later. International travel will have different requirements than domestic. Pre-cruise testing is no longer required, but some destinations will still require a COVID-19 test before sailing. To ensure you dont forget any of your must-haves, make use of this handy cruise checklist. Note that cruises can typically be booked as far as 18 months in advance to as little as a week ahead of the scheduled sailing date. What Is a Cruise Ship "Flag Of Convenience" -- And Why Does It Matter? If a guest tests positive for COVID-19 within 5 days or less from the scheduled date of embarkation, guest may elect to cancel their cruise booking by immediately (within 24 hours of receiving the test result) contacting Carnival at 1-800-CARNIVAL to notify Carnival of their cancellation. Be forewarned: Airline regulations vary wildly. Also, some ports, like Martinique and Guadeloupe, will not allow you to enter the country without a passport, even on a closed-loop cruise. Cruise Cancellation and Itinerary Change Policy. As part of the drill, attendance is taken at muster stations, and crew members check all cabins to make sure passengers aren't hiding in their rooms. If you are in the Caribbean, this may be more difficult than you think. Disembarkation can be a lengthy process, and the airport may be a far distance away. Often pool areas require swimsuits and footwear for hygienic in addition to aesthetic reasons. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. U.S. citizens and permanent residents looking for a shortcut on the customs line can apply for the Global Entry card ahead of their sailing, which allows for expedited customs clearance via an automated kiosk; at press time, however, note that Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is the only cruise port equipped to accept Global Entry passengers. Some adult-oriented ships don't allow children at all. Testing requirements have also been waived for vaccinated cruisers on voyages of fewer than 16 nights. You can have fun, but if the crew believes you are acting in an illegal, dangerous, or threatening manner, they have every right to evict you from the vessel. When packing for a cruise, always consider your destination, the duration of your trip, your ships onboard activities and the shore excursions youll be taking. page for protocols specific to those cruises. Waiters are not the only people who may help to make your cruise pleasurable. Vaccines and testing are not required for most cruises. act in a disorderly manner, or buy a minor alcohol. When the crew puts on their dress whites, you should dress accordingly. Passengers sailing to Bermuda must take a PCR test 4 days before sailing. Carnival cruise suitcase size limits are 16 inches high by 24 inches wide (the length of the bag is not a factor) and weight limits are 50lbs per bag. Where they sail: Carnival sails large ships around the world, including popular trips to the Caribbean. Set your clock to ship time, in case you are crossing time zones. If you are taking a cruise with a carrier that caters to Americans, expect to follow American standards of modesty. Read on for details. Nearly every cruise ship prohibits smoking in cabins -- including balconies -- and in restaurants. Again, check with your airline for its specific luggage policies. The restaurants usually have assigned seating or set dining times, so you can book meals with your group when you book the trip. Facebook. Beginning . Stymied in the U.S., Cruise Lines Take Ships Out of The Country. If you are traveling in Europe, you may see that sunbathers have different customs and fashion preferences than in the United States. Some cruises are adults only. Pools Pools are generally open 8:00am to midnight; hours may vary and are listed in the HUB App. Passengers on these cruises still need to present a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license) and proof of citizenship (like a government-issued birth certificate), but they are not required to carry passports. Normally, this will be allowed anywhere that cigarette or cigar smoking is permitted. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. For a more information on COVID-19 testing protocols for each major cruise line, click here. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. For more information, check out SmarterTravel.com's. Your footwear can make or break your cruise vacation. If it is necessary to cancel any or multiple ports, we will do our best to find alternative destinations. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. However, as 2021 enters the spring and summer months, growing calls from the industry and U.S. political figures to allow ships to set sail by July 2021 are starting to be heard, providing some limited hope that cruises can resume from the United States this summer. When its time for shore excursions, pack this handy tote with everything youll need for the day and save space for a few souvenirs youll pick up along the way. Pool Safety Carnival Cruise Line is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all of our guests in all aspects of their cruise experience. "This disclosure includes core elements of our return to service plan which will continue to evolve once we receive additional guidance from the CDC," a Carnival spokesman said. You dont want to be stumbling over your baggage in your stateroom because you brought too many outfits! However, we recommend passports even for closed-loop sailings because in the case of an emergency -- such as an injury or illness that forces you to debark early in a foreign port -- a passport will make it much easier to handle unexpected return travel by air. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. However, you should check carefully the agenda of your trip to make sure that you are appropriately prepared for every event you plan on attending. Luckily, most cruise lines have taken care of this question with a gratuity fee added to your final bill. the latest travel news, advice, updates, upcoming exclusive deals and more. If you are apprehended for illegal behavior and you are not at port, many ships will confine you to the brig, or onboard prison until you reach the next port of call. No. Guests must arrive within their selected time to facilitate physical distancing during the check-in and boarding process. Generally, we advise staking out a hogged chair for a while to determine that the person has not simply stepped away to the bathroom or shower. External site which may or may not meet Irrespective of vaccination status, travel insurance is required for all guests visiting Fiji. That involves a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes work from operations and itinerary planning professionals, not to mention the Herculean task of securing alternate berthing and provisioning arrangements. Although not required for either vaccinated or unvaccinated guests, we encourage all guests 5 Items including crutches, canes, wheelchairs, walkers, purchased food (for onboard consumption) and outer garments are exempt. These handy items take up little space in your suitcase, and they keep your smartphone, wallet and other items safe and dry on water-related shore excursions. Cruise lines limit the areas in which passengers can smoke cigarettes, with even fewer locations where you can smoke a pipe or cigar. series). P&O Cruises (UK) is Britains favorite cruise line with a fleet of ships combining genuine service and a sense of occasion and attention to detail, ensuring passengers have the holiday of a lifetime, every time. Guests Under the Age of 21 MUST travel with a relative or guardian of 25 years of age or older. Take a Look, Check Your Change! For the past year, the cruise industry has tried to work with the CDC, and continues to do so. Temperature checks may also be conducted prior to disembarking at a port of call and before participating in certain onboard activities. However, the line's next-biggest vessel, the 4,008-passenger Carnival Panorama, measures just 133,868 tons. Double-check any information given to you by the cruise line regarding visas, and if you think you might need to apply for one, make sure you start the process well in advance of your trip. Personal items include computer and camera bags, purses, briefcases and other small bags that can fit under the seat in front of you. Handwritten test results and photographs of at home test results are not acceptable. It is best to avoid any issues at all by not indulging in this substance while on board. There are masseuses, entertainers, babysitters, tour guides, and crew members. NBC 6's Ryan Nelson reports on Norwegian Cruise Line dropping its COVID-19 testing requirement. (This is a safeguard against norovirus and other illnesses that could potentially be spread onboard.) Some cruises even letkids cruise for free! Ships in the United States that are American flagged and carry fewer than 250 passengers and crew are also exempt. accessibility guidelines. *Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional per person. Dont let poor time management ruin your vacation. Be on time picking up your children when the Club is closing, as well. These. Beginning September 6, 2022, Carnival will allow unvaccinated passengers to sail on voyages of fewer than 16 nights without requesting exemptions. Generally, vaccinations are not required for travel to cruise destinations, though many countries do list vaccine recommendations for travelers. Your browser either does not have JavaScript enabled or does not appear to support enough features of JavaScript to be used well on this site. When youre at sea, it can get chilly after the sun goes down. Then you may face a vacation-crushing problem. All rights reserved. Cruise staff will call roll call and may even search the ship to find people who are trying to cheat by not attending. When packing for a cruise, start with a few essential documents. All Rights Reserved. Note that, although there are no strict rules on the amount of luggage passengers can bring onboard a cruise, most line recommend no more than two checked bags per person. Dont worry. Chair Hogs! (See our story on Cruise Line Smoking Policies. Just enter your email address and click Submit. Some ships have policies on this practice, and others do not. International flights and carriers may have different (often more restrictive) carry-on rules than domestic ones; first and business classes often have different restrictions than coach. A few additional essentials help ensure a more enjoyable cruise. Whether you are going to Alaska, Europe, or the Caribbean, there is a certain etiquette expected onboard a cruise ship. For all of your toiletry needs, consider packing the following items: To keep other items like wallets, cell phones, sunglasses and water bottles organized and always at the ready, bring along an over-door shoe organizer with clear pockets. Deposit and Booking Requirements. Keep your kids in line for their own safety and for the cruising pleasure of all aboard. For U.S. citizens, .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}passports are necessary for travel by land, sea or air anywhere outside the United States. 1. Guests not conforming to this policy will result in denied boarding and no compensation will be provided at embarkation. CANADA (EN), Respect your crew and the laws of the sea. Visit: www.pocruises.co.uk, P&O Cruises (Australia) provides a quintessential holiday experience for Australians and New Zealanders, taking them to some of the world's most idyllic and hard-to-reach places across Asia and the South Pacific. "It's a mistake to book a flight before 11 a.m. for an airport near the cruise port and before noon if there's . Usually, this may include nightclubs and casinos, or cigar rooms. Stuff a carry-on backpack with essentials like your cell phone, wallet, bathing suit and sunglasses, and start swimming, sunning or exploring your ship immediately. - To maintain physical distancing, Carnival will restrict access to public spaces, and venues/activities will operate at reduced capacity. Although most of your time will be spent in casual resort wear, leave the ripped jeans and cut off shorts at home. Be Safe. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Every passenger must attend the drill, no matter how many times they have cruised. Visit: www.costacruise.com, Cunard is the epitome of British refinement for travelers who relish the lines impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining, world-class entertainment, and the legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel. Fun. American citizens may opt instead to use a U.S. Passport Card when traveling by land or sea (not air) between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean. Also Read: Top 6 Videos Of Cruise Passengers Missing The Ship. Embarkation Day and Ports of Call Visits On the day the cruise embarks, you are allowed to bring on board one standard 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per person. Princess Cruises does the same, with the same per person charge and a slightly lower rate than RCC for suites. We intend to provide more details over the coming weeks as we work to resume operations.". Close contacts with a document of recovery are exempt from testing. Other countries, like Egypt and Turkey, will allow cruise ships to acquire "blanket visas" or visa waivers that cover all passengers for short visits of up to 72 hours. Many cruises offer Kids Clubs with activities that will keep them happy throughout the day. Cruise ships may travel amongst countries with different laws on marijuana. Dont miss out on stargazing from the deck or cozying up in a lounge chair with a box of popcorn for a dive-in movie. These changes are consistent with what local destinations have advised will be acceptable for arriving cruise guests, and Carnival will continue to work . Its important to check the minimum age requirements for your cruise. Carnival says the new policies and procedures - which will be mandatory for all guests - were developed based on guidance and directives from health authorities including the CDC, governments in the U.S. and abroad and additional advice from medical and public health experts. These days, travelers depend on lots of electrical gadgets and electronics for a comfortable vacation including phones, tablets, cameras, portable gaming devices, electric shavers, hair dryers and curling irons. Sign up to receive email alerts whenever Carnival Corporation & plc posts new information to the site. When shopping, look for one with a few regular outlets and USB ports. Details on guidelines for submitting proof of testing and other COVID-related protocols are available on Carnivals Have Fun. Insider recommends waking up with Morning Brew, a daily newsletter. If you book an excursion at one of your ports of call, you will be strictly instructed about what time you need to be back on the ship. Visit: www.aida.de, Carnival Cruise Line, also known as Americas Cruise Line, is a leader in contemporary cruising and operates a fleet of ships designed to provide fun and memorable vacation experiences at a great value. It depends -- if your ship can carry over 250 people (passengers and crew) then you won't be able to sail, even if your cruise is operating solely within the United States on an American-flagged vessel. You must purchase a Carnival drink package for the entire length of the cruise. For example, Royal Caribbean cruises add an automatic daily tip added to your onboard bill of $12.95/day per person ($15.95/day per person for suites). Even though the popular island of Bermuda has recently relaxed its rules for cruise . It's best to educate yourself on the latest travel guidelines, including any travel documents required, before your next sailing -- especially as getting things wrong can lead to more travel hassles, extra expenses and possibly being denied boarding at the pier. accessibility guidelines, Australia Have Inter-island planes may not run regularly. It also might allow you to choose between a refund or a future cruise credit. Check out our Have Fun. Today, due to increased security requirements, many cruise lines require you to fill out the required documentation via online check-in ahead of your arrival at the cruise terminal; this step also helps to expedite lines at the pier. . Good cruise etiquette means following the rules for the Kids Club. Beginning Tuesday, September 6, 2022, Carnival Cruise Line will be implementing new COVID-19 guidelines for both vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers. Be Safe. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! If it is necessary to cancel any or multiple ports, we will do our best to find alternative destinations. Shipboard team members monitor sun Cruise Cancellation and Itinerary Change Policy, Tobacco and Marijuana Smoking Policy (U.S.), Do Not Sell Or Share My Personal Information, Make sure all words are spelled correctly, Use different words that mean the same thing. Your cruise ship must stick to its schedule, so if you are late for embarkation, the shipmay leave without you. - Guests will also have to wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Check with your cruise line because individual country policies can vary. Visit: www.cunard.com, Holland America Line's premium fleet of spacious, elegant mid-sized ships feature sophisticated five-star dining, extensive entertainment and activities, innovative culinary enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries. Havana Staterooms and Suites: Minorsmust be 12 years of age or older in order to cruise in Havana accommodations. (Baggage check-in cutoff times depend on the airport and whether you're traveling in the U.S. or internationally.) The company disclosed its new health and safety protocols as demanded by the Centers for Disease Control, and Bruce Parkinson of CruiseRadio.Net spoke to Carnival about the changes. Check requirements before disembarking. In addition to lab administered tests, self-testing is accepted for unvaccinated guests on cruises 15 nights and shorter. This does, however, include regions like Hawaii, Alaska and territories like St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some ships may even make you get off theshipif you skip the drill. Grandparents or other guardians traveling with minors without either of their parents will also need a letter of consent from a parent and often an official form from the cruise line. Babies must typically be at least 12 months old for trans-ocean, "exotic" or world cruises and 6 months old for all other cruise destinations (with some exceptions). This site is best viewed in the latest version of Internet Explorer or Google Chrome, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Health, Environment, Safety, Security & Sustainability Policy & Governance, Waste Management, Reduction, Reuse & Recycling, Greenhouse Gas Emission Investory Certification, Third Party Privacy, Security & Risk Management Portal.