SPEEDY CHECK-IN PROCESS
at the cruise terminal
US PASSPORT BOOKS
Book vs the Card
We always recommend carrying a passport book while vacationing on a cruise. This allows you to fly whereas a passport card does not allow you on an international flight. The process takes 6-8 weeks. Application Fees are $130 + $35 for 16+ which is valid for 10 years. Acceptance Fee are $100 + $35 for younger than 15 and lasts for 5 years.
TIP: Make a copy of the passport book just in case it gets lost or stolen.
VISAS
Varies
An Electronic Travel Visa Authorization system allows citizens of the United States to obtain either an electronic visa waiver or an online eVisa to travel to the country of their destination, eliminating the need to apply for a travel document in person.
VACCINATION VS UNVACCINATED
CDC Issued
For an individual to be considered fully vaccinated, at least 14 days must have passed after the administration of the last dose in their primary vaccine series. Some countries and regions also have a time limit on when the last dose was given or have a booster requirement to be considered fully vaccinated.
If you are not vaccinated, many cruise lines are resuming cruises after September 2022 to allow unvaccinated cruisers to travel. There are rules regarding where you can travel and testing is required for many destinations. Please check on your itinerary of what is needed.
PRE-CRUISE TESTING
PCR vs Antigen Test
PCR testing takes longer, but the Antigen testing will give you a result within 20-30 minutes. Many itineraries will allow either a self-test or supervised testing by a telehealth service member or a doctor. A self-test can be purchased at CVS or Costco.
Once you have the negative result, you will need to bring proof to the cruise line with a picture, email, or via app. The Wi-Fi at the cruise terminal can be unreliable, so brining a physical copy is best.
Check your itinerary if testing if required if you are vaccinated vs unvaccinated.
HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE
For Country Entry & Cruise Line
Entry into countries may need health documentation for the government for contact tracing if you do have COVID-19 symptoms.
Canada will require ArriveCAN forms.
CRUISE LINE PRE-REGISTRATION
via App or on Cruise Line's Website
Many cruise lines will not issue the final cruise documents if you have not pre-registered for the cruise. It is important that pre-registration with the cruise line is done between the final payment has been made and 7-days prior to embarkation. You will need to have an account with the cruise line to get started. The online registrations will need your information such as passport book, vaccination card (if you have it), emergency contact information, credit card for your onboard expense account, and travel plans.
Once you have finished registering, you will be able to print your cruise boarding pass with a unique barcode, luggage tags, arrival, and departure transfers, and trip insurance (if purchased through the cruise line).
AIRLINE PRE-REGISTRATION
via App or on Airline's Website
While you adding your seat assignments, you can check to see if any other documentation is needed.