It is recommended that you carry a small carry-on bag with your travel documents, a change of clothes, swimwear, sportswear, and any medications you may need. That way, when you enter your cabin, you won't have to wait for your luggage to arrive and you can enjoy your cruise vacation.
Bring extra empty plastic bags, just in case.
There are four types of books to consider when organizing your belongings: Travel guides - the essential publication for discovering new places. Poolside book - Enjoy a relaxing moment by the poolside with a small book under the warm sunshine. Diary - Record your daily travel mood and look forward to sharing your memories later. Address Book - Send your friends a postcard of your cruise and make them jealous.
The binoculars are one of the most often forgotten travel treasures, so don't forget to bring them with you before you leave home, and you'll be able to see the sights and sounds of the world, near and far.
Whether indoors or out, shorts, T-shirts, pants, casual skirts, shirts and summer dresses are the best daytime attire. If you want to soak up the sun by the pool, bring two swimsuits (so that the other one doesn't get wet and can't be replaced) and a pair of casual shoes (such as flip-flops, beach shoes or sneakers). You can also pack some casual shorts, a couple of T-shirts, or a towel jacket for the trip from your cabin to the pool.
If you're going to the fitness center, don't forget to pack a few pairs of shorts, T-shirts, and socks so you don't have to return to the cabin in a sweaty mess to change. A pair of tennis shoes or running shoes is also a must. For formal dinners, women must wear evening dresses and men must dress in a suit and tie or tuxedo. For semi-casual dinners, women should wear dresses or pants, and men should wear a jacket or coat and tie. For lighter hours, men should wear a sweatshirt and long pants, while women can wear a casual dress or pants. Please remember that shorts, T-shirts and swimsuits are not appropriate attire for restaurants or dinners. At the Sailboat Café, we offer semi-casual dinner hours, so please be sure to attend in semi-casual attire. Semi-casual attire is also appropriate for all of our specialty restaurants. Tuxedo rentals are generally available for formal dinners and special occasions. For shore excursions you will need a pair of comfortable walking shoes, as well as a hat and sunscreen to protect you from the strong UV rays outside.
If you choose to sail to Europe or Alaska, it may be cooler on deck at night, so we recommend a sweater, jacket and long pants. When visiting any museums, churches or religious sites, it's always wise to dress modestly and conservatively. Perhaps you could bring a raincoat, walking shoes and a small foldable umbrella.
What not to bring
For passenger safety, the following items are not allowed on board: electronic transformers, coffee makers, irons, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, and explosives (e.g., fireworks, open flames). We also recommend that you do not pack any valuables (e.g., jewelry) in your checked baggage for security reasons.
Personal identification
Take a few minutes before you leave home to familiarize yourself with the travel documents you will need to present before boarding your cruise ship.
Cruise passengers are solely responsible for the authentication and possession of their personal travel documents and for presenting them as proof when necessary. Applicable travel documents include passports, visas, quarantine certificates and family legal documents. These documents must be available at all times for embarkation and re-entry into the U.S. and other countries.
If you are unable to produce the required documentation, you may be prevented from boarding a ship or entering a country and may face a fine. No refunds will be given to those who cannot produce the required documents.
Required information by region
Asia voyages are all voyages departing and returning from Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
North American voyages are all voyages departing and returning from ports in the United States, Canada and Mexico (including the Panama Canal).
The remaining voyages are categorized as international voyages, which include Europe, South America and Australia/New Zealand voyages, as well as repositioning voyages from these ports.
Asia voyages
Continuous voyages: Cruise passengers choosing continuous voyages must ensure that they have the required valid travel documents for the entire duration of their cruise vacation.
Passport: Passengers must be in possession of a valid travel passport. Ensure that there are sufficient blank pages in your passport for visa stamps. For security reasons, we recommend that your passport be valid for no more than 6 months beyond the end date of the cruise. As cruise ships will collect passports from passengers for customs clearance at each port of call, we recommend that you have several copies of your passport with your personal details and a recent photograph close at hand. This way, you will only need to bring this copy with you each time you leave the ship and enter the port.
VISAS: Prior to leaving home, cruise passengers are solely responsible for the certification and possession of their individual tourist visas, unless otherwise instructed below. Many countries still require valid visas for passengers of different nationalities. Cambodia and Vietnam still require visas for many nationalities, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, but this is not the only visa required for a particular voyage.
Quarantine/Health Certificates: It is the responsibility of all passengers to ensure that they are in good personal health and fit to travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have provided guidelines for required vaccinations for each country. In many cases, vaccinations are recommended, but in some cases they are required. We therefore recommend that you check with your local healthcare professional or a travel medicine specialist accredited by the World Health Organization.
Family Legal Documents: Any accompanying adult who is not a parent or legal guardian of the child must present the child's valid passport or birth certificate (original, notarized or certified copy) and an original notarized power of attorney attesting to the presence of the child signed by at least one of the parents. The original notarized parental authorization must clearly state that the accompanying adult is authorized to participate in a specific cruise itinerary and must authorize the guardian to sign an official legal document/waiver to participate in any activity (e.g., rock climbing, surf parks, bungee trampolines, inline skating, or ice-skating), as well as authorize the accompanying adult to supervise the child's activities and to allow the child to undergo any medication, if necessary. If the legal guardian of the child is not an adult parent, the accompanying adult must have competent proof of custody of the child.
North American Voyages
Continuous Voyages: Cruise passengers choosing to sail on continuous voyages must ensure that they have the required valid travel documents in their possession for the entire duration of their cruise vacation.
Passport Requirements: Under the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travelers are required to have a valid passport for entry and re-entry into the U.S.
Passport Requirements: All travelers are required to have a valid passport for entry and re-entry into the U.S. under the WHTI.
Quarantine/Health Certificates: It is clearly stated in our cruise itinerary brochures that it is the responsibility of all passengers to ensure that they are in good personal health and fit to travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have provided guidelines for required vaccinations for each country. In many cases, vaccinations are recommended, but in some cases they are required. We therefore recommend that you check with your local healthcare professional or a travel medicine specialist accredited by the World Health Organization.
Family Legal Documents: Any accompanying adult who is not a parent or legal guardian of the child must present the child's valid passport or birth certificate (original, notarized or certified copy) and an original notarized power of attorney attesting to the presence of the child signed by at least one of the parents. The original notarized parental authorization must clearly state that the accompanying adult is authorized to participate in a specific cruise itinerary and must authorize the guardian to sign an official legal document/waiver to participate in any activity (e.g., rock climbing, surf parks, bungee trampolines, inline skating, or ice-skating), as well as authorize the accompanying adult to supervise the child's activities and to allow the child to undergo any medication, if necessary. If the legal guardian of the child is not an adult parent, the accompanying adult must have competent proof of custody of the child.
International voyages
Continuous voyages: Cruise passengers choosing to sail on continuous voyages must ensure that they have the required valid travel documents in their possession for the entire duration of their cruise vacation.