Cruise Essentials Karen Family Getaway

Cruise Essentials A guide to smoother sailing Debbie's Family Getaway From Your Friends At: Contact your cruise agent Karen Buford [email protected] 888-969-4768 ext. 55600

We're with you from start to finishAt Cruises Only, we recognize you have many options with regards to which travel agency you choose to help you organize your Group Cruise. We'd like to thankyou for giving us the opportunity to help plan your cruise and be a part of your cruise adventure.Cruising is a great way to vacation, and we want to help you get the very most out of every moment. So we've put together a few basic tips and guidelines to make sure you'vegot everything you need for your upcoming adventure. If after reading through this booklet you still have questions, please reach out to your cruise agent or ourcustomer service department for clarification.We hope you find this information valuable as we guide you through registering for your cruise to preparing for your disembarkation.

We're with you from start to finish ...............................................................................................2Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................3Your cruise is paid for, now what?..................................................................................................4Online Registration & Check-in......................................................................................................5Cruise Line Online Check-in Links....................................................................................................7Luggage Tags & Transfers ...........................................................................................................8How do I get from the airport to the pier?......................................................................................8What to Pack ..................................................................................................................................9Can I use my cell phone onboard?..................................................................................................12How much should I tip?...................................................................................................................13What to expect on day of departure...............................................................................................14Preparing to disembark the ship .....................................................................................................15

Your cruise is paid for, now what?You've paid for your cruise and now the excitement is really starting to set in. We know what that's like so we'rehere to help you with the practical side of things.We've tried to capture the really important things , and some merely convenient stuff that you should keep in mindto prepare. These may not all apply to your cruise, however, you may be surprised of what you hadn't thought ofdoing.Review Your Paperwork Proof of Citizenship RequirementsLook over your travel documents and invoice carefully. Make sure your name is spelled correctly and that it exactlymatches what's on your I.D. If it's wrong, alert your cruise agent immediately. Check that your birthday is correct Valid passport or appropriate proof oftoo. citizenship and identification information be found at:Do I need a visa for a Cruise Vacation?Most countries do not require U.S. Citizens to have a visa. However, there are some countries like Brazil require http://travel.state.gov/passport/everyone to obtain a visa even if the passenger does not disembark the ship in that port. If you are staying overnightin a country before or after your cruise vacation, some countries may require a visa as well. All passengers are required to carry valid Proof of Citizenship before being**Your passport should have at least 6 months validity from the end of your cruise expiration. allowed to board a cruise ship. Bringing proper proof of citizenship is the responsibility of the guest. Any guest traveling without proper documentation will be denied boarding by the cruise ship and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued.

Online Registration & Check-in REGISTER ONLINE AND PRINT YOUR CRUISE DOCUMENTS (eDOCS) BEFORE YOU BOARDThe check-in process for you cruise has been simplified by allowing you toregister online up to 10 days prior to sailing. By registering online it not Your eDocs serve as your boarding pass, and include key information likeonly saves time, it helps to kick start your cruise experience on a smooth departure date, itinerary and airline details. Your eDocs are ready to benote. Registering for your cruise ahead of time will reduce your check-in printed; and are available starting at 60 days prior to your cruise departuretime at the pier. date. You’ll need to complete the online registration for each guest prior to accessing your eDocs.After your reservation is paid in full and before you leave for your cruisevacation, be sure to log in to your cruise line registration site or create an Your eDocs can be printed up to 24 hours prior to your departure date.account if you haven’t already done so. You’ll be able to complete your It is important for you to complete the online registration and print theseonline registration, download your eDocs and reserve shore excursions, eDocs to bring with you to the pier to ensure a smooth check-in process.specialty dining and other onboard activities in advance. You’ll be askedyour ship, sail date and reservation number.Be sure to check with the appropriate authorities before your trip todetermine requirements for inoculations, passports, visas and othermandatory documentation. Cruise refunds may not be issued if you’redenied boarding due to lack of proper documents. FAQ Cruise Tip #1: Will I get seasick?

Cruise Line Online Check-in LinksRoyal Caribbean Carnival NCL Princess Holland America MSCMake sure to have the list below handy before attempting to check-in.¡Credit card to be used for your onboard expense account¡Ship, sail date, and cruise line reservation number¡Valid passport or appropriate proof of citizenship and identification (www.travel.state.gov)¡Home address¡Emergency contact name and phone number¡Your loyalty cruise line membership number (if you have one)

Luggage Tags & TransfersAfter you've completed your online registration, you can print your luggage How do I get from the airport to the pier?tags. You can also pick them up at the pier, just ask one of the porters.However, to save time, and ensure a smoothe check-in, we strongly suggest If you’ve made your own flight arrangements, you can purchase groundprinting them at home ahead of time. transfers between the airport and the pier. After you have booked your flights, contact your cruise agent to purchase your transfers through the cruise line andYou will be able to print your luggage tags up to 24 hours prior to your to coordinate your transfer arrangements.departure date. It's also a good idea to print extras in case something damages When you arrive at the airport, a representative will meet you in the baggagethe ones you've placed on your luggage. You can also purchase plastic luggage claim area for domestic flights. If you are flying internationally, yourtag holders to keep them in tact. Your luggage tags display the necessary representative will meet you outside of customs to assist with transportation toinformation for the crew to deliver your luggage to their correct cabin. the ship or hotel, if applicable. All guests who purchase transfers will receive aIf you are interested in the plastic luggage tag holders, you can check out transfer voucher with their eDocs.Amazon and search using your cruise line name along with plastic luggage tag For cruise-only guests booking their own return flights, we suggest a departureholders. time after 12 noon or no earlier than 6 hours after ship arrives back in port. The same applies for flights arriving on day of cruise. You should arrive by noon to ensure arrival at the pier with plenty of time to board. FAQ Cruise Tip #2: Celebrating life's special moments If you will be driving to the pier, check for the pier address on the cruise line website. If you are unable to locate it, contact your cruise agent for assistance.

Top Pre-Cruise To-Do's:1. Confirm you have all of the proper proof of citizenship & documentation2. Log in to the cruise line cruise site to: Register for your cruise Print eDocs & luggage tags Finalize preferences such as booking specialty dining & shore excursions Visit www.shoreexcursiongroup.com for special savings on your shore excursions Visit www.resortforaday.com for more ideas on what to do while in port Download ShipMate app and begin connecting with fellow passengers...www.shipmateapp.com3. Arrange for pier transfers from the airportWhat to Pack If you're wondering what to bring on your next cruise, here are our guidelines for what you'll need to pack.Packing for a cruise can feel overwhelming. So many days, so much to pack, and On the first day...very little space to store it all. Unless you're cruising on Norwegian Cruise Line, For the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your travelwho advertises their freestyle way of life on board, you will be in a more documents, a change of clothes, bathing suit, workout clothes, and anytraditional experience. medications you may need. That way you don't have to wait for your checkedThe good news is, cruising has become a much more casual vacation -- even bags to arrive in your stateroom. It can sometimes be several hours before youron luxury or traditional lines. Plus, with airlines charging to check bags bags are delivered to your stateroom.(with extra fees for overweight luggage), it's just plain economical to packlight. To do so, you need to have a good sense of what kind of clothing andaccessories you're going to need on your vacation, so you don't pack your Onboard attire... Shorts, t-shirts, slacks, trousers, casual skirts, blouses and sundresses are allentire closet ... just in case. perfect during the day, whether indoors or out. For lounging by the pool, pack two bathing suits (an extra suit in case the other is wet) and a pair of casual shoes (e.g., flip-flops, sandals, sneakers). You'll also need some casual shorts

and a couple of t-shirts or a cover-up for getting to and from the pool areas. If Space saving ideas...you're planning to get a workout or two in, be sure to bring your workoutclothing. You will find some of the greatest workout facilities at sea. No shorts Be sure to leave some room in your luggage for all those souvenirs. Some space-and sometimes jeans are not allowed in the dining room. saving ideas include:Dinner attire... Pack shirts, pants, and skirts that mix and matchDining in the dining room or specialty restaurants to buffets: Wear bulky or heavy shirts during embarkation and disembarkation so you don't have to pack them. Casual for Women: sundresses or pants for women Pack small items inside larger ones. Casual for Men: Sport shirts and slacks for men Smart Casual for Women: Dresses or pantsuits Onshore attire... Smart Casual for Men: Jackets and ties You'll need comfortable walking shoes, as well as a hat and sunscreen for Formal for Women: Cocktail dress protection from the sun. Formal for Men: Suites and ties or tuxedos If you are cruising to Northern Europe or Alaska, remember that nights on deckFun stuff... can be cool. Bring sweaters, jackets and long pants. And if you'll be touring any museums, cathedrals or churches, it's always wise to dress conservatively. You may also want to bring a raincoat and a travel umbrella.Kindle for catching up on all of the reading you've been meaning to do.Binoculars for magnified excitement onboard and onshore. Just one more thing...Preprinted address labels for sending out postcards to all of your family ** Personal grooming items such as safety razors are allowed.and friends **Scissors with blade length less than 4 inches are allowed. ** Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports-of-call or from shops onboard will be stored by the ship and delivered to you on the last day of the sailing. Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned.

Click here for the Ultimate Packing ListFORGET SOMETHING? The cruise lines have you covered! They havetoiletries, books, clothes, baby needs and more available for purchase on boardin the gift shops.THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PACKING• Hair dryers and bath products are available in all staterooms• Irons may be available upon request, and laundry and dry cleaning services are available• Beach towels are available for your use while in port• You may want to pack a sweater – air conditioning can be chilly

2Can I use my cell phone Check what your cell phone provider offers. onboard? Major wireless providers have a cruise ship plan with lower rates than regular roaming rates. Contact your provider to sign up for the plan before you depart. AT&T, for example, supports all lines except MSC Cruises, while Verizon andIf you plan to use your cell phone on a cruise ship, it’s important to know that Sprint support all of the major cruise lines. Visit your carrier’s website for pricingonce you sail away from the embarkation port, your cell phone will go into information, and to make sure your phone is compatible.roaming mode, which means higher rates and extra fees. While it’s impossible 3 Decide if you want a data, messaging, or calling plan.to avoid these charges altogether, there are ways to lessen the costs. Here are, Wireless carriers offer data, messaging, and calling plans for cruisethe cheapest ways to use your cell phone while you’re at sea: ships that are similar to on-land packages, so you can pick the one1 Download Ship Mate App. that best suits your needs. Data plans cost around $25 for 100MB, and text With over 1,000,000 downloads, Ship Mate is the undisputed messages costs as much as 50 cents per text. But, where carriers really get you, leader in mobile cruise apps. Ship Mate gives users access to is on phone calls, charging $2.49 per minute.reviews, tips, roll calls, and cruise countdowns, but the best part is that manyof its features can be used offline. Once you punch in your sailing, you can find 4 Consider buying a Wi-Fi package onboard.your way around the ship with deck plans, learn about all the onboard If you only need the Internet for your smartphone, turn off theentertainment and dining, and even get info about the ports you'll be visiting, phone’s data usage and roaming so that your phone will onlyall without using a single byte of data or racking up roaming charges. If you do connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi. Purchase a Wi-Fi package, which typically costs from 65 to 95 cents per minute. And don’t forget, Apple’s iMessage® servicepurchase a Wi-Fi package (step 4), you'll have access to the app's full list of is sent over a wireless signal, so if you use that function to communicate withfeatures, including direct messaging (which you can use instead of texting) and other iPhone® devices while connected to Wi-Fi, you can still “text.”thousands of user photos and tips. Ship Mate is available for Android and Appledevices.

5 Think twice about using your phone while off the ship. For beverage purchases, 15% of the bill is automatically added to your onboardIf you buy the cruise ship plan from your wireless provider, those account.rates only apply when you’re in international waters. Once you’re •Room Service staff may be tipped as service is rendered.within 12 miles of a port, the roaming rates for that country apply. •Tipping applies regardless of the dining options selected, such as eating at theHow much should I tip? casual dining restaurant or Open Seating Dining.It is customary to extend gratuities/tips to the shipboard staff for their services. Take care of gratuities in advance with the pre-pay option!How much to tip is a personal matter and completely up to the guest. Ourrecommended guidelines in regards to what is appropriate are as follows:Tipping Guidelines **gratuity amounts vary by cruise line** Per Person, Per DayFor guests staying in interior to balcony cabins $13.50For guests staying in suites $15.50

What to expect on day of Once you board, you’ll realize — especially if you’re on a newer, departure mega ships — that cruise ships feel much bigger in person than they look in brochures. Make any last-minute reservationsThe first few hours after you arrive at the terminal can set the tone For the rest If there’s a specialty restaurant, spa treatment, or shore excursionof the trip, so settling in without complications can go a long way to ensure your that you’re dying to try, the odds are that plenty of othercruise is a great one. Start your cruise off on the right foot with these seven tips. passengers are, too. If you didn’t make reservations in advance, do so after you drop your carry-on bag off in your cabin. Note that Arrive at the port nice and early most people make their reservations in advance. If you wait until If you arrive at the terminal early enough that you have to wait for you are onboard, you are subject to the availability that's left. boarding to begin, it’s important to know that not all cruise terminals have Wi-Fi. (Shocking, right?) And don’t count on being Ežxpect a muster drill able to find an outlet for your phone, since the few available are usually claimed immediately. Before you get too comfortable in your cabin or by the pool, remember that all ships have a mandatory muster drill. Passengers Look for special check-in areas for frequent cruisers or people staying will gather at their muster point — a designated meeting area used in suites, etc. during emergencies — to learn various emergency procedures and Bring a book or magazine how to don their life jackets. Boarding usually begins between 11 a.m. - noon Keep all important documents with you in your purse or carry-on, not in your checked luggage.Bring your own water on board. Try to start getting into “vacation mode” when you arrive at the cruise ship terminal, even if it’s crowded and the lines are long. This means doing whatever Many cruise lines will allow you to bring a case of water onboard you can to shake off any stresses of traveling. Give yourself permission to use and will deliver it to your cabin. the bathroom, get beverages, organize your bags, or make a call before you get in line — whatever you need to do to feel calm and collected.Plan for your luggage to arrive late The crew will deliver your suitcases to your cabin, but if you plan to head right to the gym or the pool make sure you have everything you need in your carry-on bag. Sometimes, the bags don’t show up until as late as 5pm. Be sure to put all medications in your carry-on If you find yourself anxious and stressed, repeat this mantra to yourself: “The vacation starts now.”Find your way around the ship with the ShipMate App

Preparing to disembark the shipJust as we helped you to ensure a smooth embarkation on your boarding day, Generally, you’ll be the first group called to disembark, shortly after the vesselwe want to continue to help you enjoy your cruise experience by providing you has received customs clearance. There will be no porters onboard or ashore towith 5 strategies to keep you in vacation mode while leaving the ship when it's assist with your luggage, and since you’re the first group called, you can oftentime to go home. be off the ship by 7:15 or 7:30 am. If you don’t mind an early departure and canOn the last day of a cruise, the drill goes something like this: You’re assigned handle your bags, it’s a great way to get a jump on the crowds.a color-coded number and a disembarkation time according to your travel There’s another bonus to carrying your own bag: Checked suitcases have to bearrangement and cabin category (on most ships, suites get priority). You’re put outside your cabin door the night before so the crew can collect and stackasked to vacate your room by about 8 am so the crew can prepare it for the them in the cargo hold for offloading at the terminal. Once you get off the ship,new passengers embarking a few hours later. you then have to take the time to claim your bag from the hundreds on the pier.On large ships carrying more than 1,500 passengers, the stairwells, lounges,and open decks become a vast waiting room as you and your fellow shipmates Strategy #2: Give yourself time and take it easy.— and their collective carry-on bags — anxiously wait for colors and numbersto be called. On a big mass-market ship with thousands of passengers, it’s If your flight doesn’t leave until later in the day and you haven’t signed up forusually a game of hurry up and wait — and a very unnerving way to end a the ship’s bus transfer to the airport or a post cruise shore excursion, thenvacation. Here are five ways to make your exit a bit more enjoyable: don’t stress about getting off the ship. Linger over breakfast in the buffet, have one last Bloody Mary at the lobby bar, or, if the photo gallery is still open, review the formal portraits you posed for earlier in the week.Strategy #1: Opt for the “Self Assist” program. When you’re done, find a quiet corner on deck, grab a chair, and relax with a good book — or in the sun — while everyone else congregates in the ship’sIf you’re able to carry all your own luggage off the ship (including over the stairwells and atrium until their colors are called. Waiting for the crowds to diegangways and through the cruise terminal) and want to get an early start, you down is a great idea if you don’t have to be anywhere, but keep in mind thatcan choose the “Self Assist” or “Walk Off” disembarkation option.

onboard services and activities will be limited as the crew is working hard toget everybody ashore as soon as possible.Strategy #3: Hang out in your cabin as long as you can. Strategy #5: Throw money at the issue.Though it is becoming extremely rare, some cruise lines still offer a Some cruise lines offer an optional VIP disembarkation service. For a fee, youroom-service breakfast on the morning of disembarkation if you hang your can stay on board until just before the ship departs on its next voyage. Anotherorder form on your cabin door handle the night before. You can also get up way to take advantage of their VIP service is for a fee, the cruise line willearly, beat the crowds to the buffet, and bring it back to your room. Eating forward your checked bags directly to your airline who will load your luggagein — especially if you have a balcony to hang out on — is a great way to avoid aboard your flight. You don't see your luggage until you arrive home in thethe bustle in the lido deck buffet as fellow shipmates rush to eat before baggage claim area. This program makes it easy breezy to disembark the ship,disembarking. clear customs and you're off to the airport without having to sift through hundreds of pieces of luggage, load it into a taxi or transfer bus, unload it at theStrategy #4: Sneak out early airport and then lug it through the check-in lines.More often than not you’ll be scolded and sent back to your waiting area, butyou might not be asked for your color-coded disembarkation tag when youleave the ship — so try heading up to the gangway whenever you’re ready toleave.Keep in mind, however, that luggage is off-loaded according to your colors — if We hope you have enjoyed your cruise. Please be sureyou were assigned Orange 12, you may have to wait in the terminal for to ask your cruise agent about our promotions whenhundreds of other suitcases to be readied before your bags are available. And you book your next group cruise with us.chances are, the ship is a more comfortable place to wait than the oh so hecticcruise terminal.