I have a question about planning a cruise

Do you have information on driving to the cruise terminal?

If you're arriving by car, you should find parking (charged at a daily or weekly rate) conveniently located near the cruise terminal. Cruise lines require you to be on board the ship no later than half an hour before scheduled sailing time.

Will transportation be available from my cruise ship to city centers?

There are many ports that are not located near the city center.

Many cruise lines partner with local transportation companies and offer shuttle-bus service from the port to the city. Schedules and days of operation are usually published in the ship's daily bulletin. Tickets may be purchased for a nominal charge at the Shore Excursion Desk.
Guests are welcome to utilize other local services as well. Depending on the port of call options available may include buses, taxis, car, motorcycle, and/or moped rentals. Just choose the one that works best for you.

What do I do once I've arrived at the destination airport for my cruise?

Most cruise lines send a representative to meet and greet passengers who have purchased a package with transfers in the baggage-claim area of the airport. Some will have a desk in the baggage-claim area for your assistance. In general follow these instructions:

Go to the baggage-claim area.
Look for a cruise-line representative, and check in.
Claim your luggage as you normally would.
Do with your luggage as the representative directs you.
When you arrive at the cruise pier, make sure to tip the people checking the luggage--a dollar per bag is standard.
If you do not have transfers included in your cruise line it will be your responsibility to arrange transportation to the ship. But don?t worry, transportation providers at most airports located by large cruise ports are aware that many people passing through need to get to a ship. It should be fairly easy to get transportation to the pier.

Do you offer 'Cruises-To-Nowhere' cruise packages?

Yes! For reservations and booking information on "Cruises-To-Nowhere" cruise packages, please contact one of our Cruise Experts at 866-338-9536.

"Cruises-to-Nowhere" sailings depart from one port, sail to sea, have no other port of call, and return to the same port they departed from. Departing ports vary by season. A typical cruise to nowhere is around two days in length.
To locate cruise-to-nowhere itineraries online, try searching for cruises less than three days long.
Accommodations will include all the pleasures of a normal cruise such as entertainment, spa, casino and more.
Gratuities are mandatory.
For complete details and availability, please contact our Cruise Experts (currently not offered on-line).

What are the best flight times when booking my own airfare for my cruise?

It depends on the airport you fly into and the cruise port you are sailing out of. Listed below are some of the most popular ports. For more information on an airport or cruise port not listed you may contact one of our Cruise Experts.

Florida - same for all cruise lengths sailing from Miami or Fort Lauderdale.

Arriving:
Flights into Miami: Latest you want to arrive is 12 noon or earlier.
Flights into Fort Lauderdale: Latest you want arrive is 12 noon or earlier.

Departing:
Ship returning to Miami
Flights out of Miami: Earliest you can fly out is 1pm or later.
Flights out of Fort Lauderdale: Earliest you can fly out is 2pm or later.

Ship returning to Ft. Lauderdale
Flights out of Fort Lauderdale: Earliest you can fly out is 1pm or later.
Flights out of Miami: Earliest you can fly out is 2pm or later.

Alaska
North Bound:

Departing:
Flights into Vancouver: Latest you want to arrive is 1pm or earlier.
Flights into Seattle: Latest you want to arrive is 11am or earlier.
Returning:
Ship returning to Anchorage
Flights out of Anchorage: Earliest you can fly out is 1pm or later.

South Bound:

Arriving: Flights into Anchorage: Latest you want to arrive is 2pm or earlier.

Departing:
Ship returning to Vancouver
Flights out of Vancouver: Earliest you can fly out is 12 noon or later.
Flights out of Seattle: Earliest you can fly out is 3:30pm or later.

Mexico
7-Day sailings out of Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Arriving: Flight into Los Angeles: Latest you wan to arrive is 1pm or earlier.
Departing: Ship returning to Long Beach
Flights out of Los Angeles: Earliest you can fly out is 1pm or later.

3-Day Sailings
Arriving: Flights into Los Angeles: Latest you want to arrive is 2pm or earlier.
Departing: Flights out of Los Angeles: Earliest you can fly out is 1pm or later.

Southern Caribbean
Sailing out of San Juan

Arriving: Flights into San Juan, Puerto Rico: Latest you want to arrive is 7pm or earlier.
Departing: Flight out of San Juan, Puerto Rico: Earliest you can fly out is 12 noon or later.

Where can I locate information on the safety of a country I plan to visit?

The United States Department of State web site is an excellent source for the most current information on conditions abroad and to review U.S. government travel warnings.

You may link directly to the State Department Current Travel Warnings site by clicking here. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

In addition, the State Department issues consular information sheets which provide information on matters such as health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, areas of instability and the location of the nearest embassy or consulate.

You may access the Consular Information Sheets by clicking here. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html

What should I pack for my cruise?

It is wise to pack as lightly as possible, but this can vary depending upon the season and region of the world in which you are sailing. Remember that you will probably need both casual and formal clothes.

In many instances, passengers can take advantage of laundry and dry-cleaning services. You can usually find price lists and laundry bags in your cabin.
Be sure to pack an extra fold-away bag to carry home any souvenirs you purchase during your trip.

When should I be onboard the ship for my cruise?

Embarkation times vary with each cruise, but most cruise lines will let you begin embarkation, or boarding the ship, up to 3 hours before the ship actually sets sail. It's crucial that passengers be onboard no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled sailing time.

For security reasons, most cruise lines ask that you not bring guests aboard the vessel in any port.
You must be onboard the ship (not arriving at the terminal) at least 30 minutes before the ship departs.

What should I plan to wear during the day while on a cruise?

Casual, comfortable outfits should do the trick.

Shorts, short-sleeved shirts, lightweight pants, a sweater, swimsuit and cover-up, comfortable walking shoes, non-skid shoes for strolling on deck, and sandals are some suggestions.
Of course, if you're going on an Alaskan cruise, you may also want to bring along a jacket and other cool-weather cover-ups.
If going on a shore excursion, please consult the Shore Excursion Desk to find out what is appropriate to wear while touring. Some shore excursions, especially those to religious sites, require long pants and shoes, while others require swimsuits and sandals. Make sure to check with the appropriate ship personnel to ensure you are properly outfitted for you trip ashore.
For seasonal cruises, plan accordingly. Be sure to include warm sweaters, jackets, long pants, and extra socks.

What travel documents do I need for my cruise?

Passports
If you are traveling outside of the United States, it is important for you to be aware of the passport and visa requirements of each country you are visiting. Requirements vary by destination and citizenship of the traveler. In most cases, a passport will be required to depart and return to the United States. The country you are visiting may also require you acquire a visa prior to your departure. Make sure you get all the information you need well in advance of your trip. NWA does advise that it is always best to bring your passport with you when traveling to a foreign country. Please be advised that you will be denied boarding without proper identification and documentation.

Note: The Department of Homeland Security's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires that all travelers entering or re-entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda carry a valid passport. Travel between the U.S. and U.S. territories (including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) will not be affected. Please note the following new guidelines:

Air Travel: All travelers will be required to have passports - including all U.S. citizens returning to the U.S. by air from throughout the Western Hemisphere - on January 23, 2007. This new requirement includes Canadians, Americans, and others who have previously been exempt from having to carry a passport to enter or re-enter the U.S.
Sea (Cruise) Travel: As early as January 1, 2008, passports will be required for cruise passengers entering or re-entering the U.S.
Requirements for a U.S. citizen to obtain a passport can be reviewed on the U.S. Department of State website.

Visas - To determine if a visa is required for a port of call, please check your cruise itinerary 'Ports of Call' list.

Minors - If children are not traveling with BOTH parents, a notarized letter of consent is required from the absent parent.

Recent Name Changes - Married women who are not carrying a passport must bring a copy of their marriage certificate to show change of name. In the case of divorce and re-marriage, divorce certificates must be provided as well.

Please review each cruise lines' detailed terms and conditions before completing your purchase.

All cruise documents issued prior to sailing will include current policies for travel identification documentation requirements, including proof of citizenship and proof of identity. Please be advised that you will be denied boarding without proper identification.
Our agency is not responsible for passengers who fail to obtain the proper documentation for their cruise destinations.

Will I need any inoculations before the cruise?

Inoculations are not required, but depending on the traveler's age, previous inoculation status, the nature and duration of travel, and the destination, an inoculation may be in order.
- It never hurts to consult your physician, who may have additional suggestions concerning inoculations and other preventative measures.