Most cruise lines try to accommodate the majority of guests. There are usually designated smoking areas in the dining rooms and lounges for cigarette smoking only. Cigar and pipe smoking is allowed only in specific areas on outside decks. Many ships do not have "non-smoking" staterooms; however all rooms are thoroughly cleaned after every cruise to assure the comfort of our guests. If you are extremely sensitive to cigarette smoke, there are a few non-smoking ships. Your travel agent will be able to provide you with the latest smoking regulations on each cruise line.

Ships that do not visit the US, especially in Europe and Asia typically do not have no smoking rules.

If your itinerary requires a visa, the cruise line will send a visa information kit to your travel agent. It is YOUR responsibility to obtain all necessary visas. Guests should keep themselves advised of policy changes. Citizens of countries for whom requirements may vary should contact the nearest representative embassies or consulates for proper information. For more information on visa requirements, call a visa service or your travel agent.

Although many of the destinations you'll visit have their own currency, major credit cards are readily accepted and some countries will even accept U.S. dollars. If you choose to use U.S. dollars, carry smaller denominations-ones, fives, tens, twenties. As any change you receive will be in the local currency.

You may easily exchange money and traveler's checks into local currency at banks, airports and major hotels in many ports of call. Some, but not all ships offer an exchange program on board.

Some countries impose a departure tax on departing guests, which cannot be included on an air ticket. In most cases this is paid by each guest upon airport check-in and may have to be paid in the local currency. If applicable, you will receive notification on board.

From time to time, cruisers encounter transportation delays in getting to their cruise ship. If it is your day of sailing and this happens to you, please follow these guidelines:

First, advise your airline at the earliest opportunity that you are a cruise guest destined for a sailing that day. (If at all possible, contact the travel agent who arranged your cruise, he or she may be able to provide you with assistance as well.) Working directly with the carrier is important as the airlines are usually able to arrange alternative flights.

If you believe a delay will cause you to arrive in the port of embarkation less than two hours before the ship's scheduled departure or if you are concerned for any reason the ship may leave before you arrive, ask the airline to immediately advise the cruise line. These phone numbers are listed in your cruise documents.

All other questions and concerns regarding air arrangements should be directed to your travel agent.

Please note: If your purchased your airline tickets through the cruise line and you miss your ship’s departure, the cruise line is responsible for getting you to the ship’s next port of call. If you have purchased air transportation independently from the cruise line you will be responsible for making your own arrangements and for any and all expenses incurred when joining the vessel in progress.

You may purchase a hotel package for the evening(s) before or after your cruise, either through your cruise line or on your own.

On days of sailing a cruise line representatives will be stationed in airport baggage claim areas (for domestic flights) or outside the customs area (for international flights) to greet guests and assist those who are eligible to be transferred to the pier.

You will recognize them by their signs. They will recognize you as a guest by the colored ship tags on your hand carried bags, so it is important to attach them before you leave home. If you don't see a representative, have one paged. Please note: This service is available only on days of sailing or beginning a land tour.

Guests who arrive by train as part of the cruise lines provided transportation should look for a representative as if arriving by air. If you made your own train arrangements, plan to make your way from the train station to the port. Most train station representatives are familiar with this procedure, so don’t be put off by this. However insure your train arrival allows for time to make this transfer. Discuss all your plans with your travel agent.

If you wish to drive to your point of departure, parking facilities are usually quite convenient. However, please note that parking fees are NOT included in your cruise package.