Because of certain laws (which we will not go into in this book) almost every cruise that leaves from a US port will go to a foreign port. This means you will be leaving the country. In order to return to the US, you must go through immigration, which requires proper proof of citizenship.

IMPORTANT: It is your responsibility to have the proper documentation with you for your cruise. Guests arriving for embarkation without proper documentation may not join the voyage and will not be entitled to a refund.

All United States citizens are required to carry a proper proof of citizenship, including valid passports and necessary visas. Expired passports are no longer accepted as proof of citizenship. United States citizens will be required to have a valid passport for all cruises going anywhere except Canada and Mexico beginning December 31, 2005.  By December 31, 2006 passports will be required for all cruises.  By January 1, 2008 passports will be required for all US citizens departing or returning to the United States.

Non-U.S. citizens will need a valid passport and, in some cases a visa.  Non U.S. citizens who live in the U.S. need the original copy of their Alien Registration Card (ARC or "Green Card") and any other documents required by the countries on the cruise itinerary.  Those non-U.S. citizens from Visa Waiver countries will be required to have a machine-readable passport valid for the duration of the voyage.

Please note: Minors under 18 traveling to any foreign country must be accompanied by both parents or have a notarized letter of consent signed by the parent(s) not traveling. Additionally, an affidavit of permission is required for minors traveling to Mexico and Canada. If the other parent is deceased or the child has only one legal parent, a notarized statement must be obtained as proof. Your travel agent can provide additional information about this requirement.

You are advised to contact your local physician, Health Department and/or travel medicine clinic to discuss immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary

• Have the Post Office hold your mail.
• Stop newspaper delivery, or have a friend or neighbor take it in.
• Refill your medicine prescriptions and bring them with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Leave copies of your passport, airline tickets, traveler checks and any credit cards you plan to use with a family member or trusted friend, or your travel agent.
• Distribute your ship communications cards to friends and relatives.
• Place a card with your name and address inside your luggage. Do not put your address on the outside of your luggage. There is a current scam, where suitcase tags are stolen and then the vacant house is robbed. If possible, wait to put your completed cruise line baggage tags on your check luggage until your reach your final airport destination.
• Make sure your luggage tags are clearly visible on your carry on luggage as well.