Ship Dock...Oh Wait Documentation
Nothing is more exciting than packing for a trip, but before I get to the ship dock, I want to be sure I have all the essential documentation for my cruise adventure. Today, I'm reviewing cruise documentation passengers should bring for a successful, stress-free sail away. Like most types of travel, you'll want to be prepared with everything you'll need in advance. Here's my list of tips for cruise documentation:
Important Documents
Traveling on a cruise ship typically involves international travel, so to sail, you must have the proper cruise documents and identification. To make the check-in process and visiting ports more accessible, triple-check that these items are safely organized and packed in your carry-on luggage:
*Identification- for most cruises, you'll need a passport valid at least six months from the sailing end date. On closed-looped cruises, you may be able to travel with an original birth certificate and driver's license, but be sure to watch the Real ID deadlines in your area. You must carry your green card if you are a U.S. permanent resident. I also advise you to make photocopies of all essential documentation.
*Boarding Passes- before boarding the ship, you must present your boarding pass to the cruise staff. The staff can also retrieve your reservation, but most ships have an app you can use to check into your cruise, take photos, set up an onboard account, and select a boarding time. Consider using the app before arriving at the ship to optimize your vacation time.
*Health Information- Many cruise lines have scaled back their health information requirements since the COVID-19 pandemic, but be prepared to share some health information with the cruise. Even before the pandemic, passengers were required to take health surveys. Check with your cruise line for their specific requirements. The cruise line or certain destinations may also collect vaccination information.
*Destination Visas and other documentation- As a passenger, it's crucial to know when you will need a visa or other documentation to be granted permission to enter and stay in a specific country. There may be fees associated with these special permits, and you must be mindful of processing times. If you are lucky, your cruise line may take care of this step and the associated cost; contact them to be sure.
*Permission to Travel- For expecting passengers, most cruise lines require you to disclose your baby's due date via a doctor's note. After 24 weeks of pregnancy, many ships will not allow you to sail. Similarly, suppose you are traveling with someone else's children or have a custody agreement. In that case, you will likely need consent from the other parent or guardian permitting you to take the children out of the country and authorize medical care on behalf of the minors in case of an emergency.
*Emergency Contact- speaking of emergencies, in case something goes wrong, you'll want a printed list of emergency contacts, doctors, and medical insurance information.
*Travel Insurance- Even though it's optional, it is highly recommended to travel with travel insurance. This coverage can be a lifesaver for non-medical and medical emergencies. Carry a copy of the policy with you should you need to claim for trip interruption, cancellation, or any other emergency your policy covers.
*Other Travel Documents- If you are taking a flight to or from your cruise, you will want to have airport and airline information handy. Similarly, if you have a pre or post-cruise hotel, jotting down credit card information could come in handy along with the information for the embassy or consulate for any countries you visit.
As mentioned, photocopying these critical documents and ensuring they make it into your packed bags is essential to a stress-free cruise trip. Yes, there are several documents; this is not an exhaustive list. Feel free to add your trip-specific documents to this list. Organizing these documents will keep you on track for a successful cruise boarding experience.
