CRUISE INFORMATION - THINGS TO KNOW!

WHAT'S A SHORE EXCURSION?

Shore excursions are usually available anytime you stop at a port. You can choose to explore and shop on your own or book an excurion through your Cruiseline. Booked excursions may include tours through ruins, hikes through a local rainforest, fishing, whale watching and scuba diving.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO ONBOARD?

On all ships there is a variety of activities, events, shore excursions and parties to partake in. Generally, larger ships have more variety. You may wish to lounge on deck by the pool with a good book, sign up cooking classes, wine tasting, yoga, seminars, play bingo, bridge, or visit the casino. In the evening, you can enjoy different broadway style shows. For those wanting to rejuvenate most cruiseships have spa facilities to refresh and relax while offering breathtaking views. We do encourage guests to book spas in advance as they are very popular.

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS?

Large cruiseships are now designed with kids-only and youth-only facilities. Facilities include daytime and nighttime activities, kids and youth only shore excursions and nighttime baby-sitting for younger children. Some cruise lines, or resorts simply are not suitable for kids, and others are absolutely fantastic. Kids programs age restrictions vary, so ask your CruisePlus agent to help you find the best suited destination and supplier. Always ask yourself who the trip is really for, and if it is for the kids, be sure to pick a place or a ship that will help make them enjoy their vacation.

PICKING THE RIGHT TRIP

The most important thing about booking travel is picking the destination and accommodation that is right for you. A first class traveler, as example, may be greatly disappointed if they chose a budget hotel or cruise. Your CruisePlus agent will not try and sell you something more than what you want, however they will make sure to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the hotels, resorts, tour or packaged holiday company or cruise line you are considering.

SELECTING THE RIGHT CRUISELINE

Choosing the right cruiseline is as important as selecting the right cruise itinerary itself. Cruiselines can be classified into four broad categories: Resort, Premium, Luxury, and Niche.

Resort
This category of cruise vacation represents the equivalent of floating "Resorts at Sea." The ships range in size from mid-sized (500 to 1500 guests) to large, and includes the newer "mega" cruise ships that can accommodate over 3000 guests.

Premium
A premium cruise product features all of the same shipboard amenities as a typical resort/contemporary cruise (spas, health clubs, pools, multiple dining options and restaurants, intimate lounges and incredible entertainment, age specific children's programs, casinos and more) but offers additional upscale features for discerning travelers.

Luxury
Every cruise line offers a great experience to its passengers, but a true luxury cruise experience is head and shoulders above the rest of the cruise industry. These cruises appeal to the traveler who demands the finest quality available and luxury cruise ships offer services and amenities that rival the best resorts worldwide.

Niche
Niche and specialty cruises offer guests a cruise vacation with a distinct expertise and focus. Most niche/specialty cruise lines are destination experts and provide guests with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture that they are visiting. Cruise lines in the specialty segment feature expertise to destinations like Antarctica, Hawaii, Europe, the Mediterranean and the Greek Islands, South America, the Orient, Asia and Scandinavia. Niche and specialty cruises which also include "soft-adventure" vacations will often feature the following to provide their guests with an enrichment experience as well as a vacation.

ARE YOU LEGALLY ABLE TO TRAVEL

CruisePlus cannot be held responsible if you book a trip with us and then are unable to go because you are not legally allowed or are refused admission to a country. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have no travel restrictions. We have seen this happen! A Canadian client had a minor conviction that was 20 years old and he assumed that after all this time he wouldn't have a problem entering the United States - and was wrong. He was turned away at the border and besides losing the complete cost of his trip, it was a great disappointment for him and his family.

FLIGHTS AND TIMING

People booking a cruise from the West coast, for example, that departs from the East coast will usually require an over night stay. You also may have no recourse if you miss your cruise because your flight was delayed or cancelled. We always recommend that you allow plenty of time between flights and that you give yourself a realistic "buffer" getting to your port of embarkation. Cruise lines do offer some protection if you book air through their program, but this can often be considerably more expensive than doing your own arrangements online or through CruisePlus. Be careful to evaluate the risk and choose the right air. Also remember, flights can be delayed or completely cancelled for a variety of reasons, and CruisePlus and usually also the airlines cannot be held responsible should this occur. Don't expect the cruise ship to wait for you. If you are late, there could be considerable costs to meet the ship at its next port of call.

ARRANGING PRE, DURING OR POST CRUISE TOURS

A vast majority of passengers will take at least one tour to compliment their cruise. Here are a few examples:

• While cruising to Alaska is an experience not to be missed, if you've come that far you may wish to spend a few days on land seeing Denali Park or other frontier highlights.
• Many Caribbean passengers will spend a few days at Florida theme parks.
• Exotic cruises near Africa almost always include a safari add on.
• Baltic cruises offer a painless way to see St Petersberg and incorporate the required visa, which, when obtained on your own can be a real effort.
• South America cruises offer a number of historical choices as do European itineraries.
• Hawaii 7 day cruises are often begun or end with a few extra days on land.
• Mexico sailings departing from Southern California are often complemented with a few days in Los Angeles, San Diego, Vegas or Palm Springs.
• New York is the place to be…and those embarking or disembarking from the Big Apple often find a few days to sightsee and take in some shows.

There are so many destinations and itineraries. Allowing an extra day or two simply to avoid missing the sailing is always a good idea anyway, so why not incorporate a pre or post tour - whether you buy it through the cruise line, plan it yourself or have CruisePlus arrange things for you.

BEST TIME TO BOOK

There are often early booking incentives for booking well in advance, but this does not guarantee that you will always get the best deal. Often travel suppliers will offer last minute sell off pricing, but this depends on supply and demand. In 2005, for example, the industry was extremely strong and very few "blow out" deals were to be found, especially compared to the years after 9/11. Most pricing rose steadily in 2005, and the early bird did get the worm. Not only did they get better pricing, they also were more likely to get dining and flight times that were more to their liking. Longer voyage cruises and more exotic packaged holidays and tours generally sell out far in advance and last minute deals are rare. 7 day or less Caribbean and Mexico sailings are generally the best bet for deals on a cruise, but you can run into higher last minute air prices which can wipe out your cruise savings. CruisePlus sells lots of last minute cruises, and are one of the few agencies to have access to some exclusive deals, but they are not nearly as plentiful and the savings are not as high as they have been. If you know that you want to go, book to avoid disappointment. If you are a bargain hunter and are flexible, then wait it out and see what comes up!

As for weather, you should think carefully before booking a cruise in hurricane season, for example. There are very few instances when a sailing is cancelled, but itinerary changes will happen if the weather is acting up. There can, however, often be exceptional cruise deals during this time - and odds are you won't be affected, but you need to be prepared.

WHEN YOU BOOK

DINING TIMES, CROSS REFERENCING AND TABLE SIZE
If you are booking a cruise, you will be asked your preference for dining aboard the ship. Generally people who book early do get their choice, but this sometimes cannot be guaranteed. Some cruise lines offer special consideration for people with medical conditions (that may require a doctors note) if the time they have chosen is unavailable at the time of booking. Cross referencing must be done in advance for multiple stateroom parties, and groups may have to be flexible with their dining time if they wish to all sit together. Table sizes vary, and only a few hold more than 8 people. Larger groups may get tables next to each other, but are unlikely to all be at the same table if over 8 to 10 people. Please make sure that your CruisePlus agent understands your dining preferences and advises you of other choices if your initial preference is unavailable. Bookings fairly close into sailings usually have no choice - and passengers will have to take whatever seating and table size is left. Aboard the ship it is possible to rearrange what you have been assigned as they generally do hold some tables back for this - but again, we cannot promise this to you as this inventory is very limited.

PICKING THE RIGHT STATEROOM AND TYPE
There's a great misconception in the cruise business, that if you book the least expensive stateroom on the ship you'll be upgraded to a balcony. It happens every once in a while, but the odds are definitely not in your favor, especially in the robust travel economy we are now experiencing.

The lowest priced staterooms are often offered as "guarantees", which means you may not find out your assigned cabin until you board the ship and you have to expect to get what you've paid for. Even loyal repeat clients cannot expect an upgrade. Make sure and book the accommodation that you are going to be happy with. Once you've traveled in a balcony or suite on a ship, stayed in a five star resort or flown business class, you may be greatly disappointed in anything less. The bottom line is know what you're buying, and keep in mind that often it doesn't cost that much more to make your vacation a whole lot better. There is a lot of stress hoping for that upgrade, and, while we can get a complimentary one every once and a while for our clients, it should never be presumed CruisePlus can provide this at the time of booking.

UNDERSTAND KIDS PROGRAMS

Some cruise lines, or resorts simply are not suitable for kids, and others are absolutely fantastic. Kids programs age restrictions vary, so ask your CruisePlus agent to help you find the best suited destination and supplier. Always ask yourself who the trip is really for, and if it is for the kids, be sure to pick a place or a ship that will help make them enjoy their vacation.

CLEARLY UNDERSTAND CANCELLATION & COMPLETE SUPPLIER TERMS

Never assume that you can book a trip, cancel and then get all your money back. While most suppliers do have grace periods, you are likely to lose part or all of your deposits and payments as you get closer to the scheduled departure. Many cruise or travel offers have non refundable deposits no matter how far you book in advance, so please make sure you are aware of the terms and conditions before you book. Another thing to note is that while you may qualify for a refund, it generally takes the suppliers a lot longer than you'd like to actually see the refund. Also, if you for example are a Canadian, paying in U.S. dollars on your credit card, the exchange rates may have changed, so you may end up losing (or earning) a few dollars if there has been a shift in these rates.

Please refer to your CruisePlus invoice for cancellation and penalty policy.

Always carefully read the travel suppliers (ie. Cruise lines, packaged holiday or tour company) terms and conditions, which, if you want to do so in advance, are generally well laid out in their brochures or on their web site.

IS ENTERTAINMENT EXTRA?

Never. On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover, minimum, or charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live, films first-rate and all included in your cruise fare.

ONBOARD MEALTIMES

During the day, there are many different places to eat - in the formal dining room, on deck, in a pizzeria, at an espresso bar, to name a few. At night, most ships offer several venues. Some ships' dining rooms can accommodate all guests at one time. Many ships offer you a choice of several eating times, and others encourage you to come to dinner whenever you like. More traditional ships have two seatings in their formal dining rooms, which differ only by time: typically 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm. More and more cruise lines are opening up their informal lido areas to evening dining, where the dress and dishes always are casual, and sometimes, you can even eat out under the stars. And a large number of ships offer romantic in-cabin dinners.

SPECIAL NEEDS LOOKED AFTER

Whether you have special dietary requests, have medical requirements or need wheelchair assistance, please let us know at the time of booking so we can inform the appropriate parties. If you have your own wheelchair, please make sure that the sizing will work for the room you have booked. The cruise ships all have specific wheelchair accessible staterooms, but they are limited in number, and some wheelchairs are still too big to get through some doors. If you absolutely must have one, it is extremely important that your CruisePlus agent knows this so we can find the appropriate accommodations for you.

OVERNIGHT HOTELS REQUIRED ON ROUTE

People from the West coast taking a cruise from the East coast will almost always be required to leave the day ore in order to make it on time to the port of embarkation. In most situations, the cost for this overnight accommodation is not included in the cost of the cruise. Be aware of this, and make sure that your CruisePlus agent helps you find a suitable hotel. Some cruise line air programs do include a transfer and your hotel, but more don't.

AIR DEVIATIONS AND/OR OPTIONS

If you have chosen a package, tour or have booked air that is provided by a cruise line, deviations may or may not be possible. In most instances, we can deviate, but there may be additional fees levied. Air is usually less expensive if done online or through CruisePlus wholesalers, but there is extra insurance if you deal with suppliers air. For example, if you book a cruise and use the air provided by them, the cost is generally more, but it may include transfers and more "hand holding", along with the guarantee that if a flight is delayed or cancelled that they will get you to the ship at their cost - not yours.

ITINERARY CHANGES

Cruise lines rarely will cancel a sailing - even if there is a hurricane. What they generally do is make itinerary changes, that they are entitled to do without providing any financial make up to the passengers An example, several sailings that were to start in Ft Lauderdale were diverted to Port Canaveral as a hurricane was in the area. The whole itineraries were changed as well, as the ship steered clear of the bad weather. Just be aware that this can happen, and there is no recourse if it does due to acts of God, terrorism, etc. If the ship has a mechanical breakdown, they often will offer some compensation, but it usually is not much.

UNDERSTAND BAGGAGE LIMITS

Smaller airplanes may only allow 25 pounds. Larger carriers may allow 50 pounds. You can bring as much as you like on a cruise ship, but may end up paying excess baggage fees from the airlines. You may have to really plan your baggage, as in the worst case scenario you may not be able to bring baggage on a flight even if you are willing to pay the extra fees. (this doesn't happen very often, but it could!). Just keep this in mind, and always try and pack as light as you can.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Please make sure and advise your CruisePlus agent if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or another special occasion. If you like the concept of a number of dining staff singing around your table, then let us know! We will add this to your booking profile and inform the cruise line, but we recommend that you remind a member of the dining team once aboard so they and reconfirm.

PASSENGER NAME CHANGE POLICIES

Assume that you cannot make any changes, but there are situations that suppliers will allow it. Hotels and resorts are usually more likely to allow changes, but cruise lines and airlines are much stricter. Sometimes you can make changes, but fees are assessed.

PREGNANCY

There are rules and these vary from travel suppliers. Often, for example, ladies that are past 24 weeks on the last day of their holiday are not allowed to travel and/or would not be covered by insurance if something should happen. Please make sure, if you or one of your fellow travelers is pregnant, to let your CruisePlus agent know, so they can advise you of any restrictions.

AGE

Different travel suppliers have different rules, but generally, unless married, one of the passengers traveling must be 25 years old or older if accompanying others under 25. This is not always the case, but make sure you know this before you book.

UNDERSTANDING AND BUYING THE RIGHT CURRENCY

If there is any doubt, please ask your CruisePlus agent to clearly identify what currency you need to buy your trip with. Suppliers will often have pre-set exchange rates that can make buying in other currencies more cost effective and your CruisePlus agent will advise you accordingly.

BUYING IN THE RIGHT CURRENCY

Canadians love to book in Canadian dollars, but often you can save considerably by paying in U.S. funds for example. The cruise lines often set yearly fixed exchange rates that can be considerably higher than what you can get at your bank or even with your credit card. Your CruisePlus agent will recommend the best currency for booking your trip. If you choose to pay in a different currency by credit card, you should be aware that the credit card companies generally charge up to 3% for the exchange and that the exchange rates can vary between deposit and final payment times. It usually works out to be better if you buy the currency in advance from the bank. If your bank likes you, make sure and asked for preferred exchange rates. This can save you quite a bit of money!

SPECIAL DIET

Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, low cholesterol, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise your travel agent when you book your cruise.

STAYING IN TOUCH

Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. Many staterooms are equipped with televisions and have satellite or cellular telephones. You can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio officer while at sea. In addition, most ships have fax capabilities and a growing number have computer cafes with Internet access for e-mail communication.

WHAT IS A GUARANTEE OR TBA CABIN?

A cabin guarantee is a reservation for the category selected or possibly better. Your cabin may be located on any passenger deck of the ship . Upgrades are controlled by the cruise line , and by chance only. We do not hereby imply that you will receive a cabin better than the minimum category guarantee chosen. When booking a guarantee, we have no control over location of your cabin assignment. You may receive your cabin assignment quite close to departure, or even when you check in for your cruise. Often the price for a guarantee cabin is a really great deal - the cruise line is rewarding your flexibility - but if cabin location is really important to you, we recommend you by-pass this option and get a cabin assignment. Please note that ocean view cabins may be obstructed.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME

Pack appropriately
Guests on board cruises enjoy a broad range of activities. Therefore, you'll want to pack appropriate clothing for everything from lounging by the pool to elegant formal nights.

Gather your documents
Gather your documents. Organizing all the essential documents - including proper identification - is essential to a smooth journey.

Confirm your flight and reservations
Avoid unnecessary waiting and mix-ups: Call ahead to confirm.

Order bon voyage gifts
Ordering a bon voyage gift to be delivered to your traveling companion's stateroom is a memorable way to begin your cruise vacation.

Prepare your home
Travel with peace of mind knowing that you've taken care of things at home.

Leaving Home Checklist
To ensure peace of mind while you are away, why not run over this last-minute checklist of things to do before you go? Then you're off, without a worry in the world!

• Have the post office hold your mail.
• Stop your newspaper delivery, or have a friend or neighbor take them in for you.
• Leave copies of your passport, airline tickets, travelers checks and any credit cards you plan to use with a family member or trusted friend.
• Distribute your ship communications cards to friends and relatives.
• Place a card with your name and address inside your luggage, as well as on the outside.
• Bring your travel and health insurance information and have it handy at all times, and bring your medications.
• Verify that your identification and travel tickets are in your carry-on bag and will be available at all times.

Baggage Policy
Carefully read the cruise contract which will identify the limitations in the event baggage is damaged or goes missing.

IMPORTANT: Do not pack your passport, medications, cruise documents or airline tickets. Keep them close at hand in your purse or jacket pocket. We also strongly suggest that you carry or otherwise keep with you important items such as perishables, medicine, liquor, cash, credit or debit cards, jewelry, gold, silver, or similar valuables, securities, financial instruments, records or other valuable or business documents, laptop computers, cellular telephones, cameras, hearing aids, electric wheelchairs, scooters, or other video or electronic equipment, binoculars, film, videotape, computer disks, audio disks, tapes or cds. (Remember that checked baggage might not be accessible at all times.) Cruise lines generally accept no responsibility for the items listed above.

Booking Shore Excursions
An extensive program of shore excursions has been carefully prepared to enhance your cruise experience. The cruise lines and agents along the route have spent much time in the selection of these programs ashore. Please be aware, however, that although every effort has been made to present you with the best available facilities in the countries they visit, many of these tours may not have amenities such as air-conditioning and toilets on buses.

Shore excursions will help you make the most of your time in port and provide you with the best transportation and guide services available. Options may include sightseeing, flightseeing and adventure tours. A shore excursion brochure should be enclosed with your travel documents so you may familiarize yourself with the tours prior to embarkation. Check your Daily Program for shore excursion and port lecture times. You will also be able to request tours on the ship at the Shore Excursion Office. Please note that requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. As several tours have limited availability, advance booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Requests for excursions which are fully booked are placed on a waiting list.

Guests with physical limitations should review the tour options carefully so you can pick ones that you are able to do. Please note that wheelchair lift vehicles are not available in some ports and that tenders are often used. Please check with the Shore Excursion staff on board for the most accurate and up-to-date information

Please note: No refund or allowance can be made to any guest who might, for any reason (including medical), cancel, deviate from, or otherwise not utilize all of the services scheduled to be provided by any excursion. Guests on any excursion who elect to leave the automobiles or motorcoaches in the shopping area, or elsewhere, must provide their own transportation, at their own expense, back to the port.

Bottom line is to book well in advance if there are tours of interest to you!

Registering Your Valuables
We strongly recommend that you register your valuables with Customs before leaving home. If you cannot prove that you owned an item prior to departure, Customs Officials may charge you duty to bring it back into your country. This should be done well in advance of travel at a Customs office near your home. Items that should be registered generally include those not manufactured in your country. Customs pays particular attention to cameras (including special lenses and video equipment), binoculars, radios, laptop computers, foreign-made watches and other similar appliances. Customs officials will not be available at the ship during check-in to register valuables

Transportation of Currency
You may take as much currency or as many monetary instruments as you wish on your trip. However, if you take out or bring into the United States more than USD$10,000, you are required by law to file a report with the U.S. Customs Service. Please remember that many countries have a similar policy when going ashore and you will be subject to their currency allowances at the current exchange rate.

DOUBLE CHECK WITH AGENT LEGAL NAMES

Changing names can be a real problem, especially with increased security since 9/11. Please carefully go over your legal name spelling with your CruisePlus agent as it appears exactly like your passport or legal identification. If you provide incorrect information and are refused airline or cruise boarding because of this, CruisePlus cannot be held responsible. If you know that you have complicated or unusual spelling of your name, please go slowly and double or even triple check that it is correct!

DO YOU QUALIFY FOR INSURANCE?

People with pre-existing medical conditions or elderly people may have trouble or may not even qualify for insurance. Please check before you book and ensure that you clearly understand your coverage. We have seen too many people lose a lot of money because they either took a chance without insurance, or assumed they were covered when they weren't. Please do your homework. Credit cards do not always cover you as well as you might think.

BUYING INSURANCE

This is so important! If you think you are covered by work, another policy or by your credit card, please do yourself a favor and call them to confirm. We have seen some horror stories where people thought they were insured and weren't. We all know that it is unlikely that you a're going to need it, but if you do, you will be shocked at how much it can cost you even for minor incidents. We have several licensed travel insurance agents in our office and they can give you professional advice on the best policies. It is worth the investment, and having piece of mind on vacation is key.

In our "before you book" area we advised that some people simply are not insurable. If you are not eligible, but still decide to travel, please be aware of the risks and pick destinations that can offer good medical care without breaking the bank in the unlikely event that you do need help.

VACCINES & OTHER HEALTH ISSUES

Especially exotic or equatorial destinations may require vaccinations and/or preventative drugs. Please always ask your CruisePlus agent to check for you! This can often be quite expensive and may be required to be done some time in advance of your trip. Failure to comply with required vaccinations can result in refusal into that country or even onto a cruise ship sailing, and CruisePlus cannot be held responsible if this should occur. It is also possible that vaccinations not initially required could become required - and travelers must be prepared to comply with these changes. We always recommend that before you receive any medications you check with your doctor as allergic reactions can be dangerous.

You also should be aware on what you are getting yourself into. African safaris, for example, can be dusty and the roads can be bumpy. If you are allergic to dust or have a bad back, it's not the trip for you. It is important to know your limitations and take this into consideration before you book.

REQUIRED IDENTIFICATION AND POSSIBLE VISA

Passports are, or soon will be required for almost every country and must be valid for 6 months after the last day of your trip. Please make sure that you have appropriate legal identification for the countries you will be visiting. Canadians may be able to travel currently into some countries with only a valid drivers license and birth certificate, but make sure and check that you have current legal and acceptable identification, as CruisePlus cannot be held responsible if you are refused admission to any country. Some countries do require visas that can be an effort to obtain and can be quite costly. Please ask your CruisePlus agent for assistance and if there is any doubt, contact the embassies of the countries you are concerned about. There is more information about this if you keep reading on!

For Passport Visa Information and Consulting please contact Visa Connection at www.visaconnection.ca or call 1-866-566-VISA(8472)

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ONLINE IMMIGRATION

Due to increased security requirements in the United States and other countries around the globe most cruise lines require all passengers to provide immigration information ahead of time. For your convenience, registration can be completed ahead of time by following the directions below. You'll need your reservation noted in the invoice, ship and sailing date, your personal information, as well as any contact information you wish to provide. If you do not complete the online registration below you will be required to fill out all the information at the pier before boarding. CLICK HERE for full details

DOCUMENT PIER PICK-UP

Some people have great worries if they do not have their cruise documents in hand days after making their reservation. Normally documents arrive approximately 21 days before sailing, assuming that you made your reservation at least 5 weeks before departure. If you are a late booking, please do not be concerned if you are told that you will have to pick them up at the pier. As in the airline business, where not having tickets is becoming the norm, rather than the unusual, the cruise lines are very used to people showing up without documentation. What you need more than anything is your booking number, that your CruisePlus agent will be able to give you shortly after you book. If you are concerned, you can call the cruise line with your booking number and they will confirm that you are on the manifest. This information is often available online as well. There are often hundreds of tickets awaiting for people at the pier, so if you are in this situation - you are not alone, and things will be fine!

BOARDING PROCEDURES

Embarkation times are printed on the front of your Cruise Contract. We recommend you check this carefully to avoid any confusion. Remember, there is a "boarding" time and a "departure" time. While there is no real reason to show up too early, there is reason not to show up too late! You can be denied boarding if you arrive less than 45 minutes before scheduled departure.

If you do arrive too early, you may spend a lot of time waiting for the ship to allow you to board. For relatively quick embarkation we recommend you arrive 2 hours before the ship sails. If you don't want to miss that first buffet, then be there close to the published boarding time.

Prior to boarding, you will pass through a security checkpoint. Next, you will be required to complete ship check-in formalities. Please note: alcoholic beverages may not be able to be brought on board during embarkation or in ports of call. Rules vary by cruise line. If you want to bring your own on board, it may be confiscated and returned to you upon the completion of your trip.

Upon completion of check-in (on most cruise lines), you will receive a guest identification card equipped with a bar code. This card serves as your identification for security procedures when embarking and disembarking the ship and for making purchases on board. It is also a room key on some ships. Please have your card and photo identification ready and available whenever getting on or off the ship, as you will need to scan your card at the optical monitors located at the gangway.

IMPORTANT: For this procedure, you will need to present your travel documents, including your Cruise Ticket portion of your Cruise Contract, a completed Immigration questionnaire (one per person), other Immigration questionnaires (if applicable and one per person) and the required proof of citizenship. You can often expedite your check-in by completing the Immigration form online prior to leaving home.

For more information on this and on the documentation you will need to have with you, please read your cruise contract. You may also receive arrival documentation from Immigration when arriving at the airport. Please keep these available for check-in. The Front Office on board may require the collection of passports for cruises that travel from country to country to prepare for immigration formalities. You will receive a passport receipt upon collection of your passport, and will be advised on board when the passports will be redistributed.

When embarkation commences, the previous sailing guests will have just disembarked and they will still be in the process of preparing the vessel for your cruise. Staterooms may not be ready for an hour or two after boarding. Therefore, they will kindly ask your cooperation not to visit your stateroom until you hear an announcement that the staterooms are ready. For security reasons, the loading of luggage, which you checked in at the terminal, may also not commence until a few hours after boarding. Your luggage will arrive in your stateroom later by your cabin steward. Please feel free to relax in the Public and Pool Areas.

Embarkation procedures are smooth and easy-you carry nothing but your hand luggage, and everything is beautifully organized so you will have no worries. It is truly a suitable prelude to your carefree holiday. Don't miss the sail away festivities with the cruise entertainment staff!

IDENTIFICATION

Guests arriving at embarkation without proper documentation may not join the voyage and will not be entitled to a refund.

The following documents are currently required for U.S. and Canadian citizens:

Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii or New England cruises:

1. A valid passport ~or~
2. A U.S. or Canadian government-issued picture identification; plus an original or certified copy of a United States birth certificate, Canadian birth certificate, U.S. Naturalization Certificate, or Canadian Naturalization Certificate.

All other cruises: A passport valid for six months beyond the duration of the cruise and necessary visas. Expired passports are not acceptable.

Please note: Although passports are not required for some cruises, we highly recommend that you carry one while traveling. The unforseen possibility of a medical disembarkation or early cruise termination may require that you have a valid passport to enable you to continue travel.

Please also note that you may be required to provide our agency name and contact number to immigration or customs officials as well as the complete address of where you are going to stay your first night. This is a new rule from the U.S. government for all non U.S. citizens.

Non-U.S./non-Canadian citizens: must have a valid passport and any necessary visas. Please carefully verify the existing identification requirements for your particular travel situation. In addition, non-U.S. citizens who have previously been admitted to the United States for permanent residence must carry their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), commonly known as a Green Card. Resident aliens not in possession of this must obtain one at the nearest office of the U.S. Immigration Service.

Visas: Some countries require that you obtain official authorization (called a visa), before entering their country. Usually, there is a fee required. You are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas. If your itinerary requires a visa prior to boarding, the cruise line will send a visa information kit to your travel agent. The visa kit will have information for U.S. and Canadian citizens. Citizens of other countries should contact the nearest representative embassies or consulates for the proper information. All guests should keep themselves advised of changes in government requirements. If you have questions about visa requirements, call Zierer Visa Service at 866-788-1100 or 954-791-1530. You may also choose to send an E-mail message to: hollandvisainfo@zvs.com

ONCE ON BOARD

Book shore excursions
Once on board, you may wish to visit our service desk to book your shore excursions. Space for most excursions is limited; early reservations are recommended.

Book spa appointments
Our spa offers a number of treatments to help you relax and rejuvenate. Why not indulge in a massage or facial? Space is limited for these services, so again we recommend you book your appointment soon after boarding the ship.

Book specialty restaurants
Many ships have additional charge, but often well worth it, specialty restaurants. Take a look at the menus and the charm of these elite eateries and consider trying it out. Some cruise lines will offer better pricing on the first night of the cruise too. The food is wonderful, the atmosphere is lovely and it something not to be missed. The food in the main dining rooms is excellent, but for a change of pace, or for a special occasion, it's a nice change.

Work outs
There are often excellent work out facilities on board your ship, that are accessible at no charge. If your ship has a full promenade deck, or a walking or running track, it's a great way to get rid of a few of those extra desserts!

Have a great time
Traveling to and from your destination is usually a less than enjoyable experience…but once you get there, it usually always seems worth it. Enjoy your trip, take lots of pictures and relax!

Thank you so much for booking with CruisePlus. We hope you have a wonderful vacation, and we look forward to hearing about it when you get back. BON VOYAGE!

UNDERSTAND TIPPING REQUIREMENTS

Exceptional service is part of the cruise experience. It will be their goal to make sure you receive the finest service possible, and they have made it easy for you to reward excellent service onboard.

A gratuity of $10 per guest per day (which is common for most of the major cruise lines but may vary) for dining and stateroom services will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. They are confident that you will find the service onboard exemplary and, should you wish to make adjustments, you often may do so at the end of the cruise by contacting the front desk. A 15% service charge will be automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account on most cruise lines.

Some luxury cruise lines have tipping not required or already included in the price, so you won't see this on your ship board account at all.

In terminals, airports, ports of call and on shore excursions, we suggest that you extend gratuities consistent with customary local practices.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW (MAINLY ABOUT CRUISING)

Group and family discounts, business incentives, or conventions
One thing that CruisePlus has that hardly any agencies do, is a history in the special events business. Before getting into the travel business we produced over 700 events, including conferences, trade shows, theatre productions, concerts and more. We have chartered 13 complete sailings and know how to deal with the cruise lines! We can help you put together a special event at sea with a lot of confidence! Larger groups will equate to a better deal. Many cruise lines have special family promotions, where the matriarch and/or patriarch of the family gets a free upgrade to a balcony stateroom (depending on the number traveling) and many other special considerations. On board conventions can be arranged with private parties, meetings and activities.

We will do a great job for you, whether you are a party of eight or want to charter the whole ship!

Singles and single sharing programs
If you are willing to share a stateroom with another person (of the same sex) you can avoid paying a premium for a stateroom which can range from 150% - 200% of the normal fare. Most cruise lines do have these programs, along with "hosts" for dancing, etc. If you are single - don't be afraid to cruise, as there are going to be many aboard. Please ask your CruisePlus agent for more information.

Most popular cruise lines (to name a few)
Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America, Cunard, Costa, Norwegian and Celebrity are the largest cruise lines in the world and range from around 3 ½ star to 5 star service.

If you want to get into more luxury, Seabourn, Radisson, Crystal and Silversea are the most popular.

If you wish a "sail" ship experience in style, try the intimate, casual, yet elegant, Windstar.

River cruising is growing in popularity and there are several lines to choose from, including Uniworld.

CruisePlus will work with you to suggest the best cruise line for your taste.

Weddings & Honeymoons
CruisePlus can help make these special occasions a great success. Call us to discuss options.

Golf
There are a lot of golf nuts out there! Besides many ships having practice or simulator facilities on board (some with pros), there are often golf packages available. When you are cruising the Caribbean, it might be fun to play a few rounds along the way. If you have a group that would like a custom golf experience, CruisePlus will be happy to help arrange things. Bring your clubs and get swinging!

Seniors programs
There are so many activities suitable for seniors aboard. It is actually becoming more common for people to book on a ship - and never go home - as they've decided cruising the world is a better way to spend their time than an apartment in a retirement facility! If you have interest in multiple cruises, CruisePlus will work with you to find the best deal.

There are so many sailings that are extremely suitable and popular with seniors. We'd love to help you pick the right ones. Perhaps you can round up a few friends and off you go. Do you remember the movie "Out to Sea" with Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon aboard the Holland America ship Westerdam? They had a great time!

CUSTOMS INFORMATION

Customs
In order to make returning home as smooth and easy as possible, please take note of the following tips. For more information consult your Customs Agency. Passengers returning to the United States can also check the official Web site of U.S. Customs at: www.customs.treas.gov .

Customs Allowance
Each U.S. resident is usually allowed a duty-free exemption of USD$800; it may be more or less depending on your itinerary and recent travel outside the country. An additional USD$1,000 worth of articles may be brought in and taxed at a reduced flat duty rate. After an absence of 7 days or more, Canadian citizens may bring back to Canada up to CAD$750 worth of duty-free merchandise, which may include a maximum of 40 ounces of liquor or wine and 200 cigarettes. Guests who are not U.S. or Canadian citizens should check with the Customs agency in their country for allowance information before departing.

Additional information concerning Customs matters will be provided during your cruise.

SHIPBOARD ACCOUNTS

The normal cruise cashless society is designed to make your life on board as simple as possible. When you board the ship, your account has already been activated and you may make purchases by simply showing your guest identification card and signing a receipt. On embarkation day, you will need to register your credit or debit card (Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®, Discover®) in order to use your onboard account for shipboard purchases. Your card will be often pre-authorized for USD$60 or more per person for each day of your cruise. At the end of your cruise, you will receive a final statement, and your card will be charged only for the actual amount of your purchases. Please inform your credit or debit card issuer in advance that your card will be used on the ship. This will help prevent delays in obtaining pre-authorization on board. Some banks may keep the pre-authorization in place for up to 30 days. If you do not want to use a credit or debit card, the ship will collect a cash deposit from you at time of boarding in similar pre-authorization amounts. Please check these amounts as they do vary by cruise lines. Any excess deposit will be refunded to you at the end of the cruise. Traveler's checks may be cashed at the front office to make your deposit. Personal checks are not accepted on board.

GETTING SEA SICK

Cruising can get rough, and if you are sensitive to motion sickness, let's not beat around the bush….you may get sick. While normally it is pretty calm and steady, you can run into rougher weather, so we recommend you take precaution in advance. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for their suggestions. There is medical help on board if things get really bad, but most ships carry mild medications you can receive without a prescription from the front desk.