Frequently Asked Questions
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| WANNA CRUISE? |
Q: Is cruise travel safe?
A: According to the United States Coast Guard, cruise ships are one of the safest forms of travel. Over the past
two decades, North American cruise lines have compiled the best safety record in the travel industry. A cruise ship
is comparable to a secure building with 24-hour security and firefighters. According to FBI statistics, being on a
cruise ship is safer than being virtually anywhere in the United States in terms of crimes of any type.
A: According to the United States Coast Guard, cruise ships are one of the safest forms of travel. Over the past
two decades, North American cruise lines have compiled the best safety record in the travel industry. A cruise ship
is comparable to a secure building with 24-hour security and firefighters. According to FBI statistics, being on a
cruise ship is safer than being virtually anywhere in the United States in terms of crimes of any type.
Q: If I go on a cruise, will I get norovirus?
A: Norovirus is the second most common illness in the United States. It is spread person-to-person and is not a
result of any deficiency in onboard sanitary conditions or food or water contamination. Why then, does the media
refer to it as a cruise ship illness? The U.S. Center for Disease Control reports that hotels, airlines, schools, camps,
and even hospitals are not required to track or report instances of norovirus- but cruise ships are. Dave Forney,
chief of the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program states, "The reason you hear about norovirus on cruise ships is because
they are required to report every instance of gastrointestinal illness. Nowhere else in the public health system of
the U.S. is norovirus a reportable illness. Norovirus is not a cruise ship illness, but an illness commonly seen in the
U.S.". Cruise lines belonging to the International Council of Cruise Lines have strict onboard procedures to
prevent norovirus outbreaks or to control them if they occur. As a matter of fact, the CDC estimates that 23
million people in the U.S. - or 8 percent of the population- contract norovirus every year, compared to less than 1
percent of cruise passengers. When on a cruise, just remember to wash your hands frequently- both onboard and
when in ports.
A: Norovirus is the second most common illness in the United States. It is spread person-to-person and is not a
result of any deficiency in onboard sanitary conditions or food or water contamination. Why then, does the media
refer to it as a cruise ship illness? The U.S. Center for Disease Control reports that hotels, airlines, schools, camps,
and even hospitals are not required to track or report instances of norovirus- but cruise ships are. Dave Forney,
chief of the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program states, "The reason you hear about norovirus on cruise ships is because
they are required to report every instance of gastrointestinal illness. Nowhere else in the public health system of
the U.S. is norovirus a reportable illness. Norovirus is not a cruise ship illness, but an illness commonly seen in the
U.S.". Cruise lines belonging to the International Council of Cruise Lines have strict onboard procedures to
prevent norovirus outbreaks or to control them if they occur. As a matter of fact, the CDC estimates that 23
million people in the U.S. - or 8 percent of the population- contract norovirus every year, compared to less than 1
percent of cruise passengers. When on a cruise, just remember to wash your hands frequently- both onboard and
when in ports.
Q: Should I purchase travel insurance?
A: YES! Even though the vast majority of vacations go off without a hitch, problems do occur. Travel insurance
protects your travel investment should you have to cancel your trip for one of the covered reasons*. It may also
protect you if you have to interrupt your trip after you have departed*. Other coverages provided by travel
insurance are reimbursements for travel delays*, medical expenses*, lost or delayed baggage*, accidental death or
dismemberment*.
A: YES! Even though the vast majority of vacations go off without a hitch, problems do occur. Travel insurance
protects your travel investment should you have to cancel your trip for one of the covered reasons*. It may also
protect you if you have to interrupt your trip after you have departed*. Other coverages provided by travel
insurance are reimbursements for travel delays*, medical expenses*, lost or delayed baggage*, accidental death or
dismemberment*.
Q: Do I need a passport? (Updated 04/01/09- Source: U.S. Department of State website)
A: AIR TRAVEL
* All persons traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel
document to enter or re-enter the United States.
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.
* CURRENTLY:
All U.S. citizens must show proof of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship when entering the United States from
Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the countries of the Caribbean by land or sea.
Acceptable documents include: U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card, or other document approved by the
Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. citizens who do not have a single document verifying identity and citizenship must present both an
identification and citizenship document; for example, a driver’s license and a copy of a birth certificate or
naturalization certificate.
* LATER:
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The
proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport,
passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.
o CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth
certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.
Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social
organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth
certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security's GetYouHome.gov for more
information on the changing travel requirements.
U.S. PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:
* U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the
U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.
* The U.S. Passport Card: We began production of the U.S. Passport Card on July 14, 2008. The passport card is
only valid for re-entry into the United States at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico,
the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
* WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of January 31, 2008:
o Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
o State Issued Enhanced Driver's License (when available)
o Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
o U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
o U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
o Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
o Form I-872 American Indian Card
The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.
U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not
need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands,
American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Non-US citizens require
a valid passport and visas (when necessary) in addition to an Alien Registration Card (ARC or "Green Card") if an
individual is a Resident Alien living in the U.S.
Currently, delivery of passport books and passport cards are taking 6 to 8 weeks from the date of application. If
you need to have them in 2 to 3 weeks, expedited service is available. Passports can be obtained locally and many
post offices or town halls. Log onto www.iafdb.travel.state.gov to find a passport application center near you.
Please go to the US Department of States website at www.travel.state.gov/passport to learn more about forms,
fees, minors and other important information needed in obtaining your passport book or passport card.
Remember, the demand for passports is great. Leave yourself enough time to ensure you will comply by June 1st.
A: AIR TRAVEL
* All persons traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel
document to enter or re-enter the United States.
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.
* CURRENTLY:
All U.S. citizens must show proof of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship when entering the United States from
Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the countries of the Caribbean by land or sea.
Acceptable documents include: U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card, or other document approved by the
Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. citizens who do not have a single document verifying identity and citizenship must present both an
identification and citizenship document; for example, a driver’s license and a copy of a birth certificate or
naturalization certificate.
* LATER:
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The
proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport,
passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.
o CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth
certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.
Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social
organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth
certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security's GetYouHome.gov for more
information on the changing travel requirements.
U.S. PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:
* U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the
U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.
* The U.S. Passport Card: We began production of the U.S. Passport Card on July 14, 2008. The passport card is
only valid for re-entry into the United States at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico,
the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
* WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of January 31, 2008:
o Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
o State Issued Enhanced Driver's License (when available)
o Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
o U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
o U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
o Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
o Form I-872 American Indian Card
The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.
U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not
need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands,
American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Non-US citizens require
a valid passport and visas (when necessary) in addition to an Alien Registration Card (ARC or "Green Card") if an
individual is a Resident Alien living in the U.S.
Currently, delivery of passport books and passport cards are taking 6 to 8 weeks from the date of application. If
you need to have them in 2 to 3 weeks, expedited service is available. Passports can be obtained locally and many
post offices or town halls. Log onto www.iafdb.travel.state.gov to find a passport application center near you.
Please go to the US Department of States website at www.travel.state.gov/passport to learn more about forms,
fees, minors and other important information needed in obtaining your passport book or passport card.
Remember, the demand for passports is great. Leave yourself enough time to ensure you will comply by June 1st.
Q: Are all ships and cruises similar?
A: Not at all. Ships range from intimate yacht-like vessels carrying 100 passengers to megaliners holding over
3,000 guests. Each cruise line has an individual "personality" which may or may not appeal to you. You can enjoy
a resort like atmosphere with night clubs, theaters, casinos and spas or perhaps you'd prefer a more informal
voyage on a sailing ship where you can spend the day relaxing on a secluded beach. And talk about destinations-
you can visit over 1,800 ports worldwide. You can travel to the very popular Caribbean or the majestic Alaskan
passages. Perhaps you'd like to experience the Mediterranean Islands or the exotic South Pacific. What's your
dream- we can put you there!
A: Not at all. Ships range from intimate yacht-like vessels carrying 100 passengers to megaliners holding over
3,000 guests. Each cruise line has an individual "personality" which may or may not appeal to you. You can enjoy
a resort like atmosphere with night clubs, theaters, casinos and spas or perhaps you'd prefer a more informal
voyage on a sailing ship where you can spend the day relaxing on a secluded beach. And talk about destinations-
you can visit over 1,800 ports worldwide. You can travel to the very popular Caribbean or the majestic Alaskan
passages. Perhaps you'd like to experience the Mediterranean Islands or the exotic South Pacific. What's your
dream- we can put you there!
Q: Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
A: Cruising is one of the best vacation values today. Cruise lines have reduced pricing in this troubled economy
to a point where passengers are cruising for less than they did several years ago. Don't go by the published rates in
the cruise line brochures. There are almost always sales and promotions going on which will lower those rates
substantially.
A: Cruising is one of the best vacation values today. Cruise lines have reduced pricing in this troubled economy
to a point where passengers are cruising for less than they did several years ago. Don't go by the published rates in
the cruise line brochures. There are almost always sales and promotions going on which will lower those rates
substantially.
We're not just "cruising" anymore!