Passenger Preparation Alaska Cruise FAQs

Cruise Confirmation

Unless otherwise requested, you will only receive email copies of you cruise confirmations. Please print these confirmations and retain a copy for your records.Names

Due to enhanced security measures, the cruise lines require that your first and last names be the same as they appear on your legal proof of citizenship documents. Passengers are responsible for ensuring names on the reservation are correct. All changes must be made within 60 days of the cruise booking date, after which time there is a $25 USD fee for each name change request.

Identification

Due to increased security measures enacted by United States Federal Agencies each guest must provide a valid passport. Persons not born in the United States are responsible for ensuring that they do not require additional visas. Guests that arrive for embarkation without proper identification may be denied boarding and will not be entitled to a refund.

Custom Travel Arrangements

If you wish to customize your cruise by extending your vacation with a land package before or after your cruise or would like to customize your transportation arrangements, please contact your cruise consultant for information and assistance. Packages may be arranged in places such as Vancouver, Seattle, Alaska, Whistler and the Rockies.

If you are planning a custom land vacation we can assist with pre-booking your hotels, transportation and tours. We suggest that all customized land tours are booked as far in advance as possible since many hotels and tours are limited in popular destinations and do sellout in the peak season summer months.

All cruise lines offer 10 to 16-night cruise and land tour packages that offer comprehensive and guided tours of Alaska for those that prefer to have all arrangements taken care of for them along their tour.

Airfare

Upon request, cruise line airfare can be quoted in combination with your cruise vacation. It is not mandatory to book cruise line airfare and if preferred passengers may make independent air arrangements. If you do choose cruise line airfare we recommend that you customize your airfare for a nominal fee ($50 to $100 per person) to guarantee your air carrier & air schedule at the time of booking. If air arrangements are not customized the cruise line will simply assign passengers an air schedule at 45 to 60 days prior to departure.

Insurance

Your vacation is important, it is an investment. We strongly recommend that you protect against the unexpected with comprehensive trip cancellation and interruption insurance purchased at the time of your cruise booking. We recommend RBC Insurance. Please contact your cruise consultant for more details.

Insurance rates are based upon the traveler's age at the time of purchase, total cost of vacation & duration of travel. Please contact our office with your birth date for a quote.

Cancellation Fees

Specific Cruise Lines &/or Group cancellation fees may differ from the above listed fee schedule. Please contact your cruise consultant for clarification of your cruises specific fee schedule.

Pre-Registration

All passengers must pre-register with the cruise line prior to your scheduled final payment date. If you are not able to register online, you may register with your cruise consultant. Please contact your cruise consultant or refer to the cruise lines website and follow the prompts for Online Pre-Registration.

Information needed to access the online form at the cruise lines website is:

• Reservation Number / Ship / Sail Date / Guest's Last Name

Additional required information is:

• Name / Date of Birth / Country of Birth / Country of Citizenship
• Document Type (passport) / Document Number / Nationality of Document / Place of Issue / Document Issue Date / Document Expiration Date
• Mailing Address / Emergency Contact Information

Final Payment

Final payment is due promptly on the noted date of your confirmation. If you prefer an alternate method of payment for final payment, please contact our office prior to the date listed at (800) 943-8687. If we have not heard from you prior to your final payment date, the final payment will be automatically processed by the method of payment on file. An email final payment confirmation will also be sent for your records.

Travel Documents

Your travel documents will arrive in our office approximately 3-4 weeks prior to your departure date. To ensure prompt and safe delivery of your tickets, we will send your documents to your address on file. If your address has changed or you would prefer to make alternate arrangements for the delivery of your documents, please contact our office at (800) 943-8687. Tickets may be couriered by expedited service to your home for a fee.

Cruise Ship Terminal

There are several Alaska cruise ship terminals; Vancouver, BC; Seattle, WA; Seward, AK; and Whittier, AK. Precise directions to the terminal for your cruise ship's itinerary will be included in your cruise tickets. If you require assistance with transfers please contact our office. Cruise ships normally sail at 5:00pm. Embarkation begins at 1:00 pm and the latest you will want to be at the ship is 60 minutes prior to departure. Baggage may be checked at the pier with the longshoremen and will be delivered to your cabin.

Transfers

If you require assistance with transfers please contact our office. For those traveling north or south bound on a one way cruise please ensure that you have booked your transfer to or from Anchorage as the cruise ship terminals are located 90 - 180 minutes from the Anchorage airport and require a motor coach, train, or private car transfer.

Luggage Delivery

There are several services available to you for luggage delivery services. We recommend International Port Services (www.intlportservices.com) which can provide delivery of luggage to or from your ship directly. Please enquire directly with International Port Services for details and rates.

US Direct Transfer

Many of the cruise lines are now offering passengers a US Direct Program for transfers. This program allows passengers to be classified as "in-transit" and therefore saving travel time at airport check-in and customs. Those passengers that qualify for the new US Direct program, (US Citizens that have purchased cruse line transfers), may contact our office for details and to sign-up for the program.

Embarkation

To prepare for embarkation, please be sure that you have signed your Cruise Ticket and completed the Charge Account Form in your ticket booklet. As well, please have proper proof of citizenship ready. On the day of your cruise departure, please have your baggage tags attached to your luggage.

Express Check-In

Now embarkation can be faster and easier than ever with Express Check-In. To qualify, you must provide the cruise line with your Pre-Cruise Information at least 40 days in advance of your cruise. This will save you time and allow you to start enjoying your cruise earlier. Express Check-In may be limited to specific cruise lines and may not be available for all sailings. Please inquire with your cruise consultant for more details.

Preparation Checklist

Important tasks consider when preparing for your cruise…

1. Ensure that your booking names listed on the Cruise Confirmation matches your passport and airline ticket names.
2. Confirm the validity of your passport and any visa or documentation you require for boarding your ship
3. Complete the Online Check-In at the cruise lines website
4. Pre-Book shore tours online
5. Confirm transfer arrangements with your travel agent and any necessary pre- or post-cruise arrangements
6. Purchase travel insurance