The Creole Poet Cruise Tips
Here are some cruise tips on what to expect on your cruise.
Cruise Tips
Passport highly recommended –Begin/end at same US port for entry or re-entry to US ( Passports required for all others ) - US Citizens will need to present a passport or an original birth certificate or a birth certificate official copy (not a PHOTO COPY) with a raised seal and a photo ID (driver's license) at check-in. Non-US Citizens must surrender their passports and/or green cards and these documents will be returned at Immigration upon arrival back into the US . View the latest passport requirement info on-line info at: www.travel.state.gov please allow time for processing. Please note passports are required for air travel if you need to fly back to the US from Mexico (or other country) or if you miss your sailing & need to fly to the next port of call while on your cruise . Also, you may be required to provide additional or different travel documents when entering foreign countries Visit www.travel.state.gov and click on Country Specific Information or visit www.cbp.gov Sea Travel for details. Please click here for links to important info and a sample form letter http://deniselabrie.homestead.com/Minor-under-18-travel-policy-1-parent-no-parents.html
- If you are traveling with children (minors under the age of 18 ) from a divorce or with your grandchildren (minors), you will need a Letter of Consent Notarized and signed by the legal guardians (parent(s) that the children are being allowed to travel with you to other countries like the Bahamas; Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Mexico, etc. and/ or legal papers stating that you have custody of the children/grandchildren. Traveling with minor(s) under age 18: require parent(s) permission to travel:
Child traveling with one parent or someone who is not a parent or legal guardian or a group Click here for important requirement info Click here for important US Customs requirement info
Minors under 18 years of age traveling to another country without their parents Visit cpb.gov for current info.
- Check in as early as you can (the cruise line has implemented a staggered check in schedule for your sailing view their website for current info) and have lunch on the ship at the buffet. A conf. number will be provided to you so that prior to your cruise, you can register for on-line check-in at www.carnival.com or Guest Information at www.royalcaribbean.com or other crise line to expedite your boarding process on day of departure at the cruise ship terminal.
- Airport and Ground Transportation, Cruise Terminal Directions & Parking Costs & Information…are on the internet at www.rccl.com and portoflosangeles.org or www.carnival.com and
www.portofgalveston.com, etc.. Also, please check your specific departure port on-line prior to departure for details . Houston William P. Hobby Airport (closest airport to Galveston) . Shuttle service is available to and from the airport to the Port of Galveston check www.houstonairportsystem.org for a link for shuttle rates and reservations.
- Purchases on board - You cannot pay for some items on the ship with cash. You will need a credit card or put up a cash deposit (approx. $200 pp) at check in for a Sail & Sign/SeaPass card to charge purchases like alcoholic (when not complimentary) and non-alcoholic (bottled water, sodas) beverages, land tours, gift shop items, etc. During your cruise, you can pay for your charges in cash at the pursers desk (guest services) to reduce the amount charged to your credit card at the end of the cruise. See Tip Night listed below for the gratuity amount now automatically charged to your account.
- Captain's Formal Cocktail Reception and Dinner - is from formal to semi formal to dressy. Men are ok in dark suits or tuxedo. Women are ok in dressy, semi or formal wear. There are 2 or more formal nights on the 7 day & longer cruises, 1 Formal Night on shorter cruises.
- Land Tours - from home be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, bag to carry your items and items purchased while shopping, cool comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Also, small water bottles to fill and carry in your bag. Our climate may be cool in November (Fall/Winter) but Nassau, Bahamas (Nov. avg. high 81.8, avg. low 68) Mediterranean avg. Aug hi 91, lo 64: Oct hi 68, lo 54 Bring a light jacket in case for cool evenings, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Mexico can still be very warm at that time of the year.
- Land Tours - Shore Excursions may offer the following activities: rafting, tubing, snorkeling, glass bottom boat, scuba diving, tour of local sights/landmarks, highlight and shopping, jeep safari, beach party, party boat, etc. per person rates apply.
- Cabin decorations please note that cruise lines have restrictions in regards to this. Visit their website for info.
- Underwater Camera - purchase your underwater camera before your cruise. As with many items, it is more expensive to purchase them on the cruise ship.
- Common Areas (dining room, promenade deck, lounges, etc) on board the ship are sometimes cool. Bring a sweater or light jacket if you easily get cold.
- Historic Ruin Tours - please note that some tours charge a fee to video the ruins. If there is a beach nearby you may want to
wear your swimsuit under your clothes because you may have time after your tour to enjoy the water. The ship provides beach towels. Some tours may have an excellent photo opportunity like the Mayan Ruins from atop the hill over looking the white sand beach and clear water. Some tours may have transportation to take you from the entrance to the tour location for a small fee. Make sure you have small change with you. You can also walk from the entrance to the tour location. Be sure you have small bills to tip your tour guide at the end of the tour.
- Motion sickness medicine - bring motion sickness medication with you even if you think you won’t need it. Sometimes the ship encounters rough seas and can get rocky for a while. If you notice this happening take the medicine early so you can ride it out a little easier. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to take your motion sickness medication before you board one of the tenders (people ferry) that takes you to your land tour or a party boat. Sometimes the waters are choppy and the boat gets very rocky.
- Golfers - bring your golf clubs if your itinerary includes golf excursion(s)
- Walls have ears - you can sometimes hear normal conversations in the cabins next to you. You may hear loud conversations very well. Loud conversations may carry out into the hall way and passerby's can sometimes hear everything that is being said. So if you don't want anyone to hear what you are talking about keep your conversations on low volume.
- Tip Night - By popular requests from their guests, Carnival & other cruise lines now automatically charges the minimum suggested gratuity. Visit the cruise line website for the latest info on gratuity. This amount covers your dining and cabin personnel. You do have the option of going to the Purser’s desk (guest services) before that last day of your cruise to adjust or remove this amount depending on the level of service you received. You may tip your service provider(s) directly if you wish.
- Extra Bag - bring an extra bag with to put your nightclothes and items you need the morning of departure in it. The night before departure, you will set out your luggage for pick up.
- Return flight home - You may want to make your return flight after noon allowing yourself enough time for customs to clear the ship, debark, locate your luggage and arrive at the airport in time for your flight. The ship is scheduled to arrive early in the morning but the debarkation process could take several hours or more.
- Customs - please note your bags go through customs and dogs may sniff them for illegal substances. Regarding Cuban cigars please visit www.cbp.gov for information on what products and how much can be brought back into the USA
- Phone Calls - Calls to and from the ship are expensive. You may want to tell relatives "no news is good news." Cell phones may work onboard the ship and when the ship is in or near port. You may want to check with your cellular provider before departure regarding coverage area and rates while sailing to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Mexico. Cell service may be available on some ships during the cruise visit the cruise line website for more info.
- Meals - anytime you want to sleep late or attend an activity that conflicts with your assigned dining time just order room service or go to the buffet for a good meal or snack
- Great Shopping Bargains - duty free, tax-free where applicable
Jamaica : local crafts, Jablum Jamaican Coffee, Gucci, Movado, etc. watches, jewelry, linens, perfume, etc. Bahamas: local art, crafts, etc.
Cayman Islands : liquor & rum cakes (Tortuga), cigars, Rolex, Gucci, etc. watches, designer fragrances, leather, Waterford, Wedgewood, black coral
Cozumel: local crafts, jewelry, liquor, cigars, etc. Ensenada: Great bargains! Leather, crafts, etc. Catalina Island: Great shopping, souvenirs, etc.
Please note: deposits are non-refundable, additional charges apply for name changes if allowed, change/cancellation penalties apply. Refunds if applicable may take 30 days or longer to process.
The Creole Poet is an IATAN accredited travel agency Denise Ofc 281.436.0405 Cell 713.560.3284 Email: thercreolepoet@gmail.com Website: www.thecreolepoet.com
The Creole Poet
An IATAN accredited travel agency
Denise 'The Creole Poet"
Ofc 281.436.0405 Cell 713.560.3284
Email: thecreolepoet@gmail.com Website: www.thecreolepoet.com
