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Introduction to Cruising

Cruising is more than just a vacation. It's a night on the town, a romantic evening for two, a relaxing day at the beach, and the adventure of traveling to exotic destinations. Most cruise lines offer the excitement of Broadway-style shows and on-board activities, exquisite cuisine of master chefs, the comfort and relaxation of world-class spas, the thrill of Monte Carlo-style casinos, the glamour of an extensive on-board art collection, and the impeccable service experienced cruisers have come to expect. Discover the beauty of cruising and allow Certified Travel to exceed your expectations!

Relaxed elegance are the bywords for dress on board cruise ships. And though your own taste, interests and destinations will determine what you pack, keep in mind you'll need three types of clothing:

• Casual shipboard attire or "day wear"
• Conservative apparel for sightseeing
• Evening wear

Day Wear

On the ship, when visiting our warmer ports of call, stylish resort wear is fine for both men and women:

• Swimsuit and cover-up
• Walking shorts and polo shirts
• Lightweight slacks or skirts
• A light sweater (for cooler days)

Ashore, dress for comfort, but remember to observe local customs. In many ports, short-shorts, halter tops and provocative clothing are frowned upon.

On Alaskan cruises, summer temperatures often soar into the 70s. But, be sure you pack:

• Shirts and blouses
• Slacks or pants
• Sweaters for cooler days
• Lightweight windbreaker for misty weather

It's also wise to bring along:

• Comfortable, rubber-soled shoes
• Hat, sunglasses and a good sunscreen

Evening Wear

Elegant, formal evenings include the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party and Dinner, the Captain's Farewell Dinner, and a third or fourth "formal" night for those cruises sailing more than seven nights. The daily program, delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the appropriate attire each evening.

Although there is no baggage limitation aboard the ship, for your own comfort, we recommend that you limit the number of pieces you bring. Air/Sea guests are usually permitted two pieces of checked luggage (not including oversized bags and sports equipment) and a carry-on bag. Check with your air carrier for specific restrictions.

Bring an overnight bag for your last night at sea.

 Staff will collect your bags the night before leaving the ship, and you will need an overnight bag to carry your night clothes and toiletries.

 Identify all your bags, including carry-ons.

Use luggage tags supplied by the cruise line, which should be filled out and affixed to each piece before you leave home.

Insure all luggage and valuables. 

Check to see that your tickets, boarding card and other documents are in order, and pack them in a bag that you carry with you

Important Note: If you arrive without proof of citizenship, you will be unable to cruise.

 Passports are required for Europe cruises and recommended for all travel outside of the United States. However, in Canada and the Caribbean, passports and tourist cards are not required for citizens of the United States or Canada. Passengers are required to submit proof of identity. Documents that will be accepted as proof of identity are: passport; federal, state or local government-issued I.D. card with picture; original or certified copy of birth certificate and any other photo I.D. card. Acceptable photo I.D. cards are: state driver's license; U.S. company employee I.D. card or an I.D. card issued by a private identification card service.

 Non-U.S. citizens residing in the United States must show valid Alien Registration (green) card prior to boarding the vessel. All others must show a valid passport and any other required visas prior to boarding the vessel. Please check with your travel agent, government agencies, embassies or consulates to determine documentary requirements.

 All travel documents such as passports, visas, proof of citizenship, etc., that are required for embarkation and re-entry into the U.S. are the responsibility of the passenger. Passport expiration date must not occur within six (6) months of the voyage termination date. No refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring required documentation.

Guests of all nationalities must clear their luggage through U.S. Customs when returning to the United States.

As you settle into your stateroom, be sure to let your steward or stewardess know if there is anything you need. Then, before you begin enjoying all the wonderful things awaiting you on a Celebrity cruise vacation, take a few moments to review this important information:

Dinner Reservations

Every effort is made to meet the specific requests made through Certified Travel, such as main or late seating, table size, or special dietary requirements.

• If a table assignment card is already in your stateroom, your reservations are confirmed.
• If there is no card, check with the Restaurant Manager.
• If you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary, tell the Restaurant Manager or your waiter. Ask the Wine Steward/ess to help you make selections from our extensive wine list to celebrate the occasion.

Family Cruising

• Most cruises have a  Family Program.
• Daily activity programs for kids are available at the Guest Relations Desk and in the children's facilities on board.
• Group babysitting is available and can be arranged on board.
• In-room stateroom babysitting is available for a nominal fee and can be scheduled one day in advance through Cabin Services.

Safety Precautions

Safety is always paramount on cruise ships so, shortly after sailing or during the first day at sea, you will be required to participate in a lifeboat drill. Listen for instructions and follow directions.

Onboard Purchases

On most ships a "cashless" system is used that allows you to used your boarding card to charge items on ship.

• You may validate your boarding card with a major credit card; or settle your account on the last day of the cruise with cash or traveler's checks.
• Simply sign for your purchases and services on board. At the end of your cruise, you'll receive a completely itemized statement.
• An Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) is on board located in or near the casino. Cash is readily accessible from your home bank with most major credit cards. This is helpful as personal checks cannot be accepted and only U.S. currency is accepted on board.

As you tour the ship, you'll find everything for your comfort and convenience. Our exciting array of shops, European spa facilities, beauty salons, personal services and more all are ready to serve you.

Shopping

A galleria of shops offers a wide array of gifts, duty-free merchandise, clothing and personal items.

Services

• Beauty salon, by appointment
• Laundry, dry cleaning and valet services are available

Spa

Most ships have complete beauty, health and fitness services at sea, all at nominal fees. You'll enjoy:

• Facials
• French-spa hand treatments
• Aromatherapy massages
• Hydrotherapy baths
• Sauna and massage, scheduled throughout the day
• Personal training, fitness analysis and more

Your ship is designed for a splendid vacation. Most have  swimming pools, sunny decks, a lively casino and disco.

• Check your daily program for lounge shows, films, classes and events you won't want to miss, such as the Captain's Cocktail Party.
• On many ships, the interactive television system lets you book shore excursions from your stateroom, order room service, wine for dinner, video slots and poker, and first-run movies on demand.

To get the most enjoyment out of a port-of-call, your cruise ship offers numerous activities planned by travel experts. More information on Shore Excursions, and how to book, is included with your cruise documents.

Guests are reminded not to leave any valuables, jewelry or money unprotected in the stateroom.

• Most ships provide a  mini-safe in your cabin.

Although every effort is made to safeguard staterooms, your cruise ship will not accept responsibility for the loss or damage of any valuables left unsecured. For further details, please refer to the Contract Terms and Conditions printed in your cruise ticket.

On the last night at sea, it is customary to offer gratuities to staff members you feel have given you exceptional service and personal attention. We suggest the following guidelines:

For children less than 12 years old, as third or fourth person in the state room, half the above amounts is recommended.

Even the most wonderful vacations must eventually come to an end. To make the process of "re-entry" into the real world as painless as possible, here are a few tips:

• Top off your vacation with a post-cruise land program
• Pack gifts and purchases in that extra fold-away bag you got in our gift shop.

U.S. Customs Clearance

Keep receipts for gifts and purchases: U.S. residents visiting foreign ports for 48 hours or longer have a duty-free allowance of $400, and those 21 years or older may include one liter of liquor.

Guests calling in St. Thomas can return with $1200 in purchases (including not more than $400 in merchandise obtained elsewhere) and five liters of duty-free liquor (only one liter of which may be purchased outside the U.S. Virgin Islands - St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix).

Disembarking

The cruise staff will give you instructions about disembarkation procedures and assist with any special arrangements.

• Bags will be collected from outside your stateroom on the last night on board
• Make sure bags are properly tagged
• Keep a carry-on bag with things you'll need on the last night (clothes, medications, toiletries, etc.)

By the time you finally walk down the gangway, you'll know what we mean by the "fine art of cruising." And whether this was your first sailing or your 50th, chances are you'll already be planning your next cruise vacation!