What is the difference between open and closed loop cruises?
What is the difference between open and closed loop cruises? Cruises that don't begin and end in the same port are not considered closed-loop cruises. An example would be one that starts in Florida and ends in the Bahamas. Typically, closed-loop cruises may leave from Miami, Florida, and travel to Bermuda before returning to the same port in Miami.
Do I need cruise cash?
You probably won't need much actual cash while onboard, as many cruise lines will just charge purchases to your account. Even ship casinos these days have cashless credit systems. On nearly all cruises, passengers are given an itemized bill at the end of the trip listing all charged expenses.
What do I need to get on a closed loop cruise?
If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license that has your photo, name and date of birth. In addition to a driver's license, you must also present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship.
Do cruise ships go through your bags?
All checked bags on cruise ships are scanned. Passengers must pass through an airport-style detector and they will have a digital photo taken.
What documents do I need for a cruise?
For most cruises, you'll need a passport book that's valid for at least six months from the day your sailing ends. In some cases, you can use a passport card instead of a passport book, but that will only work if you plan to reenter the United States via your ship from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean.
What is an example of a closed loop cruise?
A closed-loop cruise is a cruise that departs and ends in the same U.S. port, for example, Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale, or round-trip to Alaska from Seattle.
How do you know if a cruise is all inclusive?
In most cases, all inclusive cruise packages are ones that allow you to pay one price for the accommodations, meals, most non-alcoholic beverages. It also covers onboard entertainment as well as taxes and port fees. Depending on how you booked your cruise, it may also include airfare and hotel reservations.
Do closed-loop cruises go through customs?
If you are on a closed-loop cruise that begins and ends at the same port in the United States and visits Canada, Mexico, or much of the Caribbean, you do not need a valid passport. According to CBP, all you need is documentation proving you are a U.S. citizen.
What happens if you get left behind while on a cruise?
Most cruise lines have port agents stationed in the port area to assist if your ship has left without you. In cases when cruisers are late returning to the vessel, the ship's crew will often remove the passengers' essential items -- passports, cell phones and medication -- from the ship to leave with the port agents.
Which side of a cruise is better?
The bottom line. There is no one side of a cruise ship that is always “the best.” Whether a cruise ship's port versus starboard side is better for you on a given itinerary will be a personal calculation based on preferences, route and what you want to see.
What is the best deck to stay on on a cruise ship?
Midship staterooms on the lowest passenger deck are the most excellent spot to be on a cruise ship in this instance because you don't feel the vessel sway as much.
Can I go on a cruise from UK without a passport?
The answer is Yes. You will need a passport to go on a cruise from the UK, regardless of your international destinations, or even if you're not planning on leaving the ship. A passport is an essential travel document that serves as your proof of identity and nationality when crossing borders.
How do I know if my cruise is closed loop?
Closed-loop cruises start and finish at the same United States port. Cruises that don't begin and end in the same port are not considered closed-loop cruises. An example would be one that starts in Florida and ends in the Bahamas.
How long does it take to get off a cruise ship when the cruise is over?
Bottom Line: The process of readying for passengers to leave once the ship arrives in port can take 30-45 minutes. After that, actually getting off the ship once passengers are allowed ashore takes just minutes.
Can I use a photocopy of birth certificate for cruise?
Birth Certificate Information A clear, legible copy (photocopy) of a birth certificate that was originally issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics. The copy does not need to be notarized or certified. Birth Certificate Card. A Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
Can I stay on a cruise ship while in port?
You can stay on the cruise ship when in port. In fact, it's a pro cruiser “secret” to let others get off the cruise ship, while they enjoy a quiet and less crowded day onboard! When staying on board the cruise, you can relax and enjoy the cruise ship amenities and activities.
What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?
What is the cheapest time to book a cruise? Prospective cruisers can usually find a lot of good deals at the beginning of the year during wave season, Goldberg-Glazer said. That period typically lasts from January until March. However, the optimal time to book may depend on when you plan to sail.