FAQ Portal

Have questions about your cruise? We’re here to help.

From travel insurance and packing tips to shore excursions and port directions, this guide has everything you need to prepare for your voyage. Be sure to bookmark this page—you might revisit it more than once as your cruise gets closer.

Need to make a payment? Click here to complete any pending payments.

Shore Excursions

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excursions and save!

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with your Booking Number and last name.

Travel Insurance

Sail with confidence,
get covered

A carefully planned vacation can quickly unravel when impacted by the unexpected — a sudden illness, flight delays or even natural disasters. We highly recommend that every trip be covered by a travel insurance plan. Our plans are customized for the trip you booked, so you get the coverage you need for yourself and your travel companions. Help protect your hard-earned investment by purchasing travel protection and get reimbursed for costly, covered events so you can relax and enjoy your trip to the fullest!

Trip Cancellation Coverage

When you insure your vacation you get Trip Cancellation coverage that can reimburse your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you need to cancel for a variety of unforeseen circumstances, including sickness and injury.

24/7 Travel Assistance

You'll receive access to a 24/7 hotline that provides emergency assistance and concierge services when you need them most—from medication replacement to getting tickets to the hottest show in town.

Emergency Assistance and Transportation

Our plans include coverage for medical evacuation, which can keep you from getting stuck with huge costs if you get sick or injured and need emergency assistance and transportation on your trip—especially useful if you’re on a cruise!

Access to a Virtual Doctor During Your Trip

General Travel Insurance includes access to Teladoc, a service that connects travelers instantly with a network of U.S. licensed physicians for information, medical advice and treatment, including prescription medication, when appropriate. This service allows you to request a virtual visit with a board-certified doctor 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by web, phone or mobile app.

Travel insurance is independently offered and sold by arrivia and not affiliated with Marriott Resorts, Travel Company, Inc. or its affiliates.

Cruise ship passengers must pre-register for their cruises prior to arriving at the departure port. Complete your pre-registration online and reduce your wait time to board the ship. Be sure to have your Booking ID handy.

For registration information, click on your cruise line below.

Receive up to
$200 off your next shore excursion when you book a cruise with Club Points through Our Vacation Center.

Discover Your Benefit

Owner and Select Benefit Levels receive $100 in Shore Excursion credit
Executive and Presidential Benefit Levels receive $125 in Shore Excursion credit
Chairman Club Benefit Levels receive $200 in Shore Excursion credit

Step 1: Book your cruise using Club Points with Our Vacation Center.
Step 2: Receive your promo code credit (via email) for up to $200 off.
Step 3: Select an excursion for your upcoming cruise!

Don't delay - Shore Excursions have limited capacity and fill up quickly!

Shop All Shore Excursions

FAQ

What are shore excursions and why are they important?

Shore excursions are the activities offered at each port. These can be cultural, scenic, active and more! Shore excursions are the best way to maximize the value of your cruise as well as your time ashore.

Why book with us?

We make it hassle-free. Have your cruise and activities under the same reservation and in the same spot. Save on shore excursions vs. cruise line pricing, save hours of time waiting in line on board & secure premium time for excursions.

How do I book shore excursions?

Click here

to browse shore excursions available for your itinerary! Have your cruise line, ship name and sailing date handy.

When should I reserve my shore excursion?

Now! Shore excursions should be booked at least 120 days before your departure day. While you can book shore excursions last minute, popular shore excursions sell out well in advance, so we recommend reserving your shore excursions as far in advance as possible. This will give you the best chance of booking your first choice in each of the ports. Pro-tip — plan shore excursions in line with booking your cruise and flights.

Why do you need to book ahead of time?

Shore excursions are selling out as early as six months before departure. Why? More cruise ships are arriving at port each day and the number of shore excursions available have not increased.

Shore Excursions like helicopter rides, culinary classes, marine life, etc., have thousands of people already booking them and there are only a certain number of spots and times available. Booking ahead ensures you are getting your top choices at the most optimal time.

How do I receive my booking confirmation and voucher?

Shortly after you reserve a shore excursion, we will email your confirmation which will include your vouchers as well as instructions on how and when to meet up with your shore excursion guide.

What do shore excursions include?

Shore excursions include transportation according to the itinerary, meals, refreshments, guides and entrance fees as indicated in the individual shore excursion descriptions.

How much physical activity is involved in the shore excursions?

The level of activity varies by shore excursion. In order to help you understand the level of activity involved in each shore excursion, we have created the following three categories.

Minimal (Easy) Physical Activity:
Only light walking and no major climbing required. You may need to negotiate a few steps.

Moderate Physical Activity:
A fair amount of walking is required, and you may need to climb up full flights of steps and/or negotiate uneven terrain.

Significant (Difficult) Physical Activity:
A large amount of walking and/or climbing is required, often over unpaved and uneven terrain. You should be in good physical health if you reserve one of these shore excursions.

Please refer to the specific shore excursion descriptions to see which category applies to the shore excursion. If you have more specific questions, please contact one of our Shore Excursion Experts during normal business hours.

How do I make changes to my shore excursion reservations?

If you need to make changes to your reservation or to cancel a shore excursion, please contact one of our Shore Excursion Experts during regular business hours and they will be happy to assist you.

Are there any age restrictions on shore excursions?

For most shore excursions, there is no minimum age for children as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Guests under the age of 18 years are not permitted to participate without a parent or guardian. In some cases, an unaccompanied minor may be permitted on a shore excursion if a wavier is signed by the parent.

May I take more than one shore excursion in a single port of call?

Yes. In Alaska, please allow at least 30 minutes between each shore excursion. In all other regions, please allow at least 60 minutes between each shore excursion.

Am I expected to tip the guide/driver?

Extending a gratuity to your guide or driver is strictly optional but greatly appreciated by those guiding you through your shore excursion. A commonly accepted guideline is $3.00 USD per person for a half-day shore excursion and $5.00 USD per person for a full-day shore excursion.

CRUISE EXCURSION TYPES

Cultural & Local

Cultural Shore Excursions allow you to experience the customs, heritage and local flavor of the destinations.

Scenic

Scenic Shore Excursions provide up-close and personal access to some of the most spectacular natural environments on Earth

Outdoor & Active

Active Shore Excursions offer a multitude of exciting and adventurous experiences.

Water & Beach Activities

Water/Beach Shore Excursions provide unique ways to enjoy the ocean, beach and sea life.

Culinary

Culinary Shore Excursions allow you to sample the local culinary delights.

Shop All Shore Excursions

Exciting! Your passport is your ticket to travel the world. To start the process, you'll need to fill out a form. After your form is completed, be sure to have your supporting documents nearby. Next, get ready for picture day! Your passport picture will last you for a while so be sure to brush your hair. (Check out this guide on How to Submit a Good Photo). Next, pay the passport fees. Here's a nifty free calculator courtesy of Travel.State.Gov. Finally, you'll submit all at once!

First Time Passport Holder

Renewing Your Passport by Mail

You may be eligible to renew your passport by mail if you can answer ‘yes’ to all of the following:

1. You still have your most recent passport, and you can submit it with your application.
2. Your passport is undamaged (normal wear and tear is okay).
3. It was issued when you were age 16 or older.
4. It was issued within the last 15 years.
5. It was issued in your current name, or you can provide legal documentation of your name change.

Passport Processing Information

Passport processing times vary depending on the service you choose upon applying:

Routine Service: About 6 weeks
Expedited Service: About 2 weeks (additional fee applies)

What's a Passport Expediting Service?

A passport expediting service is a private third-party company that can assist with the passport application process. For the most up-to-date information on faster passport options, visit the U.S. Department of State at:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html

Your cruise adventure is almost here! Explore our FAQs to stay informed, get helpful tips and make the most of every moment of your journey at sea.

What travel documents do I need to bring?

Passports are required for all U.S. citizens to take a cruise aboard a foreign-flagged ship. Some countries on your itinerary may also require a visa for entry. U.S. Citizens traveling aboard U.S.-flagged vessels in Hawaii and Alaska can board the ship without a passport; however, valid proof of identity is still required.

Online Cruise Check-In. Where, how and when to complete?

After your final payment, you will receive an email from your cruise line to complete online check-in. The United States Border Security Act requires cruise ship passengers to complete their registration prior to arriving at the pier. Please be sure to have your Booking ID ready. After your check-in is complete, you will be able to reserve onboard add-ons like specialty dining, beverage packages, spa services & more.

When will I receive my luggage tags and are there luggage limitations?

The cruise lines have no limitation for onboard luggage. You will receive luggage tags with your cruise documents. Please complete them and attach the tags to your bags prior to arriving at the pier. If you have e-Documents or Pier Pick-up Documents, the porters at the pier have extra baggage tags and will help you complete them when you arrive.

Your baggage will be delivered to your cabin within 2 hours after you board the ship. It is highly recommended that each person brings a carry-on bag with a change of clothes, medication, sunscreen, bathing suit, camera, etc. to have until your bags arrive.

What is onboard dining like and when is it available?

Generally speaking, cruise lines offer a traditional dining experience in a main dining room with the option of two seating times. Early Seating typically begins between 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm and Late Seating typically begins around 8:15 pm. Some cruise lines may have other specific seating times & schedules.

You can order from a set menu that changes daily. For most cruisers, this is one of the highlights of the cruise experience and gives them an opportunity to meet new people from all over the world and develop a relationship with a wait staff who has learned how to cater to their individual needs.

Many cruise lines now offer alternatives to this more structured dining experience. This not only includes casual dining venues like buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and pizzerias; but also, specialty gourmet restaurants offering Asian, French, Italian and Southwestern cuisine. Depending on your tastes or mood for the night, you can eat anywhere you want, including room service, which is available on most cruise ships 24 hours a day.

What is specialty dining and how does it work?

You can eat all you want on a cruise ship without having to pay for a meal. However, if you prefer to dine at a more intimate, upscale specialty dining restaurant, you can make a reservation for an additional fee.

These "reservations-only" restaurants are smaller dining bistros that cater to a limited number of guests every evening. They offer passengers a chance to break the normal routine and have a nice, romantic dinner for two without the kids to enjoy each other's company. Many of these specialty restaurants are comparable in quality to the world’s finest restaurants. The additional charges range from an average of $10 - $50 per guest depending on the cruise ship and restaurant, with some venues offering premium experiences of $100 or more per person.

These restaurants book very quickly, so you should make your reservations as soon as you board your ship.

Do cruise lines offer dining for special diets?

Most ships can accommodate salt-free, Kosher, gluten-free, vegetarian, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise the cruise line of this requirement when you book your cruise.

What does a drink package include & are there any limitations?

Soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine and spirits are usually not included in your cruise fare. Many cruise guests opt to purchase a beverage package to help lower the cost of onboard expenses. While inclusions vary by cruise line, most beverage packages include beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, soda, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees and most bottled water. Limitations related to drink cost & gratuity charges may apply.

What activities are included onboard?

Cruise lines offer a wide variety of inclusive onboard activities and entertainment. Most outdoor activities such as waterparks & waterslides, recreational sports games and mini-golf are free of charge. Live music, game shows, nightclubs & select performances are also usually included in your fare. Larger attractions may have an additional fee and require reservations. Please visit your cruise line site to learn more about specific onboard activities & entertainment.

Do cruise lines include kids' clubs?

Most cruise lines offer youth clubs for guests under 18-years-old at no extra cost. To have the most up-to-date information, check on the cruise line site to find any updates to kid club times/rules/availability, as these may be different by cruise lines and some cruise lines may not have those typical options available at this time.

Each program is organized by age groups and is supervised by certified cruise personnel. The minimum age for a child to participate in the program varies but is usually 2-3 years old and must be potty trained.

Please keep in mind that luxury cruise lines and specialty cruises may not offer facilities for families traveling with children.

Flight arrival and departure time suggestions

Due to heightened security and screening measures, it is mandatory that you arrive at port no later than 90 minutes prior to departure to board the ship.

For cruises departing the continental United States, you should plan to arrive no later than 1:00 pm on the day of departure. This should provide ample time to collect your bags and transfer to the ship, even if the port is an hour from the airport. By arriving early, you are planning for unforeseen flight delays and increasing your chances of meeting the ship on time.

Return flights should not be booked any earlier than noon on the day your cruise returns. For airports that are longer distances from the cruise port, plan accordingly and ask your Cruise Expert for assistance.

If you are booking your own flights, we recommend you consider arriving a day prior to the cruise to ease any concerns of arriving at the port on time. This is especially recommended for travel during the winter months when weather delays are common.

How can I reschedule my cruise and where can I find information about cancellations?

In the event you need to postpone your cruise vacation, we strongly encourage you to reschedule your cruise to a later date, rather than canceling. To reschedule your cruise, contact your Cruise Expert for further assistance.

Generally, cruise lines have a flexible cancellation policy, most offering refunds in Future Cruise Credits.

Looking for support with your existing booking or a cancellation? Find the answers you need below.

FAQ

Manage an Existing Booking

If you need to make modifications to an existing cruise reservation, please click here to email our customer care specialists.

Voluntary Cancellations

If you would like to cancel your existing cruise booking, please click here.

Your cancellation request will be submitted to our customer care specialists for further assistance.

If your booking is in penalty, we will reach out to you via the email or phone number on file with us to review your request prior to processing the cancellation.

If your booking is fully refundable, we will process your refund* and an email will be sent to you once completed.

*Please note: All refunds will be returned to your original form of payment. For example, if you paid for all or a portion of your cruise by using a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) from the cruise line or our agency, the portion paid with your FCC does not qualify for a cash refund. Instead, your FCC will be returned to your cruise line or agency account.