Prepared travelers are happy travelers!
At CruiseAlly, we like to provide witty, light-hearted — yet useful — blog posts that make you laugh, but this is not one of those posts.
You need to know these websites before cruising internationally. This is the serious part of traveling (and right now, we’re serious). However, when you get to the end of this article, there will be a well-placed cruising nautical themed joke! Hurray!
“What should I know before cruising internationally?”
The National Passport Information Center
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
If your attitude is not like Maveric’s, you’re doing it wrong. Before cruising abroad, apply for or renew your passport now (really, click through now)! This website provides detailed instructions on how to apply, including a newly added “renew online option”, forms of identification needed, fees, and payment options. Additionally, resources available include an FAQ, emergency passport application (less than 14 days to travel), and passport application status tracking service. This is crucial information to know before cruising internationally.
Standard processing times are 10 – 13 weeks, while an expedited passport application can take 7-9 weeks and an additional fee. Remember, be like Maverick. You “have the need — the need for speed.”
Note: Most cruise lines require passengers to have a valid passport with at least six months runway left before expiration. So, check those passports before cruising abroad!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Here, we’re talking about Bruno, again. We need to talk about the “V” word… Yes, VACCINATIONS (too soon?). From here on out, we’ll refer to it as the “V Word”. The Centers for Disease Control website offers users up-to-date travel health information, including guidance on preventative medicine and “V Word” requirements.
These requirements existed long before the “C” word broke out. Very few cruises take cruisers to places where they need additional “V Words”, but we encourage you to check it out before cruising internationally, anyway. Visitors can also find helpful tips for avoiding illnesses while cruising abroad, along with detailed information about the transmission of viruses and other public health threats.
U.S. Department of State
Read this knowing that cruise lines also read these reports; they have your safety in mind and will use this information while planning ports of call.
The U.S. The Department of State website provides current safety advisories and warnings issued by the United States Government, as well as restrictions for traveling to certain countries. This could be anything from political unrest to natural disasters. Perhaps the best part for cruise travelers — since the cruise lines are already filtering out ports with known dangers — is learning about cultural etiquette for their destination.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Two Things: TSA PreCheck and TSA Cares.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers a variety of helpful resources to help travelers have an enjoyable and hassle-free experience. Additionally, their website provides detailed instructions on acceptable forms of identification, packing smartly, and preparing for the security screening process.
TSA PreCheck is a program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that allows low-risk travelers to enjoy expedited security screenings when traveling on domestic flights. With TSA PreCheck, travelers can skip long lines at airport security checkpoints, keep shoes and jackets on during screening, and leave laptops and liquids in their bags. In order to apply for TSA PreCheck, travelers must complete an application form and set an appointment for in person screening. Moreover, locations are offered in third party storefronts, like Staples, to make applying more convenient. The benefits of membership far outweigh the initial effort required to sign up!
The TSA Cares program exists for individuals who need special assistance due to disabilities or medical conditions. Travelers can arrange for additional support from a dedicated team at checkpoints or make changes to their screening procedures in advance. Additionally, the TSA strives to make the traveling experience as stress-free as possible by providing these services and more. An excellent blog from Autism Travel Expert to dive into before cruising abroad can be read here.
Smart Travel Enrollment Program website
Have you ever wondered how the U.S. Government knows what U.S. Citizens need to be evacuated when disaster strikes around the world? They have a list. Think of registering your trip on step.state.gov as getting on their starter list. Disaster strikes, and immediately the resources of the U.S. Government begin working to contact you, your family and offer assistance. Pretty sweet deal, right?
After registering, you will also get the most up-to-date information about your destination in your email inbox — courtesy of the State Department, as listed above — as well as essential contact information if you are in need of assistance while cruising abroad. Once registered, users can also adjust their travel plans at any time and receive personalized security updates on their destination.
So, there you have it: a sound collection of resources to check out before cruising internationally.
A Nautical THeme Joke Reward
Q: What does a mermaid use to call her friends?
A: A shellphone!
Thank you, thank you. We’ll be here all night for your entertainment purposes! Actually, we are here for you 24/7 at CruiseAlly.com for your cruise booking purposes, too. If you don’t plan it, you won’t take it! Do yourself a favor: Book that cruise! Carpe maria (seize the seas)!
