What you need to know before you go on a cruise

Traveling on a cruise ship is becoming an increasingly popular way for US citizens to see the world. Millions of Americans do not have problems landing on cruise ships. However, it is important to know your rights in order to enjoy the journey in peace.

Фото: Depositphotos

Here are some facts to consider when planning your next trip.

Before the trip:

1. Examine your point of arrival to take all precautions and safety measures.
2. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 more months after your travel date and has 2 and more blank pages. Although in some “closed loop” tours, a US passport is not required, officials recommend having it with you in case of an emergency. Your cruise company may also require you to have your passport with you, even if the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does not require it.
3. Have visas or the right to visa-free entry to all countries where the cruise liner will stop, if necessary, even if you do not plan to leave the board in these places.
4. Take with you a list of US embassies and consulates located in the countries you will be visiting in case you have an emergency.
5. Sign up for the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to get important information about the safety of the countries in which you will travel. Visit also @TravelGov on Twitter and / or Facebook to keep track of important news.
6. Do not forget about medical and other types of insurance to cover unforeseen expenses when traveling abroad. Check with your travel agent about what cases basic insurance covers, and consider purchasing additional insurance.
7. Prepare the following color copies: pages with photos and foreign visas of your passport and route. Leave one copy to trusted family members or a friend, and keep one separately from the originals.

Check with your doctor the following:

1. Find out if traveling abroad is medically safe and if you need any vaccinations to travel.
2. Make sure that all medicines are legal in each country that you are going to visit, and whether there are quantity restrictions or other special instructions. For some medicines, you may need a letter from your doctor.
3. Make sure you have enough medication in case of unforeseen circumstances. Some countries may not have your medication or its equivalent.
4. Keep a written copy of all your prescriptions for medicines with you if you need to replace or purchase medicine in a foreign country.

During the cruise:

1. Stay alert and be careful aboard a cruise ship, as in any other country. Theft and sexual assault on board cruise ships occur annually.
2. Limit alcohol and watch your drink. Never leave drinks unattended, because they can throw drugs that endanger you.
3. Ensure that the door and cabin window are properly locked.
4. Keep your travel documents and valuables in a safe place, such as a safe.
5. If you are a victim of a crime, report it to the security officers on board.
6. Beware of being targeted by scammers on board. Be careful about disclosing personal information to new acquaintances who may use you in a romantic or financial affair.
7. Be very careful when disembarking. Thieves often target tourists from cruise ships. In most cases, they are operating near souvenir shops and street performers.
8. Follow local laws and customs. If you break the law, you will be liable in the host country.
9. If you are a victim of a crime on shore, report it to your local authority, your nearest US embassy or consulate, and the ship’s security personnel.
10. If you have lost your passport, immediately report it to the nearest US embassy or consulate and take steps to obtain a replacement passport for a fee.

Ask your tour operator for the following:

1. What are the procedures in case of an emergency?
2. How can family members contact you in case of an emergency?
3. What types of medical services can a cruise board provide? For example, primary or emergency care, hospitalization, dialysis, etc.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Rules of traveling abroad for green card holders

10 secrets how to save during a cruise

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