August 20, 2024

I remember the first time I booked a cruise vacation. I was nervous, scared, and excited, but also intimidated because, at the time, this seemed like such a different way to travel. Plus, there were all of these strange terms… disembarkation, MDR, muster, steward. It felt like cruising had its own vocabulary. Plus, there were so many decisions to make… when to fly in, when to fly home, which dining time to select, and should I prepay for tips? My head was spinning. Even after dozens of cruises, I still found myself learning new things. If you’ve never taken a cruise before or have cruised but are still learning, don’t despair because this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Here’s what this guide will cover: Table of Contents Do I Need a Passport to Cruise? Can I Cruise with a Felony? How to Choose Your Cruise How to Book Your Cruise Vacation Cruise Booking Decisions Booking Cruise Excursions Understanding Cruise Lingo What’s Included Getting to Port Packing and Preparing for a Cruise Tipping & Money Embarkation Ports of Call Disembarkation Protip: If you prefer to watch a video of this cruise guide instead of reading it, you can find it on my YouTube channel here. Do I Need a Passport to Cruise? Before even considering booking a cruise, it’s important to note what is required in terms of paperwork. For most closed-loop cruise itineraries, meaning it’s a sailing that starts and ends at the same US port, most cruise lines require just an original birth certificate and valid government-issued ID for adults and a birth certificate for minors. While a passport is often not required, however, it’s advisable to have one, as while it’s unlikely to happen, you may miss the ship and get stuck at a foreign port, or encounter a medical emergency that requires hospitalization at a foreign port, meaning you’ll need a passport to get back home. Read my post here for all of the specifics of passports and cruising. Can I Cruise with a Criminal Record or Felony? I’m shocked by the frequency with which I see a disturbing (and completely avoidable) event happen at debarkation. That is the situation where cruisers get ready to get off the ship after a wonderful cruise, only to find authorities waiting for them at the port and find themselves in handcuffs. Many cruisers don’t realize that cruise lines run passenger manifests by US Customs and Border Protection, and those with outstanding warrants may be nabbed at disembarkation, depending upon their charges. So if you have a warrant for your arrest, do not take a cruise. Another related question is this: can you cruise with a felony conviction or criminal record? Lets take a look at the specifics of cruising when you have a felony on your record. Cruise Line Policies The policies of various cruise lines may prohibit sailing with them if you have a record, especially a felony conviction. Each company has its own rules and regulations regarding passengers with criminal records. While some may have strict policies, others, such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival, adopt a more lenient approach. But even those that are more lenient may prohibit cruisers with a record, depending upon the crimes. Carnival, for instance, says that it “reserves the right to deny boarding to any persons convicted of certain crimes which may include but are not limited to; aggravated physical assault, sexual assault, and other sexual offenses, armed robbery and related offenses, and other violent or immoral crimes.” To complicate the matter, whether or not a would-be traveler can take a cruise with a felony may also depend upon the ports of call, as various countries may have differing requirements, and whether it is a closed-loop itinerary, meaning the sailing originates and ends at the same United States port. To best address this issue, it’s essential to research the specific guidelines of the cruise line you’re interested in traveling with. Even if it’s embarrassing, I highly recommend just picking up the phone to contact the cruise line directly to inquire about their policies. Transparency about your criminal history during the booking process can help prevent any potential issues later on. Country Entry Requirements Beyond cruise line policies, it’s important to consider the legal implications of traveling with a felony conviction. While you may be permitted to board a cruise ship based on the company’s policies, you may still encounter restrictions when it comes to entering certain countries. Beyond cruise line policies, it’s important to consider the legal implications of traveling with a felony conviction. While you may be permitted to board a cruise ship based on the company’s policies, you may still encounter restrictions when it comes to entering certain countries. Some countries, such as Australia and the United Kingdom, have strict entry requirements for individuals with criminal records, including felonies. To navigate this aspect effectively, thorough research into the entry requirements of the ports of call on your itinerary is essential. Consulting with a legal professional can also provide valuable insights into your rights and limitations when traveling with a felony conviction. Canada is another country that is especially strict about the entry requirements of individuals with criminal records, and one that may come as an unwelcome surprise to cruisers. Because of an old timey maritime law, the 1886 Act, Alaskan cruises include a mandatory stop in Canada (which explains those sometimes seemingly random 8 PM-midnight calls in Victoria). I’ve heard many stories of cruisers with even really old charges, and including comparatively lesser crimes like DUI, being prohibited from entering Canada, making it not possible for those individuals to take an Alaskan cruise. Other countries are more lenient about travelers with criminal records crossing their borders. The Caribbean is usually one such option on one of the most popular cruise itineraries, so these are generally safe bets for cruisers with a record. Also, generally speaking, closed-loop itineraries are more lenient for cruisers with criminal records than open-loop ones. A closed-loop itinerary starts and ends at the same US departure port. Again, before booking any sailing,