DO I NEED A PASSPORT?
GT strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. This greatly assists guests who may need to fly out of the United States to meet their ship at the next available port should they miss their scheduled embarkation in a U.S. port; guests entering the U.S. at the end of their cruise; and guests needing to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends, because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ship’s departure from a port of call, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct, or other reasons.
Guests who need to fly to the United States before their cruise ends will likely experience significant delays and complications related to booking airline tickets and entering the United States if they do not have a valid U.S. passport with them. For additional passport information visit www.travel.state.gov
WHAT ARE PORT CHARGES, TAXES AND FEES?
Port charges include taxes and fees assessed by governmental and other agencies, costs incident to entering and leaving ports such as pilotage, costs incurred while in port such as stevedoring, waste removal, and payroll for port-related functions. Taxes associated with flights, if purchased, would also be included.
WHEN IS MY DEPOSIT DUE?
Deposit requirements will vary based on the travel dates, trip cost and the tour operator your vacation is booked through. Deposits are generally at least $200 per person. In many cases, greater amounts may be required at time of purchase, which will be disclosed during the booking process. Final payment requirements also vary depending on the package selected. Due dates range anywhere from 60 to 150 days prior to departure.
WHEN DO I MAKE MY FINAL PAYMENT?
An invoice confirmation will advise when your final payment is due. In addition, you will receive a final payment reminder approximately 7 days prior to the final payment date. In all cases, the cruise lines and tour operators reserve the right to cancel any reservation that has not been paid in full by the specified date.
SHOULD I PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE?
We recommend protecting your vacation investment by purchasing travel insurance. While you may think there’s nothing that could prevent you from departing on your dream vacation, the reality is that life is simply unpredictable. Travel protection provides coverage if you have to cancel due to injury, sickness, or death to you, a traveling companion or family member. However, it does not cover unstable, pre-existing conditions. It will also cover you if you have a medical emergency during your trip, or if your baggage is lost or damaged, among other things. GT’s preferred insurance carrier is Allianz Global Assistance. Travel Insurance can you be added to your travel booking by contacting our Travel Concierge at 1-866-332-8091.
WHEN AND HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS?
In most cases, documents are delivered electronically and you will need to register on the cruise line’s website in order to print out your documents. For those cruise lines that still print paper documents, those are typically delivered within 10 days of departure date. Once you have secured your reservation, you will receive further details as to how your documents will arrive.
DO I HAVE TO ADVISE THE CRUISE LINE IF I HAVE SPECIAL MEDICAL NEEDS?
The cruise lines require all guests with special medical needs to submit this information to them prior to travel. This is to ensure that they have the necessary information to give you the proper care in the event of an emergency. Passengers who carry syringes for medical use must also carry a letter from their physicians indicating this. Travel Services are always available to answer any questions regarding this and can be contacted at 1-800-270-3007.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY FOR MY CRUISE?
Cruises typically depart at 4pm but may change depending on the cruise line, departing city or destination. Guests can typically arrive and begin checking in at 10am. In addition, Cruise lines offer pre-night hotel stays that can be purchased and added to your cruise. The space is limited for these, so it is best to book them early. These can be added to your cruise booking by contacting our Travel Concierge at 1-866-332-8091.
CAN I ADD A PERSON TO MY RESERVATION ONCE PAYMENT HAS BEEN MADE?
All rates are based on the present occupancy and availability. In most cases, it is possible to add an extra person, providing the room permits this. The rate will not be protected and could possibly change. The person you are adding could pay a different rate as well, and may incur change fees. Changes may not be permitted particularly in the case where the cruise reaches maximum passenger capacity.
WHAT IS A CATEGORY GUARANTEE?
This guarantees only the category that was purchased, with a possibility of an upgrade. If this option is chosen, you will not receive a stateroom number at the time of booking. Typically, the stateroom assignment is made once you arrive at the port. However, you may occasionally find out a couple of weeks in advance.
I AM TAKING THIS CRUISE AS MY HONEYMOON WHAT NAME SHOULD I USE FOR MY RESERVATION?
Depending on whether or not you can obtain a copy of your marriage certificate prior to departure, you may do one of two things… Reserve your vacation in your maiden name and carry Proof of Citizenship that reflects your maiden name, OR reserve your vacation in your married name and carry Proof of Citizenship that reflects your married name. Please note, if you carry several types of identification reflecting your married and maiden names, it is suggested that you also carry a copy of your marriage certificate to document your name change
WHAT IF I HAVE TO CANCEL?
Cancellation policies vary between cruise lines and typically increase incrementally as the travel date approaches. It is the sole responsibility of the passenger to be familiar with the penalties assessed for cancellation. In addition to any fees assessed by tour operator, we will apply a $50.00 administrative fee for all cancellations. To protect yourself from penalties for canceling due to medical reasons, we encourage you to purchase Travel Insurance. Travel Services are always available to answer any questions regarding this and can be contacted at 1-800-270-3007.