Clothing to Bring on a Cruise

Remember, you're going to be on vacation and you will be aboard a "Fun Ship" SuperLiner - you want to be comfortable and have a good time. Casual attire and resort wear (shorts, slacks, sundresses, blouses, T-shirts, etc) are the typical daily attire. You should bring a pair of rubber-soled sandals or sneakers to wear on deck and a pair of good walking shoes. You will have a chance to dress up for the Captain's Cocktail Party and the Formal Dinner - formal attire (a dress or a suit) is required for these two events (if you plan to attend them). On the other evenings you can dress casually for dinner. That includes sport shirts for men and slacks for women (no shorts, bathing attire, vests, or tank tops, please). Travel light - there are several mini-Laundromats on the ships, should you run out of clean clothes you can always wash the dirty ones.

Money to Bring on a Cruise

U.S. currency, travelers' checks, and credit cards (Visa & Master card) are accepted in most ports of call. It's also advisable to bring a reasonable amount of U.S. currency for use at smaller shops in port or in the ship's casino. You may cash a personal check up to $250 on board when accompanied by your American Express card. A Personalized Sail and Sign card will be provided to all cruise guests on a booking (including minors). This card is required for any and all shipboard purchases, including alcoholic beverages and shore excursions. All charges are automatically billed to the guest's credit card or stateroom account at the end of the voyage. Cash is not accepted for any purchases or services procured on board the ship (except for the Games and Slots in the Ship's Casino).

Luggage, Airport, and Flight

New, tighter airport security requires that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight's departure. A Passport or other approved proof of citizenship are now required to board the airplane. Make sure that there are no knives, scissors, nail clippers, lighters or bottles of liquid bigger than 4oz packed or included in your carry-on luggage (or in your pockets) - these items will be taken from you and may cause you to be detained at the airport and miss your cruise. Film should be put in your carry-on bag, as the new powerful X-Ray machines used on luggage checked at the counter will ruin any film in your luggage. Guests are responsible for claiming their luggage at the airport and ensuring that their luggage gets on the right transport carrier from the airport to the ship. Also remember that you will be charged $$ for each piece of luggage that you check in at the airport and you may be charged for your carry-on too - pack as light as possible.

Tipping/Gratuities

For special services, such as that from Bar Waiters and Deck Stewards for drinks, a 15% gratuity will automatically be added to your Sign-N-Sail account. Gratuities for your room stewards, dining waiters, and bus boys have been prepaid (included) when you paid for your cruise If you dispute the amounts added, you may adjust these amounts at the end of the cruise at the purser's desk.

Shipboard Medical

All of the newer cruise ships have an on-board infirmary (a small hospital) with a staff doctor (usually retired) and a nurse. Minor illness and injury will be taken care of there, on the ship. Serious illness or injury will be airlifted (at your expense if you don't have cruise insurance) to the nearest reputable shore based facility. Prescription drugs are not available on board and at most ports of call, so you must be sure that you bring an adequate supply of your pills if going on a cruise.

Cruise Insurance

Included in all Sunburst Group Cruises (unless you request not to include it) - cruise money paid is non-refundable without it. Cruise Insurance will pay for refund of most of your money in event of a serious illness or death in the family (proof will be required) just prior to departure. It also covers certain expenses during the cruise such as emergency medical care or airlift to a hospital. If you look at the cover of a cruise ticket booklet, you will see an "Important Notice to Guests." This notice directs your attention to the terms and conditions of your contract - it is important to read this and become acquainted with the specific conditions and limitations of your passage.

Passport Data

Your Sign-and-Sail card along with picture ID will be required get off and to re-enter the ship at all ports of call. U.S. Immigration may determine additional documents which guests must have in their possession in order disembark and travel. These Documents must be presented at time of embarkation for the cruise. United States and Canadian guests need proof of citizenship (Passport, Birth Certificate or copy of Birth certificate with raised seal) and photo I.D. All non-U.S. citizens must surrender their passports and/or green cards. These documents will be returned to the guests the morning of arrival at the end of the cruise.