Congratulations! You've made a great decision and in a short time you'll be experiencing the wonder of small-ship cruising. In the meantime, below is some information that may be of help in your preparation for your small-ship voyage. Do you have questions about how to pack for your cruise or about the various options and programs available? We can help. Just click on the appropriate link to find answers to your questions about choosing an itinerary, trip insurance, early booking savings, and more.
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Recommended Reading & Packing Lists
Your experience with Cruise West will help you explore the unique history and culture ofthe region. In preparation for your journey, you might want to read upon your destination or bring reading along with you to enhance your journey. Here are some selections specifically recommended by Cruise West to complement our itineraries.
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Arriving and departing
If Cruise West has your flight arrival information and you are arriving on the main tour date, you will be met by a representative from Cruise West who will have a Cruise West identifying sign at the Baggage Claim area. If you made your own flight arrangements, it is especially important to notify Cruise West of your flight information (city of origin, flight departure and arrival times) prior to your arrival to ensure we have a space for you on the transfer vehicle.
Upon the conclusion of your voyage, you will be greeted at the pier and transferred. Guests who have notified Cruise West of their flight departure information, and those guests who are continuing on to the Land Tour or those guests who have purchased a post-tour stay through Cruise West will receive transfers to the airport. Prior notification of departure times is necessary to ensure airport transfer arrangements. |
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Luggage Handling
Your luggage will be transferred on and off the ship at boarding and disembarkation. All luggage, whether hand-carried or checked, must be tagged with the Cruise West tags included with your documents prior to your arrival. Due to these heightened security measures, we cannot accept unaccompanied luggage. Your luggage may be subject to random screening upon boarding. At the completion of your cruise you must take all personal effects with you. We request that you limit your luggage to1 suitcase and1 carry-on per person. Again, please carry on only things you know you will need while in flight or immediately upon landing.
Specific disembarkation procedures will be announced onboard. If your friends or relatives are meeting you at the pier, please note that disembarkation takes approximately 30 minutes after our scheduled arrival. Only guests and crew are allowed inside a ship's security zone.
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Air Transportation
Due to new and heightened security procedures, especially at airports, you must carry government-issued picture ID, preferably a passport. Please keep your photo identification with you at all times. Do not pack it in your checked luggage.
Your safety and security is of utmost importance to us. On boarding a Cruise West vessel, we will check your photo ID, and positively match all your pieces of luggage. As with checking in for a flight, your luggage will be subject to search as well.
Checked luggage allowance, size and weight rules may vary by airline and class of service so checking directly with your airline as to size, weight and number of bags that you can check and carry-on is always a good idea. All limits are strictly enforced and there are additional charges for both overweight, oversized or extra luggage. Fees for overweight and oversize baggage vary by destination. Even if you are willing to pay an extra fee the airlines may still refuse your extra luggage. The best bet is to pack lightly. We highly recommend bringing your prescription medicine in its original packaging, valuables and any undeveloped high-speed film in your carry-on. Higher-speed films (above 800) are still most susceptible to damage but all your film is somewhat at risk with the stronger detection devices utilized by airport security. You can ask for a manual inspection in the United States and some foreign airports to avoid potential damage if you place your film in your carry-on bag. |
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Customs Inspections
U. S. citizens who do not have a passport should apply for one immediately. A valid passport is required to travel on journeys outside the U.S. But passports are a good identification piece for ease of traveling. Please check to make sure your passport will be valid6 months beyond your departure date. We recommend making a photocopy of the photo ID page and taking it on your trip, separate from your passport. If your passport is lost or stolen, the photocopy will help considerably for facilitating a replacement.
Non-U.S. Citizen Travel Information: Contact the appropriate Embassy or Consulate in your home country well in advance of your departure to determine which travel documents and visas are required for your itinerary and to allow sufficient time for processing your request.
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Hotels and Land Programs
A complete program of hotel accommodations, included activities, and excursions has been arranged in each port and designed to showcase the cultural and natural highlights of each destination. Additional optional shore programs may be arranged at some locations. Detailed information and costs of the optional excursions will be included in your Final Documents Dossier and through your Exploration Leader when onboard ship.
If you are including a land tour excursion, details of your daily activities will be provided in your Final Documents Dossier. |
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Immunizations
We strongly recommend checking with your personal physician once you have booked your cruise to see what if any immunizations may be required. | |
Booking Information
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