GUESTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Most major cruises, to the extent feasible, try to accommodate guests with special requirements so they are able to enjoy cruise ships and their facilities. Guests who have any medical, physical or other special requirements are required to contact GoDirectCruise.com at 1-800-848-3005 to discuss the details of their needs.
 

VISITORS POLICY
For the security of guests and crew, most cruise lines have a "no visitors" policy. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.
 

EMBARKATION HOURS
Embarkation times will vary according to cruise line and port of embarkation.
You must check in at least 60 minutes prior to departure to avoid the risk of automatic cancellation.
 

CHANGES IN ITINERARIES
Changes to itineraries may be necessary from time to time. When possible, the cruise lines will promptly notify guests of a pre-cruise itinerary change.  If an itinerary change occurs while at sea or when notice prior to sailing is not feasible, the cruise line shall attempt to substitute an alternative port. No compensation shall be provided to guests when an alternative port is offered. The cruise lines do reserve the right to change itineraries. The foregoing is a summary of the itinerary change policy and is qualified in it's entirety by the complete policy which is posted at the appropriate cruise line’s web site.
 

BAGGAGE ASSISTANCE
Curbside porters are available at the pier during embarkation to take luggage to the vessel. Please be sure each piece of luggage is locked and has a tag listing your name, ship, and stateroom number.

Customary tip is $1.00 per bag. Curbside porters are not employees of the cruise line, therefore, any problems are the responsibility of the guest. The cruise line assumes no responsibility for carry-on luggage. Any luggage left at the pier will be forwarded at the guest's expense. Claims for luggage loss or damage must be made in writing to debarkation personnel prior to leaving the pier area.
 

ON BOARD PURCHASES
For your convenience, charges for most of your onboard purchases are made to your on-board account. A required application form will be included with your documents. Registration for this program will occur at the time of embarkation. Credit cards acceptance will vary by cruise line.  Most accept American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card and cash for deposit on your account. A deposit (ranging from $100 to $750 depending on cruise duration) will be required for cash accounts.
 

LIQUOR & BEVERAGE POLICY
In general, guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages for consumption on board.

As a general rule, alcoholic beverages will not be sold or served to anyone under the age of 21.  Cruise lines reserve the right to refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone.  Alcoholic beverages purchased in the ship's gift shops or in ports of call will be retained by the cruise line until the end of the voyage.
 

MINOR GUESTS
Generally, guests under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian 25 years or older in the same stateroom.
 

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
The U.S. Government recently issued a requirement that all U.S. citizens must present proof of citizenship in the form of a passport for travel on most cruise itineraries.  This requirement is scheduled to go into effect on 12/31/06.  If you will be traveling after December 30th of 2006, or if your scheduled cruise will end after December 30th, make sure you bring a valid passport with you.  Your passport will be required at embarkation, and throughout your cruise.

U.S. State Homeland Security requirements are scheduled to take effect as follows:

December 31, 2006: A passport is required of air or sea travelers to or from the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Bermuda and Central and South America. A passport is required for air or sea travelers to or from Mexico and Canada.
December 31, 2007: A passport is required for all U.S. air, sea, and land border crossings.

For additional information, please visit www.travel.state.gov.

Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise. It is the guests’ sole responsibility to bring and have available at all times all required travel documents. Guests are advised to check with their travel agent or the appropriate government authority to determine the necessary documents.

Any guest traveling without proper documentation will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued.

Please refer to the cruise line website for specific needs regarding visas. Non US citizens must determine what proper documentation is needed by contacting the appropriate Embassy or Consulate of the countries that will be visited during your cruise or tour.
 

DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT
Deposit requirements will vary by cruise line.  Most require full payment at least 75 days prior to departure.
 

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
Cruise lines will not refund any money for cancellations made within their cancellation schedule except as found in the cruise line cancellation and policies section of the brochure or website. GoDirectCruises strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance.

In addition to the cancellation charges per the cruise line, GoDirectCruise.com will assess a $25 per reservation cancellation fee.