Passports LDS.Travel recommends all passengers joining one of our cruises or tours obtain a passport.

While originally the U.S. Department of State regulations stipulated that passports would be needed by January 8, 2007 for land and sea travel, regulations changed and are subject to further revision. Having a passport is the best way to be prepared and is the easiest way to be sure you have the documents you need. For example, even if your cruise does not involve air travel outside the U.S., should you be required to unexpectedly depart a vessel prior to the end of the sailing, a passport would be required to re-enter the U.S. by AIR. Your passport must not expire until 6 months after you have returned home from your cruise. Women who have recently married, or who have chosen to keep their maiden name will need to also bring their marriage certificate, to avoid any confusion at the port.

Information on how to obtain a United States Passport is available through the US Department of State\'s Web site http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

The following is a summary of US travel regulations.

ALL PERSONS traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Information

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), requiring all travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. The areas included in WHTI are Bermuda, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean region. As many of the cruises offered by LDS.Travel are in these areas, we would like to highlight some additional travel information about them. CURRENTLY:
U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (available as of Spring 2008), or Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. LATER:
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.

If you are not able to obtain a passport, cruises that depart from the United States will require an original birth certificate (with the raised official seal) AND valid photo ID (i.e. driver\'s license) for each adult passenger. In an effort to combat international child abduction, have an original birth certificate for each child under the age of 16 years. Most cruise lines require that there be at least one adult over the age 25 in a cabin, however this requirement is waived if the passengers are married, so younger couples will also need to bring their marriage certificate. A VISA may also be required on more exotic itineraries. If your departure port is outside the US, we highly recommend that you make a photocopy of all important documents (i.e. VISA, passport) and keep the copies inside your luggage, to avoid long delays if your documentation is lost or stolen. You should confirm that you have the correct documentation ahead of time, since ordering official copies, etc. can take some time.

Foreign nationals should contact their governments for further details.

Money and Purchases When you arrive at the port, the ship will issue each passenger an onboard ID and charge card. This card is used as your room key, ship re-entry identification, and for onboard purchases. Ships do not accept cash or credit cards anywhere, with the exception of cash in the casino.

When you check-in you will leave a credit card number or cash deposit to secure any purchases you make onboard the ship. Your account will be reconciled prior to disembarking the ship. There is an ATM on the ship, and at most ports of call for offshore purchases. Most cabins are equipped with a small combination safe for your cash and valuables. Major credit cards, Travelers Checks and US Dollars are typically all accepted at the Ports of Call.

Packing & Luggage

Some travel destinations limit the number of checked bags to two per person, with a weight limit of 50 lbs. Check with your airline for any baggage limitations. You should put ID tags on the outside of each piece of luggage, and some people put tags inside as well. Your luggage must NOT be locked for your flight. We will provide you with additional cruise line nametags, and we recommend you place these on your luggage AFTER your flight, and PRIOR to checking your luggage in at the pier.

It is also a good idea to tag your luggage with a brightly colored ribbon or string for easy identification. You should always pack a change of clothes, medicine, toiletries, ID and documents, valuables and a light jacket in a carry-on. Large gathering areas on the ships (i.e. dining rooms, theaters, etc.), airplanes and buses are often cool, so it\'s a good idea to keep a light jacket in your carry-on. Obviously, what you pack depends on your cruise destination. It\'s always a good idea to be able to layer clothing, bringing a sweatshirt or sweater, or jacket, etc.

Some ships are equipped with coin-operated laundry facilities. Most cruise lines offer dry-cleaning or laundering services for an additional fee. Your personal cabin will have a 110-volt outlet, which will accommodate US-built hair dryers, travel irons and electric shavers. Some newer ships even provide hair dryers in each cabin.

Dress Code

Shipboard dress is casual during the day. Shorts and tasteful T-shirts are accepted in the dining room for breakfast and lunch only. There is usually an alternate dining option available each night, such as an open-seating buffet that has no dress code. The main dining room has an evening dress code that does not allow shorts, T-shirts, tank-tops or jeans.

At dinner, dress codes will vary daily according to the ship’s schedule. Casual – Slacks & sport shirt for men (no jeans); slacks and blouse, sundress or pantsuit for women. Semi-formal (usually 2 nights) – Jacket with or without tie for men; dress or pantsuit for women. Formal (usually 2 nights) - Dark suit or tuxedo for men; formal attire for women, such as a cocktail dress or evening gown. Tuxedos for men are optional, however most ships do offer tuxedo rental.

Ship Dining

The ship usually offers 2 dining times: Main Seating usually begins between 6-6:30pm, and Late Seating between 8 - 8:30 pm. As a general rule, we reserve main dining for all of our guests, unless you specify otherwise. Dining assignments and table seating are determined by the ship and are not guaranteed; however we do have the ability to make requests. Table sizes vary from 2 - 10 per table. In most cases, you will have the same waiter and assistant waiter throughout the cruise.

There is usually an alternate dining option available each night, such as an open-seating buffet for all meals that has no dress code.

Tipping Guide

It is protocol to tip 1-your room steward, 2-personal head waiter and 3-Head waiter at the end of the cruise. The amount is at your discretion, however it is suggested that you plan on approximately $10 per day, per passenger. Maitre d? and Head Waiter tips are at your personal discretion.

Envelopes will be provided the last night on the cruise for tipping in cash, or some cruise lines offer to include your tips on your onboard ship account, that will be charged to your credit card.

Porters will handle your baggage when you arrive at the embarkation dock, and you should plan on $1.00 per bag in tips. Also, remember bus drivers or tour guides for shore excursions usually get $1.00 per passenger. Some specific sites have their own guides that will join the tour for information and assistance at that site. You should plan to pay these guides around $1.00 per person for their services.

Ship Activities

The ship provides a daily newsletter detailing the activities available for the following day. This includes stage & lounge shows, exercise classes, spa activities, in-cabin movies, game shows, etc. All of the on-board entertainment is included.

Most ships show edited movies around the clock on the television in your cabin. Most stage shows are okay for the whole family, with some of the costuming being ?Las Vegas style?. Midnight shows are for adults only.

Port/Shore Excursions

There are no additional fees or charges to go ashore at each port. However Shore Excursion are additional. The ship will assign a time to leave each port, and you must make sure you return to the ship well in advance of the departure time. Passengers who have not returned in time for the ship?s departure will be left, then having to find a way to the next port at their own expense. Be aware of any difference between the ship?s time and the time at each port.

You may purchase shore excursions onboard through the ship, however they are usually more expensive. We are able to offer less-expensive side tours for most ports, that you may order prior to your departure. We will send you information about the side tours we offer for your particular cruise in future mailings or you can see them on our website.

Child Passengers Child Passengers

Most ships provide excellent children?s group programs, that are divided by age-groups (usually age 2-15). These programs run all day and offer fun, themed activities in a supervised environment. Parents of younger children are usually provided a pager so they can be reached by the childcare provider at any time.

You may also schedule an in-cabin babysitter for an additional fee. You may want to check the cruise line?s website for more information. Be aware that some cruiselines do not allow women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy to travel. Check with our office for details.

Single Passengers Single Passengers

If you are considering a cruise as a single traveler, you probably have several questions. Will it be hard to meet people and enjoy myself? What type of cruise will have the most singles on board? What is it going to cost me? Well, you can relax. Cruising is ideal for single travelers. No other form of travel affords as many opportunities to meet people and make friends. And better yet, no other international form of travel will feel as safe, secure and worry-free.

There are no singles-only cruises, but if you`re looking for a festive mood and other single passengers to socialize with, large ships (1200+ passengers) sailing seven nights or fewer in the Caribbean, Bahamas or Mexico have many singles on board. If you are seeking a party atmosphere, Carnival may be the right choice for you. For something a bit more upscale, try Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. For more mature travelers, Holland America provides the right ambiance and a welcoming attitude toward singles.

On a cruise, everyone`s "in the same boat." The atmosphere is social and making friends can be as easy as leaving your cabin and joining in the various ship activities and shore excursions. Some cruise lines cater to single customers by hosting special get-togethers.

One of the most popular services for mature, single women is something called the gentlemen host or social host program. Gentlemen hosts act as dance partners and conversationalists for single women on board. You need only to venture to the evening`s entertainment to find yourself a delightful new friend.

If you`d rather not share your room or be limited by category, you will have to pay a single supplement fare. These fares can run anywhere from 110-200% of the per person double occupancy rate. Seabourn provides a run of the ship guarantee promotion for its single passengers at 110% of the per person, double occupancy rate. This offer expires early, however, and most cruise lines charge 150-200% of the per person, double occupancy rate for their single supplement fares.

Special Needs Special Needs

If you or someone in your party needs wheelchair assistance, you?ll want to explore accessibility issues very carefully with your cruise consultant. Ships do not usually have wheelchairs on the ship so you may want to bring your own. Most cruise ships offer some wheelchair-accessible cabins, but ease of access and use of the cabin and degree of access to other passenger areas vary widely from ship to ship. Usually, the cruiseline will ask for a Doctor?s note to reserve these cabins. Passengers that require oxygen must contact the airline and cruise line on their own to make arrangements per the carrier's guidelines.

Seasickness Seasickness

The symptoms of seasickness can sometimes hinder your chances of having fun or relaxing. Studies have shown that some people actually become sick by suggestion, simply convincing themselves that being on a ship will make them ill. Others that have a genuine tendency for motion sickness, may feel worse during rougher waters. A positive attitude and an ounce of prevention can save you a lot of suffering later.

There are several preventative measures & remedies for seasickness. Ask your doctor about over the counter remedies, sea wristbands, or prescription patches. The ship does offer medication for illness, and there is even a doctor onboard, although doctor assistance onboard is expensive.

Parking Parking

Secured outdoor parking facilities are available at each Port of Embarkation for a daily fee. Go to the cruise line website or look in your cruise documents booklet for this information.

Airfare Airfare

Airline Reservations: Upon receiving your airline tickets or electronic ticket confirmation number, you should independently confirm your itinerary and make your seat assignment prior to departure. We submit seating preferences to the airline, however the only way to make sure you receive your request is by contacting the airline directly. We also recommend that you confirm your flight times within 24 hours of departure. When you arrive at the airport, go to the main ticket counter for your airline carrier to obtain a boarding pass before going through security. Two forms of identification will be required at the ticket counter, with one of them being photo identification. International flights usually require additional documentation, i.e. birth certificate, passport, or VISA. If you made your reservations electronically, you need only to report to the ticket counter. It is not necessary to bring your electronic confirmation number since you are in the airline`s computer system. However, we recommend that you do so to avoid any problems. If you received a regular, hard-copy airline ticket, you MUST take it with you to the ticket counter to check-in. Hard-copy airline tickets are non-refundable and non-replaceable, so keep them in a safe location, and don?t forget them. With added security measures, we recommend that you check in 1.5 hours prior to departure for domestic flights, and 2.5 hours prior to departure for international flights. The airlines have the right to give up your seat 30 minutes prior to departure if you are not at the gate ready to board.
Luggage: You are allowed to carry on 1 piece of luggage and 1 personal item, such as a purse, laptop or briefcase. Always pack a change of clothes, medicines, toiletries, identification & documents, valuables and a light jacket in your carry on. Carry-on dimensions are 22\" length x 14\" width x 9\" height, with maximum of 50 lbs. Keep your carry on with you at all times. Most flights allow you to check in 2 pieces of luggage. Some international flights limit you to 1 piece of luggage. If you are unsure, check with us or the airline for details. DO NOT attempt to carry on any type of knife, nail files, clippers, scissors, flammables, etc. on the flight. They will be confiscated and you may be delayed by security. Also, DO NOT lock your checked luggage. Wheelchair per passenger may be checked in addition to the regular luggage, with no weight requirements. Wheelchairs will only be permitted in the cabin if the plane has enough space. Put identification tags on all luggage, and you may want to consider tags inside the luggage, in case the outer tags get torn off. We suggest you attach a unique colored band or ribbon to part of your luggage for easy identification at baggage claim.
Miscellaneous: Wear comfortable clothing for travel. You may want to bring a light jacket or sweater, since airplanes tend to be cool. Infant seats and/or strollers should be given to the stewardess or gate agent to be stored away during the flight. Infants under 24 months old do not require a ticket. However, you may choose to purchase a ticket to provide the infant a seat on the plane. Any car seat to be used in the cabin for ticketed infants must be FAA approved. Check the label for FAA approval. A doctor\'s written approval is required for infants under 7 days old who are traveling by plane. There are numerous requirements for unaccompanied minors on flight. A minor is any passenger under the age of 12. Check with our office for your specific needs. Not all airlines are approved to provide oxygen while in flight. If you or someone in your party requires oxygen, you must check with us prior to ticketing the flight. There will be an additional fee which varies by airline for oxygen in flight.

Voyager Travel reserves the right to choose the air carrier, routing and city airport from each gateway city and reserves the right to substitute commuter service and/or charter air service for scheduled air carriers without prior notice. Airline seat assignments requests are considered and every attempt to accomodate passengers to be seated together is made. However, Voyager travel does not guarantee any seat assignment nor seating together. Voyager Travel will not be responsible for any expenses or other consequences resulting from inclement weather, strikes, flight cancellations, changes/delays in the trip\'s schedule or a change/delay in schedule or routing made by a passenger, travel agent or airline. If Voyager Travel\'s arrangements is unavailable or otherwise fails to materialize, Voyager Travel\'s sole liability will be limited to refunding the air add-on amount paid to Voyager Travel. Airline tickets are issued on fares that are capacity controlled and highly restrictive, so airline tickets may not be reissued or exchanged for another carrier or routing.

Travel Insurance

LDS Travel strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance to protect your trip investment and yourself while traveling. We are pleased to offer our Custom Travel Max policy available for purchase through Travelex Insurance Services, Inc.

Life is unpredictable, and there are plenty of good reasons that can make it necessary for a traveler to cancel his trip. There are also many uncontrollable variables associated with traveling. Travelers may purchase insurance which, under the terms of the policy, can cover most of these situations and unpredictables. This policy also offers the ability to waive the pre-existing conditions exclusion.

We have arranged Travel Insurance for all passengers on our groups which offer the policy on a one-rate basis, so each passenger pays the same rate no matter the age or medical history. You select the level of coverage based on the cost of your trip (consider airfare, bus, hotel, ship, and all costs associated). We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. This is a very comprehensive policy for very minimal pricing. Some of our trips may include the insurance premium in our package price, where we have made travel insurance a requirement for that particular trip. If the cost of the premium is not included, the pricing schedule for our Custom Travel Max policy is as follows:

Trip Cost
(use full cost per person) Base Plan Rates Per Person $0 excludes trip cancellation $36 $1 - $500 $41 $501 - $1,000 $71 $1,001 - $1,500 $104 $1,501 - $2,001 $141 $2,001 - $2,500 $180 $2,501 - $3,000 $214 $3,001 - $3,500 $264 $3,501 - $4,000 $299 $4,001 - $4,500 $336 $4,501 - $5,000 $385 $5,001 - $5,500 $448 $5,501 - $6,000 $496 $6,001 - $6,500 $541 $6,501 - $7,000 $584 $7,001 - $8,000 $654 $8,000 - $9,000 $757 $9,001 - $10,000 $851

For your own protection and peace of mind, it is wise to purchase our Custom Travel Max policy, which offers coverage for a broad range of travel mishaps and changes. For more information, or to order your Travel Insurance, please contact LDS Travel at 1-888-573-8687.

This is a partial description of benefits. Certain conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply as set out in the Certificate of Insurance. At this time, Custom Travel Max is not available to residents of New Hampshire, New York and Washington; please contact LDS Travel for alternative travel insurance options. Custom Travel Max is underwritten by: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and affiliated companies.