The Department of Homeland Security and of State of the USA has now issued what is considered the final ruling as far as acceptable travel documents is concerned.
Effective June 1, 2008 the following rules will take effect for cruise passengers.
- U.S. Citizens that are on a cruise which begins and ends in a U.S. Port must show proof of U.S. citizenship and a government issued photo ID *(such as drivers license). A passport is not required for passengers that fall into this category.
- All other passengers or U.S. citizens that are on an itinerary which leaves from one U.S. port and returns to another U.S. port or which begins or ends in a foreign port will require a passport or other recognized document. For a list of recognized document go to this government site
*documents include: original or certified copy of birth certificate; naturalization papers;Consular Report of Birth abroad issued by Department of State.
In view of the above regulations we encourage travelers from the U.S.A to obtain a passport to have the greatest options for travel. Information for obtaining a passport can be viewed at this government site
Tags: Passport requirements for cruise passengers
Carnival Corporation has just announced an increase in the fuel supplement charge from $5 to $7 per person per day for double occupancy and a charge of $2 per day for 3rd/4th/5th passenger in a cabin. The increase will be in effect for all new bookings as of April 21/08.
Carnival also announced a voluntary refund of the company’s fuel supplement on March 31, 2008 for applicable U.S. bookings that were made prior to November 7, 2007 under an agreement with the Florida Attorney General’s Office. The fuel supplement, announced November 7, 2007, was applied to all U.S. bookings for voyages departing on or after February 1, 2008.
The company will now refund the fuel supplement for those guests who were already booked at the time the supplement was announced. Refunds for affected guests will be implemented based on cruise departure date according to the following schedule:
- For cruises departing on or prior to April 4, 2008, guests will receive a refund in the same form they used to purchase their cruise;
- For cruises departing from April 5, 2008 through June 23, 2008, guests will receive an on-board credit;
- For cruises departing on or after June 24, 2008, guests’ bookings will be adjusted to eliminate the fuel supplement
This ruling applies to all Carnival Brands including: Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourne Cruises, Costa Cruises and Cunard
Tags: cruise fuel supplement increases
