August 2025
Partial Payments: Remember that I am always happy to make partial payments on your trip prior to the official final payment date. Just send me the amount and last four digits of the cc I should use.
Wondering if your cruise line has a dress code? I just created a new web page with this information. Go to VibrantCruises.com/DressCodes for links to information about the published dress code or recommended attire for your particular cruise line.
Cruise lines rarely cancel cruises due to bad weather. They simply change itineraries. This is mentioned in all cruise line ticket contracts.
Enhanced Allianz "Worldwide Travel Protection" Policy Cancellation Benefit, for policies purchased after 3/11/25:
You may file a claim for cancellation if the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) or foreign equivalent has issued a cyclone, hurricane, or typhoon warning at your destination that is in effect within 24 hours prior to your departure date. The following condition applies: The purchase of your policy must be prior to the storm being named by NOAA or the foreign equivalent. You may also file a claim if NOAA or the foreign equivalent has issued a cyclone, hurricane or typhoon warning at your destination while you are on your trip. Again, your policy must be purchased before a storm is named by NOAA or the foreign equivalent.
This enhancement does not apply to residents of New York or Washington states, and it only applies to the standard "Worldwide Travel Protection" policy, which may be purchased up to final trip payment.
Required Travel ID: I've communicated the required travel ID that must be brought to the pier, but I'm also attaching it for easy reference. Please ... originals only, no photocopies, and no hospital-generated birth certificates. You will be turned away at the port. Non-American citizens might have different rules. Contact me for information.
Viking Gratuities: Effective January 1, Viking Ocean will be adding $20 per person per night to your onboard account for staff gratuities, unless you prepay this amount. You can also go to Guest Services on day 1 and ask them to modify the amount up or down. This is an increase of $3 per person per night. The recommended gratuity on Viking's European river cruises is already 20 euros per person per night if paid onboard ... or 20 dollars -- if prepaid.
Viking ID Requirements: Viking asks that you now bring both your passport and a photocopy of your passport to the pier. Exception: Mississippi River cruises, where only a driver's license is required.
Mobile Passport Control (MPC): The MPC might provide a quicker way to clear Customs when re-entering the U.S. For more information about this complimentary service that's available at 33 major U.S. airports, go here: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control
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Leave nothing unpaid on your reservation after final cruise payment. Any new purchases must be paid immediately, or your reservation could cancel out for "underpayment."
FIFA World Cup 2026: Cruising in 2026? Book your pre-cruise hotel early, as the World Cup might be coming to your embarkation city. For a city-by-city schedule, including Seattle, go here.
Scammers are out and about in droves. If someone calls you from a cruise line or travel company, asking that you make some kind of a payment, it's not legitimate. It will never happen when you've booked through a travel agent. And if you decide to call the cruise line for any reason, please contact me for the correct number. Scammers are taking on phone numbers very close to the actual number, their techniques have become very convincing, and travelers are giving up credit card information.
When booking your air, try to book directly through the airline, or use the cruise line air department. Scam air booking sites are springing up.
Cruise lines often discount excursions, specialty dining, beverage packages and spa treatments during major holiday periods. Make sure to check your cruise app or online account. If you've found a better price on something already purchased, you can usually cancel and re-purchase at the lower price. Refer to the cruise line's terms and conditions. Labor Day is coming up!
Air coordinated through the cruise line does not usually include fees for advance seat assignments, if applicable, nor will it include luggage charges. Refer to this chart for a list of fees on all airlines.
Book excursions and specialty restaurants early to get exactly what you want, through the cruise line app or your online account. Also, making specific reservations within open dining (where permitted) will cut down on wait times at the restaurant door. Should you have any dining issues with the Princess app, their dining hotline is at 833-805-DINE. Depending on your loyalty status, you might not be able to reserve dining on Princess until you are paid in full.
If you need help with Norwegian Cruise Line excursions, their excursion hotline is 866-625-1167.
Cruise lines are sending upgrade auction notices earlier and earlier these days. Instructions are fairly clear, but just know that there's no going back if your bid is accepted, and your new room could be absolutely anywhere on the ship.
Make sure your correct passport number has been given to the airline on international flights. This is especially true if a passport was stolen, lost, or expired, but the old number is still in the airline's system. The airline must have the new passport number. You can enter this number at the airline's website, under your reservation.
Entry into Canada: American citizens do not need a visa or ETA to travel to Canada. Non-American citizens might. Contact me, if applicable.
The European eVisa program (ETIAS) will not be in operation until the last quarter of 2026.
The European Entry/Exit System (EES) is tentatively scheduled to start in October 2025. Non-EU travelers visiting Europe will face new biometric checks, including fingerprint and facial registration, which may initially result in longer border queues. This system will replace passport stamps.
eVisas to the UK (called ETAs) are now necessary if you are passing through border patrol. For more information, go here.
Heading to Amsterdam? Would you like to visit the Anne Frank House? Tickets must be purchased directly through the museum six weeks in advance. They fly off the shelves, so make sure to mark your calendars. Here's the link: https://www.annefrank.org/en/museum/tickets/choose-your-ticket/
Note: Foggy weather can delay a ship's return to port, plus ships must clear customs, and disembarking a large number of people at the same time can sometimes be a lengthy process. Airports can also be chaotic on disembarkation days, especially cruises leaving from any Florida port. Cruise lines generally require that flights depart no sooner than 4 1/2 to 5 hours after arrival at port -- but check with me for information specific to your sailing.
