Preparing for Boarding Day FAQs

FAQ Topics

Prepare My Travel Documentation

Domestic Sailings

What sailings are considered Domestic?

What documents do I need when boarding a ship in the U.S. that travels out of the U.S?

U.S. Cruises, Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) - Open Loop - OR U.S. Cruises that Begin and/or End in Canadian Ports

U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens that board a cruise ship at a port within the U.S., travel only within the Western Hemisphere and return to a different U.S. port on the same ship will require a valid Passport, U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver's License, or Trusted Traveler Program Card such as Nexus, Sentri or Fast.

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens that board a cruise ship at a port within the U.S., travel within the Western Hemisphere and return to a different U.S. port on the same ship will require a valid Passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program Card such as Nexus, Sentri, or Fast.

All Others

All other citizens that board a cruise ship at a port within the U.S., travel within the Western Hemisphere and return to a different U.S. port on the same ship will require a valid Passport or U.S. Alien Registration Card. U.S. Cruises, Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) - Closed Loop

U.S. Citizens

Option 1: U.S. citizens that board a cruise ship at a port within the U.S., travel within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship will require a valid Passport, U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program Card such as Nexus, Sentri or Fast. Option 2: In the absence of any of the documents listed above, U.S. citizens will need to present BOTH an identification and citizenship document from each of the lists below in order to board the ship.

Identification Document

Government Issued photo identification card

Citizenship Documents

U.S. Government Issued Birth Certificate (original)

U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (original)

U.S. Consular Birth Abroad Certificate (original)

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens that board a cruise ship at a port within the U.S., travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same port on the same ship will require a valid Passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program Card such as Nexus, Sentri, or Fast.

All Others

All other citizens that board a cruise ship at a port in the U.S., travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship will require a valid Passport or U.S. Alien Registration Card.

Do I need to bring a passport when sailing domestically?

Passport Requirements

A valid passport is a requirement for air travel to/from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Valid passport (unless otherwise noted below) or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document will be accepted for entry or re-entry into the United States.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires all travelers to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda to present a valid passport or other approved document that establishes the bearer's identity and citizenship in order to enter or reenter the United States.

U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued birth certificate and laminated government issued picture ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth. A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original or notarized or certified copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issues by DOS, or Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Note: Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable. Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship.

International Air Travel to a Domestic Sailing

Valid passports are required for all sailings and travellers, including children.

Guests sailing on itineraries with ports in the European Union (EU) only must possess passports that are valid for at least three (3) months following the return date.

For all other itineraries visiting ports outside the EU, passports must be valid for at least six (6) months following the return date.

Guests who need to fly to the United States before their cruise ends for extenuating or emergency circumstances will likely experience significant delays and complications related to booking airline tickets and entering the United States if they do not have a valid U.S. passport with them.

Canadian Landed Immigrants

All Canadian Landed Immigrants (inclusive of those who are citizens of the British Commonwealth countries) who reside in Canada must have valid passports and US visas. Also required is the original copy of your Permanent Resident Card (PR Card), formally the IMM 1000, or with respect to any country on the itinerary any other travel documentation required because of alien status.

Sea Travel (for U.S. and Canadian citizens only)

For voyages that begin and end in the same U.S. Port, U.S. citizens may travel with both a Government-issued birth certificate** and Government-issued picture ID card, such as a driver's license.

**A 'birth certificate' is issued by a government agency (state, county, city, etc.). This document (with seal and signature) is legal proof of citizenship that can be used by U.S. citizens for certain international travel. A 'birth notice' is issued by a hospital or other type of medical facility but it is not an approved travel document. It is a courtesy document that merely indicates where a birth occurred. It has no legal status and cannot be used to prove citizenship for international travel purposes.

Sea Travel (Non U.S. Citizens)

You will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. If you live in the U.S., you will also need the original copy of your Alien Registration Card (ARC or ""Green Card"") and any other documentation the countries on your itinerary require due to your alien status.

Additional Information Can Be Found Here

Do I need to bring my green card when sailing domestically?

What Documents or Forms Do I Need for Domestic Sailings?

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International Sailings

What sailings are considered International?

Do I need to provide proof of inoculation to sail internationally?

What Documents or Forms Do I Need for International Sailings?

Passport

A valid passport is required for travel. Ensure there are sufficient blank visa pages within the passport for visa stamps.

For your protection, we require that your passport expiration date not occur within six (6) months of the sailing termination date.

U.S. citizens carrying an Official (maroon cover) passport must also be in possession of a valid Diplomatic or personal (blue or green cover) passport to allow ship embarkation.

In addition to the Passport and Visa requirements indicated on this page, guests are asked to bring with them a second official form of identification in the way of a Passport Card (US), a laminated driver's license or identification card issued by a federal, state, provincial, country, territory or municipal authority.

Depending on your itinerary, the ship may collect your passport to speed up the clearance formalities at each port of call. We suggest you bring with you a few photocopies of your passport's personal page which includes the picture, and that you carry one of these photocopies with you each time you leave the ship.

Additional Information Can Be Found Here

Visas

It is your responsibility to identify and to obtain the necessary visas before beginning your cruise. Based on nationality, many countries still require an entry visa. Suggestions on where to get visa information:

U.S. citizens can visit the U.S. Department of State Foreign Entry Requirements

Canadian citizens can visit Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

Embassies (Consular Service Office) of each country on your sailing itinerary

US/Canadian guests can choose the visa service of your choice, such as, GenVisa for specific visa requirements.

Web: https://genvisa.com/celebrity

Email: celebrity@genvisa.com

For U.S.: 1(800)845-8968

Customer Service Hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm ET

For international guests, guests who are neither U.S. nor Canadian citizens, they can be directed to CIBT for assistance with visas by calling 1(202)337-7080 or search "CIBT" locally for country-specific web & contact details.

In some ports where visas may be required and may be purchased in-transit, the ship personnel will assist each guest to secure a visa and charge the guests' onboard account a one-time nominal fee. These visa fees include a small processing charge by the local representative.

Canadian eTA

The Canadian government will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for current visa-exempt nationals to enter the country by air. For more information and specific requirements please visit www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta-start.asp

United States ESTA

The United States government requires an Electronic System for Travel Authorization document (ESTA) for all citizens who are not part of the Visa Waver Program (VWP). This includes travelers who do not require a visa to enter the United States, but are not citizens of the United States, Canada or Bermuda. For more information and specific requirements please visit https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1094/~/do-i-need-to-apply-for-esta%3F. Celebrity Cruises® may deny boarding to affected guests who are unable to provide a valid ESTA during ship check-in formalities. No refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring the proper travel documents.

Additional Information Can Be Found Here

Passport and Visa Requirements for UK & Ireland Guests

For the latest visa, passport and health advice for your travel destinations, please see section 2.6 and 2.7 of our booking conditions. We also recommend you check the travel advice section of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice (UK passport holders) or the Department for Foreign Affairs www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/ (Irish passport holders) for the most up to date information.

Please note that there may be a visa requirement for your cruise, particularly if you are visiting countries in the U.S, Canada, Asia, the Middle East, China, India, and Australia. We suggest that you contact our recommended visa agent; CIBT visas for advice and to purchase the most up to date visa requirements for your cruise. For more information about the visa requirements for your destination, please go to:

For international guests, guests who are neither U.S. nor Canadian citizens, they can be directed to CIBT (also known as VisaCentral) for assistance with visas by heading to: cibtvisas.co.uk

Alternatively, you may instead visit the relevant embassy in person to arrange the necessary visa.

What Documents Do I Need To Sail on a Galapagos Sailing?

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Travel Documentation for Minors

What do I need to do if I’m traveling with a minor and I am not their parent or legal guardian?

What documentation do I need when traveling with a child or as a legal guardian?

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How to Pack

What To Pack

What to Pack/What to Wear

Whatever the itinerary, destination, or occasion—when you pack, think casual chic.

DURING THE DAY

SHORESIDE

For warmer climates, pack swimsuits and cover-ups, walking shorts and shirts that protect from the sun, lightweight slacks, skirts or sundress, and a light sweater or jacket. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are always encouraged.

For cooler climates, bring clothing with long sleeves, sweaters, and pants that can be layered. In areas prone to snow or rain, waterproof jackets, hats, gloves, and umbrellas are recommended.

Around the globe, consider appropriate shoes and gear for the excursions you have planned and the terrain you’ll encounter. For instance, you may pack water shoes if hiking a waterfall or a headscarf or conservative dress for visiting museums, mosques, temples, and churches.

SHIPBOARD

Throughout the ship, casual resort wear, sundresses, shorts, polos, or button-downs are appropriate, paired with sandals, low heels, and loafers. Make sure you bring active wear and sneakers if you plan to hit the gym!

Poolside, bathing suits with coverups, T-shirts, tanks, hats, and sunglasses are welcomed.

In main and specialty dining, we ask guests to refrain from wearing swimsuits, see-through coverups or robes, bare feet, tank tops, T-shirts, and baseball caps.

AT NIGHT

SMART CASUAL

Smart Casual attire is required for entry to main dining, specialty dining, and the Celebrity Theatre. Smart Casual means you look comfortable yet tasteful in a dress, skirt, long pants, or jean, and stylish top or button-down. Shorts and flip flops are not considered Smart Casual.

EVENING CHIC

Each itinerary features one to two “formal” nights we call Evening Chic. Evening Chic means you dress to impress, glamorous and sophisticated in your own way, with a cocktail dress, skirt, slacks, or designer jean, an elegant dress top or blazer—some guests even pack a tuxedo or gown for onboard photos. The Daily program, delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the correct attire each evening. If you do not wish to participate in Evening Chic, Smart Casual attire is acceptable for dining and theater.

CARRY-ON LUGGAGE

Keep anything you might need for boarding day handy or stash it in your carry-on. That includes travel documents, medications, toiletries, and maybe a swimsuit and change of clothes. Your checked baggage should be delivered to your stateroom within a few hours of setting sail if tagged properly.

How much luggage can a guest bring onboard?

Can I bring my flat iron or curling iron with me onboard?

Are there blowdryers available for use onboard?

Can I bring a clothes steamer or iron onboard?

What in-room toiletries are provided?

Do you provide bathrobes to use onboard?

Are there beach towels for use onboard at the pool or during shore excursions?

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What Not To Pack

What Not to Pack (Prohibited Items)

Weapons, illegal drugs & Substances (including marijuana, cannabis, extracts of THC and/or CBD), and other items that could interfere with the safe operation of the ship or the safe and secure environment of our guests and crew are prohibited. The United States Transportation Security Administration also recommends that you do not pack fragile or expensive items (such as jewelry) in checked luggage.

The following are examples of items that guests are not allowed to bring onboard. These and other similar items will be confiscated upon being found. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, explosives, and dangerous chemicals will not be returned.

Firearms & Ammunition, including realistic replicas.

Sharp Objects, including knives and scissors.*

Illegal Drugs & Substances

Aerial Drones**

Candles & Incense

Coffee Makers, Clothes Irons, Steamers & Hot Plates***

Baseball Bats, Hockey Sticks, Cricket Bats, Bows & Arrows

Skateboards & Surfboards

Martial Arts Gear

Self-Defense Gear, including handcuffs, pepper spray, night sticks.

Flammable Liquids and Explosives, including lighter fluid and fireworks.

HAM Radios

Hookahs & Water Hookah Pipes.

Electrical Extension Cords

Dangerous Chemicals, including bleach and paint.

Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages****

Potentially hazardous food and/or food that requires refrigeration.

NOTE:

*Personal grooming items such as safety razors are allowed. Scissors with blade length less than 4 inches are allowed.

**Aerial Drones: guests are welcome to bring drones on their cruise for use on land only and outside of the port area. Drones are not to be operated onboard the ship at any time. Different countries may have different rules. Guests assume full responsibility for understanding all local authority rules related to drone usage and for obtaining ay required permissions for drone operations. Any liability, including environmental damage from drone usage is the guest’s responsibility. Celebrity Cruises® assumes no liability for guests drones that may be confiscated by local authorities for violating local laws or for any accident or injury resulting from a guest drone flight. While onboard, drones must be stored safely in the stateroom. Drones used on the ship will be confiscated till the end of the cruise. A Guest Conduct Policy warning will be issued and guests may be subject to disembarkation at their own expense for onboard drone usage.

***Items that generate heat or produce an open flame are strictly prohibited. This includes heating pads, clothing irons, hotplates, candles, incense and any other item that may create a fire hazard. NOTE: The only exception to this policy are curling irons, hair straighteners and personal fans that are ""certified"" low wattage. Please note that our staterooms are equipped with dual voltage 110/220 AC outlets, and it's essential to ensure that your personal appliances are compatible with these voltage ranges to avoid any damage or safety issues. Matches and normal lighteners are allowed onboard. However ""torch lighters"" and novelty lighters that look like guns are not allowed onboard. Torch lighters emit a powerful concentrated flame, and therefore are prohibited.

****Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports-of-call or from shops onboard will be stored by the ship and delivered to you on the last day of the sailing. Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned.

For more information, please refer to our Guest Health, Safety, and Conduct Policy.

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Prepare to Cruise with Accessibility Needs

Accessible Staterooms & Onboard Venues

Do you require proof of disability to reserve an accessible stateroom?

Is the Retreat Accessible?

What if I need to eat at a certain dining time due to my diet and/or medication?

Are There Accommodations For Persons With Special Medical Needs On Board Galapagos Ships And Throughout The Galapagos Experience?

How can I request my onboard medical records?

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Assistance

Can I travel alone?

What kind of assistance do you provide?

Do you provide priority boarding?

Do you offer accessible transfers?

Do you provide tactile interpreters for the hearing impared?

Do you provide braille formatted material?

Can I request a Qualified Reader staff member?

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Assisted Devices & Service Animals

Do you have wheelchairs for use onboard?

Does Celebrity Cruises offer scooters for rent onboard?

Can I bring my own assistive devices with me?

Must I store my assistive device in my stateroom?

Can my assistive device fit through the stateroom door?

Can I bring a CPAP or BIPAP machine?

Do you accept service dogs?

Accessibility Support for the app

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Accessible Shore Excursions

Can I take my scooter on tours?

How do I make sure my mobility equipment won’t be too big or too heavy for the tender?

How do I make sure my mobility equipment won’t be too big or too heavy for the excursion?

Who can book accessible shore excursions?

How are the accessible shore excursions different from other regular shore excursions?

How large are the groups for the accessible shore excursions?

What type of vehicles are used for the accessible shore excursions?

How can the guide assist me with my mobility needs?

In which destinations can I book accessible shore excursions?

When should I book my accessible shore excursion?

Do you offer accessible Cruisetours in Alaska?

What about other Cruisetours?

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Complaint Resolution

What if I have a accessibility-related concern onboard?

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Featured

Galapagos Expedition Series

Preparing for Boarding Day FAQs

FAQ Topics

Prepare My Travel Documentation

Top Questions

Domestic Sailings

International Sailings

Travel Documentation for Minors

How to Pack

What To Pack

What Not To Pack

Prepare to Cruise with Accessibility Needs

Accessible Staterooms & Onboard Venues

Assistance

Assisted Devices & Service Animals

Accessible Shore Excursions

Complaint Resolution