Important News

On February 18, 2008 cruise ships sailing from U.S. ports will be required to transmit passenger and crew manifests to Customs and Border Protection no later than one hour prior to sailing.

This means passengers must be checked in and on board at least 60 minuets prior to departure. However, some lines are setting earlier times to ensure compliance.

Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International have been advising passengers who have not checked in online ahead of time to complete the process at the pier at least two hours before sailing time. Those who are not checked in and aboard ship 90 minutes before departure will not be permitted to sail.

Oceania Cruises is requiring passengers on Regatta voyages from Miami, currently the line’s only U.S. departures, to be aboard 90 minutes ahead of sailing time.

Most companies already urge customers to submit required identification data such as birth date, nationality and passport or identification document number after they make final payment and well in advance of sailing, by completing online forms.

Holland America Line is asking passengers to complete online check-in 30 days prior to departure, and Princess Cruises requests no later than 45 days in advance. Celebrity and Royal Caribbean ask for the online information no less than three days prior to the cruise.

Also, as of January 31, 2008 oral declaration of citizenship will no longer be accepted by Customs and Border Protection. All travelers, including U.S. citizens, arriving at U.S. sea (and land) ports of entry must present a document proving citizenship and government-issued identification.

Stay tuned.....