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Travel Documents
As of June 2009, all US citizens leaving the country must provide a valid US passport. Sorry, birth certificates for cruises in international waters won’t be accepted anymore. However, if you don’t yet have a passport, they are fairly easy to obtain. We suggest going to your local post office (most require you make an appointment). You can click herefor passport application information provided by the US Postal Service. Passports cost about $100 or so and take 6-8 weeks to be mailed to you, so be sure you give yourself plenty of time. For those who wait, you can pay an expediting fee for rush service. Lastly, you might want to bring your driver’s license for any additional form of identification or verification of age.
Packing
When packing for the Bahamas or a cruise, here are a few pointers for those new to traveling internationally:
1. Even in the winter, remember your sunscreen. You will be on a ship surrounded by water, which reflects the sun. You are also closer to the Equator.
2. Wind can be brisk on board the ship; you might want to take a light jacket or shawl for early mornings or windy days.
3. If you are prone to motion sickness, pack some Dramamine or other motion sickness medication. Also, be sure that you have taken your first dose 30 minutes prior to boarding the ship.
4. Leave some room in your suitcase! You may do some shopping and if so, youll want to have some room to pack up your new goodies.
5. Dont forget cash! There are usually ATMs on board a ship as well. You may not want to take credit cards to shore. Straw markets and other local spots on Nassau only take cash.
6. Pack your passport and drivers license/photo identification! Youll need to put a credit card on file with the cruise line as well for your onboard fun pass (your fun pass also serves as your room nifty room key.)
7. Dont pack any items that you wont be able to bring back into the country! See the Customs section for rules and regulations about what can re-enter the US. Its much easier leaving the country with something than it is getting back in with it.
Arrival/Check-In
Carnival will require you to check in before you are allowed on the ship. Its much like checking in at a hotel, only a bit more thorough. Embarkation begins at 12:30pm on Friday, January 7th. Attendees must provide Carnival with the required information prior to embarkation. The easiest and most convenient way is to complete their FunPass online registration process (click here) at least (3) three days prior to departure. Otherwise, youll have to check in at least 90 minutes prior to sailing time, which is 4pm. We suggest boarding as soon as embarkation opens, as youll have plenty of time to settle into your cabins and grab some lunch before programming begins, shortly after lunchtime.