CRUISE TOOLS • OFFICIAL TRAVEL LINKS • PLANNING RESOURCES
Cruise Tools & Travel Resources
Cruise planning involves more than choosing a ship and packing a suitcase.
Passports, destination requirements, travel advisories, health information, airport security, weather and returning home all deserve attention too.
We’ve brought together useful official travel resources and our own cruise-planning library so you have one place to begin your research.
- Official U.S. government travel resources
- Health, passport, security and re-entry information
- Free cruise guides, destination guides and planning help
GOOD TRAVEL STARTS BEFORE EMBARKATION DAY
Five Minutes of Research Can Prevent a Much Bigger Headache
The details nobody finds exciting can become very important when something is missing.
Is your passport valid? Does the destination have a travel advisory? Are there current health recommendations? What can you bring through airport security? What happens when you return to the United States?
The resources below point you toward the organizations responsible for those answers.
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
What Do You Need Help With?
Choose a category to jump directly to the appropriate travel resources.
A SIMPLE PRE-CRUISE CHECK
Six Things Worth Confirming Before You Leave
Your exact checklist depends on your citizenship, itinerary and cruise line, but these are useful places to begin.
Passport
Confirm your required documents and check passport validity well before travel.
Entry Rules
Review destination-specific entry, visa and documentation requirements.
Cruise Line
Review the line's documentation, check-in and embarkation requirements.
Health
Consider current health guidance and your individual medical needs.
Advisories
Check current destination travel and security information.
Return Home
Understand applicable customs, immigration and airport procedures.
START HERE
America’s Best Cruises Planning Resources
Before you leave our site for government resources, these tools can help with the cruise itself.
Group Cruise Questions & Answers
Find direct answers about group size, pricing, payments, complimentary cabins, organizers, creator cruises, fundraising and onboard arrangements.
Explore Group Cruise Q&A →Free Cruise E-Book Library
Download free guides covering group cruising, packing, embarkation, cruise costs, Alaska, the Panama Canal and more.
Browse Free Cruise E-Books →Cruise Destinations & Ports
Explore Alaska, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mediterranean, Mexico, Northern Europe, Panama Canal and more.
Explore Cruise Destinations →Sail Away Blog
Read practical cruise-planning articles, destination guides, ship information and ideas for traveling together.
Visit the Sail Away Blog →DOCUMENTS • PASSPORTS • ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Passports, Visas & Entry Resources
Documentation requirements depend on citizenship, itinerary and destination. Verify what applies to you before travel.
U.S. Passport Information
Start here for U.S. passport applications, renewals, processing information, passport status and related services.
Visit Passport Services ↗Renew or Replace a Passport
Review current eligibility and instructions for renewing, replacing or correcting a U.S. passport.
Review Passport Renewal Options ↗Destination Entry Information
Research country-specific information including entry and exit requirements, visas, local laws and travel advisories.
Research Your Destination ↗REAL ID Information
Learn about REAL ID requirements for applicable domestic identification use in the United States.
Visit REAL ID Information ↗Do not assume that a closed-loop cruise, a driver's license or an old passport rule you remember will apply to your specific itinerary. Verify the requirements for your citizenship, cruise line and destinations.
ADVISORIES • EMBASSIES • EMERGENCIES
International Travel Safety Resources
Conditions can change after you book, which makes current official information valuable.
Travel Advisories by Destination
Review current U.S. government advisory levels and destination-specific safety information before international travel.
Check Travel Advisories ↗Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
STEP is a free service for U.S. travelers abroad that can provide embassy or consulate security and emergency updates.
Learn About STEP ↗U.S. Embassies & Consulates
Locate U.S. embassies and consulates around the world and find local contact and citizen-services information.
Find an Embassy or Consulate ↗International Travel Planning
Review destination research, documentation, safety, travel insurance considerations and other international planning topics.
Review the Travel Checklist ↗A FREE RESOURCE MANY TRAVELERS OVERLOOK
What Is STEP?
The U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program can provide participating U.S. travelers with important embassy and consulate updates while abroad.
Messages can include information about security issues, demonstrations, severe weather, health concerns and other local developments.
OFFICIAL RESOURCE
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
Especially worth reviewing when your cruise includes international destinations or pre- and post-cruise travel abroad.
Visit STEP ↗HEALTH • VACCINATIONS • DESTINATION GUIDANCE
Health & Medical Travel Resources
Health needs vary by traveler and destination. Use current professional and government guidance.
CDC Travelers’ Health
Find destination-specific health information, notices and preparation guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Visit CDC Travelers’ Health ↗CDC Destination Health Information
Search health recommendations by country or destination when preparing for international travel.
Search CDC Destinations ↗WHO Travel & Health
Review international information about health considerations associated with travel around the world.
Visit WHO Travel & Health ↗National Institutes of Health
Access authoritative health information and research from the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
Visit NIH ↗General travel resources cannot tell you what is medically appropriate for you. Travelers with individual health concerns, medication questions or vaccination decisions should consult an appropriate healthcare professional.
FREE CRUISE RESOURCE
Health and Safety on Group Cruises
America’s Best Cruises also offers a free general planning guide focused on health and safety considerations for group cruisers.
It is designed as a planning resource, not a substitute for current professional medical guidance.
Visit the Free E-Book Library →TSA • AIRPORT SECURITY • SAFE PACKING
Airport & Security Resources
Many cruises begin with a flight, so airport preparation is often part of cruise preparation too.
TSA Travel Information
Review airport screening information, identification guidance, prohibited items and travel procedures.
Visit TSA Travel ↗TSA PreCheck
Learn about TSA PreCheck, eligibility and the current application process.
Explore TSA PreCheck ↗What Can I Bring?
Search TSA's current guidance for items you are considering packing in carry-on or checked baggage.
Search TSA Packing Rules ↗FAA PackSafe
Check FAA guidance for batteries, electronics and other items with special air-travel requirements.
Visit FAA PackSafe ↗ONCE TSA SAYS YOU CAN BRING IT — YOU STILL HAVE TO FIT IT IN THE SUITCASE
Need Help Deciding What to Pack?
Our free cruise E-Book Library includes the Ultimate Cruise Packing Guide along with guides to embarkation, budgeting and other cruise-planning topics.
FREE DOWNLOAD
Ultimate Cruise Packing Guide
A practical starting point for remembering useful cruise items without taking everything you own.
Explore Free Cruise E-Books →CUSTOMS • IMMIGRATION • U.S. RE-ENTRY
Returning to the United States
Your cruise may be ending, but there can still be customs and immigration procedures ahead.
Global Entry
Learn about the U.S. Customs and Border Protection trusted-traveler program for eligible international travelers.
Explore Global Entry ↗Mobile Passport Control
Review the official CBP Mobile Passport Control program, eligibility and participating entry locations.
Explore Mobile Passport Control ↗Customs Duty Information
Learn about applicable U.S. customs declarations, exemptions and duty information when returning home.
Review Customs Information ↗CBP Traveler Resources
Access broader U.S. Customs and Border Protection information for international travelers.
Visit CBP Travel ↗CURRENCY • WEATHER • STORMS
Money & Weather Resources
Two things travelers ask about constantly: “What is that worth in dollars?” and “What is the weather going to do?”
Currency Converter
Check approximate current exchange rates when comparing prices in international destinations.
Open Currency Converter ↗National Weather Service
Access U.S. forecasts, watches, warnings and official weather information.
Visit Weather.gov ↗National Hurricane Center
Follow official tropical-weather information for the Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf and eastern Pacific.
Visit the Hurricane Center ↗NOAA
Access broader U.S. government information about weather, oceans, climate and environmental conditions.
Visit NOAA ↗Weather forecasts become more useful as travel approaches. Tropical systems and marine conditions can change, and cruise lines may alter itineraries when operationally necessary.
LEARN ABOUT WHERE YOU'RE GOING
Destination Research Resources
Part of the fun of travel is knowing something about a place before you arrive.
The World Factbook
Research geography, populations, economies and background information about countries around the world.
Explore the World Factbook ↗International Travel Country Information
Review destination-specific entry rules, local laws, safety information, embassy details and travel advice.
Research a Country ↗International Numbering Information
Access international telecommunications and country-numbering information from the ITU.
Visit ITU Numbering Resources ↗Cruise Destination Library
Explore individual cruise regions, ports, beaches, historic cities and destination-planning guides.
Browse Cruise Destinations →NOT EVERY WEBSITE DESERVES EQUAL WEIGHT
Use Official Sources for Rules. Use Travel Guides for Ideas.
A blog can inspire a wonderful shore day. It should not be your final authority on passport validity, border requirements, health rules or travel advisories.
WHEN THE QUESTION IS ABOUT CRUISING — WE HAVE YOU COVERED
More America’s Best Cruises Resources
Free Cruise E-Book Library
Packing, embarkation, budgeting, Alaska, Panama Canal, group cruises and more.
Browse Free E-Books → DIRECT ANSWERSGroup Cruise Questions & Answers
Find focused answers to the practical questions groups ask before booking.
Explore Group Cruise Q&A → WHERE TO GOCruise Destinations & Ports
Explore individual ports and destination regions around the world.
Explore Cruise Destinations → KEEP LEARNINGSail Away Blog
Cruise ideas, practical guidance, destination information and travel inspiration.
Visit the Sail Away Blog →ORGANIZING A GROUP?
You Don't Have to Become Everyone's Personal Search Engine
One of the challenges of organizing a group trip is that the same questions can arrive from twenty different directions.
Give travelers reliable resources, direct them to official requirements and let appropriate travel support handle reservation-specific questions.
The organizer should not collect or hold guest cruise funds. Payment is made through the applicable agency/booking channel, cruise line or approved financing provider as appropriate.
Explore Group Cruise Questions →A SIMPLE ORGANIZER SYSTEM
CRUISE TOOLS & RESOURCES FAQ
Common Questions Before You Travel
These answers point you toward the right source for additional information.
What travel documents do I need for a cruise?
Requirements depend on citizenship, itinerary, destinations and cruise line. Review current passport and entry information from the appropriate government authority and your cruise line before traveling.
Where should I check U.S. passport requirements?
Use the U.S. Department of State passport website for current application, renewal, processing and passport information.
Where can I check travel advisories?
The U.S. Department of State maintains current Travel Advisories and country-specific international travel information.
What is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program?
STEP is a free U.S. State Department service that can provide participating U.S. travelers with security and emergency updates from embassies and consulates while abroad.
Where can I find health information for international travel?
The CDC Travelers' Health website provides destination-specific travel-health information. The World Health Organization also publishes international travel-health resources.
Should I ask a doctor about vaccinations or medical concerns?
Individual medical needs should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional. General travel websites cannot determine what is medically appropriate for a particular traveler.
Where can I find TSA packing rules?
TSA maintains its official “What Can I Bring?” resource for current airport-screening guidance on individual items.
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection trusted-traveler program for eligible travelers entering the United States.
What is Mobile Passport Control?
Mobile Passport Control is an official U.S. Customs and Border Protection program available to eligible travelers at participating entry locations.
Where can I check tropical weather before a cruise?
The National Hurricane Center provides official information about tropical systems in the Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf and eastern Pacific.
Can bad weather change a cruise itinerary?
Yes. Cruise lines may alter ports, routes or schedules when operational, weather or safety considerations require it. The actual cruise line should be treated as the source for itinerary changes.
Where can I convert foreign currency?
Online currency converters such as XE can provide approximate current exchange rates. The actual rate charged by a bank, card issuer or merchant can differ.
Does America’s Best Cruises have free planning guides?
Yes. The Free Cruise E-Book Library includes guides to group cruising, packing, embarkation, costs, Alaska, the Panama Canal and other topics.
Where can I research cruise destinations?
Visit the Cruise Destinations & Ports hub to browse destination guides organized by region and individual places.
Where can I get answers about group cruising?
The Group Cruise Questions & Answers library covers pricing, payments, group size, complimentary cabins, organizer responsibilities, dining, events, creator cruises, fundraising cruises and more.
Are external travel links always current?
External websites, URLs and programs can change. Important travel requirements should always be confirmed directly with the responsible authority shortly before travel.
Can America’s Best Cruises help me plan my group cruise?
America’s Best Cruises can help compare practical cruise options, explain applicable group terms, support reservations and help coordinate group arrangements when applicable.
A REAL PERSON BEHIND THE RESOURCES
Meet Captain Chuck.
Chuck Lund is the founder of America's Best Cruises and a retired Captain with over 35 years of experience taking care of his guests. He brings the same attention to planning, communication and detail to your group cruise. His goal is simple: help your group choose wisely, understand your real costs and enjoy the anticipation without turning the organizer into an unpaid travel agent. ‘I treat every guest like family because that's what these trips are all about.’
DO THE RESEARCH • HANDLE THE DETAILS • THEN ENJOY THE CRUISE
Need Help Turning All This Information Into an Actual Group Cruise?
Tell us approximately how many people may travel, where they live, when they can go, their realistic budget and what kind of vacation would make them excited to say yes.
