Guests without valid documentation will be denied boarding and no refund issued, no exceptions!
DON'T RISK IT, GET A PASSPORT NOW!

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS -
A valid passport is a requirement for air travel to/from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Effective June 1, 2009, only a valid passport (unless otherwise noted below) or other WHTI-compliant document will be accepted for entry or re-entry into 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 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 a certified copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by DOS, or Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship, and Immigration Services.

For additional passport information visit the State Department's Website. You can also find additional information on Royal Caribbean's website: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Passport Requirements

Royal Caribbean International and Trips and Ships Luxury Travel strongly recommend that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. Guests will need a passport should they have to fly out of the United States to meet their ship at the next available port if they miss their scheduled embarkation in a U.S. port; if they need to fly back to the U.S. before their cruise ends because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ship's departure from a port of call, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct, or for other reasons.

Obtaining/renewing a passport -
For information on obtaining or renewing a passport, visit the State Department's Website.
If your passport expires within 6 months from your cruise date, you will need to have your passport renewed prior to sailing.

** IMPORTANT! Make sure all cruise documents match exactly with the names on your Valid Passport.

Guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from the cruise ship.

It's IMPORTANT to note that you MUST be onboard the ship at LEAST 1 hour prior to departure.
Those with long flights should arrive the day prior to the cruise to allow adequate time to get to the cruise ship prior to the departure time. It's also wise to leave a large time cushion as airline delays, traffic delays, and route closures are always a possibility.

We often have arrangements for a shuttle/bus from our group hotel to the cruise port.
Becki Wells will be in contact with you to make your reservation on this group transportation. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to make sure she is able to reach you by email for this reservation.

You can also choose to arrange for a shuttle or taxi to the cruise terminal on your own.

*It is important that you do NOT make flight arrangements until after the final payment deadline as each cruise must have a certain number of participants registered for the cruise to be guaranteed to go. You should contact Becki Wells prior to arranging your airfare to and from the cruise.

Cruise documents are now in the form of E-Documents.

Once you have paid your final cruise payment you can login to the Royal Caribbean website under your name and booking # and complete your online check-in.

Once you have completed all of your information you will be able to print out your E-Documents.

Please note that documents and luggage tags are no longer mailed to you. You should print them out prior to leaving home.

For this event and until further notice - Travel insurance is mandatory to register and attend the bead cruise. There are two options.

The first one is insurance offered thru Royal Caribbean. Please note that all persons in a cabin must get the insurance if this is the insurance option selected. Also, this insurance does not cover cancellation for any reason. This is usually the cheapest option and best for most people.

The second option is Travel Guard. The price of this is based off of your travel cost and your age. This is the insurance you would want if you want to cancel for any reason and/or if you have pre-existing medical conditions. This insurance does need to be purchased within 14 days of registering for the cruise. If not, it will NOT the cancel for any reason, or pre-existing medical conditions will NOT be covered.

Becki Wells can get you a quote on either of these insurance options.
Email her at Becki@tripsandships.com

Days onboard are casual, and you'll be most comfortable in sport clothes and resort wear. Shoes should be low-heeled for deck activities. Bring a few swimsuits so you'll always have a dry one. You don't have to bring towels, as they are provided.

For evening wear, count on three basic types of attire:
Casual: Pants and blouses for women, sport shirts and pants for men
Smart Casual: Dresses or pantsuits for women, jackets for men
Formal: Cocktail dresses for women, suits and ties or tuxedos for men (you can arrange to rent a tuxedo onboard)

Ashore, you'll need comfortable walking shoes as well as a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun. Don't forget your camera with extra batteries, as well as a light jacket in case the weather gets a little cool.

Packing for your cruise vacation can be one of the worst parts of a cruise. The only thing I can think of that I dread more is unpacking when I get home! Through the years, I have learned that a packing list is essential. Maybe I have learned "the hard way" by forgetting some essential item and then having to purchase it at double (or more) the price on the cruise ship or in a port of call.
One important packing tip -- If traveling with a companion or spouse, divide your checked items into two (or more) suitcases. That way, if one is lost, you will both have some clothing to wear! It would be terrible for your spouse to have all his clothes and you to have nothing but your carry-on. Also, be sure to carry-on anything that you cannot live without for a couple of days (or more) just in case your luggage is lost or delayed.

Packing Cubes can be VERY helpful to keep your luggage organized and it is amazing how much more you can fit into a suitcase by using them!

Use this list as a starter and modify it for your personal tastes.

CRUISE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Travel Documents, Wallet Items, and Paperwork
· airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation
· cruise documents (also make sure you download the cruise app….do your online check-in here)
· passports (make sure valid for at least 6 months after your vacation) and visas (if necessary) or proof of citizenship (check with your cruise line for requirements)
· Certificate copy of birth certificate if you do not have a passport
· vaccination certificate (if required)
· driver's license and auto insurance card - in case you decide to rent a car when ashore
· medical insurance cards and medical history (especially if traveling alone)
· copy of prescriptions and list of all medicines you are taking
· another picture ID - if you don't take driver's license
· credit cards - be sure to call credit card companies before traveling to alert them you are traveling outside your normal area
· ATM card
· pre-paid phone card or talk to your cell provider to find out phone costs if you use your phone in ports
· cash or traveler's checks (be sure to keep traveler's checks receipt in separate location)
· 3 copies of airline tickets, cruise tickets, passports/visas, itinerary - pack 1 copy in carry on, 1 copy in checked luggage, and leave one copy with someone at home. Alternatively, you can scan the documents and email an electronic copy to yourself so that you can access them from any computer terminal. (I usually do both - "just in case")
· contact numbers to report lost/stolen credit cards or traveler's checks
· emergency numbers at home
· currency conversion chart (if traveling abroad)
· wallet and fanny pack
· Watch - dual time zone watch is perfect!
Reading Material and Necessities
· glasses, contacts, contact cleaner
· extra reading glasses
· sunglasses
· reading sunglasses
· guidebooks and other port of call information
· foreign language phrasebook or dictionary
· maps
· reading material - books to read while on the plane or lounging by the pool
· journal or notebook and pen/pencil - for making notes to tell your friends back home about your experiences
· business cards with an email address to give out to new cruise friends
· home and email addresses of friends/relatives back home - for sending postcards, emails, or gifts
Electronics and Camera Equipment
· plug adaptor and converter
· cell phone and charger
· laptop computer
· binoculars (optional)
· film camera and manual
· extra film (don't put undeveloped film in checked luggage)
· disposable underwater camera - for snorkeling or beach days
· digital camera and manual
· extra memory cards for digital camera
· batteries for digital camera
· battery charger
· extension cord/power strip with multiple plug-ins
· Airpods and music downloaded on phone
· small travel alarm clock - battery operated (I like to use my phone instead)
· lighted dial clock for cruise ship cabin or just use your phone
· small flashlight
· night light
Medicine Kit
· prescription drugs and any other essential medications in a carry-on bag
· earplugs or "ear planes"
· small first aid kit (band-aids, Q-tips, Vaseline, Dramamine, antibiotic cream, bandages, anti-diarrheal medication, cortisone
· cream, aspirin/Tylenol/Advil)
· germicidal hand cleaner
· handi-wipes (for cleaning hands when ashore)
· hand lotion
· rubbing alcohol or foot lotion for soothing tired, hot feet
· bug spray (not for your cabin on the ship, but for those pesky mosquitoes and "nonos" ashore)
· sunscreen/sunblock and lip sunblock
· Dramamine (in case you tend to get motion sickness)
· Allergy medications if you tend to get seasonal allergies

Other "Necessities"
· duct tape or strapping tape
· extra plastic cable-lock ties for securing luggage for the return trip (better than locks, but one-time use only)
· extra luggage name tags (in case yours are lost on the outbound trip)
· zip loc bags of all sizes and garbage/laundry bags
· corkscrew (be sure to put in checked luggage)
· Swiss Army knife or something similar with screwdriver head, etc. (be sure to put in checked luggage)
· small umbrella
· collapsible travel pillow for those long airplane flights
· Crazy glue
· playing cards
· sports gear (e.g., snorkeling gear)
· shoehorn for getting those shoes back on your swollen feet
· sewing kit and scissors (pack in checked luggage)
· travel sized Woolite
· clothes pins
· empty folding tote bag - for souvenirs or the beach
· hats/caps/visors
· insulated large coffee mugs
Women's Cruise Clothing Packing List
· bras (include strapless if needed for evening wear)
· panties
· lingerie/night gown/pajamas/robe
· compression stockings (for airplane flight to prevent swollen ankles)
· exercise/walking socks
· trouser socks or pantyhose
· camisole/slip
· purses (day and evening)
· belts
· scarves
· gloves and stocking cap (if expecting cold weather)
· walking shoes
· walking sandals
· rubber sandals for reef walking and beach
· evening shoes
· costume jewelry and extra watch
· 2 swimsuits so you always have a dry one
· swimsuit cover-up/pareo/sarong
· thongs/flip flop shoes
· workout clothes and jog bra
· dress/outfit for informal nights on the ship
· dress/outfit for formal nights on the ship
· dress/outfit for casual nights on the ship
· shorts
· tops of all types (sleeveless, short-sleeved, long-sleeved)
· capri pants
· slacks
· windbreaker jacket
· sweatshirt
· evening sweater
· raincoat with hood
Women's Sundries and Miscellaneous
· blow dryer (ships usually have one in your room)
· curling iron or curlers
· comb/brush
· hair gel
· hair spray (non-aerosol)
· shampoo
· conditioner
· shower cap
· bar soap in a plastic container
· deodorant
· toothbrush
· toothpaste
· dental floss
· mouthwash
· tweezers
· make-up mirror
· make-up and make-up bag (list can be endless!)
· make-up remover
· cleanser
· moisturizer and freshener
· nail polish and remover
· nail clippers and file (be sure to pack in checked luggage)
· razor and shaving cream
Men's Cruise Clothing Packing List
· underwear (briefs or boxer shorts)
· undershirts
· pajamas and robe
· compression socks (for airplane flight to prevent swollen ankles)
· exercise/walking socks
· black dress socks
· belts
· gloves and stocking cap (if expecting cold weather)
· walking shoes
· walking sandals
· rubber sandals/shoes for reef walking and beach
· evening or dress shoes
· "docksider" casual shoes
· tuxedo jacket and pants (or dark suit)
· tuxedo tie, suspenders, and cummerbund
· tuxedo cufflinks/studs
· sport jacket
· regular ties
· tuxedo shirt
· dress shirts
· swimsuit
· swimsuit cover-up
· workout clothes/T shirts
· shorts
· casual shirts
· slacks (casual and dress)
· windbreaker jacket
· sweatshirt
· raincoat with hood
Men's Sundries and Miscellaneous
· comb/brush
· shampoo and hair products
· bar soap in a plastic container
· deodorant
· toothbrush
· toothpaste
· dental floss
· mouthwash
· tweezers
· nail clippers and file (be sure to pack in checked luggage)
· razor and shaving cream (or electric razor and supplies)

Once upon a time, formal gala nights on cruises were a fanciful -- and mandatory -- affair full of cocktail dresses and tuxedos or suits.
However, over the years, cruise lines have relaxed their dress code rules, and no one is ever forced to dress up.

Royal Caribbean now refers to
”Formal NIght/s” as - Dress Your Best.
This basically means you should dress nicely - no shorts or t-shirts! You don’t have to wear a formal dress or a suit and tie. Maybe dress like you would for a court appearance or a wedding.

Yes, we do! Arrangements are made so that our group is seated all in the same area.

Generally, on the first night, the instructors are all assigned to the same table - giving them an opportunity to ask any questions if needed.

After the first night, you’re free to sit at any of our group’s assigned tables - and we actually encourage this as a way to meet new people.

You’re also not obligated to eat in the formal dining room. The ship has MANY other dining options such as the buffet or the various specialty dining options (which require payment).

Be sure to explore and find what suits your appetite or dining needs best!

During your sailing, you'll want to store your passport in the in-cabin safe or its usual spot somewhere safe in your luggage. Though you'll likely need your passport at check-in and when disembarking in a foreign country in order to clear customs, you won't have much use for it otherwise.

Good to know: In most destinations, you don't need to carry it with you when you go ashore, and it's not worth risking your passport getting lost or stolen - just keep it in your cabin safe during the cruise.

But, please, please always check the safe when you're packing at the end of the cruise! It's easier than you think to store it and forget it. It's also a good idea to keep a color photocopy of your passport in a different location, such as your suitcase. Having a digital copy is also a good idea - JUST DON’T LOSE YOUR PHONE!

In a nutshell? It’s the most important item you’ll need on your cruise! ;)

It is used as your onboard ID, room key, and ship account card.

You’ll receive a name badge for the Bead Cruise on a lanyard. (See Below under Retreat Info) You can carry your Sea Pass card in this badge holder to help ensure you keep track of both items during the event!

Your cell phone service provider will have various options for traveling abroad if you MUST have access to your phone.

Be sure to check with them at least a week prior to the cruise to set these services up.

Otherwise - BE SURE TO TURN YOUR PHONE TO AIRPLANE MODE AS SOON AS YOU BOARD!

There are horror stories after horror stories of people coming back from their cruise with unexpected cell phone charges. The reason is either they use their phone willingly without realizing they are connected to a “roaming” tower or their phone used data without their knowledge for things like updating apps or downloading messages. No matter the reason, you don’t want to accidentally get dinged with a sky-high phone bill. Put your phone on airplane mode before your cruise leaves the shore.

You should also turn on the wi-fi, which will allow you to connect for free to the cruise line’s app.

And I HIGHLY recommend you download the Royal Caribbean App.

Check out their website for all of the awesome things available on the app!

One of the best features during the time of Covid is that your test results can be uploaded directly into your app.

My other favorite feature is booking specialty dining right on the app.

And you can view deck plans - for when you forget which direction is forward!

Most people don’t have an issue with seasickness on a cruise as the ships today ride smoothly in the water.

But if you are worried about it, then look for a cabin that is as low and as close to the middle of the ship as possible.

The action of the waves causes the ship to pitch up and down the most at the end of the ship, with the middle acting as the fulcrum on a see-saw. There’s no guarantee you won’t feel the motion, but it should be better than getting a room toward the front or back of the ship.

You can also use medications to help with this - speak with your doctor and make sure you have anything he/she recommends with you BEFORE you board.

This is mostly determined by the type of classes you’ll be taking.

For beading classes -
• An assortment of beading needles
• An assortment of your favorite threads
• Travel size scissors (3” or less is best)
• A work surface (Bead Board or Vellux mat)
• Battery Operated Light (You might want to bring a backup or have a portable battery charging port with you)
• Magnification if needed

For metalworking classes -
• Whatever specific tools that instructor requires like -
• Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Chasing hammers
Please note that some of these items may fall into the “Prohibited on a cruise ship” category. If that is the case, we will provide you with specific information on getting your required tools on board.

For Mixed Media Class -
• You will be provided with a list of any tools or supplies your instructor may want you to bring.

Additional beads -
Your class kits will be complete with everything you might need to complete the project - minus needles and thread or other needed tools.
IF you wanted to bring along some extra beads to add to your class project or to help when creating designs for our Design Contest, please feel free to do so!
Maybe your favorite color seed beads or crystals or a focal you might want to use.

If you don’t plan on visiting the ports when we stop - this is a perfect time onboard to find many open and well-lit spaces to sit with your friends and bead!

All beading tools should be packed in your checked luggage if you are flying.

However, when boarding the ship, you should have them in a sealed ziplock container (make sure your name, cruise booking number, and cabin number are labeled on the container) and put them in your carry-on.

Each cruise port may have different protocols for how or when we can board the ship with certain items - many times things like pliers or cutters will fall into their “Prohibited items” list.
If these items are required for any of our classes, will we notify you in advance on how the ship has instructed us to get these items on board.

First, this rarely happens as we’ve made prior arrangements with the ship’s security personnel, and they are aware of our requirements.

However, in the UNLIKELY event this should happen - just make sure everything is in a large Ziplock bag with your name, confirmation number, and cruise cabin number clearly marked on the bag.
The ship will see to it that your items are returned to you.

We understand! Sadly, due to the time constraints and that our classes are held only during days we’re at sea or in the evening, there just isn’t enough time to allow for all of the attendees to take all of the classes.

Because of this, however, many of the instructors will allow you to purchase their class kits. You just need to check with each of them - making sure you don’t interrupt them while they’re teaching!

Generally in a retreat-type setting the classes offered in beadweaving fall more in the Intermediate skill level - meaning you should have a good working knowledge of the stitches used.

Please check our class listings to see what stitches each instructor is using and make sure you are able to do accomplish those stitches prior to selecting that class.

Many times, you can also reach out to that instructor and ask for their advice on how you can best learn before the cruise.

We make every effort to schedule the classes on the days we are at sea - cruising. This way you’re able to enjoy all of the sights off the ship when we’re at port.

We will also be offering a few add-on bonus classes in the evenings - for those of you who just can’t get enough!

If a 1/2-day class is super popular and the waitlist becomes long enough we may opt to offer an additional session during a port day. This will be done only with the approval of the teacher, the ship and the organizer. If you’re on the waitlist you’ll be notified ASAP with an option to attend during that time.

We take a lot of extra time finding ships that have enough conference rooms that are also large enough to accommodate a full class.
These rooms are usually in the center of the ship on Deck 2 or Deck 3. This means no windows - so no natural light!

That’s why it is important for you to bring battery-powered lighting with you. Especially if you’re taking a class that uses seed beads.

There may be times when the cruise ship will offer us a dining room (not during dining hours) if they don’t have enough conference room for us.