Visa Question

[HandS]

My wife and I are sailing on Island Princess on 4/1/14, Ft Lauderdale to Los Angeles. When I booked the cruise online (Princess.com), a warning popped up on more than one occasion stating that it is my responsibility to acquire any and all necessary visas or other documents required for this cruise. Failure to do so could result in our being denied boarding. I have no problem with this.

 

My question: Are there any visas or other required documents for U.S. citizens traveling on this cruise?

 

This is the 15 day full Panama Canal transit, with stops in Aruba, Columbia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Mexico.

 

I called Princess customer service to ask, and a very nice representative checked and told me that none are required. I'm sure she is correct, but the warnings on the website have me a little bit paranoid. I will feel better hearing it from someone who has sailed this itinerary before. Am I worrying about nothing?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Pam in CA]

No visa but a passport is required. This is a great itinerary. :)

Edited January 11, 2014 by Pam in CA

[dorisis]

No visa needed in any of these ports. You will need your passport on embarking and disembarking.

[paul929207]

We are on the two sailings before you and a visa is not required for anyone sailing with a US passport.

[Gunner22aa]

The visa message you are referring to is pretty much sent out with every cruise booking I have ever seen from Princess. In the cases where visas were required and had to be obtained by the passenger prior to boarding I have received specific direction about them. China was on example. Although a visa was required for Vietnam we were told that the ship would be getting it for us and the cost billed to our shipboard account. That's the way it worked. For our trip that we have booked to Australia an electronic travel permit must be obtained in advance. Again we received specific direction on how this would be handled. You are good to go with your passport only

[Hlitner]

If you both have US Passports there are no Visas necessary for that itinerary. Princess puts the warning on its web site because they have passengers from many different countries...some of whom would need Visas in one or more ports.

 

Hank

[HandS]

Thanks, everyone, for your responses. I feel much better hearing the same answer from all of you. Now I can relax and look forward to the cruise. I can't wait to go!

 

One other question: My wife, who hates needles even more than I do, was wondering if we need any vaccinations before we go? I know someone (or many of you) will know this info.

 

Again, thanks in advance!

 

Harry

[cruisincdns]

Thanks, everyone, for your responses. I feel much better hearing the same answer from all of you. Now I can relax and look forward to the cruise. I can't wait to go!

 

One other question: My wife, who hates needles even more than I do, was wondering if we need any vaccinations before we go? I know someone (or many of you) will know this info.

 

Again, thanks in advance!

 

Harry

 

My DW and I cruised from FLL to YVR in May 2011 on the Coral and did not need vaccinations. However, we both got our Twinrix shots (Hepatitis A & B), which I would recommend to anyone who cruises, regardless of the region they visit.

 

Paul

Edited January 12, 2014 by cruisincdns

[Pam in CA]

One other question: My wife, who hates needles even more than I do, was wondering if we need any vaccinations before we go? I know someone (or many of you) will know this info.

None are required. However, it's a good idea to make sure your Immunizations are up-to-date. I'd recommend getting a flu shot and if you can, a pneumonia shot. You're going to be in a closed environment with literally a couple of thousand other people and virus' spread quickly. Noro is always a concern but the flu and common cold are far more prevalent. I always bring cold medicine with me as well as Pepto Bismol. You will probably be eating rich foods you're not used to so if something doesn't agree with you, it's a quick fix. :)

[satxdiver]

No visa for US citizens but you do need an valid passport since it is not a closed look cruise out of the US. Hepatitus A & B are good vacinations to have when going to third world countries. In Texas every school child is required to have them before entering school.