SPEEDING THROUGH AIRPORT SECURITY CHECK-POINTS:

Know before you go:
Any metal detected at the checkpoint must be identified. If you set off the alarm, you will be required to undergo a secondary screening, including the hand-wand and a pat-down inspection!

Decrease the delay:
Remove metal items at the security checkpoint and place them either in the provided bins or your carry on.
Those items include:

• Jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, body piercings, cuff links, pins)
• Shoes with heels, buckles or nails
• Clothing with metal buttons or snaps
• Metal hair barrettes, combs or other hair decoration
• Belt buckles
• Under-wire bras
• In pocket items (keys, change, lighters)

Save yourself the time of secondary screening and place jewelry and other metal items in your carry-on baggage until you clear security. All coats and jackets must go through the X-ray machine for inspection.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION & THE IMMIGRATION PROCESS:

Public Health:
Most cruise passengers will not require vaccination or a health certificate. However, if you are traveling within rural areas of Central America, South America, Africa, or Asia before or after your cruise, it is suggested that you read the information located on the CDC Web site .Here you will find information on traveling overseas. You will also know if any vaccinations are required.

Immigration:
Immigration process will await you when arriving into another country via air. If you are not a citizen of that country, you will be given a form to complete from the airline that includes basic information. If you are cruising you will want to list the cruise ship as your "hotel". The form along with your passport should be given to the Immigration Inspector. Airports will have separate lines for citizens and non-citizens. A cruise ship port outside of the U.S. requires the immigration inspectors to come on board the ship.

New U.S. Immigration and Naturalization regulations require all cruise passengers to provide additional personal information and proof of citizenship. A U.S. citizen requires a passport when traveling to Europe, the Middle East, North & Central America, South America, South Pacific, Asia & the Orient. A U.S. citizen traveling to the Caribbean or inside the Western Hemisphere, need only provide proof of U.S. citizenship such as 1) A passport (valid or expired for less than 10 years); 2) Original birth certificate, or state-issued certified copy of a birth certificate. A driver's license or an other government issued photo ID is required along with the birth certificate. All guests 16 years of age or older must provide an official photo ID. It is important that the name on your travel documents (passport or birth certificates) match the name on the cruise and airline tickets. Otherwise, you must provide proof of name change (i.e., a marriage license) OR a valid driver's license or government issued photo ID.

It is highly suggested that any American citizen who plans to travel outside the U.S. should get a passport. Passports currently have a cost of $85 for the first passport and $55 for a renewal. Passports are valid for ten years.

Customs Inspection & "Duty-Free" Shopping
" Duty-free" means you do not pay the tax unless you exceed your duty-free exemption limit. The duty-free exemption is now $800 per person. However, some Caribbean countries have a duty-free exemption of $600, and for others it is $1,200. Upon re-enter into the United States via a cruise ship, or airplane you will be asked to complete a form declaring (to list) all items that you are bringing into the U.S. Purchases above the duty-free exemption are subject to a duty tax, a tax on imported goods. Keep a total of what you have purchased and where you bought it. Receipts should be kept in your carry-on bag should you need to provide them to the Customs inspectors. Customs inspection is held after you collect your checked luggage at the airport. Customs inspectors come on board a cruise ship before disembarkation to meet with passengers who have exceeded their exemption limit.

Agricultural Inspection:
Avoid bringing home any meat products, fresh fruits and vegetables. If you plan to bring back home any type of these food products, be sure to read the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) booklet, "Travelers' Tips". Here you will find the lists of what you can and cannot bring. This inspection is very important, and the USDA has many examples of those who inadvertently brought diseases such as the Mediterranean fruit fly or hoof and mouth disease into the U.S.

MOST IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIPS:

• Make sure you have your proof of citizenship (i.e. passport or birth certificate with picture ID)
• Be informed on public announcements & travel warnings
• Know the local laws and customs of the countries you are traveling to. Remember, their country their laws!
• Make 2 copies of your passport in case it is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or family. Keep the other with you separate from your passport.
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with friends or family at home so that you can be reached in case of emergency.
• Never leave your luggage unattended at the airport or seaport.
• Do not travel with expensive jewelry and do not carry large amounts of money.