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faq's |
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No. All of the Life Mod Cruise Events are private events that are just for our guests. In order to attend these events you MUST purchase the cruise through the website or by calling one of our Cruise Representatives at (800) 385-0245. |
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The short answer is YES. The long answer is below. Remember if you have an emergency and need to fly back from one of our ports of call you can only do so if you have a passport. Now for the long answer:
U.S. citizens traveling abroad are responsible for bringing all required travel documents for boarding the ship in the country in which they will embark including a valid passport and any visas required for their cruise itinerary. Please note that you are responsible for securing the necessary visas and immunizations.
All guests must present the required documentation at embarkation. Guests without the required documentation will be denied boarding and no refund will be issued. Please understand that MSC Cruises will strictly enforce this requirement to be in compliance with this important U.S. Government mandate.
For Caribbean cruises, U.S. citizens must bring proper identification in the form of EITHER As of June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.
U.S. PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:
- U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.
- The Passport Card: Passport card applications are currently being accepted in anticipation of land border travel document requirements. Based on current projections, we expect the passport card to be in full production beginning in July 2008. We will provide additional updates as available. Once in production, the passport card it will only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
- WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of January 31, 2008:
- Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
- State Issued Enhanced Driver's License (when available)
- Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
- U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
- Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
- Form I-872 American Indian Card
For up to date information please visit the US Department of State website at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html. In addition, MSC Cruises also strongly encourages its guests to visit the Department of Homeland Security web site (www.dhs.gov) and the United States Department of State web site (www.travel.state.gov) for the most up-to-date traveler information including passport and visa requirements as well as travel advisories and safety recommendations.
Alien residents and non-U.S. citizens should consult with their local consulates for proper identification requirements.
For more information or to obtain a passport application, visit www.travel.state.gov.
Passport Services (www.passportservices.com) can also assist with step-by-step instructions and application assistance.
It is the sole responsibility of the guest to identify all travel documents and obtain and have available when necessary the appropriate valid travel documents such as passports, visas, inoculation and family legal documents required for boarding and re-entry into the United States and other countries. For your protection, we recommend that your passport expiration date not occur within six (6) months of the sailing termination date.
Guests who do not possess the proper documentation may be prevented from boarding their flight or ship or from entering a country and may be subject to fines. If as a result of your lack of proper documentation, a fine or other cost is incurred by MSC Cruises, you agree to indemnify MSC Cruises and MILA LLC for such expenses. No refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring proper documentation. |
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Yes there are specific age requirements
- Infants must be at least 3 month old at the time of sailing.
- Guests under the age of 21 must be traveling with a parent or responsible adult AND must be booked in the same stateroom or a connecting cabin.
- Guests under the age of 21 traveling with a guardian 21 years or older, (who is not a parent, grandparent or court-appointed legal guardian), you MUST bring an original signed letter from the absent parent/legal guardian authorizing the minor to travel with you. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security. Please note that a notarized letter to this effect is highly suggested.
Please note that adult guests are responsible for the safety and behavior of their minor guests.
Guest ages will be verified at embarkation. Guests not conforming to this policy will be denied boarding and assessed a 100% cancellation penalty. NO exceptions will be made at embarkation.
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| Women up to 27 weeks pregnant at the end of the cruise may sail upon presentation of a medical certificate stating they are fit to travel. MSC Cruises cannot accept expectant mothers who will have entered the 27th week or third trimester of pregnancy by the beginning or at any time during their cruise. |
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Drinking Alcoholic Beverages
Guest must be 21 years of age or older to be served alcohol on board. Proper I.D. with birth date is required. The minimum age for the purchase and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the bars, lounges and gift shops is 21 years of age. MSC Cruises reserves the right to refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone. In the event that Bar/Restaurant/Gift Shop Staff are in question that a guest is less than 21 years old, they shall request picture identification, prior to serving the drink or selling the bottle of liquor. No exceptions.
Casino
Guest must be 21 years of age or older to play the tables and the slot machines. Guests under 21 years of age are not permitted in the casino.
Spa and Gym
Guests under 14 years of age are not permitted in these facilities. Guests between the ages of 14 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Use of the Pools
Due to United States Public Health (USPH) Regulations, MSC Cruises does not allow children in diapers or those not toilet-trained in the pools. Lifeguards are not on duty. Use of the pools by guests under 13 without adult supervision is prohibited.
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MSC Cruises welcomes guests with special needs and makes every effort to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. In order for us to provide the appropriate assistance, we request you provide us in writing at the time of booking, but no less than 2 weeks prior to departure, details of any disability or medical or mental condition which may require or make advisable special accommodations, or the use of a wheelchair or other equipment or medical treatment.
We advise guests using a wheelchair to travel with someone who is able to assist them both aboard and ashore. Some ports-of-call require tenders to go ashore and may preclude guests using wheelchairs from leaving the vessel; this decision must be made by the ship’s Master and is binding. Guests must bring wheelchairs for their own use. Only a limited amount of wheelchairs are available on board. MSC Cruises offers a limited amount of wheelchair accessible staterooms. Please note that in non-wheelchair accessible staterooms there is a 2-inch riser in front of the bathroom and doors are 29.5 inches wide. |
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If you haven’t already done so, apply for a passport, as this will expedite check-in as well as clearing customs.
Shop, Shop, and Shop some more! What a great excuse to go on a mini-shopping spree.
Make arrangements to arrive at the pier AT LEAST 2 hours prior to departure. US Customs and Border Protection now mandates that ALL guests must be checked-in and onboard their ship at least one (1) hour prior to the ship’s departure. To comply with this mandate, MSC requires that all guests be checked-in 90 minutes prior the scheduled departure time of 5:00 pm. Guests arriving later 90 minute check-in time WILL BE DENIED BOARDING.
Make sure to take note of your payment due dates.
Once you receive your booking number (we will send it to you via email) and at least 72 hours prior to sailing complete the Guest Declaration Form at http://www.msccruisesgetforms.com/GuestDeclaration.aspx . This will expedite your check-in process by registering for your cruise in advance, while also satisfying Department of Homeland Security requirements. Once you have completed the information and printed a Confirmation, simply go through a document verification check after you arrive at the cruise terminal. It's that easy!
Approximately 2 to 4 weeks prior to sailing, your cruise documents will be sent to you either via mail or email. Included in your cruise documents will be:
- Your Cabin number
- Your Itinerary
- Boarding checklist with instructions about pre-registering online prior to arriving at the port (if you haven’t already done so).
- Passenger Contract Acknowledgement (not available for online completion)
- Baggage Tags
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Make sure you don't arrive at the pier to early (you will end up waiting in long lines) or too late (you may miss the ship). Once you arrive at the terminal, you will be going through a security screening area prior to check-in area. This area is similar to the airport security screening area. If you will be bringing any luggage onboard, make sure it's not too large (more than 24") or you will have to check your luggage.
To help expedite your boarding process and comply with government regulations, all guests are required to complete their Guest Declaration Form before arriving at the ship. (see above). Bring your completed cruise documents and your Passport to the cruise terminal where one of the MSC representatives will check you in and direct you to the ship.
When you receive your cruise documents you will also receive luggage tags. Don’t worry if you don’t have enough, you can always get more from the porters at the pier. Place your luggage tags on your luggage prior to arriving at the pier. Drop your luggage at the Baggage Drop off area and give your luggage to the Porter; the customary tip for this service is $1.00 per bag.
Once you have boarded the ship, you will be escorted to your stateroom. |
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Your cruise documents will be either mailed or emailed to you approximately 2-4 weeks prior to sailing. |
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Yes. Kids 17 and under Sail Free! (when traveling with two adults in the same stateroom). Government taxes, fees and fuel supplement charges (if applicable) are additional and required for all guests regardless of age. Gratuities are not included.
Fun isn’t just for adults! MSC’s complimentary kid’s program is divided into three age levels:
- MINI CLUB - 3 to 8 years old
- JUNIORS CLUB - 9 to 12 years old
- TEENAGERS CLUB - all teenagers
The Mini Club Staff organizes activities, shows and games (Arts & Crafts, Dance, Painting Courses, Treasure Hunts, Mini-Olympics). The dedicated Mini Club room is open to children up to ten years of age. Children under three are only permitted when accompanied by an adult who must remain with the child at all times. The Mini Club is available during shore excursions. The MSC Orchestra has a designated children’s pool and outdoor area. The ship also features video games in an arcade Please note that the activities vary by the number and ages of the children onboard. |
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No, MSC does not currently offer Babysitting |
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Cribs are available. Due to maritime law, each cabin is capacity controlled and rollaway's are not allowed. |
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What's Included
When you’re onboard almost everything is taken care of – your accommodations, meals in the main dining room(s) and café, snacks throughout the day, some beverages and 24-hour room service! All activities including the fitness center, entertainment and Kids Program are all included. And of course all the special onboard Life Mod Cruise Events.
What's Not Included
Your cruise does not include the following:
- Gratuities;
- Air transportation;
- Transfers to and from the ship;
- Optional Shore and Land Excursions;
- Dining in the Specialty Restaurants;
- Certain beverages such as sodas, juice, alcoholic beverages and specialty drink;
- Casino gaming;
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- Photographs;
- Telephone calls;
- Purchases from the ship stores;
- Items of a personal nature such as
medical services, laundry, massages,
spa treatments;
- Specialty fitness classes such as yoga.
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For your convenience, a cashless system is provided that allows you to sign for all of your onboard purchases (with the exception of the casino).
At embarkation, you will receive your Cruise Card upon presentation of a credit card. This magnetic card serves as your identification, stateroom key and charge card for all onboard expenses (bars/refreshments, laundry, room service, spa services, beauty salon, shopping, etc.). At the end of your cruise you will receive an itemized bill that may be settled in cash or with a credit card. Please note that the form of currency accepted on board varies by itinerary. VISA, MasterCard and American Express are also accepted. Personal checks and credit cards other than those listed above are not accepted.
If you do not have a credit card you must establish your onboard account by leaving a deposit of $200 per person or $300 per family (two adults and two children) with the cashier upon embarkation. The deposit must be made in cash or traveler’s checks. When your onboard purchases exceed your deposit, the deposit must be replenished before you can continue to make charges. If at the end of your cruise your deposit exceeds the amount of your purchases, the difference will be returned to you.
Small amounts of European and US currencies and traveler’s checks can be exchanged at the Purser’s Office on board. Commission charges may apply.
PLEASE NOTE: All accounts are settled the morning of the day before disembarkation. Thereafter, guests must pay for any drinks and other purchases in cash. Guests are advised to ensure that they have sufficient cash to pay for these expenses during the last day of the cruise. |
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Yes, for a nominal fee. There are no self service laundrettes. |
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MSC Cruises has introduced throughout its fleet a “Clean Air” policy, which will allow both smokers and non-smokers to enjoy their holidays on board in mutual respect.
After the introduction of the ‘Clean Air’ policy, the trials of the extensive smoke-free zones have received general approval of passengers.
Smoking in areas where non-smokers and smokers would have shared the same spaces have been eliminated. There are a few rooms where smokers are welcome, but the majority of indoor spaces are now non-smoking. On all MSC vessels, smoking is therefore only allowed indoors in the Cigar Rooms, the Casinos and in one dedicated lounge. Passengers can also smoke outside, on one side of the sun deck, but smoking is NOT allowed in cabins or on balcony cabins. The rest of the ships is therefore totally smoke-free, for the benefit of non-smokers.
Thanks to the Clean Air Policy, MSC Cruises has therefore managed to satisfy both smokers and non-smokers by having a 90% smoke-free ship.
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Gratuities of $12 per person, per day will be added to your onboard account. Gratuities for children are 50% less.
Should you wish to make adjustments you may do so by contacting the guest reception desk at any point during your cruise. Your maitre d’ and his assistants, your waiter and busboys, buffet staff, your stateroom attendant, room service, and bellboys will share this gratuity (casino dealers and spa personnel do not share in this charge since not all guests utilize these services). Gratuities are not mandatory; they are at your discretion.
Separately, a gratuity on all bar checks for your servers is included in the price of your drinks. In port terminals, airports, ports of call and on shore excursions, we suggest that you extend gratuities consistent with local customs. |
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There is an Internet Café that is open 24 hours. Rates will be available onboard. Wireless access will also be available in limited areas.
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There is an onboard infirmary staffed by medical professionals. Medical services are provided aboard MSC's vessels as a convenience to guests. There is a charge for services and/or medicines provided by the ship's doctor and medical personnel. MSC' s vessels are equipped with an infirmary that is usually staffed by a physician and nurse(s). Although many injuries are capable of being treated on board, the shipboard medical infirmary has limited medical equipment and not all injuries or conditions can be adequately treated aboard the vessels. In some circumstances, the medical personnel may arrange for a visit to a shoreside medical facility at a port- of-call. Depending on the itinerary, available shoreside medical facilities may also have limited treatment capabilities. Due to the nature of sea travel urgent medical evacuation at sea is not always feasible due to reasons beyond MSC's control. Guests should confer with their family physician to ensure they are fit for travel by sea. Although the ship's doctor and medical personnel may wear uniforms or badges with an MSC insignia, the doctor and medical personnel are independent contractors. MSC does not control the medical treatment rendered to guests by the medical personnel aboard its vessels.
Women up to 28 weeks pregnant within the end of the cruise may cruise on presentation of a medical certificate stating their due date and medical fitness to travel. |
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What to Pack
It is recommended that you bring along lightweight, "resort casual" clothing -- including a swimsuit with cover-up, comfortable rubber-soled sandals or deck shoes with to wear poolside, and walking shoes for shore trips. If you like to exercise or participate in sports, bring any fitness clothing and footwear you may need. In addition to sunscreen, a hat or visor is recommended for sun protection.
Shoes should be low-heeled for deck activities, bring a few swimsuits (so you’ll always have a dry one). Ashore you’ll need comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots as well as a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun.
For evenings, resort casual is also appropriate (no jeans, T-shirts, shorts, or bare feet please after 6:00 PM on the ship). Cocktail dresses for women and suits or jacket and ties for men are appropriate for our formal night.
We recommend that you hand-carry all travel documents (passports, airline tickets, etc.) medications, jewelry and any personal items that you may need in a separate carry-on bag. Please do not put these items into checked luggage as they may become lost and prevent you from boarding the ship. Also, luggage may take a few hours before it is delivered to your cabin.
On the last evening of your cruise your luggage will be collected for disembarkation the following morning. You will want to pack a separate overnight bag to accommodate your last evenings' clothes and toiletries to carry off the ship with you.
What to NOT to Pack
No illegal substances, alcohol (except as noted), non-alcoholic beverages, food, weapons or pets. The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited. All laws pertaining to drug use should be respected.
MSC Cruises & the Life Mod Cruise have a “zero tolerance” policy towards reports of any illegal activity or behavior by passengers or crew aboard its vessels. Guest agrees to comply with this policy and further acknowledges that MSC Cruises will report any and all alleged instances of illegal activity or behavior to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
MSC Cruises will not tolerate any behavior affecting the comfort, enjoyment, health, safety or well being of other guests or the crew. MSC Cruises reserves the right to refuse or discontinue passage to anyone who, in MSC’s judgment, is conducting themselves in a manner that adversely affects the cruise experience of others. |
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All guests will be enjoy late seating. This will allow our entire group to enjoy dinner together. |
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MSC Cruises will make every effort to meet special dietary requests for vegetarian, diabetic, low fat, low-sodium, or low-cholesterol diets. Kosher meals are available for an additional charge. They are prepackaged (frozen) and must be requested in advance. For any additional dietary needs please contact us via email at: info@lifemodcruise.com. Please request at the time of making your reservation and confirm with the Maitre D' on the day of embarkation. |
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