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Travellers CBSA Cruise Ship Clearance Procedures

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Table of Contents

Compliments, comments and complaints, designated cruise ship operations ports, clearance of vessels arriving in the canadian arctic, cbsa contact list, passenger and crew manifests, cruise ship pre-arrival notice.

• Remote Areas and Non-Designated Sites

Pre-Arrival Process

Arrival process, clearance process, examinations, transporter obligations.

• Form BSF136, Cruise Ship Pre-arrival Notice

Form A6, General Declaration

• Form E311, Declaration Card

Currency Reports

Last port of clearance documents, form e1, ship stores declaration, form bsf552, crew’s effects declaration, form bsf800, goods to be landed list, passenger disembarkation manifest, form e63-1, cruise vessel/passenger and crew arrivals, repatriating crew list, joining crew list, inward paperwork recapitulation, duty-free shops while in port.

• Duty-Free Shops After FPOA

Collection of Duty and Taxes at the Last Port of Disembarkation

Receptions on board (liquor consumption entries), food, plants, animals and related products, liquor outlets and bars, shore staff and visitors to ship, notice to crew, members of crew and immigration requirements.

• Repatriation

Hospitalization / Medical Leave

Crew transfers, joining crew, shore leave, health concerns.

• Emergency Hospitalization / Medical Leave of Passengers

General Disembarkation Procedures

• Foreign National Passenger Clearance

Temporary Resident Visas and Other Required Documents

International waste inspections, administrative monetary penalty system, service animals, weather notifications, outward paperwork recapitulation, list of forms and publications, notice to contractors, notice to shore staff and visitors to ship.

This document outlines the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) procedures for clearing cruise ships arriving in Canada. Cruise ships, including passengers and crew, are fully cleared by the CBSA at their first port of arrival (FPOA). The ship can subsequently navigate freely in Canada and transit foreign and international waters between ports of call in Canada without having to report to the CBSA.

If you have questions about these procedures, please contact any of the Superintendents at the FPOA .

Your feedback is important to us. It has a direct influence on the development and review of CBSA policies and programs. We welcome your comments about any of our programs or the service you received.

We encourage cruise ship personnel, agents, passengers and crew to provide feedback by speaking with the Superintendent on duty at FPOA , or writing by using our online feedback form, which can be found on the Compliments, Comments and Complaints page of our website.

The CBSA has twelve (12) designated Cruise Ship Operations (CSO) ports for the processing of cruise ships in Canada. Cruise ships are required to report to one of these designated CSO ports as their FPOA before proceeding to any other ports in Canada. CBSA clearance is free of charge when berthed during core business hours at these ports:

• Halifax, Nova Scotia;
• Sydney, Nova Scotia;
• Yarmouth, Nova Scotia;
• Saint John, New Brunswick;
• Corner Brook, Newfoundland & Labador
• St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador;
• Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
• Toronto Harbour, Pier 51 and Pier 52, Ontario;
• Thunder Bay, Prince Arthur’s Landing, Ontario;
• Port of Vancouver, Canada Place, British Columbia;
• Victoria, Ogden Point, Pier A and Pier B, British Columbia; and
• Prince Rupert, Northland Terminal, British Columbia.

The listing of all designated CSO ports, including their business hours, may be found in the Directory of CBSA Offices and Services .

Core Services and Cost Recovery

Services provided at designated CSO ports before or after core business hours of operation, or at anchorage/by tender, or anytime at non-designated sites or anytime at non-designated sites (i.e. other than the 12 ports listed above), are subject to cost-recovery charges . For more information on cost-recovery visit the Directory of CBSA Offices and Services .

When cost recovery is required, the CBSA charges for all costs to provide service. Cost-recovery fees are determined on a case-by-case basis and are dependent on the services required, estimated hours it takes to provide the service, the number of officers required, and the distance from the CBSA office providing the service to the location where the service is required (to calculate travel, mileage, salary, overtime, meals, accommodations, and other costs). With any cost-recovery agreement, a detailed summary of costs will be provided to the client.

All cruise ships must make their initial arrival into Canada at a designated CSO port unless prior arrangements and a cost-recovery agreement for FPOA clearance at a non-designated site have been approved by the CBSA . If, due to logistical or operational reasons, the CBSA is unable to approve a request to provide FPOA clearance at a non-designated site, the cruise ship will need to report to a designated CSO port for FPOA clearance.

Requests for FPOA clearance at non-designated sites are to be directed to the appropriate CBSA contact closest to that location.

There are no designated CSO ports in the Canadian Arctic. Cruise lines requiring FPOA clearance in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut must make cost-recovery arrangements with the CBSA in advance of arrival and no later than April 1 of the current year.

Note: These CBSA email addresses may only be used for correspondence with local CBSA offices concerning cruise ship clearance requests under these guidelines. All other emails for enquires regarding these procedures that do not specify contacting the local CBSA office must be sent to: [email protected] . Other CBSA enquires not related to these procedures should be made to the CBSA Border Information Services .

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and Corner Brook, Newfoundland & Labrador are new CSO s added this year and will be open as CSO s June 1, 2024 .

Pre-Arrival Information

Cruise lines are encouraged to voluntarily submit the Passenger and Crew Manifests in advance of the cruise ship’s arrival in Canada to facilitate the processing of passengers, crew, and their goods. The manifests (one for passengers and one for crew) must be submitted in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet format to both the CBSA National Targeting Centre (NTC) and to the FPOA ( CSO port or other) by email to the appropriate inboxes a minimum of 96 hours in advance of the ship’s arrival. If the duration of the voyage is less than the required pre-arrival timeframe of 96 hours, information must be submitted before the departure of the vessel to a CSO port in Canada. Manifests sent less than 96 hours in advance may result in a delay of processing as more time may be necessary to review documents in comparison to those reviewed in advance.

Both the Passenger Manifest and the Crew Manifest should include the following information, in separate fields:

• Full Name (in separate fields, surname then given name);
• Date of Birth in the yyyy/mm/dd format;
• Country that issued the travel document;
• Travel Document Number and Type of Document; and
• Citizenship or Nationality.

The CBSA may also request the following additional information:

• 7. Whether the person is a passenger or a crew member;
• 8. Whether a crew member is repatriating, and if so, specify if they are signing off or being discharged (i.e., terminated);
• 9. Crew position; and
• 10. Room Number

Non-paying passengers are to be included in the Passenger Manifest. If there are changes or additions to the initial Passenger Manifest or Crew Manifest, the CBSA requires the updated information a minimum of 48 hours before the vessel’s arrival in Canada or as soon as the ship departs the last foreign port. Only the updated/new data elements need to be submitted.

Electronic copies of the manifest templates can be requested by emailing the NTC . Any specific questions and concerns related to the clearance process can be directed to the appropriate FPOA email addresses.

A complete, accurate and legible Pre-Arrival Notice (PAN) (Form BSF136, Cruise Ship Pre-Arrival Notice . ) must be submitted by email to both the CBSA NTC and to the CBSA at the FPOA , a minimum of 96 hours before the cruise ship’s arrival at a CSO . For arrival at sites that are not designated as a CSO , 90 days notice is requested along with a request for a cost recovery agreement. For the Arctic , this notice and request for a cost recovery agreement should be submitted no later than April 1 of the current year.

In situations where a voyage is less than 96 hours in duration, information must be submitted before the departure of the vessel to a CSO port in Canada.

The PAN form should include the following information:

• Name and call sign of the cruise ship;
• Name of the agent representing the cruise ship;
• Total number of passengers and crew;
• Total number of repatriating crew;
• Date and time of arrival and departure;
• Expiry dates of the ship’s certificates;
• Last port of call; and
• Any additional port-specific information required to facilitate clearance such as passenger breakdown into number of Canadian, United States (U.S.) and other nationals, number of passengers using Direct-to-Bus YVR or Direct-to-Bus SEA (Vancouver), etc.

Clearance at Non-Designated Sites

For areas where clearance is provided under cost-recovery provisions, Form BSF136 must be submitted to the CBSA office responsible for the port where the cruise ship is expected as early in the planning process as possible, preferably more than 90 business days prior to arrival, to allow the CBSA sufficient time to make the necessary operational arrangements to provide clearance (e.g., scheduling border services officers to travel to the remote location). For the Arctic , requests should be submitted no later than April 1 of the current year. CBSA approval of cost recovery agreements is not guaranteed. The CBSA may decline to provide CBSA clearance at a site that is not a designated CSO site, if it is not operationally feasible to provide the service. However, every attempt to accommodate and provide service under a cost recovery agreement at a non-designated site will be made. The earlier a request is made before arrival, the more likely it is that the CBSA will be able to provide service on a cost recovery basis.

Clearance Procedures

Upon arrival in port at the FPOA , only the captain and crew/staff performing duties needed to dock and clear the vessel may embark/disembark prior to CBSA-granted clearance. Everyone else on board will be required to remain on the vessel.

Passenger and crew clearance will be granted once the CBSA officer is satisfied that all requirements have been met at the FPOA . Until clearance has been granted, no one shall embark or disembark the vessel without CBSA authorization. No person other than a CBSA officer may grant clearance and clearance is not to be assumed even if all immigration requirements have been met.

It is important to note that all passengers must be prepared to make their declaration at the FPOA by way of Form E311, CBSA Declaration Card .

The cruise ship will present all required documentation at the FPOA . Cruise ships must keep on board copies of documents from the FPOA in the event CBSA officials at subsequent ports request to see them.

Upon boarding the vessel at the FPOA , the CBSA will request an interview with the captain and/or the chief of security. This interview will consist of several questions about the ship, passengers, crew, and ship’s policies. At this time, CBSA officers will provide any additional information about the clearance procedures.

All documentation must be submitted by email to both the NTC and to the CBSA at the FPOA .

• A complete, accurate and legible PAN is submitted a minimum of 96 hours before the cruise ship’s arrival.
• Cruise Ship Passenger and Crew Manifests , for confirmed passengers, non-paying passengers and crew, are sent 96 hours in advance or when the ship departs its last foreign port.
• If there are changes to the original submission of the Pre-Arrival Information , the new information (changes only) is submitted a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
• The NTC will notify the FPOA of any passengers that must be seen by the CBSA.
• Receives notice of all crew sign-ons/sign-offs .
• Identifies and notifies the ship’s agent of crew and passengers to be interviewed [e.g., those requiring a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
• Notifies the ship’s agent that all passengers and repatriating crew must prepare a Form E311 .
• Collect Form E311 from all passengers, including those who do not intend to disembark at the FPOA . The purser will then sort all Form E311s into two categories: (1) declarations belonging to those passengers who have exceeded their personal exemption, or marked ‘yes’ to any of the questions, and (2) declarations, which are marked ‘no’ to all of the questions; and
• Arrange for all passengers (both disembarking and not disembarking) who have exceeded their personal exemption, or marked ‘yes’ to any of the questions on their Form E311, and those who require a TRV or have otherwise been identified by the CBSA, to be mustered and available for examination in a suitable space to facilitate timely clearance. Note: Passengers may elect to present their Form E311 directly to a CBSA officer rather than give it to the purser. In such instances, those passengers are to be mustered and available for presentation to the CBSA.
• The ship’s agent/crew purser will ensure that all crew scheduled for repatriation at the FPOA or at a subsequent Canadian port of call are mustered upon arrival.

Personal exemptions for residents of Canada and duty-free allowances for visitors to Canada are listed in the Instructions section of Form E311. It is the responsibility of the traveller to truthfully and correctly answer all questions with respect to imported goods on the Form E311.

Once the cruise ship has arrived, the CBSA will:

• Board the vessel or wait in a designated area inside the terminal and meet the ship’s agent, or other ship delegate, in the designated area, as determined by the local CSO .
• Receive paperwork for admissibility of passengers, crew and vessel.
• Review the Form E311 to determine if any passengers who have not yet been mustered are required for further processing.
• Notify the purser of requirement to secure passengers/crew as required.
• Give permission to open the gangway and conduct any additional immigration, customs and rummage activities aboard the ship.
• Note: If facilities permit, passengers who have exceeded their personal exemptions or duty-free allowances, or who require their TRV s validated, may be processed in the CBSA facilities upon disembarking the ship. In order to expedite clearance, the purser may wish to identify to the CBSA those disembarking passengers who have planned excursions so that they may be interviewed first.
• Meet the mustered crew members who are scheduled for repatriation (at the FPOA or at a subsequent port of call in Canada) for processing.
• stamps Form A6, General Declaration / Form E311 ;
• processes duty and taxes as applicable;
• processes currency and monetary instruments reports as applicable; and
• may maintain a presence in port until the ship departs.

The admissibility of all passengers and crew and their goods will be determined at the FPOA in Canada. The CBSA has the authority to examine all persons and goods on board the vessel including those passengers who are not planning to disembark at the FPOA . The captain is required to present those individuals should the CBSA request to see them.

The CBSA will make every effort to advise the port agent as soon as possible, prior to the ship’s arrival, of any passengers or crew who are required for interview. This will ensure that the ship has ample time to locate and inform the passengers and crew that they must speak to the CBSA upon arrival and will facilitate processing by mustering them into a designated area.

Although the CBSA will endeavour not to interrupt preparations for disembarking passengers and sailing, its presence may result in minor disruptions. The cooperation of all crew and officers is appreciated.

Additionally, the CBSA is authorized to question any persons leaving Canada, and examine any goods being exported. This includes questioning travellers exiting Canada via cruise ship, and examining their goods to ensure that they are not transporting restricted goods out of Canada. When requested to do so by a CBSA officer, an outbound traveller leaving Canada must present themselves to the officer and truthfully answer any questions asked relating to the goods they are taking out of the country and present goods for examination, if required.

Note: All references to a “designated area on board” pertain to sites where port facilities do not exist. Where port facilities do not exist, the transporter must provide a place on board the vessel that is suitable for the examination of passengers and crew members. Conference rooms and dining areas are generally suitable for examination purposes.

The CBSA may conduct cabin examinations with the assistance of the chief of security, unless the timeliness of doing so interferes with the ability to conduct an effective examination. In the event of a cabin exam/baggage exam, the cruise ship will be responsible for designating suitable space on board for completing these examinations in private.

Foreign nationals requiring a TRV to enter Canada are to appear personally for examination. After the examination, the officer will either authorize the passenger to enter Canada as a temporary resident by stamping the passport, or refer the passenger for further processing. More information on TRV s, including single-entry visas, may be found in the Temporary Resident Visas and Other Required Documents section of this handbook.

CBSA officers will give permission to the cruise ship to open the gangway when they are satisfied that all passengers and crew who were selected for an examination are mustered. Other passengers and crew may disembark the ship and leave the port unless instructed otherwise by a CBSA officer.

All transporters must familiarize themselves with the CBSA’s Guide for Transporters . The Guide clearly outlines all transporter obligations under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its Regulations .

Transporter obligations include:

• Ensuring that passengers are properly documented for travel to Canada and crew members are properly documented for work in Canada when they are presented for examination at any Canadian port of entry .
• Holding and presenting a person selected for examination; the individual will be required to report to the CBSA for examination at the FPOA .
• Providing a place on board the vessel that is suitable for examination purposes.
• Paying for all medical costs for all foreign nationals carried to Canada who are subject to a Section 44(1) Report and for all members of the crew or those entering Canada for the purposes of becoming a member of the crew.
• Notifying the CBSA if any person ordered to be held on board the vessel attempts to leave the vessel. If a person eludes examination, the transporter is liable for an administration fee. The fee amounts are set out in Section 280 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations . The full fee amount is CAD$3,200.
• Assembling on board all passengers and crew members upon the request of an officer.

Documents to be Presented to the CBSA at FPOA

All ship’s documentation must be presented to the boarding CBSA officer at the FPOA . In addition, the ship’s agent or the purser must present a repatriating crew list so that preparations to facilitate immigration clearance can be made.

Form BSF136, Cruise Ship Pre-Arrival Notice

A paper copy of Form BSF136, Cruise Ship Pre-Arrival Notice that was submitted to the NTC 96 hours before the cruise ship’s arrival must be presented to the CBSA at FPOA .

The CBSA requires an inward Form A6, General Declaration at the CBSA FPOA . Form A6 is no longer required at the subsequent ports of call as long as all subsequent ports of call in Canada are clearly listed on the initial inward Form A6 . If the itinerary changes after the inward Form A6 is submitted to the CBSA at FPOA , the cruise ship is required to submit, to the nearest CBSA office, inward and outward Form A6 s for the additional ports of call. If the additional port of call is in a remote location in Canada, a fax of Form A6 must be sent to the closest CBSA district office for inward and outward reporting.

An outward Form A6 must be submitted from the last port of call and must list all ports of call visited while in Canada. Ships’ agents may bring these documents to the local CBSA office.

The CBSA will monitor the expiry dates of the ship’s certificates throughout the season. If any of the required certificates are expired, no outward number will be issued until updated certificates are presented to the CBSA for verification. Please note that it is the ship’s master’s or agent’s responsibility to ensure that all of the ship’s certificates are current.

Carrier Code: Cruise ships that do not have individual carrier codes, and which are not bringing cargo into Canada, may use the generic 9ITN carrier code on Form A6. However, cruise ships that are also importing cargo must obtain their own carrier code and submit advance commercial information (ACI) to the CBSA prior to arrival. Additional information about carrier codes and ACI can be found in Memorandum D3-5-1 , Marine Pre-load / Pre-arrival and Reporting Requirements .

E311, Declaration Card

Form E311, Declaration Card must be provided to all passengers for completion prior to the CBSA clearance. It is mandatory for all passengers to complete the Form E311 , including those who have no intention of disembarking at the FPOA or subsequent ports of call. Personal exemptions for residents of Canada and duty-free allowances for visitors to Canada are listed in the Instructions section of the Form E311. All alcohol and tobacco products intended as gifts are subject to full duty and taxes regardless of the value. It is the responsibility of the traveller to truthfully and correctly answer all questions with respect to imported goods on the Form E311.

Failure to declare the food, plants, animals or related products entering Canada can result in Agriculture and Agri-food Administrative Monetary Penalties (AAAMPs) ranging from $500 to $1,300.

A family member or fellow traveller may complete Form E311 for children or disabled persons. The Form E311 allows travellers to list up to four family members living at the same address on one form. It is suggested that the form be distributed the night before the ship’s arrival.

Repatriating crew members are also required to complete a Form E311 . This must be done by the crew member, not the crew purser, although the crew purser may provide assistance to the crew member, particularly if there are language barriers. For assistance with other languages, please refer to the CE311, Translation of the CBSA Declaration Card .

For all other locations, prior to arrival, the purser will collect and sort all Form E311. Forms belonging to those passengers who have exceeded their personal exemption, or marked ‘yes’ to any of the questions, will be filed separately. The boarding officers will collect and review these cards and determine if an interview and/or assessment process is required. If yes, the passengers will be requested to appear. All other passengers who have completed their Form E311 are free to disembark.

Cruise lines may order forms , including a supply of Form E311 free of charge by emailing: [email protected] .

There are no restrictions on the amount of money (currency and/or monetary instruments) that travellers can bring into or take out of Canada, nor is it illegal to do so. However, all travellers and transporters are required to report to the CBSA amounts totalling CAD $10,000 or more that are being imported into or exported out of Canada.

There is an exception to reporting for cruise ships provided that the currency and/or monetary instruments are not destined for Canada and that they remain on board the conveyance. If any amount of currency and/or monetary instruments is removed from the ship, the entire amount that arrived in Canada aboard the ship (including the amount that is removed from the ship and the amount that remains on board) must be declared to the CBSA. The following documentation can be completed and presented to the CBSA to fulfill the written reporting requirements:

• Form E667, Cross Border Currency or Monetary Instruments Report – General (Parts A, B, C, and E – complete D if acting as a courier); AND
• Form E668, Cross Border Currency or Monetary Instruments Report Made by Person in Charge of Conveyance (Parts A and B are to be completed).
• Cruise ships departing from Canada that were not required to report currency and/or monetary instruments upon import are not required to report upon export.
• Any funds acquired within Canada that meet or exceed the CAD$10,000 reporting threshold must be declared prior to export.
• If an import currency declaration was required upon entry of the cruise ship, an export currency declaration reflecting the entire amount departing Canada must be submitted to the CBSA. The declared amount must include any funds acquired while in Canada.
• Couriers acting on behalf of the ship are required to present Forms E667 and E668.

Passengers and crew disembarking with currency or monetary instruments totalling CAD$10,000 or more are required to declare and report the amount on Form E677 .

Repatriating crew members disembarking from the cruise ship and leaving Canada either through a land border, airport, or by other means, provide a written report (i.e. Form E677 ) to the CBSA at their port of entry as well as at their port of departure. For example, if a crew member is disembarking a cruise ship at Pier 21 in Halifax and then proceeding to Halifax Stanfield International Airport for a flight, a written report (i.e., Form E677 ) must be presented to the CBSA at both Pier 21 and at the CBSA office within the airport prior to departure.

The reporting requirements for passengers, merchants, and crew members are an individual responsibility. There is no liability on behalf of the cruise ship. Failure to report import or export of currency and/or monetary instruments totalling CAD10,000 or more may result in seizure and an assessment of penalties. Penalties range from 5% to 50% of the total value of seized funds, and may include forfeiture. The CBSA will not return the funds if it is suspected they are proceeds of crime or funds for financing terrorist activities.

Once the CBSA accepts written currency reports, the completed forms are sent to the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) in Ottawa for assessment and analysis. The information provided on these currency reporting forms is subject to the general provisions of the Privacy Act and is collected under the authority of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. For further information on FINTRAC, please see www.fintrac.gc.ca .

At the time of the vessel’s arrival for the first time in the cruise season, the last port of clearance paperwork must be presented to the CBSA at the FPOA . This document is unique to each issuing country and is not universal in appearance. This document is not required on subsequent voyages to Canada during the same cruise season.

Form E1, Ship Stores Declaration must be filed with the CBSA on every visit to Canada. It is used to document tobacco products, alcohol, all meats (except cooked canned meats), live animals, narcotics and drugs, firearms (including ammunition), and pornography on board the vessel. The name and rank of the officer(s) in charge of stores and the location of the goods should also be noted on the form. Any person found in possession of improperly declared prohibited/restricted items is subject to arrest and prosecution. Any inaccuracy in the information on the E1 may result in an enforcement action. The CBSA retains the right to verify these records, under the Customs Act, at any time while the ship is in Canada.

Additional information on ships’ stores can be found in Memorandum D4-2-1 , Ships’ Stores Regulations .

Form BSF552, Crew’s Effects Declaration (formerly known as Y14) must be submitted upon the ship’s arrival at the CBSA FPOA . A copy should also be available on board should the CBSA require it during crew’s quarters searches. All crew effects which are subject to duty and taxes or subject to prohibitions or restrictions must be identified on the Form BSF552 by each crew member. Goods to be listed include tobacco and alcohol products, currency, firearms/weapons, and other articles. Each crew member must be listed on the form and each crew member must sign the form.

Crew members are entitled to personal effects, alcoholic beverages (1.14 litres of liquor, or 1.5 litres of wine, or 24 - 355 ml bottles/cans of beer), and tobacco products (200 cigarettes, 50 cigars/cigarillos , 200 tobacco sticks, and 200g manufactured tobacco). Alcohol and tobacco products may be located in the crew member’s cabin or on their person. Excess alcohol and/or tobacco must be stored in a bond room. Illegal items, including certain types of narcotics, firearms/weapons, and pornography, may be seized and criminal charges may be laid.

All goods off-loaded in Canada (other than personal effects accompanying travellers and repatriating crew members) must be declared on Form 800, Goods to be Landed List at the FPOA . An amended Form BSF800 must be provided to the CBSA FPOA office if there are any changes from the original list or if any additional goods are off-loaded . The CBSA will determine which items on the Form BSF800 require Form A8A-B, Cargo Control Document .

Note : All items on Form BSF800 require a monetary value, weight, reason for landing (e.g., removal for repair, transfer to another ship, etc.), transport company, and destination of goods (with address and phone number). In addition, a copy of the landing order(s) must be included. If proper documentation is not submitted, permission will not be given to off-load the goods.

Any goods off-loaded without permission or unaccounted for on the Form BSF800 may be subject to seizure and/or administrative monetary penalties. All goods off-loaded from the ship may require Form A8A-B . The CBSA considers the following goods to require Form A8A-B:

• All highly consumable goods or goods that are at risk for consumption in the Canadian economy;
• Any goods with a high value;
• Goods that are being transferred from one ship to another ( Memorandum D4-2-1 , Ships’ Stores Regulations );
• Items subject to Drawback ( D7 Memoranda - Drawbacks ); and
• Restricted/controlled items (e.g., firearms, controlled medical drugs, etc.).

Note: Cruise ships that are also importing cargo must submit ACI to the CBSA prior to arrival. Additional information about ACI can be found in Memorandum D3-5-1 , Marine Pre-load / Pre-arrival and Reporting Requirements .

A complete list of disembarking passengers must be emailed 96 hours in advance, to the CBSA office where the disembarkation will take place, and must include the following:

• surname, first name, and middle name (if available),
• date of birth in the yyyy/mm/dd format,
• citizenship, and
• passport or travel document number.

Note: If disembarkation requires service by the CBSA and is at a non-designated site, then a cost recovery agreement is required and should be requested at least 90 days before service is requested at the non-designated site.

Emergency disembarkation: If a passenger must leave the ship prior to arriving at the scheduled final port of disembarkation (e.g., family emergency), the cruise ship must immediately notify the CBSA at the FPOA and provide a disembarkation manifest for the passenger. If the passenger made any purchases in the duty-free shops after FPOA clearance, this information must also be provided to the CBSA. If required, officers from the CBSA office closest to the port where the unscheduled disembarkation is taking place will attend the ship to process the passenger. If the place of the unscheduled disembarkation is not designated as a CSO , cost-recovery charges may be assessed.

A breakdown of passengers and crew by citizenship/nationality is to be submitted with the ship’s documentation at the CBSA FPOA .

A list of all repatriating crew members including name, citizenship/nationality, position, port of repatriation, and reason for leaving the vessel is to be submitted with the ship’s documentation at the CBSA FPOA .

A list documenting any additions to the crew from the previous visit is to be submitted to the CBSA with the ship’s documentation at the FPOA , as well as sent by email .

A crew list documenting all crew members is to be submitted to the CBSA upon arrival at FPOA , and must include the following information:

• surname, first name, and middle name (if available);
• date of birth in the yyyy/mm/dd format;
• citizenship/nationality;
• passport or travel document number;
• cabin number;
• sign-on and sign-off date.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) FAL Form 5 , Crew List will be used for this purpose.

The following documents must be submitted in hard copy to the CBSA at the FPOA each time the vessel arrives in Canada (with the exception of the Last Port of Clearance Documents , which is only required for the initial voyage of the season):

Note : The ship’s operator or agent may request that extra copies of the above documents be stamped by the CBSA for the ship records, with the exception of the currency report .

Duty-Free Shops and Sales

Duty-free shops must be closed and locked while the ship is in port. Appropriate signs must be placed on all shop entrances indicating that they are closed and off-limits . A letter requesting permission to work in duty-free shops (e.g., stocking, inventory) while the ship is in port should be submitted to the CBSA at the beginning of the cruise ship season. This letter, suitably endorsed by the CBSA, will act as permission to conduct incidental work in duty-free shops while in port for the entire season.

All passengers and crew must declare duty-free purchases on their Form E311, Declaration Card at the FPOA . Officers will review the declaration cards collected from the travellers by the purser and refer anyone deemed necessary to appear for further processing. Any goods that do not qualify under the travellers’ personal exemptions may be subject to applicable duty and taxes. CBSA officers will complete a Form BSF715, Casual Goods Accounting Document (formerly known as Form B15) for the goods as required and provide the client with a stamped copy.

Duty-Free Shops after FPOA

Once the ship departs the FPOA , the ship may re-open its duty-free stores and make items available for purchase to passengers. After the FPOA clearance, all duty-free purchases that will remain in Canada will be subject to the payment of duty and taxes.

To ensure that duty and taxes are collected on duty-free store purchases, the cruise ship must forward a list containing details on persons and goods purchased after the FPOA clearance and prior to arriving at the final Canadian port of disembarkation. This information is normally obtained when the shops close for the final time in their voyage and prepare their customers’ accounts. The cruise line is required to submit this list to the CBSA at least eight hours prior to their arrival at the Canadian port of final disembarkation.

The list must include the following information:

• The name of the port where the final disembarkation will take place;
• Full name of the passenger and passenger ID number;
• Folio and associated cabin/berth numbers;
• Country of residence; and
• Amount spent post- FPOA clearance and a detailed description of the items purchased.

This information is to be submitted in the MS Excel spreadsheet format to the CBSA name and contact information provided to the ship's representative at the FPOA .

CBSA officers, in most circumstances, will attend the vessel to collect duty and taxes on their purchases. This service will be provided on a cost-recovery basis unless the final port of disembarkation is also designated as a CSO site . In situations where the final disembarkation is in a remote location and the number of passengers disembarking that are required to pay duties and taxes is small, an alternative process may be used to collect the duties and taxes that does not require the CBSA to attend in person if: both the CBSA and cruise line agree to use an alternative process and all passengers have agreed to pay the duties and taxes as confirmed by the cruise line. If a passenger refuses to pay the assessed duty and taxes, normal procedures for the abandonment of goods to the Crown will be initiated. For sites that are not designated as a CSO , a request for a cost recovery agreement should be made at least 90 days in advance.

The CBSA will advise the cruise ship of any passengers that are required for an interview and/or payment of duty and taxes. The cruise ship will ensure every person identified by the CBSA is mustered on arrival at the final port of disembarkation.

The cruise line will be responsible for the payment of duty and taxes on any differences between the inventory count and the recorded sales.

In-Port Requirements

Casino operations are to be shut down and deactivated while the ship is in port. Signs must be posted on casino doors indicating that the machines are not operational. A letter requesting permission for casino staff to complete maintenance work inside casinos should be submitted to the FPOA inbox when the ship is in port for the first time each season. This letter, suitably endorsed by the CBSA, will act as permission for casino maintenance work while at port for the entire season.

Cruise lines hosting receptions on board a ship while in port must inform the CBSA by written advance notice of the date and time bonded liquor will be served. The CBSA will require the guests’ information in an email sent to the FPOA . A liquor consumption list should be completed by the bar/hotel manager for each party/reception the ship hosts. An accounting entry must be completed and forwarded by the ship’s agent for payment of duty and taxes to the CBSA office at the FPOA . The ship’s agent will be responsible for submitting a Form B3-3, Canada Customs Coding Form “V”-type voluntary entry, along with a cheque for payment. The liquor consumption list will also be forwarded to the appropriate liquor control board for the assessment of provincial fees.

In order to protect Canada’s environment and agricultural base, please inform passengers and crew not to remove from the vessel any:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables (except tropical or citrus fruits);
• Meat, eggs or dairy products
• Plants with or without soil;
• Seedlings of any kinds (they require permits/certificates); or
• Unprocessed wood or wood products/handicrafts.
• Goods including personal effects such as clothing and footwear that are contaminated with soil or other organic matter.

Passengers and crew are reminded that they must check the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s ( CFIA ) Automated Import Reference System ( AIRS ) for import requirements before bringing with them any food, plants, animals or related products.

Failure to declare food, plants, animals or related products when removing them from the vessel can result in Agriculture and Agri-food Administrative Monetary Penalties ( AAAMP s) ranging from $500 to $1,300.

Additional information can be found in Memorandum D19-1-1 , Food, Plants, Animals and Related Products and Memorandum D19-7-1 , Interpretation of the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) .

Liquor outlets and bars must be closed while in port. Under no circumstances should liquor be given or sold to visiting Canadian residents, shore personnel, or stevedoring personnel while the ship is in port.

While in port, one bar per 1,000 passengers, or one bar per deck that provides hospitality services (whichever is greater), may be allowed to remain open. For example, if there are four decks providing hospitality services, four bars may be allowed to remain open. A deck that predominately consists of accommodation space is not considered to be a hospitality deck.

A letter requesting permission to open bars must be submitted to the FPOA inbox at the beginning of the season. This letter must include the bar location, the time it will be open, and, once suitably endorsed by the CBSA, will act as standing authority to open these bars, while in port, for the entire season. For any amendments to the original request, or if special circumstances exist that require additional bars to be open, another letter must be submitted to the CBSA.

The CBSA will conduct spot checks to ensure compliance and this privilege will be revoked if any bar is open without permission or if any Canadian resident visitor, shore personnel, or stevedoring personnel is served in a bar. In addition, monetary penalties may be assessed to the cruise line.

Cruise line representatives, port agents, contractors, stevedoring, or longshore staff and anyone else who has access to the ship, including friends and family members of onboard passengers, are subject to examination by the CBSA and must be prepared to open any bags/boxes of goods if requested to do so by an officer. Gifts received from crew or passengers may be subject to duty and taxes and must be declared to the CBSA. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are not eligible as gifts, are subject to full duty and taxes, and will be seized if not declared to the CBSA. There will be no liquor consumption on board the ship unless attending an official ship function.

It is recommended that the Notice to Contractors and Notice to Shore Staff and Visitors to Ship contained in the appendices be distributed accordingly by the cruise lines.

Note: When a cruise ship picks up and discharges passengers (visitors, agents) between Canadian ports, the ship is performing “coasting trade” and the provisions of the Coasting Trade Act apply. The ship must apply for a coasting trade license to be able to carry these passengers between points in Canada. Additional information on Coasting Trade Licences can be found in Memorandum D3-5-7 , Temporary Importation of Vessels .

If an agent is carried as part of the crew or staff under contract or engaged on the business of the ship, then he/she is not considered a passenger and the Coasting Trade Act would not apply for this circumstance. In the absence of such a contract, the agent is considered a passenger and a coasting trade licence would be required.

Member of a crew means a person who is employed on a means of transportation to perform duties during a voyage or trip, or while in port, related to the operation of the means of transportation or the provision of services to passengers or to other members of the crew.

The Notice to Crew contained in the appendices provides guidelines to crew members regarding Canadian regulations and CBSA procedures.

All crew must be prepared to give a truthful and complete declaration at the FPOA . A Form E311, Declaration Card must be completed, in addition to Form BSF552, Crew’s Effects Declaration , by all repatriating crew. To prevent delays in passenger processing and clearance, all crew members must remain on board until an officer has authorized their disembarkation. It is recommended that the Notice to Crew be distributed accordingly by the cruise lines.

Members of the crew do not require visas or passports.

Spouses/family of officers/crew are not considered to be crew members unless they have a specific function directly related to the operation of the ship. Spouses/family must be indicated on the Passenger Manifest and must fulfill the same immigration requirements as any other passenger ( obtain applicable visas , etc.) for entry to Canada.

Members of the crew who will be going ashore and will be providing services on Canadian soil (e.g., tour guides, lecturers, expedition leaders, staff members who attend on shore excursions to provide passenger assistance) may require Labour Market Impact Assessments and/or work permits . Also crew members onboard who are not directly employed by the cruise line may also require work permits. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that they are properly documented prior to seeking entry to Canada. Being improperly documented could result in being found inadmissible to Canada.

Note : Even if a passenger (including any persons on board that do not meet the definition of crew) does not intend to go ashore while the vessel is in port, they are still required to comply with applicable visa, document and passport requirements.

The vessel will provide the CBSA with a list of all crew members signing off prior to or upon arrival at the FPOA .

Note: Crew members signing off may not disembark during passenger disembarkation unless prior permission has been received from the CBSA (e.g., early flight out of Canada).

All crew members signing off that are departing the vessle at the FPOA , or will sign off at subsequent Canadian ports, must complete a Form E311, Declaration Card and present themselves to a CBSA officer at the FPOA. Upon presentation to an officer, crew members must have with them their Form E311, passport and/or Seaman’s Book, and flight confirmation (ticket, electronic confirmation).

Note : In instances where the crew sign off takes place at a port of call subsequent to the FPOA , the CBSA may request that the crew members present themselves to an officer when they disembark the ship.

A CBSA officer will examine all crew members signing off and will make a decision based on a case-by-case basis. All crew members signing off must leave Canada by the end of the period granted by an officer.

A transporter must without delay, notify an officer at the nearest port of entry of any foreign national who ceases to be a member of the crew. All foreign nationals who entered Canada as crew members must leave Canada within 72 hours of ceasing to be a member of the crew. Crew member status ceases when a crew member is discharged (i.e., terminated from employment), hospitalized and fails to return to the vessel or fails to depart Canada, deserts the vessel, or is believed to have deserted.

All repatriating crew members must leave Canada by the end of the prescribed period. A CBSA officer will interview crew members requesting a longer stay. Extensions are not guaranteed and will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Early notification of an extension request is essential. The transporter must record all crew repatriation information and provide it in writing on the request of the officer. The repatriating crew members have 72 hours to leave Canada from the moment they cease to be members of the crew.

Crew members must leave Canada within 72 hours of being discharged, otherwise they may be considered as having deserted. Cruise lines will be liable to pay a Can$25,000 security deposit for each crew deserter. An administration fee of Can$3,200 will be assessed against the cruise line and deducted from the security. The remainder of the security will be held until the crew member is either removed or admitted to Canada. Additional information can be found in ENF 17 - Maritimes Procedures .

Emergency repatriations : If an unscheduled (e.g., family emergency) crew repatriation is to take place at a subsequent Canadian port of call, the cruise ship must immediately notify the CBSA at the FPOA and the CBSA office closest to the port where the repatriation will take place. Arrangements must be made for the CBSA to process the repatriating crew member. If the place where the unscheduled repatriation takes place is not designated as a CSO , cost-recovery charges may be assessed.

A crew member leaving the vessel for medical reasons has 72 hours after release from hospital to return to the vessel or leave Canada. The master needs to inform the CBSA that a crew member is departing the vessel to seek medical treatment and report crew members whose hospitalization will continue after the vessel’s departure, or who have not departed Canada after their release from the hospital. This information is to be sent to the CBSA at the FPOA and to the nearest CBSA office if the hospitalization takes place at a subsequent port of call. Transporters are liable for the medical and hospital costs incurred with respect to their crew members.

If crew members are being transferred to another vessel in Canada, they must do so within 48 hours of arriving in Canada. Longer stays must be pre-arranged with the CBSA. If, for any reason, a crew member is unable to join a vessel in Canada within 48 hours or leave Canada within the period granted by an officer, the port agent must notify the CBSA at the FPOA .

Crew joining the ship at the FPOA may board the vessel only after CBSA personnel have granted clearance and the boarding CBSA officers have disembarked the vessel.

Crew bars are strictly off-limits to visiting Canadian residents, cruise line shore staff, stevedoring staff, and service company personnel. As well, all slot machines in crew bars must have their power shut off while the ship is in port. Alcoholic beverages (including wine and beer) are not to be served to anyone other than ship’s crew in crew bars. Any violation of these conditions will result in monetary penalties as well as crew bars being sealed while in port.

Crew members may disembark any time after vessel clearance has been granted. Crew must present their ship identification to the CBSA and be aware that every time they disembark the ship they are subject to examination. Any crew member without proper identification (poor picture, using another crew member’s ID) will be asked to return to the ship and will have their shore leave cancelled. Any items to be left in Canada (gifts, etc.) including goods to be repaired in Canada must be declared to the CBSA. Failure to declare such items may result in seizure action.

If any crew member does not return to the vessel prior to departure, the ship/agent must immediately inform the CBSA at the FPOA and the nearest CBSA office if the shore leave took place at a subsequent port of call.

General Information

Reporting a suspected or confirmed communicable disease prior to entering or exiting Canada is required under 34(2) and 34(3) of the Quarantine Act . Operators report communicable diseases as defined by the Quarantine Act to a Public Health Agency of Canada ( PHAC ) quarantine officer through the Maritime Declaration of Health ( MDH ) 24-48 hours prior to arrival at the first port of arrival in Canada. Operators must also report to PHAC if a person on board the conveyance has died or if there are human remains on board.

Gastrointestinal illness reporting continues to be submitted electronically through the Public Health Agency of Canada – Gastrointestinal Illness Surveillance System .

Please visit Guidance for marine operators: Reporting illness on board for instructions on how to report a communicable disease as defined by the Quarantine Act using the MDH and/or a gastrointestinal illness.

If you encounter issues with the online submission or need to urgently contact a quarantine officer, please contact the PHAC Central Notification System at [email protected] or at 1-833-615-2384 ( toll-free ).

Emergency Hospitalization/Medical Leave of Passengers

When a passenger requires emergency disembarkation from the vessel prior to the FPOA to be transported to a Canadian hospital, the ship’s agent or cruise ship operator must immediately notify the nearest CBSA office and the CBSA at the expected FPOA .

When a passenger is disembarked from the vessel after the FPOA and transported to a Canadian hospital, the ship’s agent or cruise ship operator must notify the CBSA office at the last port of call in Canada if the passenger has not rejoined the vessel by that time.

It is essential that the ship organize the disembarkation of passengers in an orderly and efficient manner. It is suggested that disembarkation be staggered to prevent congestion on the gangway.

Note : It is the responsibility of port agents and shore representatives to ensure that the exits from the CBSA area are kept clear at all times. Failure to do so may, in turn, delay the clearance of passengers.

Foreign National and Canadian Resident Passenger Clearance

The following persons do not require a passport to enter Canada; however, they must provide sufficient documentation to establish their identity and citizenship:

• U.S. Citizens;
• Resident Aliens of the U.S. seeking entry from the U.S. or St. Pierre et Miquelon;
• Residents of Greenland seeking to enter Canada from Greenland
• Persons registered as Indians under the Indian Act in Canada;
• Members of the armed forces of a country that is a designated state for the purposes of the Visiting Forces Act who are seeking entry in order to carry out official duties, other than persons who have been designated as a civilian component of those armed forces;
• Persons who are seeking to enter Canada as, or in order to become, members of a crew of a means of air transportation and who hold an airline flight crew licence or crew member certificate issued in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization specifications;
• Persons seeking to enter Canada as members of a crew who hold a seafarer’s identity document issued under International Labour Organization conventions and are members of the crew of the vessel that carries them to Canada.
• Citizens of Canada; and
• Permanent Residents of Canada (Landed Immigrants).

Foreign nationals from any other country are required to have a valid passport.

Foreign nationals from specified countries require a TRV to travel to Canada.

TRV s may be issued for a single entry to Canada or for multiple entries. All visa applicants are now automatically considered for a multiple-entry visa. The visa officer reviewing the visa application may issue a multiple-entry TRV even if the application is for a single-entry visa. TRV s are issued only at Canadian visa offices outside of Canada . Foreign nationals who require a TRV must apply for the TRV and any other required documents (e.g. work permit) at a visa office abroad. They should apply to the visa office that serves their country of nationality or the country where they have been legally admitted for at least one year, well in advance of their travel dates.

When requested by an officer, every person seeking to enter Canada must appear for an examination. Foreign nationals requiring a TRV to travel to Canada are to appear personally for examination if requested by an officer. After the examination, the officer will either authorize the passenger to enter Canada as a temporary resident by stamping the passport or refer the passenger for further processing. Any crew members requiring a work permit must also appear for examination by the CBSA. If all the necessary admissibility and eligibility requirements are met, the work permit will be issued at the FPOA .

Single-Entry TRV s: Foreign nationals who enter Canada on a single-entry TRV will have their visa validated on entry. Single-entry TRV s remain valid for re-entry into Canada if the traveller visited the territory or territorial waters of the U.S. or the islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon. Single-entry TRV holders on cruise ships touring or transiting U.S. or St. Pierre et Miquelon waters will not be required to obtain a new TRV to re-enter Canada.

To expedite the entry of large numbers of passengers, the cruise ship’s official and/or ship’s agent will collect the passports/travel documents of all TRV -required foreign nationals. When the vessel arrives in Canada, these documents will be presented to the CBSA officer for examination. The officer will review the passports/travel documents, and may request to see any passenger or crew member for examination when further information is required.

Foreign nationals who will be working while in Canada may require additional documents (e.g. work permit) that could involve a separate application and additional processing time. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (updated weekly) provides information on the application processing times (by visa office) for temporary residence documents, including work permits. Be advised that processing times are subject to change.

Note : Even if a passenger does not intend to go ashore while the vessel is in port, they are still required to comply with applicable visa, document and passport requirements.

All individuals seeking to enter Canada are required to remain on board the vessel until CBSA processing is complete.

As U.S. and Canadian admissibility requirements differ, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website should be consulted to obtain information pertaining to U.S. entry requirements.

The CBSA is responsible for controlling and monitoring the disposal of international waste at all Canadian seaports in accordance with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) International Waste Directive . Its purpose is to prevent the introduction or spread of foreign pests and diseases such as avian influenza ( AI ), African swine fever ( ASF ), Newcastle disease etc. and other sickness or animal and plant diseases or plant pests into Canada. Cruise ships are subject to inspection fees for international waste inspections performed by the CBSA which are collected in accordance with the CBSA’s Schedule of Inspection Fees .

Cruise ships are permitted to discharge waste at all CFIA -approved marine ports in Canada. If the port is not also designated as a CSO , ship’s representatives must contact the local CBSA operation to obtain permission to discharge waste at a non- CSO -designated marine port.

The following procedures for the disposal of waste from cruise vessels apply to arrivals in Canada.

For cruise ships that sail exclusively Canadian and continental U.S. waters for the season:

Upon first arrival in Canada, all cruise ships will be presumed to be carrying international waste regardless of their locker and galley contents. CBSA officers at the FPOA will conduct an initial inspection to assess the vessel’s compliance with CFIA regulations. After examination, a Notice of Inspection will be provided to the vessel stating what the risk level will be for its next entry into Canada. If the vessel is deemed low risk, waste can be treated as domestic upon its next arrival. However, if the vessel continues to be deemed high risk for non-compliance , CBSA officers will board again on the next visit to verify that compliance has been met. Until compliance is met, the vessel’s waste will be treated as high risk. Once the cruise ship's waste is considered domestic, the CBSA will issue a letter to that effect for the ship.

To ensure verification is conducted on board vessels, agents may make prior arrangements with local CBSA management to schedule international waste inspections.

For all other cruise ships:

All cruise ships will be considered to be carrying international waste upon their arrival in Canada and are subject to inspection by the CBSA. Cruise ships intending to offload international waste must advise the appropriate CBSA inbox in advance and will require authorization from the CBSA prior to discharge. This authorization will be granted at the FPOA . The CBSA PAN has been modified to allow marine vessel operators to request advance permission to offload international waste.

International waste may only be offloaded with the authorization of a CBSA officer and where CFIA -approved routes and disposal facilities exist. The following ports in Canada are approved to accept international waste:

Atlantic Region

• St. John, New Brunswick
• St. Stephen, New Brunswick
• Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
• Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador
• St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Quebec Region

• Montréal, Quebec
• Québec, Quebec

Northern Ontario Region

• Thunder Bay, Ontario

Pacific Region

• Victoria, British Columbia
• Prince Rupert, British Columbia
• Vancouver, British Columbia

Waste may not be removed from ships at any other port in Canada, except for those ships that have been deemed low risk. If you have any questions or would like to book an inspection, please contact the CBSA Marine Superintendent.

The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) sets out monetary penalties for contraventions of, or failure to comply with, the Customs Act , Customs Tariff , and any regulations under these Acts including contraventions of the terms and conditions of licensing agreements and undertakings. AMPS is a sanction regime that authorizes the CBSA to issue civil monetary penalties for the violation of CBSA’s trade and border legislation in the commercial stream. The purpose of AMPS is to provide the CBSA with a means to deter non-compliance by its clients.

This penalty system largely replaces the use of seizure and forfeiture provisions for technical infractions. Seizure and ascertained forfeiture will only be used for the most serious offences. This penalty system imposes monetary penalties in proportion to the type, frequency, and severity of the infraction. Most penalties are graduated and will take the compliance history of the client into consideration.

The CBSA inspects certificates for service animals on board cruise ships, and approves their entry into Canada. Additional information can be found in Travelling with animals .

The cruise ship’s Agent must notify the CBSA of any weather-related delays and cancellations at the earliest opportunity. The CBSA will only process an A6 for vessels that report into their expected reporting site. The CBSA will not stamp A6 s for vessels diverted due to weather that do not report to another reporting site.

Note: The ship’s operator or agent may request that extra copies of the above documents be stamped by the CBSA for the ship’s records, with the exception of the currency report .

Transportation Company Obligations A6, General Declaration A6A, Freight/Cargo Manifest A8A-B, Cargo Control Document B3-3, Canada Customs Coding Form BSF136, Cruise Ship Pre-Arrival Notice BSF552, Crew’s Effects Declaration BSF800, Goods to be Landed List C47, Application for Vessel Temporary Admission to the Coasting Trade of Canada CE311, Translation of the CBSA Declaration Card D3-5-1, Marine Pre-load/Pre-arrival and Reporting Requirements D3-5-7, Temporary Importation of Vessels E1, Ship Stores Declaration E63-1, Cruise Vessel Passenger and Crew Arrivals E311, Declaration Card E667, Cross-Border Currency or Monetary Instruments Report — General E677, Cross Border Currency or Monetary Instruments Report – Individual E668, Cross Border Currency or Monetary Instruments Report Made by Person in Charge of Conveyance IMO FAL 5, Crew List

This document is also available in PDF (474 Kb) [ help with PDF files ]

Welcome to Canada

You are responsible for making yourself aware of all rules/laws when entering Canada. More detailed information can be found on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Web site at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca .

Please be advised that the following regulations are in effect while you are in port:

• You are allowed to have tobacco (200 cigarettes, 50 cigars/cigarillos, 200 tobacco sticks, and 200g manufactured tobacco) and a quantity of alcohol (1.14 litres liquor, or 1.5 litres wine, or 24-355 ml cans of beer) for your own personal consumption while you are in port. Alcohol and tobacco may be stored in your cabin, but if you do not declare alcohol or tobacco over the above listed amounts, it may be seized.
• If you have gifts for Canadian residents, each gift under CAD$60.00 is duty and tax free. If a gift is worth over CAD$60.00, duty and taxes must be paid on the excess of CAD$60.00. Alcohol and tobacco products may not be imported under this gift exemption. If you are a resident of Canada, you must include the gift as part of your personal exemption. You must declare all gifts to a CBSA officer.
• Bars on the ship are allowed open for crew and embarking passengers only. Do not serve alcohol to longshoremen, shore services staff, or contractors. If you do, the CBSA will not allow the bars to remain open while the ship is in port.
• Obscene material, hate propaganda and child pornography cannot be imported into Canada. Pornography involving persons under 18 years of age is illegal in Canada. If you are found to be in possession of illegal pornography (on your person, in your cabin, on your electronic devices or in your luggage) you may be arrested and charged. Certain kinds of pornography that are considered to be obscene are prohibited from entering Canada (e.g., pornography that depicts sexual assault, sex with violence, sex with animals, etc.). Any prohibited or illegal pornography will be detained or seized, depending on the nature of the material.
• Narcotics, such as cocaine and heroin, are illegal in Canada. If you are found to be in possession of illegal drugs (on your person, in your cabin, or in your luggage) you will be arrested and may be charged. The drugs will be seized.
• Despite the fact that cannabis (marijuana) is legal and regulated in Canada, it remains illegal to take cannabis across Canada's national borders. If you are found to be in possession of cannabis and it has not been declared to the CBSA, you will be arrested and charged.
• Weapons, such as handguns, stun guns, switchblades, and butterfly knives, are also prohibited. Others, such as long guns, are restricted. If you are found to be in possession of these items and they have not been declared to the CBSA, you may be arrested and charged. The weapon will be seized.
• Each time you leave the ship you are subject to examination. You are required to show your ship identification. Please be prepared to answer questions and/or open your bags/boxes for the CBSA officers if required.
• If you are leaving the ship during passenger disembarkation, you may not return until passenger clearance is complete. You must always exit through the CBSA Secondary examination area.
• Under the cross border currency reporting legislation there are no restrictions on the amount of money that you can bring into or take out of Canada. However, you must report amounts totalling CAD$10,000 or more that you are bringing into or taking out of Canada to a CBSA officer.
• How to report: if you are entering or leaving Canada and are carrying CAD$10,000 or more, including any combination of coins, domestic or foreign bank notes, and securities such as travelers cheques, stocks and bonds, you must complete a written report (i.e., Form E677), Cross Border Currency or Monetary Instruments Report – Individual (complete sections A-C). Failure to report may result in seizure and the assessment of penalties. Penalties range from 5% to 10% of the total value of seized fundsand may include forfeiture. The CBSA will not return the funds if it suspected they are the proceeds of crime or funds for financing terrorist activities.

If you have any questions about CBSA regulations, please feel free to ask a CBSA officer for assistance.

All persons who provide service to the cruise ships in port must adhere to the following Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) procedures:

• If you do not already possess a security pass for cruise ship terminals, contact Port Security.
• Please ensure that your identification is visible .
• Anyone who has access to the ship is subject to examination. You may be asked to open your bags/boxes.
• Bars on board the ship are open to crew and embarking passengers only. It is illegal for all others to consume alcohol aboard the ship while in port. Failure to comply will result in sanctions against the ship.
• If you are not a legal resident of Canada, and not joining the vessel as a crew member but will be working on the ship while it is in Canadian waters, you must obtain the proper work authorization from the CBSA.
• Please exit through the CBSA Secondary area and be prepared to answer the CBSA officer’s questions.

If you have any questions or require special arrangements to provide your services to the ships, please do not hesitate to contact the CBSA Superintendent in charge.

Thank you for your cooperation.

This document is also available in PDF (349 Kb) [ help with PDF files ]

Please be advised that the following Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) procedures are in effect while the ships are in port:

Shore staff

• If you require access to the CBSA/baggage area during passenger disembarkation, please enter through the door with the least amount of traffic unless you have made arrangements with the CBSA to enter through another door.
• Only those shore services, longshore, stevedoring, or port staff, that are required for clearance of vessels, baggage, or passengers are allowed in the CBSA-controlled area. You will be removed if you are found to be in the area without valid reason.
• Any shore services, longshore, stevedoring, or port staff found to be in possession of prohibited or restricted goods while in the CBSA-controlled area will be subject to appropriate enforcement action.
• You must ensure that your Port Identification is visible.
• Anyone having access to ship and/or CBSA areas is subject to examination. Be prepared to open bags, boxes, etc., upon request by CBSA officers.
• The CBSA will be on the docks to perform load checks on trucks and audit storage lockers. We will make every attempt to minimize any disruptions and your patience and cooperation are appreciated.
• Friends and family members visiting passengers are subject to examination by the CBSA and must be prepared to open any bags/boxes of goods if requested to do so by an officer. Gifts received from crew or passengers may be subject to duty and taxes and must be declared to the CBSA. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are not eligible as gifts and are subject to full duty and taxes and will be seized if not declared to the CBSA. There will be no alcohol consumption on board the ship unless attending an official ship function.

If you have any questions about these procedures, please feel free to consult the CBSA Superintendent in charge.

Canada Drops COVID-19 Entry Requirements for Cruise Passengers

• September 26, 2022

Transport Canada has announced that starting October 1, 2022, all COVID-19 border requirements, including vaccination, mandatory use of ArriveCAN, and any testing and quarantine/isolation requirements will end for all travellers entering Canada whether by land, air or sea, according to a statement.

Prior to this cruise guests were required to download and use the ArriveCAN app, and provide proof of vaccination plus a negative COVID-19 test result. 

“We applaud these decisions by Transport Canada to make visiting the country easier and more convenient for all guests sailing our popular Alaska and Canada/New England itineraries, and look forward to welcoming everyone on our incredible Alaska and Canadian cruises,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Alaska and Canadian cruises are among the most desired vacation options in the world, and we look forward to welcoming everyone who’s waited the past three years for this market to fully open.”

According to Transport Canada, a set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew, which will align with the approach used in the United States.

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Cruise ships bound for Alaska set to bypass B.C. this summer after U.S. Senate vote

B.c. says cruise ship travel will resume once pandemic restrictions are lifted.

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Alaska-bound cruise ships will again be docking in B.C waters once federal travel restrictions are lifted, according to the government of B.C, but U.S. cruise ships will be bypassing B.C. until then.

In an effort to save Alaska's summer cruise season, the U.S. Senate passed a bill Thursday which, if also approved by the House of Representatives, allows Alaska-bound ships to travel directly between the State of Washington and Alaska.

Before the pandemic and under the Passenger Vessel Services Act, Alaska-bound ships would have to spend a day in Vancouver or Victoria, bringing in significant tourism revenue to B.C.'s economy.

The Alaska Tourism Recovery Act was introduced as a way to sidestep Canadian restrictions against cruise ship travel between the two states for the upcoming summer season.

In a statement to CBC, the province says the legislation is clear that the changes would automatically be rescinded once Canadian ports are reopened to cruise ships. 

"This means that as soon as Canadian ports are ready to welcome cruise ships again, they will be required by U.S. law to stop here on their way to Alaska, even if the current bill becomes law," according to the ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

In February, Canada extended a ban on cruise ships until at least 2022, but those restrictions could be reversed if pandemic conditions improve enough to allow the resumption of cruising.

"Our government has been relentless in our advocacy to the federal government to support and defend B.C.'s tourism industry and all the people, businesses and communities who depend on it," read the statement.

The province says Premier John Horgan has reached out to Alaska senators and will be meeting with them in the coming weeks to discuss the matter.

In April, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control said passenger travel on cruise ships could resume by mid-July using a phased-in approach  and passengers would be required to be fully vaccinated before boarding.

• B.C. to hire 1,400 laid-off tourism, hospitality workers to help run mass immunization clinics
• Ban on cruise ships until 2022 deals another blow to businesses relying on tourism

Frustration with Canada

The Alaska Tourism Recovery Act was introduced just weeks after U.S. politicians wrote a letter on behalf of Congress to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, expressing frustration with Canada's steps to limit foreign travel. 

"We were shocked by the decision announced by your government last week to extend the ban on cruise ships carrying over 100 passengers until Feb. 28, 2022," read the letter.

"We are particularly concerned that this decision was made without any forewarning to or consultation with Alaska, your neighbour and partner."

Before the pandemic, the cruise industry contributed an estimated $2.5 billion each year to British Columbia's economy.

The bill must still pass in the U.S. House of Representatives and then be signed by President Joe Biden.

With files from Tanya Fletcher

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Alaska officials propose 'Alaska Tourism Recovery Act' to aid cruise, tourism industry amid Canada's COVID concerns

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; and Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska introduced the "Alaska Tourism Recovery Act," legislation that they hope will temporarily relieve restrictions in place as a result of the Passenger Vessel Services Act. 

U.S. maritime law requires international stops on ships flagged in foreign countries, which includes many major cruise lines' ships. The bill would allow cruise ships to sail to Alaska without requiring a stop in Canada. Right now, Canada's ban on cruise ships prohibits such a stop, posing a challenge to Alaska's tourism industry and the cruise industry.

“Canada’s recent decision to prohibit Alaska-bound cruise ships from operating in Canadian waters creates legal hurdles that will hamstring the Alaska cruise season, creating additional economic strain on Alaska’s entire economy, especially in our Southeast communities,” Murkowski said in a release . 

While this is the first bill introduced to circumvent   impacts of Canada's cruise block, it isn't Congress' first effort to address the situation.

Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, introduced "companion legislation" in the House of Representatives, according to the release.

Last week, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure asked Canada to reevaluate its cruise ban, barring ships from Canadian waters until March 2022 .

The Committee sent a letter to Kirsten Hillman, the Canadian ambassador to the U.S., hoping to "encourage" the Canadian government to work with the U.S. and the cruise industry to find a "mutually agreeable solution."

In the letter, the committee expressed its "concern regarding the potential economic impact on local businesses and communities," saying that "by closing Canadian ports to passenger vessels for another year, the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Americans and Canadians are at risk from more job losses and further economic devastation."

Canada's ban not only impacts ships in Canadian waters, it also puts a roadblock in the way of cruises in Alaska, New England, Washington state or the Great Lakes. Ocean cruise ships have not sailed in U.S. waters since March 2020.

The committee suggested allowing stops at Canadian ports without passengers disembarking, noting that could minimize COVID-19 risk Canada is concerned about. 

The letter was signed by Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore.,  who is chair of the committee; ranking member Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo.; Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., who is the chair of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation; ranking member Rep. Bob Gibbs, R-Ohio, who is also on the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation; and Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska..

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The City of Juneau Just Implemented Restrictions on Cruise Ships — Here’s Why

The new rule will go into effect in 2026.

John Elk/Getty Images

The Alaskan city of Juneau will cap cruise ship visitors in the coming years in an effort to combat overtourism in the popular state capital.

The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) reached an agreement with cruise lines to establish limits of 16,000 lower berths per day on Sundays through Fridays and a limit of 12,000 lower berths per day on Saturdays, according to the city . The new agreement will go into effect during the 2026 Alaska cruise season .

Lower berths essentially refer to passenger capacity on a ship.

“The cruise industry is vital to our local economy, and we need to improve our infrastructure and grow our tour capacity to create a great guest experience and reduce impacts on residents,” Juneau Visitor Industry Director Alexandra Pierce said in a statement. “With this agreement, we are committing to a cap to manage our busiest days and to meet annually to ensure that our visitor numbers remain sustainable.”

The agreement was signed by major cruise lines that stop in the city, including Carnival Corporation, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line. 

Renée Limoge Reeve, the vice president of government and community relations at the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), said the agreement “reflects the industry’s ongoing commitment to work with CBJ and the residents of Juneau to deliver win-win partnerships.”

This isn’t the first time the city has implemented rules to limit crowds. Last year, the city passed a similar measure limiting large ships to a maximum of five ships on the same day. That agreement went into effect this year. 

Juneau also isn’t alone in placing restrictions on cruise ships. In 2022, the town of Bar Harbor, Maine, voted to limit disembarking passengers to no more than 1,000 people each day; and last year, the California city of Monterey effectively banned cruise ships by voting to terminate city services for them.

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Cruisetours

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• Alaska Cruisetours

There's nothing else like an Alaska cruisetour with Princess Cruises.

From the incredible glaciers and charming Inside Passage towns of your voyage, to stays in dramatic Princess wilderness lodges at Denali National Park and beyond, it's certain to be the land-and-sea adventure you've always dreamed of. We look forward to welcoming you and being your host in the Great Land.

Flight Guidelines

The following charts offer recommended flight arrival and departure times:

Note: Please be aware that your hotel room may not be available until 4 p.m. on the first day of your cruisetour.

Land Tour First, Then Cruise

Note: Please be aware that your hotel room may not be available until 3 p.m. on the day of your arrival.

Cruise First, Then Land Tour

To report delays en route (flight/weather) US & Canada only 800-545-0008 Outside US & Canada 661-284-4410 Within Australia 13 24 88

Accessibility

Lift-equipped motorcoaches, accessible hotel rooms and seating on trains are limited and need to be secured in advance. Should you need a wheelchair, it is imperative that you bring your own or make arrangements for one to be provided.

You can pre-reserve a wheelchair and have it and other medical equipment delivered on land by contacting Special Needs at Sea at 800-513-4515 (outside the US 954-585-0575) or by visiting the  Special Needs at Sea website .

Alternatively, you can contact Scootaround at 888-441-7575 or  visit the Scootaround website . For any special accessibility requests, please put your request in writing and fax it to the Princess Access Office at 661-284-4408 at least 30 days prior to your travel.

Or if you have questions about the program in general, please call Princess Cruises at 1-800-774-6237.

On Land in Alaska

There are important differences between the cruise and land portions of your cruisetour. Please read the following section to better understand those differences.

Time Zones All Princess destinations in Alaska lie in the Alaska Daylight Time zone, which is one hour earlier than Pacific Standard Time. Seattle, Washington is on Pacific Standard Time, as is Canada's British Columbia and Yukon Territories.

Currency/Banking Information On your Alaska cruisetour, you will enter both the US and Canada. All land expenses incurred in Alaska are in US currency (USD). Any expenses you may incur in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, will be in Canadian currency (CAD).

Expenses on Land For a more seamless and hassle-free experience at the Princess Wilderness Lodges, we recommend using a credit card for purchases such as meals, retail goods, and optional tours. Major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted. However, for those who prefer, cash remains a viable option for all transactions, including optional gratuities. Please note that cash is not accepted onboard the train.

Gratuities Gratuities are not included during the land portion of your cruisetour. Gratuities are a personal matter and an expression of appreciation for genuine, personal service provided by knowledgeable and creative professionals. Below are suggested ranges (in US dollars) to assist you in determining what gratuity amount is appropriate. Please extend any gratuities on an individual basis, not as a group. Cash is accepted.

Electricity Information The US operates on a 110-volt system, and uses a plug with two flat parallel prongs. Most US electrical outlets will have a third round, ground hole. A two-prong plug will still work in a three-hole outlet. If you are traveling from outside the US, you may need a plug adapter and/or voltage converter for electronic devices.

Cell Phone Coverage Given the areas through which you will be traveling, wireless reception may be limited or in some cases, non-existent. Please take this into consideration prior to your departure so that your family and friends are aware. Contact your cell phone carrier to determine limitations and services that exist in Alaska and Canada.

Traveling with Children While traveling in Alaska with infants or children, it is prohibited for the operator of a motor vehicle to transport any person under the age of 16 if they are not secured in that vehicle using a safety device approved by the US Department of Transportation. Alaska law requires that infants and children under the age five be secured in the appropriate car seat, booster seat or other child restraint system. Children and teens five to 16 years of age must be secured using a safety device which is appropriate for that person. It is imperative that you bring any device, beyond a seat belt, that you deem necessary to properly secure your child. Some land or shore excursions utilize smaller vehicles and will require you and your child to be secured while traveling. This includes tours into Denali National Park.

Climate Cruisetours cover a broad range of destinations with an equally wide variety of weather possibilities, so we suggest you bring clothes that are suited to layering. This will offer the greatest flexibility in adapting your clothing to the conditions of the day.

This average low/high temperature chart will give you an idea of what to expect: 

Average Low/High Temperatures (degrees Fahrenheit)

Altitude Many guests have concerns about the altitude encountered during their journeys. The following chart shows the maximum elevations you will encounter on your cruisetour:

Insects Take measures to avoid being bitten by insects and wear light colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs. Regularly apply an insect repellent.

Wildlife Encounters You may encounter some of Alaska's abundant wildlife while ashore. We strongly suggest you keep a good distance from wildlife to avoid danger, and never attempt to touch or feed any of the animals you may see from the ship or while ashore.

Pre-Paid Alaska Meal Plans

Meals/Dining All meals onboard our railcars, at our wilderness lodges and at other hotels are at your own expense unless otherwise specified in the daily tour itinerary. Princess is pleased to offer pre-paid meal packages for the land portion of the Alaska cruisetour. Please contact your Travel Agent or Princess Cruises for more information. The following is a low-to-high range of what you can expect to pay (in US dollars) for meals in Alaska:

Note: Price ranges are approximate and subject to change. Princess will make every effort to meet your special requests for low-sodium, low-fat, low sugar and vegetarian diets. Ask to see the Food and Beverage manager or Hotel Services Manager at your lodge or hotel to communicate your needs.

Pre-Pay Land Excursions

Princess is pleased to offer you the ability to purchase your excursions for the land portion of your cruise tour using the  Manage Booking  at princess.com. Included is a list of land excursion options customized to best fit your itinerary with detailed information about each excursion. When you are ready to purchase your land excursions, go to the  Manage Booking  and have your booking number and credit card information ready to enter. Princess accepts Princess Visa, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Diner’s Club. Confirmed excursions can be viewed at any time in your detailed itinerary in the Manage Booking and will also be listed on your Welcome Envelope that you’ll receive at each cruise tour location during your Princess Land & Sea Vacation. Land excursions may be cancelled up to three (3) days prior to travel without a cancellation fee. Cancellations made within three (3) days of travel are 100% non-refundable. Note that excursion availability is based on cruise tour date, capacity limitations and suitable weather conditions. Land excursions are subject to change at any time and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests are encouraged to book early as space is limited and flightseeing tours in particular may not be available right up to tour departure date. Prior to travel, print your Travel Itinerary which will have a list of all your confirmed land excursions. Make your cruise tour with Princess an even more memorable one and purchase your land excursions today.

Note: For those guests without internet access or requiring assistance, you may call 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237). All phone reservations must be received five days prior to your cruisetour departure date and all cancellations must be received three days prior to your cruisetour departure date.

Cancellation Policy Alaska Land Excursions, purchased through the Manage Booking, may be cancelled up to three days prior to travel without any cancellation fees.  Land Excursions cancelled prior to the cancellation deadline will be refunded to the credit card that you provided in the Manage Booking to purchase your tours.  Excursions cancelled within three (3) days prior travel are subject to a 100% cancellation fee, unless the operator, at their sole discretion, is unable to operate the program due to unforeseen circumstances.  All sales of tours booked while on your land tour are considered final at the time of purchase and are 100% non-refundable except in the case of an operator approved cancellation.

Children Provided that children are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, there is typically no minimum age required on most excursions. Children's prices are available for most tours; in most cases there is no charge for children under the age of two, provided they do not occupy a seat. Individuals under 18 may be required to provide parental written consent if attending the tour alone. For tours involving travel by van, children under the age of five or who weigh less than 40 lbs. must be seated in a child safety seat. (Federal Law does not require child safety in motorcoaches). On helicopter tours, children need to be two or older and require their own seat. On fixed-wing flightseeing tours, children under 24 months of age are considered lap infants and may ride free of charge.

Clothing Given Alaska's fluctuating climate, we strongly suggest you dress in layers and wear comfortable, low-heeled walking shoes or sturdier shoes for activities such as hiking. You might want to bring a fold-up umbrella and a light jacket in your carry-on. Bringing sunglasses on your excursion is highly recommended.

Conditions In selling tickets (including coupons or vouchers) or otherwise promoting or making arrangements for excursions - whether for air, land or local water transportation; tours; sports or any other recreational activities; shore accommodations or meals or for any service, facility or activity other than onboard Princess ships - Princess acts only as agent for the independent tour operator supplying such excursions or services. Participation by a guest on excursions is conditioned upon such guest's acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth in the Passage Contract, the excursion ticket and, depending on the activity, other documents which, among other things, expressly release Princess from any liability for such participation. Participation may also be subject to the independent tour operators' own terms and conditions.

Excursion Departure Times Guests are requested to report to the specified departure location at least ten minutes prior to the time designated on your Welcome Envelope or tour ticket. Checking in with our tour desk hosts is encouraged to reconfirm all tour times.

Excursions with Limited Participation Excursions may be purchased in advance of your departure on a first-come, first-served basis. Many excursions have limited participation and reservations will be processed in the order received. When excursions are fully subscribed, guests are not placed on a waiting list. Guests are encouraged to check in at our tour desks to see if any space has opened up on tours that were previously noted as sold out in the Manage Booking.

Fishing Guidelines - Conditions and seasonality Fish runs are dependent on spawning seasons, weather, river levels, commercial fishing pressure, and numerous other variables. Your fishing location and/or destination could change depending on these conditions and state regulations at the time of your visit. Please remember you have purchased an opportunity to catch fish, not a guarantee to do so. Water conditions vary. Rivers fed by glacier water appear gray due to the high silt content and rivers fed by lake water are clear. The Copper River section features fishing tours on both glacier fed (the Klutina) and clear water (the Gulkana) rivers. Kenai offers clear water fishing on the upper and lower Kenai River. Seasonality of species varies with each river as is mentioned in the tour descriptions.

- Regulations If the Alaska Department of Fish and Game determines that there are not enough salmon entering the river to sustain an adequate regeneration population, the fishing season may be cut back, catch limits decreased, or other similar regulatory rules implemented. In order to conserve salmon and other species, current regulations require you to stop fishing once you have retained the maximum limit by law. Information on Alaska's current regulations can also be found online at the  Alaska Department of Fish and Game . If your tour is not designated as catch and release, your catch can be processed and shipped home for an additional charge. In most cases, this service can be arranged through the fishing guide or the tour company. Due to Alaskan law, the lodges are not allowed to process and/or cook any sport caught salmon. Because of its perishable nature and US Customs regulations, your catch may not be sent outside of the United States in most cases.

- Licensing Fishing licenses are not included in the excursion price. Fishing licenses will be handled locally. We will assist you with arranging a fishing license, either through the guide service, or at the lodge location. Prices for a license will vary depending on the number of days you choose to fish. A one day non-resident sport fishing license is $20. King Salmon require an additional $10 stamp. Go to the  Alaska Department of Fish and Game  for more details on pricing. Children under 16 do not need a fishing license.

Flightseeing Excursions Due to weight and balance limitations of small aircraft, as well as for your own safety and comfort, flightseeing operators require Princess to provide the individual weights of all our guests. As a result, prior to your flightseeing excursion, lodge personnel will be requesting this information from you so that we can provide it to the flightseeing operator in a timely manner. Helicopters may carry up to 6 guests depending on combined group weight and carry-on items are limited to a camera that can be carried on your lap. Please note, the flight length and amount of time spent on the glacier, shown in the duration section of each tour, are approximate and may vary due to weather conditions.

Personal Possessions Personal articles should remain at all times under the guest's custody and control. Be careful that you do not leave your possessions unattended at any time in the vehicle or coach in which you are traveling, unless instructed otherwise. For most flightseeing tours you will be asked to leave behind all carry-on's and our operators have been instructed to secure these for you while you are on tour.

Prices The prices for the excursions are in US dollars and subject to change without notice. All quotations made include conveyance according to the itinerary and, where applicable, meals, refreshments, guides, and entrance fees, unless otherwise stated. Children, other than infants in arms, will be charged full fare unless noted otherwise.

Refunds In the event of any excursion being canceled for reasons beyond our control, a full refund will be made. Land Excursions that were pre-reserved, auto charged and then cancelled due to weather will be refunded using the same credit card used to book your excursions. These refunds will typically be reflected on your credit card statement between 7-10 business days after cancellation. Tours booked while on your land tour are considered final at the time of purchase and are 100% non-refundable except in the case of a cancellation by the vendor. Should any excursion have to be abandoned through force majeure or difficulties en route, the best possible refund will be arranged according to the circumstances.

Service Princess is dedicated to providing the best tour experience possible for our guests and we work with a number of companies to provide a diverse and entertaining tour product for you to choose from.  Each season excursions that surpass expectations and individual guides who provide excellent service are presented awards.  You can assist us with recognizing outstanding tours and guides by simply completing the short service recognition form available at the sales desks at each sales location.  If you experience a problem while on tour, we ask that you immediately contact one of our local managers so that we can work to resolve it while you enjoy the rest of your vacation. 

Smoking We have a no smoking policy while our guests are on transportation tours of any kind or in an enclosed environment.

Tipping Tipping is a discretionary matter. However, it is customary, if one is pleased with the tour, to tip the tour guide.

Transportation The standards of transport vary considerably throughout the state. Air-conditioned coaches are not available in many areas. Guests wishing to travel with friends should all leave together, as this will help the Tour Staff to allocate them space in the same vehicle. For the comfort of all guests, smoking is prohibited aboard the sightseeing vehicles.

Wheelchairs For guests using wheelchairs, we recommend reserving the accessible sightseeing tours as designated by the wheelchair icon in the Manage Booking. Some tours not designated as suitable for wheelchairs may be adaptable to your unique circumstances depending on your abilities. If a particular tour is of special interest, please inquire as to what limitations exist to see if they apply to you. Wheelchairs are not provided by our Tour Suppliers.

Wildlife Guarantee We cannot guarantee that you will see wildlife. Our Tour Suppliers make every effort to fulfill a tour's description; however, weather, time of season and other factors beyond our control can affect wildlife sightings and scenic views.

Withdrawal of Tours The Tour Operator reserves the right to withdraw any excursion through lack of demand and to make any alterations that they may deem advisable for the comfort of the guests, bearing in mind the convenience and best interest of each group.

Denali National Park Tours

Most Princess Alaska cruisetours include an exciting tour through the park; however, Princess offers the flexibility to choose your preferred experience from two unique tour options. Select the appropriate Denali National Park tour experience for you.

For cruisetour guests without an included park tour, you may book your tour through Land Excursions by going to the  Manage Booking®  on princess.com.

To change the Denali Park tour on an existing Alaska cruisetour booking, please have your Travel Agent call Princess. If you didn't use a Travel Agent to book your cruisetour call a Princess Representative at 1-800-426-0442. The price difference will be applied to the booking. Don't wait; availability is limited. Space is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Not all requests can be accommodated. Changes must be made 14 days prior to departure.

Note: No tour operator, including Princess, is authorized to use their own motorcoach inside the park boundary. Sightseeing tours inside of Denali National Park use school buses. Children under 5 years and/or 40 pounds are required to be in a child safety device (car seat) to ride on buses. Guests must bring their own child safety device.

What to Bring

Clothing Suggestions Alaska is very casual both in the evenings, as well as the day. Casual, active sportswear is the best option, as you will likely be enjoying tours and activities outdoors. You'll want comfortable clothes and good walking shoes, and the ability to be layered for everything from sunny afternoons to chilly nights. As the weather can be unpredictable, a warm jacket is advisable.

Here is a brief listing of suggested items:

• Water repellent coat or jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
• Lightweight windbreaker
• Pants or shorts
• Warm coat (temperatures can get lower in the evening)
• Same attire as worn during the day - casual

Other Recommended Items

• Travel alarm clock
• Insect repellent
• Car seat for those traveling with children
• US National Parks pass (not required)
• Collapsible umbrella

All Princess cruisetours include our hassle-free luggage handling service every step of the way. During the land portion of your vacation, we'll take care of transporting your luggage from one location to the next.

Important luggage reminders:

• Essential medicines, travel documents, valuables and breakables should be hand carried in your possession at all times.
• All Alaska luggage tags for the land portion of your cruisetour will be distributed by Princess Representatives in Alaska. Luggage tags for the cruise portion of your cruisetour should be printed prior to leaving home.
• Luggage fees imposed by airlines are the responsibility of each guest. Please check with each carrier prior to departure for specific guidelines.
• Many domestic airline carriers now impose baggage fees for one or more bags and bags weighing over 50 lbs., so check with your carrier regarding weight restrictions.
• Princess will make every effort to assist you in safeguarding your belongings. But remember, you are responsible for your things at all times. Princess is not responsible for money, jewelry, cameras, binoculars, documents or any other articles you retain in your personal control.
• All luggage should have a sturdy personal identification tag that will not be lost or damaged in the course of typical airport and trucked luggage handling.
• On journeys including air travel, luggage will be subject to a considerable amount of handling and we would recommend that your luggage be of sturdy construction.
• Princess recommends that your travel protection is adequate enough to cover any possible loss or damage which may occur. Any loss or damage caused by Princess or an airline must be reported immediately to the responsible party.
• For guests who have purchased an Air Advantage package, please refer to your detailed itinerary found in the  Manage Booking®  for additional details regarding luggage.

Packing for your Land Tour Cruisetours involve many modes of transportation including motorcoaches, trains and sightseeing vehicles so make sure you take only the things you need to ensure comfort for you and your fellow travelers. There are different types of bags to consider for the land portion of your cruisetour.

Hand-Carry Tote/Backpack

• You'll want this bag with you every step of the way, so include only the essentials.
• Items to pack in this bag include travel documents, photo ID, important medication, toiletries, camera, and any extra layers of clothing such as jackets or hats.
• Your hand-carry tote bag should be a size that is comfortable to carry and should be able to be stowed under your seat. We recommend soft-sided tote bags or backpacks no larger than 17" x 14" x 4" with a zip enclosure.
• Wheeled carry on cases that are used to carry-on luggage on airlines are too large and are not suitable as hand-carried luggage on motorcoaches and trains.

"Join Me Tonight" Luggage You are allowed one piece of "Join Me Tonight" baggage per person on the land portion of your cruisetour. You will simply pack one bag and place luggage where instructed. Our handlers will pick it up and deliver it to your room at the next overnight location on your land tour.

• This bag will be transported separately from you and will not be accessible during transit.
• Items to put in this bag include clothing, sleepwear, nonessential toiletries, extra shoes and anything else you might need at your hotel but do not need access to during the day.

"Join Me Onboard" Luggage (for guests who cruise after their land tour)

• Guests who cruise after their land tour should pack a separate bag for items they will not need on land.
• This bag is perfect for the items you may need on your cruise but will not need on your land tour, such as formal wear, dress shoes, or dinner jackets. On the land portion of your cruisetour, the dress code is always casual so there is no need for any formal wear.
• All luggage is delivered to the first destination on your land itinerary. Upon departure from that city, the "Join Me Onboard" tagged bags will be securely stored until they are delivered to your stateroom onboard.

"Join Me in Fairbanks/Anchorage" Luggage (for guests who cruise prior to their land tour)

• Guests who cruise prior to their land tour should pack all the items they used on their cruise and will not need on land in this piece of luggage. After disembarkation from the ship, these bags will be inaccessible until delivered upon your arrival in the final destination of your itinerary.
• Please identify your chosen pieces of luggage (excluding the one "Join Me Tonight" bag) with the "Join Me" tags based on your final destination.

Transportation

Rail Travel

• Government-issued photo identification and boarding information are required prior to embarkation.
• Storage space is limited; we request that your hand-carry tote bag should be a size that is comfortable to carry and should be able to be stowed under your seat. We recommend soft-sided tote bags or backpacks no larger than 17" x 14" x 4" with a zipper enclosure.
• Please do not bring food for consumption onboard.
• Smoking is prohibited in the train cars and the outdoor viewing platforms.

^Expect to pay prices similar to a hotel restaurant. If meals are included or pre-purchased they will be specified in your itinerary in the  Manage Booking® . ^^Travel time is an estimate and varies.

Motorcoach Transportation

• Princess provides trained and knowledgeable drivers for your motorcoach travels.
• Motorcoach segments between all points tend to be shorter in duration than rail.
• Seating aboard the coaches is not assigned, but guests may be asked to rotate throughout each day to allow everyone access to the forward seats.
• Ample stops are made for photo and rest breaks.
• Coaches are equipped with restrooms.
• All sightseeing tours inside Denali National Park are operated by the National Park Service concessionaire. No tour operator, including Princess, is authorized to use their own motorcoach inside the park boundary. Sightseeing tours inside of Denali National Park use school buses.

Accommodations

Hotel Stays

• Princess utilizes both Princess-owned-and-operated lodges as well as independent 3rd party hotels and your cruisetour could include overnight stays at either.
• Check-in time for Anchorage and Fairbanks hotels is typically 4 p.m. on the first day of your cruisetour, while check-out time is no later than 11 a.m. on your final day at each lodge or hotel. If you have charged items of a personal nature to your room, please settle your account at least one hour before departure time.
• You will be assigned a hotel prior to travel. This information will be available in the  Manage Booking®  21 days prior to departure and a notification will be sent to your travel agent.
• Hotels are selected for their location, amenities, staff services or historical significance. In larger cities you will find more modern full-service hotels with televisions and telephones in each room and a choice of restaurants. In smaller cities and in the more remote locations, the hotels, though comfortable, are more rustic and the services are limited.
• Air conditioning is not available at most hotels.
• We communicate the bed configuration requested, but bed types are limited and room assignments are at the discretion of the management of each hotel. As a guideline, accommodations for two guests sharing the same room usually consist of one double/queen bed, two twin beds or a double/queen bed with a fold-out couch. Accommodations for the three guest are one double/queen bed with a fold-out couch or rollaway. Accommodations for four guests are two double/queen beds.
• Smoking is prohibited in the hotel rooms, dining venues and common areas at Princess-owned properties. For other Alaska accommodations, we communicate the smoking or non-smoking preferences, but due to availability, these room types are not guaranteed.
• Some Alaska hotels do not have elevators. If you have special requests or concerns regarding accessibility, or if you would like to request disabled or easy access hotel rooms, refer to the Special Needs/Access section for instructions and contact information.

Shopping Each Princess wilderness lodge features a gift shop where you can purchase sundries as well as gifts and souvenirs. For those that purchase items at the gift shop but don't have room in their luggage, Princess offers our "Ship Shop" program. For your convenience, we offer shipping for your purchases from any of our gift shop locations. A small handling fee will apply in addition to the actual shipping costs, based on local post office rates.

• Asia Cruisetours

Experience the best of China on an Asia Cruisetour with Princess Cruises.

To report delays en route (flight/weather) US & Canada only 800-545-0008 Outside US & Canada 661-284-4410

Airport to first hotel transfers If you purchased a transfer through Princess, you must provide your air arrival information to ensure that we are able to meet and transfer you. Please add air arrival and departure information into the Manage Booking® .

Note: Most flights arrive in Beijing, China between 2 p.m. - 10 a.m. local time.

Princess requires notification in advance if you choose to travel with a wheelchair.

In general, we request that non-ambulatory guests be accompanied by someone who is able to assist them throughout the duration of the tour. We will request additional information to help us determine how best to meet your needs. Many areas require advance planning to be ready to accommodate wheelchairs and we cannot guarantee your needs will be met in the absence of this information.

We have a department designated to assist you in the coordination of these details so that we can provide you with a quality experience. If you have special requests or questions regarding accessibility, please have your travel agent contact Princess Cruises at 1-800-774-6237. You are required to provide your own wheelchair for travel on land tours.

On Land in Asia

• China: +8 hours Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or +16 hours Pacific Standard Time (PST)
• China: Yuan Renminbi (CNY)

Exchange rates fluctuate daily; we suggest you check for the most current exchange prior to your departure. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels, souvenir shops and most venues on tour.

Cash Expenses Unlike cruising, cashless travel does not apply on land. Make sure to have cash and/or a credit card and valid ID on hand. Additional expenses will include and are not limited to: non-included meals at your hotel and elsewhere, room incidentals, shuttle services, laundry, and gift shop purchases. If you wish to charge incidentals to your hotel room, stop by the front desk upon arrival to establish credit.

Meals/Dining Daily breakfast (buffet hot and cold selection) is included in your tour, along with select lunch and dinners. We strongly recommend drinking bottled water while in Asia. Visit the  Manage Booking®  for your detailed itinerary regarding specific inclusions for your tour. Your tour director will also be able to provide you recommendations for meals on your own as well as the hotel concierge.

As a reference point in US Dollars, an espresso coffee in a café will cost between $3.50 - $4.25, bottled water about $2, and sandwich $8 - $14 depending on what city you are dining in.

Tipping Gratuities are a personal matter and an expression of appreciation for genuine, personal service provided by knowledgeable and creative professionals. The customary end-of-tour gratuities to your tour director, full day touring motorcoach driver, local guides and other service staff are not included, as they are at your discretion.

Below are suggested ranges for China to assist you in determining what gratuity amount is appropriate. 

Electricity Information China is 220 volts. An international adapter is recommended and can be requested at hotels. A converter plug is not an adapter. In each country electrical receptacles may be different than those used in the US. Please make sure the plug you are using is always through an adapter and converter that fit the outlet properly as an electrical fire can occur with only a converter.

Cell Phone Coverage Given the areas through which you will be traveling, wireless reception in Asia may at times be limited or in some cases, non-existent. Please take this into consideration prior to your departure so that your family and friends are aware. Contact your cell phone carrier to determine limitations and services that exist.

Traveling with Children Due to heightened security, many countries have adopted practices to prevent international abductions of children. If a child will be traveling with grandparents or with only one parent, it is recommended that a notarized letter be written by the parents or non-traveling parent stating the dates of travel and granting authorization to travel. We suggest that you also contact the appropriate consulates and airlines, who may have additional requirements.

The CDC recommends that you speak with your child's doctor about your travel plans outside of North America. He or she can give you recommendations on which vaccines or medicines are safe for your child. You may also want to consider bringing your child's car seat, as the availability and quality of such seats abroad may be limited.

Climate These average low/high temperature charts will give you an idea of what to expect on your cruisetour.

Optional Land Excursions

There are no optional land excursions available at this time on Asia cruisetours.

You may experience a broad variety of weather on your cruisetour. We recommend that you bring casual, comfortable clothes for sightseeing while on tour.

In China we suggest low-heeled comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, a warm sweater or jacket, a collapsible umbrella as well as an all weather coat. Some venues may restrict entry if clothing is inappropriate or overly casual. Your tour director will inform you in advance as to appropriate dress before visiting these venues.

No formal attire is required at any of the hotel properties or restaurants on tour; however smart casual attire is more appropriate for dinners out.

All Princess cruisetours include our hassle-free luggage handling service every step of the way. During the land portion or your vacation, your luggage will be transported via motorcoach and delivered to your hotel room. Please check with our airline carrier for luggage allowance/restrictions and guidelines prior to departure.

Follow these important luggage reminders:

• Air regulations for domestic air travel in China require that each guest check one suitcase with a maximum weight of 44 pounds on the domestic flights. Weights over 44 pounds may be subject to the excess charges which you will need to pay. These rates vary by carrier and can be as high as 2 USD per pound.

Luggage needed during Land Tour Pack one bag per person to travel with you on the land portion of your vacation. This piece of luggage should include items you might need at your hotel after check-in but do not need access to during the day. The bell staff will deliver the luggage from the motorcoach to your room and vice versa. Your tour director will give you instructions on where to place your luggage. This bag will be transported separately from you and will not be accessible during transit.

• If you are on the Best of China cruisetour, your excess baggage will remain in a secure location at your Beijing hotel during the Xian segment of your tour. We suggest you pack a bag that is manageable for use during the 2-night stay in Xian. If you are on the Best of China cruisetour that includes Shanghai, all of your luggage will travel with you throughout the entire land tour.
• For the Yangtze Experience cruisetour, you are allowed to bring one bag of 44 lbs. during the Xian, Yangtze River and Wuhan segments of your tour. Any excess baggage will remain in a secured location at your Beijing hotel where you will be reunited with it upon your return.
• You will be allowed to stow up to two suitcases per person in Beijing.

Luggage not needed during Land Tour These bags should contain items you may need on your cruise but will not need on your land tour, such as formal wear, dress shoes or dinner jackets. On the land portion of your cruisetour, the dress code is casual so there is no need for any formal wear.

Hand-Carry Tote/Backpack You'll want this bag with you every step of the way, so include only the essentials. Items to pack in this bag include travel documents, photo ID, important medication, toiletries, camera, collapsible umbrella and any extra layers of clothing such as jackets or hats. Your hand-carry tote bag should be a size that is comfortable to carry and should be able to be stowed under your seat. We recommend soft-sided tote bags or backpacks no larger than 17" x 14" x 4" with a zip enclosure. Wheeled carry-on cases that are used as carry-on luggage on airlines are too large and are not suitable as hand-carried luggage on motorcoaches in Asia.

An experienced and knowledgeable tour director will personally join you on your travels on the land portion of your vacation, taking care of all the details. A welcome letter with further details will be provided with your room key upon arrival at your first hotel indicated in your itinerary. It should be noted that the tour director does not accompany you on the cruise portion of your vacation.

Motorcoach Travel

• Princess contracts with trained and knowledgeable drivers for your motorcoach travels.
• Seating aboard the coaches is assigned daily. Your tour director will explain the details.
• Ample stops are made for photo and rest breaks. Please note some coaches may not be equipped with restrooms.
• Coaches are comfortable, equipped with PA system and are air-conditioned.

Hotel Stays Hotels are selected for their location, amenities and staff services. Princess communicates bed configuration requests to the hotels, but bed types can be limited and room assignments are at the discretion of the management of each hotel. While we forward the request, non-smoking rooms are not guaranteed. Disabled rooms are available at the hotels but must be requested in advance. Please put the request in writing and fax it to the Princess Access Office at 661-284-4408 at least 30 days prior to your travel. Or if you have questions about the program in general, please call the Princess Access Office at 661-284-4521.

Your tour director will provide a key packet upon arrival at each hotel and assist with your hotel questions and check-in information. Credit card check-in/check-out is not necessary unless you plan to charge incidentals to your room (phone calls, room service, etc.). Incidentals must be cleared one hour before departure. As a general rule, check-in time at all hotels is not prior to 4 p.m.

• Australia Cruisetours

Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef or explore the infinite beauty of Kakadu National Park on an Australia Cruisetour with Princess Cruises.

Airport to first hotel transfers If you purchased a transfer through Princess, you must provide your air arrival information to ensure that we are able to meet and transfer you. Please add air arrival and departure information into the  Manage Booking.®

Note: Most flights arrive in Sydney, Australia between 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. local time.

Princess requires advance notification if you choose to travel with a wheelchair. 

In general, we request that non-ambulatory guests be accompanied by someone who is able to assist them throughout the duration of the tour. We will request additional information to help us determine how best to meet your needs. Many areas require advance planning to be ready to accommodate wheelchairs and we cannot guarantee your needs will be met in the absence of this information. 

We have a department designated to assist you in the coordination of these details so that we can provide you with a quality experience. If you have special requests or questions regarding accessibility, please have your travel agent contact Princess Cruises at 1-800-774-6237. you are required to provide your own wheelchair for travel on land tours.

On Land in Australia

There are important differences between the cruise and land portions of your holiday. Please read the following section to better understand those differences.

• Cairns, Port Douglas and Sydney:  +10 hours Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or +18 hours Pacific Standard Time (PST)
• Uluru (Ayers Rock), Alice Springs and Darwin: +9.5 hours Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or +17.5 hours Pacific Standard Time (PST)

Note: Sydney observes daylight savings time and will be +19 hours Pacific Standard Time (PST) during the Australian Summer months, December - February.

Currency All additional expenses will be paid in Australian Dollars (AUD). Exchange rates fluctuate daily; we suggest you check for the most current exchange prior to your departure.

Meals/Dining Daily breakfast (buffet hot and cold selection) is included in your tour, along with select lunch and dinners. Visit the  Manage Booking®  for your detailed itinerary regarding specific inclusions for your tour. Your tour director will be able to provide you recommendations for meals on your own as well as the hotel concierge. As a reference point in Australian Dollars, an espresso coffee in a café will cost about $4, bottled water $2, and sandwich $8 - $12 depending on what city you are dining in.

Tipping Gratuities are a personal matter and an expression of appreciation for genuine, personal service provided by knowledgeable and creative professionals. Below are suggested ranges (in Australian dollars) to assist you in determining what gratuity amount is appropriate. The customary end-of-tour gratuities to your tour director and full day touring motorcoach driver are not included, as they are at your discretion.

Electricity Information Australia is 240 volts, 50 cycles AC designed for three flat pins. An international adapter is recommended and can be requested at hotels. A converter plug is not an adapter. Please make sure the plug you are using in Australia is always through an adapter and converter, as an electrical fire can occur with only a converter.

Cell Phone Coverage Given the areas through which you will be traveling, wireless reception may be limited or in some cases, non-existent. Please take this into consideration prior to your departure so that your family and friends are aware. Contact your cell phone carrier to determine limitations and services that exist in Australia. In Australia the emergency dial is 000 (not 911). This will link you to the ambulance, fire and police services. Phone cards are also available from selected newsagents and stores. Public phones accept credit cards and should you need call assistance dial 013.

Climate This average low/high temperature chart will give you an idea of what to expect on your cruisetour. 

Average Low/High Temperatures (degrees Fahrenheit) 

In the tropics humidity can often be high and the weather transitional. Protect against sunburn at all times, strong sun block should be applied regularly and hats are highly recommended.

There are no optional land excursions available at this time on Australia cruisetours.

You may experience a broad variety of weather on your cruisetour. We recommend that you bring casual, comfortable clothes for sightseeing while on tour. In the tropics, shorts, sunglasses, swimsuit, small travel umbrella, comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle will make your touring days comfortable. In the Outback, temperatures cool at night and a light jacket and casual pants may be needed. No formal attire is required at any of the hotel properties or restaurants on tour. If you plan on doing an optional scuba dive at the Great Barrier Reef, you will need to be certified by a recognized program (e.g. PADI, NAUI, SSI) and show proof of certification.

All Princess cruisetours include our hassle-free luggage handling service every step of the way. During the land portion or your vacation, your luggage will be transported via motorcoach or by truck and delivered to your hotel room. Please check with your airline carrier for luggage allowance/restrictions and guidelines prior to departure.

• For domestic Qantas flights within Australia, you are allowed to check one piece of luggage per person, not to exceed 50 lbs per bag. One piece of carry-on baggage is allowed, not to exceed 15 lbs. If you have more than one checked bag you will be required to pay a $40 (AUD) excess baggage fee per additional bag for each domestic flight segment.
• If you have more than 50 pounds, a heavy surcharge of $30 AUD fee will be assessed. Please note: baggage fees are subject to change by the airlines at any time. These prices are accurate as of 2013.

Luggage needed during Land Tour

• Pack one bag per person to travel with you on the land portion of your vacation. This piece of luggage should include items you might need at your hotel after check-in but do not need access to during the day.
• The bell staff will deliver the luggage from the motorcoach to your room and vice versa. Your tour director will give you instructions on where to place your luggage.

Luggage not needed during Land Tour

• You will be allowed to stow one suitcase per person in Sydney while you are on the land portion of your vacation that will be reunited with you in Sydney when you return.
• This bag should contain items you may need on your cruise but will not need on your land tour, such as formal wear, dress shoes, or dinner jackets. On the land portion of your cruisetour, the dress code is always casual so there is no need for any formal wear.
• Items to pack in this bag include travel documents, photo ID, important medication, toiletries, camera, insect repellent, and any extra layers of clothing such as jackets or hats.
• Wheeled carry on cases that are used to carry-on luggage on airlines are too large and are not suitable as hand-carried luggage on motorcoaches in Australia.

An experienced and knowledgeable Australian tour director will personally join you on your travels on the land portion of your vacation, taking care of all the details. A welcome letter with further details will be provided with your room key upon arrival at your first hotel indicated in your itinerary. It should be noted that the tour director does not accompany you on the cruise portion of your vacation.

• Seating aboard the coaches is assigned daily by your tour director.
• Coaches are equipped with restrooms, PA system and are air-conditioned.
• Canada & New England Cruisetours

Visit picturesque ports, historic sites and landmarks, and inspiring scenery on a Canada & New England Cruisetour with Princess Cruises.

Airport to first hotel transfers: Historic America Cruisetour Transfers from the airport to your hotel are on your own. Transfer times vary due to traffic conditions, and taxi/shuttle bus prices can fluctuate, but the following is a guideline to assist you if you make arrangements on your own:

• Washington National Airport to the Doubletree Hotel - 3 mi, 15 min., $25
• Washington Dulles Airport to the Doubletree Hotel - 28 mi, 35 min., $60

Maple Explorer Cruisetour Princess offers transfers for you to purchase. Please provide your air arrival information to ensure that we are able to meet and transfer you.

Princess requires notification in advance if you choose to travel with a wheelchair. 

We will request additional information to help us determine how best to meet your needs. Many areas require advance planning to be ready to accommodate wheelchairs and we cannot guarantee your needs will be met in the absence of this information. 

We have a department designated to assist you in the coordination of these details so that we can provide you with a quality experience. If you have special requests or questions regarding accessibility, please have your travel consultant contact Princess Cruises at 1-800-774-6237. you are required to provide your own wheelchair for travel on land tours.

On Land in Canada and New England

Time Zones Cruisetours are fully within the Eastern Time Zone.

Currency Historic America cruisetour: This tour travels within the United States and all additional expenses will be paid in US Dollars.

Maple Explorer cruisetour: This tour visits cities and sights all within Canada and additional expenses will be paid in Canadian Dollars. Exchange rates fluctuate daily; we suggest you check for the most current exchange prior to your departure.

Cash Expenses Unlike cruising, cashless travel does not apply on land. Make sure to have cash and/or a credit card and valid ID on hand. Additional expenses will include and are not limited to: meals at your hotel and elsewhere, room incidentals, shuttle services, laundry, non pre-purchased optional land excursions and gift shop purchases. If you wish to charge incidentals to your hotel room, stop by the front desk upon arrival at your destination to establish credit.

Meals/Dining Daily breakfast is included in your tour, along with select lunch and dinners. Visit the  Manage Booking®  for your detailed itinerary regarding specific inclusions for your tour. Your tour director will be able to provide you recommendations for meals on your own.

Tipping Gratuities are a personal matter and an expression of appreciation for genuine, personal service provided by knowledgeable and creative professionals. Below are suggested ranges (in US dollars) to assist you in determining what gratuity amount is appropriate.

Electricity Information

North America operates on a 110-volt system, and uses a plug with two flat parallel prongs. Most US electrical outlets will have a third round, ground hole. A two-prong plug will still work in a three-hole outlet. If you are traveling from outside the US, you may need a plug adapter and/or voltage converter for electronic devices.

Cell Phone Coverage Given the areas through which you will be traveling, wireless reception may be limited or in some cases, non-existent. Please take this into consideration prior to your departure so that your family and friends are aware. Contact your cell phone carrier to determine limitations and services that exist in Canada.

Traveling with Children While traveling with infants or children, it is prohibited for the operator of a motor vehicle to transport any person under the age of 16 if they are not secured in that vehicle using a safety device approved by the US Department of Transportation. Local law requires that infants under age five be secured in a child safety device suitable for infants, and that children and teens, five to 16 years of age, are secured using a safety device which is appropriate for that person. It is imperative that you bring any device, beyond a seat belt, that you deem necessary to properly secure your child. Some land or shore excursions utilize smaller vehicles and will require you and your child to be secured while traveling.

Climate This average low/high temperature chart will give you an idea of what to expect on your cruisetour: 

There are no optional land excursions available at this time on Canadian Rockies and Canada & New England cruisetours.

You may experience a broad variety of weather while on your cruisetour. We recommend that you bring casual, comfortable clothes for sightseeing while on tour. No formal attire is required at any of the hotel properties. 

If you are traveling on the Maple Explorer tour, we encourage you to bring clothes that are suited to layering as temperature can fluctuate greatly this time of the year.

All Princess cruisetours include our hassle-free luggage handling service every step of the way. During the land portion or your vacation, your luggage will be transported via motorcoach and delivered to your hotel room. Please check with your airline carrier for luggage allowance/restrictions and guidelines prior to departure.

Luggage needed during Land Tour Pack one bag per person to travel with you on the land portion of your vacation. This piece of luggage should include clothing, sleepwear, nonessential toiletries, extra shoes and anything else you might need at your hotel but do not need access to during the day. The bell staff will deliver the luggage from the motorcoach to your room and vice versa. Your tour director will give you instructions on where to place your luggage. This bag will be transported separately from you and will not be accessible during transit.

Luggage not needed during Land Tour Guests who cruise after their land tour should pack a separate bag for items they will not need on land. This bag is perfect for the items you may need on your cruise but will not need on your land tour, such as formal wear, dress shoes, or dinner jackets. On the land portion of your cruisetour, the dress code is always casual so there is no need for any formal wear. All luggage is delivered to the first overnight hotel on your land itinerary. Upon departure from that city, the bags will be securely stored on the motorcoach during your tour.

Hand-Carry Tote/Backpack You'll want this bag with you every step of the way, so include only the essentials. Items to pack in this bag include travel documents, photo ID, important medication, toiletries, camera, and any extra layers of clothing such as jackets or hats. Your hand-carry tote bag should be a size that is comfortable to carry and should be able to be stowed under your seat. We recommend soft-sided tote bags or backpacks no larger than 17" x 14" x 4" with a zip enclosure. Wheeled carry-on cases that are used as carry-on luggage on airlines are too large and are not suitable as hand-carried luggage on motorcoaches.

Your tour director will provide a key packet upon arrival at each hotel. Credit card check-in/check-out is not necessary unless you plan to charge incidentals to your room (phone calls, room service, etc.). Incidentals must be cleared one hour before departure. As a general rule, check-in time at all hotels is not prior to 4 p.m.

• Europe Cruisetours

Discover the classic beauty of Imperial Europe, the romance of Italy, or the magic of Ireland on a Europe Cruisetour with Princess Cruises.

To report delays en route (flight/weather) US & Canada only 800-545-0008 Outside US & Canada 661-284-4410  

Airport to first hotel transfers If you purchased a transfer through Princess, you must provide your air arrival information to ensure that we are able to meet and transfer you. Please add air arrival and departure information into the Manage Booking.

Princess requires notification in advance if you will be traveling with a wheelchair. In general, we request that non-ambulatory guests be accompanied by someone who is able to assist them throughout the duration of their tour. There are no lift-equipped motorcoaches available and hotels may not have wheelchair accessible rooms. It’s imperative that you bring your own collapsible wheelchair if needed; wheelchairs with air filled tires are better for uneven surfaces which are prevalent in Europe.

If you have special requests or questions regarding accessibility, please have your travel consultant contact Princess Cruises at 1-800-774-6237.

On Land in Europe

While in Europe, exercise the same common sense you would in any large city or unfamiliar place. Carry only small amounts of cash, and keep it in several locations. We recommend that you leave your valuable jewelry, keys and address books at home. Take the necessary safeguards against petty street crime, as it is not uncommon in tourist areas. Essentials like your passport, credit and ATM cards, cash, and travel documents should be kept in a money belt and in your possession at all times or in the hotel safe.

• Europe's Imperial Treasures - Central European Time +9 hours Pacific Time
• Classic Italy - Central European Time +9 hours Pacific Time
• Ring of Kerry - Irish Standard Time +8 hours Pacific Time

Exchange rates fluctuate daily; we suggest you check for the most current exchange prior to your departure.

Cash Expenses Unlike cruising, cashless travel does not apply on land. Make sure to have cash and/or a credit card and valid ID on hand. Additional expenses will include and are not limited to: non-included meals at your hotel and elsewhere, room incidentals, shuttle services, laundry, non pre-purchased optional land excursions and gift shop purchases. If you wish to charge incidentals to your hotel room, stop by the front desk upon arrival at your destination to establish credit.

Dinners & Lunches: Please check your itinerary to see where included. Unfortunately we cannot process requests for special meals. Some venues may be able to provide for a special diet, such as vegetarian or salt-free, but this cannot be guaranteed, and where provided, tends to be repetitive. Any special requests usually cost extra. Please advise your Tour Director at the beginning of the vacation of any food allergies or special requests.

To help you budget: Approximate cost of soft drink/mineral water/coffee Euro 2.40 - 4.00, sandwich Euro 4.80 - 6.40. Please note that soft drinks and mineral water are often as expensive, if not more expensive than wine or beer in Europe.

Tipping Gratuities are a personal matter and an expression of appreciation for genuine, personal service provided by knowledgeable and creative professionals. Below are suggested ranges (in Euro) to assist you in determining what gratuity amount is appropriate.

Electricity Information Voltage requirements can vary throughout Europe. Most continental countries visited will use 220 volts (AC) with two round prongs. England and Ireland use 240 volts with three thick, flat prongs. An international adapter and power convertor is recommended.

Cell Phone Coverage Ask your tour director for information, as long-distance calling cards (AT&T/MCI/Bell/Telstra/Telcom, etc.) are not always your best option. If you do use them, please be aware that different access codes apply, depending on the country you are calling from (remember to bring this information with you from home). Hotels will probably make a connecting charge even to toll-free numbers. Various international long distance calling cards or local phone cards may be available at tobacco stores/kiosks/post offices.

For your mobile phone to function abroad, remember to activate "roaming" or global network-searching option (but find out the possible tariffs before you leave home, as this commodity can be very expensive).

Optional Land Excursions are available upon arrival in each city via your Tour Director.

We recommend that you bring casual, comfortable, easy-care clothes for the land portion of your cruisetour. Please be aware that when visiting places of religious importance, certain dress codes are required. Kindly show your respect and avoid wearing shorts, bare shoulders, low-cut tops and short skirts (above the knee) if scheduled to visit religious sites. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. An umbrella or rain gear may come in handy. Dress for evening excursions is smart casual; no formal dress required.

• Pack one bag and place luggage where instructed by your tour director. The bell staff will pick it up and deliver it from your room to the coach each morning you depart your hotel.
• All luggage is delivered to the first destination on your land itinerary. Upon departure from that city, the bags will be securely stored and returned to your hotel room the final night of the tour.

Classic Italy Cruisetour All of your luggage will travel with you throughout your land tour. Your Tour Director will provide further instructions. Your luggage will be delivered to your stateroom within a few hours of embarking the ship.

Imperial Treasures Cruisetour All of your luggage will travel with you throughout your land tour. Your Tour Director will provide further instructions. Your luggage will be delivered to your stateroom within a few hours of embarking the ship.

Ring of Kerry Cruisetour All of your luggage will travel with you throughout your land tour. Your Tour Director will provide further instructions. If you have more than one piece of checked luggage on the flight from Cork to Heathrow, you will be charged a fee up to 35EU for the second bag.

Remember to keep all documents, valuables, medications, and your camera in your hand-carried bag.

An experienced and knowledgeable tour director will personally join you on your travels on the land portion of your vacation, taking care of all the details. A welcome letter with further details will be provided with your room key upon arrival at your first hotel indicated in your itinerary. It should be noted that the tour director does not accompany you on the cruise portion of your vacation. Local guides are used as well for their unique perspective and experience in their areas of expertise.

• Seating aboard the coaches is rotated daily.
• Coaches are equipped with restrooms. Due to limited maintenance facilities, we ask that the restroom be used for emergency situations only.

Hotel Stays While we communicate specific requests, bed types and room locations can be limited; therefore room assignments are at the discretion of hotel management. While the requests are communicated, non-smoking rooms are not guaranteed. As a general rule, check-out is before noon and check-in is after 4:00 p.m. Air conditioning is not available at some hotels.

Shopping Sales tax or VAT (value added tax) is already included on price tags; VAT refunds, if applicable, may take up to three months to process. In order to obtain VAT refunds, special forms usually have to be stamped by customs. Please check with stores at time of purchase for information.

Shopping Specialities:

• Austria: Swarovski silver crystal, Viennese enamel jewelry, Geiger lodenware
• Czech Republic: Bohemian crystal, artistically designed multicolor glass, linen, classical music CDs
• Germany: wood carvings and religious items (Bavaria), cuckoo clocks (Black Forest), glass, crystal, Meissen and Rosenthal porcelain, knives and scissors (Solingen), Christmas decorations (Saxony), toys (Nürnberg)
• Hungary: peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, paprika
• Italy: craftwork, designer goods
• Ireland: Aran sweaters, Donegal tweed jackets, Waterford crystal

Note: Anyone purchasing counterfeit items such as CDs/DVDs, bags, wallets, watches, sunglasses, etc. risk a substantial fine (equivalent to thousands of dollars); plain clothes policemen circulate in crowds.

• South America Cruisetours

Discovering the mystery of Machu Picchu or awe inspiring Iguazu Falls on a South America Cruisetour with Princess Cruises.

Airport departure taxes may apply in Santiago, Lima, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro and are payable in local currency. These will be the responsibility of the guest.

All U.S.,  Australian, Mexican and Albanian citizens entering Santiago, Chile, through the International Airport must pay a reciprocity fee before passing through customs. It's very important to know that this fee cannot be paid in advance and must be paid by every person directly at the Immigration Office at the International Airport. It must be paid in USD by cash or credit card (American Express or Visa) or American travelers checks. Amounts are subject to change without previous notice and are as follows:

Argentina Reciprocity Fee

Canadian, and Australian passport holders visiting Argentina are required to  pay a reciprocity fee online.

This fee must be paid by credit card prior to your cruise and is required regardless of whether you choose to remain onboard or go ashore. The reciprocity fee amounts are as follows:

Once paid, print and bring the electronic ticket with you to cruise check-in. Please note, the ticket reads "TASA DE RECIPROCIDAD" at the top and has a bar code at the bottom. Do not pack the reciprocity document in your checked luggage, as you must present the ticket with an official bar code at cruise check-in or risk being denied boarding.

Princess requires advance notification if you will be traveling with a wheelchair. In general, we recommend that non-ambulatory guests be accompanied by someone who is able to assist them throughout the duration of their tour. There are no lift-equipped motorcoaches available and hotels do not have wheelchair accessible rooms. It's imperative that you bring your own collapsible wheelchair if needed. If you have special requests or questions regarding accessibility, please have your travel agent contact Princess Cruises at 1-800-774-6237.

Iguazu Falls Experience and Iguazu Falls Adventure

• Touring in Argentina does not involve a considerable amount of walking , but guests who depend on wheelchairs for mobility or who require assistance walking, will find it difficult to participate in some sightseeing.
• The Argentinean side of the Falls is accessible; the Brazilian side is not.

Machu Picchu Explorer

• If you have heart problems or high blood pressure, you should consult your doctor first.
• Cusco has an elevation of 11,203 feet above sea level.
• At Machu Picchu there are approximately 200 steps to walk up, so you must be in good general health to do this tour. It is not wheelchair accessible.

On Land in South America

While in South America, exercise the same common sense you would in any large city or unfamiliar place. Carry only small amounts of cash, and keep it in several locations. We recommend that you leave your valuable jewelry, keys and address books at home. Take the necessary safeguards against petty street crime, as it is not uncommon in tourist areas. Essentials like your passport, credit and ATM cards, cash, and travel documents should be kept in a money belt and in your possession at all times or in the hotel safe.

Time Zones Iguazu Falls Experience and Iguazu Falls Adventure

• Argentina Time +5 hours Pacific Standard Time (PST)
• Brazil Time +6 hours Pacific Standard Time (PST)

Machu Picchu Explorer:

• Peru Time +3 hours Pacific Standard Time (PST)

Currency Iguazu Falls Experience and Iguazu Falls Adventure:

• Iguazu Falls & Rio de Janeiro - Brazilian Real
• Chile - Chilean Peso
• Peru - Nuevo Sol

Cash Expenses Unlike cruising, cashless travel does not apply on land. Make sure to have cash and/or a credit card and valid ID on hand. Additional expenses will include and are not limited to: meals at your hotel and elsewhere, room incidentals, shuttle services, laundry, and gift shop purchases. If you wish to charge meals, drinks or phone calls to your hotel room, stop by the front desk upon arrival at your destination to establish credit.

Meals/Dining Daily breakfast is included in your tour, along with select lunch and dinners. Visit the  Manage Booking®  for your detailed itinerary regarding specific inclusions for your tour. Your tour director will be able to provide you recommendations for meals on your own. Included dinners generally feature beef options, please provide any dietary needs to your tour director the day of arrival.

Following is a general price range of what you may expect to pay for meals (in US dollars):

Tipping The customary end-of-tour gratuities to your tour director and motorcoach driver are not included, as they are at your discretion. Gratuities are a personal matter and an expression of appreciation for genuine, personal service provided by knowledgeable and creative professionals. Below are suggested ranges (in US dollars) to assist you in determining what gratuity amount is appropriate.

Electricity Information Electricity in Argentina, Peru and Chile is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC). Wall outlets usually take continental-type plugs, with two round prongs. Iguazu Falls and Rio de Janeiro are 110 volts that use three prongs; two flat and one round. An international adapter and power converter is recommended.

Cell Phone Coverage Ask your tour director for information, as long-distance calling cards are not always your best option. If you do use them, please be aware that different access codes apply, depending on the country you are calling from (remember to bring this information with you from home). Hotels will probably make a connecting charge even to toll-free numbers. Various international long distance calling cards or local phone cards may be available, so ask your tour director to direct you to the most convenient location to purchase.

Iguazu Falls and Machu Picchu's rainy season is December - March.

There are no optional land excursions available at this time on South America cruisetours.

Clothing Suggestions We recommend that you bring casual, comfortable, easy-care clothes for the land portion of your cruisetour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. An umbrella or raingear are recommended. Dress for evening excursions is smart casual; no formal dress is required.

All Princess cruisetours include our hassle-free luggage handling service every step of the way. During the land portion of your vacation, your luggage will be transported via motorcoach and delivered to your hotel room. Please check with your airline carrier for luggage allowance/restrictions and guidelines prior to departure.

Iguazu Falls Experience Cruisetour Please be sure to pack an overnight bag for your stay in Iguazu Falls. All other luggage will be stored at the hotel in Rio de Janeiro. The checked baggage allowance on the flight from Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls is 50 pounds per person. One piece of carry-on baggage is allowed not to exceed 11 pounds.

• It is important to remember to keep all valuables, medications and documents, including your passport, on your person. Please don't pack your airline tickets or cruise documents in your checked luggage.

Iguazu Falls Adventure Cruisetour All of your luggage will travel with you throughout the entire land tour. The checked luggage allowance on the flight from Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls is 50 pounds per person. One piece of carry-on bag is allowed not to exceed 11 pounds. The checked baggage allowance on the flight from Iguazu Falls to Buenos Aires is 33 pounds per person. One piece of carry-on luggage is allowed not to exceed 6 pounds. Princess Cruises will pay for any overweight checked luggage fees up to 50 additional pounds per person.

Machu Picchu Explorer Cruisetour You are allowed a checked bag not to exceed 44 pounds per person on the flight from Lima to Cusco and vice versa. All other luggage will be stored in Lima where you will reunite with it when you return. The checked baggage allowance on the flight from Lima to Santiago is 50 pounds per person. One piece of carry-on luggage is allowed.

Please follow these recommendations for packing:

An experienced and knowledgeable tour director will accompany you on your travels, taking care of all the details. Included meals will be noted on your itinerary. The tour directors will do their utmost to accommodate individual preferences within the pre-reserved times. Unless otherwise stated, he or she accompanies you throughout your land travels, but does not accompany you on any flight between the cruise and tour, or on your Princess cruise. Local guides are used as well for their unique perspective and experience in their areas of expertise.

• Coaches are equipped with restrooms

Hotel Stays While we communicate specific requests, bed types and room locations can be limited; therefore room assignments are at the discretion of hotel management. While the requests are communicated, non-smoking rooms are not guaranteed. As a general rule, check-out is before noon and check-in is after 4 p.m.

Shopping Santiago shopping highlights include leather goods, shoes, cashmere sweaters and wine.

The handicrafts in Peru are highly prized throughout the world. A large variety of silverware, alpaca and vicuna woolen goods and garments in pima cotton can be bought. Original antiquities ("huacos", ceramics, colonial-era paintings, Inca textiles and metal objects, etc.) which may be considered Peru's cultural heritage, cannot be taken out of the country.

Brazil offers a wide range of shopping options, from the various kinds of handicraft to sophisticated clothing, at very reasonable prices. Beautifully designed jewelry is found with prices much below international standards.

More Frequently Asked Questions

• Prepare for Your Cruise
• Before You Leave for Your Cruise
• What To Pack for a Cruise
• Travel & Transportation
• Shore Excursions
• Onboard Experience
• Cruising with Family & Kids
• Dining & Nightlife
• Keeping in Touch
• Disembarkation
• Report a Lost Item or Luggage
• Onboard Stateroom Account

Common questions and topics

The OceanReady® Process

Princess MedallionClass® FAQ

Crew Appreciation

Dress Code and What to Pack for a Cruise

Cancellation Policy

Future Cruise Credits (FCC)

Travel Documents

Prohibited Items

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Bears, basketball & boundless outdoors: come on our family cruise to Alaska

Alaska cruises make for great family vacations thanks to fantastic wildlife, ample onboard entertainment and plenty of opportunities for adventure, as Harriet Mallinson found out this summer.

“Tail!” kids squeal with excitement

Summer vacation friendships are in full swing as we sail out of Seattle.

Before most adults onboard have so much as looked at their suitcases the kids have donned their swimwear and are hurling themselves into the swimming pools with abandon, leaping, bellyflopping and backflipping alongside new-found buddies.

Iconic downtown Seattle skyline

Parents might well be admiring the skyline: look, there’s Mount Rainier! Oh, the Space Needle! But it’s the children who are really doing this Holland America Line (HAL) Sailaway right as they pile into the jacuzzi and basketball courts or co-opt the ping-pong tables before digging into hot dogs and pizza with gusto.

There’s no need to rush, though, we’re cruising up the Pacific coast to Alaska for the week onboard HAL ship Eurodam and there’s plenty onshore and onboard to keep the whole family well and truly entertained whether you’re after animals, pirate nights or a slice of the great outdoors.

Nugget Falls, Juneau, Alaska

Exploring the wilds of Alaska by cruise

Juneau’s Auk Bay recently celebrated some pretty Big News: flushing toilets were installed for the first time and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in celebration – but that’s not why the tourists flock to this destination.

The bay is the starting point for whale-watching shore excursions – an absolute must-do when cruising Alaska (top tip – book these promptly via Holland America Line when you purchase your cruise as they sell out quickly).

Whale watching excursion, Juneau

Generally suitable for kids aged five and up, these trips out into Alaskan waters guarantee whale sightings (or $100 back) – and we’re not disappointed. “Tail!” the children squeal excitedly as we spot first the majestic beasts’ blow, then their shiny backs, before finally, the iconic wide V flips up before disappearing into the deep.

Although wildlife watching requires a fair bit of patience, the excursion proves popular with the youngsters as they try to count how many we’ve sighted or wonder what they might be up to underwater (sleeping, seems to be the general juvenile consensus).

The sea lions we later glimpse come with far less mystery, however. Slumped on a colourful buoy, they loll in the sunshine and scratch themselves like moody teenagers, exuding “You can’t sit with us” vibes – although you might not need to leave the ship to spot this amongst your own older offspring.

Mums and dads, note it’s well worth bringing binoculars with you to admire the animals up close (although our boat does come equipped accordingly for those without).

Margerie Glacier

Kids become Junior Park rangers on Alaska cruises

It’s the day in Glacier Bay National Park that really delivers the goods. Park rangers come on the ship for the morning and afternoon to hold different kid-specific sessions on such topics as barnacles, trees and whales. Did you know, a humpback’s tail is the strongest muscle in the animal kingdom and it can terminate a killer whale with a single thwack?

Children also have the opportunity to become a Junior Ranger. Armed with a special activity and colouring book, they can complete a plethora of fun and educational activities to win their Junior Ranger patch, from learning about glaciers to writing a postcard home.

Adults’ needs are well catered for by the rangers, too, as the pros announce ship-wide over loudspeaker what to look out for. Margerie Glacier is undeniably the highlight: an almighty frozen wall (Game of Thrones springs to mind) that’s one of Alaska’s most photographed features. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, sea otters and humpbacks during your time here as well; you might even see a bear, moose or mountain goat on shore, too.

For more bears during your Icy Strait port of call in Glacier Bay National Park (the spot is home to the densest population of bears in the world, with three to every human!), the Spasski River Valley Wildlife & Bear Search excursion gets rave reviews while anyone after thrills on Alaska cruises will love the zip-lining or ATV tours (although be sure to check the age restrictions).

Mother bear and cubs, Fortress of the Bear

Admire Alaskan lumberjacks at work

Over in Sitka, your best bet for wildlife opportunities on Alaska cruises is the Sea Otter Quest, Holland America Line’s wildlife expert tells me. But if you’re trying to save money you can independently hop on a bus to visit the Fortress of the Bear (an educational bear rescue centre) and the Raptor Center (the largest bird treatment centre in Alaska).

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show audience participation!

Meanwhile, for something a bit different, the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan provides an excellent hour of entertainment for all ages just moments away from where the ship is docked.

The spectacle pits an ‘American saw mill’ against a Canadian rival and sees the lumberjacks (complete with plaid shirts and bulging biceps) chop tree trunks, shimmy up poles, run across floating logs and hurl axes as the crowd shouts “Yo ho” to support their allotted team.

You’ll even win a prize if you cheer the most enthusiastically and one kid always walks away with their very own freshly carved little chair (although good luck squeezing that in your carry-on ).

Eurodam in Ketchikan

Escape the parents at the kids’ club

Back onboard, Club HAL is where the children can shed the parents for the day, with age-specific events held for each programme such as charades, hula hoop contests and Zip Zap Zup.

There are also surprise themed nights every night from spies to pirates when kids can dress up and take part in special activities.

Guided family kayaking excursion, Alaska cruises

The jewel in Eurodam’s crown when it comes to the kids club, though, is High Score (only available on this ship and sister HAL vessel Oosterdam) – available to eight-year-olds and upwards in the afternoon and all ages in the evening.

It’s packed with so many fun games I’m reluctant to leave drop-off; think giant slide puzzles, wall mazes, table football, pinball machines, video arcades, air hockey, skeeball and more. No really, can I stay and play?

Top tip: head on over to the open house session on day one so you and the family can see how the kids’ club works and the staff can meet their future charges. However, only do so if your child has the energy for it, a crew member warns – embarkation day is long and a tired little traveller might get a negative first impression.

Additionally, be sure to alert staff to any special needs and don’t be late picking them up – Club HAL has a two-strike policy before kids aren’t allowed to return (and you don’t want to spoil daily happy hour from 4pm-5pm!).

Smores on the shore, Juneau, Alaska

Alaska cruises let you enjoy time together as a family

To enjoy fun and games altogether on Eurodam, swing by the vast lounge area in the Crow’s Nest – there are oodles of board games and jigsaws here plus plenty of comfortable seating for whiling away a relaxed sea day (yes, there’s a bar too). Plus, its vantage point means you can keep an eye out for that spectacular Alaskan scenery and maybe even some wildlife!

Elsewhere there are regular pickleball tournaments, art classes, wildlife talks, trivia sessions, line dancing opportunities and more to keep everyone entertained.

Want a bit of quiet? The library offers a more secluded sanctuary and is teaming with fiction and non-fiction books plus a whole section of Young Adult options for budding bookworms.

Quiet time on Alaska cruises! Gazing at Mendenhall Glacier

Come evening Eurodam is awash with music, from piano duets to upbeat bands. If you and the gang enjoy a boogie, get on down to BB Kings’ dancefloor, while you’ll want the World Stage for full-blown performances, from comedy nights to breathtaking dance shows.

One night the ship even hosts a “Chocolate Surprise” event which sees waiters serving up a smorgasbord of choccy treats which attracts cruisers from all age groups.

And, before you know it, that Seattle skyline will be looming back into view as one of the most thrilling Alaska cruises comes to an end. You may never want to see a hot dog again, but those friendships you forged could well last a lifetime.

7-Day Alaskan Explorer with Holland America Line

Cruise itinerary.

Seattle, USA; Puget Sound, USA; Stephens Passage, USA; Juneau, USA; Glacier Bay, USA; Icy Strait Point, USA; Sitka, USA; Ketchikan, USA; Victoria, Canada

Book your family cruise to Alaska with Holland America Line

Related articles, here be dragons family sailing trip to mythical komodo island in indonesia, 'let's go sailing' how to do greek island vacations differently with kids, one love: falling for a first time mum and daughter caribbean cruise, love to travel with your family.

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Watch CBS News

Alaska set to limit daily number of cruise ship passengers who can visit Juneau

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

Updated on: June 6, 2024 / 4:59 AM EDT / CBS News

Cruise aficionados looking to experience Alaska's capital, Juneau, may have to vie for permission to disembark and step foot on land, under a new agreement between the city and major cruise lines that sail there. 

The agreement between Juneau and Cruise Lines International Association in Alaska (CLIA), finalized last week, seeks to limit the number of daily cruise passengers who can arrive in Juneau to 16,000 on Sundays through Fridays, and to 12,000 on Saturdays, effective in 2026. 

The measure intends to limit the congestion and wear and tear tourists can cause a city. Visitors to Juneau skyrocketed to a record 1.6 million last year, after the pandemic depressed numbers for two years. Other popular cities have taken similar measures to limit tourists and their effect on daily life for residents. For example, Venice, Italy, in April became the first city in the world to charge day-trippers a fee just to enter  on peak days.

Alaska's new agreement is designed to cap levels of visitors to roughly where they are now.

"The cruise industry is vital to our local economy, and we need to improve our infrastructure and grow our tour capacity to create a great guest experience and reduce impacts on residents," Juneau Visitor Industry director Alexandra Pierce said in a statement Tuesday. "With this agreement, we are committing to a cap to manage our busiest days and to meet annually to ensure that our visitor numbers remain sustainable."

CLIA, the cruise lines association, applauded the measure, calling the agreement "a well-balanced and thoughtful approach to keeping Juneau a great place to live and visit."

"Ongoing, direct dialogue with local communities is the best way to jointly self-regulate to preserve great resident and visitor experiences while providing a predictable market for the many local businesses that rely on the cruise industry," CLIA said in part in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch.

In Alaska, residents have complained that record numbers of visitors contribute to bad traffic and increase noise pollution when they visit glaciers by helicopter. On the other hand, many local businesses rely on the cruise industry and the steady flow of visitors it provides, the city of Juneau acknowledged in a statement . 

Cruise seasons have also been extended from early April to late October, offering year-round residents little reprieve from tourists' presence.

Under a separate agreement, only five large ships are permitted a day during the current cruise season. 

Pierce said other projects in the works will also likely diminish the impact tourists have on the city. They include installing a gondola at the city's ski area, updating its downtown sea walk and expanding capacity for visitors at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. 

City leaders are "trying to balance the needs of our residents, the needs of our economy, the needs of future opportunities for people to stay in our community," she said.

The agreement has its skeptics, though. Cruise industry critic Karla Hart says the new measure isn't sufficient to curb unsustainable levels of tourism. "It feels like we're just getting led along again, and expansion will continue and more time will pass," she said, according to the Associated Press. 

Hart is behind a local ballot proposal that would ban ships of at least 250 passengers from stopping in Juneau on Saturdays or on July 4. 

—The Associated Press contributed to this report

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

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