Cruising Travel Arrangements Checklist:
1. Proof of Identity
Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise and is the responsibility of the guest. Any guest traveling without proper documentation will not be allowed to board the vessel, and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to show a U.S. passport. A passport is the easiest form of ID and is recommended. If you do not have a passport, you should be prepared to provide a valid government-issued photo ID (i.e. Driver’s License) and proof of U.S. citizenship in the form of a government-issued (not hospital-issued) U.S. birth certificate.
It is important that guest names on travel documents be identical to those on the cruise booking. Otherwise, proof of name change (i.e. a marriage license) AND a valid driver’s license or government-issued photo ID must be presented.
If you would like to order a passport or just renew one, please click here for more information.
2. Healthy Traveling Requirements
All Guests embarking are strongly encouraged, but not required, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you would like to show your proof of vaccination, that documentation must be shown during check-in for embarkation.
At embarkation, all guests are recommended but not required to test for COVID-19 prior to their vacation. A health questionnaire (provided with your cruise ticket) as well as a touchless temperature check, will need to be completed prior to check-in.
OPTIONAL ITEMS
Transportation
There are a few options to get to the Port of Miami.
- There is terminal parking for approximately $25 per day.
- An Uber to the port from Miami International airport costs $24 - $42.
If you are renting a car during your Florida visit, rental cars are equipped with toll transponders.
Travel Insurance
The unexpected happens. FamilyLife strongly encourages all guests to consider the benefits of travel insurance to protect their investment. While FamilyLife passionately espouses the value of extending the mercy of Jesus Christ to its guests during these unexpected circumstances, FamilyLife must also abide by the policies set in forth in the Love Like You Mean It Terms and Conditions.
Our travel insurance provider is Travel Guard. We are offering their Preferred Plan, which provides a wide variety of coverage at a great value. After a stateroom has been reserved with the required deposit, a complimentary insurance quote will be included in your confirmation invoice. You will have 14 days from the date of deposit to evaluate and purchase the insurance by clicking the link provided or by calling our Guest Services Team at 877-956-4896.
- Does FamilyLife have hotel recommendations for before and/or after the cruise?
Yes. We will arrange hotel room blocks at a later date. FamilyLife will not be responsible for the reservation between you and the hotel. Please check back for a list of hotels at a later date.s. We will arrange hotel room blocks at a later date. FamilyLife will not be responsible for the reservation between you and the hotel. Please check back for a list of hotels at a later date.
- What time should we arrange our flight arrival and departure from the Miami area airports?
Guests flying into the Miami area airports (MIA, FFL) should plan to have flights arrive by 12:00 pm on February 14th and depart at 1 pm or later on February 21st. The drive to/from the Miami (MIA) airport to the cruise terminal is 20 to 30 minutes (depending on traffic).
*If you choose to fly into Ft. Lauderdale Airport (FLL), please know this is 45 minutes away from the Port of Miami (depending on traffic.) - What should I pack?
- Casual attire for each day for both on board and ashore (a light sweater for the evenings/main sessions, swimsuits)
- Resort attire for dining in restaurants
- Themed Nights:
- White Night attire (optional) - bring a fun white outfit
- Valentine’s Day Formal Night Attire (optional) - ranging from your Sunday’s best, up to tuxedos and ball gowns.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats (protect yourself from the sun)
- Medications, motion sickness patches, tums, etc. (some items are available for purchase onboard)
- Since you may opt to check your luggage with the porters the night before we return home, don't forget to bring an overnight bag packed with a change of clothes, prescriptions, and other must-have items.
- What should I not pack?
- Alcohol, firearms, sharp objects such as blades and scissors, flammable and explosive material, items with heating elements (excluding hair dryers, hair Irons and hair straighteners), or open flames (e.g. clothing irons, kettles, hotplates, candles, incense, steamers), drones. If explosive material, guns or illegal drugs are detected, law enforcement will be immediately alerted. MSC Cruises will be forced to deny access to any guests not complying with these mandated regulations. In the interest of health and safety, beverages and food (including partially eaten or home cooked items) may not be brought on board either. Exception: dry, packaged and commercially produced foods.
- Leave your towels at home! The cruise line has both beach and bath towels onboard for your use.
- Can I bring my CPAP machine?
Yes, but you must bring your own equipment. Please hand-carry these items and do not place them in checked luggage. There is one electrical outlet in each stateroom located in the area of the desk/vanity. The outlet has a 3-prong 110-volt (North America Grounded) and a 220-volt (Europe German-Style). You should bring your own extension cord and distilled water to accommodate your equipment comfortably.
*** Please fill out this special needs form. You must email your completed form to specialneeds@msccruisesusa.com and have a printed version on hand during your check in process. - What if I require a wheelchair?
There are varying ADA cabins available onboard. Please call our LLYMI Team at 855-208-8822 to book an available ADA cabin.
Guests that require constant use of a wheelchair or any other form of support must bring their own equipment with them, either personal or rented. It is the responsibility of the guest to:- check with the relevant producers/suppliers that this equipment is safe to take on board for use on a cruise ship
- to arrange its delivery to the departure terminal in good time for embarkation
- to arrange its collection at the end of the cruise
***Guests that require use of a wheelchair onboard must complete this MSC’s Special Needs form. Please email your completed form to specialneeds@msccruisesusa.com and have a printed version on hand during your check in process.
***Suggested wheelchair rental companies: https://www.specialneedsatsea.com
https://scootaround.com/en - What is the Embarkation Day process?
- Cruise Line Booking Number
You will receive a reservation letter with your booking number a few months before we sail. You will use your booking number to make additional accommodations for your reservation such as excursions, drink packages, internet packages, etc (add-ons typically purchased within 60 days from sailing). - Directions to the port and information about parking
CLICK HERE for more information on Port Miami Cruise Terminal of Miami, FL, including directions, fees, and parking. The address to use for your GPS is 1015 N America Way, Miami, FL 33132 and follow the signs for the MSC Cruises terminal. - Time to arrive at the cruise port in Miami, Florida
You will need to arrive at the port between 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM on embarkation day to check in and board. All guests must be onboard no later than 4:00 PM.
*** Arrive at the terminal with luggage tags already attached to luggage
*** FamilyLife® is not responsible for delayed flights or arrivals to the Port Terminal. - What to have on hand during the check in process:
- Passport OR
- Driver’s license with your birth certificate and marriage license
Cruise Tickets - Completed Health Questionnaire
- Special Needs Form (if needed - CPAP, wheelchair, etc)
- Cruise Line Booking Number