celebrity cruises - Cruise Line Company Info

Celebrity Cruises Terms & Conditions

Celebrity Cruises Bookings Conditions

What clothing should I pack?

You will need three types of clothing on your Celebrity cruise: casual shipboard attire or day wear, conservative port wear and evening wear. Day wear includes slacks or pants, blouses or shirts, knit tops or polo shirts. In contrast to the warmer temperatures of Bermuda and the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe have mild summers. For cooler days or evenings, pack a sweater and a lightweight windbreaker. Bring a pair of sneakers or rubber-soled shoes for deck sports and a swimsuit cover-up for cool areas on the ship. Suggested port wear includes jeans, slacks, sweaters, jackets, windbreakers and hiking boots. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and a raincoat and an umbrella are recommended. Evening wear should be planned for according to the following evening dress schedule:

Cruise Length         Smart Casual and Above     Formal

04 Nights                                 3                                     1

05 Nights                                 4                                     1

06 Nights                                 5                                     1

07 Nights                                 5                                     2

08 Nights                                 6                                     2

09 Nights                                 7                                     2

10 Nights                                 8                                     2

11 Nights                                 9                                     2

12 Nights                                 9                                     3

13 Nights                                10                                    3

14 Nights                                11                                    3

15 Nights                                12                                     3

Attire

Casual Nights - a gentleman’s choice includes a sports shirt and trousers, while women will be comfortable in a trouser suit or skirt and blouse. Informal Nights – gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket, shirt and tie, while women may want to wear a suit or dress. Formal Nights – including the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party and Dinner and the Captain’s Farewell Dinner – both men and women may prefer a more dressy attire, such as an evening gown for women and a tuxedo for men (although a tuxedo is not essential). Clothing recommendations for those guests traveling on a Cruisetour are similar.

Tuxedo Rental

Celebrity’s tuxedo rental service offers a convenient way to have elegant formal wear delivered directly to your stateroom. To order, or for more information, please visit www.cruiselineformal.com

Can a special request be guaranteed?

Regrettably, no. If you have a special request, please give details in writing to your travel agent at the time of booking. While our suppliers and we will endeavor to meet reasonable special requests, we regret we cannot guarantee that we/ the supplier will be able to do so. Not meeting any special request for any reason will not be a breach of contract. If a special request can only be met at an additional cost, that cost will either be invoiced prior to departure or will be payable locally. Unless specifically agreed by us in writing at the time of booking, we cannot accept any booking which is conditional on a special request being satisfied. Such bookings will be treated as “normal” bookings subject to the above comments on special requests.

What about electrical equipment and laundry?

The on board voltage is 110/220 AC (maximum 1500 watts) so please take any necessary adapters. Hairdryers are provided in all staterooms throughout the Celebrity fleet. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available on a 24-hour service. Prices will vary by garment type. At time of printing, computer links in staterooms are not available. Please note: It is no longer mandatory to carry electrical equipment in your hand luggage as it can now be carried in check-in baggage.

Travelling with Children

Infants sailing on a cruise/cruisetour must be at least 6 months old as of the first day of the cruise/cruisetour. However, for Transatlantic, Transpacific, Hawaii, and selected South American and other cruises/ cruisetours, the infant must be at least 12 months old (as of the first day of the cruise/ cruisetour). To view the full list of cruises for which the requirement applies, please visit www.celebritycruises.com/infants. Denial of boarding for infants who do not satisfy these minimum age requirements may also result in the denial of boarding for one or more guests sailing with that infant. No refunds or other compensation shall be due from the cruise line to anyone as a result of the denial of boarding to an underage infant or other accompanying guests. If a child is cruising under your supervision and exhibits dangerous and disruptive behavior (i.e. excessive drunkenness, fighting, verbal abuse of a staff member, unruly behavior, vandalism in any public areas, etc.) the parent/guardian will be held accountable. Children or infants less than 3yrs of age cannot participate in the Children’s Programmes which are restricted to ages 3-17 yrs inclusive. The programme is available for 3-17 year olds, divided into 4 age groups:

• Shipmates (3 - 6 years)

• Cadets (7 - 9 years)

• Ensigns (10 - 12 years)

• Admiral’s T’s(13 - 17 years)

Swimming activities are not supervised and no child or infant is allowed to enter pool wearing diapers (nappies). Children can only swim under their parent/guardian’s supervision. Please note that at any point in the process it is at the Master/Hotel Director/General Manager’s discretion that any child and their parent/guardian be disciplined or disembarked from the ship.

Unaccompanied Minors

No guest under the age of 21 will be booked in a stateroom unless accompanied by an adult 21 years or older. This age limit will be waived for minor children sailing with their parents or guardians in adjacent staterooms and for legally married couples between the age of 18­21. Proper, legal documentation showing proof of marriage will be required. An individual’s age on the date of sailing determines his or her status for the entire cruise vacation.

What about guests with special needs?

Celebrity Cruises cannot accept guests who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy by the beginning of, or at any time during, the cruise or cruisetour. A physician’s “Fit to Travel” note is required prior to sailing, stating how far along (in weeks) the guest’s pregnancy will be at the beginning of the cruise and confirming that the guest is in good health and not experiencing a high risk pregnancy. You must ensure that you are medically and physically fit for travel and that such travelling will not endanger yourself or anyone else. At the time of booking (or as soon as possible if the condition arises after booking) you must tell your travel agent in writing about any medical or physical condition which will or may require medical treatment or attention during your cruise or which may or will affect your cruise in any way (including your use of any services or facilities.) Please provide as much information as possible. Some of our ships have staterooms designated for guests with physical disabilities, and these are shown on the relevant deck plan. Guests who use wheelchairs must provide their own collapsible wheelchair and may find certain areas of the ship inaccessible. Certain conditions (for example, use of tenders) may prevent guests with wheelchairs from going ashore at certain ports of call. Guests affected by a disability or medical condition must be self-sufficient or travel with someone who can provide all necessary assistance. We regret we must reserve the right to refuse to allow anyone to travel who, in our reasonable opinion, is physically or mentally unfit to travel or will or may require care beyond that which any travelling companion or we ourselves can reasonably provide.

What must I not take with me?

You must not pack in any luggage or bring on board any item specified as dangerous or illegal (e.g., guns, explosives, drugs, animals, flammable items, etc.). In addition, we may specify other items, which you must not bring with you and may also refuse to allow you to take on board any item, which we consider to be inappropriate. If we or the Master of the ship have reason to believe that any stateroom may contain any item or substance which should not have been brought on board, the Master or an authorised officer has the right to enter and search the stateroom concerned and seize any such item or substance.

Special Note: Please ensure that any sharp items, including but not limited to scissors, razor blades, nail clippers, tweezers and knitting needles, are packed in your check-in luggage and not your hand luggage.

Why is having the right documentation important?

It is the sole responsibility of the guest to identify all travel, inoculation and health requirements and obtain and have available when necessary the appropriate valid travel documents, such as passports and visas, inoculation documents, such as Yellow Fever certificates, and other health requirements. Guests who do not possess the proper documentation may be prevented from boarding the flight or ship or from disembarking or entering a country and may be subject to fines. If, as a result of your lack of proper documentation, a fine or other cost is incurred by Celebrity Cruises, you agree to indemnify Celebrity Cruises for such expenses.

VERY IMPORTANT:

No refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring proper documentation.

Please check with a travel agent, government agencies, embassies, consulates, your physician or local health departments to determine travel and health documentary requirements.

Guests under the age of 16 who wish to go ashore unaccompanied will be required to have a consenting parent, guardian or other responsible adult with them at the gangway to provide their signature as authorization.

Embarkation Forms

In order to make your boarding process as simple as possible, we offer an online method of providing information we need before you can embark on the vessel. Just visit www.celebritycruises.com to fill out your embarkation forms.

Note: Applicable laws and regulations may require Celebrity Cruises to collect and pass on to governmental and other authorised bodies certain personal and other details related to you. If you fail to supply the details requested fully and accurately, you may not be permitted to board the ship. If, as a result of your failure to comply with the foregoing, Celebrity incurs any fines, surcharges or other financial penalty, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly.

Travel Insurance

All international guests should have fully comprehensive travel insurance valid from the date of deposit being made. We suggest you discuss with your travel agent the various insurance policies that are available. Policies can be purchased that provide protection in the event of trip cancellation, interruption, personal illness, injury, medical fees or damage to property. Verification of your travel insurance policy may be required by Celebrity Cruises Inc..

Cruise Documents

Guest cruise documents provide information relevant to the sailing. Normally, documents will be received by the travel agent 20–50 days prior to sailing, assuming cruise elements are finalised and payments made. Group documents may require additional steps and will normally be received by the travel agent inside of 30 days of sailing.

Documentation for some bookings will be provided electronically via the Internet (eDocs) for travel agency access. An additional production and shipping fee is required for cruise document reprinting. Documents may not be provided in advance for bookings finalised the week of sailing -guest will obtain pertinent details at the pier prior to boarding and on board the ship. Regardless of document status, no one will be allowed passage unless his or her name appears on the ship’s guest manifest.

When can I board the ship?

Boarding normally begins at 2:00 pm. It is the guest’s responsibility to arrive on time. Please check with your travel agent to confirm boarding and departure times. For international guests we recommend you allow at least two hours for the boarding process. Failure to check in at least 60 minutes in advance will constitute a no show. Your booking will be cancelled and cancellation charges will be assessed.

Note: For security reasons, guests are not allowed to bring visitors on board Celebrity vessels in any port.

What about dining?

Celebrity gives you a choice of dining preferences. You have a choice of two seatings for meals in the restaurant. Please request your preferred seating and table size at the time of booking. Seatings are allocated on a first come, first served basis so you are advised to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. We cannot accept any bookings which are conditional on your preferred seating being or becoming available before departure. If you cancel because your preferred seating is not available (whether or not this was confirmed at the time of booking), our normal cancellation charges will apply. Seating requests cannot be guaranteed. Your table number will be confirmed when you board the ship at the start of your cruise. Dining times may vary slightly on port days due to shore excursion departures.

When and where can I dine on board?

There are two sittings for meals in the restaurant and if you have a preference, you should make this known at the time of booking. Please note that seating requests cannot be guaranteed, but every effort will be made to meet your request. The normal times for meals are:

Main Seating Late Seating

Breakfast open open

Lunch open open

Dinner 6:15 pm 8:30pm

Seating times may vary depending on ship and itinerary by approximately 30 minutes.

If you wish to be more flexible, breakfast and lunch are also served on deck. Please check your Daily Program for times and also locations. Food on board is included in the cost of your cruise price, however a cover charge (approx US$30 per guest) will apply for Specialty Restaurants on Celebrity ships. Reservations for Specialty Restaurants can be made online via www.celebritycruises.com, up to 4 days prior to your sailing date or once you are on board. No guests under 12 will be permitted in the Specialty Restaurants.

Cruisetour Dining: Food and beverage on the land portion of a cruisetour is not included in the cruisetour price. Meal service is available on the Wilderness Express traincar in Alaska and at all hotels and lodges in all destinations visited. Some meals are included on segments of the Canadian Rockies CruiseTours as indicated in the cruisetour programming.

Special morning meals include Continental breakfast served, on request, in your stateroom between 6:30 am and 10:00 am. Simply advise your stateroom attendant the night before by completing the request form in your stateroom. If you’re staying in a suite and would like a full breakfast served to you in your suite between 7:30 am and 10:00 am, notify your butler/stateroom attendant the night before by filling out the breakfast request form. In addition, during restaurant luncheon and dinner hours, you may order room service from the restaurant menu. Ask your butler or stateroom attendant for the menus of the day.

What about special diets?

Celebrity Cruises can accommodate the following special diets on board: vegetarian, diabetic, low-fat, low-sodium, low-cholesterol diets. Other special diets such as Kosher meals, gluten-free and lactose-free may be available upon advanced request. Note: Kosher meals are pre-packed and are only available for dinner in the main restaurant. Please submit your dietary request in writing giving as much detail as possible as to your particular requirements. We will endeavour to accommodate reasonable requests, although we cannot guarantee we will be able to meet requirements. Please ask your travel agent for further information.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom, stateroom veranda, in dining venue, theater, hallway, elevator or corridor. Cigarette smoking is only permitted in designated indoor and outdoor areas of the ship, while cigar and pipe smoking is only be permitted in designated outdoor areas. Violations to this smoking policy will result in a $250 cleaning fee being charged to the guest’s onboard account and may also be addressed through Celebrity Cruises’ Guest Conduct Policy. Cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco must be properly disposed of and never thrown overboard. A guest must be at least 18 years of age to purchase, possess or use tobacco onboard.

What about alcoholic drinks?

The minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on all Celebrity Cruises ships is twenty one (21). However on International cruises departing from any port other than North America, where the legal drinking age is typically lower than 21, a parent or legal guardian who is sailing with his or her son(s) and/or daughter(s) who is between the ages of 18 to 20, may sign a waiver allowing the 18 to 20 year old to consume alcoholic beverages. The 18 to 20 year old guest must agree to comply with Celebrity’s policies, including among other things, agreeing to not provide alcoholic beverages to any other person, regardless of age. Restrictions apply and this policy is subject to change without notice.

No alcoholic beverages may be purchased ashore for consumption on board, these will be stored and delivered to your stateroom on the last night of the cruise. Alcohol purchased on board from the Gift Shop for consumption in your stateroom cannot be purchased at a duty free rate. All alcohol purchased during your cruise at the duty free rate will be stored by us and only delivered to your stateroom on the last night of your cruise.

Please note: An individual’s age on the date of sailing determines his or her status for the entire cruise vacation. Guests who violate any alcohol policies, may be disembarked or not allowed to board, at their own expense, in accordance with our Guest Vacation Policy.

What are the gambling facilities on board?

There is a fully equipped Casino onboard each of our ships where you can play popular games such as blackjack or roulette as well as trying your luck on the slot machines. Guests under the age of 18 are not permitted in the casino at any time. Guests are advised that the use of any video recording equipment is strictly prohibited.

How do I pay for onboard purchases?

All Celebrity ships operate on a “cashless” system. All charges for onboard purchases, shore excursions and land tours are in US dollars. Validate your Celebrity Signature Account with your Visa,® MasterCard,® Diners Club International® or American Express® Card, or sign for payment by cash or traveler’s cheque. Then you can sign all onboard services and purchases to your account. At the end of your cruise, you’ll receive a completely itemised statement. (Sorry, we cannot accept personal cheques, and only U.S. currency is accepted aboard Celebrity’s ships.)

An ATM is available on board all Celebrity ships. You can obtain cash by using your MasterCard,® Visa® or American Express® Card.

Both cash and credit cards can be used on land portions of CruiseTours.

How do I find out about shore excursions?

To get the most enjoyment out of your visit to a port of call, we recommend you select one of our shore excursions, which have been planned by our travel experts and are recommended by the authorities for the particular ports. Alternatively you are free to explore and make your own arrangements at each port of call. Shore excursion details are available online at our website: www.celebritycruises.com

When do I arrange for shore excursions?

The staff at the Shore Excursions Desk will be happy to provide you with information and book your excursions. The cost will be charged to your Signature account. Please note some excursions are subject to minimum numbers and may be cancelled if requirements are not met. Proof of certification is required for all scuba tours.

All shore excursions are pre-bookable in advance via our website www.celebritycruises.com. These must be booked at least 4 days prior (10 days for land excursions on Alaska Cruisetours) to your sailing date. Your full name as it appears on your passport must be given at the time of reservation.

Celebrity Cruises is not responsible for any injuries or losses sustained whilst guests are ashore, whether on organised excursions or otherwise.

What happens if I am ill on board ship?

Professional medical services are available for a fee. At least one licensed physician and two nurses are normally in attendance on all Celebrity cruises. Charges are in US dollars for all medical services. These charges are considerably higher than medical costs in you home country. We strongly recommend that you have a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover any such eventualities. The medical facility provides motion sickness tablets upon request.

Gratuities

On all our ships it is customary to offer tips to staff members who you feel have given you good service and personal attention throughout your holiday. Gratuities may be shared with other crew members depending on the particular service requirement.

Celebrity suggests the following guidelines for offering gratuities:

Restaurant Service Per Person Per Day

Waiter US$ 3.50

Assistant Waiter US$ 2.00

Assistant Maitre d’ US$ 1.00

Stateroom Service Per Person Per Day

Butler (Suites Only) US$ 3.50

Concierge Class Attendant US$ 4.00

Stateroom Attendant US$ 3.50

Assistant Chief Housekeeper US$ 0.50

Alaska Cruisetours Per Person Per Day

Tour Director US$ 3.00

Coach Drivers US$ 2.50

Traincar Host US$ 1.00

What do I need to do on the last night of the cruise?

Pack your bags and place them outside your stateroom door by midnight. Your stateroom steward will give you tags for each piece of luggage. Please clearly write your name, home address and, where applicable, flight details on each tag. Carry fragile, important and valuable items with you. We recommend that you bring an overnight bag with you for your last night on board.

What does the price include?

The price of your cruise vacation includes ship accommodation, ocean transportation, most meals, some beverages and most entertainment aboard the ship. All prices are per-person, based on double occupancy of the stateroom. Cruise tariffs may be quoted in local currencies converted from US dollars and subject to currency fluctuation adjustments. All prices throughout this brochure are US dollars. All prices aboard ship are in US dollars including shore excursions, purchases and any prices stated in your final documents. The cruise vacation price does not include speciality restaurants, air transportation, transfers (except as noted), holiday insurance, tips or gratuities on board or ashore. or items of personal nature, such as shore excursions, beverages, telephone calls, room service ashore, photographs -medical services, etc. These items may be purchased separately. Please note if you are taking consecutive cruises, there may be some duplication with regard to on board programmes, meals and entertainment.

Cruisetour Price

In addition to the above, the price of your Alaska Cruisetour includes an escort (a Tour Director that will travel with you throughout the land portion of a cruisetour), all transportation (e.g. by motorcoach, rail or otherwise) as indicated in the itinerary, transfers as indicated in the itinerary, sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary, hotel accommodations (based on double occupancy; single occupancy available for an extra charge). Canadian Rockies Cruisetours do not include an escort. Food and beverages are not included on Alaska Cruisetours. On the Canadian Rockies Cruisetours food is included as noted in the cruisetour. Note: For cruistours that include air travel, airfare is included in the package.

Will the price change?

Celebrity reserves the right to increase any published rates, including cruise rates and airfare charges, without prior notice. We reserve the right to impose on any existing booking or new bookings (whether paid in full or not) a supplement for fuel or other matters without prior notice as provided in our Passenger Ticket Contract. In addition, we reserve the right to pass through any third party imposed fuel or other surcharges, also without prior notice. The guest will remain liable for any applicable taxes, fees or surcharges that may be assessed by any governmental or quasi-governmental agencies. Celebrity Cruises does not provide air transportation originating out of Australasia in connection with its cruise or cruisetour packages. Celebrity Cruises may provide air transportation for flights originating in the United States or Canada. If you purchase your air transportation from Celebrity Cruises (here in after an Air/Sea or Fly Cruise Package), Celebrity Cruises reserves the right to reassess the airfare component of any flight charges as supplied by Celebrity Cruises to a customer covering any fuel surcharge, security or other increases as passed onto Celebrity Cruises. All deposited bookings remain, until fully paid to Celebrity Cruises, subject to currency fluctuation and adjustments without notice when quoted in local currencies against the US dollar.

What information must I provide to you and why?

With effect from 01 January 2003, new security legislation has been introduced in the USA. The legislation requires us to pass onto the US Immigration Authorities, or other authorised bodies certain personal and other details relating to our passengers. You must provide the relevant details at the time of booking your cruise, or no later than 70 days prior to your departure, whichever is the later. This information includes certain personal information, passport, emergency contact, hotel/residental address while in USA and insurance details. We will inform you at the time of booking, or as soon as we become aware, of the exact details required. We recommend you visit our website at www.celebritycruises.com and click on ‘Before Your Cruise’ and then ‘Online Check-in’ and submit these details online. You will need to have your booking ID and date of sailing to hand or, if we have already received this information from you at the time of booking, verify that the details we are holding are complete and accurate. If you do not have access to the Internet, please see your travel agent or cruise specialist who will advise you on how this information can be provided or verified. Our procedures may change and we will inform you of any changes at the time of booking or as soon as possible thereafter. If you fail to supply the details requested, both fully and accurately, you may not be permitted to board your cruise ship and/or outward and/or return flight. We will not accept any liability in this situation and we will not pay you any compensation or make any refunds. You will be responsible for your onward/return travel arrangements. If failure to have this information results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty.

Payment/Cancellations and Refunds

A refundable deposit (less a handling fee) must be made in order to reserve a stateroom and receive a written confirmation.

The minimum deposit amount must be received within seven (7) days of booking.

DAYS PRIOR TO SAILING DATE CHARGES PER PERSON CANCELLATION FEES

151 or more days No charge

150 – 71 days = Deposit amount

70 – 46 days = 25% of total price

45 - 31 days = 50% of fare

30 - 15 days = 75% of fare

14 days or less No refund

HOLIDAY SAILINGS - Christmas, New Year & Easter

151 or more days No charge

150 – 91 days = Deposit amount

90 – 61 days = 25% of total price

60 - 41 days = 50% of fare

40 - 25 days = 75% of fare

24 days or less No refund

Can I make changes to my booking after it has been confirmed?

Subject to availability, yes, you can. No charge will be made to change any details if you notify your travel agent of the change 45 DAYS before your cruise. Up to 45 days before departure an administration fee of AU$50 per booking will be payable.

If you request a change within 45 days of departure, this will be treated as a cancellation of your original booking and cancellation charges as set out in these terms and conditions will be payable. The changed arrangements will then be treated as a new booking.

Guest behaviour policies

On every Celebrity vessel, we are committed to providing every guest with a cruise vacation that is a touch above. To further ensure that you and your fellow guests receive exactly that, we have developed a set of Guest Behavior Policies that is available on board. We thank you in advance for your compliance.