1. Documentation & Valuables
- Passports vs. IDs: While US citizens can cruise to closed-loop Caribbean ports with a driver’s license and birth certificate, a valid passport is highly recommended. In the event of an emergency requiring you to fly home from a foreign port, a passport is essential.
- Onboard Security: Your room key (SeaPass) is available at your stateroom door and is your method of payment and identification onboard. Therefore, it is safest to lock your physical documents, passport, and extra cash in your stateroom safe immediately upon arrival.
- Going Ashore: You must bring your room key to disembark at ports-of-call. If you plan to venture far from the immediate port area, bring your passport (or a copy) and a credit card or cash for local shopping.
2. The Celebrity App & Website
Using the Celebrity Cruises App and website (celebrity.com) is a must for a smooth vacation. Download the app or use the website as soon as today to get familiar with them and to start the online check in process.
- Online Check-in: Complete your check-in via the app or website to save time on the day of departure. Once check-in is complete, you can print your express boarding pass and baggage tags. You can also use the app to book shore excursions, beverage packages, internet access, specialty restaurants, and spa treatments.
- Shore Excursions :At each port, there is a free area with shops and attractions for passengers to enjoy. In Puerto Plata, this area is quite large and includes pools, shops, and other attractions. Many passengers prefer to stay only in these areas and not book excursions. Others prefer not to leave the ship at all, because during these stops the ship is almost empty, allowing them to better enjoy what the ship has to offer. However, excursions can be a unique opportunity to try something different. Have you ever thought about swimming with dolphins?
- Beverage packages: Alcoholic beverage and soft drink packages are per person per day. The ship offers water in the restaurants but charges for bottled water. So purchasing a water package is important.
- Internet, Wi-Fi and communication: Internet on board tends to be expensive. You can find free Wi-Fi in most ports, and international data works in ports, but buy Wi-Fi packages if you need to stay connected while on board.
- Complimentary Restaurants The ship features a buffet restaurant called OceanView, which is very popular and therefore usually gets crowded, especially during peak hours and on embarkation day. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there are four themed à la carte restaurants, (Tuscan, Normandie, Cosmopolitan and Cyprus) which, despite their themes, tend to offer similar menus. On the day of boarding, many people rush to OceanView without realizing that the theme restaurants are open. We are making arrangements to reserve a few dinner tables at one of the theme restaurant so everyone in our group can sit together if they so desire,
- Specialty Restaurants: These restaurants charge an additional fee but offer a unique dining experience and cuisine. Our group will have dinner at The Petit Chef on the 24th, which is a specialty restaurant.
3. Your Onboard Account (SeaPass)
During check-in, you will link a credit card to your account to cover onboard expenses (gift shop purchases, drinks, etc.).
- Daily Gratuities: A service gratuity (approx. $18.00 per person, per night) is automatically added to your account daily.
- Service Charges: An automatic 20% gratuity is added to individual bar beverages, mini-bar items, specialty dining, and room service.
- Monitor Spending: Charges are processed daily. Check your folio regularly via the Celebrity App or your stateroom TV to avoid surprises at the end of the cruise.
4. Embarkation Day – Before Leaving to the Port
We recommend arriving at the port early (around 11 a.m. or earlier) to ensure a smooth boarding process and make the most of the ship’s amenities. If you need transportation, we have someone who can arrange transfers at reasonable rates. This person can also provide transportation to and from airports.
- Luggage Tags: Attach the printed Celebrity luggage tags to any bags you intend to check with the porters. Bring some scotch tape if necessary.
- The “Carry-On” Bag: Keep a backpack or small carry-on with you containing your passport, boarding pass, medications, and valuables.
- Tip: Luggage can take hours to arrive at your room. Since the pool is a main attraction on day one, pack a swimsuit and sunscreen in your carry-on. Also, bring a light jacket, as the indoor air conditioning can be chilly.
- Prohibited Items: Do not pack electrical heating equipment like steamers, irons, kettles, or extension cords. These will be confiscated. Small plug adapters are allowed.
5. After Boarding: Your First Few Hours
Once you are onboard, take a moment to handle these logistics and explore the ship:
- Guest Services (Deck 3): Visit the desk immediately only if your cabin is unassigned or if you have urgent issues with shore excursion reservations.
- Camp at Sea (Kids Club): If traveling with children, visit the kids’ club early to register them and meet the staff.
- The Safety Drill (Muster 2.0): This is mandatory but simple.
- Watch the safety video on your phone (via the App) or on your stateroom TV.
- Report to your assigned “Muster Station” (the location code is on your SeaPass key).
- A crew member will scan your key. That’s it! Listen for announcements regarding the deadline to complete the Safety Drill.
- Lunch Strategy: Most passengers rush to the buffet (Oceanview Café). However, the Main Dining Rooms or other venues are often open for lunch on embarkation day. They are much less crowded and offer a relaxed start to your vacation. When visiting one the main dining rooms take the opportunity to check dinner hours and table assignments.
6. Scheduled Activities
We hope everyone will enjoy the cruise in a relaxed, informal setting—and please, no gifts—which is why we’ve kept pre-planned activities to a minimum. Here’s what’s on the schedule:
- July 18, Morning – Our home. Informal gathering for participants to get to know each other before the cruise. Details in the post: Pre-Cruise Gathering – Saturday, July 18, 2026
- July 18, 2:00 PM – Lunch at The Club, near home
- July 20, 3:00 PM – The Meeting Place, Deck 4 near the theater – Informal group gathering for a chat
- July 24, 4:00 PM – The Meeting Place – Pre-Dinner Cocktail.
- July 24, 6:00 PM – Group dinner at Le Petit Chef
Need more info?
Visit the official FAQ: Celebrity Cruises Frequently Asked Questions