FAQs

Question

Do I need a passport to travel on a cruise?

Answer

Yes, a U.S. Passport is the recommended form of ID when going on a cruise. Please note your U.S. Passport book also needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your cruise ends (expires 6 months or more AFTER the cruise is over.) Please be sure to check that passports for all members of your travel party are in compliance in plenty of time before your travel date. It takes 4-6 weeks on average to receive a renewed / new passport after completing the application process. For sailings departing from U.S. homeports, an official US state-issued Birth Certificate is also accepted. Guests age 16 and older that present an official US state-issued Birth Certificate will also need to provide a valid Driver’s License or picture ID issued by the government. No refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring proper documentation. It is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. If your name has changed since your document was issued (e.g., marriage or divorce), it is required that you update the document with the new name or provide an official supporting document (e.g., a state, county or province issued marriage license, divorce decree or legal name change document) of the name change. All documents must be the original or a notarized copy. Additionally, if you are using an identification (e.g., driver's license) and a citizenship document (e.g., birth certificate), then BOTH documents must match the name on your reservation. Otherwise, it may result in delay or possible denial of boarding.

Question

Is all food and beverages included during the cruise?

Answer

Although the cost of your cruise is all inclusive to include many food and beverage choices while onboard, this cost does not pertain to some specialty dining options and all alcoholic beverages during the cruise. There are several dining and drink package options available for an additional cost that can be purchased after booking your cruise. Brandy, our travel agent, will provide you with more information on this after booking. Purchasing these packages are not required however, and you have the option to purchase alcohol and specialty dining options as needed during the cruise should you want to. To see a list of specialty dining restaurants available on board as well as dining and beverage package options visit the Royal Caribbean website (royalcaribbean.com) and search for our specific cruise and dates; Navigator of the Seas/ 4-night cruise/ October 9th-13th, 2023/ Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico.

Question

What if I want to book on shore excursions while at any of the port locations?

Answer

You have several options for booking on shore excursions, Brandy Schwab, our amazing travel agent, will again be able to provide you with this information after booking. Typically booking excursions prior to boarding will save you some money versus booking excursions while on the ship, however on ship booking is a good option if you don't know what you want to do yet! Of course, everyone is welcome to do their own thing at each port destination and on shore excursions are completely optional. To see a list of on shore excursions and what each port has to offer visit the Royal Caribbean website (royalcaribbean.com) and search for our specific cruise and dates; Navigator of the Seas/ 4-night cruise/ October 9th-13th, 2023/ Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico.

Question

What dates should I book my flights for?

Answer

This is entirely up to you! It is generally encouraged to fly in the day before your cruise embarks to help provide a buffer of time in case you run into any complications during your travels. The cruise embarks on October 9th, 2023 at 4:00pm; passengers are typically able to board much earlier in the day, in accordance with their check in time. All guests must be checked-in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time or you will not be permitted to sail. More information regarding check-in to come as the date gets a little closer, you can also find more information about check in on the Royal Caribbean website. If you wanted to fly in the day before sailing, that date would be October 8, 2023. The ship arrives back into the port of Los Angeles at 7:00am on October 13, 2023. If you wanted to add an extra day of sightseeing to your trip or just need a less stressful travel day you could fly home the following day, otherwise you should have enough time for an afternoon flight home the same day the ship arrives back in port (October 13, 2023.)

Question

What if someone from home needs to get in touch with me while I am on the cruise, will my phone or email still work?

Answer

Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line with high-speed internet at sea. You have the option to purchase an internet package pre-cruise or while onboard (pre-cruise purchase will be cheaper) or you can access one of the wired internet cafes onboard. You will be able to stream music and movies, upload pictures, video chat with family and friends using FaceTime or Skype, check your email, surf the web, etc. using a phone, tablet or laptop. You can also make phone calls from the phone in your cabin, though it's prohibitively expensive and not recommended. The Royal Caribbean app also has a feature that allows all cruise guests to message between one another for the duration of your cruise for no extra cost. The Facebook group will be a great place to get information and reminders about topics like this and more as the cruise date approaches.

Question

Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for cruise travel at this time?

Answer

Currently there are no COVID-19 restrictions or requirements to travel by cruise. If this changes, we will be sure to update our guests as soon as possible.

Question

What if I book my cruise then something happens and I can't go, can I get a refund?

Answer

When you book through Brandy you will have the option of being able to cancel with a full refund within a certain timeframe. Brandy will provide you with this information during the booking process.

Question

What documentation do I need if I am traveling with children?

Answer

Should the last names of the parent and minor child traveling with them differ, the parent is required to present the child's valid passport and visa (if required) and the child's birth certificate (original, a notarized copy or a certified copy). The name of the parent(s) and the child must be linked through legal documentation. Additionally, A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original, notarized or certified copy of his or her birth certificate. Note: Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable. Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship.

Question

If I bring my kids is there any childcare on the ship?

Answer

Yes! There are plenty of childcare options on board for kids of all ages up to 17. Please ask Brandy about the ship's specific programs and paid services and how to access them. You may also look into these programs (and more) on the Royal Caribbean website, royalcaribbean.com. Be sure to choose the Navigator of the Seas ship when searching.

Question

If I travel with additional non-wedding guests can everyone attend the ceremony and reception?

Answer

We ask that ONLY invited guests and their plus one (if applicable) attend the ceremony and reception. Other than that, any additional guests (age permitting) traveling with you are welcome to partake in any other wedding related activities while on board!

Question

Can I attend the wedding and then disembark the ship without doing the entire cruise?

Answer

In this case the answer is NO as we are having our wedding during the second day of sailing at sea, you must book a cruise for the entirety of the sailing in order to attend the wedding.

Question

What's the best way to stay up to date on all the wedding updates and cruise information as the date gets closer?

Answer

If possible, we ask that all attending guests please join the Facebook group we have created called "Nico and Amanda's Cruise Wedding." If you have Facebook you will receive an invitation to this group soon. Please friend request Amanda Ziemer if you are not already connected to me on this platform. As the wedding date approaches, we will regularly post all important wedding and cruise information, updates, pro tips, and useful information you may not have even thought about for traveling via cruise ship. If you are unable to join the Facebook group, you are always welcome to reach out to Amanda or Nico directly with any questions regarding the cruise and/or wedding, or email Brandy Schwab, our fabulous travel agent, with any cruise related questions.

Question

This ship is huge! How will I know how to find anything?

Answer

Be sure to download the Royal Caribbean app on your phone prior to boarding! This will show you the layout and deck plans for the entire ship. The app also has a free guest to guest messaging feature for the duration of the cruise, making it easy to message and connect with other guests while onboard. The app will also provide information on all the ship's amenities, activities. dining options and more during the cruise! Be sure to select the correct ship (Navigator of the Seas) and sailing dates (October 9-13, 2023) once downloaded.

Question

Will Amanda and Nico be super mad at me if I go overboard?

Answer

We wouldn't be mad; we would just be disappointed (and completely hysterical!!) if any of our wedding guests encountered an unsafe situation while celebrating with us. With that being said we fully want you to let loose and have the time of your lives but ask that you please know your limits and when it's time to call to it a night (or day.) The last thing we want is to wake up to news that someone is missing and most likely in the middle of the ocean because they partied just a little too hard! Seriously though, we just want everyone to have as much fun as possible while being as safe as possible and NOT end up on Dateline (as much I would love to meet Keith Morrison this would not be the way to go about it) !!!