ID (PASSPORT) REQUIREMENTS

U.S. citizens traveling abroad are responsible for bringing all required travel documents for boarding the ship in the country in which they will embark including a valid passport and any visas required for their cruise itinerary. Please note that you are responsible for securing the necessary visas and immunizations.

For Caribbean cruises, U.S. citizens must bring proper identification in the form of a U.S. passport or original or certified birth certificate with a raised seal along with a state or government issued photo identification. Due to countries changing their laws, some itineraries may require all guests to have a passport. On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card or WHTI-compliant document.

CURRENTLY: U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (available in spring 2008), or WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or Naturalization Papers.

For up to date information please visit the US Department of State website at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Alien residents and non-U.S. citizens should consult with their local consulates for proper identification requirements.

INFO NEEDED TO MAKE A RESERVATION

• Full LEGAL Name - No Nicknames – this information must match your passport – middle names are not required (for example if your name is Robert, but you go by Bob, your legal name is Robert)
• Date of Birth of all passengers, up to 4 guests maximum
• Title of all passengers (Dr., Miss, Mrs., Ms.)
• Citizenship of All Passengers
• Dietary Needs (low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-sodium, vegetarian, or diabetic)
• Special Physical needs (wheelchair, blind, deaf, pregnant, etc.)
• One Document Delivery Address – all cruise documents and cruise correspondence, including emails, will be delivered to the address listed on this page
• Credit Card Information (number, name as it appears on card, etc.)
• PLEASE NOTE THAT VISA, MASTERCARD OR AMERICAN EXPRESS ARE THE ONLY ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT – NO CHECKS

WHAT’S INCLUDED

When you’re onboard almost everything is taken care of – your accommodations, gourmet meals in the main dining room(s) and café, snacks throughout the day, some beverages and 24-hour room service! All activities including the fitness center, entertainment and Kids Program are all included. And of course all the special onboard Thunder Cruise Events.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Your cruise does not include the following:

• Gratuities;
• Air transportation;
• Transfers to and from the ship;
• Optional Shore and Land Excursions;
• Dining in the Specialty Restaurant;
• Certain beverages such as sodas, juice, alcoholic beverages and specialty drink;
• Casino gaming;
• Photographs;
• Telephone calls;
• Purchases from the ship stores;
• Items of a personal nature such as
• medical services,
• laundry, massages,
• spa treatments;
• specialty fitness classes such as yoga.

PAYING FOR ONBOARD PURCHASES

For your convenience, a cashless system is provided that allows you to sign for all of your onboard purchases (with the exception of the casino).

At embarkation, you will receive your Cruise Card upon presentation of a credit card. This magnetic card serves as your identification, stateroom key and charge card for all onboard expenses (bars/refreshments, laundry, room service, spa services, beauty salon, shopping, etc.). At the end of your cruise you will receive an itemized bill that may be settled in cash or with a credit card. Please note that the form of currency accepted on board varies by itinerary. VISA, MasterCard and American Express are also accepted. Personal checks and credit cards other than those listed above are not accepted.

If you do not have a credit card you must establish your onboard account by leaving a deposit of $200 per person or $300 per family (two adults and two children) with the cashier upon embarkation. The deposit must be made in cash or traveler’s checks. When your onboard purchases exceed your deposit, the deposit must be replenished before you can continue to make charges. If at the end of your cruise your deposit exceeds the amount of your purchases, the difference will be returned to you.

Small amounts of European and US currencies and traveler’s checks can be exchanged at the Purser’s Office on board. Commission charges may apply.

PLEASE NOTE: All accounts are settled the morning of the day before disembarkation. Thereafter, guests must pay for any drinks and other purchases in cash. Guests are advised to ensure that they have sufficient cash to pay for these expenses during the last day of the cruise.

ATM MACHINES

ATM Machines are not available onboard.

BRINGING LIQUOR ONBOARD

Guests are NOT allowed to bring alcoholic beverages of any kind onboard for consumption or any other use. Alcoholic beverages that are purchased duty-free from the Shops Onboard or at ports of call may be stored by the ship crew and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of your voyage.

CRIBS & ROLL-AWAYS

Cribs are available. Roll-aways are not available.

LAUNDRY SERVICES ONBOARD

Laundry services are available onboard for a nominal fee.

SMOKING POLICY

MSC Cruises has introduced throughout its fleet a “Clean Air” policy, which will allow both smokers and non-smokers to enjoy their holidays on board in mutual respect.

Smoking has been eliminated in all areas where non-smokers and smokers would have shared the same spaces. A few rooms have been assigned where smokers are welcome, but the majority of indoor spaces are now non-smoking.

On all MSC vessels, smoking is therefore only allowed indoors in the Cigar Rooms, the Casinos and in one dedicated lounge. Passengers can also smoke outside, on one side of the sun deck, but no smoking is allowed in cabins or on balcony cabins.

The rest of the ships is therefore totally smoke-free, for the benefit of non-smokers.

Thanks to the Clean Air Policy, MSC Cruises has therefore managed to satisfy both smokers and non-smokers by having a 90% smoke-free ship.

TIPPING

Gratuities of $12 per person, per day will be added to your onboard account. Gratuities for children are 50% less.

Should you wish to make adjustments you may do so by contacting the guest reception desk at any point during your cruise. Your maitre d’ and his assistants, your waiter and busboys, buffet staff, your stateroom attendant, room service, and bellboys will share this gratuity (casino dealers and spa personnel do not share in this charge since not all guests utilize these services). Gratuities are not mandatory; they are at your discretion.

Separately, a gratuity on all bar checks for your servers is included in the price of your drinks. In port terminals, airports, ports of call and on shore excursions, we suggest that you extend gratuities consistent with local customs.

INTERNET SERVICE

There is an Internet Café that is open 24 hours. Rates will be available onboard. Wireless access will also be available in limited areas.

MEDICAL SERVICES

There is an onboard infirmary staffed by medical professionals.  Medical services are provided aboard MSC's vessels as a convenience to guests. There is a charge for services and/or medicines provided by the ship's doctor and medical personnel. MSC' s vessels are equipped with an infirmary that is usually staffed by a physician and nurse(s). Although many injuries are capable of being treated on board, the shipboard medical infirmary has limited medical equipment and not all injuries or conditions can be adequately treated aboard the vessels. In some circumstances, the medical personnel may arrange for a visit to a shoreside medical facility at a port- of-call. Depending on the itinerary, available shoreside medical facilities may also have limited treatment capabilities. Due to the nature of sea travel urgent medical evacuation at sea is not always feasible due to reasons beyond MSC's control. Guests should confer with their family physician to ensure they are fit for travel by sea. Although the ship's doctor and medical personnel may wear uniforms or badges with an MSC insignia, the doctor and medical personnel are independent contractors. MSC does not control the medical treatment rendered to guests by the medical personnel aboard its vessels.

Women up to 28 weeks pregnant within the end of the cruise may cruise with us on presentation of a medical certificate stating their due date and medical fitness to travel.

STORING VALUABLES

You are advised to use the complimentary safes on board for your jewelry and other valuables. MSC cannot be held responsible for the loss of valuables.

WHAT TO PACK

It is recommended that you bring along lightweight, "resort casual" clothing -- including a swimsuit with cover-up, comfortable rubber-soled sandals or deck shoes with to wear poolside, and walking shoes for shore trips.  If you like to exercise or participate in sports, bring any fitness clothing and footwear you may need.  A hat or visor is recommended for sun protection.

Shoes should be low-heeled for deck activities, bring a few swimsuits (so you’ll always have a dry one). Ashore you’ll need comfortable walking shoes or hiking boats as well as a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun.

For evenings, resort casual is also appropriate (no jeans, T-shirts, shorts, or bare feet please after 6:00 PM on the ship).  Cocktail dresses for women and suits or jacket and ties for men are appropriate for the 2 formal.

We recommend that you hand-carry all travel documents (passports, airline tickets, etc.) medications, jewelry and any personal items that you may need in a separate carry-on bag. Please do not put these items into checked luggage as they may become lost and prevent you from boarding the ship. Also, luggage may take a few hours before it is delivered to your cabin.

On the last evening of your cruise your luggage will be collected for disembarkation the following morning. You will want to pack a separate overnight bag to accommodate your last evenings' clothes and toiletries to carry off the ship with you. 

WHAT NOT TO PACK

No illegal substances, alcohol (except as noted), non-alcoholic beverages, food, weapons or pets. The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited. All laws pertaining to drug use should be respected.

MSC Cruises & the Gary V Thunder Cruise have a “zero tolerance” policy towards reports of any illegal activity or behavior by passengers or crew aboard its vessels. Guest agrees to comply with this policy and further acknowledges that MSC Cruises will report any and all alleged instances of illegal activity or behavior to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

MSC Cruises will not tolerate any behavior affecting the comfort, enjoyment, health, safety or well being of other guests or the crew. MSC Cruises reserves the right to refuse or discontinue passage to anyone who, in MSC’s judgment, is conducting themselves in a manner that adversely affects the cruise experience of others.

DINING

Dining will be 2nd Seating.

Please note that dining times may vary depending upon the ship’s port arrival and departure times and is at the Captain’s discretion.

Breakfast and lunch in the dining room are open seating. Breakfast and lunch buffets are also served on the pool deck. Room service is available twenty-four hours a day.

SPECIAL DIETS

MSC Cruises will make every effort to meet special dietary requests for vegetarian, diabetic, low fat, low-sodium, or low-cholesterol diets. Kosher meals are available for an additional charge. They are prepackaged (frozen), must be requested in advance. For any additional dietary needs please contact us via email at: diets@garyvthundercruise.com. Please request at the time of making your reservation and confirm with the Maitre D' on the day of embarkation.

ACTIVITIES

SPA: Want to relax a little between the day's activities or after partying all night long? Visit the Spa and take advantage of the various spa services offered onboard. Reservations can be made on board and appointments are on a first-come/first-served basis. In addition, spa packages may be available for pre-purchase prior to sailing; all booked passengers will receive an email regarding pre-booking spa packages prior to sailing. Note that prices are subject to change and may vary slightly from ship to ship.

CASINO: Whether you enjoy playing slots or blackjack, the Czar’s Palace has the game for you. If you want to learn how to play just go to the Gaming Lessons at the beginning of the cruise or ask any of the friendly staff who will be happy to assist you.

SHOPPING: Whether you are looking to buy a T-Shirt, a stuffed animal, or some jewelry for that someone special, there are all kinds of duty-free shops onboard.

SPORTS & FITNESS: Had two entrée's at dinner and two desserts? There’s always the jogging track or the state-of-the-art fitness center.