Advice for Cruise Travellers

For many Canadians, a cruise is the perfect way to explore foreign shores. However, like all international travel, cruising calls for careful planning and attention to personal safety.

Careful planning is the key to successful travel and to ensuring your well-being abroad. Before you leave Canada and during your trip, follow these tips:

• Consult our Travel Advice and Advisories for your point of embarkation and for any of your designated ports of call.
• Sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service, so that we can notify you in case of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home. Please list all countries and ports of call, as well as the cruise line and ship's name.
• Carry a valid Canadian passport and protect it at all times. Contact your tour operator or cruise line to find out if you require a visa for the point of embarkation or any of the ports of call. 
• Purchase adequate travel insurance that includes coverage for accidental injury, hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation at sea. 
• Contact a travel medicine clinic well before your departure for recommendations on immunizations and preventive medication to counter seasickness and other common illnesses. See Health and safety outside Canada.
• Bring an extra supply of medication in case you are away longer than expected, and keep medication in original packaging. See Travel health kit.
• Avoid becoming the target of an assault or robbery by being aware of your surroundings at all times and keeping to public areas when interacting with other passengers and ship staff.
• Limit your alcohol intake and watch your drink. Never leave drinks unattended as they could be laced with drugs that could put you at risk. 
• Ensure cabin safety and make sure the door and balcony are properly locked at all times. 
• Follow local laws and customs. If you break the law, you will be subject to the judicial system of the host country. 
• Minimize risks during shore excursions by booking through your cruise line or a reputable, insured tour company, and respect departure times. 
• When at sea, or in a foreign country, high roaming fees apply for the use of any mobile device. See Using data plans outside Canada.
• Carry contact details for our Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa, which operates 24/7 and accepts collect calls (where available) from Canadians requiring emergency assistance abroad
  • tel.: +1‑613‑996‑8885
  • email: sos@international.gc.ca

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Email travel@international.gc.ca

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