Lloyds of Hawaii -cruise specialists for discount, last minute and repositioning cruises

To make your trip most enjoyable, we will provide some tips in planning what to take along, what to do on board and how to get the most out of your cruise experience. Please check back for details. In the meantime we offer these overall tips for your health and safety:

Purchase travel and health insurance, including coverage for accidental injury and medical evacuation. Your health plan may not cover anything or only a portion of medical expenses.

Carry a valid passport when transiting through another country to join a cruise. Be prepared to hand over your passport to ship authorities, in accordance with administrative regulations. Keep a photocopy of your passport's identification page.

Leave a copy of your itinerary, passport identification page, and travel and health insurance policy with family or friends.

Avoid becoming the target of an assault or robbery by being aware of your surroundings at all times, never opening your door to strangers, and not allowing yourself to be isolated with someone you do not know or trust.

Always check the ship's departure time before going ashore. Protect your safety during shore excursions by confirming that tour guides are reputable and insured.

Contact a travel medicine clinic well before departure to determine your need for immunizations and preventive medication as well as measures to avoid disease.

Watch what you eat and drink: alert the cruise line of special dietary needs in advance and insist on bottled water while ashore.

If you are handicapped or chronically ill, enquire before booking whether your needs will be met aboard the ship.

Remember to bring an extra pair of eyeglasses in case of breakage or loss.

Stay safe by participating in lifeboat drills, ensuring that there are enough life jackets in your cabin, and becoming familiar with evacuation procedures.

Familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs of the countries you will visit.

ALSO VERY IMPORTANT:

If you are using miles to get to your destination, you must call the airlines yourself to make these arrangements. We are told that this is a personal contract between the client and the airline and your travel agent cannot make the reservations.

Otherwise, the travel agent can make airline reservations for you or they can be booked with the cruise line.

Check the time of boarding the ship and make sure your flights arrive early. Transfers from the airport can be made with the cruise line.

Get to the airport early and be sure to keep an eye on your bags in the terminal as well as bathrooms and restaurants as airport thefts are on the rise. Follow the security rules for your check through bags.