Traveling to the Ship
Travel Safety Tips
Carnival Cruise Lines is very concerned about the safety of all its team members, including you! For many team members this is their first time away from home and the first time to experience airports, big cities, etc. and Following are a few guidelines to follow when traveling:
- Carry only the money that you need and keep itout of sight in public places.
- Keep valuables secure at all times. Avoid wearing jewelry.
- Never leave bags unattended.
- Be careful in taxi cabs and public transportation. Check your personal possessions before leaving the vehicle.
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Do not accept to carry anyone’s luggage unless you are completely aware of its contents.
- Never pack essential documents (passport, letter of employment, medicals etc.) or medication in your check-in bags. Always keep them with you in your carry-on luggage.
What happens at Immigration?
Upon arrival at the airport you will first need to pass through immigration before entering the United States . Have your passport and employment letter ready to present to the immigration officer. Carefully and neatly complete an I-94 landing permit (this will be issued to you during your flight). You will be given the bottom portion of this form by the immigration officer. This is a very important document so be sure to keep it in a safe place. You will need to present this document when you join your ship. (Does not apply to US citizens, ARC or Canadians.)
What about Customs?
Along with your immigration documents have your Customs Declaration ready to present to the customs official (this will be issued to you during your flight). Customs imposes a limit on items that you are allowed to bring into the United States. If you do have any items over the customs limits, be sure to declare them. Be sure not to carry any illegal items or anything in excess of customs limits.
Following are some regulations regarding items that cannot be brought into the U.S.:
Prohibited Animal Products, Animal By-Products, Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
When entering the United States from any country, it is strictly prohibited to carry any animal products, animal by-products, fresh fruit or vegetables. Items prohibited include, but are not limited to: fresh, dried and frozen meat, eggs, butter, soft cheese, yogurt and other dairy products.
Whether flying into the United States to join the ship, or signing off the vessel in a United States port, any team member found to be in possession of any prohibited animal products, animal by products, or fresh fruit and vegetables, will be fined $1000 on the spot. All prohibited materials will be seized and disposed off according to U.S. regulations.
In addition, entering with prohibited items will result in significant delays of team members as they disembark airline flights and/or vessels and substantial fines will be levied against our company.
TRANSPORTATION UPON ARRIVAL
Will there be transportation when I get there?
Hotel shuttles are provided at our major destinations for all confirmed crew scheduled to sign on to a vessel.
We try to schedule crew to arrive on the day of their assigned vessel’s departure whenever possible. However, depending on airline schedules, we occasionally allow team members to arrive in the U.S. one day prior to their embarkation date. As such, you will have to overnight at a hotel located in the same port of embarkation or in Miami.
The hotels offer transportation for team members from the airport to the hotels. Please refer to your hotel and transportation information sheet for additional details.
Miami-area hotels also provide transportation from the hotel to the port the following morning. After you have collected your luggage, please call the hotels for transportation. Make sure to include the hotel's phone number within your contact numbers.
You will need to identify yourself as a Carnival Cruise Lines employee for all hotel shuttle transportation and when checking in. You can do so by showing the driver your letter of employment along with your passport. Be sure you get your documents back after presenting them, and keep them in a safe place until you board the ship.
Staying at the Hotel
Once you arrive at the hotel, present your employment or re-employment letter to reception. The receptionist will then assign you to a room (hotel rooms may be provided on a shared basis depending on your position).
At check-in you will be issued with meal vouchers for the duration of your stay.
The vouchers will cover you for breakfast, lunch and dinner (vouchers do not cover alcohol).
JOINING THE SHIP AT LAST!
When you arrive at the ship, you will be instructed by security at the gangway on where you need to go.
What documents will I need to present to board the ship?
You need to have the following documents available to “sign on.” Please do not pack these items in your luggage, as the bag could possibly be lost along with your documents.
- Passport
- I-94 immigration form
- POEA contract (Filipino crew only)
- Original physical results
- Original STCW Basic Training Certificate where applicable
Will there be somebody to help me once I arrive on board?
A representative from your department will help you find your way around the ship the moment you arrive. You will also be given an initial orientation, during which you will be provided information about safety, key locations on board, meal times, facilities and some basic rules and regulations. Don’t worry -- it is natural to feel a little lost on your first day. If you have any questions ask any of your fellow team members who will be happy to assist you.