Royal Caribbean Announces Dubai Sailings

Last week, Royal Caribbean announced that the Brilliance of the Seas will be based out of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for a series of 7-night sailings between January and April, 2010.

Dubai is an increasingly-popular vacation destination, with man-made attractions, from casinos to snow skiing in the desert, along with some of the most opulent hotels in the world. In fact, it's the future home of the Queen Elizabeth II. While it's just emerging as a destination for North Americans, it is a well-known playground for those in other parts of the world.

These sailings will be the "immersion" sailings, similar to the ones Royal Caribbean operates in Asia, Latin America and England. While they'll be marketed in the US, their primary focus will be more locally-based and regional passengers, rather than those from North America. It's their effort at expanding the brand, without creating additional "brands" and gives them more flexibility in best utilizing their fleet as demand and preferences change.

There is one major caveat if you're considering this destination, and it's one which has not yet been addressed by Royal Caribbean or Dubai - passports. Currently, the UAE routinely doesn't permit entry if the passenger has previously been to Israel and has Israeli stamps in their passport. Whether or not the UAE will issue a waiver for cruise line passengers is an open question. However, if you are considering this destination, and also have or will travel to Israel, I suggest you go as many travelers to the Middle East have had to do for years - apply for a duplicate passport for use in Israel only. You can get a duplicate for that purpose, and you should state that reason on your application. It's a pain, but due to political concerns in the region, one I highly recommend to ease your travel across borders.

Hurricane Evacuation Cruise?

Most of the calls I've received recently about the hurricanes have to do with potential cancellations, whether or not one of the upcoming storms is going to affect cruise plans, or even to discuss what to do if power isn't restored from the effects of Gustav before they're scheduled to leave for their cruise. All fairly routine issues this time of year.

But a client tonight brought up an interesting concept - using a cruise as evacuation shelter. Here's the scenario: a client was concerned she might have to evacuate her vacation rental in Ft. Lauderdale next week due to Hurricane Ike. Rather than spend part of her annual vacation in a shelter, she decided she'd rather book a last minute cruise, even if Ike looked to be heading farther south and away from the area.

It's a good idea, actually. If you might have to evacuate anyway, the timing works right for catching a short cruise, and you can get your home prepared in advance, why not? While some might feel it's being irreverent in the face of potential devastation, it goes along with the long tradition of "hurricane parties," but moves the venue to a potentially much safer location onboard a ship.

Get on a ship, get away from the storm, come back shortly after it is all over and deal with it after a few days of not having to worry about things. Not necessarily a bad plan.

While availability can sometimes be difficult to find close in, and there are Homeland Security issues, a cruise can often be found in these circumstances. Tonight, we found a few good options for her, and she'll be sailing aboard the Norwegian Sky come Monday.

There are other issues to consider and discuss if you're thinking about something like this. Insurance won't cover storm-related pre-cruise cancellations or delays once a storm is named, but that's not really an issue for a client like this. There's always the risk that the ship might not be able to make it into port to turn around for the cruise, or might be delayed or even come in and depart early. This option works best for people who have a nearby port to which they can easily drive - you probably wouldn't want to deal with air in this situation. But if a client understands all that, and is willing to accept those conditions, why not?

My client is booked and happy and looking forward to her cruise starting on Monday. And while I'm hoping that Ike diminishes in strength, she may be the smart one here. Wonder if this will be a trend for the future?

I did forget to ask her one question, however. Wonder if she's going to be ordering a "hurricane" from the bar as she sails away?

Criminal Records and Canada

Probably the most frequent question I get is what type of documentation is needed to take a cruise. Usually, this is about passport requirements, but for some individuals, it should also go further to their legal and criminal status. Did you know that you may be denied boarding for a cruise leaving from the US if you have delinquent court-ordered child support? Or if you have ever had a criminal conviction? It's difficult to bring up this type of personal information, I know, but it's important your agent has this information to best assist and guide you.

This is the time of year when people are thinking about cruises to Canada, either Alaskan cruises or fall Canada/New England sailings. Because of this, thought I'd briefly highlight a little-known Canadian immigration law which might affect you.

Over the past several years, Canada has been strengthening their border security, just as the United States has. However, one provision of Canadian immigration law which you might not be aware of could affect your next cruise: Canada may prohibit your entry if you have any type of criminal conviction. This includes such things as DUI or DWI convictions, simple assault and shoplifting.

The US has given Canada expanded access to their criminal databases since 9/11, presumably to ensure better cross-border controls, but the result has been increasing numbers of US citizens turned back at the border. Frequently asked questions about this policy can be found at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/faq-inadmissibility.asp

However, if you have a conviction in your background, all is not hopeless to cruise to Canada (which includes all Alaska cruises as well as Canada/New England cruises). Depending on the circumstances, you can apply to be deemed "rehabilitated." In general, if the conviction was at least 5-10 years ago and your sentence fully served at least 5 years in the past, you may be able to get a waiver from a Canadian embassy or consulate in advance of your visit. For more information on obtaining a waiver, go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/conviction.asp. Do know it can take up to a year for an application to be processed, so if you're planning a trip any time in 2008 or 2009, you need to start the process immediately.

If you have questions regarding this type of immigration question, I am always here to provide guidance on where you can go to get firm answers on your particular situation. Information such as this is always kept in strict confidence, but in order to serve you best, I need to know if there are any situations which might keep you from cruising.