Why use an experienced travel agent?

As more people book their travel online a disturbing trend is emerging — documentation snafus that can turn a dream cruise into a nightmare. These days most people can easily book a cruise without any thought to proper documentation. On the other hand, a laissez-fare approach to booking a cruise vacation that encompasses multiple countries with varying foreign entry requirements can be costly.

This problem isn’t just within the do-it-yourself crowd. There is a growing problem with online agencies, too. Many are employing inexperienced travel agents who are not versed in the nuances of foreign travel documentation. That is leading to huge problems for clients of those agencies.

 

According to Carnival, of the 2,800-plus passengers embarking in Miami for the South American sailing, 106 guests did not have the required Brazilian visa. Several visa-less travelers were quick to put the blame on Carnival. But Carnival gave its customers proper notice so that over 97 percent of Splendor’s passengers had obtained their visas. The cruise line feels badly for the guests who chose not to pursue getting a visa and flying to the next port issuing a statement, “We are very sorry they were unable to participate on this voyage but hope they do understand that the visa requirement is a Brazilian government regulation and not a Carnival policy.”

 

All cruise lines offer visa and passport documentation information that clearly states that it is the responsibility of the passenger to carry and have available all required travel documents lest they be denied boarding.

 

 

Bottom line: the visa requirement is your responsibility not the cruise line’s. Therefore do the homework necessary well before you leave home or employ the services of a very experienced travel agent whose job it is to know the requirements. You don’t want to miss your hard-earned dream cruise.