Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What travel documentation do I need?

UNITED STATES CITIZENS

For cruises leaving from the Seattle Port to Alaska, you are required to carry one of the below documents:

Valid Passport (passport must be valid for at least (6) months after the return of the cruise)

Proof of Citizenship (see below) AND Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
- State certified U.S. birth certificate (Baptismal paper, hospital certificates of birth, and Puerto Rico birth certificates issued prior to 7/1/10 are not acceptable.)
- Original certificate of U.S. naturalization
- Original certificate of U.S. citizenship
- U.S. Consular report of your birth abroad
- Enhanced Driver’s License (enhanced driver’s licenses are only issued in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington)
- A valid passport card

Photocopies or pictures of documents will not be accepted.

*A United States citizen under the age of 16 does not require a government-issued photo ID.

Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends all guests to obtain a passport for their cruise vacation for the following reasons:

If you miss the ship at its scheduled U.S. departure port and need to travel outside the U.S. to meet the ship, a passport would be required to travel internationally by air.
If you unexpectedly need to depart the ship from a foreign port prior to the end of sailing, a passport would be required to travel internationally by air.
International ports of call can change their travel requirements at their own discretion and may unexpectedly require all guests to have a valid passport to go ashore.

If you need to obtain a passport quickly, please contact VisaCentral at 844-834-5702 and reference account 75006 for discounted VisaCentral service fees. VisaCentral can obtain a passport in as little as 48 hours.

Domestic Airline Travel ID Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

NON-UNITED STATES CITIZENS

All Non-United State citizens must carry a passport valid for at least (6) months after the return of the cruise. In addition, a tourist visa may be required for entry into certain countries/ports of call. To confirm the specific documents required, please be sure to check with the proper authorities (such as your local immigration office) for each port that you are entering. You can also contact VisaCentral to answer your questions.

Please note the most recent visa requirements for non-United States and non-Canadian guests sailing on an Alaskan itinerary require a Canadian visa to participate in the cruise. Click here to get more details.

U.S. Alien Resident Card (ARC) Holders

U.S. Alien Residents holding an Alien Resident Card (ARC), also known as a "Green Card" must be in possession of the ARC in order to sail. U.S. Alien Residents who do not have their ARC with them at check in will be denied boarding. It is recommended that these guests also carry their passports from their country of citizenship if available. In some instances, ARC holders may still be required to have travel permits and/or visas to enter countries Norwegian Cruise Line visits in these destinations.

Canadian Residency Permit (CRP) holders

Canadian Residency Permit (CRP) holders who are NOT in possession of their permanent resident papers or a valid Temporary Resident Visa will be denied boarding if the ship visits any Canadian port during the cruise. In addition, the Canadian resident can be refused re-entry into Canada without their proper resident documentation.

Important Information for Chinese Citizens Cruising in the United States

Effective November 29, 2016, all Chinese passport holders that have a 10 year B1/B2 non-immigrant visa are now required to fill out an Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) enrollment in order to enter the United States. All Chinese guests with a 10 year B1/B2 visa must complete their EVUS enrollment prior to arriving to the pier. Proof of EVUS enrollment must be shown at check-in and is required to board the ship. This applies to all U.S. ports. For more information, please visit www.evus.gov.

Travel Visa Requirements

Norwegian Cruise Line has partnered with VisaCentral to provide our guests with comprehensive, accurate information regarding travel visas. Some of VisaCentral’s guest travel services include visa application kits and assistance with obtaining other visas where required. Visit the Global Visa Support Center on the VisaCentral page for assistance with visa applications.

United States Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) - for Citizens of Visa Waiver Program Countries (VWP) Entering the United States

Per the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) requirements, all VWP travelers must obtain an electronic travel authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a travel carrier to enter the United States. This can be done by completing the online application on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. However, DHS recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel. Passport holders from the below countries with biometric passports are eligible to participate in the US Visa Waiver Program: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.

All passport holders from the above countries must be able to present a valid ESTA or US Visa before boarding a cruise that starts, visits, or ends in the United States. Any person unable to do so will be denied boarding.

ALL GUESTS

It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to verify, obtain, and be aware of all necessary documentation and vaccination requirements when traveling. Please check your destination’s specific requirements as well as the requirements of Norwegian Cruise Lines and the airline(s) you are traveling on. Passports are required to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return and may require multiple consecutive blank passport pages. Some citizens may be required to obtain a Visa and/or have specific vaccinations.

It is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. If your name has changed since your document was issued (e.g., marriage or divorce), you are required to update the document with the new name or provide an official supporting document (e.g., a state, county, or province issued marriage license; divorce decree; or legal name change document) with proof of the name change. All documents must be the original or a notarized copy. Additionally, if you are using an identification (e.g., driver's license) and a citizenship document (e.g., birth certificate), then BOTH documents must match the name on your reservation. Otherwise, it may result in delay or possible denial of boarding.

Should the last names of the parent and minor child traveling with them differ, the parent is required to present the child's valid passport and visa (if required) and the child's birth certificate (original, a notarized copy, or a certified copy). The name of the parent(s) and the child must be linked through legal documentation.

Q. How do I get a Passport? (United States Citizens)

Click HERE to learn everything you need to know about how to obtain or renew a United States Passport.

Q. What are the age requirements for boarding an NCL ship?

Note: These terms are effective at the time of boarding.

Traveling with Infants:

At least six (6) months of age on the day of boarding

Traveling with Minors and Young Adults:

Norwegian Cruise Line’s policy dictates that a minor or young adult must be accompanied in the same stateroom (or connecting stateroom) by a passenger 21 years of age or older at the time of boarding.

Minors – an individual under the age of 18 on the day of embarkation/boarding.
Young Adult– an individual between the ages of 18 and 20.

Note: Two people under the age of 21 may travel together in the same stateroom if they are a married couple and provide proof of marriage to a Norwegian Cruise Line representative at the pier prior to boarding.

Traveling with Minors Unaccompanied by Parent or Legal Guardian*:

For passengers under the age of 18 traveling with an accompanying adult, who is not the minor's parent or legal guardian, a Parent/Guardian Consent Form that authorizes the minor's travel and further authorizes medical treatment in case of an emergency must be delivered to a Norwegian representative at the pier during check-in. Failure to produce this letter at embarkation may result in boarding being denied. Both living parents/legal guardians must sign and complete this form and attach a copy of his/her driver's license or other government issued identification. Minors of the same parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may be listed on the same form:

Canadian entry requirements stipulate that a child under the age of 18 traveling alone, or with person(s) other than both parents, should be in possession of a letter (preferably notarized) from the parents or legal guardian containing:

Authorization for the child to travel with another person and to be outside the country;
The name and a 24-hour contact telephone number of the parents or guardian;
The destination and length of stay in Canada.

Q. What if I'm pregnant?

Norwegian welcomes our pregnant guests on board, provided you have not entered the 24th week of pregnancy when the cruise ends. Should you be 24 weeks, you will not be permitted to sail.

Q. What is included?

Cruise accommodations
Welcome Reception & Farewell Reception
Meals in complimentary dining venues
Wi-Fi for one device
Drink Package - alcohol package for those 21 and older, soda package for those under the age of 21
Most onboard entertainment
Use of outdoor pools and hot tubs, poolside activities
Sports Court activities
Access to fitness facilities
Kids & Teen (ages 3-17) programming & spaces during at sea days until 10:30 pm and from departure until 10:30 pm during port days
Phone calls onboard the ship (stateroom to stateroom)
Taxes, fees and port expenses
Onboard gratuities (stateroom attendants, housekeeping, dining, etc.)

Q. What is NOT included?

Flights to/from Seattle International Airport (SEA)
Transportation between the Seattle International Airport (SEA) and cruise pier (unless otherwise earned)
Pre-night hotel reservations (unless otherwise earned)
Meals in specialty restaurants
Shore Excursions
Spa and salon services
Exercise classes
Casino
Video arcade
Dining entertainment
Gift shop purchases
Baby sitting services
Photography
Laundry services
Phone calls off the ship
Medical center

Q. When should I plan to arrive and depart?

ARRIVAL

Flights should arrive at the Seattle International Airport (SEA) by no later than 1:00 PM on August 9, 2025 to ensure you have enough time to transfer to the cruise pier and board the cruise ship.

We highly recommend arriving a day early (August 8) and staying overnight in Seattle prior to the cruise in case of any flight delays. You are responsible for arranging any accommodations outside of the cruise, flights to/from Seattle, and transportation between the Seattle airport and cruise pier.

Arrival at the Cruise Terminal: For your comfort and convenience, we recommend that guests who have not completed their Online Check-In arrive at the cruise terminal no later than two (2) hours prior to the scheduled embarkation time printed on your cruise documents. Guests who have completed their Online Check-In should arrive at the terminal no later than one (1) hour prior to the scheduled embarkation time printed on your cruise documents. We STRONGLY recommend guests complete their Online Check-In at least four (4) days prior to sailing.

Final Boarding Time: In order to facilitate the embarkation process, the processing of your eDocs, and to comply with new government regulations governing departure manifest, all guests are required to complete check-in at the cruise terminal and be onboard the ship no later than one hour prior to the departure time noted on their cruise documents or they will not be permitted to sail. Please note that guests who have not filled out their Online Check-In must arrive at the port two (2) hours prior to sailing.

DEPARTURE

Flights should depart the Seattle International Airport (SEA) no earlier than 11:00 AM on August 16, 2025 to ensure you have enough time to disembark the cruise ship and transfer to the airport.

Q. Where is the Seattle Port?

Name of Port

Port of Seattle | www.portseattle.org

Name/Location of Pier

Pier 66/Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal
2225 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98121

To/From Airports

14.06 miles from airport, approximately 20-40 minutes dependent on traffic conditions

Transportation

Taxis and rideshare (Uber, Lyft) services are available. Rates are subject to change.

Yellow Cab: 206-622-6500
Orange Cab: 206-522-8800
Gray Top: 206-282-8222

Parking

Bell Street Parking Garage (Republic Parking - www.rpnw.com) located directly across the street from Pier 66. Cost is approximately $20.00 per day. Call Republic Parking: 206-443-1793 for more parking options.

Directions to the Port

Take the Mercer Street Exit and follow Mercer until it turns into Broad Street. Follow Broad Street to Alaskan Way and turn left, heading South. If parking long-term, turn left on Wall Street and enter the Bell Street Parking Garage. A parking attendant will assist passengers. A shuttle van is available to transport passengers and their luggage across the street to the Terminal. Passengers can also take the sky bridge across the street to the Terminal. If the passenger is being dropped off, proceed on Alaskan Way to the Terminal. The curb lane on Alaskan Way is used to drop passengers on front of the terminal. There is a parking lot just in front of the terminal but that is reserved for buses only. A Security Officer will be located on Alaskan Way to direct traffic and assist passenger drop off.

Take the Mercer Street Exit from I-5 and follow Mercer to 5th Ave. Look for the large Seattle Center Video Billboard. Turn left onto 5th Ave. Stay in the right lane. Turn Right onto Broad St., you will turn under the Monorail opposite McDonalds. Continue on Broad Street toward the waterfront. Broad St turns left over the railroad tracks and becomes Alaskan Way. Pier 66 is about a quarter mile on the right. The curb lane on Alaskan Way is used to drop passengers on front of the terminal. There is a parking lot just in front of the terminal but that is reserved for buses only. A Security Officer will be located on Alaskan Way to direct traffic and assist passenger drop off.

Q. When should I leave for the airport?

DOMESTIC

Recommended airport check-in time for domestic flights is two hours prior to departure.

Please check with your airline for schedule changes or flight delays and confirm the recommended check-in time prior to leaving for the airport. Please remember to allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the airport, are leaving during heavy traffic times, or have excess baggage.

For the latest information regarding what to bring, what to leave at home, and what to generally expect while traveling, please visit the Transportation Security Administration website at https://www.tsa.gov/.

INTERNATIONAL

Recommended airport check-in time for international flights is three hours prior to departure.

Please check with your airline for schedule changes or flight delays and confirm the recommended check-in time prior to leaving for the airport. Please remember to allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the airport, are leaving during heavy traffic times, or have excess baggage.

For general travel information issued by the State Department, please visit the U.S. Department of State website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html.

Q. How much luggage can I take?

AIRLINES

Most airlines permit each passenger to take one carry-on bag and one additional personal carry-on item, such as a purse or briefcase/laptop case. All carry-on items must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. Carry-on baggage size requirements differ between airlines so please check with your airline before traveling to make sure your carry-on bags fit your airline's specified dimensions. Most airlines will allow you to check bags as well. Please check with your airline to confirm the current luggage limitations and any applicable fees for carry-on and checked baggage. Please note that many airlines charge significant fees for overweight or oversized luggage. Be sure that all baggage and personal belongings are properly insured. Items such as medications, jewelry, or other valuables, breakable or perishable items, and travel documents should be hand-carried. Responsibility will not be assumed by the airline for loss of or damage to these items.

*Please note that all baggage fees are at your own expense.

CRUISE SHIP

Each guest is allowed up to two pieces of personal luggage on board, with each piece weighing a maximum of 50 pounds. Luggage should be clearly labeled with your name, address and contact number.

Bring an Additional Small Bag: It may take a few hours after embarkation for your luggage to be delivered to your stateroom. Likewise, suitcases are collected on the last night of your cruise. To avoid any complications, be sure to bring a small bag such as a backpack for carrying any necessary medication, valuables, important documents and need-to-have items.

We recommend that guests hand-carry medication, jewelry, breakables, or other valuables, an extra set of clothes for the first evening on board, and important documents (I.e Passports and Travel Documents).

Q. What items can I carry on?

Due to potential security issues on flights, the Transportation Security Administration has updated its aviation security measures. For the latest information regarding what to bring, what to leave at home, and what to generally expect while traveling, please visit the Transportation Security Administration website at http://www.tsa.gov/.

Q. What should I pack?

During an Alaska cruise, travelers can be exposed to temperatures that drastically change from morning to noon to night, so it’s essential to be prepared for all kinds of weather.

Always consider layering items when packing for an Alaska cruise, regardless of the time of year you’ll be sailing.

Long Sleeved T-Shirts
Vest
Lightweight Jacket
Waterproof Rain Jacket
Base Layers
Comfortable Pants
Wool Socks
Waterproof Shoes and/or Boots (closed toe)
Sweaters
Scarf
Hats and gloves
Swimsuit
Workout Clothes
Sunglasses
Camera
Binoculars
Waterproof bag or backpack
Sunscreen
Insect Repellant
Portable Charger
Water Bottle
Medications*

When it comes to what to wear, you can go resort casual or get decked-out and look your best - it’s your call. That’s the freedom of Freestyle Cruising. We even have special “Dress-Up or Not Night.”

Cruise Casual: the Freedom of Freestyle Cruising

Dress cruise casual anytime during the day, in the buffet and in most specialty restaurants. For women, it includes summer and casual dresses, skirts, regular or capri pants, shorts, jeans and tops. Khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts are fine for men. Swimwear is acceptable at the buffet and outdoor restaurant, but a shirt or a cover-up and footwear are required. Be sure to pack a sweater — the air conditioning can be chilly. Kids 12 and under are welcome to wear shorts in all our restaurants.

Please Note: We want you to be comfortable, but tank tops for men, flip flops, baseball caps, visors and jeans that are overly faded, with holes or tears and worn below the hips are not permitted in main dining rooms or specialty restaurants.

All Decked-out: Smart Casual

Dress smart casual in our more upscale specialty restaurants. For women, it includes slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts and tops. For men, it's jeans or slacks with a collared shirt and closed-toed shoes. Kids 12 and under are welcome to wear shorts in all our restaurants.

Ready for Adventure: Shore Excursions

Think about the shore excursions you'll be taking and pack accordingly, including comfy walking shoes. For kids and adults it's good to pack a pair of closed-toed shoes. You can check within the specific shore excursion for more information.

Special Events: Theme Nights and Parties

Our newest event, Norwegian's Night Out, is the perfect opportunity to get dressed up for an evening of cocktails, fine dining and great entertainment. You may also want to pack an all-white ensemble for our iconic White Hot Party.

Onboard Electricity

The current on board is 110 volts & 220V AC. However, some high-voltage hair dryers, electric rollers and electric razors may require a converter

Carry-On Bag

Bring an overnight bag for your last night at sea. Staff will collect your luggage the night before disembarkation and you will need an overnight bag to carry your nightclothes and toiletries.

Travel Tips:

Luggage that is being hand-carried must be able to fit thru the x-ray machines, similar to airplanes if larger than that it must be checked. (Approximately 24” tall and 18” wide).

*We recommend that guests hand-carry medication, jewelry, breakables, or other valuables, an extra set of clothes for the first evening on board, and important documents (I.e Passports and Travel Documents). We also advise that all medications remain in their original, labeled prescription containers. It is also advisable to pack at least three days of extra medication in the event of an unexpected change in the itinerary of the voyage.

Q. Can I travel with my medication?

One of the more popular questions we get from travelers is: “Can I travel with my medication?” The answer is yes, with some qualifiers. Here are a few tips that you might find helpful.

It is not necessary to present your medication to, or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form (See next bullet).
Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.
You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.
You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.
TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.
Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.
Nitroglycerin tablets and spray (used to treat episodes of angina in people who have coronary artery disease) are permitted and have never been prohibited.

Additional Information

Q. What is not allowed onboard the ship?

Passengers should not bring the following items onboard any Norwegian Cruise Line ship:

Drones (Game Flying Device)
- Guests are not permitted to bring drones onboard for safety of other guests, as well as the welfare of the vessel.
Samsung Galaxy Note7
- In light of recent safety issues with the Samsung Galaxy Note7, we are asking our guests who own this model to please avoid traveling with this mobile device. The Federal Aviation Administration has banned the Samsung Galaxy Note7 from all air travel, and until further notice, this device will be restricted from all Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Fire is one of the greatest threats at sea and due to the safety concerns these devices present, if one is found in a guest’s possession or unattended in a stateroom onboard, our policy instructs the crew to confiscate the device for safekeeping. The device will remain in our possession, in a safe, monitored location, for the duration of the cruise. Guests can reclaim their device at the conclusion of the cruise from the reception desk.
Alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages of any kind including water, soda and juices.
Unsealed food items will not be allowed onboard.
Firearms, weapons of any kind, ammunition, explosive substances or any goods of a dangerous nature
Irons / Ironing Boards and Steamers
- Guests are not permitted to bring and use their own irons or steamers onboard. Norwegian Cruise Line carries a limited number of irons and ironing boards which can be loaned to guests for a few hours at a time. They can be requested through housekeeping or Guest Services Desk.
- Irons and steamers would both be taken from guests at embarkation and returned at the end of the sailing.
Animals of any kind, except service or guide animals, provided the passenger notifies Carrier prior to the cruise of his intention to bring such animal and agrees to take sole responsibility for any expense, damage, injuries or losses associated with or caused by such animal.
Large Batteries, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), ham radios, satellite phones, transformers, lasers and laser pointers are not allowed onboard.

*For a full list of items that are prohibited onboard, please click here.

Q. Should I purchase Travel Insurance?

Because unforeseen circumstances may arise, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Travel Insurance gives you access to a 24-hour assistance hotline for expert, personalized support in a crisis. Travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable trip costs - including vacation rentals, car rentals, hotels and flights - if you have to cancel for a covered reason, and can reimburse you for eligible meals, accommodation and transportation expenses during a covered delay. Travel insurance can also reimburse you for care following a covered medical emergency while traveling. Travel insurance can even arrange and pay for a medical evacuation if needed. Coverage is only available for United States citizens.

Please email your Destinations Travel Partner and advise you are interested in purchasing Travel insurance. They will provide Sequel Travel Vacation Department the necessary information for your travel insurance quote and connect you with an agent.

Q. What if I have a special health concern?

If you have any health concerns that may require special attention, please contact us prior to departure. Passengers requiring prescription medications are advised to keep them in their carry-on luggage. While we don't require information about the extent of your health concern or disability, the more information you can share with us about your specific needs, the better we are able to assist you.