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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(NAPSI)-When planning a cruise vacation, there are certain things no traveler should be without: Tickets and a sense of fun and adventure are key among them. But when the ports of call are outside the United States, one of the most important items to remember is a passport.
Government regulations have changed several times over the past two years, and as soon as January 1, 2008, a passport will be required for virtually all travel outside the U.S. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), a leading travel industry organization, suggests that there is no time like the present for travelers to apply for or renew their passports to ensure they're in a position to enjoy the portfolio of cruise vacations that blanket the globe.
Ports Of Call
This year, CLIA cruise lines are debuting new itineraries to an array of exotic international destinations, and many of these voyages require that travelers board ships with valid passports.
In Europe, for example, CLIA member lines have designed itineraries to such favored destinations as Paris, Rome and London-as well as to emerging ports in Croatia, Greece, Spain and Turkey, exclusive yachting ports along the French Riviera and Italy's Ligurian Coast.
Farther east, travelers can also visit ports in Russia, South Korea, Indonesia, Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Samoa and Kiribati-all in one 64-day itinerary. This year's roster also includes ports in the Middle East's most intriguing destinations, such as United Arab Emirates' Dubai and Egypt's Luxor and Alexandria.
Closer to home, CLIA member lines have announced exciting itineraries that include visits to some of the most exciting ports in New England, Canada and the Caribbean-and many of these itineraries begin from convenient North American homeports.
Getting A Passport
All travelers have to do is simply visit one of 8,000 passport facilities across the U.S. Passports are valid for a full 10 years and cost $97; $67 for renewals. Consider that if you take two vacations per year, the cost of a passport, per vacation, is less than a poolside frozen drink.
For more information on how to apply for or renew a passport, visit www.travel.state.gov/passport. For more information about cruise vacations and how to locate a CLIA travel agent, log on to the association's Web site at www.cruising.org.
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