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CLIA urges travelers to obtain passports to open their world of travel
This summer, the world’s most popular cruise ships will be sailing itineraries spanning the globe. In Europe, CLIA member lines have designed summer cruise itineraries that range from three nights and up, to such 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.

Further east, travelers this year can also visit ports in Russia, South Korea, Indonesia, Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Samoa and Kiribati – all in one 64-day itinerary, and with an option to leave or return from a U.S. port. This year’s roster of new itineraries also include ports to the Middle East’s most intriguing destinations, such as United Arab Emirates’ Dubai, Egypt’s Luxor, Alexandria and Safaga and Oman’s Salalah.

Closer to US, CLIA member lines have announced summer itineraries to a host of destinations 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.

In order to have the most flexibility when planning a cruise vacation, CLIA urges all travelers without passports to apply. The U.S. government has modified its passport requirements for travel within the Western Hemisphere – including the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, Bermuda and Canada – over the last few years and it could require sea and land travelers to obtain passports as early as January 1, 2008.

With passport requirements already in place for air travel, there is no time like the present for prospective cruisers to obtain their passports and ensure they’re in a position to enjoy the portfolio of sail vacations that blanket the globe this summer and beyond.

“The variety and diversity of summer cruise itineraries this year is exceptional. Quite literally, vacationers can sail anywhere in the world, with the option of short trips or long, to truly wonderful places,” said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA.

“In order to have a relaxing, worry-free trip, we recommend that travelers obtain their passports as quickly as possible. Many CLIA cruise lines are debuting new itineraries to an array of exotic international destinations that require passengers to have valid passports and processing facilities are experiencing delays. Overall, getting a passport is a wise investment in fulfilling your vacation dreams.” Vicky Karantzavelou - Monday, April 23, 2007