Passport Information
GYB Travel highly recommends you carry a Passport Book for any and all international travel (including closed loop cruises). Passports need to be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. For more information about Passport applications, click HERE.
Visas and Travel Advisories
To learn if the country you will be visiting requires a visa or to learn of the latest travel warnings about that country, The Department of State travel website can help you find the answer you need.
STEP
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service from the U.S. Department of State that allows American citizens traveling or living abroad to register their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Once enrolled, you receive important safety updates and alerts about conditions in your destination country, and — most critically — it makes it far easier for the Embassy to locate and assist you in an emergency, whether that’s a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a personal crisis far from home.
Enrollment takes about five minutes at step.state.gov and it’s completely free.
UK Travel ETA
Flying into the UK now requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Click here to learn more about it and how to apply for it.
TSA
The TSA website is another great source when traveling by air. Here you can find information about applying for the TSA Precheck program, latest information about carry-on regulations and some tips to make your trip through security go smooth.
Global Entry
Global Entry is a U.S. trusted traveler program designed to speed up your re-entry into the country after international travel. Once approved, you can skip long customs lines by using automated kiosks at select airports, making the arrival process significantly faster and smoother. It also includes access to TSA PreCheck, which means shorter security lines when departing from U.S. airports. While there’s an application process, a fee for $120 for 5 year membership, background check, and interview required, frequent cruisers who travel internationally will find the time savings well worth it.
Mobile Passport control
Mobile Passport Control is a free app from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that allows travelers to submit their passport information and customs declaration directly from their phone before arriving at a U.S. port of entry. Instead of filling out paper forms or waiting in longer lines, you’ll use a designated Mobile Passport lane, which can significantly speed up the process—especially at busy cruise ports and airports. It’s a great option for those who want a faster entry experience without going through the full Global Entry application process & expense. It’s available at most major airports and some cruise ports.
Credit Cards Without Foreign Transaction Fees
Using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is one of the easiest ways to save money when cruising internationally. Many standard cards charge around 1%–3% on every purchase made outside the U.S., which can quietly add up over the course of your trip. Choosing the right travel credit card not only helps you avoid these extra charges, but can also earn you points, miles, or cash back on things like excursions, dining, and onboard purchases—turning your vacation spending into future travel rewards.
⭐ Popular No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
Here are a few widely recommended options travelers often consider:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card – A strong all-around travel card. This is the card I personally use for cruise travel and all purchases. It does have an annual fee but when you book your travel with this card, you are covered under their travel protection. You still need to buy medical coverage separately.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Simple earning structure with miles on every purchase, making it easy to rack up rewards.
- Wells Fargo Autograph Card – A solid no annual fee option with bonus categories like travel, dining, and gas.
👉 These cards are popular because they combine no foreign transaction fees with travel rewards, helping you get more value from your cruise spending.
💡 Pro Tip
Always choose to pay in the local currency when given the option overseas. Some terminals offer to convert to U.S. dollars, but the exchange rate is usually worse than what your credit card provides.
Travel Protection/Insurance- coming soon
Shore Excursions – coming soon
WiFi – coming soon
