Important Stuff
Payment Options
At Cruise Deals, we offer flexible payment options to keep prices low and pass on maximum savings to you:
- Bank transfer, debit card, or ASB True Rewards: No additional fees.
- Other payment methods:
- Mastercard or Visa: +1.5%
- Q Card or American Express: +3%
- Extended finance options: Available through Q Card; additional paperwork and costs apply.
Payments should be made via our secure Windcave Payment Gateway
Once paid in full, your travel costs are guaranteed as of the payment date. However, additional or "On Request" arrangements are only confirmed once the supplier approves and payment is made in full. Pricing is subject to fluctuations in taxes, fuel surcharges, currency, and other market conditions. We recommend prompt payment for additional arrangements to secure pricing.
Past Passenger Benefits
If you’ve cruised with this cruise line before, provide your membership number to ensure you receive applicable benefits.
Passports & Documentation
- Ensure the name on your travel documents matches your passport. Notify us immediately of any discrepancies.
- Passports must be valid for at least six months after your trip.
- For domestic cruises within New Zealand, a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license) may be used.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance at the time of booking. This should include coverage for deposits and any pre-existing medical conditions. Contact us or click here to obtain a quote.
Travelling with Children
If traveling with children for whom you’re not the parent/legal guardian, or as a single parent, consent forms are required. Failure to carry necessary documentation may result in denied boarding.
Pregnancy Policy
- It is the responsibility of the customer to inform us at the time of booking if they or anyone in their party is pregnant or becomes pregnant after booking.
- Cruise lines have specific policies regarding pregnancy, including restrictions that may prevent passengers from sailing if they enter the 24th week of pregnancy by the final day of the cruise. These policies vary between cruise lines and are non-negotiable.
- Customers are required to review the cruise line’s pregnancy policy before booking and ensure they meet all medical requirements for travel.
- If a pregnancy is disclosed after the booking has been confirmed and the passenger is unable to travel due to the cruise line’s pregnancy policy, standard cancellation penalties will apply as outlined in our terms and conditions.
- We will assist customers to the best of our ability in exploring alternatives (e.g., transferring the booking to another passenger) but cannot guarantee a refund or waiver of fees.
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover unforeseen circumstances, including those related to pregnancy and medical conditions.
Deposits & Cancellations
- Deposits are non-refundable unless stated otherwise.
- Late booking packages often require full payment, which is non-refundable.
Amendments & Fees
Changes after deposit payment incur the following fees (in addition to supplier charges):
- Air flight changes: $50 per ticket.
- Refund processing: $100 per booking.
- Booking cancellations: $50 per person (max $200).
- Amendments: From $100 per change.
No amendment fee applies for added services like rental cars or sightseeing. Credit card fees are non-refundable.
COVID-19 Policy
If suppliers offer full refunds, we will waive our cancellation fees.
Ticket Collection
- Tickets are issued after full payment.
- Most cruise lines and airlines issue electronic tickets. Check-in must be completed online using provided links.
Our Role & Obligations
Upon your acceptance of our quotation (including amendments as specified by you in writing) we will endeavour to secure your bookings and provide you with documentation for the services detailed, subject to the following:
- We are agents and not the providers of the services and products supplied by airlines, tour operators, hoteliers, car rental providers and other services “Service Providers”. All contractual arrangements for such services are supplied by us strictly as agents for and on behalf of the Service Providers and all documentation is issued by us subject to Travel Advocates terms and conditions and also the terms and conditions of the Service Providers.
- What we supply to you is the arrangement and coordination of your travel and ancillary services, the making of bookings, and issuing/supplying of tickets and vouchers to be redeemed by Service Providers. We will exercise all reasonable care and skill in carrying out the above services and in the selection of Service Providers.
- We acknowledge that we are bound by the statutory guarantees under the Consumers Guarantees Act 1993 where applicable.
- When issued by each Service Provider, such Service Provider’s documentation and contract shall, unless inconsistent with the law of New Zealand, constitute the sole agreement relevant to the supply of the particular service or product and shall be governed by the terms and conditions of that Service Provider subject to the applicable law in the country in which it is supplied.
- We have no control over the products or services provided by Service Providers or the manner in which they are provided. We will nevertheless endeavour to ensure that they are suitable to meet the particular requirements you have made known to us.
- We cannot accept liability for loss of any kind which arises from any act, omission or default on the part of Service Providers. Neither can we accept responsibility for loss caused by Acts of God or force majeure such as (but not restricted to) weather or equipment disruptions, acts of government or other authorities, wars, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, pilferage, medical or customs regulations or requirements.
- Travel is an individual experience and opinions and preferences differ from person to person. Individual satisfaction can be affected by many
circumstances beyond our control (e.g. the weather) and we cannot be responsible if any aspect of your trip does not meet your expectations. - We will take reasonable care and skill in selecting suppliers to ensure your safety and enjoyment but any adventure activity has some measure of risk and therefore all bookings are made on the condition that you will accept those risks and acknowledge that neither we nor any of our officers, employees, agents, subcontractors nor your fellow passengers shall be liable in any way for injury, loss, damage or claim of any kind to person or property, whether direct, consequential or compensatory, regardless of cause.
For assistance, contact us at 0800 99 44 88, email mail@cruisedeals.co.nz, or visit www.cruisedeals.co.nz.
Travel Tools
If you have a cruise booking with us and are ready to make a cruise payment, please use our secure Windcave Payment Gateway
Bank to Bank Payments and Debit card payments do not incur any additional fees
Payments by Mastercard or Visa Credit card will incur a bank fee of 1.5%
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Planning what to do and see during your travels is part of the excitement! Let us inspire you with incredible ideas for the destinations on your cruise itinerary.
While cruise lines offer a variety of Shore Excursions and Tours, you can also explore independent options to suit your preferences. With over 4,500 excursions available in more than 300 ports worldwide, the choices are endless!
Check which Independent Shore Excursions may be available with your cruise and save by using this link.
When booking a cruise, it’s always wise to avoid flying in on the same day your cruise departs. A flight delay could mean missing the ship—an outcome no one wants!
If you’re not departing from your home city, consider booking a pre-cruise stay near the departure port. This ensures you’re in the right place and ready to board on Cruise Day, stress-free and on time.
With updated travel and health protocols in many countries, completing online cruise check-in is now mandatory for all guests.
Once your cruise deposit is paid, use the provided links to set up your onboard account. From there, you can personalize your cruise experience by booking shore excursions, reserving specialty dining, and planning other exciting activities to make your trip unforgettable.
- Ambassador Cruise Line Check-in
- APT Check-in
- Avalon Waterways Check-In
- Azamara Check-In
- Carnival Australia Check-In
- Celebrity Cruises Check-In
- Celestyal Cruises
- Costa Check-in
- Cunard Check-In
- Disney Cruise Lines
- Explora Journeys Online Check-in
- Holland America Check-In
- Hurtigruten
- MSC Cruises Web Check-in
- Norwegian Check-In
- Oceania Cruises Check in
- P&O UK Check In
- Ponant Online Check in
- Princess Cruises Check-In
- Regent Seven Seas Check in
- Royal Caribbean Check-In
- Scenic Trip Personaliser
- Seabourn Check-in
- Silversea Cruise Check-In
- Travelmarvel Cruise Check-in
- Uniworld River Cruises Check-in
- Viking Voyages Check-in App
- Virgin Voyages Check-in App
- Windstar Cruises Check-in
Your Cruise is Booked—Are You Cruise Ready?
The excitement starts as soon as you book your cruise and make your first payment. Unlike airlines or hotels, the cruise experience begins the moment your reservation is confirmed. Follow these steps to ensure you’re ready for the best holiday ever!
Step 1: Your Cruise is Booked
You’ve made your deposit or balance payment. This is where the pre-cruise excitement begins—it’s time to get Cruise Ready!
Step 2: Download the Cruise Line App
Immediately download the official app for your cruise line onto your smartphone or tablet. You’ll find links to these apps under our Travel Tools section.
Step 3: Create or Log Into Your Cruise Line Profile
- If you’re a past passenger, log into your existing profile to ensure you receive any loyalty perks.
- If you’re new to the cruise line, create a profile to manage your booking.
- Important: Avoid creating a new profile if you’ve cruised with the line before, as it may cause you to miss out on past-guest benefits.
Step 4: Link Your Booking
Attach your reservation to your profile in the app. If you’ve provided your past guest number at the time of booking, your cruise details should appear automatically.
Step 5: Complete Mandatory Check-In
Use the app to enter:
- Personal and contact details for all guests
- Passport and health information
- Special dietary or accessibility needs
- Emergency contact details
- Travel insurance details
- Upload a photo (if requested) to streamline boarding at ports with facial recognition technology
Step 6: Set Up Onboard Payments
Your room key will act as your charge card during the cruise.
- Preload a credit card to settle your onboard account automatically at the end of your trip.
- If you prefer to use cash, deposit an amount at reception on embarkation day.
- Tip: Travelling with children? Set daily spending limits for their onboard purchases.
Step 7: Personalise Your Cruise Experience
Now the fun part begins—customising your trip!
- Shore Excursions: Check if pre-booking for shore excursions is available. Browse options for each destination and secure your spot early—popular tours often sell out before the cruise even begins.
- Specialty Dining: Many cruise lines allow pre-booking for specialty restaurants. Book as soon as possible, as these venues have limited capacity and tend to fill up quickly, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion or travelling with a larger group.
- Onboard Activities & Shows: If your cruise line offers early reservations for activities or special performances, take advantage of this feature. Even free events may have limited availability, so booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on popular experiences.
Step 8: View Your Boarding Pass
After your final payment is made, your digital boarding pass will be available in the app, usually closer to the sailing date.
- Physical tickets are no longer issued for most cruise lines—your boarding pass and passport are all you’ll need at the terminal.
Step 9: Check for Additional Documentation
If your cruise line requires additional health or insurance documentation, this will be listed under "Important Info" in their app—one of the key reasons to complete the check-in process ahead of time. Some cruise lines also use VeriFly for streamlined verification, and their apps will guide you through the necessary steps if this applies to your booking.
Pregnancy Policy
- It is the responsibility of the customer to inform us at the time of booking if they or anyone in their party is pregnant or becomes pregnant after booking.
- Cruise lines have specific policies regarding pregnancy, including restrictions that may prevent passengers from sailing if they enter the 24th week of pregnancy by the final day of the cruise. These policies vary between cruise lines and are non-negotiable.
- Customers are required to review the cruise line’s pregnancy policy before booking and ensure they meet all medical requirements for travel.
- If a pregnancy is disclosed after the booking has been confirmed and the passenger is unable to travel due to the cruise line’s pregnancy policy, standard cancellation penalties will apply as outlined in our terms and conditions.
- We will assist customers to the best of our ability in exploring alternatives (e.g., transferring the booking to another passenger) but cannot guarantee a refund or waiver of fees.
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover unforeseen circumstances, including those related to pregnancy and medical conditions.
Step 10: Onboard Connectivity
Once onboard, switch your devices to airplane mode and connect to the ship's Wi-Fi. Most cruise lines allow you to access their app features without purchasing a Wi-Fi package. Some also offer free in-app messaging services for guests, making it easy to stay connected with your travel companions during your cruise.
Step 11: Use the App During Your Cruise
Your app is an essential tool onboard. It can:
- Display the daily schedule of activities and port information
- Manage dining reservations and onboard accounts
- Open your stateroom door on some ships
- Link with wristbands or medallions for seamless access to facilities
FAQs: Can My Agent Help with Check-In?
While we’re here to assist with any questions, we recommend completing the check-in process yourself. Legal terms and conditions require your acceptance, and getting familiar with the app will enhance your onboard experience.
Goodbye, NZ Paper Arrival Cards!
Returning to New Zealand? Complete the electronic traveller declaration, replacing the old paper cards. Click here for details.
Remember: As soon as your booking is confirmed and payments are made, start personalizing your cruise holiday to make it truly unforgettable.
~Images courtesy of MSC Cruises
For most cruise lines, a passport with at least six months of validity remaining after your holiday is required. Many countries also mandate that your passport be valid for at least six months upon arrival, even if you’re not leaving the ship. Check your passport’s expiration date before booking to ensure it meets these requirements.
If you're cruising within New Zealand waters, a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s licence, will typically suffice.
For cruises that require visas, make sure to apply well in advance. While some countries offer online visa applications, others still require you to submit your passport in person at an embassy or consulate for processing.
Not sure what travel documents you need? Use Sherpa!
Sherpa° helps you navigate the latest travel documentation requirements. It provides real-time, interactive maps with up-to-date travel info, covering more than 64 government systems globally. Visit Sherpa for more details on what you’ll need for your trip.
- Apply for a USA ESTA Visa
- ** NEW from 2025 ** Apply for a UK ETA Visa
- Apply for an Australian Visa
- Apply for a Canada ESTA Visa
- Apply for Indian Visa Online
Check this applies for your cruise. Currently the India E Visa is valid for the following Seaports: Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mumbai, Mangalore & Port Blair (Andaman Islands) - Apply for an NZ Passport
- NZ Traveller Declaration the new online arrivals card
- Visiting NZ? Apply for an NZeTA Visa if you are not using an NZ Passport
- How to renew, or transfer your NZ resident permit to a new passport
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Europe to Introduce ETIAS for Kiwi Travellers in 2026
Apply for the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before visiting applicable European countries. The ETIAS is valid for 3 years and allows visa-free stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for business or tourism. Apply for an ETIAS - Apply for a Greece ETIAS & note the new cruise‑passenger fee
Cruising to Greece in the future? From late 2026, New Zealand passport holders (as a visa‑exempt nationality) will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before arrival in Schengen countries, including Greece—valid for 3 years and costing €7. Plus, beginning July 21, 2025, Greece applies a cruise‑passenger tax (up to approx. €20 per person at major islands), charged onboard—not included in your cruise package price. Learn more here.
