Cruise security remains high after new screenings are added

Here are some questions and answers regarding Cruise Security,health and safety.

There were more incidents of norovirus on cruise ships in 2006 than in any year since 1994, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Vessel Sanitation Program began keeping track of gastrointestinal illness aboard U.S.-bound cruise ships.

That was a couple of years ago and believe me, cruise ships do not want a repeat of that sort of thing. It's the worst possible news they can get and very bad publicity.

The good news: We have cruise a lot and have never been affected by norovirus. I got a little seasick one time, but got a patch and was O the rest of the time. However, on one we had one person in our group get the 'bug' and he was very sick the entire time. His wife never got it and neither did any others in our group. You just never know and he probably brought the 'bug' on board with him That's usually the way it works.

This year the VSP recorded 22 incidents in which more than 3% of passengers and crew reported norovirus symptoms, according to a tally of its online summaries.

That total is likely to rise, as the cause of the last five cases of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships had not been determined, including the recent outbreaks aboard the Freedom of the Seas and on the Carnival Liberty, both of which are suspected to have been norovirus.

In 2005, there were a total of 14 outbreaks of norovirus on cruise ships. That number was matched by May of this year.

But according to David Forney, chief of the VSP, the percentage of cruise passengers affected by norovirus is not rising.

"Over the last 10 years we've looked at norovirus, and, yes, we have absolutely had more outbreaks ... and more people sick," Forney said. "However, if you look at and calculate the number of passenger days and the number of people cruising ... it has not been a significant increase."

Forney attributed the rise in norovirus on cruise ships to the fact that it is rampant in the general population.

"Today I did a Google search on norovirus and [found] there are outbreaks all over the country. In nursing homes, restaurants, daycare centers, even a group of hunters all got sick because they were not watching what they were doing in a wilderness area," Forney said.

The International Council of Cruise Lines has said that according to the CDC's 2005 numbers, 23 million Americans contract norovirus every year, or one in every 12 people. Out of the approximately 8.5 million passengers taking a cruise from a U.S. port annually, less than 1%, or one in every 3,600 people, has been affected by norovirus.

What can I expect regarding cruise ship security?

Embarkation and debarkation may take longer to accommodate additional security procedures — plan your flights accordingly. Cruise ships may alter itineraries (i.e. not sailing near unstable areas, itineraries closer to ports of call).

Strict enforcement of required identification and nationality/travel papers. Boarding will be denied without presenting proper documents — Check with your travel agent or the cruise line regarding the documentation you will require and refer to the above "Cruise Line Security" content for guidelines.

I'm nervous about taking a cruise during these uncertain times. Do I have reason to worry?

Your concerns are understandable, but be assured that your safety and security is our highest priority. Even if you are underway on a cruise ship, you will never be completely out of touch. Cruise ships have telephones, Internet access, and satellite television.

Will the enhanced security measures interfere with my cruise?

Passengers will notice many of the enhanced security measures in the port terminals and onboard the cruise ship, but these measures should not unduly interfere with your vacation.

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Required Documents

What documents do I need to board a cruise ship?

The following documents are required for all passengers boarding our member lines:

US Citizens — A passport or a birth certificate (certified copy) plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state, or local government agency are required. A voter registration card or Social Security card are not considered to be proof of citizenship. Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID card.

Non-US Citizens — Valid passports and visas (except for waiver countries) are required in addition to Alien Registration Cards (ARC or "Green" cards) if an individual is a Resident Alien living in the United States. Certain Canadian and Mexican citizens may travel with alternative documentation depending on their alien status in the United States. For customs and immigration purposes, guests are also required to have necessary visa, passport and other travel authorization documents based upon their nationality and country of residence.

What can I expect at the airport and cruise terminal?

Stricter security measures for airport and port employees, airline and cruise line employees, merchants, vendors that service the airport and seaport. Stricter security measures for travelers. Expect and plan for longer times to park, check-in and to pass through the security checkpoints. You may experience some inconvenience and delays — please plan to leave for the airport/cruise terminal early. And be patient and understanding.

What can I expect regarding airport security?

There will be thorough searches of airports and airplanes prior to passengers being permitted to enter and board aircraft. Checking luggage at off-airport sites is prohibited. You may still use these sites to obtain boarding passes and seat assignments but luggage will need to be checked at the airport. Some cruise lines offer airport check-in at the cruise terminal after disembarkation. No form of weapon will be permitted on your person or in carry-on luggage. Regardless of the size, items such as small pen-knives, scissors and such should be left at home or placed in checked baggage. Only ticketed passengers will be permitted through the security checkpoints. Make sure that you have acceptable photo identification

Travelers with E-tickets must hold one of the following documents indicating a flight departure for a current date: A boarding pass or paper ticket, a receipt for an electronic (e-ticket), or an itinerary generated by an airline or travel agency. Check your cruise documentation for up-to-date and appropriate air travel information to comply with security checkpoint measures.

Check-in at the ticket counter if you are unsure about passing through security.

Vehicles parked near the airport will be closely monitored and should not be unattended.

DO NOT leave your luggage unattended at any time. You will likely notice additional uniformed law enforcement officers and FAA canine teams patrolling the airports.

What are the cruise lines' cancellation and refund policies? Check with your travel agent or the cruise line regarding their individual cancellation and refund policies.

Travel Tips Consider purchasing trip/vacation cancellation and interruption insurance from your travel agent or cruise line. Review your cruise documents in advance for important information, guidelines and tips. Prior to leaving home, call the airline — or check their web site for flight arrival/departure information. Be at the airport early — 2 hours or more unless local circumstances require more time. Minimize your carry-on luggage AND be prepared to have them searched. Suspicious items (knives, scissors, clippers, files, etc.) may be confiscated and subject you to a further delay. Make sure that your baggage is clearly tagged with your name and contact information and that you have completed and attached the cruise tags provided with your cruise documentation. Verify that any required medical items are with you and not in checked luggage. Verify that you have the proper identification required for all travelers in your party and that it is on your person — not in checked luggage. Expects some delays and be patient. Enjoy your cruise and have a great vacation.

bSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Cruise Travel/b Although there have been no reports of SARS on any cruise ship operating in North America to date, the membership of the ICCL has taken increased health and safety measures as a matter of caution.

Enhanced Cruise Ship Procedures/Protocols Over the past several years, ICCL member cruise lines have enhanced the safety and security of passengers and crew through the adoption of the most comprehensive and proactive health and sanitation protocols in the travel and tourism industry.

Currently, most cruise lines participate in a voluntary vessel sanitation program administered by the CDC. Cruise industry health and sanitation protocols developed in conjunction with the CDC are effective in reducing the transmission of infectious illnesses aboard ships.

During a national news conference with news media earlier this year, Dave Forney, Chief of the Centers for Disease Control's Vessel Sanitation Program said: "The standard by which they [the cruise lines] are held for sanitation is the highest in the world and continues to be the highest in the world."

Should a suspected SARS case be identified on a cruise ship, all members of the ICCL have trained medical staff onboard with appropriate isolation and treatment facilities. The disinfectants available for use by ICCL member lines are believed to be the most effective agents available against the virus that is presently thought to cause SARS.

Cancellation Policies

It is important to note that — cruise lines are being flexible and establishing procedures for the reimbursement and rebooking of passengers denied boarding due to SARS. However, each cruise line's policy is different, so passengers should contact the lines directly for more information.