Cruise Planning Resources

by Paul Konrardy

Make planning a cruise easier by checking out our list of cruise resources ranging from general tourism info to international travel.

General Cruise Information

Cruise Lines International Association — Cruise Lines International Association is the world’s largest cruise association and is dedicated to the promotion and growth of the cruise industry. Their site offers trip and cruise planners as well as overviews of the major cruise lines and boats.

Cruise Critic — Cruise Critic is a critically acclaimed interactive community comprised of avid and first-time cruisers who enjoy the fun of planning, researching and sharing their passion for cruising.

Cruise Diva — CruiseDiva.com was created by freelance travel writer and guidebook author Linda Coffman in order to share the best cruise-related travel information available on the Internet.

General Tourism Resources

World Tourism Directory — The most extensive country by country source with over 120.000 contacts of all international, national, regional, local tourism authorities, associations and organizations, travel services, corporations and travel and tourism media, government information sources, tourism investment agencies, nonprofit organizations and much more

American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — The ASTMH’s Clinical Consultants Directory features a list of physicians who offer clinical consultative service in Tropical Medicine, Medical Parasitology and Travelers’ Health. The list does not imply endorsement or verification of credentials or expertise of those listed. The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) is the principal organization in the United States representing scientists, clinicians and others with interests in the prevention and control of tropical diseases through research and education.

International Society of Travel Medicine — The ISTM Clinic Directory is designed to help you locate health care professionals with expertise in travel medicine. Hundreds of clinics in nearly 50 countries are included in the Directory. The International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) is committed to the promotion of healthy and safe travel.

International Travel — Government and State Resources

U.S. Department of State’s International Travel
A list of handy fact sheets on various topics including tips for women travelers, students, older Americans and those with disabilities.

U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs: Country Information — Information about your destination country or city can be found here. These detailed fact sheets cover visa (entry/exit) requirements, security issues concerning Americans, political issues within the country, and the likelihood of certain crimes and how to avoid them.

U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisories — Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department recommends that Americans avoid a certain country. Visit the site for a complete, up-to-date list of high-risk destinations. You can also sign up for updated Travel Advisories and Alerts for the countries you choose at step.state.gov.

U.S. Department of State – LIVE! Improved Consular Safety and Security Messaging — Clear, timely, and reliable safety and security information about every country in the world that can be accessed at home or on the go via the mobile-friendly website.

U.S. Department of State – Your Health Abroad  — What to do in the event of an emergency, locating doctors/hospital while abroad, health insurance and Medicare coverage while abroad, and transporting prescription medications.

U.S. Department of State – How to Apply For a Passport — Important instructions on how to apply for a passport in the U.S. or abroad or renew an existing passport.

Treasury Reporting Rates of Exchange — A list of foreign exchange rates from the U.S. Department of Treasury.

U.S. Embassies and Consulates — A complete list of websites for U.S. Embassies, Consulates and Diplomatic Missions abroad.

CDC’s Outbreak Updates for International Cruise Ships — Cruise ships participating in the Vessel Sanitation Program are required to report the total number of gastrointestinal illness (GI) cases (including zero cases) evaluated by the medical staff before the ship arrives at a U.S. port, when sailing from a foreign port.

CDC’s Travelers’ Health — The Center for Disease Control’s Travelers’ Health website includes health information for specific destinations, recommended vaccinations, and information on what to do if you experience illness or injury while abroad.

CDC’s Travelers’ Health Pack Smart — Tips on what to pack in your travel health kit.

WHN TIP – Check Health Notices: Going out of the country? Then check the CDC’s Travel Health Notices page to learn about current health issues related to specific international destinations.

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