PRACTICAL STUFF FOR BOOKED TRAVELERS

FAQ

Before you go...

Do I need a passport and visa?

All RSVP Vacations guests require a valid passport at the time of departure. You have the sole responsibility for determining your immigration requirements and obtaining appropriate documentation, including but not limited to visas, passports, etc. Boarding will be denied for failure to possess the appropriate immigration documentation.

As for a visa*, if you mean an extra piece of government documentation required in addition to your passport then no...not for the countries visited on this trip. If you mean a plastic credit card...well it never hurts.

*Visa and documentation requirements vary by destination and change from time to time without prior notice. Additionally, ensure that you check with the consulate of each country you will visit at least three months prior to departure to verify current regulations. It is your obligation to have complete travel documentation. Please reconfirm visa requirements 5-7 days prior to departure to verify current regulations.

Will I need to get any shots?

Well, if by shots you mean vaccines...no. But, if you mean small, rapid consumption of alcohol...then yes, maybe.

When will I receive my travel documents?

Once you've made your initial deposit, we will mail you a statement confirming your booking. Please, review this information to make sure it is correct. Approximately one month prior to your trip departure we will send you your travel documentation that includes cruise tickets, packing lists, and other specific information pertaining to your trip. For those clients outside the U.S. and Canada, RSVP will email your confirmation and all travel documents will be at the pier pick-up. For travelers on land-based trips your documents will be delivered to your home before departure.

What if I need to change the name on my ticket?

A name change fee may be charged for each name changed. Name changes may not be allowed within 90 days of the scheduled departure.

Should I buy trip insurance?

Honestly, it's not a bad idea, since it covers your travel costs/expenses in the event you need to cancel. To make it simple, RSVP Vacations has contracted with Travelex to provide you with this service. Just call 800.228.9792 or visit www.travelexinsurance.com for details. (Please note that you must purchase your trip insurance within 21 days of purchasing your RSVP Vacations trip in order to waive any pre-existing limitations.)

How much luggage can I bring?

You can bring as much luggage as you want but there are a couple of things to keep in mind when packing:

less is more
airlines have their own baggage allowance restrictions
vacationing is about letting go of baggage not bringing it with you

Do I need to fill out any special forms to complete my reservation?

Each RSVP Vacations guest needs to complete a Reservation Request Form, which you can download directly from our website. It's important that you read, sign and return these forms within your option period to confirm your reservation. If you change your form of payment we will need a new Reservation Request Form with your name and the new credit card information.

After I have booked my trip where can I find my Confirmation Number and Guest ID Number?

Your Confirmation and Guest ID Numbers are located on your statement. Use these numbers when communicating with us regarding your booking. If you're unsure of your Confirmation or Guest ID Number please contact us at 1.800.328.RSVP.

While on board...and off

How should I dress?: For daytime activities we suggest comfortable clothes, a bathing suit, work out clothes – whatever makes you comfortable. For evening activities dress ranges from casual and club wear to more formal. Comfortable, relaxed clothing is fine for most evenings on an RSVP cruise. However, T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the main dining rooms, (T-shirts are fine in the casual dining room). We usually offer one formal night on our sailings but please check our website 4 weeks prior to your departure for the final decision. If we do offer a formal night, black tie is suggested but not required. In warmer climates, many of our passengers prefer to wear just a nice shirt and linen slacks for more comfort. Also check our website closer to your departure date so you can attend our signature parties dressed to the theme!
What if I feel seasick?: Well, if you're on a land trip, then we suggest a really good therapist. If you're cruising, then you have lots of over-the-counter seasick medications to choose from. We sell them on board, but it's always a good idea to bring your own.
When we get off the boat at ports how can I be sure that I will be safe?: RSVP carefully researches all of its ports and final destinations to ensure that they are gay friendly.
Can I smoke on board?: Smoking is allowed in designated areas.
Can I send email from the ship?: It depends on the ship. Many of them have an Internet café but not all.
Is there laundry on the ship?: Is the Pope Catholic? Of course, there's laundry.
What happens to my luggage at the end of the voyage?: Usually we keep it. OK just kidding, why would we want all that dirty laundry anyway? At the end of your cruise or land vacation, porters will deliver your luggage dockside or curbside (for land based travel). For cruisers, many lines offer an “express check out” option the morning of arrival, but you have to be capable of lifting your own luggage down the gangway. So make sure you hit the gym before leaving the ship.
Can I bring friends onboard the ship?: No, RSVP Vacations has a policy of no visitors onboard the ship. So, if you make friends while in port...you will need to keep them in port. It's a safety thing.

Olde World River Journey

What's included?: The price of your trip includes transfer between the hotel in Budapest and the ship and between the ship in Passau and the hotel in Prague and three meals daily while on board the River Empress. Otherwise, meals are as listed. Additional meals are on your own and offer an opportunity to explore local restaurants with your newfound RSVP Vacations friends. Your tour guide is always happy to help with suggestions. Your trip cost also includes two half-day city tours, one in Budapest and one in Prague. All other tours are optional and at additional costs.; Price does not include airfare or transfer from/to the airport.
What should I wear?: Comfortable clothes and good walking shoes while on land. And since there are spa facilities and fitness room on the River Empress, we suggest a bathing suit and work out clothes.
Do they use the Euro in Eastern European countries?: Although some establishments will accept the Euro we suggest getting Czech Crowns (czk) for Prague and the Hungarian Forint (HUF) for Budapest.
Will I have time to go to a spa?: Yes in fact, Prague is famous for its many spas.
Do I need a passport and visa?: All RSVP Vacations guests require a valid passport at the time of departure. You have the sole responsibility for determining your immigration requirements and obtaining appropriate documentation, including but not limited to visas, passports, etc. Boarding will be denied for failure to possess the appropriate immigration documentation.; As for a visa*, if you mean an extra piece of government documentation required in addition to your passport then no...not for the countries visited on this trip. If you mean a plastic credit card...well it never hurts.; *Visa and documentation requirements vary by destination and change from time to time without prior notice. Additionally, ensure that you check with the consulate of each country you will visit at least three months prior to departure to verify current regulations. It is your obligation to have complete travel documentation. Please reconfirm visa requirements 5-7 days prior to departure to verify current regulations.

Mediterranean Odyssey

What's included?: The price of your trip includes accommodations on the ship for ten nights, all meals, room service, basic beverages (coffee, tea and iced tea), all entertainment and RSVP Vacations activities.; The price of your trip does not include airfare, transfers, shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, some specialty coffee drinks or spa treatments. Port taxes and gratuities are not included in the price of the trip but have already been added to your reservation as reflected on your invoice.
How should I dress?: For daytime activities we suggest comfortable clothes, a bathing suit, work out clothes and the like. For evening activities the dress code (sounds so Catholic school doesn't it?) falls into three distinct categories. Comfortable, relaxed clothing is fine for evenings designated as casual; however, T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the dining room, Lido Restaurant, or public areas during the evening hours. During informal nights, jackets (tie optional), dresses or pantsuits are considered standard. On festive formal evenings, business suits, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or gowns are suggested. There are approximately two formal nights per week. Plus, we have our signature parties so a cape or army boots may be the right fashion statement.
Do I need a passport and visa?: All RSVP Vacations guests require a valid passport at the time of departure. You have the sole responsibility for determining your immigration requirements and obtaining appropriate documentation, including but not limited to visas, passports, etc. Boarding will be denied for failure to possess the appropriate immigration documentation.; As for a visa*, if you mean an extra piece of government documentation required in addition to your passport then no...not for the countries visited on this trip. If you mean a plastic credit card...well it never hurts.; *Visa and documentation requirements vary by destination and change from time to time without prior notice. Additionally, ensure that you check with the consulate of each country you will visit at least three months prior to departure to verify current regulations. It is your obligation to have complete travel documentation. Please reconfirm visa requirements 5-7 days prior to departure to verify current regulations.

Alaska Gold Rush

What's included?: The price of your trip includes accommodations on the ship for seven nights, all meals, room service, basic beverages (coffee, tea and iced tea), all entertainment and RSVP Vacations activities.; The price of your trip does not include airfare, transfers, shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, some specialty coffee drinks and spa treatments. Port taxes and gratuities are not included in the price of the trip but have already been added to your reservation as reflected on your invoice.
How should I dress?: For daytime activities we suggest comfortable clothes, a bathing suit, work out clothes – whatever makes you comfortable. For evening activities dress ranges from casual and club wear to more formal. Comfortable, relaxed clothing is fine for most evenings on an RSVP cruise. However, T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the main dining rooms, (T-shirts are fine in the casual dining room). We usually offer one formal night on our sailings but please check our website 4 weeks prior to your departure for the final decision. If we do offer a formal night, black tie is suggested but not required. In cooler climates like Alaska even in September, we suggest you check the weather report. Also check our website closer to your departure date so you can attend our signature parties dressed to the theme!
How cold will it get?: Well, you're traveling to Alaska so you should expect that it will be pretty cold.. How cold is relative. If you're from the Deep South then the sixties might seem cold and if you're from the Northeast the thirties might seem warm. We suggest checking the weather report on weather.com so you can make your own thermostatic decisions.
How smooth are the seas?: We expect smooth sailing because we are primarily in the inland passages.
What happens if I get bitten by a bear?: We have never known of a passenger being bitten by a bear...hit on maybe, nibbled on perhaps. But never bitten, at least not without consent.
Do I need a passport and visa?: All RSVP Vacations guests require a valid passport at the time of departure. You have the sole responsibility for determining your immigration requirements and obtaining appropriate documentation, including but not limited to visas, passports, etc. Boarding will be denied for failure to possess the appropriate immigration documentation.; As for a visa*, if you mean an extra piece of government documentation required in addition to your passport then no...not for the countries visited on this trip. If you mean a plastic credit card...well it never hurts.; *Visa and documentation requirements vary by destination and change from time to time without prior notice. Additionally, ensure that you check with the consulate of each country you will visit at least three months prior to departure to verify current regulations. It is your obligation to have complete travel documentation. Please reconfirm visa requirements 5-7 days prior to departure to verify current regulations.

Exotic Caribbean

What's included?: The price of your trip includes accommodations on the ship for seven nights, all meals, room service, basic beverages (coffee, tea and iced tea), entertainment and RSVP Vacations activities.; The price of your trip does not include airfare, transfers, shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, some specialty coffee drinks and spa treatments. Port taxes and gratuities are not included in the price of the trip but have been added to your reservation as reflected on your invoice.
How should I dress?: For daytime activities we suggest comfortable clothes, a bathing suit, work out clothes – whatever makes you comfortable. For evening activities dress ranges from casual and club wear to more formal. Comfortable, relaxed clothing is fine for most evenings on an RSVP cruise. However, T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the main dining rooms, (T-shirts are fine in the casual dining room). We usually offer one formal night on our sailings but please check our website 4 weeks prior to your departure for the final decision. If we do offer a formal night, black tie is suggested but not required. In warmer climates, many of our passengers prefer to wear just a nice shirt and linen slacks for more comfort. Also check our website closer to your departure date so you can attend our signature parties dressed to the theme!
How much money should I bring?: All of your on board expenses are charged to your credit card. So, the only cash you'll need will be related to shore excursions.
How does dining work?: On this trip you'll be able to choose from Traditional Dining® – with assigned tables and time – or Anytime Dining® – with flexible times and tables. In other words, you get the best of both worlds.
Do I need a passport and visa?: All RSVP Vacations guests require a valid passport at the time of departure. You have the sole responsibility for determining your immigration requirements and obtaining appropriate documentation, including but not limited to visas, passports, etc. Boarding will be denied for failure to possess the appropriate immigration documentation.; As for a visa*, if you mean an extra piece of government documentation required in addition to your passport then no...not for the countries visited on this trip. If you mean a plastic credit card...well it never hurts.; *Visa and documentation requirements vary by destination and change from time to time without prior notice. Additionally, ensure that you check with the consulate of each country you will visit at least three months prior to departure to verify current regulations. It is your obligation to have complete travel documentation. Please reconfirm visa requirements 5-7 days prior to departure to verify current regulations.

Barbados Bliss

What's included?: The price of your trip includes accommodations on the ship for seven nights, all meals, room service, basic beverages (coffee, tea and iced tea), all entertainment and RSVP Vacations activities.; The price of your trip does not include airfare, transfers, shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, some specialty coffee drinks or spa treatments. Port taxes and gratuities are not included in the price of the trip but have already been added to your reservation as reflected on your statement.
How should I dress?: For daytime activities we suggest comfortable clothes, a bathing suit, work out clothes – whatever makes you comfortable. For evening activities dress ranges from casual and club wear to more formal. Comfortable, relaxed clothing is fine for most evenings on an RSVP cruise. However, T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the main dining rooms, (T-shirts are fine in the casual dining room). We usually offer one formal night on our sailings but please check our website 4 weeks prior to your departure for the final decision. If we do offer a formal night, black tie is suggested but not required. In warmer climates, many of our passengers prefer to wear just a nice shirt and linen slacks for more comfort. Also check our website closer to your departure date so you can attend our signature parties dressed to the theme!
How does dining work?: You're free to dine when you want and with whomever you wish.
Do I need to be a certified scuba diver to dive from the boat?: Yes, if you want to go scuba diving you need to be certified.
Can I have rum with breakfast?: Yes, you can have it with every meal. In fact, it can make most meals taste better...especially if you share.
Do I need a passport and visa?: All RSVP Vacations guests require a valid passport at the time of departure. You have the sole responsibility for determining your immigration requirements and obtaining appropriate documentation, including but not limited to visas, passports, etc. Boarding will be denied for failure to possess the appropriate immigration documentation.; As for a visa*, if you mean an extra piece of government documentation required in addition to your passport then no...not for the countries visited on this trip. If you mean a plastic credit card...well it never hurts.; *Visa and documentation requirements vary by destination and change from time to time without prior notice. Additionally, ensure that you check with the consulate of each country you will visit at least three months prior to departure to verify current regulations. It is your obligation to have complete travel documentation. Please reconfirm visa requirements 5-7 days prior to departure to verify current regulations.

Tahitian Treasure

What's included?: The price of your trip includes accommodations on the ship for seven nights, all meals, room service, basic beverages (coffee, tea and iced tea), all entertainment and RSVP Vacations activities.; The price of your trip does not include airfare, transfers, shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, some specialty coffee drinks or spa treatments. Port taxes and gratuities are not included in the price of the trip but have already been added to your reservation as reflected on your statement.
How should I dress?: For daytime activities we suggest comfortable clothes, a bathing suit, work out clothes – whatever makes you comfortable. For evening activities dress ranges from casual and club wear to more formal. Comfortable, relaxed clothing is fine for most evenings on an RSVP cruise. However, T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the main dining rooms, (T-shirts are fine in the casual dining room). We usually offer one formal night on our sailings but please check our website 4 weeks prior to your departure for the final decision. If we do offer a formal night, black tie is suggested but not required. In warmer climates, many of our passengers prefer to wear just a nice shirt and linen slacks for more comfort. Also check our website closer to your departure date so you can attend our signature parties dressed to the theme!
How does dining work?: You're free to dine when you want and with whomever you wish.
Do I need to be a certified scuba diver to dive from the boat?: Yes, if you want to go scuba diving you need to be certified.
Do I need a passport and visa?: All RSVP Vacations guests require a valid passport at the time of departure. You have the sole responsibility for determining your immigration requirements and obtaining appropriate documentation, including but not limited to visas, passports, etc. Boarding will be denied for failure to possess the appropriate immigration documentation.; As for a visa*, if you mean an extra piece of government documentation required in addition to your passport then no...not for the countries visited on this trip. If you mean a plastic credit card...well it never hurts.; *Visa and documentation requirements vary by destination and change from time to time without prior notice. Additionally, ensure that you check with the consulate of each country you will visit at least three months prior to departure to verify current regulations. It is your obligation to have complete travel documentation. Please reconfirm visa requirements 5-7 days prior to departure to verify current regulations.