Destinations and ports
With Riviera Tour, you can currently embark on cruises to 12 destinations and more than 315 ports around the world. In addition to cruises to individual destinations around the world, you can also take advantage of our transoceanic Long Cruises or annual World Cruises (see the list of our destinations in the Destinations section).
Tips for your journey: before you set off on your adventure
If you have never been on a cruise before and are considering one, we recommend starting with a cruise with transport and a representative. Cruises are a truly different way to spend your holiday, and with your representative, everything will be stress-free, without having to think about what to do, procedures and the like. Our representatives will take care of everything. If you are choosing a cruise for the first time, we recommend the eastern or western Mediterranean. You can find the current offer here. If you are considering exotic destinations, please pay close attention to the information about the destinations listed below.
Before you set sail, we would like to share a personal observation from our travels abroad. Having visited more than a hundred countries, we can say from the bottom of our hearts that we are grateful for where we were born and where we live. If anyone wants to experience a truly wonderful holiday that will leave beautiful memories in their heart, they must realise what kind of country they are travelling to and that not everywhere do people live as well as we do. It really takes a little humility and respect for the country you are getting to know, for the people who often live a difficult life there. Not all services will be of high quality, not all hotels will be beautiful, not all customs, religions and political regimes will be to your liking. However, if you respect the country you are getting to know with love and an open heart, it will repay you at least in the form of beautiful memories. It is possible that you will then fall, just like us, into a literal craze for discovering new countries, new people, new traditions and other, as yet unknown, beauties of this world.
Mediterranean
Learn to perceive time a little differently. If you arrange a meeting for 10:00, expect it to start no earlier than 10:15. That's just how it is. Unlike us, these countries have a different perception of time and way of life. Most people are in no hurry, and this applies to restaurants and bars. Be patient, and if you are in a hurry, always use a smile and the word "please". Never, ever raise your voice or argue – you will achieve nothing in this region.
However, the people here are very friendly, smiling and happy to help you. They love children and conversation. They are also masters of chaos and incomprehensible measures, which nevertheless work quite well. Also, be prepared for the fact that people in these countries enjoy themselves late into the evening. They go out for dinner around ten o'clock in the evening and usually everything goes on well past midnight. If you want to go to bed early, it would be better for you to find another destination.
Below are a few more tips on what not to do in the Mediterranean:
Don't frown at the "bambini"
Children are sacred and protected here. So put on a friendly face, even if they dump a bucket of sand on your head or bang their plates next to you in a restaurant. This is an advantage when travelling here with your children or grandchildren. In the Mediterranean, they can get away with anything.
Never go to church in shorts
Mediterranean residents are gradually getting used to the influx of tourists, but try to avoid it anyway – you simply don't go to church in short shorts, mini-skirts or with bare shoulders.
Do not trust your satnav
The further south you travel in the Mediterranean, the more often your navigation system will start to malfunction. The kilometres to your destination are completely inaccurate, one-way streets in small towns lead elsewhere, and when searching for a beautiful beach, your navigation system will send you to a no-entry zone or private property. If you know the local language, it is best to ask a local for advice or use the trial and error method.
Don't rush
Whether you admire Rome, Barcelona or Athens, we recommend that you take your time. Ancient monuments aren't going anywhere, the locals wouldn't do that either, and these beautiful countries are definitely worth slowing down for.
Supervision of children
In Italy, it is illegal to leave children under the age of 14 unattended; violating this law is punishable by imprisonment for a term of between six months and five years; for example, you cannot leave a child unattended on a playground and go to a nearby bar across the street, even for a moment.
Journey to the Mediterranean by Riviera Tour coach (only on cruises with transport and representative):
MONCALFONE: departure from Brno at 8 p.m., arrival at the port at approximately 9 a.m.
TRIESTE: departure from Brno at 8:00 p.m., arrival at the port at approximately 9:00 a.m.p>
GENOA: departure from Brno at 6:00 p.m., arrival at the port at approximately 9:00 a.m.
CIVITAVECCHIA: departure from Brno at 4:00 p.m., arrival at the port at approximately 11:00 a.m.
Northern Europe
These destinations are primarily about nature. Do not expect extensive historical explanations from the tour guide – there will be none at this destination. Enjoy the surrounding nature. Cruising through the fjords is a never-ending experience from the deck of the ship. There is always something to see, even at night.
Boarding usually takes place in Hamburg, Kiel or Warnemünde, and you should expect boarding and disembarking to take longer than in Genoa, for example. Despite their organisational skills, Germans can be very unpleasant and sometimes truly incomprehensible in their organisation. Arm yourself with patience. And beware: when sailing in the north, expect it to rain. So a raincoat, spare clothes and shoes are a must for these voyages.
Allemannsrett – is a traditional Norwegian law according to which anyone can freely move around uncultivated land (even on private property) and stay there overnight for up to two days. However, there are a few rules that must be followed: you must not disturb other people or animals, and you must maintain a minimum distance of 150 metres from the nearest inhabited building.
Do not say thank you for everything – in Norway, the phrase "Thank you for everything" (Takk for alt) is not used in everyday speech, as this phrase is reserved mainly for memorials, ribbons on funeral wreaths and obituaries. It is always better to give thanks specifically for a particular thing or service.
Don't be impatient – it is well known that Northerners are never in a hurry. There is a Norwegian proverb that says, "Ting tar tid" (Good things take time), and Norwegians adhere to it in absolutely everything they do.
Take advice – With a few exceptions, Norwegians are not very open towards foreigners and generally do not interfere in the plans and activities of other people or their guests. So if your Norwegian host even hints that it is not a good idea to go fishing or take a longer trip around the area, it is a good idea to follow this advice, because no one knows the changeable Norwegian weather as well as the locals.
Never use alcohol as currency – in Norway, where strong alcoholic beverages are very expensive, one may be tempted to use a bottle of spirits as currency or for bartering. However, this may not be the best idea, especially in southern and south-western Norway, where many people keep their distance from alcohol, and offering wine or spirits is therefore not very appropriate.
Tips – should be no more than 10% of the total bill and should only be given when you are completely satisfied.
By bus:
KIEL: departure from Brno at 21:30, arrival at the port at approximately 10:00
HAMBURG: departure from Brno at 21:30, arrival at the port at approximately 10:00
WARDEMUNDE: departure from Brno at 23:00, arrival at the port at approximately 10:00
United Arab Emirates
The flight time is approximately 6 hours without a transfer. Every year, a large number of people visit the UAE, especially the city of Dubai. If you are planning to visit Dubai for any reason, there are a few things you should know before you get there. The people of Dubai are kind, hospitable and polite, and it is a wonderful place to visit. Although it is an Islamic country, it has a relatively tolerant policy.
Visitors are expected to respect their cultural sensitivities. Certain factors need to be taken into account in terms of dress code and behaviour, and you are sure to have a great time. Respect the laws and values of the country and your stay will be extremely enjoyable. If you do not intend to respect these values, do not travel to the United Arab Emirates and find another destination.
WHAT TO WEAR
Even though you will see many women among foreigners wearing shorts and sleeveless T-shirts, even in shopping centres and other public places, you should not assume that this is acceptable to all locals. While as hosts they are often too polite to reproach female tourists, most locals take it as disrespectful. Despite the relative liberalism of the United Arab Emirates, you are in a country where traditions are cherished, and it is unimaginable for residents to accept completely different values of behaviour.
It is considered inappropriate to return to the hotel from the beach wearing a swimsuit. A little common sense is always sufficient, such as changing clothes after leaving the beach or wearing appropriate attire in restaurants, on the streets or in nightclubs. Long sleeves and standard skirts below the knee or trousers are acceptable. There is no need to cover up. Generally speaking, appropriate clothing has its advantages. You will attract less attention, receive a warmer welcome and treatment from the locals, who will appreciate your willingness to respect their customs, and everything will be fine.
Cotton T-shirts and loose trousers or skirts not only protect you from the stares of men, but also protect your skin from the sun. If you are travelling outside Dubai, remember that social norms are much more conservative elsewhere in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is one of the safest destinations for women in the Middle East, but women in inappropriate clothing, especially in the evening, in nightclubs and bars, risk being mistaken for prostitutes by the locals. You may be surprised to learn that although prostitution does not officially exist here, it is quite common in clubs, bars and on the streets of Deira and Bur Dubai. However, it is mainly women from Asia and the Balkan countries who engage in this trade.
BASIC RULES FOR YOUR STAY
Despite assurances from travel agencies and Dubai authorities that women have nothing to fear in the country, it is a good idea to follow a few basic rules that will help you avoid unwanted attention and make travelling easier for you as a woman. Wear a wedding ring, even if you are single. This will immediately make you "unavailable" to local men. However, you may be asked unpleasant questions about how you could have left your husband or children. If you are travelling with a boyfriend, refer to him as your husband, not your boyfriend. Avoid direct eye contact with men and wear dark glasses. Do not sit in the front seat of a taxi. If you need help or advice, ask a woman first. It is considered rude for a woman to approach a man first.
Here are some more tips on what to do and what not to do, and what not to forget when visiting Dubai:
Clothing. Be modest in your dress, especially in conservative areas and public places. Swimwear is acceptable on private beaches and at swimming pools. Swimwear should not be worn in any other area outside of beaches, water parks or swimming pools. Shorts and T-shirts are appropriate attire in many public places. When visiting mosques, older parts of town and religious sites, it is advisable to cover your shoulders, arms and legs. Women must cover their heads with a scarf when entering a mosque. Crossdressing is not accepted and may result in detention by the authorities. Any form of nudity is strictly prohibited, including topless sunbathing. It is not appropriate for men to walk around with their chests exposed on the street or in shopping centres.
Gestures. Never point your finger at anyone, as this is considered offensive. If you want to gesture with your hand, use your whole arm to indicate direction. You may be arrested for making obscene hand gestures in public. Avoid pointing your feet or crossing your legs, especially in front of important guests.
Drinking. The country has a zero-tolerance policy towards drink driving. Getting drunk and behaving badly when drunk in public is unacceptable and could result in a fine or worse. Consuming alcohol and other illegal substances in public is prohibited. There are plenty of places in Dubai where you can enjoy a drink. Visit a bar or pub and you will be surprised by the variety of spirits on offer.
Photography. Be vigilant when taking photographs. Always obtain permission from the UAE or UAE nationals before taking a photograph of a resident, especially women.
Watch your language. Explicit gestures, noise disturbances, vulgar expressions and displays of disrespect towards the Islamic religion or UAE leaders are prohibited. You could face legal consequences for such actions.
The holy month of Ramadan. During this month, Muslims pray, fast and meditate. One should follow the rules issued by the government during the month of fasting. Many people would advise you not to visit this country during Ramadan, but if you follow the rules, even Ramadan can be an enjoyable experience.
The use or possession of drugs, cohabitation, sex outside marriage, extramarital children, adultery, and homosexuality are considered illegal.
The United States and the Caribbean
A chapter unto itself. Let's be honest with ourselves. Many clients have a lifelong dream of visiting the Caribbean. They look at photos, promotional materials, catalogues and films. It all looks wonderful, but it is important to realise that life across the pond is completely different from ours, and below we will try to explain some of the pitfalls that may affect your choice of holiday. First and foremost, you need to realise that you are not flying to Egypt for your holiday, but to the other side of the globe, crossing a time zone with a 6-hour difference.
Before choosing a cruise in America and before departure, properly assess your health condition. Below is important information about the flight and local customs that may affect your health, or you may decide that it would be better to travel to a different destination due to your health condition.
AIR TRANSPORT TO AND FROM THE UNITED STATES
First of all, you need to realise that you are not flying to Egypt or Madeira. You are flying halfway around the world, and air travel is the most demanding part of your entire holiday.
Flights to the USA always involve a transfer. For an additional fee, we can arrange a direct flight from Vienna, but this will be without the assistance of a representative. As a standard, you must be prepared to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. Flights depart from Prague or Vienna with a transfer in Paris or London. Flight time is approximately 2 hours. Transfer time is at least 3.5-4 hours, sometimes more. This transfer time is very important because flights in Europe are often delayed, and if we miss our connection to the US, your holiday is over. That is why this time interval is very important. Another aspect is the transfer at the airport. There are often long queues at passport control, and the transfer to the gate can take up to 2.5 hours.
The flight from Europe to the USA usually takes approximately 9-11 hours, depending on the route. All flights are in Economy Class, and it should be noted in advance that the travel agency has no influence over the seating arrangements on the plane.Seating on the plane is assigned by airport staff during check-in. This is a big problem, especially for families with children!!! Guaranteed seats, seats by the door or higher class can be arranged for an additional fee, and this request must be made when signing the travel contract – it is not possible to do so later.
You will be served refreshments, including meals, during the flight. We strongly advise you to be aware of possible health complications (you will be sitting in one place for 11 hours). Ideally, you should sleep during the flight.
The return flight is similar, except that we must be at the airport at least four hours before departure.In the US, one airline handles several flights at once, which means thousands of people at a few counters. If you miss check-in and do not arrive at the gate on time, you will miss your flight, with no possibility of compensation. Therefore, arriving at the airport on time is extremely important.
We would also like to draw your attention to the strict adherence to baggage size and, above all, weight restrictions. If your baggage exceeds the weight limit by even half a kilogram, you will be charged a fee, which can sometimes be quite high – around USD 100–150.
AIR TRANSPORT CONDITIONS
We would like to strongly advise our clients that flights outside the EU are subject to significant changes in flight conditions and airline authority. Airlines quite often change previously announced flight offers and in the vast majority of cases, passengers have no choice but to accept these conditions. Complaints about these changes are usually unsuccessful. The travel agency has no influence over these changes and is not responsible for them. In any case, if such a situation arises, we will do our utmost to help you resolve it.
Attention: again, please note that enough time is needed to transfer to long-haul flights, so we recommend sufficient time to transfer at airports:
LONDON PARIS AMSTERDAM GENEVA | 3-4 hours 3 hours 2 hours 1,5 hours | |
ATLANTA NEW YORK DUBAI DOHA | minimum 3,5-4 hours 3 hours 3,5 hours 4 hours |
What situations you may encounter during the flight:
You miss your connecting flight | -> Try to rebook on a new flight | First flight delay |
Position on the plane (you are not next to each other) Transfer to another flight or flights Splitting the group on other flights A bumped flight (they refuse to carry you) | -> Ask the counter for a transfer -> Try to make arrangements at the counter -> It can happen. -> You'll get an alternate flight | Outside the possibilities of CK Outside the possibilities of CK Travel agency assistance Travel agency assistance |
VISAS AND IMMIGRATION CONTROL
Currently, you can travel to the USA with a visa or without a visa under the ESTA visa waiver programme. The first option is a "US visa" and the second option is "ESTA - Visa Waiver Programme". Both options have their pros and cons, so consider carefully which option you choose. US visas are valid for up to 10 years and allow for multiple trips. The visa-free ESTA visa to the USA is valid for two years from the date of approval, during which time you can travel to the USA multiple times. We can help you obtain an ESTA upon request for an additional fee.
After arriving in the USA, you will proceed to immigration control after disembarking from the aircraft. At immigration control, you must provide fingerprints from both your left and right hands, and the immigration officer may ask you several questions regarding your entry into the USA. We have prepared a separate appendix to the check-in instructions with possible questions and answers for the immigration procedure. If you are travelling with a representative, they will accompany you to the immigration procedure. However, the representative is not allowed to interfere with or be present during the immigration procedure.
It is possible that the immigration process will take considerably longer. We are usually cleared within approximately 2 hours, but we have experienced situations where we had to wait considerably longer. We kindly ask for your patience. Neither the representative nor the travel agency has any influence over these procedures. After clearing customs, you will also need to wait for your transfer to the hotel (if you have booked one), which is affected by the current traffic situation. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Citizens of the Czech Republic cannot travel to the United States under the ESTA programme if they have visited North Korea, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, Syria, or Sudan. Similarly, they cannot use ESTA approval to travel to the US if they have visited Cuba after 12 January 2021.nbsp;In these cases, it is necessary to apply to the US Embassy for the appropriate visa (e.g. a B1 business visa or a B2 tourist visa) well in advance. Travellers who, in addition to Czech citizenship, also have citizenship of Cuba, North Korea, Iraq, Iran, Sudan and Syria must also apply for a visa.
TRANSFERS AND TAXIS TO THE HOTEL
American cities are huge, but in some ways small. What we mean by that is that, for example, in Miami, up to seven cruise ships can dock in a single day, which is roughly 30-35,000 customers. And these people need somewhere to stay and, above all, transport. That is why hotel prices in American ports are astronomical by our standards, and the same applies to transfers, their prices and, above all, their availability.
The word "traffic", referring to poor traffic conditions, is probably most commonly used in relation to this type of transport. The whole problem is linked to immigration procedures, both at the airport and when disembarking from the ship and returning to the American mainland. Because you cannot estimate how long it will take for the group to clear immigration, you cannot estimate the transfer time either. It is quite common for transfers to be delayed and have to be rebooked, which means paying again.
Therefore, please be aware that transfers may sometimes be delayed by more than 30 minutes and we will have to wait for them – that's just how it is in the USA. We ask for your utmost patience. We really cannot influence this situation in any way. If you do not want to wait, we can arrange private transport from the airport to the hotel for an additional £50 per person, as well as from the hotel to the port for an additional £30 per person and from the port to the airport for an additional £40 per person (prices apply to transfers in Miami).
If you want to order a taxi, always allow for a considerable amount of time, especially when travelling to the airport or from the Dolphin Mall shopping centre to the airport. You may have to wait for more than an hour. Also, keep in mind that the taxi may not arrive at the time you ordered it, but with a considerable delay, which will subsequently affect your arrival time at the airport.
HOTELS IN THE USA
Hotels in the USA are a real stumbling block for Europeans. We are spoiled by the standards of our hotels in Europe. Travellers to the USA will agree with us that you have to lower your expectations considerably in the USA. Our advice is: look at the hotel rating, drop 2-3 stars and you will get to the level you would expect in Europe.
Accommodation in the USA is very complicated and expensive. Our travel agency selects hotels primarily based on their location. In Miami, for example, we use the services of a hotel located about 100 metres from Miami Beach for our clients. In New York, we book rooms right in the centre of Manhattan, just a few minutes' walk from Times Square and the Empire State Building.
How hotels in the USA differ and what might surprise you:
Air conditioning. In the US, everything is air-conditioned to refrigerator temperature – around 20 degrees. We therefore strongly recommend turning off the air conditioning in your room at night to avoid unpleasant health consequences the next day (see below).
Closed windows. Most hotels in Miami and New York are like this. The windows are simply closed, and if they can be opened, then only by about 10 cm. No more than that. This is for security reasons. Closed windows combined with air conditioning are not exactly the best combination for us. Thanks to the varied programme, you will only sleep in the rooms, the bathrooms usually have a bathtub, and the beds are made with clean sheets. If you are interested in a better hotel, we will be happy to arrange a hotel of your choice for an additional fee. Please note, however, that for cruises with transport and a representative, transfers to the airport and ship always depart from the hotel where the rest of the group is staying.
Breakfast. Forget about buffet-style breakfasts. Many hotels in the US do not serve breakfast at all. The typical breakfast you will get here is filter coffee, a roll, butter, a muffin, jam, an apple or an orange. That's it.
Deposit at hotels. A deposit is paid by credit card at hotels – if you are travelling with transport and a representative, you do not need to worry about anything, as the representative will take care of everything.
FOOD
Near our hotels, you will find shops where you can buy food, drinks, and toiletries. When purchasing alcoholic beverages, you must have your passport with you, and they can only be purchased between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Street food costs around $6-15 per person per meal, while restaurants cost around $30-80 per person. Please note! In some US states, it is illegal to consume alcohol in public!
You will have problems with food in the USA, especially if you have allergies. American shops and products are based on shelf life, and E numbers are everywhere and in everything. Warning! It is forbidden to bring food, fruit, etc. into the USA. Not only will they confiscate them at the airport, but they will also add a fine of up to $300.
MONEY AND "TIPS"
It is very difficult to pay with a hundred-pound note, and many shops and restaurants will not accept it at all. Also, when it comes to cards, 90% of them only accept credit cards. Please note that in our country, we have a completely different concept of a credit card – a credit card is one where you have a loan from the bank and can go into the red on the card.
TIPS are paid everywhere in the USA and the Caribbean. It is simply part of their culture and must be respected. Drivers are usually given $1 for transfers, guides $1-2, restaurants 10% of the price, taxi drivers 10%, and similarly in hotels and other public places. During your cruise, you will need approximately $5-10 per person for tips. In America, the rule is: if you don't tip, you're asking for trouble.
AIR CONDITIONING
We would like to draw your attention once again to the issue of air conditioning. You are flying to the Caribbean, you are flying for warmth. And in America, everything is air-conditioned. Our bodies are really not used to this. Shops, restaurants, taxis, buses, airports, aeroplanes – everything is air-conditioned to an unbelievable 20 degrees. If you walk from a hot street, where it is over thirty degrees, into a cold shop and do this several times in a row, you are likely to catch a cold at best, and in most cases it will affect your vocal cords. Therefore, we recommend wearing a light jumper and a hat or scarf on your head on the plane or bus.The air conditioning in aeroplanes and buses is on all the time. We recommend turning off the air conditioning in hotels.
A FEW MORE TIPS FOR TRAVELLING TO AMERICA
Do not forget to complete your ESTA travel registration
You do not necessarily need to apply for a visa before travelling to the USA – if your stay does not exceed 90 days and you are travelling on business or on holiday, you only need to complete and pay for the ESTA travel registration. An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States, but it does entitle you to travel to the USA. It is officially recommended that you complete it at least 72 hours before departure, although the evaluation takes only a few minutes. If you arrive at the airport without a completed ESTA, you will most likely not be allowed to board the plane.
Make copies of all reservations
Always have several copies of your flight tickets, travel tickets, hotel reservations, travel documents and insurance policies. The best option is for each traveller to have one copy of all documents, including, for example, the travel insurance of another participant in the trip.
Are you worried about your English for your immigration interview? Prepare in advance!
After landing at your first airport in the US, you must undergo an interview with an immigration officer. The officer will decide whether to allow you into the country or send you back home on the next flight (highly unlikely). The immigration interview is usually conducted in a group with your fellow travellers. If you are still concerned about your English, have the answers to each question written down on paper and then present it to the officer.
Check your credit card
If you have not yet used your payment card abroad, check with your bank to make sure that you can use it overseas. Although it sounds unbelievable nowadays, I know of a case where a payment card from a Czech savings bank did not work in the USA. When paying, don't be confused by the term "credit card"; in America, the vast majority of purchases are made on credit using credit cards. In the Czech Republic, on the other hand, debit cards are mostly used, where you spend your own money. Nevertheless, when paying in the US, state that you are paying by credit card to avoid any complications or the inability to pay. For more information, see the article on how to pay by card in the USA.
Don't forget to activate roaming
Before departure, do not forget to check that roaming to the USA is activated – without it, your phone will not connect to the network, meaning you will have no signal and no one will be able to call you. Some mobile operators differentiate between roaming within the European Union and outside it, so be careful. Please note that although you have roaming activated, data is not, so you will need to activate that as well.
Get ready for the time change
The United States is divided into six time zones. Compared to the Czech Republic, the US is six hours behind from east to west. Hand in hand with the time difference comes jet lag. Your body is used to a different time, so for the first few days after arriving in the States, you will tend to fall asleep in the afternoon and wake up in the middle of the night. Experts say that for every hour of time difference, the body needs one day to adapt.
Do not underestimate travel insurance
Healthcare costs in the US are extremely high, which is reflected in the price of insurance for travel to the US. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, I recommend taking out travel insurance with sufficiently high limits before departure. To give you an idea, treatment for acute appendicitis in the United States costs CZK 600,000, and the average cost of treatment for an insured tourist in the US is CZK 230,000!
Will you be driving? Apply for an international driving licence and read the traffic rules
Renting a car is a must when travelling in the USA (with the possible exception of New York). If you intend to drive in America, don't forget to get an international driving licence, which is usually required by rental companies. Before renting a car, I recommend comparing offers from several companies, as you are more likely to save money. Drivers should read the article on driving in the USA, as there are several differences in practice. Cars with automatic transmission predominate in the USA, and traffic lights are located after the intersection, where you can turn right on red. Just give way to vehicles coming from the left. Make sure you know the speed limit so you don't get fined. To be on the safe side, also read the instructions on how to refuel at an American petrol station. The procedure is completely different from the Czech one.
Stock up on one-dollar coins
The United States is a country where tipping is the norm. Restaurant staff, hotel maids and airport shuttle drivers are paid on the understanding that they will receive tips. In restaurants (not fast food outlets), a tip of 15-20% is expected, taxi drivers expect around 10%, and chambermaids and porters are happy with one or two dollars. I recommend keeping a supply of these on hand. In some restaurants, the tip is already included in the final price. Just look for the "Service Charge" box.
Find out the permitted baggage weight in advance
Before every flight to or from the USA, check the maximum permitted baggage allowance. Most airlines only include one piece of checked baggage weighing 20–23 kg in the ticket price. When flying to the USA, I recommend allowing for some extra space – expect to pack a lot of souvenirs, gifts or cheaply purchased clothing on your return journey, and also that your clothing will be damp after sailing in the Caribbean.
Do not lock the boot; secure it with a cable clamp.
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the right to open your suitcase at the airport and check its contents. This is not an exception, but standard practice – the probability of you being randomly selected is relatively high. Security personnel also have the right to forcibly remove the lock, and you will only find out about the inspection from a leaflet when you collect and open your suitcase at your destination airport. There are two ways to avoid buying new locks – either purchase a "TSA approved" lock or secure the zips with cable ties. One costs about a pound, and if you add another to your suitcase, they will remove it again after any inspection.
Pack a plug adapter
In America, the standard is a type A or B socket with a voltage of 110 V – this is the one with two flat pins. Don't forget to buy or borrow an adapter and pack it in your suitcase. They tend to be very expensive at airports. You can buy adapters for American sockets in most electrical shops, with the cheapest sets available for as little as CZK 180.
Buy a power bank and carry it with you
A power bank is an extremely useful device. It is a kind of backup power source that you charge with a standard USB charger and can then use to charge any phone or tablet. Depending on the capacity of the power bank, you can charge your phone approximately one to five times. If you use your phone for photography or navigation, the battery drains quickly, and a power bank is a lifesaver.
Leave the bread and cutlets at home
Customs regulations prohibit the import of most meat and dairy products, including salami, sausages and schnitzel, which is popular in Czechia. During your flight to the USA, you will fill out a customs declaration form, in which you must state whether you are importing any prohibited food items. If you answer yes, or if you are caught during a random check, the food items in question will be confiscated. A detailed list of permitted and prohibited items can be found in the article What food items can be imported into the USA.
The cheapest food can be found at fast-food restaurants
Americans really love eating at fast food restaurants, there are endless chains, and I bet you've never heard of many of them. Subway, McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy’s, Jack in the Box, KFC, Taco Bell, Starbucks, Applebee’s, Domino’s Pizza, White Castle, Hooters, Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’ Donuts, In-N-Out Burger, El Pollo Loco, Pizza Hut… and these are just some of the most famous ones.Most of them sell hamburgers with chips of various shapes, and you will pay £6-10 for a meal. If you prefer a healthier lifestyle, I recommend Subway with fresh baguettes of your choice. The menu usually includes information about the number of calories and the amount of fat contained, which is part of the fight against obesity. All fast food restaurants offer free refills of drinks from a postmix, known in America as a fountain. In addition to sweet drinks, there is usually a limited selection of unsweetened drinks, most often tea or water. If you want to try something typically American, fill up on A&W Root Beer, a herbal lemonade with a flavour that is difficult to describe.
The prices on the price tags are exclusive of tax.
In states where sales tax is collected, it is not usually included in the price listed on the price tag. So, an advertised ten dollars for a genuine American hamburger with minced meat may turn out to be just under 12 dollars. Keep this difference in mind when converting to Czech korunas.
Alcohol is only served to people aged 21 and over in America
Alcoholic beverages are only permitted in the United States from the age of 21; younger people are not allowed to buy, import or store them. Unlike in the Czech Republic, this rule is strictly enforced in America, although there are, of course, cases where young people drink. The vast majority of American states prohibit drinking in public, or carrying and possessing open bottles of alcohol. Paradoxically, this law can be circumvented by, for example, hiding a bottle of beer in a paper bag and drinking from it.
And finally:
DO NOT PHOTOGRAPH POLICE OFFICERS, MILITARY VEHICLES OR MILITARY AIRCRAFT
NEVER SMOKE AT IMMIGRATION
NEVER CALL IMMIGRATION
NEVER DRINK ALCOHOL IN PUBLIC
NEVER REVEAL YOURSELF IN PUBLIC
NEVER RESIST THE POLICE
ALWAYS KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR PERSONAL BELONGINGS
ALWAYS KEEP YOUR PASSPORTS AND MONEY IN THE HOTEL SAFE
ALWAYS KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR CREDIT CARD
ALWAYS LISTEN CAREFULLY TO THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN BY AIRPORT, IMMIGRATION AND AIRCRAFT STAFF
In conclusion
Friends, this information is not intended to discourage you from sailing, but rather to inform you in advance of everything you might encounter during your travels. All of the information provided here, as well as in more detail in your instructions, is based on many years of travel experience and gradually avoiding mistakes and crisis situations. We firmly believe that you will appreciate our intentions.
We spend most of our time on MSC Cruises ships and are very familiar with all the ships, services and destinations. The fact that we work exclusively with MSC Cruises is a guarantee of good service from our travel agency. Every year, we organise over seventy group cruises, and the sea is our second home. Accept our invitation aboard MSC Cruises ships and let yourself be carried away on waves of comfort, relaxation and good entertainment.