Frequently Asked Questions

1. My certificate says that the redemption period ends on January 1, 2001. Does that mean that I just have to send in my request by January 1, 2001?
   
   No. It means that travel must be completed by that date. We will require some lead time to facilitate the booking of your reservation. Unless specifically stated on your certificate, you must mail your request at least 35 days prior to your earliest requested arrival date.
   
   
2. Do you have any blackout dates for these certificates?
   
   Only on Fly Away certificates will you find blackout dates due to increased costs on holiday travel. All others do not have blackout dates. However, due to some special events, there may not be availability for Capitol Marketing reservations at all destinations for all dates. If this occurs, you will be given your second choice of destination.
   
   
3. I just found my certificate since we just finished unpacking from our move. The only vacation time I have before the expiration date is next week. Can I make this reservation even though my certificate says I must request travel at least 35 days in advance?
   
   No. You must follow all guidelines to travel printed on your certificate.
   
   

Important Travel Tips

We want to be sure you are aware that carriers (cruise lines and airlines) require guests to provide proper travel documentation at embarkation. Their policy states that any guests traveling without proper documentation will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund will be provided. Due to the heightened level of security, carriers (cruise lines and airlines) are strictly enforcing this policy.

United States and Canadian guest must provide proof of citizenship in the form of a passport, original birth certificate, certified copy of a birth certificate with raised seal, or original Naturalization papers. In addition, guests that are 16 years or older must provide a state issued photo ID.

All cruise lines will accept only a valid passport. Please visit www.cbp.gov/ to access the US Customs website. There you will find access to all rules governing foreign travel along with the phone number of the nearest customs office to your location.

Tips for Hotel Stays

1. Travel Insurance - Don’t leave town without it! From lost bags to accidents and weather troubles, Travel Insurance can save the day. And it’s very reasonable.
   
   
2. Never leave valuables in your room. Leave them at home if possible; otherwise ask the front desk about the availability of secure storage. Most hotels keep a safe on premises and will happily protect your valuables for you. (usually for a small fee)
   
   
3. If you’re traveling far be sure to check the extended forecast for the area you are traveling to so you’ll know how to pack appropriately.
   
   

Tips for Car Rental

1. Call your insurance company before you begin to see if additional coverage is required.
   
   
2. Shop around. Hunt for deals and/or opt for a smaller car. It will save you not only with the daily rate, but also in fuel expenses.
   
   
3. When returning the car, gas up and be on time. You’ll have more money in your pocket if you do.
   
   
4. When possible, book off-peak.
   
   
5. Avoid airport fees.
   
   

Tips for Cruising

1. General - Arrive on time at the pier. You should arrive at least 2 hours prior to the ship’s scheduled departure time.
   
   
2. General - On the last night of the cruise, place all non-carry-on luggage’s in the hall. Ship’s personnel will deliver your baggage to customs when the ship arrives in port. Do not forget to leave yourself a change of clothes for the next day.
   
   
3. Dining dress code- It is your vacation dress how you want, our freestyle cruising on Norwegian Cruise line allows you to enjoy your vacation the way you want to. If you choose an alternate cruise line offered on your certificate the mornings and days are casual, the evenings are semi-formal. After a day in port, dinners are informal or casual. On three nights, weekend cruises, there is usually one formal dinner, on seven night cruises, there are usually two.
   
   
4. Tipping - The cabin steward, dining room waiter, and busboy are the main suitors for your financial rewards. On most ships, the cabin steward and waiter each receive to per day. The busboy is tipped half the amount.
   
   
5. Travel Insurance - Don’t leave town without it! From lost bags to accidents and weather troubles, Travel Insurance can save the day. And it’s very reasonable.
   
   
6. The US Customs department will always have the final say as to the documentation required to re-enter the country after traveling (or cruising) abroad. Please click here to access the US Customs website. There you will find access to all rules governing foreign travel along with the phone number of the nearest customs office to your location.
   
   
7. When packing to return to the US, remember to pack anything you might need to declare separately from your other belongings to speed your trip through customs.
   
   
8. For those of you considering a cruise, perhaps on our 2 for 1 Cruise Program, it’s important to note that you are not required to pay in full for a cruise at the time you book it. A deposit is all that's required until 75 days before you travel giving you plenty of time to pay for your trip.
   
   
9. Almost every cruise ship has a fully equipped medical facility and staff to handle emergencies. Make sure you inform the cruise line in advance if you have any special needs or requirements (including dietary). It will make your cruise more enjoyable and safer. *And don’t forget to pack any required prescribed medication you may need!
   
   
10. Check your medical insurance also. If you have problems requiring medical attention while in another country, you may find you're not covered and that can be expensive.
    
    

Tips for Air Travel

1. Travel Insurance - Don’t leave town without it! From lost bags to accidents and weather troubles, Travel Insurance can save the day. And it’s very reasonable.
   
   
2. Find out before you depart whether there is a departure tax, and how much it is. Some countries do charge a small fee, and will not let you board your flight home without first paying it.
   
   
3. Car rentals in Europe are often two or three times as expensive as in the United States, France can be very expensive, but!! If you reserve and pay for your car in the US with a multinational company (Hertz, Avis Dollar etc.) for collection in your arrival airport, you can get a good deal, especially if you do it in advance and negotiate a little.
   
   
4. Determine from the airline or your travel agent the aircraft type for each leg of your trip. That way you’ll know what carryon items will fit in the cabin.
   
   
5. Check your medical insurance before flying to another country. Some insurance policies will not cover you while you are out of the country.