TRAVELING IN A POST 911 WORLD
We're in a code what? Since 9/11 our country has been on almost a constant state of alert. Each code describes what kind of security measures Homeland Security is advising. This can affect you while traveling, so we have done our best to get you the best information, so you can be an informed traveler.
The United States has continued to be the target of more than one terrorist plot. Each time we catch one of these guys; Homeland Security raises the advisory alert from Yellow, to either Orange or Red. Orange is the second highest of the alerts, leaving Red as the highest.
To see the current threat level, click here
But what does this mean to you, the cruiser? Every cruise line has put your safety at the top of their priority list. This means that you will need government issued proof of identity and citizenship; luckily both of these can be proved with a passport. Having this document has become required for all travel out of the United States. This means Mexico, Canada, and from all ports within the U.S.
When the advisory code is raised, it means that airport security will be more thorough and thus, take much more time to get through. There may be more random searches, and new body scanners are being implemented. At the port, you will see more guards, and go through airport like scanners, but once you are past security, you are good to go! Keep in mind, that since 9/11 the bottom two codes of the advisory system have not been used. We are almost constantly at Code Yellow (and probably will never fall below this ever again); this only changes when they have a threat or the U.S. has been attacked.
When we are at a port, you will be required to have your cabin room key to be able to leave the ship and board the ship. Your belongings will again be passed through a scanner. Some ports will want to peek through your belongings before you even approach the ship. This all may seem like a little much, but safety is first and foremost important when traveling so patience, understanding, and cooperation is key!
Because these Codes are subject to change without notice, allowing plenty time for airport check in is imperative. Heavenly Cruises strongly suggests, as do most cruise lines that you arrive a day prior to your cruise departure. Because this is true, Pastor Sharon has set up the Pre-Cruise package. This has many purposes, but perhaps the most important is to ensure that you arrive at the port and board the ship on time. After paying for your trip it would be horrible to miss it because of delayed flights, missed connections, or lack of adequate planning.
