Focus On: Cruise Documents

With the popularity of the internet, many cruise lines now provide digital documentation to passengers, in much the same fashion that airlines issue you a digital ticket or receipt for your flight. And while it’s unlikely that the original paper ticket will be making a resurgence anytime soon, some lines are going back to providing printed material in advance of your cruise.

An unexpected suprise: real, printed documentation for my upcoming voyage aboard Norwegian Epic. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

With my voyage aboard Norwegian Epic coming up in a few weeks, I was surprised and delighted to receive an actual pre-cruise booklet in the mail.  It was personalised with my name, ship, itinerary and cabin number on the front, and even included six adhesive luggage tags – a surprise from Norwegian Cruise Line, considering just a few years ago they were doing the ‘print-it-yourself’ luggage tag that never quite worked. Or, at least, I could never make it work.

But Norwegian’s new information booklet is a great resource, perfect for frequent cruisers and first-timers alike, with information about dining times and amenities, shore excursions, and even a simple deck plan of your ship. It’s also a handy reference for people like me who are coming back to the line after a few years’ hiatus.

Today, we thought we’d take a look at how cruise documentation has changed over the years – but don’t worry: it’s more exciting than it sounds!

One of the exquisite pre-cruise packages Disney mailed to guests in 2007, containing a specially-designed envelope and shore excursion booklet. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

You knew you were taking a Holland America Line cruise when you recieved that blue leather folder with real tickets and luggage tags inside. Shown here is an Oosterdam luggage tag from 2005 and a revamped Veendam tag from 2006, along with a proper, stapled cruise ticket booklet. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Cunard sent out this beautiful leather folder for our Queen Mary 2 voyage in 2008, along with a full ticket booklet containing deck plans and dining information. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

One of the most beautiful document packages I've ever recieved, from ultra-luxury line Silversea. Included were a proper shore excursion brochure, a leather zippered pouch containing silver folders for air and cruise arrangements, and branded luggage tags. Oh, did we mention the entire thing comes in a beautiful, silver box? Amazing! Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

From the Deck Chair will return tomorrow!