Before You Sail

Immunizations

Malaria prevention should be discussed with your physician based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirements and recommendations. During your voyage, you may be traveling in areas with previously acknowledged malaria infestations. Exposure will vary for each participant depending upon individual travel plans.

We recommend that you contact the CDC and/or your physician to learn about the current recommendations for immunizations in the countries you will visit. Be advised that inoculation requirements may be imposed at any time by the governments of countries on our itinerary. The Institute for Shipboard Education cannot advise regarding the prescription of inoculations or be held responsible for unannounced health requirement changes.

Passport

All participants are required to have a valid passport. You may apply for a passport online. If you already have a passport, make sure it is signed. All passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your return. If your passport expires before then, please plan to renew it as soon as possible.

Visas

Certain countries on our itinerary will require a visa. The Institute for Shipboard Education works with Pinnacle Travel Document Systems to assist all participants with the acquisition of these critical travel documents. Pinnacle Travel Document Systems can be reached at 1-888-466-0620.

Health Fee

A physician, nursing staff, and a mental health staff travel with each voyage. Their services are available to all participants; however, if a participant should require medication (e.g. prescription or otherwise) and/or medical-related services (e.g. x-rays, casting, sutures, blood work, etc.), a nominal fee will be billed to the participant's shipboard account. Participants taking prescription medication should plan to bring a sufficient supply to last the duration of the semester and make sure their personal primary care physician notes the prescription on their medical history form.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Each participant is enrolled in a premium health and safety insurance plan through Medex, a world leader in travel insurance. This policy is in effect upon arrival to the ship through disembarkation at the end of the voyage and includes a $100,000 accident and sickness benefit to cover medical, mental health, emergency dental, evacuation, and repatriation expenses. There is a $100 deductible.