Country Facts - Canada (Canadian Rockies)
Baggage Allowance:
Due to coach space limitations and airline weight restrictions, the baggage allowance is limited to one case per person weighing no more than 23 kilos. (32 kilos per person for Business Class travellers). Overall measurement of each piece (length + width + height) should not exceed 62 inches or 158cm. Any excesses will be charged for by the airline. Bags weighing more than 32 kilos will not be accepted due to health and safety restrictions. At the present time each passenger is permitted to carry ONE small item of cabin baggage through the airport security search point. The dimensions of this item must not exceed, a maximum height of 55cm (21.5 inches), width 40cm (15.5 inches) and depth 23cm (9 inches), including wheels, handles, side pockets etc. In addition to the above allowance you are also permitted to carry personal items such as a ladies handbag or small briefcase. Further information regarding hand luggage and items that can be carried in your hand luggage can be found by accessing www.baa.co.uk which is the website address for BAA which operates London Heathrow Airport . Manchester Airport can be accessed at www.manchesterairport.co.uk
Climate & Weather Watch:
Generally warm and sunny from May to October, although like the UK , weather can be changeable at times. Weather in the mountains can and does change quickly, snow can fall at any time of year especially at high elevations. Winter months, November to April can be extremely cold at times.
Clothing:
Emphasis is on casual dress during the day, and due to the altitude and general weather associated with mountainous regions a good cross section of clothes would be advisable including anoraks/umbrella and jumpers.
Currency & Money Matters:
The currency throughout the tour is Canadian Dollars and cents. If taking travellers cheques we advise you purchase them in Canadian Dollars rather than Sterling to avoid additional exchange rate charges. Most international credit cards are acceptable although cash payment or travellers cheques will be required for many optional excursions.
Customs:
Visitors may purchase the following amount of goods without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or the proportionate amounts of each. 1 litre of alcoholic beverage (if over 19 years of age) and goods up to the value of C$60.
Electricity:
110/120 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs are of the flat 2-pin type. European appliances should have dual voltage capabilities and will require an international adaptor.
Goods & Sales Tax:
All Canadian goods are subject to sales tax (GST) of 6% and in British Columbia Provincial Sales Tax of 8%.
Immunisation:
Not necessary for overseas visitors coming from uninfected areas.
Laundry:
All hotels offer a laundry service.
Medical Facilities:
Medical insurance providing cover up to at least C$50,000 is strongly advised. Only emergency cases are treated without prior payment and treatment will often be refused without evidence of insurance or a deposit. Medical facilities are very expensive but of a high standard.
Medication:
Should be carried in hand luggage. Passengers taking needles/syringes should carry a letter from their General Practitioner. All medication should be carried in original packaging with the dispensing label securely attached. Airline check-in staff should be advised the type of medication being carried and they will give further instructions regarding proceeding through security screening.
Passports & Visas:
A machine readable ten year passport is required by all British visitors to enter Canada which should be valid for six months after your return to the UK . Visas are not necessary for British Citizens to enter Canada although an immigration form will be given to you onboard the aircraft for completion. If your passport indicates you are a British Subject or you do not hold a British passport, visa's for both Canada and USA may be required and you should check with the relevant Embassy at the earliest opportunity for the latest information.
Photography:
It is recommended that all photographic film and single use cameras are carried in your hand luggage. These items should be handed to security for hand checking rather than being scanned.
'THE CANADIAN' Train:
Accommodation is in Silver & Blue Class. As space is limited onboard you will not be able to have your large suitcases with you. Therefore please take on board a small piece of hand luggage for your overnight needs. Your remaining luggage will be stored in the luggage compartment.
Time Zone:
GMT - 7 to -8
Tipping:
Tipping is customary in Canada and generally 15% in restaurants. Gratuities have NOT been included for the driver/guides or the Tour Manager. Journeys of Distinction therefore recommend C$3.00 per person per day for your Tour Manager and a similar amount for your driver/guides, depending on the standard of service given and your level of satisfaction. As tips are a personal matter and purely down to your discretion, we suggest they are given on an individual basis rather than as a group collection.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ALASKA CRUISE PASSENGERS :
Clothing:
For Alaska you will require appropriate dress for the evenings for any formal nights on board Norwegian Sun.
Currency & Money Matters:
The currency on board Norwegian Sun is the U.S. dollar. On board purchases can be made by credit card although some dollar bills may be required when going ashore.
Passports & Visas:
For entry to Alaska a U.S. visa waiver form will be given to you onboard Norwegian Sun for completion. If your passport does not prove you are a British Citizen you should seek further advice from your applicable Embassy as visas may be required. In addition, passports indicating that the bearer is a British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British National (Overseas) Citizen, or British Protected Person will also need to apply to the US Embassy for a visa.
Important: Some travellers may not be eligible to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). These include people who have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction; those with criminal records, (the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to U.S. visa law); certain serious communicable illnesses; those who have been refused admission into, or have been deported from, the United States, or have previously overstayed on the visa waiver programme; and some driving offences. In these instances you would have to apply to the Embassy for a visa. Further information can be obtained by visiting www.usembassy.org.uk .
Shore Excursions:
Details of shore excursions can be browsed by visiting the Norwegian Cruise Line website: www.uk.ncl.com . Should you wish to make a booking, please telephone Norwegian Cruise Lines on Telephone Number 0207 591 8027. Alternatively, they can be booked on board, however places are limited and therefore pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Should you wish to make your shore excursion reservations please contact us for your booking ID Number.
Tipping:
On the cruise, customary gratuities to your stateroom steward/stewardess and waiter and busboy are NOT included. For all Norwegian Sun passengers a fixed service charge of $10 per adult per day will be added to your on board account, to cover stateroom and dining gratuities. A standard gratuity of 15% is automatically added to the price of drinks from the bar and beauty treatments.
Please note that the above information may be subject to change. Current information correct as at 01/05/2008
