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Welcome To: Cavers Cruise The Caribbean February 12-19, 2006
FAQsFOR THOSE THINKING ABOUT REGISTERING
WELCOME ABOARD INFORMATION
When ... ?February 12-19,2006 The Miracle will sail from the Tampa, FL on February 12, 2006 at 4 p.m. The ship will dock back in Tampa on Sunday, February 19 by 8:00 a.m. Back to TopWhere ... ?The Western Caribbean - your floating resort will take you to four exquisitely beautiful ports of calls: Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Mexico, Cozumel, and Belize. Back to TopWhy this cruise line ... ?We have picked the Carnival “Miracle” for this cruise to the western Caribbean. Carnival has a reputation for being the "fun ships" and you certainly will have a blast on the Cavers Cruise. Additionally, YOU will be pampered! For those of you concerned about the motion of the ocean, there won’t be much as the “Miracle” is a newer, larger ship with built-in stabilizers. Back to TopWho is going ... ?All of your friends. Back to TopWhat are shore excursions ... ?At each port there are a number of possible trips and experiences that you can enjoy; such as shopping, renting a car and sightseeing, scuba diving, and walking tours of the town. The cruise line offers several excursions at each port. We will be offering more caver oriented excursions at each port or you are welcome to explore the port areas on your own. Excursion costs vary from free, to a few dollars for a taxi, to $100 or more for a complex trip with equipment supplied. You select which, if any, of the shore excursions that you wish to participate in. At this time, there are no cave trips planned. Back to TopWhat identification is needed ... ?You will need to bring two forms of identifications; a original or certified birth certificate (one with a raised seal) plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state, or local government, such as a valid drivers license. A voter registration card or Social Security card is not considered to be proof of citizenship. A passport (valid or expired) will also be accepted. Back to TopWhat is included ... ?The price of your cruise vacation includes ship accommodations, ocean transportation, taxes, port and other government fees, most meals (4 meals a day plus continuous snacks), some beverages, and most entertainment aboard the ship. All prices are per-person, based on double occupancy. Additionally, your cruise fare covers pools, hot tubs, jogging track, shuffleboard, gymnasium, and much more..... Tea (hot and cold), coffee, lemonade, milk, and various juices are free. Soft drinks are available for a charge. Also, you can bring your own onboard in luggage. A Fountain Fun card is available for $5.50 per day which provides you unlimited soft drinks. Back to TopWhat is not included ... ?Transportation to and from Tampa from your home city; transfers from the airport, hotel, or other local site; parking at the port; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; medical services; casino "contributions"; tips; souvenirs; gifts; spa services, massages, hair styling or manicures; optional shore and land excursions; photographs; telephone calls; internet connection time, specialty restaurants; and laundry. Tips will be included on your invoice as a "separate line item" and you can pre-pay them with your cruise fare. Back to TopWhen is payment due ... ?Minimum of $100.00 per person deposit due at booking. Additional payments can be made periodically. An additional $200.00 per person due by September 1, 2005. Final payment due November 19, 2005. All monies paid are refundable up until November 19, 2005. The cruise line imposes stiff cancellation penalties after that. Within seven days of sailing, there are no refunds available. Back to TopWhy can I find the same cruise online cheaper ... ?Yes, you may see what appears to be a better fare somewhere on the internet BUT you must compare apples to apples. 1. Most of the time, the quoted fare does not include taxes and government fees which range from $30 to $50. 2. Also, the on-line rate can (and does) change often. The fine print might say “Limited availability and based on selected departure dates for new, individual bookings only and can be withdrawn at any time prior to payment.” Stiff cancellation penalties can be incurred. With the Cavers Cruise the Caribbean group, there is no cancellation penalty until November 19,2005. 3. If you book individually, you will have to place a $250 deposit per person immediately, not $100.00/person as with the Cavers Cruise group. 4. The rooms offered by “specials” are often Class 4A with bunkbeds, the lowest class on the boat, at the extreme ends of the boat and will have more "motion of the ocean" associated with them. 5. There are a limited number of rooms in Class 4A. Enough for you maybe, but not enough for the number of cavers going on this cruise. As a service to the other passengers, I am trying to keep the cavers together. <g> 6. As a group, we will be arranging dining room seating all in the same area or private dining area depending on the ultimate size of the group. As individuals you can be all over the 2-story dining room. 7. If you register individually, you will probably get a different person on the phone each time you call. With the Cavers Cruise you get to talk to Walt every time. 8. We are getting several other perks including a $100 per cabin ship board credit, an open bar cocktail party, our own agency on-board liaison to smooth out any problems or to help arrange special activities, group shirts, hats, bags or pins of some sort. Back to Top
Can I just sign up with my favorite travel agent ... ? Short answer: NO Long answer: If you sign up with any other agent or website, we CAN NOT cross-link your cabin reservation with the Cavers Cruise and you will not be eligible for the open bar howdy party, the shirts, the $100 dollar per cabin shipboard credit, the special Caver shore excursions (some caving this time!), the bat races, the group seating at dinner, the door prizes, the group photo op, the Cruise Nuise newsletter, or any of the other special Caver Cruise events and happenings. And if you do sign up with someone else erroneously thinking you will just tag along with the cavers, you will really piss me off! You really don't want that. (nor do I, my blood pressure, you know.) How early do I need to arrive ... ?You should board the ship between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. You must be onboard the ship by 2:00 p.m. There is a mandatory lifeboat muster drill at 3:00. The ship will leave the dock at the port of Tampa at 4:00 p.m., whether you are on board or not! No refunds available if you miss the boat. You will need to make your travel arrangements so that you arrive in Tampa no later than11 a.m.. If you are traveling by air, it is recommended that you fly in the day before due to possible winter inclement weather problems at various airports. Names of hotels can be provided which provide free shuttle service from the airport and to the cruise port. A buffet lunch will be served on the ship starting at 11 a.m. The ship will dock back in Tampa by 8:00 am on the 19th. If you are flying out of TPA, it is suggested your return flight be scheduled after 12:00 noon. Back to TopWhat do I need for Check-In ... ?Bring your completed cruise documents which you will receive in the mail approximately one week before the sailing date, your online registration form (we will go into detail about how and when to complete this at a later date), proof of citizenship (driver's license and certified birth certificate or passport), and a valid credit card to the check-in counter. Back to TopWhat Should I Pack ... ?Days onboard and in port are casual, and you’ll be most comfortable in sport clothes and resort wear. Shoes should be low-heeled for deck activities. Ashore, you’ll need comfortable walking shoes as well as a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun. Bring a few swimsuits so you’ll always have a dry one. Also, don’t forget your camera, film (if used), and binoculars. (Towels are provided). During the daytime, it is appropriate to wear a bathing suit/coverup for breakfast and/or lunch in the Lido Café, the grill, and some other places. To go into the main dining room for breakfast of lunch, you can get by with shorts. For dinner in the main dining room, the suggested dress code of the day is specified. There will be two formal nights in the dining room. For evening wear, count on two basic types of attire: Casual: dresses, pantsuits, or slacks and blouses/nice tops for women, sport shirts and trousers for men. Jackets optional. They say no t-shirts, jeans or shorts. Formal: cocktail dresses for women; suits and ties, or tuxedos for men. Note: More dark suits will be seen than tuxedos. Please do not get hung up on the dress policy. We have found that what is already in your closet will work fine. There is no need to purchase expensive clothing. If you are a very laid-back person and do not wish to change clothing for the dinner meal, you will still have several options. Back to TopWhat about Gratuities ... ?To thank those who have served you well, the following gratuity guidelines are suggested:
All gratuities may be paid in US dollars or charged to your Sail & Sign account. A 15% gratuity will be automatically added to your bar bill or wine check. Gratuities will be listed on your cruise invoice as a separate line item and we encourage you to pre-pay for your convenience. Back to TopHow do I make Onboard Purchases ... ?You’ll be given a Sail & Sign card to use for all purchases you make on the ship. At the end of your vacation, the balance will be billed to the credit card of your choice, or you can pay in cash. Back to TopThe cruise ship offers all kinds of options, so you can eat formally or casually – in the open air, in a restaurant, or in your stateroom – any time of the night or day. Yes, of course. Onboard complimentary Room Service is available any time of the day or night. From breakfast to a snack after midnight, just order from the Room Service menu. What about Hair Dryers and Laundry ... ?For the benefit of the ship’s guests, hair-dryers are provided in each stateroom. For a very sensible fee, the ship will do your laundry and dry cleaning in just one day. There are self-laundry facilities onboard; coin-operated washers, dryers, and laundry supplies are available for your use while at sea. Ironing boards and irons are also provided in the laundry center. The laundry center is closed while in port. Back to TopWhat is the Smoking Policy ... ? For the comfort and enjoyment of all guests, smoking is prohibited onboard most areas of the ship. However, to provide an onboard environment that also satisfies smokers, designated smoking areas in many of the lounges and on all open-air decks is provided. Can I use Cash, Checks, Traveler's Checks ... ? Personal checks are not accepted for purchases aboard the ship. Guests who have an account with a US bank may cash one personal check at the Purser’s/Guest Relations Desk for up to $200 per cruise vacation. For your convenience, the Purser’s Guest Relations Desk can cash traveler’s checks. US Dollars and foreign currency are accepted in most ports. It is recommended that you bring several one dollar bills, fives, and tens, for small purchases. Doing this will eliminate being stuck with a large quantity of foreign money. Can My Family or Friends Contact Me ... ? Friends and family may call guests onboard via Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN) Shore-to-Ship telephone service. The rate is $9.50 per minute from the United States; additional long distance charges may apply from outside the United States. The caller needs to have available the ship name and the guest's name. The charges will be applied to the caller's credit card: MasterCard - Visa - American Express - The Discover Card - Diner's Club. 1-877 CCLSHIP (1-877-225-7447) from the U.S. Will I have access to a Telephone and Internet ... ? For your convenience, the ship's telecommunications network offers direct dialing via satellite from the staterooms telephone. This is available 24 hours a day regardless of the ship's location. This service is closed on the final day of the cruise at 4:00AM. The rate is $6.99 per minute for calls to the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and $9.99 per minute for all International calls. All charges are billed to the guest's on board Sail and Sign Card. Since all communication is via satellite, guests cannot use calling cards, credit cards, dial 800 toll-free numbers nor make a collect calls. Instructions and rates can be found in the cabin's directory. Internet is available in the Internet Cafe which is open 24-hours a day and features private workstations with the latest flat panel computer terminals. Guests will have the ability to send and receive e-mail and access Internet sites. Guests can access their home account through AOL, Hotmail, Juno or Yahoo or have the option of setting up their very own temporary account on board with our Cruise E-mail. Guests may bring their own personal Laptop for use on board by using our Wireless Internet Service. Charges apply for all internet use. There is a $3.95 account set-up fee and $.75 per minute used. For more info, please see the Carnival website. Are there Adult Only Activities ... ? For the comfort of the ship’s guests, some areas and activities have been designated for adults only. Once onboard please consult your daily cruise compass (newsletter) for details. What can I do on the Days at Sea ... ? Days at sea are very laid back and relaxing. The cruise staff will have activities occurring at various times of the day such as pool games, dance lessons, bingo, cooking demonstrations, ship kitchen tours, etc. Additionally, you can use the time to take advantage of the sports on board: ping pong, shuffleboard, golf and more. The spa and beauty shop will be open for pampering. The day might also be spent reading a good book by the pool. Where Do I Sign-up for Shore Excursions ... ? There will be several choices as where to sign up for Shore Excursions. The cruise line provides many choices which you can sign up for online at the Carnival website before the cruise or you can sign up at the Excursion Desk on the ship. We have found that the cruise line's excursions are usually a "little pricey". Our travel consultant will also offer shore excursions at a date closer to the cruise. There are local business that you can book directly with through the internet and save dollars. You can also negotiate at the pier with taxi drivers for city tours. We are working an a number of caver oriented excursions ourselves. Additional information will be made available to you as things develop. |
