Frequently Asked Questions
TIPS FOR FIRST TIME CRUISERS
Most "first-timers" have a lot of questions. Here is a list of the most commonly asked. The information here will ensure smooth sailing both before and during your cruise.
What's included in the price of a cruise?
Spacious Accommodations; Delicious Meals; Full Schedule of Shipboard Activities; Spa Carnival’s Complete Fitness Center; 24-hour Room Service; pizzeria and ice cream; Camp Carnival Children’s Program; Amazing Destinations; A friendly casino and spectacular stage shows; and IGAEA Members will have a complete conference program; Guests attending with the IGAEA Conference Group will be invited to the social events!
What is Carnival’s FUNPASS?
Carnival’s FUNPASS is an easy access your reservation, after you’ve made your 2nd deposit with IGAEA or have made your deposit in full when booking a triple or quad cabin. Once deposited, you will receive a personal booking number that will allow you to complete
the required embarkation information (FunPass), buy your shore excursions and also buy gifts for shipboard delivery.
What documents do I need to take?
Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise. Even though a guest has completed registration using FUNPASS, it is still the responsibility of the guest to bring all required travel documents. Guest should check with their travel agent and/or government authority to determine the travel documents necessary for each port of call. Any guest without proper documents will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of immigration requirements.
U.S. citizens must present proof of citizenship in the form of a passport (valid or expired for less than 10 years), original birth certificate, state-issued certified copy of a birth certificate from the Department of Health and Vital Statistics, or original Naturalization papers.
What should I pack? Do I need to pack a tuxedo or formal gown? What should I wear?
The first thing to remember is that you're on vacation and you are aboard one of our "Fun Ships" to have a good time. The second thing to remember is to travel light. If you keep those two things in mind, you should do just fine.
Casual attire and resort wear is the order of the day both on board and in port. Shorts, slacks, sundresses, blouses, etc., are in line for women. Clothing for men is just as casual. You should bring a pair of rubber-soled sandals or sneakers to wear on deck and a pair of good walking shoes. You might also want to consider bringing along a sweater or jacket for cool evenings and inexpensive rain gear in case of a sudden shower. Women may want to bring along a hat or scarf. You'll have a chance to dress up on two nights during 7-day or longer cruises (one night on shorter cruises) for the Captain's Cocktail Party and the Gala Farewell Dinner. On the other evenings you can dress casually for dinner (no shorts or tank tops).
For those not wanting to dress up, the Lido Restaurants are open nightly and have a casual dress code. Formal Wear: tuxedo; suit and tie; sport coat, tie and slacks; evening gown; cocktail dress; pantsuit Casual Resort Wear: sport shirts and slacks; dresses; skirts; pantsuit; Capri pants NOTE: Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops and bathing attire are not permitted in the Dining Room during dinner.
How do I pay for items on the ship or in ports?
Most countries/ports accept credit cards for payments, or while in port at the local banks.
What about tipping onboard the ship?
For your convenience, we automatically charge the gratuities for dining and stateroom staff to your onboard Sail & Sign account. The total amount is $10.00 per guest, per day is our recommended guideline.
Are there activities for children onboard?
Camp Carnival
Kids of all ages will have a blast with supervised activities and clubs designed for kids ranging from tots to teens.
Activities for Toddlers (ages 2-5)
Toddlers can enjoy "Fun Ship" Bingo, Cartoon Time, Sponge Painting, Sing-Alongs, Face Painting, Arts & Crafts, Playtime, Coloring, Painting, and Drawing Contests.
Activities for Juniors (ages 6-8)
Junior cruisers can enjoy Cookie Decorating, T-Shirt Painting, Puppet Shows, Outdoor Games, Disney Trivia, and more.
Activities for Intermediates (ages 9-11)
Kids ages 9 through 11 can enjoy Ping Pong, Video Games, Dance Classes, Scavenger Hunts, and Talent Shows.
Activities for Teens (ages 12-15)
Teens can enjoy Parties, Games, Tournaments, Disco Parties, Swimming, Outdoor Fun, Computers, PlayStation2, Teen Dinners, Late Night Movies & Munchies, Teen Shore Excursion Program.
Activities for Teens (ages 15-17)
Carnival's Club O2 is perfect for older teens with parties, hip music, great movies, video games (PS2 and Xbox), teen shore excursions, teens-only lounges and other great ways to hang out. View details
What amenities are in my stateroom?
All staterooms have an amenity basket displayed in the bathroom. The amenities are subject to change and are only sample sizes. The basket may include such things as: his/her razors; shampoo and conditioner; body wash; Tylenol; deodorant; hard candies. Supplies will be replenished by the room steward, if quantities allow.
Oversized logo beach towels are placed in each stateroom nightly as an amenity. Guests may take the towels ashore, but are expected to return them. If the guest wishes to purchase the beach towels, they are available for a fee.
Do I have to participate in activities or can I just relax?
When traveling with the IGAEA Conference 2008, you can choose to sit by one of the four pools, relax in one of seven hot tubs, join the planned cruise activities or do nothing. Each time in port, you may choose to wander the streets of the town and shop or maybe book a shore excursion for a specific port. You do not have to disembark…it is your conference and your vacation—do what you want.
What activities are available on board?
The following activities and entertainment are just a sample of what is available on all “Fun Ship” cruises.
Gala Captain's Dinner—the 2nd night of your cruise; Captain's Cocktail Party; Past Guest Party (on cruises 5-days or longer); Camp Carnival - year round supervised children's activities (ages 2-15); Singles Cocktail Party; Full Gambling Casino; Gaming Lessons Tournaments: Blackjack; Slots; Poker; 3 Bands and Orchestras (Calypso, Dance Music, Easy-Listening) Karaoke; Briefings on each Port-Of-Call; Shopping Talk; Gala Midnight Buffet (on cruises 3-days or longer); Nightclub shows each evening at sea; Midnight shows; Spa Carnival Program; Beauty Seminars; Pathway to Yoga; Bodywalk Power Walk Pathway to Pilates; Body Stretching Class Kickboxing Class; Low Impact Aerobics Body Cycle Class; Body Symmetry Stretch and Relax; First-Run movies featured daily on the in-cabin TV; Ping Pong; Shuffleboard; Golf Putting; Video Arcade; Art Auction at Sea; Card Players meet and play; Guest Talent Show; On Board Duty-Free Shopping; Bingo Sessions; Library- books and board games to borrow; Midnight Deck Party; Dance classes; Galley Tour; Ice Carving Demonstrations; Debarkation Talk; Fun and Games with the Cruise Director and Social Staff : Note: Games vary and are up to the discretion of the Cruise Director. Horseracing; Couples and Lovers Game; Trivia Who Wants to be a Millionaire; Win/Lose/Draw; Battle of the Sexes; Scavenger Hunt; Ship Building Competition; "Survivor" Game Show Mania; Lido Deck and Pool Games
What about my luggage? Where does it go and when?
When you arrive in Port Canaveral at the ship…you will be directed as to where to check in. You will be required to register you personal information with Carnival’s FUNPASS for easy check-in at the port. Once on the ship, your luggage will be brought to your cabin over a period of a few hours. You will want to plan your carry-on bag to include a change of clothes for the afternoon on the ship (i.e. lunch, dinner and the pool if you want) and possibly for the IGAEA Members to have their Presidents Reception attire for later the first evening.
Are there medical services available on the ship?
The ship's physician is responsible for the basic and emergency medical treatment of the guests and directly supervises the ship's nurses. The ship physician also serves as the emergency and primary care physician for all crew onboard. Physicians must hold valid registration in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, or European Union member country.
Can I call home from the ship?
Yes, Carnival Cruise Lines has completed the fleetwide implementation of cell phone service aboard all 22 of its "Fun Ships". Check with your local carrier about the connections while in each port and their service.
Can I get/send e-mail from the ship?
or those guests who want the option of staying connected to the rest of the world, we proudly offer fleet wide satellite internet. Access is facilitated through each ship’s onboard Internet Café, as well as wireless internet access points for personal laptops and most other wireless devices, such as Wi-Fi enabled Palm Pilots/PDA’s.
The Internet Café is open 24-hours a day and features private terminals with the latest flat panel computer monitors. Guests will have the ability to send and receive e-mail, chat online and access the internet. Guests can access their own e-mail account through AOL, Hotmail, Juno, Yahoo, etc. Alternatively, guests will have the option to use their very own temporary e-mail account with our "CruiseE-mail"™.
The Internet is accessed via satellite through a satellite modem, so guests can feel right at home whilst surfing the internet. When using a Café terminal, files can be downloaded as "read only" but cannot be saved, since a floppy disk cannot be inserted into the PC's. Laptop users can read and save files as needed.
Guests may bring their own personal laptop for use on board by using our Wireless Internet Service. Please note that the internet pricing options are identical, whether an Internet Café terminal is utilized, or a laptop. If the laptop is not equipped with a Wireless Internet Card, guests can rent one from the Internet Café. Please see below for more information. The Wireless Internet Service is compatible with a Wireless 802.11b card, which is the industry standard.
To access the Wireless Internet Service, the guest’s laptop must be in relative close proximity to a Wireless Access Point. The specific locations of access points vary from ship to ship. A complete list of these locations can be obtained from the Internet Café.
Internet Café Price List :
To utilize the internet service, the below options are available. Please note that the internet pricing options are identical, whether an Internet Café terminal is utilized, or a laptop. All internet access charges will be billed directly to the guest's onboard “Sail & Sign” Account:
An initial one-time Activation Fee of $3.95 applies to each user.
A basic time charge of $0.75 per minute (“Pay-As-You-Go”) is available. Minutes are rounded to the next full minute.
Discounted “Time Plans” offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a lower per-minute rate. These Time Plans do not have to be used in a single session and can be used anytime throughout the cruise until debarkation; No refund for unused minutes; Upgrading selected pricing option is not available. Plans are subject to change.
Cruises 7 days in length and longer:
100 minutes for $55.00 ($0.55 per minute)
How do I learn about shore excursions or what's going on aboard the ship?
Are shore excursions necessary?
Shore excursions are not necessary and are an additional cost to each person for each excursion selected. You may disembark in each port without any additional cost if you choose to look around each port. Some passengers might remain on the ship…the choice is yours.
When do I get my cruise booking number and final documents?
Once you make your 2nd deposit, a cabin will be assigned to you and an individual booking number in conjunction with the IGAEA Group number. Upon making your final payment on May 1, 2008, all paperwork will be processed and within 45 days of departure…you will receive your documents in the mail.
How about the airfare?
You can book your own or we are working with a professional travel agency, ADG and Associates Inc., for our travel arrangements. If you choose to, owner Kay Grossmann, can assist members in finding the best flight rates for transportation as far as 11 months in advance; hotel accommodations for early arrival into the departure port city if needed; tours or excursions before or after the cruise; fly or drive to the port city as transfers and extended parking can be arranged. Contact Kay Grossmann at kay@grossmann.us or (630) 961-0169.
Why would I make my 2nd deposit early?
The earlier you make your second deposit you will have a better cabin selection for the category. Cabins are booked on a first come first serve basis.
I'm single. How do I save on a cruise?
You can allow the IGAEA Conference Committee to pair you in a shared cabin with another single (same gender) IGAEA Member.
What is the Fountain Fun Card?
We will offer to all guests the option to purchase a "Fountain Fun Card" which will allow them unlimited soft drinks for the duration of the cruise at a one time purchase price (including gratuities). The "Fountain Fun Card" can be purchased at the casino, lobby and pool bar onboard the ship. In all locations where beverage service is offered, guests may receive a glass of the soft drink of their choice - one glass will be served at a time and only to the guest whose name appears on the card. The card cannot be used through room service. NOTE: A 15% gratuity will automatically be added on at the time of purchase of the Fountain Fun Card.
Can I Bring Liquor On Board?
A liquor and beverage consumption policy was created in order for Carnival to be able to control the liquor consumption of minors and the quantities consumed that lead to the disruptive behavior of others on board.
Liquor and Beverage Policy
Bringing Alcohol On Board - Embarkation
Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages onboard. However, guests (21 years and older only) may bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person on board only during embarkation at the beginning of the cruise. A $10 corkage fee per bottle will be charged should you wish to consume this wine in the dining room or a $14 corkage fee per bottle in the Supper Club. Guests may bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages.
All alcohol, additional quantities of wine/champagne or excessive quantities of non-alcoholic beverages will be confiscated and discarded without compensation. Guests may purchase a variety of beverages on board the ship. Alcoholic beverages will not be sold or served to anyone under the age of 21. We reserve the right to refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone. Alcoholic beverages purchased in the ship’s gift shops or in ports of call will be retained by Carnival until the end of the voyage.
Ports-of-Call
Alcoholic beverages of any kind purchased in any Port-of-Call will be confiscated at the gangway, stored on board and retained by Carnival until the end of the voyage.
Ship Gift Shops
Alcoholic beverages of any kind purchased in the ship's gift shop will be stored on board and be retained by Carnival until the end of the voyage.
Drinking Alcohol On Board -
The minimum age for the purchase and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the bars, lounges and gift shops is 21 years of age. Carnival reserves the right to refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone. In the event that Bar/Restaurant/Gift Shop Staff are in question that a guest is less than 21 years old, they shall request picture identification, prior to serving the drink or selling the bottle of liquor.
Is there an ATM on board?
Guests are able to withdraw funds and make balance inquiries on their checking and savings accounts while the ship is in port or at sea. Please note: The supply of money may be depleted prior to the end of the cruise. Following is a list of major credit cards and Networks accepted: Honor, Tyme, Shazam, American Express, Magic Line, Oath, Mac, Master Card (Cirrus for Non-U.S.), Visa (Plus), Nyce Pulse, Yankee and Alert.
There is a $5.50 fee per transaction for this service which is controlled by the bank sponsoring the ATM's, Bank Atlantic of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Please send any questions not answered to us at info@IGAEAconference2008.org