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Frequently Asked Questions
(You've
Got Questions, We Have Answers ...)
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Camera.
Sunscreen. Swimsuit, Tux, Evening Gown, ...
Okay, now that we've got the
basics out of the way, here are a few must-have cruise items that'll help
make your vacation more comfortable, enjoyable and memorable.
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Save space...
* Be sure to leave some room in your luggage for all those
souvenirs and mementos. Some space-saving ideas include:
* Bring shirts and
pants/skirts that mix and match, turning three outfits into five or
six.
* Wear your heaviest shoes
during embarkation and disembarkation so you don't have to pack them.
* Bring an additional empty
bag for those acquired extras.
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Directions to the
Port at Galveston Bay
Pier #25
2502 Harborside Drive
Galveston, Texas 77550
Travel
Time:
* 42
miles from Houston Hobby International Airport; travel time is
approximately 60 minutes.
* 70
miles from Houston Intercontinental Airport; travel time is approximately
90 minutes.
Directions to the
Port:
* I-45
South
* Take
Exit 1C - Harborside Drive (Highway 275)
* Turn
left (East) onto Harborside Drive
*
Continue approximately 4.7 miles to Kempner/22nd Street
* Turn
left onto Kempner/22nd Street
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Proceed to Cruise Terminal - Pier #25
Port Parking:
(Rates subject to change by Port Authority)
* 5-day
cruise: $50.00
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| Top 10
Most Asked Questions: |
Self-Service Launderettes:
Each ship has at least 2
self-service launderettes located on the stateroom decks.
There are two or three
washers and dryers, and one iron and ironing board in each launderette.
The cost is $3.00 per washer load and $3.00 per dryer load. Vending
machines dispense small boxes of detergent and water softener at $1.00
per box.
Note: Due to local
environmental requirements, the washing machines in the guest'
launderette will be closed in port, per each ports specific
requirements; the dryers and irons will be available for guest use.
Hair dryers are not
provided aboard The Triumph in the staterooms of all other ships.
Guests are required to be
21 years old (on embarkation day) to travel. Guests under the age of 21
must be accompanied in the same stateroom by a parent or guardian 25 or
older. The exceptions Carnival will make to this policy are:
Married minor couple - The
booking must be documented that the couple is married. The couple must
have proof of marriage at embarkation or they will be denied boarding
without the benefit of a refund.
Guest ages will be verified
at embarkation. Guests not conforming to this policy will be denied
boarding and assessed a 100% cancellation penalty. NO exceptions will be
made at embarkation.
The Group policy is
slightly different because of stricter group terms and conditions
including mandatory chaperones, damage deposits and other
considerations.
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.
Carnival now offers gift
certificates that friends, family travel agents or businesses can
purchase for a Carnival Guest.
Funship Dollars come in
denominations of: $25 - $50 - $100 - $200 - $500.
Funship Dollars can be
redeemed against the cost of a cruise (as payment).
Funship Dollars can be
applied as an on board credit on the Guest's Sail and Sign account.
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.
CRUISE TRAVEL
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Passport Requirements
became effective June 1, 2009, for land and sea borders. While the WHTI
requires a valid passport for land and sea travel, a final ruling was
issued allowing leniency for “closed-loop” cruises, i.e., sailings that
both originate and terminate in the same U.S. port.
U.S. citizens taking “closed-loop” cruises are not required to have a
passport, but will need proof of citizenship such as an original or
certified copy of a birth certificate, a certificate of
naturalization, a passport card, an enhanced driver’s license (EDL) as
well as a government-issued photo ID. Children are also required to
bring proof of citizenship, and if 16 and over, a photo ID is also
required. Canadian and Bermudian citizens are required to have a
passport for air, land and sea travel, including all Carnival cruises.
Although a passport is not required for U.S. citizens taking “closed
loop” cruises, we strongly recommend all guests travel with a passport
(valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel). Having a
passport will enable guests to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port in
the event they miss their scheduled embarkation or to fly back to the
U.S. if they need to disembark the ship mid-cruise due to an emergency.
For more
information, a complete list of WHTI-compliant documents or to obtain a
passport application, visit
www.travel.state.gov
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U.S. Alien Residents need a
valid Alien Resident Card. Non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport and a
valid, unexpired U.S. Multiple Re-entry Visa, if applicable.
Guest names on travel
documents (passport, Alien Resident Card, birth certificate, etc.) must
be identical to those on the cruise and airline tickets. Otherwise,
proof of name change (e.g., a marriage license) or a valid driver's
license (or other government-issued photo ID) must be presented.
On occasion, non-U.S.
citizens and U.S. Alien Residents may be asked to surrender their
passport and/or Alien Resident Card at time of embarkation. These
documents will be returned upon completion of the Immigration inspection
at the time of debarkation. Non-U.S. citizens that are eligible to apply
for admission under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program, must still have a
valid unexpired passport. U.S. State Department regulations require all
guests traveling from visa-waiver countries be in possession of a
machine-readable passport that includes a biometric identifier - e.g.,
embedded digital photograph. Otherwise, guests will be required to
obtain a U.S. Multiple Re-entry Visa. Guests without proper
identification may be refused boarding or entry into the United States.
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 (our recommended guideline) as follows:
* $ 3.50 Per
Day Stateroom Services
* $ 5.50 Per
Day Dining Room Services
* $ 1.00 Per
Day Alternative Services: distributed to other kitchen and hotel service
staff
Our Staff is totally
committed to exceed your expectations in every way possible. If you are
not satisfied with the service you receive, we encourage you to contact
the Guest Services desk while onboard. This will allow us to address
your concerns in a timely and appropriate fashion. At your
discretion, you may adjust the gratuities at any time.
For beverage purchases,
fifteen percent of the bill is automatically added to the Sail & Sign
charge. Room Service staff may be tipped as service is rendered. Tipping
your Maître d’ is at your discretion, based upon the service you
receive.
We offer all guests the
option to purchase the "Unlimited Soda Program" which will allow them
unlimited soft drinks for the duration of the cruise at a one-time
purchase price (including gratuities). The "Unlimited Soda Program" 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 to the purchase of the "Unlimited Soda Program."
8) What about
hurricanes?
Hurricane season
encompasses the months of June through November. Due to the
unpredictable nature of hurricanes it may not be possible to give
information about itinerary changes in advance of the
sailing. Carnival's main priority is the safety of our guests and crew,
as well as the vessel. It is rare for a cancellation to occur due to an
impending hurricane. In some instances an itinerary deviation is
implemented to avoid a storm. Hurricanes have been known to change their
course drastically at the last minute. Guests that have any questions
should contact our Reservations department the day prior to sailing, as
that is when we will have definitive information. We will always make
decisions that assure the cruise experience will be a great one and that
all on board are totally safe.
Casual attire is the order
of the day. We suggest shorts, sundresses, tank tops, etc. for the
ladies, and for men; shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts, etc. will do. We
suggest you wear rubber-soled, low heeled or flat shoes for extra
traction while onboard. The use of any footwear with wheels, including
but not limited, to Heelys© shoes, is prohibited on board our ships.
For dining you may want to dress up a bit and/or bring along a light
sports jacket or cardigan.
Most evenings we have a
Cruise Casual dress code, but there are those Cruise Elegant evenings
one or two nights throughout your “Fun Ship” voyage, where you will have
the opportunity to showcase your more elegant attire. For those who want
casual attire for dinner time, the Lido Restaurant is open nightly, and
has a more relaxed theme. However, shirts and shoes/footwear
(flip-flops) must be worn at all times inside the Lido Restaurant.
Both dress codes for the
dining rooms are described below.
Cruise Casual Dining
Dress Code: Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs),
dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies - Casual dresses,
casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress
shorts, jeans (no cut-offs).
Not permitted in the
dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen:
shorts, gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit
attire, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men and baseball hats.
Cruise Elegant Dining
Dress Code: Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest
a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all
means we invite you to do so. Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits,
elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening
gowns, that's great too!
Not Permitted
in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and
gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit
attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and
baseball hats.
Onshore attire...
You'll need comfortable walking shoes, as well as a hat and
sunscreen for protection from the sun. If you plan a beach outing, remember
to bring the appropriate beach attire.
You may also want to
bring:
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* Travel guides - to help you
explore new destinations |
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* Poolside pleasures - nothing
beats a great read in the sun |
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* Journal - to keep an account of
your adventure for sharing and reminiscing |
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* Address book - send your
friends a postcard to make them jealous
* Binoculars are another,
often forgotten, yet indispensable travel item. Be sure to pack a
pair for magnified excitement onboard and onshore
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10) Can I
receive a cash advance on my credit card ?
Guest may use a debit or
credit card, while on board, to obtain a cash advance. Global Cash
Access (GCA) provides guests with cash advance services by using the
guest’s credit card or debit card, provided that the guest has an
available limit.
For this service, GCA
charges 5.5% of the value of the cash advance requested or a flat fee of
$5.50 if the amount requested is $100 or less. There could be additional
fees charged to the guest's account by the credit card issuer.
Both the Guest Services Desk and the Casino offer this service.
Types of credit and debit card accepted:
* Visa
* MasterCard
* The Discover Novus Card
* Diners Club International
* The American Express Card
* JCB Card
* Arriva (GCA's own credit card which guests may apply for,
on board, in the casino).
* Maestro
* Interlink
* Star
* Pulse Pay
* NYCE
* MAC
* Cash Station
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Additional Questions |
| When
can I board the ship: |
The boarding
time for your ship and sailing date is specified in your Guest Vacation
Documents. Please do not plan on arriving at the pier prior to the
specified time as the ship will not be ready to board guests.
The latest a guest may board the ship is one hour prior to the scheduled
sailing time. |
Online Check-In
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What do I need in order to
complete the Online Check-In process? |
In order to complete Online
Check-In successfully, you will need the following:
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* Personal
Information for each guest are checking in online |
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Identification Document information for each guest you are checking in
online |
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* Onboard
Expense Account Information (i.e credit card and the reservation
information that is authorized to charge against the account) |
You will also need to
establish an Onboard Expense Account via either credit card or cash |
| At
the Pier: |
| Whether
you're cruising for the first time or the millionth, you'll find a nugget
of wisdom or two in this section. Check out the top ten things you need to
know about those moments just before and after you hop onboard.
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1. For
the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your travel
documents, a change of clothes, bathing suit, workout clothes and any
medications you may need. That way you don't have to wait for your checked
bags to arrive in your stateroom.
2. If you've never been to the departure port before, you can find and
print directions here.
3. You'll need to give yourself at least 60 minutes to check in and go
through security at the pier. If you have not checked in 60 minutes prior
to the scheduled departure, you will be considered a no-show, and your
reservation will be cancelled and cancellation penalties applied.
4. Friends and relatives are welcome to come to the pier to see you off.
However, for security reasons, they will not be allowed to board the ship
at any port.
5. We now use single-color luggage tags for all ships in the fleet to help
your bags get where they need to go. Luggage tags are now personalized
with name and stateroom number. Tags for different ships are identified by
bolded ship name for ease of identification.
6. If you're a Platinum, Diamond or Diamond Plus member of our Crown &
Anchor Society, be sure to take advantage of priority check-in and the
private departure lounge.
7. When you first come aboard, be sure to check out your stateroom. There
you'll find our Cruise Compass with schedules for all the onboard
activities. Crown & Anchor Society members will also find the Ultimate
Value Booklet in their stateroom.
8. If you're traveling with family, be sure to check the Cruise Compass
for the "Family Welcome Aboard Show" times. This entertaining performance
will tell you all about the activities available for families and includes
registration for our Adventure Ocean Youth Program.
9. If the spa or fitness classes are your thing, try to make your
appointments on the first day, as the most popular treatments and times
fill up fast.
10. Hungry? Head up to the Windjammer Café - they'll be offering snacks,
sandwiches, salads, and more throughout embarkation.
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Onboard Policies
| What is
Royal Caribbean's smoking policy? |
| For the
comfort and enjoyment of our guests, smoking is prohibited onboard most
areas of our ships. However, to provide an onboard environment that also
satisfies smokers, we have special designated smoking areas in many of our
lounges and on all open-air decks. On Alaska Cruise tours, smoking is not
permitted on motor coaches or inside train cars. |
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