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Rock the Boat

Student Cruise Specialists

1.800.421.4159

Preferred Student Group Planner

Important Travel Tips

GENERAL CRUISE TRAVEL TIPS

Click Here for Carnival Cruises FAQ

Effective June 1, 2009, the following rules take effect for cruise passengers:

U.S. citizens on cruise voyages that begin and end at the same U.S. port (closed-loop itineraries) must show proof of citizenship* and government-issued photo ID(such as driver’s license). A passport will not be required for passengers that fall into this category.

*Documents include: Original or certified copy of birth certificate; Naturalization papers; Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State.

All other passengers and/or itineraries (such as cruises which begin in one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port or any cruise that begins or ends in a foreign port) will require a passport or other recognized document. For a list of accepted documents, see www.travel.state.gov

 

When traveling with a minor and both parents/legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original signed letter from the absent parent/legal guardian authorizing the minor to travel with you. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security. Please note that a notarized letter to this effect is required if debarking with children in Mexico.

In addition to the above requirements, all guests 16 years of age or older must provide an official photo IDs.

Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise. Even though a guest has completed registration using online check-in, it is still the responsibility of the guest to bring all required travel documents. Guests without the required documentation will be denied boarding and no refund will be issued. Guest should check with their travel agent and/or government authority to determine the travel documents necessary for each port of call. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of immigration requirements.  Guests under 18 years old will not be able to complete the online check-in process.  They will have to complete the check-in at the pier.

Resident Aliens need an Alien Resident Card. Aliens need a valid Passport and a valid U.S. Multiple Re-Entry Visa. IMPORTANT! If you have anyone in your group that is a foreign exchange student or not a citizen of the United States, they must contact their Local Immigration office to determine what paperwork they will need. Any person not having the necessary travel documents will not be allowed to board the ship and will not receive a refund for their cruise.

All travel documents should be filled out and all luggage & equipment tagged with the provided Carnival Cruise Line’s luggage tags prior to arrival at the port. Each passenger must have in their own possession travel documents including proper ID and documents.

Student Chaperone Acknowledgment Form: Every student or chaperone must complete and return the respective Carnival Cruise Lines Acknowledgment Form.  Performing groups are exempt from the statement that guests under the age of 18 years must be accompanied in the same stateroom by an adult 25 years of age or older. We require that the group have at least one chaperone for every ten students.

Check-In: Upon your arrival at the port, you will be met in the baggage area by a “Rock the Boat” representative, who will assist with your check-in.

Sail & Sign: No cash is accepted for purchases onboard ship. All passengers must use a Carnival “Sail & Sign” card for all ship purchases. Your “Sail & Sign” account must be set up with a valid credit or debit card, cash or traveler’s check. Students cannot use their parents or guardians credit or debit card unless they are cruising with them. No business or personal checks of any kind will be accepted. The birth date of the cardholder is entered into the master computer on the ship and anyone under the age of 21 will not be permitted to purchase alcohol. Carnival Cruise Lines and your travel company are not responsible if a person under the age of 21 is caught with an alcoholic beverage. This is solely the responsibility of the group’s chaperones. A $50.00 minimum is required to set up a Sail & Sign account for each student under 18 years old. A $100.00 minimum is required to set up a Sail & Sign account for each adult (18 years old and older).

Spending Money: You will need money for baggage handling, souvenirs, shore excursions, cab fare in port, and any beverages onboard ship not included with meals. Iced tea, water, milk, juices and coffee are included with meals. Juices& milk are offered at breakfast. Soft drinks onboard ships are approximately $2.75 per can which does not include gratuity. An unlimited Soft Drink Fountain Card can be purchased onboard ship at an additional charge.

Gratuities: Your prepaid cruise gratuities cover Dining Room Waiter, Bus Boy, and Cabin Steward. Tips are not included for curb side stevedores, with a $1.00 per bag/equipment being customary. Tips are not included for room service. $1.00 per person is customary. Beverage purchases onboard ship include gratuity.

Clothing: Casual attire is in order during the day. For Formal nights, formal dress, business casual outfits, or khakis witha button up shirt are suggested. A Tuxedo is also appropriate but not required. The dress codes for other evenings range are business casual. Cut-off shirts are not permitted in the dining room during dinner.

Main Dining Room Sittings: All student groups are assigned late seating (times vary per ship). If you prefer early dining, this will need to be requested ahead of time to assure availability.  Table assignments are pre-assigned by cabin are sat together.

Medical Services: The ships’ infirmaries are equipped to treat minor non-emergency matters. A doctor is available to render services at a customary charge. Doctors are independent contractors. Groups are encouraged to bring their own health history/medical forms for each person in the group.

Special Needs: Carnival seeks, to the extent feasible, to accommodate guests with special needs so they are able to enjoy their ships and other facilities. For example, service animals are permitted onboard ship if prior arrangements have been made at time of booking. In situations where a guest with special needs, such as a guest in a wheelchair, would be unable to be comfortably accommodated due to vessel barriers and other criteria, they may find it necessary to ask the guest to bring along a companion to assist or make alternative arrangements.

Special Diets: Special diet requirements may be requested at least two weeks prior to sailing. You should discuss the method of preparation of menu items with your waiter or head waiter. There may be limitations in our ability to accommodate special orders. Kosher meals are not available.

Cabin Block: All cabins are blocked as close together as possible at Carnival’s discretion. Groups are guaranteed at least Category 4B. Oceanview cabins may be purchased for an additional charge based on availability. Some triple/quad cabins will be accommodated with roll-a-way beds at the discretion of Carnival Cruise Lines.

Ship Rules: We want your cruise to be a pleasant experience for everyone. The following rules must be enforced. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in the offender(s) being removed from the ship to make his or her own way home at his/her expense

  1. No noise in cabin areas after 11:00pm
  2. No running, congregating or consumption of food and beverage in the hallways
  3. Abuse of physical property will not be tolerated
  4. No abusive or offensive language
  5. No drinking of alcoholic beverages for those under the age of 21
  6. Purchase, possession and consumption of illegal drugs will not be tolerated
  7. Large radios are not permitted onboard. Headphones must be used with radios on deck

Ship Photos: The ship photographers will be taking candid and posed pictures of the passengers on the ship throughout the cruise. Group photos can be arranged for your group through your cruise escort and the ship’s photography department.

Limitations: No food or beverages of any kind may be brought off the ship.

Luggage: Upon arrival at the port, stevedores will take bags directly from the bus/car and deliver them to your cabin. Please be prepared prior to arrival to pay a gratuity of $1.00 per bag for this service. Also make sure all bags and equipment have Carnival luggage tags and are clearly marked with your cabin number. Carnival luggage tags will be provided for your trip. Please keep your travel documents with you and not in your suitcase. Carnival Cruise Lines is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged suitcases/bags or equipment.