Where can I track down more information about onboard activities, particularly programs for kids?
Many thanks,
I.T.
A few questions for Bahama Mama follow ...
1. On the Registration Form, one question asks "I wish to try to find a share for this cabin ..." Who's doing this matchup - the travel agency or the Cruise Committee?
2. If I identify somebody myself who wants to share before the cruise, can I override the roommate selected for me and substitute my own?
3. Is smoking permitted in the cabins? If yes, can I request a smoking roomie?
4. The staterooms available are listed with numbers and letters on the Staterooms (e.g.; 6a, 6b, etc.). What is the difference between a 6a and a 6b besides the small difference in price?
5. Do all of the Ocean View cabins (6a and 6b) have balconies?
6. Can I jump off the balcony to duck the credit card bill at the end of the cruise? (Just kidding on that one).
7. What happens if a roomie can't be found for me? Am I on the hook for the 200 percent upcharge for the single cabin (mentioned in the literature) if I still want to go?
8. Is there any way I can identify the exact cabin I will get before the cruise? If so, when?
Who is that in the picture at the top?
Actually, you can sign up for any cruise right up to a few days before embarkation. However, if the ship's complement is filled, which it probably will be, you're out of luck for a cabin. So, the sooner you pay your deposit, the better. Your cabin is then guaranteed.
Also, our low Freeper group rate expires very shortly. It actually expired January 27 but we received an extension till February 21. At that time, the axe will fall on the low fare and you'll have to pay normal rates. A cabin of your choosing also cannot be guaranteed after that date. This is cruise line policy (not ours) for booking groups.
Regarding your other questions, the cruise committee does not see the registration forms. They go directly from each registrant to the travel agency. The number of persons in each party or in each cabin are not published for privacy reasons. Nor are passengers profiled for public consumption. We adhere to that policy here. If folks want to say on the main thread that they're signed up, we love that! But it's their choice.
On the last freeper cruise, there was a wonderful mix of ages, sexes, marrieds and singles. But conservative patriots all!
Hope you can make the cruise!
Bahama Mama
Cruisers, you may be thinking now of your transportation schedule from where you live to the Miami Port terminal. This is important information regarding your plans:
The Triumph sails at 4:00 PM on Saturday, May 31. However, as in a hotel, if the cabins are ready, you will be able to board as early as 1:00 PM. A wonderful luncheon buffet will await you on board.
If you're arriving by air, train, bus or private vehicle, please make sure you get to the church on time. Allow yourself plenty of wiggle room in case you experience travel snafus. You MUST be at the Carnival terminal and checked in at least an hour before the 4:00 PM (EST) sailing or your booking will be considered forfeited and you will lose your fare. This is the policy of all cruise lines.
As in last year's freeper cruise, some folks will choose to arrive in Miami the afternoon or night before embarkation and stay overnight in a hotel or motel near the port. We will post the name of a recommended, reasonably-priced hotel as soon as we can so that freepers can stay there the night before if they choose, and paaaaarty!
Travel time between Miami airport by van or taxi is approximately 25 minutes.
You may choose to arrange your air transportation yourself or with your own travel agent. Or you may contact our freeper cruise agent, Wanda, at 1-800-890-7583 to make the arrangements for you. This is surely the painless way. She will help you find bargains and will ensure everything runs smoothly and painlessly for you.
The ship returns to port on Saturday, June 7 at 8:00 AM. However, you don't get off at 8:00 AM. First there are customs procedures for the ship itself. Then there is an orderly, very-well organized procedure for passengers to disembark in groups by a numbering or color-coded card. Passengers then go past the customs clerk which only takes a minute or two. Then you pick up your luggage in a warehouse-type room. A red-cap will take your luggage outside to the terminal curb.
The cruise line recommends booking your return flight to where you live for any time after 1:00 PM that day.
If this sounds complicated, it isn't. The cruise lines have terrific, time-tested systems for disembarkation, and you generally will be on land around 10:00 AM.
Bahama Mama does not answer questions for each cruiser's personal transportation plans. It would be an impossibility and she is not a travel agent. Please make your own arrangements. However, she will answer any general questions, so just post 'em here.
Bahama Mama
Leni