Cruise FAQs       


Booking the Cruise
 


Can I book with my Travel Agent?

Sorry - but no...
To be part of our group and attend the dances & workshops, you must book your cruise with DanceFun.  DanceFun has setup the group with the Cruise line, arranged all the activities, and is handling all concerns in booking the group.  All Dance Functions are "Private Parties" - just for those booked with DanceFun. 
Call DanceFun at 1-866-DANCEFUN (1-866-326-2338) or 405-282-8989.


Can other passengers join our group?

ONLY passengers with our group, booked through DanceFun will be permitted into the dances & workshops.  There will be special badges issued to our group at the first cocktail party.


Can you help me find a roommate?

Yes!  Call DanceFun, book your cruise “double occupancy”, and give us you roommate preferences.  We cannot “assign” roommates, but we can help you find someone. 


What is Travel Insurance?

Travel Insurance is an insurance policy that protects the cash investment in your trip, unforeseen medical expenses, lost luggage, and much more.  Travel Insurance covers one major item, that is "Trip Cancellation" -- to be refund the cost of your trip in case of: S.A.D. - Sickness, Accident or Death.
S – Sickness – you or your travel companion become ill (for a medical reason) and cannot travel or become ill and cannot complete your travel
A – Accident – you or your travel companion have an Accident and cannot travel, or have an accident on the trip and cannot complete your travel
D – Death – If a death occurs in your immediate family prior to your trip and you cannot go or a death occurs during your trip and you cannot complete your travel.

The cost of Travel Insurance is based on your age and the value of your trip.  Call us for more info or see: www.travelguard.com our recommend Insurance Carrier for more details.
1-866-DANCEFUN (1-866-326-2338) or 405-282-8989.


Do you recommend Travel Insurance?

 Always!  Life happens… 
We've never seen someone unhappy they bought the insurance, but many unhappy who wish they had.

Do I need a passport?


Yes, you will need a passport !

NEW passport requirements for U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling after 12/30/2005:

On Tuesday, April 5, 2005, the U.S. State Department announced details of the proposed "Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative." If the proposed rules are enacted, U.S. and Canadian citizens will be required to carry a passport for travel to or from certain countries/areas that were previously exempt. The proposed implementation is as follows:

  • December 31, 2005 - Passport required for all air and sea travel to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America.
  • December 31, 2006 - Passport required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.
  • December 31, 2007 - Passport required for all air, sea and land border crossings.
Once the proposed rules are finalized - either in their current form or a modified form - the cruise industry will communicate that information to our travel agent partners and guests. In the meantime, individuals with future travel plans that would be affected by the proposed new rules are strongly encouraged to obtain a passport now.

You may print a passport application or get additional information from the government on this subject by visiting http://travel.state.gov/passport.
 


Boarding / Disembarking – Port of Miami

When should we board?

Check-in will start Sunday Morning about 10:00 am.  But boarding will not commence until after 12:00 Noon.  Once a ship docks at a US Port, it is under the control of the US Customs service.  When they feel the ship is "cleared", they will allow boarding to commence - not before.  You will then be the first to board as soon as the ship clears customs – usually between 12:00 Noon and 1:00 pm.  If you arrive after 1:00, be prepared for long lines (2000 guests).  For those boarding early, the afternoon will then be yours to have lunch on board, explore the ship, and start your vacation!
Please try to be at the pier no later 4:00 pm.

When do we Disembark?

This ship arrives into Port by 8:00 am.  But due to the ship’s passengers and cargo needing to clear Customs, we usually start general disembarking around 9:00 am.  Depending on your Muster Station – most guests are to the pier by 10:00 am, barring any snags with customs.  See "Airline Connections"


Airline Connections – Port of Miami


What Airport is near Miami?

Is Shuttle Service Available?

 

 

Carnival Airport Shuttle Service serves the Port of Miami from Miami and Ft Lauderdale Airports.
 Available only on days on embarkation & debarkation.

A Carnival Rep will meet passengers at the Airport at Baggage Claim to round them up and direct .  The same is true for the return to the Airport.  But to use their service your flight MUST be scheduled as follows:

Airline Shuttle - Miami Int’l        (MIA) 8 mi / 25 min
$11/$22
Carnival meet & greet service starts 11:30 am
Must arrive by 2:00 pm
Must depart after 1:00 pm

Airline Shuttle – Ft Lauderdale   (FLL)  25 mi / 45 min
$16/$32
Carnival meet & greet service starts 11:30 am
Must arrive by 1:30 pm
Must depart 1:45 pm

To book with Carnival - this MUST be booked at least 14 days prior to departure.

Port of Miami
Terminal B / formerly #9
Terminal C / formerly #8
1741 & 1751 Africa Way
Dodge Island
Miami, FL 33132


Dances and Workshops
 

Could you tell me about the Dance Floors?

 The "indoor" floors on this ship are a variety of surfaces - wood, marble, and plastic.  We do our best to avoid the marble floors and always request wood. 

Dance Shoes - We suggest you bring a pair of Capezio "dance sneakers".  These shoes are good for many different surfaces (you can spin) and easier on your feet & legs on hard surfaces. 
 
What workshops are being taught? Salsa, Merengue, Cha-Cha, and Rueda Dancing and Workshops
Do you have a schedule of events? We do not have a confirmed schedule with the ship as of yet.  This is not "confirmed" until final documents.  We will try to get a "tentative schedule up sooner.  Look in the  Dancing for that information.

With that said -- in general we usually have 15- 20 classes spread over the days at sea, in the early part of the day so you can enjoy the ship the rest of the day.  This leaves port days free to have fun in port.  Also we try to have at least 5 dances.  The dances are usually between 5 and 8 pm - this is when the better and larger floors are available.  AND there is still more dancing in lounges later in the evenings !


Clothing


A couple of things to consider

What clothes do I need to bring?

These Caribbean Ports are usually in the low to mid 80s during the day and only drop to to the low 70s at night.  Definitely bring summer clothes and your swim suit !  There is a pool and 2 large outdoor Jacuzzis on board.  Many of the guests spend time sunbathing as well.

But, also pack a light Jacket for on the water at night.  This may also be needed outside aboard ship the early first day out (Monday) and late the last day back (Saturday).  Also, especially for the ladies – the dining rooms can be cool.  We suggest a shawl for light wrap for your arms for the evening meals. 

It is always good to check www.weather.com.  Just put in the city and you can get up to a 10 day forecast just before you leave home !
 

Are there laundry facilities?

 Yes, there are coin operated laundromats on passenger decks and irons and ironing boards.  There are also a laundry and dry cleaning service from your cabin - see you cabin steward.  Another tip is usually in the later part of the cruise, there is usually a special in the Carnival Capers mentioning for a laundry special - like $20 for all you can stuff in a laundry bag.  It's great to take clean clothes home !
   

Aboard Ship
 

 Are we at Early or Late Dining?
 
To get the best rooms for our dances and workshops, it necessary to hold them when the lounges and spaces are available.  So, we block time with the ship during the early seating of dinner.  After dinner, the shows, lounges and discos are full, and during the day we use these spaces for classes on the days at sea. 

The good news is that meals or snacks are available in the afternoon and after dancing with the group, you’ve got a great dinner, then shows, and then the Lounges, Disco, Casino and Midnight Comedians are available to you!  Sorry for any inconvenience.
 
Sail and Sign Card  Aboard ship is basically a "cashless" society.  Anything you need to purchase is bought with your "Sail and Sign" Card.  At Embarkation you will be given a ship's credit card for making purchases on board.  This is to purchase items in the ship's stores, wine at dinner, drinks in the lounge, or shore excursions.  Charges to this card are are directed to a credit card of your choice or a cash deposit is required.  You'll receive a statement at the end of the cruise that you can pay with cash or just leave on your credit card, like you would incidentals at a hotel.  This card is also your room key and locks the safe in your room.
Are all Meals & Drinks included?  All Meals are included. There are literally 8 Meals a day including (but not limited to): 3 meals a day in the main dining room (includes a 4 course dinner), 3 meals a day in the informal dining area (cafeteria style). There's a Midnight Buffet each evening.  And a 24 hour pizzeria and ice cream bar.  Oh yeah, and if you are too tired to go get anymore -- there's always 24 hour room service in your cabin !  Drinks with your meals are included.  Alcohol and soda drinks from the bar are additional.
What about tipping?

1st – Gratuities are $10.00/day, or $70.00 for this cruise.  These monies are for your Cabin Steward & Assistant, Waiter & Assistant and alternative dining servers.  Your Cabin Steward takes care of your cabin – cleans cabin, makes beds, turn down service, etc.  And your Waiters serve meals in main dining room several times daily in the main or alternative dining rooms.  These people are making their living entirely from tips. 

There are 2 ways these monies are collected.  You may pre-pay these when you purchase your cruise, or Carnival will automatically deduct these monies from you sail-n-sign account on board. 

2nd – Any drinks that you purchase from in lounges, shows, etc. are done so with your sail and sign card.  Gratuities of 15% are added to the each sale for you.

What is the Smoking Policy aboard ship?

Smoking IS allowed in public areas of the ship and in staterooms.
But note: we have never noticed staterooms smelling smoky as in hotels, nor have any of our 100s of guests ever complained of this problem.  

I’m sensitive to motion sickness – Will I get Sea-Sick ?

Today’s Cruise Ships have Vertical Stabilizers.  These stabilizers greatly reduce the pitch & roll of the ship.  Some passengers may still on occasion experience motion sickness or feel "sea-sick".  The symptoms are generally mild nausea and dizziness (or vertigo). There are a number of over-the-counter as well as prescription medications and non-pharmaceuticals available to help curb the symptoms of sea-sickness. If you think you may be affected, check with your doctor.


Trip Cancellation
 

 

If I need to – what is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation Fees

  • No Cancellation Fee within 3 Calendar Days of Booking.

  • $100.00 Cancellation Fee after 3 Calendar Days of Booking.

  • Full Deposit after Final Payment Date

  • 50% of Total Fare within 30 days of cruise

  • No Refund 7 days out or No Show

Remember - Always buy Travel Insurance to protect your travel investment !

What is the Cancellation Procedure?

To protect you, we require that you cancel in writing.
Please include the following:

  • The name of the event you are cancelling
  • Your Address
  • Your Date of Birth
  • Your confirmation number.