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***THIS INFORMATION IS FOR ALL CRUISES INCLUDING FESTIVAL, PERFORMANCE AND GRADUATION***
General Cruise Travel Tips
Travel Documents:
United States and Canadian guests need proof of citizenship and photo I.D. (Passport, Birth Certificate or Certified Copy of Birth Certificate with raised seal). Resident Aliens need an Alien Resident Card. Aliens need a valid Passport and 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 or US Immigration at 800-375-5283 to find out what paperwork they will need to enter various ports of call. 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.
Luggage:
All travel documents must be filled out and all luggage and equipment tagged with the provided cruise line’s luggage tags prior to arrival at the port. Each passenger must have in their own possession travel documents including Birth Certificate/Passport, Photo I.D. if over 16 years of age, and his or her own tickets when checking in at Embarkation. These items must be passed out to each individual prior to arrival at the port.
Check-In:
Upon your arrival at the port, a “Festivals at Sea” representative, who will assist with your check-in, will meet you in the baggage area.
Sail & Sign:
No cash is accepted for purchases onboard the ship. All passengers must use a “Sail & Sign” card for all ship purchases. Your “Sail & Sign” account must be set up with a valid credit card (IN YOUR NAME), cash, or travelers check. No business or personal checks of any kind will be accepted. A $100.00 minimum is required to set up an onboard account. 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. Neither the cruise line nor GTA will be held responsible if a person under the age of 21 is caught with an alcoholic beverage. This shall be the sole responsibility of the group’s director.
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, and coffee/tea are included with meals. Juices are offered at breakfast. Soft drinks onboard ships are approximately $2.50 per 20 oz bottle, which does not include a gratuity. An Unlimited Soft Drink Card can be purchased on board the ship. Cost varies depending on the cruise line and length of your voyage.
Gratuities:
Your prepaid gratuities cover Dining Room Head Waiter, Assistant Waiter, and Cabin Steward. The Maitre’ D is not included in your prepaid gratuities. Tips are included for curbside stevedores. Tips are not included for room service; $1.00 per person is customary. Beverage purchases onboard ship include a 15% gratuity.
Clothing:
Casual attire is in order during the day. For one or two nights, formal dress or a dark suit is strongly suggested. A tuxedo is also appropriate but not required. The dress codes for the other evenings range from sport coat and tie to casual resort wear. Shorts, t-shirts, and jeans are not permitted in the dining room during dinner.
Main Dining Room Sitting:
All student groups are assigned early seating (times vary per ship). Table assignments are pre-assigned by group and do not require any additional steps by the group to complete. Should anyone require a seating change to sit with their friends, please see your tour representative or the Maitre’ D, and they will be able to accommodate you.
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/medical forms for each person in the group.
Special Needs:
All cruise lines seek, 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 the time of booking. In situations where a guest with special needs, such as a guest in a wheel chair, 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 headwaiter. 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 the cruise line’s discretion. Groups are guaranteed at least Category 4A. Some double, triple and quad cabins may be accommodated with a roll-a-way bed at the sole discretion of the cruise line. Prices are based on quad occupancy. Please be advised that all cabin assignments are made at the discretion of the cruise line and not your agents. Due to increased national security, it is imperative that we receive the legal first and last names of each passenger as well as their birth date and gender (Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms.). This information is required by the cruise line as well as U.S. Customs and Immigration.
Ship Rules:
We want your cruise to be a pleasant experience for everyone. The following rules will 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 or her own expense.
1. No noise in cabin areas after 11:00pm.
2. Abuse of physical property will not be tolerated.
3. No abusive or offensive language.
4. No drinking of alcoholic beverages for those under the age of 21.
5. Purchase, possession and consumption of illegal drugs will not be tolerated.
6. Large radios (“boom boxes”) are not permitted onboard. Headphones must be used with radios on deck.
Emergency Telephone Number:
If needing to contact a Carnival ship, call 1-877-CCL-SHIP (1-877-225-7447). For Royal Caribbean, dial 1-888-724-SHIP (1-888-724-7447). You must know the name of the ship, sail date (date of departure) and passenger name. You must also have a major credit card in hand. This telephone number should only be used in the event of an emergency, as a relatively costly satellite fee will be assessed to all calls. Calling cards do not offset the satellite charges. Rates are the same for calling ship to shore.
Ship Photos:
The ship photographers will be taking candid and posed pictures of the passengers on the ship throughout the cruise. Group photos are usually taken after the performance; however, group photo times and locations are at the discretion of the cruise line photography staff.
Limitations:
No food or beverages of any kind may be brought on ship. This includes bottled water. Fruits and vegetables are not permitted from a foreign country into the United States . There is a costly fine.
Luggage:
Upon arrival at the port, stevedores will take bags directly from the bus/car and deliver them to your cabin. Make sure all bags and equipment have the appropriate luggage tags and are clearly marked with your cabin number. Luggage tags will be provided for your trip. Please keep your travel documents with you and not in your suitcase. No cruise line will be held responsible for lost, stolen or damaged suitcases/bags or equipment. Please refer to your individual ticket booklet for more information.
Stage:
Instrumental performances usually take place on the main stage and choral performances in a smaller lounge. The stage on Fantasy, Ecstasy, Fascination, Inspiration, Sensation, Elation, and Imagination is 35’ deep x 50’ wide. The Celebration has a 22’ deep x 40’ wide stage. All have wood floors and a professional sound system. NO TAP DANCING OR CLOGGIN IS ALLOWED ON CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE. No one is allowed backstage, however costume changes may be made in between curtains.
Date and Time:
The cruise line dictates the date and time of all performances. GTA makes every effort to set the times for afternoons at sea. Warm ups are set for the same performance day just prior to performance.
Festival Requirements:
Sound and light equipment is provided by the cruise line and can play from either a cassette or CD. A sound and light technician will be provided to assist wit your production. Only the technician is permitted to operate the sound and light equipment. NOTE: Technicians are not available for warm ups. It is suggested that you bring a tape and boom box for the rehearsal as needed. It is also suggested that a member from your group sit in the booth with the technician during the performance.
Dressing Facilities:
Students should arrive to the performance in uniform. There are curtains behind the main curtain in which costume changes can be made during the performance if necessary, however students are not allowed backstage.
Instrument Storage/Loading:
It is necessary, as mandated by U.S. Customs, to provide a list including serial numbers of how many and what kind of large instruments your group will need to store on board. In addition, there could be a possibility that groups traveling with equipment will have to pre-register their equipment with their local customs office.
The stevedores provide assistance with instruments and luggage. They are employed by the port authority. It is recommended that performers equipment be stored in their cabin, however, large instruments may be stored in the ships holding area. A general release form (provided in the Director’s Manual) must be filled out in order for equipment to be stored. The cruise line and GTA are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage or instruments loaded by the stevedores.
Performance Equipment:
Music stands and risers are provided on the Fantasy and Ecstasy. On any other ship, you must provide your own. Chairs can be provided by the cruise line, but must be pre-arranged with your GTA representative. A keyboard or acoustic piano are available in certain lounges, but may not be moved for any reason.
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