Allison & Chris' WeddingMoon!

 

Things to Know Before you Go!   Directly from Carnvial

Important Notice

Please be advised that federal law prohibits travel between two contiguous U.S. ports. Any guest who insists on departing in this situation accepts responsibility for any resulting penalties (e.g., you cannot board the ship in New Orleans and debark in Tampa).



Travel Hotline

This hotline is in case you experience a travel emergency in transit to or from your cruise holiday. You may call our travel hotline from within the U.S. at 1-877-TVL-HTLN (1-877-885-4856) or from outside the U.S. by calling collect to 305-406-4779. Our representatives are on call to assist you with any question or travel emergency, 24 hours a day.



Embarkation

Embarkation begins as follows: Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Galveston, Tampa, Port Canaveral, New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles and San Diego - 1:30 p.m.;
San Juan 2:30 p.m.; Vancouver 12:30 p.m.; Seward
(Egan Center in Anchorage) - 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. only. You must check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure.




Debarkation

To allow sufficient time for Customs clearance, we recommend scheduling outbound air flights no earlier than 1:00 p.m., except for the following: Vancouver -12:30 p.m.; Anchorage -1:00 p.m.



Welcome Aboard

Our Welcome Aboard brochure, containing a wealth of additional information about your Carnival cruise, may be obtained from your travel agent.



Shore Excursions

Arrangements for optional tours can be made at the Shore Tour Desk on board each ship. These tours are operated by independent contractors and Carnival is not responsible for their actions.



Ticket Contract

Please refer to your contract in the back of your cruise tickets before boarding your “Fun Ship”. At the port of embarkation, ask your Carnival representative for a copy of the translated version of the ticket contract. For your convenience, we have translated the contract into your native language.



Liquor and Beverage Policy

Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board. However, guests (21 years and older only) may bring one bottle of wine or champagne per guest on board only during embarkation at the beginning of the cruise. A $10 corkage fee per bottle will be charged should you wish to consume this wine in the dining room or a $14 corkage fee per bottle in the Supper Club. Guests may bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages. All alcohol, additional quantities of wine/champagne or excessive quantities of non-alcoholic beverages will be confiscated and discarded without compensation. Guests may purchase a variety of beverages on board the ship. Alcoholic beverages will not be sold or served to anyone under the age of 21. We reserve the right to refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone. Alcoholic beverages purchased in the ship's gift shops or in ports of call will be retained by Carnival until the end of the voyage.



Personal Funds

We suggest you carry traveler’s checks in U.S. dollars, which may be cashed at the Information Office. Please note that Carnival cannot provide guests with international currency exchange on board. Ashore, it is best to carry some U.S. currency in small denominations. Most larger shops in port honour American Express, VISA, and MasterCard. Carnival only accepts U.S. Dollars on board our ships.



Tipping

As a guideline, Carnival recommends the following gratuities: Dining Room Team Service - US $5.50 per guest per day; Alternative Dining Service - US $0.75 per guest per day; Housekeeping Staff, $3.50 per guest per day. Daily tipping guidelines apply regardless of dining option selected. For your convenience, a 15% gratuity will be automatically added to your bar bill. Tipping your maitre d’ and headwaiter is at your discretion. The recommended gratuity for all personnel is $9.75 per guest per day. For your convenience, when gratuities are not prepaid, certain ships are automatically adding the gratuities to your Sail and SignSM card. Naturally, guests can adjust or remove the gratuities at their discretion. Carnival only accepts U.S. Dollars on board our ships.



Sail & SignSM

For your convenience, you may charge most of your on-board purchases to your Sail & Sign account. An application is required, which you may obtain from your travel agent. Carnival accepts American Express, VISA, MasterCard and Discover Card for payment of on-board accounts. (A minimum deposit will be required for cash accounts: 3 to 4 day cruises, US $100; 5 to 8 day cruises, US $200; 10 day or longer cruises, US $350.) Carnival only accepts U.S. Dollars on board our ships.



Dining Room Reservations

Dining preferences (time, companions) may be requested by your travel agent at the time of booking. By popular request, all our Dining Rooms are now Smoke-Free (smoking is permitted in designated areas and in your stateroom). No requests are guaranteed. Your table assignment will be confirmed at embarkation. Dining times are (subject to change):
Main Seating Late Seating
Breakfast (at sea)* 7:45 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
Lunch noon 1:30 p.m.
Dinner** 5:45 p.m. or 6:15 p.m. 8:00 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.


You can also enjoy a continental breakfast in your stateroom (until 10:00 a.m.) or a limited menu breakfast on deck. Lunch and dinner are also available bistro-style on the Lido Deck, inside the restaurant or alfresco (Seaview Bistro is not available on the last night of the cruise). Spirit-class ships and CARNIVAL CONQUEST have the added convenience of a reservations-only supper club (nominal fee will apply). Breakfast times vary by ship: these times are provided as a general guideline. Please check your daily Carnival Capers on board for exact times.** We have four sittings for dinner on all ships except on Spirit-class ships (Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend) where we have two (Main 6:00 p.m. & Late 8:15 p.m.)



Minor Guests

Guests under the age of 21 years must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian 25 years or older in the same stateroom. Infants must be at least six months old (12 months old for Transatlantic, Hawaii and South America cruises) to be eligible to travel. Please note that adult guests are responsible for the safety and behavior of their minor guests. When traveling with a minor and both parents/legal guardians are not cruising, we 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 U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Guests under the age of 21 staying at any hotel in conjunction with Carnival's Fly Aweigh program or vacation packages may be required to be accompanied by a guest 21 years or older in the same room as per each hotel's policy. Permission for minor guests to fly unaccompanied is determined by the airlines as per each airline's rules. Guests should check with their scheduled airline for eligibility. Carnival assumes no responsibility for unaccompanied guests under 21 years of age traveling by air. Carnival's Youth Programs feature supervised activities for kids and teens ages 2-17.

Please note casino guests must be 18 or older. Spa guests must be over 16, and accompanied by an adult if they are between 16 and 18.



Cruise Rates

Fuel supplements, government fees and taxes, shore excursions, medical services, items of a personal nature such as bar beverages, gift shop purchases, beauty salon/barber shop and massage services, gambling and service/porterage gratuities are not included in the cruise rate. The amount of fuel supplements and government fees and taxes are subject to change, and Carnival reserves the right to pass through to the guests (including fully paid and deposited guests) any increases in such items. "Fuel supplements" shall mean any additional charge to defray a portion of Carnival's fuel costs. "Government fees and taxes" may include any and all fees, charges, surcharges, tolls and taxes imposed by U.S. and/or foreign governmental or quasi-governmental authorities, including, but not limited to, U.S. Customs fees, head taxes, Panama Canal tolls, dockage fees, wharfage fees, inspection fees, taxes on airline transportation, hotel or VAT taxes incurred as part of a land tour, immigration and naturalization fees, and Internal Revenue Service fees, whether assessed on a per passenger, per berth, per ton or per vessel basis. In the case of per ton or per vessel assessments, those assessments will be spread over expected passenger counts.

Carnival reserves the right to increase published cruise rates and air fare supplements without prior notice. However, fully paid or deposited guests will be protected, except for changes to deposit, payment and cancellation terms/conditions, which are subject to change without notice.



Special Diets

Special diet requirements may be requested by your travel agent 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.



Clothing

Casual attire is the best option during the day. For one or two nights, formal attire or a dark suit is suggested. The dress code for other evenings ranges from sport coat and tie to casual resort wear. Shorts and T-shirts are not permitted in the dining room during dinner. For Alaska cruises, sweaters, lightweight jackets and raincoats are suggested.







Onboard Videos

Please be aware that the NTSC/ VHS videos commonly sold throughout the United States, the Caribbean and on board ships will not work in many overseas countries. Please keep this in mind before purchasing the incorrect video format.



Vaccination Certificate

None required of U.S. or Canadian guests. Non-U.S. guests please inquire at time of reservation.



Advanced or Delayed Sailings

In the event of strikes, lockouts, riots and stoppage of labor from whatever cause, or for any other reason whatsoever, including inclement weather, the ship owner may at any time cancel, advance or postpone any scheduled sailing and may, but is not obliged to, substitute another vessel and shall not be liable for any loss to guests by reason of such cancellation or substitution. Reservations are subject to change in the event of a full-ship charter.



Visitors

Carnival has a no visitors policy and regrets any inconvenience this may cause.



Guests with Special Needs

Carnival seeks, to the extent feasible, to accommodate guests with special needs so they are able to enjoy our ships and other facilities. For example, service animals are permitted on board ships 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 safety barriers and other criteria, we may find it necessary to ask the guest to bring along a companion to assist or make alternative arrangements. For Alaska motorcoach guests, if you would be unable to satisfy certain specified safety and other criteria, even when provided with appropriate auxiliary aids and services, we will ask you to make alternative travel arrangements. Please be advised that guests who are 27 weeks or more into their pregnancy at the time of the voyage will not be permitted to sail due to the risk of premature labor. Carnival will offer physically challenged guests the best available rate for inside and oceanview staterooms based on availability. These guests will be accommodated in staterooms that have been modified for the physically challenged. It is essential that Carnival be notified of any special medical, physical or other requirements of guests at the time of reservation.



Baggage Liability

We highly recommend that all guests purchase a vacation protection policy covering baggage, contents and accidents. See your travel agent for details. If you choose not to purchase insurance, Carnival’s liability is limited to baggage, contents and personal possessions to a maximum of $50 per bag with a maximum total limitation of $100 per stateroom regardless of the number of bags. Carnival cannot accept liability for loss or theft of money, jewelry or other valuables left in the stateroom or public areas on board. Safety deposit boxes are available in your stateroom, as well as at the Information Desk at no charge ($25 refundable key deposit). We highly recommend guests personally carry any valuables, medication or breakable items on and off the ship. Carnival will reimburse guests in U.S. Dollars.



Baggage Assistance

Curbside porters are available at the pier during embarkation to take luggage to the vessel for delivery to your stateroom. Please be sure each piece of luggage is locked and has a tag listing your name, ship and stateroom number. Customary tip is $1.00 per bag. Curbside porters are not employees of Carnival; therefore, any problems are the responsibility of the guest. Carnival assumes no responsibility for carry-on luggage. Any luggage left at the pier will be forwarded at the guest’s expense. Claims for luggage loss or damage must be made in writing to the debarkation personnel prior to leaving the pier area.



Medical Services

Should you require medical attention while on board, our infirmary staff is available to assist you 24 hours a day. Our shipboard infirmaries meet or exceed the Medical Facilities Guidelines established by the International Council of Cruise Lines and the American College of Emergency Physicians.The medical staff is from the fields of Emergency Medicine and/or Family Practice and is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

Our physicians are independent contractors and, as such, are entitled to render services at a customary charge.The charge for their services and any other medical expenses will be applied to your Sail & Sign account.

Pregnancy: Please be advised that guests who are 24 weeks or more into their pregnancy on the date of embarkation will not be permitted to sail because of the risk of premature labor.



Passport Information

CRUISE TRAVEL

The U.S. Government will soon require all of our guests (including U.S. citizens) to be in possession of a valid passport when traveling on any Carnival cruise. Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain further details. This requirement may become effective as early as June 2008.

AIR TRAVEL

Passports are required for air travel to or from Europe, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean,The Bahamas and Bermuda.This is an important new requirement for our cruise guests traveling by air to embark or debark in Vancouver for our Alaska or Hawaii cruises. In addition, this new requirement will also impact our Canadian guests that travel by air to or from any of our U.S. embarkation ports.

Guests must travel with a valid passport during their cruise. This will enable guests to fly from the U.S. to meet their ship at the first port should they miss their scheduled embarkation and allow guests that must debark the ship before their cruise ends to fly back to the U.S without significant delays and complications. For more information or to obtain a passport application, visit www.travel.state.gov. Passport Services (www.passportservices.com/carnival) can also assist with step-by-step instructions and application assistance.

All guests must present the required documentation at embarkation. Guests without the required documentation will be denied boarding and no refund will be issued. Please understand that Carnival will strictly enforce this requirement to be in compliance with this important U.S. Government mandate.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires all cruise lines departing from U.S. ports to submit a final departure manifest at least 60 minutes prior to departure. Guests are required to provide registration information prior to embarkation in order for us to comply with this requirement. The most convenient way to provide this information is to complete our FUNPASS online registration process (www.carnival.com/mycruise) at least three (3) days prior to departure. Guests that do not complete the registration process prior to embarkation will be required to check in at least 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time or they will be denied boarding (no refunds will be provided).

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. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of immigration requirements. Carnival strongly recommends guests travel with a passport since it will expedite clearance by the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Alien Residents need a valid Alien Resident Card. Canadian citizens must present a valid passport. 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 drivers license (or other government-issued photo ID) must be presented. See page 124 for more important Passport Data.



Responsibility

Carnival neither controls, nor operates, nor is it responsible for the actions of independent contractors, such as airlines, railroad companies, tour operators or ground transporters. Carnival denies any responsibility or liability for late arrival of your flight or train or for any illness, injury, damage, loss of cruise time or other irregularities resulting therefrom. Carnival’s responsibility does not extend beyond the vessel. You are responsible for arriving at the respective ports on time for embarkation and for joining the vessel at its next port of call if, for any reason, you miss a scheduled sailing. Carnival reserves the right to refuse or discontinue passage to anyone when, in Carnival’s judgment, it would be considered a risk to the guest’s own safety and well-being or the health, safety, well-being, comfort and enjoyment of any other guest or crew member. Cruise passage is subject to the terms and conditions shown on Carnival Cruise Lines’ “Terms and Conditions of Passage Contract Ticket” (copies available upon request), including the procedure for the resolution of disputes which must take place in Miami-Dade County of Florida. The foregoing is subject to the General Booking Conditions of each country.



Change in Itinerary

If Carnival has adequate notice prior to sailing that it will deviate from the published itinerary, it will promptly notify guests of the change and offer such guests an opportunity to cancel their cruise within 24 hours without penalty. No compensation shall be provided to passengers when an alternative port is offered. If an itinerary change becomes necessary while a ship is at sea or when notice prior to sailing is not feasible, Carnival shall attempt to substitute an alternative port. Carnival shall provide notice of the itinerary change to the guests. No compensation shall be provided to passengers when an alternative port is offered. If an alternative port is not provided, the guests shall be provided a board credit of $20 per guests. Carnival will reimburse guests in U.S. Dollars. Reservations are subject to change in the event of a full-ship charter: the foregoing is subject to the general booking conditions of each country. You can also visit the carnival website at www.carnival.com for a copy of the itinerary change policy in its entirety.







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