Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens when I register for the cruise?
Registering on the Cruise Planners website is the best method of starting your inquiry. It allows me to collect all the information needed. I will check into special requests and other qualifiers and then either call or email you if further information is needed. A hold on a cabin will be made and you will review the information before any charges will apply.
2. What is the required travel documentation for all ports for US citizens?
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 present the required travel documents at the time of embarkation. Guest should check with their travel agent and/or government authority to determine the travel documents necessary for each port of call. Any guest without proper documents will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued. Carnival and Cruise Planners assumes no responsibility for advising guests of proper travel documentation.
Carnival and Cruise Planners highly recommends all guests travel with a passport. Although a passport is not required for U.S. citizens taking cruises that begin and end in the same or a different U.S. port, travelling with a passport may help to expedite your CBP clearance upon return to the U.S. Additionally, passports are required in the event you need to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port should you miss your scheduled port of embarkation, or need to fly back to the U.S. for emergency reasons.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows U.S. citizens (including children) sailing on cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port to travel with one of the WHTI compliant documents, listed below. Additionally, the same document requirements apply when taking a cruise that begins and ends in a different U.S. port.
• Valid U.S. Passport
•Passport Card
•Original or suitable quality copy of a Birth Certificate (Issued by a government agency: state/county/city) and a government issued photo ID if 16 years of age and older.
•Original Certificate of Naturalization
• Enhanced Tribal Card
•A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) – only acceptable at land and sea ports of entry. It cannot be used for air travel outside the U.S. The word ‘Enhanced’ must appear on the driver’s license. The following five states currently issue an EDL: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington.
Copies of U.S. passports and naturalization papers, hospital and baptismal certificates are not WHTI compliant documents, therefore, are NOT acceptable.
Birth certificates from Puerto Rico issued prior to July 1, 2010 are not valid forms of proof of citizenship that is accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Guests from Puerto Rico either need to present a WHTI-compliant document or a government-issued photo identification with a validated birth certificate issued after July 1, 2010.
*If you need to obtain a passport quickly, Carnival recommends that you contact VisaCentral atwww.visacentral.com/carnival or by phone: 1-866-788-1100. Callers should mention that they are sailing on Carnival to receive discounted service fees.
Photo Identification
In addition to proof of citizenship, a non-expired government-issued photo I.D is required of all guests 16 years of age and older. The following are acceptable:
•Driver’s License
•Driver’s Permit
•School/Student I.D (acceptable ONLY for guests under 19 years of age)
•Government-Issued identification card (city/state/federal)
1) Your passport needs to meet the county's requirements, which may mean blank pages and expiration date and return flights
2) May need a visa
3) May deny entry (which may not be insurable) for any reason they choose. If you have any arrests or convictions in your past we should discuss it now
4) You the customer, and not the travel agent are solely responsible for these
3. What is the VIFP Club?
The VIFP Club stands for the Very Important Fun Person Club, Carnival’s new guest recognition program.
If you’re a Past Guest, the program recognizes you for your continued loyalty to Carnival with increasing recognition and benefits as you cruise more and more.
New to Carnival? The VIFP Club is a warm welcome to the Carnival experience and gives you access to VIFP members-only rates and promotions.
4. Are there senior discounts?
Seniors occasionally have promotions with the cruise lines. It just helps to know if someone is a senior when price quoting. However, discounts are rare.
5. Is there a hotel option to come in the night before?
Yes, we have a "go to" hotel that we can accomodate people for the night before and do a meet and greet for those would like to get there the night before. That information will be available in the fall of 2015.
6. Can I smoke on the Carnival Paradise?
All staterooms and suite accommodations are an entirely smoke free environment, including the outside balcony. This policy includes all forms of smoking, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes), tobacco pipes and personal vaporizers.
Note: Guests who smoke in their staterooms or on their balconies will be assessed a $250 cleaning and refreshing fee on their Sail & Sign account. Information on this fee is included in Carnival's cruise ticket contract. Guest agrees to strictly comply with Carnival’s non-smoking policy.
Smoking areas include Lido Deck 10 (main pool area, starboard side), Majestic Casino (Smoking is permitted while playing at designated slot machines and table games), United States Bar and Rex Nightclub (in designated areas)
7. How much are gratuities?
Total amount is $12.00 per guest, per day and breakdown as follows:
•Stateroom service team $3.90 per day
•Dining room service team $6.10 per day
•Alternative services team* $2.00 per day
(*galley, entertainment, guest services and other hotel staff members)
As a convenience gratuities will be automatically posted to your Sail & Sign account on the second day of your cruise. Our Staff is totally committed to exceed your expectations in every way possible. If you are not satisfied with the service you receive, we encourage you to contact the Guest Services desk while onboard. This will allow us to address your concerns in a timely and appropriate fashion. Once gratuities have been posted, you may adjust them at your discretion at any time while onboard. Gratuities will be deemed undisputed unless a request to modify is received prior to disembarking the ship.
For beverage purchases, fifteen percent of the bill is automatically added to the Sail & Sign charge. Room Service staff may be tipped as service is rendered.
8. Are there discounts for people with disabilities?
Unfortunately not, but they do have limited handicap rooms.
9. How much will my meals cost on the cruise?
All meals are included. We will all have dinner together in the main dining room, but nothing is required. They have a buffet and hamburgers and dogs out on the lido deck. The food is great! They have a few extra cost specialty meals if interested.
10. How much will my meals cost at any stops we make?
It depends what you want to do ashore. I am leaving that open. Some excursions have meals included. It is suggested to have a full breakfast and then go back on board later in the day to eat.
11. How much will the activities on the cruise cost?
All shows, dance club and comedy club are free. They have pools, spas, relaxing areas. We are going to do cat trivia and a meow meow mixer for us. They have Bingo which costs typically $20-30 per event. Gambling is what you want to spend.
12. How much will the activities cost at any stops we make?
There is only one stop. Activities range from $20 to $200. You can walk off the ship and go shopping right there or arrange for a taxi to a specific place or do a shore excursion.
13. How much spending money should I bring?
That depends on how much you drink, gamble or shop on board. So, it is up to you.
14. Do I need to stay in a hotel or can I arrive the day of the cruise?
I always advise to come the night before in case of delays. We will do a meet and greet there and the hotel should run about $150 for 2 people in one room.
15. How much are the t-shirts?
I made them optional, but also so I can customize them with your kitty photo. They price around $20-50 depending on what quality and color you want. Those will start around the fall.
16. I do have medication I take. Do I need a doctors note or something since I would be going out of country?
No, they suggest bringing the pills in your bottles, but I never has any issues with a pill case. I also offer travel insurance, which covers medical while you are out of the country.
