FAQ
FAQ Index
*Required documents for identification purpose
*Travel Plans
*Payment & Finance Information
*Registering with Carnival, Cabin & Cabin-mate Information
*Group activities
*Who can participate
*Hotel & Pre/Post Party Information
*Miscellaneous Information
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSE
PASSPORT: YOU MUST HAVE A PASSPORT FOR THIS CRUISE.
For information on passport requirements go to: Carnival.
Military ID alone is no longer accepted. It works as a photo ID,
but not as proof of citizenship.
Don’t forget your Passport! You will not be allowed on board
without it and Carnival will not refund your money!!!
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TRAVEL PLANS
Q: What is our travel itinerary?
A: We’re going on a Western Caribbean Cruise to Mexico
on Carnival Cruise Lines’ "Holiday"! We’ll be leaving Mobile, Alabama
on Saturday, June 21st, 2008 and returning Thursday, June 26th, 2008.
Our Itinerary:
Mobile, AL ; Costa Maya, Mexico ; Cozumel, Mexico ; Mobile, AL
We depart from:
Mobile, AL on Saturday, June 21st at 4PM
Sunday, June 22nd, A FUN DAY AT SEA
Monday,*** June 23rd, 7am-4pm, Progreso, Yucatan
Tuesday, June 24th, 9am-5pm, Cozumel, Mexico
Wednesday, June 25th, A FUN DAY AT SEA
Thursday, June 26th, 8AM Mobile, AL
**Because of storm Dean, August, 2007 our original port of call Costa Maya has been replaced with Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico until further notice.**
Q: Can you give me our departure information?
A: We depart on Sat., June 21st at 4pm from the port of Mobile, Alabama:
Port adress:
Port of Alabama
201 South Water Street
Mobile, Alabama 36695
Embarkation (check in) starts at 1:30pm!!
Carnival suggests you book your travel arrangements so you
arrive in Mobile at least 3 hours before embarkation AND that
you at least arrive 2 hours early "AT THE PORT" to give
adequate time for processing. Don’t worry, food will be available and a cash bar should be open.
*Carnival suggest you book your return flight NO EARLIER then 11:30am.*
Q: Did POC arrange for any discounted air, train or bus fares?
A: No, but if you’re planning on traveling the day of the cruise
Saturday, June 21st and returning the day we return,
Thursday, June 26th, Carnival would be happy to make all your
AIR arrangements and airport transfers for you, AFTER you make
your initial payment and up to 7 business days before our cruise.
You’ll make your travel plans with the
Carnival Group Sales department at: 1-866-721-3225 ext. 70204.
Tell them you want to arrange or inquire about booking your travel arrangements.
This is the information you’ll need:
Group booking #: 9Q91W5
Group Name: The Social Networking Group
Sailing date: June 21st, 2008
Ship Name: Holiday
Q: I’ll arrange my own airfare but will Carnival transport me
to/from the docks?
A: You have 2 options here, but we strongly suggest you
arrange your airport transfers via Carnival. Yes, airport
ground transportation is cheaper but there are the pros and
cons. Go to: http://www.ifly.com/ground-transportation for
information on the Pros and Cons.
1-If you’re traveling the day of the cruise (Saturday, June 21st)
and/or the day we return (Thursday, June 26th) you can make
arrangements with Carnival for Airport transfers. The cost is
$40.00 round trip. You can make these arrangements up to
7 "business days" prior to our cruise. You MUST have your
flight itinerary available. You’ll make your travel plans with the
Carnival Group Sales department at: 1-866-721-3225 ext. 70204.
Tell them you want to arrange or inquire about airport transfers.
This is the information you’ll need:
Group booking #: 9Q91W5
Group Name: The Social Networking Group
Sailing date: June 21st, 2008
Ship Name: Holiday
OR
2-You can arrange your airport transfers via the
Mobile Airport Authority Ground Transportation Coordinator.
They provide shuttle service that transports passengers to the cruise
ship for $13.00 one way and $25.00 round trip. You must place your
reservations at least one week in advance.
As of the now the ground transportation coordinator is:
Daphney Easterling: -1-251-639-4685 or toll free 1-800-357-5373
** NOTE: Closer to the event we (the POC committee) will do our
best to coordinate airport meets. There is a section on our cruise
yahoo group for this purpose. It worked out so well with the
2006’ cruisers that we’re sure we can do it again. You’ll receive an
invite to our cruise group once your initial deposit is paid. We’ll clear
things up for you there. **
Q: What is the closest airport to the Port of Alabama?
A: Mobile Regional Airport (airport code MOB)
8400 Airport Blvd.
Mobile, AL 36695
Q: What alternatives do I have besides flying into Mobile?
A: By rail via Amtrak, bus via Greyhound or private transportation.
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PAYMENT & FINANCE INFORMATION
Q: How do I pay for the cruise?
A: All payments with the exception of your Carnival Shore
Excursions must be paid for by calling the Carnival Group Sales Dept..
You can call in your shore excursions as well. BUT once you have
your own personal confirmation number and complete your
Fun Pass (registering on the Carnival site) YOU CAN
book your shore excursions on line. YOU MAY ONLY book your
shore excursion via the Carnival site and NOTHING ELSE. You’ll
receive your cabin confirmation # after both you and your cabin-mate
have BOTH paid your initial deposit and Sunny has received a
confirmation from Carnival. Sunnys’ weekly payment summary will
not include any information on your payment method.
To call in your payments (Cabin payments, Carnival Vacation
Protection Plan, Shore Excursions, etc…) call the
Carnivals’ Group Sales department at: 1-866-721-3225 ext. 70204.
Tell them you want to make a payment.
This is the information you’ll need:
Group booking #: 9Q91W5
Group Name: The Social Networking Group
Sailing date: June 21st, 2008
Ship Name: Holiday
Sunny will be notified of all payments once per week. After your
initial payment is confirmed, you will receive an invite to our cruise
Yahoo group. Our Yahoo group calendar is set with reminders and
stocked with all the information you’ll find on this site and more.
Q: What forms of payment does Carnival accept?
A: You have 5 options.
1. Check: Checks can be taken by phone at no additional cost OR
Mail check payments to reach Carnival by the payment scheduled
date to:
Carnival Cruise Lines
Attn: Cash Dept. MSRV 406N
3655 NW 87th Avenue
Miami, FL 33178
NOTE: NSF checks (non-sufficient funds) cannot be re-deposited.
A $25.00 fee will be applied to the group for each NSF check received.
The guest will instead need to send a money order, cashiers check or
bank wire to cover the original amount of the check as well as the
$25.00 NSF fee.
PLEASE DO NOT BOUNCE ANY CHECKS AND BE SURE
YOUR PAYMENT REACHES CARNIVAL ON OR
BEFORE THE SCHEDULED PAY DATE.
2. Credit Card: Call in credit card payments by phone. Visa,
MasterCard, American Express, Discover ® Network, and
Diners Club Credit Cards are accepted.
3. Bank Debit Cards with a Visa or Master Card logo.
4. Wire Transfers: Wire payments by using the following
companies at their respective offices to pay for bookings as
well as have funds wired onboard:
a. Western Union: Write CarnivalFlorida (No space between Carnival and Florida) as the city code to have
payments sent to Carnival. Also provide the booking #, ship,
sail date and guest name. For questions on how to use any
Western Union service, call 1-800-Call-Cash.
b. MoneyGram: Fill in 4174 as the receiving code for payment to
arrive at Carnival. Also provide booking #, ship, sail date and
guest name. For questions contact MoneyGram at
1-800-MoneyGram.
5. Bankwires: Mainly used by Travel Agents, but can be used
by direct guests. The following information is needed when
sending a bankwire:
Bank of America
ABA (or Routing) # 1110-0001-2
Carnival Cruise Lines
Account # 1371054130
Swift Code BOFAUS6S (if necessary)
1-800-577-9473
214-508-4800
901 Main Street
Dallas, Texas 75202
Please call for an alternate street address if you will be using
overnight mail, such as FEDEX, DHL, UPS, Airborne Express, etc..
Q: Will Carnival accept Travelers Cheques?
A: They sure do. They are treated as cash.
Q: What is the payment schedule?
A: **For Double Occupancy rooms your initial deposit of $200.00
is due on or before 5PM, EST on or before September 21st, 2007
for either interior or exterior cabins. Your final payment (BALANCE)
is due on or before 5PM, EST, April 7th, 2008.
THERE WILL BE NO EXTENSIONS, NO EXCEPTIONS.
**For Single Occupancy rooms your initial deposit of $400.00 is due on
or before 5PM, EST on or before September 21st, 2007 for either
interior or exterior cabins. Your final payment (BALANCE) is due on or
before 5PM, EST, April 7th, 2008.
THERE WILL BE NO EXTENSIONS, NO EXCEPTIONS.
**NOTE: We are a group. YOU CAN NOT make your cruise
payments on line. Your account will not be credited properly
and you will throw a monkey wrench in the works.
PLEASE, JUST DON’T DO IT!!!**
Q: Can I make subsequent payments?
A: You sure can and please do. You can make all the
payments you want and as often as you want. Get some
extra cash, don’t think twice, call it in! Just be sure the
amount due on our deadline dates are paid.
Q: What is the cost of the cruise?
A: See our Payment Schedule Page for you answer.
Q: If I want to pay in full, do I still have to pay the deposit?
A: You sure do and on time. In this case your full payment would
be due on or before September 21st, 2007.
Q: What if I don’t make my initial deposit on time?
Or what if I decide at the last minute that I want to go?
A: Pre-deposits were made to ensure that you get a cabin at our
discounted rates. We’ve reserved a certain amount of cabins. Our
reserved cabins will go on a first come, first served bases. If our
cabins aren't booked by September 21st, 2007, we will release them
back to Carnival to avoid the lost of any of our deposit money. So
please, if you know you want to attend this cruise, please make your
deposit by the due date. However you may book your cruise at
anytime but "The Social Networking Group" discounted rates are
not guaranteed. Contact Sunny first and let her find out if she can add
you and for what rates. You can also book on your own. If you do,
a part of our group.
**NOTE: If you're really shaky about attending this cruise,
you should reserve a SINGLE OCCUPANCY CABIN
(yes, pay the extra money). This way if you opt out no-one is
affected by your decision but you.**
Q: What if I’m late with my last payment?
A: You can not be late. If you are late and your funds are not called
in, you could loose your cabin. You will be sent a reminder 2 weeks
prior and 1 week prior to each scheduled payment date via our
discuss any problems you may have concerning a late payment.
Remember, you are your cabin-mates’ keeper. You blow it and they
may not be able go. They could loose airfares, first night hotel funds,
vacation time, etc.
**NOTE: If you're really shaky about attending this cruise,
you should reserve a SINGLE OCCUPANCY CABIN
(yes, pay the extra money). This way if you opt out no-one is
affected by your decision but you.**
Q: What if my cabin-mate opts out?
A: In the event that your cabin-mate opts out we will make every
effort to see to it that you can still go. Unfortunately, we can not
make promises. We can say that everyone that wanted to go
on Cruise 2006' made it. We did lots of juggling but it all worked
out.
Q: If for any reason I can't make the cruise can I get my money back?
Just in case you can't make the cruise, you "may" at least get some
of your money back. This insurance covers more then just canceling
your cruise folks. The amount of money you are refunded depends on
when you cancel. The penalty works on a sliding scale and increases
the closer we get to our cruise. If the Vacation Protection Plan was
purchased, Carnival would still charge you the fee you paid and you
would then need to make a claim through the insurance company
for the amount that Carnival was holding as a penalty. The insurance
company decides to cover the claim or not.
Please ask the agent for details.
The cost of the Vacation Protection Plan is:
*Interior Cabin $59.00
*Ocean View Cabin $79.00.
These are the insurance rates for those that are 17 years old and
older. For guest that are 16 and under the cost is $39.00.
*If you cancel between April 21st, 2008 and May 22nd
your penalty will be $200.00.
*If you cancel between May 22nd, 2008 and June 13th,
your penalty will be 50% of your total cost.
*If you cancel as of June 13th, 2008 your penalty will be
100% of your total cost. Meaning you get nothing!
for further information and call the Carnival Group Sales Department
to make your payment. You have up until April 21st, 2008 to purchase
the Vacation Protection Plan.
Q: How do I pay for things while on board?
A: "Sail & Sign” is Carnival's cashless on board credit program
which allows guests to charge purchases directly to a personal
account for convenience throughout the cruise." While on board
you will use no cash. Every transaction is charged to your
Sail and Sign account. For this cruise the minimum deposit is
$200.00. You may use a credit card, a "bank" debit card with
a visa or master card logo on it (only) or you may put $200.00 in
cash down. If you use a credit or debit card, Carnival will hold that
amount on your card. The funds unused will be released at the end
of the cruise. Keep in mind, your bank may take a few business days
to actually release your funds. Don't get caught @$$ out!! If you use
cash and have an unused portion,
YOU WILL NOT BE REFUNDED IN CASH. YOU WILL
INSTEAD RECEIVE A CHECK FOR YOUR REFUND. Again,
Don't get caught @$$ out!! On the last day a summary sheet of your
expenses will be given to you. If you run out of credit on your
Sail & Sign account during the cruise you will be contacted to add
**Note: Your Sail & Sign Card will serve as your identification
card when you re-board the ship in a port of call. Remember to take
it with you whenever you go ashore. You will be required to show it
to a Carnival security officer in order to re-board the ship.**
Q: You said, “Every cabin we book will receive a $100.00,
on-board, ship credit per cabin (not per person). That's $50.00/pp
that will be applied to your Sail and Sign account. You can use this
bonus any way you choose. Use your $50.00 for drinks, towards a
spa treatment, Bingo, the casino, shopping on board, etc.
Can I use this $50.00 towards my $200.00 Sail and Sign account?
A: Good question, sorry but no. You must deposit a minimum
of $200.00. You will then have $250.00 in your Sail and Sign account.
Q: How much is the ENTIRE cost of this cruise and how much
money should I bring to spend?
A: You’ll have to do a little homework here, but here goes:
*The cost of your transportation to and from Mobile and
while in Mobile.
*PASSPORT: YOU MUST HAVE A PASSPORT FOR THIS CRUISE.
to get information on how to obtain your passport.
*Pre-Paid Gratuities: (This is included in the cost of your cruise. ) $50.00 for this cruise. That's $10.00 per day in tips for the entire cruise staff with the exception of the tipping the Maitre D'. Tipping the Maitre D is strictly at the guest's discretion, based upon services rendered. For guests who wish to extend this gratuity in cash, an envelope will be available on the last evening of the cruise
For an explanation, go to:
Ocean View Cabin $79.00. These are the insurance rates for those
that are 17 years old and older. For guest that are 16 and under $39.00.
*Shore Excursions: Any shore excursion(s) you decide to take will
be on you. Remember, you don't have to take any. There is a lot to
do on the ship at all times. Remember, you can just de-board the
ship and walk around.
*Drinks: The only free drinks on the cruise are: fruit punch,
lemonade, iced tea, juices, coffee and hot tea. For soft drinks,
bottled water or alcoholic beverages there is a fee. If you wish you
can purchase a Carnival Fountain Fun Card. Inquire upon check in
about the Fountain Fun Card. If not sodas are about $1.50-$2.00
each plus 15% gratuity.
*Your Sail and Sign Account: For this cruise the minimum deposit
is $200.00. See above for detailed information.
*If you plan on hitting the casino you know your limits.
*If you're a big souvenir shopper bring your money. This is all on you.
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REGISTERING W/ CARNIVAL, CABIN & CABIN-MATE INFO
Q: Why must I register on the Carnival site, don’t I give all that
information to you?
A: Per Carnival: "Department of Homeland Security requires a
detailed accounting and identification process which is accomplished
through the Fun Pass online. Member can access the Fun Pass after
they have received their confirmation number. Members receive a
confirmation number after they have made an initial deposit....
.....IF THEY HAVE A PAID CABIN-MATE "
Q: If I complete my Fun Pass and my room-mate does not, how will
I be affected?
A: If one completes and one does not, there is no negative effect on
the one that completed. The one that does not complete and bring
their Fun Pass will have a much longer check in process.
Q: When will I receive my tickets?
A: Once the ENTIRE GROUP has made their final payments
ALL cruise documents should be received approximately 30
days before sailing. Carnival will send your documents which
will include: Tickets, a welcome aboard brochure that includes
what to expect while on board and answers to the most commonly
asked questions. While on board you’ll receive a daily schedule
of activities, delivered to your stateroom each night.
Q: Must I have a cabin-mate?
A: Not at all. You can purchase an Individual Interior or
Q: How do I find a cabin-mate if I don’t have one?
A: If you don't have a cabin-mate by the time the initial payment
is due Sunny will assign you one and you'll both receive a letter of
introduction. There will be a data base created on the POC SN site
for all those looking for cabin-mates. Not a member of POCSN?
on your local boards, the guest book here, attend events, etc.
**Note: Sunny will pair the ladies with the ladies and men with
the men. When filling out your questionnaire please let us know if
it doesn’t matter. There may be a need to pair some up with the
opposite sex.**
Q: What if I already know who my room-mate is?
A: Well good!!! You’ll let Sunny know when filling out your
full name of your cabin-mate and they must give your name as well.
**NOTE: Cabins are booked by full capacity. If you don’t have a
cabin-mate we must assign one to you. This is the only way you
will receive your confirmation number. If you’re going solo there
is no need to be concerned.**
Q: What if I want a Jr. Balcony Suite, Penthouse Suite (holds 4),
a Triple or Quad Cabin?
A: This cruise ship has no Jr. Balcony Suites. Since there was no
deposit put on any of the others, we’d have to inquire for each person
that wants one of the above. Since the prices vary based on the time
of the actual inquiry date, there is no way to give you a price without
contacting our Carnival Agent to get one for you. As this is the case,
you'd have to be ready to pay your initial deposit THAT DAY
(PER PERSON) or the next to ensure the quoted rate and reserve
your Penthouse Suite, Triple or Quad Cabin. You and your
cabin-mates will need to email Sunny your questionnaires
ASAP, give her your number and best time to call. Contact Sunny at POCcruise@yahoo.com. Only serious inquiries, please.
Q: What category are we booked in?
A: Our interior cabins are booked in the 4A category and our
ocean view in the 6A category.
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GROUP ACTIVITIES
Q: Will there be group activities?
A: A cruise is a National of a different animal. People tend to
group and do things they find interesting while on the ship. While
others do their own thing. Plans can be discussed at our group dinner
each night if you bring it up. Plans are also discussed throughout the
year on our Yahoo cruise group. This is one good reason to come to
the Pre-Cruise party. This way you get to see the faces of your
fellow POCsters, make connections and get lots of buddies. That’s
what happened last year. Heck, just pick a group and follow.
But YES, we will have group planned activities. Details to be
discussed on the cruise group and a schedule printed.
Q: I see the group is scheduled to dine each night at 8pm, do we all
have to eat together each night?
A: Yes, our group has reservations in the main dining room each night
at 8pm. You however, can dine when and where you wish. There are
lots of dinning choices to choose from. But when and if you decide to
dine with us, you will have a reserved seat with the group. If would be
nice if you’d join in on the Captains’ Night, which is formal and on our
traditional “White Out Night” when all POCsters and their guest will
wear white. Information to follow.
Q: What is POCs’ White Out Night?
A: Fast becoming a POC cruise tradition and introduced to us by
Bridgitte’ on our 2006 cruise to Nassau, this is the evening we ALL dress in white for dinner and picture taking. More info on the cruise group.
Q: What night is the Captain’s Night?
A: For cruises with one formal nigh (such as ours), the formal night is
scheduled for the second or third evening of the cruise,
with schedules permitting. We’ll find this out on the ship. You don’t have to wear a tux or gown.
*Formal Wear: tuxedo (optional); suit and tie; sport coat, tie and slacks; evening gown; cocktail dress; pantsuit.
Q: Is there a dress code for the dinning room?
A: Depending on the length of the cruise, either formal dress or
casual resort wear is required in the Dining Room. The dress
requirement for children is the same. For those not wanting to dress
up, the Lido restaurants are open nightly (with the exception of the
last evening of the cruise), and have a casual dress code.
*Formal Wear: tuxedo (optional); suit and tie; sport coat, tie and slacks; evening gown; cocktail dress; pantsuit.
*Casual Resort Wear: sport shirts and slacks; dresses; skirts; pantsuit.
NOTE: Shorts, t-shirts and bathing attire are not permitted in the
Dining Room during dinner.
Q: How will I know what excursions most POCsters will be taking?
I want to do what the majority are doing?
A: Check out our guestbook, talk to your friends and participate on
our Cruise Yahoo group. Once you join our cruise group you will find
a poll there that once filled out will give a better then good idea of
who’ll be doing what. Once you make your initial deposit, you will be
invited to our Cruise group.
Q: What shore excursions can I take?
and check out the available excursions for each port of call. You'll
notice that some excursions have limited capacity. So if you really
want to do a particular excursion you should book it as soon as
