Q: Where are we going, and when?
A: The Swing and Ballroom Dance Club (SBDC) at UCSB is planning our 3rd Annual Dance Cruise! This time we will be going on an 8-Day Dance Cruise from Sunday December 14th, 2008 to Monday December 22nd, 2008. Leaving and returning to San Diego, CA. Stops in Mexico include: Acapulco, Ixtapa, and Manzanillo.
Q: How many cabins are on hold?
A: There are a limited number of cabins on hold within each category (inside, ocean-view, balcony, suite, etc).
Q: Will this dancing cruise be cancelled if not enough people sign-up?
A: No. THIS dance cruise is happening for sure!
Q: When should you book a cabin?
A: RIGHT NOW! DON’T WAIT! Our cabin prices are guaranteed up to the deposit deadline. DEPOSIT DEADLINE IS APRIL 4th, 2008!
Q: How do I book the Cabin?
A: A $300 Deposit is due at the time of booking. All major credit cards accepted.
NOTE: BOOKING MUST BE DONE THROUGH TRAVEL MACHINE 1-800-683-9882 (Kathleen Ryan) to be part of this dance cruise group. You cannot book with another travel agent or through a travel Web Site (sorry). Only people who have booked through Travel Machine will receive a “Dance Cruise” participant pass good for the workshops, and fun afternoon dances.
Q: What Information does the Travel Agent Need?
A: (1) Name (as it appears on proof of citizenship). (2) One address per cabin. (3) Telephone contact number(s) (home, work, cell, etc); (4) Credit Card number.
Q: I will probably need a Roommate, what should I do?
A: It’s safe to book the cabin with $300 because the club and travel agent will help you find a roommate. (If your chosen roommate cancels, don’t worry, we will find you a replacement roommate).
Q: Do I need Trip Insurance?
A: It is highly recommended. For $129 per person, you will receive trip cancellation protection for medical or other urgent reasons. Also, this insurance covers luggage protection. This insurance is optional.
Q: Do I need a US Passport?
Although the new US Passport Requirements for US Citizens are now scheduled to go into effect in 2009 (after the completion of this cruise), it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to travel with a passport. Since the ship will be returning to the US after visiting a foreign country (Mexico), everyone must go through Security and Customs upon return to Long Beach. All NON-US Citizens will be required to provide a Passport ID, and US Citizens will still be allowed to
provide proof of citizenship with EITHER (1) a US Passport, OR (2) a certified Birth Certificate PLUS Government issued ID (driver’s license, etc).
NOTE: Using a passport is a much faster way to get through Security and Customs.
Q: Can anyone be part of this dance cruise, or do you have to be a SBDC member?
A: Anyone can come on this cruise (and the More the Merrier!), but you MUST book this cruise though our travel agent in order to participate in the classes and private dance parties.
Q: How old do you have to be to travel alone?
A: Guests are required to be 21 years old or older (on embarkation day) to travel alone. Guests under the age of 21 must be accompanied in the same stateroom by a parent or guardian 25 or older.
MORE Questions and Answers
2) About the “Dance” Part of the “Dance Cruise”
Q: Who will be teaching the dance classes?
A: We will likely have at least one or two Guest Instructors for the 8-day Cruise.
Q: What kind of dancing will there be on the cruise?
A: The SBDC will be providing classes and DJ Dance opportunities for Swing, Ballroom, and Latin dancing. The Carnival Spirit will have live band music in the evenings for open dancing opportunities.
Q: What will the dance schedule be like?
A: This 8-Day cruise will have 3 days at ports, and 4 days at-sea. For the at-sea days, we plan to hold classes in the mornings or afternoons, and then additional DJ Open Dancing in the afternoons. In the evenings, the ship’s bands will be playing for more dancing opportunities. The SBDC will have a detailed schedule once we’re on board the ship.
MORE Questions and Answers
3) About Cruising in General
Here are some Q&A’s but check out the Carnival website for detailed FAQs information.
Q: Will I get Seasick?
It’s a large ship and most people don’t get ill. However, if you do experience motion sickness, complimentary Meclizine (Bonine) is available from the Infirmary, Room Service or the Information Desk, free of charge. A motion sickness shot can be administered to those who are actively vomiting, but not as preventive medicine; there is a fee for the shot. The Infirmary does not have motion sickness patches or wristbands.
Q: Do we have to pay for food and drinks?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, and some beverages (ice tea, lemonade, punch, coffee, water) are included in the cruise price. You can purchase a Fountain Fun Card that will allow unlimited soft drinks through out the cruise. You can purchase alcoholic beverages if you are 21 years or older.
Q: What about “tipping” the waiters and housecleaning staff?
The total amount of the gratuities will be $10 per guest per day, which breaks down as follows: $5.50 for Dining Team Service (Headwaiter and Waiter), $1 Bistro Service (Waiter/Cooks), $3.50 Cabin Services (Cabin Steward). $80 (= $10 x 8 days) will be charged to your onboard Sail & Sign account on embarkation day.
Tipping the Maitre D' is strictly at 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.
Q: How do I arrange to go ashore?
The ship will dock in Acapulco, Ixtapa, and Manzanillo and you’ll be able to walk off the ship.
Q: Do we have to go ashore?
No, the ship always has on-going activities for you to enjoy.
Q: Will I be bored?
Not likely! The Carnival Cruise Line Ships are known as “The FUN Ships”! Here is a small list of fun activities:
Full Gambling Casino;
3 Bands and Orchestras (Calypso, Dance Music, Easy-Listening);
Karaoke;
Gala Midnight Buffet;
Nightclub shows each evening at sea;
Midnight shows;
Spa Carnival Program;
First-Run movies featured daily on the in-cabin TV;
Art Auction at Sea;
Guest Talent Show;
On Board Duty-Free Shopping;
Bingo Sessions;
Library: books and board games to borrow;
Midnight Deck Party;
Dance classes;
Galley Tour;
Ice Carving Demonstrations;
Fun and Games with the Cruise Director and Social Staff.
Q: How much money do I need to bring with me?
You’ll be using a Sign and Sail card (linked to your credit card) to make purchases on board. You’ll need some cash when you go ashore. You will need cash also for the on-board casino.
This page was updated by Steve Carlan on 3/17/2008.