SUPER CRUISE 2012 F.A.Q. 
SUPER CRUISE F.A.Q. Take a few moments to read over these Frequently Asked Questions and our answers.
Please question Cruises Etc for clarification on anything that is of concern to you. We will
do our best to keep you up-to-date with current policies. You may email Joanne at: joanne@supercruise.net
If you'd like, print a copy of these FAQ's to keep for handy reference. We also encourage you to visit Royal Caribbean's comprehensive site where many other
questions are addressed: www.royalcaribbean.com You will see that we refer to Royal Caribbean's site quite frequently…and with obvious reason: they have one of the best (if
not THE best) consumer web sites in the cruise industry. There is so much available information that we couldn't possibly list it all. So please become familiar with the site,
sign up to be a registered user and begin getting ready for your experience on FREEDOM OF THE SEAS !!!
What does my Super Cruise Fare Include?Your cruise fare includes shipboard accommodations, ocean transportation, meals*,
non-alcoholic beverages*, onboard entertainment and associated fees applicable at the time of booking. Not included are items that are of personal nature including: gratuities,
shore excursions, airfare, telephone calls, spa treatments, salon services, photographs, laundry services. *There is a surcharge for meals at the reservations-only specialty
restaurants; gourmet coffee drinks at the ship's coffee bar Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Parlor, Johnny Rockets; Soda pop is not included complimentary - a Soft Drink-Beverage Card is
available for purchase directly onboard which provides unlimited fountain dispensed soft drinks. (see item below for more details on soda) Self service beverage counters are
available for complimentary coffee, tea, non-carbonated beverages, etc.
Your Super Cruise Fare also includes your participation in all Super Cruise group related activities, private parties, squares on the Big Grid and group related activities. Our group
activities, amenities and events are exclusive to our group members. Guests who book
independent of Cruises Etc will not be included in these group exclusives. Super Cruisers sometimes have friends who choose not to book with us. Please note that these friends
cannot be permitted to attend group functions nor may they participate in group events such as sideboard sales, daily ding dong, LCR, cocktail parties, etc. They also may not be
cross-referenced to dine with our group members. When should I book my reservation?
We are actively accepting reservations now! As long as we have cabins available, we will
continue to sell them. Past Super Cruises have sold out as early as summertime. We encourage you to book as soon as you know that you plan to sail with us. Certain cabin
categories (suites and balconies especially) tend to sell out quickly. As we assign cabin numbers in the order in which you book, preferred locations are assigned to those who
book early. What form of payment are accepted for my cruise?Cruises Etc will process your credit card payments (Visa, MasterCard, Discover & American
Express) We also accept Cash, Checks & Money Orders. On the cruise ship, Royal Caribbean accepts the credit cards listed here. You may also establish your onboard
account by making a cash deposit to Royal Caribbean upon embarkation.
Debit cards used for payment to Cruises Etc for your cruise will be processed upon receipt. When there is a delay in processing Debit cards, we often find there is no longer enough
funds in the account to cover the transaction. To avoid this, we will process these cards at
the time you provide them to us. Using Debit cards on the ship: please verify with your
bank what your transaction limit is per day. Some banks have a "security" setting on your account where you may not exceed a particular dollar amount per day. You may not even
be aware that these security settings are in place. Contact your bank to make sure that your account does not have restrictions on it or you may run into difficulty onboard the ship.
What identification do I need for travel?U.S. citizens require a valid Passport for sea travel. Non U.S. Citizens must carry a passport
from their country of citizenship plus any necessary visas. **** the U.S. State Department has modified the effective date for mandatory passports several times. Should they change
it again, this information may be amended. For up to date information, please refer to www.travel.state.org
Cruise lines and Cruises Etc recommend a passport as the preferred form of identification -- even if the State Dept changes the official date again. This is
especially important if you should miss the ship and have to catch up to it at its first port of call OR if you or a family member has to FLY home in an emergency situation. You NEED a
PASSPORT to FLY to and from the Caribbean! If you are denied boarding the ship for
reasons of 'lack of correct identification' you will be denied boarding with NO REFUND! Will Cruises Etc book my airline flights?
We can request air from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines for those interested. Often, the rates
are higher than what travelers may secure by booking independently. Please note: Cruise
Line Air is valid on DAY OF SAILING & DAY OF RETURN ONLY. If you are planning to go to Florida a day or more before the cruise and/or stay in Florida after the cruise is over, you
cannot use Cruise Line Air without paying a customized air request, simply to request date changes. This adds a considerable amount of extra fees to your ticket price and may also
raise the cost of the airline fare; and, if after receiving your customized fare quote, you decide not to use Royal Caribbean's air, the customized air request fee is nonrefundable. In
these cases and others where we find cruise-line air higher than that which can be secured by our travelers by booking their own flights, we choose not to recommend the cruise line
air. We have arrangements with a travel agency affiliate who will be reserving group air from Cleveland (our most popular air gateway) and who will provide assistance in making
reservations from your choice of air city. Please see "GETTING TO ORLANDO"
for flight options. When will I receive my cabin number and booking number? Cruises Etc finalizes cabin assignments in the fall. We anticipate having your cabin number
and booking number on your final payment invoice which will be sent to you in Sept 2011. Cabin numbers NOT available at that time will be assigned later in the fall but you will
have your cabin assigned before you depart on the cruise!!!
When will I receive my tickets and travel information?
Cruises Etc hosts our "Bon Voyage" party approximately three weeks before sailing. This is held locally in the Cleveland area. Passengers who live out of state or who cannot attend
the party will have their tickets mailed to them. Local cruisers unable to attend our party may arrange for pick up at our office. Included in your travel document packet is all
necessary information pertinent to the cruise as well as all Super Cruise program events. Now that cruise tickets are all "E-tickets" you will not receive actual tickets from Royal
Caribbean; you will be provided with instructions for completing on-line registration and printing your "e docs" cruise tickets and luggage tags.
What if I have to Cancel my Cruise Vacation? Cancellations Charges are based on the date of Cancellation and are as follows. Please
note that Group charges and fees DIFFER than those for individual reservations!
After deposit - July 15, 2011 = $25 per person Administrative FeeBetween July 16 and Sept 30, 2011 = $100 per person
Between Oct 1 and November 30, 2011 = $250 per person Between Dec 1 and Dec 31, 2011 = 50% of cabin total
January 1, 2012 and beyond NO REFUND**
***** CHANGE FEES: $10 fee for first change to booking; $25 per change for all changes
thereafter (Changes consist of: roommate change; cabin/category change) ** If you are able to provide a replacement for your cabin, your cancellation fee will be
waived but you will be charged a "name change" fee in order for Cruises Etc to successfully re-book your cabin. We will try to re-sell your cabin but there is no guarantee that we will
be able to provide a replacement for you. If you used a credit card for payment AND we
are successful in re-selling your cabin; you will receive a refund credit to that card account. If Cruises Etc has to collect the "name change" fee, a separate charge will be made against
your credit card to cover this fee. Additionally, any Administrative Fees assessed by Cruises Etc for cancellations will be billed to your credit card account or, deducted from a
check refund as applicable (for those who made their deposits by cash/check/money order). Your making of a reservation implies your consent to the terms and conditions outlined
here (and which will be printed on your confirmation invoice that you receive after making your reservation) If you disagree with any of the written terms and conditions, you have a
14 day period to cancel your reservation with a full refund. You must notify Cruises Etc if you wish to rescind your reservation. Clients who book their reservations within 90 days of
our sailing date are ineligible for the 14 day withdrawal period. Reservations made within 90 days are subject to all terms and conditions, including cancellation policies. Do you offer Travel Insurance?
Cruises Etc highly recommends the purchase of travel insurance. We have a link on our home page for TRAVEL INSURANCE with our preferred supplier, Travel Insured
International. Easy on-line enrollment and rate quotes are available. Those who purchase insurance within 30 days of your $250 per person deposit are automatically
covered for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions for yourself or a non-traveling family member. (this is especially important for those with elderly relatives or those who have been
treated for a medical condition) Please review the Travel Insured site link for more details on their comprehensive coverage plans and other options.
Do you offer a Pre-Cruise Hotel option?
We will offer a Pre Cruise option for one or two night hotel stays, starting February 3rd.
Please see "PRE CRUISE HOTEL" for information on reserving a pre-cruise hotel stay.
Because our group is so large, we need to work with hotels that have the ability to take a good portion of our guests. This means that the hotel(s) we end up working with are
generally of a 3-4 star rating. These types of hotels tend to have higher rates than the more budget-friendly smaller inns and motels. On the other hand, some people prefer a
more luxurious accommodation and are happy to reserve deluxe hotels. Luxury and deluxe hotels are generally above and beyond what the average Super Cruiser wishes to spend on
a hotel room; which is why we do not set up this option. You are encouraged to either
book your hotel package with Cruises Etc's group arrangements or to seek out lower cost
hotels in the Orlando or Cocoa Beach areas. Either way, it has become the recommended
thing to do. Arriving a day or more early accomplishes two things: your vacation starts sooner! and you avoid potential flight delays. Please see our "Pre Cruise Hotel Options" section on www.supercruise.net
for Pre Cruise Hotel and Transportation options. How much luggage may I bring?
Although cruise lines have a generous allowance for luggage, most airlines now charge you
for your checked baggage and limit carry on bags to 1-2 SMALL pieces per person. We suggest that you verify baggage information directly with your chosen airline for this an all
other airline/airport policies, procedures and restrictions. Most major airlines have websites with all these details posted. What features will my cabin have? Do I need to bring things like a hair dryer or iron?
Your cabin has most of the comforts of home! Standard & Superior Balcony Cabins, Oceanview and Interior staterooms have two twin beds that make up into a queen bed.
Mini-bars, flat-screen color television, safes and telephones are also in each cabin. The cabins have ample closet and drawer space for your belongings. Bathrooms have showers,
toilet, and sink. Suite bathrooms also have tubs. All cabins have hair dryers. Electric
current is 110 and can accommodate small appliances, but please note: if you bring a travel iron and leave it in plain view, your room steward may take it from you as irons in
cabins are not allowed. Some travelers like to bring portable steamers to freshen up travel-wrinkled garments. Since these are generally plastic and do not generate much
heat, this is an item you may consider. Refrigerators are available in most suites and in handicapped accessible cabins.
Can I do Laundry onboard?
There is NO self service laundry facilities onboard but dry cleaning & pressing are available at very nominal prices. Inquire with your cabin steward for this service. What kind of clothes should I pack and what exactly does "formal" mean ?Daytime dress on a cruise ship is casual, such as resort wear, shorts, comfortable shoes,
etc. For the pool decks, swimwear plus cover-ups are fine. Tennis shoes or low heeled
walking shoes are recommended for exploring ports of call. If you plan specific activities
on shore that require special wardrobe items, please pack accordingly (i.e. golf shoes, long
pants for horseback riding, etc. ) There are generally two formal evenings on board.
Ladies may want to wear long gowns/dresses, cocktail dresses, pants suits, etc. Gentlemen may choose to wear tuxedos or dark suits. On other evenings, resort wear is
the norm. Shorts are generally not permitted in the main dining rooms for the dinner meal but are fine in the casual dining areas.
What are the times for Dining?
There are two sittings for meals that are served in the ship's primary restaurants. Main Dining is approximately 6:00 pm and Late Dining is approximately 8:00 pm. Breakfast and
Lunch in these restaurants varies based on whether the ship is in port or at sea. Royal
Caribbean's "MY TIME" dining is for those who want 'open sitting' where they can go to
the dining rooms between 6:00 pm & 9:30 pm. Seating is based on availability and there may be a wait if you choose to go at a popular time. Also: My Time diners WILL NOT be
seated within the Super Cruise Group as these tables are in another section of the dining
room. My Time is very limited in capacity and may not be able to be confirmed but since
this is an option, we feel we need to explain it to you. ** My Time Diners will have a
mandatory gratuity applied to your cabin account. AS ALWAYS: DINING IS ON A REQUEST BASIS. The SHIP
confirms dining. The earlier you reserve your cruise booking, the better your chance is to have your preferred dining confirmed. Friends who book later
than you run the risk of not being able to have the same dining time confirmed. Please understand that there are other guests on the ship who may have booked earlier than
some of our Super Cruisers and their requests must also be taken into consideration.
Additionally, if you sign up for one dining time when you make your booking then try to amend it later, this may not be possible. Therefore, please be certain as to your preferred
dining time and inform us of this at the time you make your initial cruise reservation !!!
Is Room Service included?Complimentary room service is available for cabin delivery featuring a selection of
sandwiches, salads, snacks, etc. Specialty menu items are available at an additional cost. Your stateroom has a servi-bar with beverages and snacks which will be billed to your
cabin account upon consumption. After Midnight, there will be a nominal charge for room service. Are there singles onboard?
Approximately 25% of the Super Cruise group will consist of single ladies and gentlemen of all ages. The balance of cruise passengers (outside of our group) will also have a
percentage of single travelers. The ship may have some "singles" events so that unattached travelers can meet each other. How old do I have to be to sail on the Super Cruise and what is the drinking age?
Royal Caribbean's policy is that passengers under age 21 must be accompanied by a companion or family member who is at least 21 years or older in the same stateroom. The
exceptions for 'minors' occupying their own cabin are: married couples under age 21 and
minors who are traveling with parents or guardians on the Super Cruise. You must be 21
years to purchase alcohol. Your cruise cards are coded with your birthdates so minors attempting to purchase bar beverages will be denied. What beverages are included in my cruise fare and what about the Soda option?As previously noted, non-alcoholic beverages are included: coffee, tea, iced tea, juices, are
available at meals and at self-service beverage stations. Soda/pop is not included complimentary but you may purchase a Soft Drink for Fountain beverages (soda). Rate is
approx $5 per person, per day for ages 17 and under and approx $7 per person per day for
over age 17 (subject to change) You may also buy a souvenir tumbler for your beverages which will be refilled as needed.
May I bring my own liquor onboard?
Royal Caribbean's official policy is that guests may not bring their own liquor onboard. Note: we are asked the question every year concerning bringing your own beverages in
your checked luggage. Efforts to bring liquor onboard are at your own risk. We must advise you that if any beverages are detected by the cruise line, they may be confiscated. If this
happens to you, there is nothing Cruises Etc can do on your behalf. Just because we have an extremely large group does not permit us any waivers of cruise line policies. Your
understanding is appreciated.
Can someone contact me while we're sailing and can I make phone calls from the ship? What about cell phones?
Information is listed on www.royalcaribbean.com under their FAQ page. (Know Before You Go) This will tell you how a family member can reach you in the event of an emergency
You are able to use your cabin's telephone to make long distance calls. Please note: both of these options are quite costly and should only be used in cases of emergency or if you
don't mind the expense. We recommend using international calling cards on the islands or calling collect from a pay telephone. Depending on your cell phone company and your
calling plan, you may be able to use your cell phone on the ship and/or the islands. Many people lose a signal soon after we depart but again, depending on your cellular company,
you may be able to make/receive calls. What about computers? Can I bring my laptop?
The ship has Internet and Wireless access available with different packages of on-line
minutes available. You may stay connected to family, friends, business, etc., back home
should you need to. WiFi service is also available in cabins; usage rates are based on the
minutes used (the more you use, the lower the per minute charge is) A sample of pricing is listed on www.royalcaribbean.com Is there a Doctor on board?
The ship has in Infirmary staffed with a doctor during normal daytime hours. Medical emergencies should be brought to the attention of the Purser's Office any time, day or
night. Customary fees are in effect for medical services. If you have travel insurance, most medical fees are reimbursable through your travel insurance company upon your return
from the cruise. Be certain to keep any/all paperwork, receipts, etc., for any medical treatment you receive. If you purchased travel insurance, you should read over all the
inclusions to determine what your benefit level covers and what is excluded. In many cases, your personal
medical insurance DOES NOT cover you outside of the U.S.A. Medical care and emergency medical assistance can be very costly. A comprehensive insurance
option is available thru TRAVEL INSURED INTERNATIONAL, Cruises Etc's preferred
insurance provider. Easy enrollment is available thru the link on our home page. Travel Insurance is never a bad idea!
What shore excursions are available?
A variety of shore excursions are available on our itinerary. Royal Caribbean encourages you to reserve your selected excursions in advance at: www.royalcaribbean.com Cruises Etc will once again recommend independent group and individual shore excursions with www.shoretrips.com
Check the main Super Cruise website www.supercruise.net site for ongoing information about this.
What about bringing the kids?
There are plenty of activities on board for children featuring Adventure Ocean. A skilled staff of youth counselors head up the Adventure Ocean Team and your youngsters will be
in great hands. Activities & games are organized into different age categories. There is a whole section on www.royalcaribbean.com
regarding Adventure Ocean with a sample of some of the kids' programming.
What is the smoking policy?
Smoking is permitted in designated areas and in cabins with balconies. Smoking is not permitted in show lounges and any food-service areas. Outdoor deck areas for smoking
are restricted to one side of the ship. Posted signs will indicate both smoking and non smoking areas. How is tipping handled?
Customarily extended at the end of the cruise, gratuities are now may be conveniently added to your cabin account while onboard the ship. During the week you will receive a
form asking if you wish to participate in this option. If you say "yes" you will receive pre printed vouchers on the last day so that you may personally hand them to your waiters, bus
boys, cabin stewards, etc. This amounts to approximately $10 per guest per day . If you
want to give a gratuity to the maitre'd or any other staff member, you may certainly do this. A 15% gratuity is automatically added to any beverage purchased at a bar or ordered
through a waiter/waitress. If you wish to extend gratuities in the traditional way, you may hand envelopes (provided to you) to each individual based on your preferences. What about check-in at the pier?
Here is the official policy that affects ALL CRUISE LINES:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Department of Homeland Security) has issued a new ruling that went into effect on February 18, 2008 which mandates that all guests
embarking on a cruise from a U.S. port be checked-in and onboard their ship at least one
hour prior to the ship's departure. How does this effect YOU? You will be provided
with your guest booking number well in advance of our departure date. You should be prepared to REGISTER ON-LINE with Royal Caribbean to be in compliance with check-in
requirements. On the day of our departure, you should plan your arrival time at the Port (Port Canaveral) between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Our scheduled departure time is 4:00
p.m. This should provide ample time for our travelers. In rare cases where arrival flights
may be affected by delays, the ship will consider these on a case by case scenario. Cruises Etc is not authorized to make decisions concerning late arrivals.
|
