Tidbits - Last Minute Reminders
Below are a few
links to information that will make your planning easier. Most of the
information is from a ship inspection of the Fascination in August 2008.
The information below is just for planning guidelines. Pricing and
availability may have changed prior to your upcoming cruise.
Once you have boarded, you may verify current pricing and availability.
Spa Treatments - Sessions at the spa will fill quickly. If you are interested in reserving
a time, please make these reservations soon after boarding. From the price
list, you can see there are savings on spa treatments completed on the days that
the ship is in one of the ports.
Soda Program - During your cruise, sodas are not included in your cruise
fare. They are
available for purchase. Carnival also offers an adult and child "Soda"
program
which offers unlimited sodas from the day purchased until the end of your
cruise. The cost of the card/sticker depends upon which day you purchase the
plan. It will cost more on the first day of the cruise than the middle of
the cruise. FYI: The sodas placed in your cabin are not free. If you drink
these, they will be charged to your cabin account and replenished.
The
sodas in your cabin are not part of the "Soda" program. You
will pay for these sodas if you drink them regardless of the purchase of the
"Soda" plan.
Prepaid Gratuities - For your convenience, we have prepaid your standard
gratuities. You will receive a
letter in your cabin that looks similar to
this during your cruise. These gratuities (in the amount of $10 per person
per night) have been prepaid. Gratuities have not been included for the
Head Maitre'd. At your discretion, you may acknowledge their hard work during
your last night's formal dinner. Gratuities have not been added for room
service or purchases made at the lounges or bars. These will be your
responsibility and probably automatically added to your bill.
Shopping Guides While on board, an informative session will be
held to help you learn about shopping in our two ports. We encourage you
to attend these sessions as they gave away some great prizes to the audience. U.S. currency and traveler's checks are accepted at most ports of call
(naturally Key West).
Store owners will honor most credit cards but personal checks aren't usually
accepted.
Golf Enthusiast
Internet Access
Beverage Menu
Valet
Services including washing and ironing (irons are not permitted to be
brought on board by passengers)
Some final suggestions....
- Bring a hairdryer and an alarm clock if you will need one; they
are not provided.
- Bring lots of film or digital camera cards; they are expensive
to purchase on board. The photo station on the ship can unload your
storage card to a compact disc.
- Bring a small extension cord or a multi-plug. There will
only be two electrical plugs in your cabin; one of these is in the
bathroom. If you need to plug in multiple things, you will
need more outlets.
- Be aware of your cell phone if you bring it. Most carriers
charge a hefty premium for calls on cruise ships and in
international destinations. Check with your carrier if you plan on
using your phone while on the cruise. If you leave your phone
on and someone calls you, you will be responsible for the
international charges even if you do not answer your phone. Also be
aware of text messages if you receive them; they cost extra too. We
suggest you turn your phone off unless you need to make a call.
If you need to be reached while on
a Carnival Cruise, you can be reached by calling 1-877-225-7447.
This is not a cheap call; it is about $9.50 per minute.
The caller will need your last name and the ship's name on
which you are are sailing.
- Make a copy of all important documents like driver's license,
passport, credit cards, birth certificate, etc that you will be
bringing with you. Leave one copy at home with someone you
could call in case of an emergency. Take an additional copy
with you in your carry-on items.
- Do not pack anything that cannot be replaced in your luggage
that you turn over in the parking lot. Carry on board with you
all medicine and valuables.
Highlights
- Visit the spa on the day the ship is in port
- The sodas in your cabin are not free.
- Don't forget to turn your cell phone off. If it
rings, you will be responsible for the international call rates.
- Call your credit card company and inform them that you will
be on a cruise so that they will not deny its use thinking it is
a fraudulent charge.
- If you will be visiting a beach, bring some insect spray or
wipes in case you are visited by sand fleas.
- Don't forget to stop your mail from being delivered.
It is easy, you can do it at the USPS
website.