Cruise Prep 101 - About this Blog

Cruising With Carnival is a blog dedicated to providing insight; answering questions; and, expanding upon information about cruise vacations on Carnival Cruise Lines.

Whether you are a first time cruiser or have already attained VIFP Diamond status, this is YOUR BLOG.  It is designed to augment the social media sources already available to those considering taking a cruise; or, who have taken so many cruises they can no longer keep count of them on their fingers and toes.

The decision to create Cruising With Carnival grew from my observations as a member of several Facebook groups and Cruise Critic roll calls dedicated to cruising.  In those groups other members were asking questions or seeking advice about a variety of elements of cruising.

Reading through posts in response to the question two issues became evident:  

1. The questions were being answered within the group; however, quite often the answers given failed to adequately address the question with a complete answer and links to source reference material the person asking the question can review on his/her own.
2. The same question would be asked several times; but, due to the nature of social media pages, answers previously provided become buried as more and more comments are added.

It Takes Time to Research Answers  

Most answers to questions you have are readily available on the Web; however, it takes time to locate and research the proper source for the answer.  

Research is a task I thoroughly enjoy; it was a major element of my activities through my careers in transportation and insurance claims.  That enjoyment has carried forward into retirement so it seemed only natural to pursue it in this form.

About Content

Material presented in Cruising With Carnival is drawn from a variety of areas: 

1. Our own cruising experience; 
2. Questions asked in the various groups and roll calls monitored on a regular basis; 
3. A background in Transportation Management; specifically international transportation;
4. And, questions submitted directly to us.

Again, this is YOUR BLOG.  

Welcome Aboard and Bon Voyage

Cruise Prep 101: Vacation Protection Plans/Overseas Health Insurance

Vacations are time to get-away from it all and just enjoy time off from the everyday rat race.

No one wants to think about what might occur between the time you book your cruise and when you arrive back home after you return from your fabulous cruise vacation.  But you should!

Unfortunately illness, accidents, injuries, and other emergencies don't play by the rules.  Those nasty situations can, and too often do, enter into the vacation equation.

This post is designed to assist you in being prepared for as many eventualities as possible.  It is by no means meant to put a damper on your vacation plans; it is offered just to make it worry-free as humanly possible.

1.  Between booking and boarding

Once you have made your deposit and secured a booking you have immediately placed a certain amount of money at risk in the event it becomes necessary to to cancel out of the cruise.  The closer you are to your cruise date, the greater the amount at risk.
Vacation Protection Plans offer you a level of security against the possibility of having to cancel out.  In some cases it means getting a full refund of the amount paid; in other cases it provides for a lesser amount of recovery.  https://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/vacation-protection.aspx provides details, take time to read it over.

2.  "Catch-up" Expenses

Carnival's offering of Vacation Protection Plans provides for recovery of at least a portion of "catch-up" expenses incurred should you be delayed getting to the departure port.

3.  Lost/Delayed Luggage Expenses

Limited coverage is included for lost luggage or luggage delayed for more than 24 hours (see website or call your travel consultant for details).

4.  Medical incidents aboard ship or ashore in a foreign port of call

When traveling domestically to vacation destinations; whether by car, airplane, or some other means of transportation, we rarely think about the possibility of any of those events occurring.  But, even if one of those did occur, we most likely have insurance to cover expenses; or, could cut short our vacation and head home.
All Carnival cruises must visit at least one foreign port during the ship's itinerary.  That means you will be traveling internationally.  Traveling internationally is an entirely different animal than domestic travel.
Incidents requiring medical attention aboard ship or ashore; evacuation from the ship for medical care beyond the capabilities of the shipboard staff; or illness or injury occurring while ashore are very real and occur all too often.  On cruises my wife and I have taken we have witnessed first-hand the evacuation of a passenger and his wife by the U.S. Coast Guard off San Diego; removal of passengers suffering illnesses and injuries in Mexico and Panama.  There are numerous videos on YouTube and other sites showing helicopter evacuations.  All of these incidents can cost thousands of dollars in medical and transportation costs. 

Know What Your Current Insurance Will and Will Not Cover

As you travel domestically to and from the cruise port within the United States, your regular health and accident insurance policies will most likely cover, within the policy limitations, expenses incurred for medical attention/hospitalization/transportation associated with medical conditions.

On a cruise ship; or, when you are ashore in a foreign port, it is very likely your domestic health insurance policy: whether individual, group, or even Medicare, is NOT going to cover accidents or illness needing medical attention while abroad; or, evacuation home from overseas.

This link on the U.S. Department of State website is provides information important to anyone travelling aboard.  This link will take you to the relevant pages so you can read through those pages as you prepare for your cruise vacation. https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/health.html

Every Carnival ship employs a medical staff and has an infirmary capable of treating a certain number of illnesses and injuries; there are limitations as to the care that can be provided aboard ship.  It is important to note that services rendered by the Carnival medical staff are performed on a fee-for-service basis.  This means you will be billed for any of their services needed while aboard ship.  

If needed, evacuation from the ship for medical attention ashore will most likely also incur fees-for-service by those providing evacuation services.  

Vacation Protection Plans provide a means of recovery of some, or all, of those charges.

Medical attention ashore in a foreign city

Vacation Protection Plans provide for limited coverage (in dollar amounts) for medical attention/hospitalization received overseas.  While a plan might not cover all incurred expenses, some coverage is better than none at all.

Buying a Vacation Protection Plan

Whether you purchase Vacation Protection Plans offered by Carnival or obtain one through your travel agent or insurance agent/broker, it is something you should carefully consider.  It is far better to have a Vacation Protection Plan and not need it; than it is to need a Vacation Protection Plan and not have one.

Cruise Prep 101 - "Sail and Sign"

"Sail and Sign" Card - Key To Your Cruise

Over the years "Sail and Sign" cards have evolved from essentially a piece of paper with your information on it used in lieu of cash while aboard ship to the ones in use today that perform a variety of functions.

About Your "Sail and Sign" Card

This is the link directly to the official Carnival Cruise Line website: Carnival "Sail and Sign" Account Set-up FAQ.  This is good stuff and important information - take time to read it thoroughly!

Pre-authorized Holds Based on Charges to "Sail and Sign" Account

At Embarkation, the Carnival representative at check-in will "swipe" your credit/debit card and obtain an authorization from your credit/debit card issuing bank, credit union, or other financial entity.  At the same time a pre-authorized amount will be charged to your credit/debit card according to the length of your cruise (see FAQ for amounts).  As noted in the FAQ referenced above, the amount of the hold on your account reduces the amount available for purchases
You may also want to read what one guest; who didn't read about how "Sail and Sign" expense accounts are handled, failed to understand that it was her bank, not Carnival that delayed release of "pre-authorized holds" on her credit card Disgruntled Guest Regarding "Sail and Sign".
Each Carnival guest is provided a "Sail and Sign" card on Embarkation Day prior to boarding.  This card has a number of functions; some obvious, some not so obvious:

• Obvious

1. Cabin key (don't leave "home" without it)
2. Charging on-board expenses
3. Gratuities (unless prepaid at time of booking)
4. Shipboard medical services (if needed)
5. Donation to "Groove for St. Jude" (recommended)
6. Gaming in the casino and/or video arcade
7. Internet/Wi-Fi service
8. Charging on-board purchases
9. Bar service
10. Shore excursions
11. Gift shops/art auction
12. Specialty restaurants/Chef's Table
13. Spa/Salon/other "fee" venues

• Not So Obvious

1. Security
2. Accounting for guests movement on and off the ship
3. Assisting in preparing passenger manifest for presentation to authorities on departures and arrivals from various ports along the ship's itinerary
4. Identification (Proof of Age)
5. "Sail and Sign" cards are attached to a database with information related to each card including an image of the holder of the card.  This assists in preventing sale of alcoholic beverages to passengers under 21; or, playing in the casino if under 18.
6. Preventing Fraudulent Use

• Whenever a "Sail and Sign" card is presented to a Carnival employee, it is swiped through either a Security kiosk; a terminal at Guest Services; or, at a "point of sale" terminal for purchases.  An image of the holder appears on the screen confirming that the person presenting the card is the authorized user of that card.

Setting Up Your "Sail and Sign" Account

Be sure to read "Sail and Sign" Cards - Authorizing Charges to Account before setting up your account on-line.
On-line:  Nowadays most guests complete the check-in process on-line; it is fast, easy, and speeds up the physical check-in process on Embarkation Day.
When completing check-in on-line you will be setting up your "Sail and Sail" account at the same time.  Setting up the "Sail and Sign" account is a two-part process:  1) Check-in and providing information for on-board expenses; and 2) authorizing individuals charging privileges.IMPORTANT:  Setting up accounts for yourself and all others in your booking is required; authorizing charging privileges is a separate process within "Sail and Sail" set-up and should be carefully managed to avoid surprises later.

Authorizing Individuals Charging Privileges

Each guest in your booking must have an individual account (including minors); not every guest in the booking needs to be given charging privileges.
Additionally, you, as Account Owner, may authorize guests occupying up to two additional staterooms the privilege of charging expenses and purchases to your account.

Account Owner is responsible for all charges made to "Sail and Sign" card.

Before boarding your Carnival cruise ship, you and every member of your family or party are issued "Sail and Sign" cards.  With it in hand, there is no use for cash anywhere aboard ship during your cruise vacation except for extra tipping or play in the casino (see Cruise 101 - Gaming for more information).

Cruise Prep 101 - "CHEERS" Program

Carnival offers two prepaid beverage programs aboard each ship:  
"CHEERS"  for guests over the age of 21;
BOTTOMLESS BUBBLES" for guests of any age.

Introduced several years ago to meet competition from other cruise lines that either a) included alcoholic beverages in the cruise fare (all-inclusive); or 2) offered guests access to alcoholic beverages for one set price per day, Carnival recently modified the program to allow for a wider variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

"Cheers" 1) is only available to guests over 21 years of age (photo identification may be required to obtain alcoholic beverages);

2) has two-tiered pricing: $49.95 plus 15% gratuity when purchased pre-cruise ($57.44 per day/per person); $54.95 plus  15% gratuity if purchased aboard ship ($63.19 per day/per person). 

 
See "Requirements" below for the reason why "per person" is emphasized.

Under changes to the program the prior maximum amount per serving of alcoholic beverages was raised from $10.00 per serving to $50.00 per serving.  It also provides 25% discounts on certain specified products and events.

For full details on the "Cheers" Program click on the following link:  "Cheers" Program.

Modified "Cheers" - The Buzz

As posts began appearing in many of the social media pages related to Carnival cruising, group members commented on the improvements made to the program and many indicated they would reconsider purchasing the program on future cruises.

"Cheers" does have appeal in many ways; however, it is important to consider the requirements and restrictions that apply specifically to "Cheers"; as well as the more general Carnival Liquor and Beverage Policy.

• Requirements

1. Minimum age of 21; agreement not to provide alcohol to minors
2. ALL guests over 21 sharing the same stateroom MUST ALSO PURCHASE "CHEERS" PROGRAM
3. Purchase is required for the entire length of the cruise (EXCEPT AS PROVIDED FOR WHEN CRUISES DEPART CERTAIN HOME PORTS - see Applicable to Texas, Alabama, New York  at this ,link or in "Restrictions" below for details).

Based on the requirements shown above not all guests over 21 will be able to take advantage of the program.

Consider this: 

1. You and a friend are sharing a cabin.  
2. You want to purchase the "Cheers" program for yourself.   
3. Your friend is a light, social drinker who may have one drink before dinner and a glass of wine with his/her meal and does not want to spend money on "Cheers".  
4. Because one person in the cabin elects not to purchase "Cheers", no one staying in that stateroom can purchase the program.

That scenario can apply equally well to a husband/wife when one consumes alcoholic beverages rarely, if at all.

The following restrictions apply:

1. Guests must be 21 years or older to purchase and must agree not to give alcoholic beverages to minors.
2. Each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase the program. 
3. Guests must purchase the program for the entire cruise - this program is not offered on a per day basis.
4. Program is non-refundable. 
5. Price adjustments (up or down) implemented on the day of sailing will replace any previously advertised price.
6. Only one alcoholic drink at a time may be ordered using CHEERS! - sharing is not permitted.
7. Program allows for unlimited Zero-Proof beverages but only one beverage at a time may be ordered using CHEERS! - sharing is not permitted.
8. There is a 5 minute wait time between ordering drinks.
9. Guests may purchase a round of drinks for themselves and friends. One drink will count towards the CHEERS! program and the remaining drinks will be charged to the guest's Sail and Sign account.
10. Program allows for up to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24 hour period (6:00am-6:00am); once the limit is reached, the guest will not be served ANY additional alcoholic drinks.  
11. Program only applicable for onboard purchases during regular operating hours.
12. All bottles and cans will be served opened 

• Carnival reserves the right to refuse service for any reason.

1. Applicable state and local taxes will be charged to the guest folio when this program is used within US waters. The tax is based on the state's tax structure and the cost of the individual drink purchased (not the daily program rate). For example: if the drink price is $5 and the tax is 10%, the guest's Sail & Sign card will be charged $0.50 for tax. This applies to all US ports (embarkation home ports and ports-of-call).  
2. Due to state laws, we cannot sell CHEERS! until the second day of the cruise for voyages departing from our Texas, Alabama and New York home ports. Drinks purchased on the first day of the cruise will be charged to the guest's Sail & Sign card in the usual manner. When purchased on the second day of the cruise, guests are charged for the remaining days only (cruise duration less one day).
3. For those guests who pre-purchase CHEERS!, it will be activated upon boarding the ship (except for ships sailing from Galveston, Mobile and New York). Guests will receive a note in their stateroom advising them to go the bar to receive their sticker which is placed on their Sail & Sign card. In the event guests do not go to their stateroom, once the Sail & Sign card is swiped,  it is flagged and the bartender will provide the sticker. 
4. Group bookings (consisting of a minimum of 30 adults) can purchase CHEERS! prior to the cruise by contacting Group Event Planning (all adult guests in the group must purchase the program; all minors in the group must purchase Bottomless Bubbles program).
5. For pre-purchase orders, a message card will be placed in guests' staterooms on embarkation day with the following notation: "Please bring your Sail & Sign Card to the Casino Bar to activate this program". A sticker will be placed on the card for the use of the CHEERS! program. In the event guests do not go to their stateroom, once the Sail & Sign card is swiped, it is flagged and the bar staff will provide the sticker.

• CHEERS! is not offered on the following:

• 2-day cruises

• Charter cruises 

• Ships sailing from Australia (Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend)

• Beverage purchases made at Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas

"CHEERS"

The cost:

With two adults over 21 in the same stateroom, "Cheers" amounts to $804.16 (if prepaid); $884.66 (if bought onboard) for a 7-night cruise before the first drink is even poured. Adjust those numbers up or down depending on the length of the cruise.

There Are Limits:  15 Drinks Per Day Does Not Necessarily Mean You Will Be Served All 15!

There is always a "Catch-all" phrase somewhere in laws, regulations, and policies.  In the case of the "Cheers"  program there are actually two:

• Carnival reserves the right to refuse service for any reason. Within the restrictions above; and,

• Carnival Liquor and Beverage Policy in its entirety available at this link: Carnival Liquor and Beverage Policy 

See also:  Liquor and Beverage Policy FAQ