Discount Travel Club wants you to feel secure
in booking your cruise vacation through us. We have compiled the
following frequently asked questions (FAQ) to help answer your
questions and concerns.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Is
the entire ship singles?
How is this cruise different from a regular
cruise?
Am I paying more for a Singles Cruise?
Can I book with my local travel agent and still
join your singles group activities?
Who will you find sailing with us on our
"singles" cruises?
What is the ratio of men to women?
What if I'm traveling alone?
Is there a price guarantee?
What about rates for the single traveler?
What about 3rd and 4th passengers in a
stateroom?
Can I upgrade my cabin?
How much is my deposit and when is final payment
due?
What is included in my price of the cruise?
What is NOT included in the price of the
cruise?
Airline reservations?
Airfare schedules?
Is there transportation to the ship from the
airport?
How big is the ship?
Why Do We Book Most of our Groups with Carnival?
Will I Get Seasick?
Forms of payment?
Final Cruise Documents?
What travel requirements and forms of
identification are needed?
What if I have to cancel my cruise?
What about Travel Insurance?
When can I board the ship?
What about dining room reservations?
Is smoking permitted on the ship?
What about shore excursions?
What are the tipping guidelines?
Are there charge accounts onboard?
Special needs/celebrating any special occasions?
What type of clothing should I pack?
What about talent show night?
Extend your vacation with pre/post cruise hotel
nights.
Disclaimer of Liability
Is the entire ship singles?
No, the entire ship will not be single passengers. Our travel agency
generally organizes a group of singles onboard a particular ship. Our
singles groups generally tend to have anywhere from 100-300 singles
onboard. We have a block of cabins just for our group of singles, and
we organize "private" singles activities exclusively for
singles group (such as singles cocktail parties, games, lectures, pool
parties, singles nightly get-togethers, etc.). We also have an
exclusive area in the dining room just for our group (so you will not
be seated with families/kids). You will be seated with other singles
your age (equal number men/women). We have our own private singles
cruise directors onboard who will be hosting our singles group.
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How is this cruise
different from a regular cruise?
On any given "regular" cruise, there are very few (if any)
singles onboard. The few singles onboard are usually surrounded by
families/couples/kids with no "central" place to meet. By
booking on one of Discount Travel's singles groups, you are guaranteed
to travel with a large group of singles (usually 100-300 singles on
each). Before your cruise begins, our agency organizes an online
message board where we allow our singles to "chat." This is
where most of the fun begins. Our agency then organizes a pre-cruise
get-together in Miami the night before the cruise. We then have our
own private "singles" cruise directors who go onboard to
assist our singles. We have organized activities/events daily
exclusively for our singles. This includes "private" singles
cocktail parties, singles games, pool parties, etc. etc. Our agency
provides "singles itinerary sheets" with name tags and
wristbands to identify our singles. These activities are NOT open to
the public, but solely for our single clients. We also have a separate
area of the dining room just for our group, where we allow our singles
to switch tables each night. This is a great way to meet new friends.
We do keep the singles together based on age ranges, so everyone has
the opportunity to meet singles their age. Booking through our agency,
and being part of the singles group, can make the difference of
whether you have a fabulous time or not.
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Am I paying more for a Singles
Cruise?
Generally, our agency has negotiated fabulous group rates with the
cruise lines. These rates include lots of "extras" that you
will be getting through our agency. Keep in mind that you are getting
a special service and additional amenities as being part of our
singles group. These additional things are not offered to the general
public, which include complimentary cabin upgrades, several
complimentary "private" cocktail parties,
"private" singles functions daily, singles dining
privileges, the service of our own singles hosts/cruise directors
onboard....and the list goes on.
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Can I book with my local
travel agent and still join your singles group activities?
No. If you want to be part of our singles group, you do need to book
the cruise through our agency. Discount Travel Club is the official
agency organizing the singles aspect of the cruise. The singles
activities are not conducted by other agencies or by the cruise line.
Our agency hires our own private singles cruise directors to go
onboard with the group and we plan private activities exclusively for
our group. We have nightly get-togethers, complimentary cocktail
parties, private pool parties, etc. You will receive an
"official" singles itinerary with your cruise documents
stating the time/places of our activities/events. We also arrange
"round robin" seating with the maitre'd where our group is
allowed to switch tables each night in order to meet new singles
within our group. We do have an exclusive area of the dining room just
for our singles (no families/kids). All of these extra
amenities/activities are exclusive to our singles group.
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Who will you find sailing with us on
our "singles" cruises?
There is no "typical" guest on our "singles"
cruises. Our cruises are for anyone who wants to have the most fun
possible. Most are single professionals - age ranging from mid-20's to
late 50's (some younger/some older). We advertise with
various "singles" organizations around the country, so our
guests come from every state in the union. Our guests include
first-time cruisers and many returning guests who sail with us every
year - from students, secretaries, teachers, lawyers, doctors,
athletes...basically people from every trade and profession.
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Ratio of Men to Women
Discount Travel Club strives to offer a balanced booking policy in
order to ensure an equal number of male and female guests; however,
the number of these single guests vary with each cruise.
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I'm Traveling Alone
For those passengers traveling alone, we can match you to a roommate
of the same sex/age group at no additional cost. We try and match
singles who we feel might be compatible by age, region of the country,
smoking preferences, etc. If we're matching singles, the cabin will be
based on double occupancy only. We do match our singles into full-size
cabins with two beds (not the closet size cabins with bunk beds). A
single supplement will apply, for the last one booked, should an
uneven number of singles need a roommate.
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Price Guarantee
All prices quoted are based on double occupancy, and are not
guaranteed until deposit is received. Cabin prices are subject to
availability and do sell out quickly, so reserve your cabin space
early to ensure the best rates.
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What about rates for the single
traveler?
All prices quoted are based on double occupancy (two to a cabin). For
those passengers traveling alone, we will match you up with another
single roommate of the same sex and age group. If someone desires to
occupy a cabin solely by himself (single occupancy), please call or
email us for rates.
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What about 3rd and 4th
passengers in a stateroom?
Some cabins can accommodate up to a maximum of four people. Generally,
there is a reduction in price for the 3rd and 4th passengers in a
cabin. The cabins accommodating triples and quads will be situated
with two lower beds and two upper bunks. Ask us about pricing and
availability on any triple or quad cabins.
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Can I upgrade my cabin?
Passengers desiring more deluxe accommodations (rooms with balconies,
or even suites), are encouraged to request rates and availability from
us.
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How much is my deposit and when
is final payment due?
A deposit of $100 per person is due to reserve your cabin space for
the 3 & 4-night cruises. For
the 7-night cruises, a deposit of $250 is
due, unless other stated on the booking form. Your deposit payments
will be deducted from your balance, and final payment is due generally
60 days prior to the sailing date. Once your deposit is paid, you can
also opt to make monthly payments until final payment is due. Payments
can be made by personal check, Visa, MC, Discover, or AMEX. For those
passengers booking within 60 days of sailing, full payment is required
at the time of making the reservation.
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What is included in my price of
the cruise?
The price of your cruise includes shipboard accommodations, all meals,
24-hour snacks and complimentary room service, nightly entertainment,
dancing, day and night activities, some soft drinks with meals, and
roundtrip transportation to the ship from the airport (if airfare was
purchased through us). Your price also includes private activities
exclusively for our singles group, such as singles cocktail parties,
games, dances, mixers, matchmaking services, etc.
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What is NOT included in the
price of the cruise?
Wines, liquors and some soft drinks, optional shore excursions,
tipping (at your own discretion), any personal services such as
laundry, beauty parlor, etc., and transportation to and from the ship
(except if you purchase airfare from the cruise line).
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Airline Reservations?
Passengers needing roundtrip airfare to Miami or Los Angeles can also
purchase their airline tickets through the cruise lines. You are
encouraged to purchase your airfare from the cruise line because they
are responsible for getting you on the ship. The cruise lines will
have a representative waiting for you at the airport to escort you and
your bags from the airport to the cruise ship. This service is
designated to facilitate the easy transfer of passengers to the ship
(stress-free traveling). The cruise lines also have very reasonable
airfare prices from most U.S. cities. Airfare may be limited from
certain gateway cities, so let us know as soon as possible. The price
of your airline ticket will be added to your total cruise fare, and
the ticket will be sent to you with your final documents.
Passengers who do not purchase airfare from the cruise line are
responsible for their own transportation to and from the ship's pier
from the airport. You are also responsible for getting to the ship on
time, and the cruise line is not responsible for any plane delays,
cancellations of flights, lost baggage, etc. If you purchase airfare
through the cruise line, they are kept informed of your whereabouts
and may choose to hold the ship if they know people are arriving late.
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Airfare Schedules
Air schedules are not available from the cruise line until 21-30 days
prior to sailing. The choice of airline, routing and flight times are
at the discretion of the cruise line. The cruise lines are very good
at booking the most convenient times with the most direct routing.
However, if a passengers wants to request a specific airline with a
specific routing and/or times, most cruise lines offer special
"air deviation programs." There will be an airfare deviation
charge of $35-$50 per person for this service.
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Transportation to the Ship
from the Airport
For those of you arranging your own airfare, you can purchase ground
transportation from the airport to the ship for an additional $30 per
person (someone from the cruise line will pick you up and take you to
the ship). Be sure to provide all your flight details such as flight
times, flight numbers, etc. Remember, if you purchase airfare through
the cruise line, transportation to the ship is already included in the
price.
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How big is the ship?
Carnival's "Imagination" ship (4 & 7-night Caribbean) is
855 feet in length (almost 3 football fields long), has a total
passenger capacity of 2,040, and was built in 1995.
Carnival's "Fascination" ship (3-night Bahamas) is 855 feet
in length and has a total passenger capacity of 2,052.
Carnival's "Inspiration" ship (7-night Caribbean) is 855
feet in length and has a total passenger capacity of 2,052.
Carnival's "Paradise" ship (3-night Bahamas) is 855 feet in
length and has a total passenger capacity of 2,052.
Carnival's "Ecstasy" ship (3-night Ensenada) is 855 feet in
length and has a total passenger capacity of 2,040.
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Why Do We Book Most of our
Groups with Carnival?
We do book our singles groups primarily with Carnival Cruise Line as
they are very single-friendly, and known as the "FunShips."
Most singles think of "Carnival" when wanting to book a
cruise, because Carnival does have onboard activities for singles. Our
agency has over 9 years experience in the singles cruise market (this
is all we do). Our experience has found that the other cruise lines
tend to have more families/kids/couples. Most of the other cruise
lines charge double the price (200%) if you want your own
cabin....whereas Carnival has special single occupancy rates for us.
We do book our groups on Carnival's newest/grandest ships, and
therefore, we find the highest satisfaction rate with singles on
Carnival.
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Will I Get Seasick?
Because of the large size of today's cruise ships, very few people
ever experience seasickness. In our experience, only a few people have
ever gotten seasick on a cruise ship and that was because of very
stormy weather and choppy waters. If you are afraid you might be prone
to seasickness, there are many over-the-counter medications available.
If you forget to bring your own, these medications are also available
onboard the ship.
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Forms of payment?
We can accept checks (made payable to
Discount Travel Club), Visa, MasterCard,
American Express, and Discover
Card.
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Final Cruise Documents?
Once final payment is made, the cruise line will issue your cruise
travel documents. These documents are generally issued 14
days prior to sailing, and they will be sent to you at that
time. Your actual cabin number will be assigned and printed on your
cruise documents, as well as your dining room seating. If airfare was
purchased, it will also be included with your final documents. Along
with your cruise documents there will be lots of useful information
regarding your upcoming cruise.
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What travel requirements
and forms of identification are needed?
All guests will need to show proof of citizenship, such as a passport
or original birth certificate (with a raised seal), and photo
identification. If you are not an American citizen, be sure that you
are carrying proper documents for the countries that you'll be
visiting.
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What if I have to cancel my
cruise?
If you find it necessary to cancel your cruise reservation, once
deposit or full payment has been made, the following cancellation
charges will be assessed:
3
AND 4 NIGHT CRUISES:
|
Up to 60 Days Prior
to Departure:
59 to 30 Days Prior to Departure:
(deposit)
29 to 8 Days Prior to Departure:
7 Days or Less Prior to Departure: |
$50
cancellation fee per person.
$100-200 cancellation fee per
person.
50% cancellation fee per person.
No Refund |
(Includes administration fee per person for any cancellations.)
7-NIGHT
CRUISES:
|
Up to 60 Days Prior to Departure:
59 to 30 Days Prior to Departure:
(deposit)
29 to 8 Days Prior to Departure:
7 Days or Less Prior to Departure: |
$50
cancellation fee per person.
$250
cancellation fee per person.
50% cancellation fee per
person.
No Refund
|
(Includes administration fee per person for any cancellations.)
No refunds will be made in the event of "no
shows" or interruption by the guest after the start of the
cruise. An optional Cruise Protection Plan
is available on every cruise sailing. We recommend the purchase of
this travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen
circumstances.
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What about Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is available for an additional $39 per person on the 3-night
Cruise, $49 per person on the 4-night
Cruises and $99 per person on the 7-night
Cruises, unless
stated otherwise on the booking form. This cruise travel
insurance covers Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Trip Delay, Medical
Expenses Coverage, Emergency Evacuation, Baggage Protection, and
Worldwide Emergency Assistance 24-hours a day. This insurance must be
paid at the time deposit is made, and is non-refundable.
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When can I board the ship?
Embarkation normally begins at 1:00 p.m.,
and passengers must be aboard no later than 30 minutes before the
scheduled sailing. Be sure to arrive early to get situated in your
cabin and let the PARTYING begin!
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What about dining room
reservations?
We generally reserve late dining (approx. 8 pm for dinner) for our
entire singles groups. We do schedule our other singles activities
around this time (e.g., singles cocktail parties before dinner).
Our agency has a separate area of the dining room just for our singles
(no families/no kids). We will put you on a dinner table with other
singles your age. We work closely with the maitre'd onboard each ship
who allows our group to switch tables each night. This allows our
singles the ability to meet new friends each night. This is a special
service offered to our singles group only.
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Is smoking permitted on the
ship?
Smoking is permitted on the ship in designated areas only. By popular
request, dining rooms are now smoke free. You can request a smoking
cabin; however, no requests are guaranteed. If we assign you to a
roommate, we try to accomodate your smoking preference; however,
nothing is guaranteed.
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What about shore excursions?
At every port of call, various sightseeing tours are available for
purchase (such as snorkeling/scuba tours, horseback riding, shopping
excursions, beach barbecue parties, museum tours, etc.). Our agency
will have private "singles" shore excursions available on
each cruise (no families/kids). You will be provided with this
information with your final cruise tickets, which arrive approx. 10
days prior to sailing.
Of course, you can also purchase optional shore excursions directly
with the cruise lines. Their excursions are available for purchase
aboard the ship at their Shore Excursion Desk.
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What are the tipping guidelines?
Tipping is always at the travelers' discretion, and is generally done
on the last night of your cruise. As a guideline, the cruise lines
recommend the following gratuities: Cabin Steward-$3.00 per guest/per
day; Waiter-$3.00 per guest/per day; and Busboy-$1.50 per guest/per
day. A 15% gratuity will be automatically added to any bar bill.
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Charge Accounts Onboard?
On most ships, you may charge all your drinks and other services to
your cabin and pay in one lump sum at the end of your cruise. Most
ships do not accept personal checks. Some ships have a no-cash policy
during the cruise; however, you may pay your account at the end of
your cruise in cash.
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Special needs/celebrating any
special occasions?
Be sure to let us know if anyone is celebrating a special occasion, or
if you have any special passenger needs, such as dietary requirements,
wheelchairs, etc. The cruise lines will generally work hard to assist
you throughout your vacation.
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What type of clothing should I
pack?
Casual attire is in order during the day. Shorts and t-shirts are not
permitted in the dining room during dinner. There is generally one to
two "formal" dress-up nights depending on the length of your
cruise, where passengers wear anything from cocktail party dresses,
evening gowns and tuxedos, to business suit attire. (Tuxedo rentals
available onboard the ship if you want to get really dressed up.) The
dress code for the other evenings range anywhere from sport coat and
tie to casual resort wear.
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Talent Show Night
There is usually a Talent Show on the cruise where the passengers are
the entertainment. If you have a particular talent, this is your
chance to be a star!
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Extend your vacation with
pre/post cruise hotel nights.
Extend your fun with a pre- or post-cruise hotel vacation. These
value-priced vacations can include hotel accommodations, rental car,
admissions into various Florida attractions, etc. Ask us about rates
today.
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Disclaimer of Liability
Discount Travel Club is a travel agency acting as an intermediary or
agent for suppliers, such as air carriers, cruise lines, hotels, tour
operators, ground transportation companies, and other independent
firms. Discount Travel Club does not own or operate any of these
firms; therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract or
any intentional or careless actions or omissions on part of such
suppliers or cruise directors, which result in any loss, damage, delay
or injury to you or your travel companions or group members. In
addition, Discount Travel Club cannot guarantee acceptable performance
by any of these firms, or our cruise directors, and each participant
agrees not to hold Discount Travel Club liable for the quality of
services and the condition or cleanliness of the accommodations.
Unless the term "guaranteed" is specifically stated in
writing on your ticket, invoice or reservation itinerary, we do not
guarantee any of such suppliers’ rates, bookings, services or
reservations. Your retention of tickets, reservations or bookings
after issuance shall constitute a consent of the above, and an
agreement on your part to convey the contents hereto to your travel
companions or group members. Discount Travel Club herein gives notice
that we cannot be responsible for any disruption of travel and/or
unrest, labor problems, mechanical or construction difficulties,
climatic aberrations, acts of God, war, diseases, or any other
circumstances beyond its control. There are good travel insurance
plans available for passengers to protect themselves. We are not
responsible for the neglect or omission of suppliers or carriers, so
we strongly recommend travel insurance.
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And don't forget, cruising on one of the greatest
party boats in the world, you'll be sure to have memories to last a
lifetime!
