Cruise Information
For those of you wanting information prior to the departure of your festival cruise, we have compiled a list of tips and suggestions to assist in the planning.
BEFORE YOUR CRUISE:
Be sure to fill out the cruise line luggage tags and place them on your suitcase. We recommend identification on your carry-on as well.
Fill out ALL forms included with your cruise documents. You cannot get on board without them completed.
PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED- please consult the below website for more information - http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
Children under 18 traveling without their parents will also need a notarized letter from parent or guardian giving permission to travel to the Bahamas.
Your cruise line may offer "ONLINE" pre-check in. Ask your Travel Consultant for details.
CLOTHES TO PACK:
Daytime dress is casual. Respectable shorts and tank tops are fine on ship and land. And don't forget your swimsuit for pool time.
No need to pack extra beach towels, the cruise will supply them. They will charge you a $25.00 fee if you take one of their towels home.
DINING ROOM RULES: You can dress casual for breakfast and lunch only. No jeans, shorts, or sleeveless shirts allowed in the MAIN dining room at supper time. Collared shirts are expected at dinner time on men and boys.
FORMAL NIGHT: You can dress as formal as a prom (suit / tux / long gown) if you want. Or, dress as though you were going to a wedding or party (dress pants / collared shirt / cocktail dress etc...). You will see people dressed in all types of formal wear.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE:
Luggage handlers will IMMEDIATELY unload luggage. Hold on to your carry-on. A good idea is to pack your swimsuit in your carry-on...it may be a while until you see your luggage again.
If you are with a Band, please be aware you will be checking in your INSTRUMENTS at this time.
Do not worry about tipping the luggage handlers; your Educational Tours Escort will handle tipping.
Follow the directions given by your EDUCATIONAL TOURS, INC. REPRESENTATIVE regarding check in and boarding. At the terminal, get in ANY line to check in. Make sure to have your documentation ready.
ONCE ON BOARD:
Once checked in, go directly to your cabin to drop off your things. You may not see your luggage right away, as it takes baggage handlers extra time to deliver all the bags. Get familiar with the ship and location of your cabin.
Cruise ships are "cashless". You will be required to open a "SAIL & SIGN SHIP CARD" upon arrival. Cash, travelers checks and major credit cards are accepted. Generic "cash" cards with a line of credit are NOT recommended. The minimum amount required is $100.00 per person. (With approval $50 may be enough money but you need to ask your festival rep in advance.)
This "Sail & Sign" card will be used for ALL purchases on the ship including all beverages. Some cruise lines offer an "unlimited" soda card for an additional cost. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more details.
Use the Sail and Sign card as credit and the remaining money not used will be returned on the last night of the cruise. If you wait until the day of debarkation, the money can only be returned in the form of a check. ** IF YOU LOSE YOUR SAIL & SIGN CARD REPORT IT TO THE PURSERS DESK IMMEDIATELY! Everyone must open up an account - it's enforced by the cruise line. This card doubles as your ID on the ship - it sometimes is also used as a key to get into your cabin (depending on the cruise line)
SHORE EXCURSIONS will be available while on shore at an additional cost. Make sure to visit the Shore Excursion desk for times and activities. THEY CAN SELL OUT FAST so sign up immediately!
Be prepared to meet as a group for the MANDATORY LIFEBOAT DRILL. Everyone is expected to attend. Your Cruise representative will offer more details upon check in.
ALL TIPPING FOR ROOM STEWARDS, WAITERS AND BUS BOYS ARE INCLUDED IN THE COST OF YOUR TRIP.
THINGS TO KNOW WHILE ON BOARD:
There are phones in the cabins. You can call cabin to cabin
Cabins have color TV, closet and drawer space for you convenience
Make sure to bring your own hair dryers and irons. The outlets are for standard US plugs.
Each night there will be a sheet placed under your cabin door with the next day's planned activities.
Dinner is at the same time each night (time to be determined). You will sit at the same table with the same people and enjoy the same waiter and busboy. Breakfast and Lunch are at your leisure.
You have a safe in your cabin. The "SAIL & SIGN" card or any credit card is the key to open it. Ask for more information how to use it if necessary
Your room key and "Sail & Sign" card are (usually) two different items. Your chaperones and escorts have the right to collect them at any time for whatever reason.
The sodas and bottled water in your cabin are not free - if you use them, the charge will be put on your SAIL & SIGN card.
HELPFUL HINTS FOR SHORE VISITS:
Unfortunately, cruise passengers are not welcome in any of the resorts on the islands. Do not attempt to visit any of them, unless you purchase a shore excursion that includes a visit to a resort.
Stay in groups, and avoid bringing too much cash to the islands. Please be cautious of anyone who looks suspicious.
You can do plenty of shopping right in the port near the ship.
If you plan to visit the beach, arrange it with a chaperone. You will need to take a taxi to get there. It may be best to arrange a shore tour on the ship.
You can return to the ship at any time during your shore visit. Lunch is complimentary to you on the ship - check meal times before getting off of the ship.
You will need your ship "SAIL & SIGN" card to get on and off the ship. DO NOT LOSE IT. Make sure to have it on you at all times.
VERY IMPORTANT: SECURITY WILL BE INSPECTING ALL BAGS FOR DRUGS OR SUSPICIOUS ITEMS, AND ALL CONTAINERS FOR ALCOHOL. PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO SNEAK ANYTHING ON THE SHIP...YOU WILL BE CAUGHT!
RULES AND REGULATIONS:
Generally there will be a dance club available or other activities just for teens until midnight. The pools are generally closed after dinner.
Security will be doing inspections on ALL students every time they board the ship
Those under 18 years old are not allowed in the casino. The casino attendants will check student ID's and report anyone under 18 who tries to attempt entering.
If a student attempts to buy alcohol on the ship, they will be reported to the Director and chaperones. Your "Sail & Sign" card is designed to inform staff that you are a student.
Your Music Director will discuss school rules and policies with each student.
