Carnival Breeze / October 4-10, 2015

Carnival Breeze / October 4-10, 2015
F R E Q U E N T L Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S ( FAQS )
Q: What is included in the price of the cruise?
A: Room pricing includes ALL EXCLUSIVE Jiu-Jitsu events as outlined on the event’s website:
www.grapplersescape.com, shipboard accommodations for 6 nights, most meals in the main dining areas, some
beverages (coffee, tea, lemonade and iced tea) and onboard entertainment & activities as provided for all cruise
guests. Applicable taxes & fees and shipboard gratuities are additional as outlined on the pricing page and in the
registration site.
Q: What is not included in the price of the cruise?
A: Air transportation, transfers to and from the ship, optional travel insurance, shore excursions (tours), specialty
dining, spa/salon services, photographs, gift shop, some beverages (e.g., sodas, bottled water, alcoholic beverages,
etc.), medical services and items of a personal nature (e.g., laundry, telephone calls, Internet access, etc.).
Q: I was looking at the pricing page … are the prices shown per cabin?
A: No, all prices shown are PER PERSON and are for the cruise fare only. In addition to the cruise fare, each person will
be charged an additional $117.53 for government taxes & fees plus $72.00 for shipboard gratuities, which are for
the stateroom service team, dining room service team, and alternative service team (galley, entertainment, guest
services and other hotel staff members).
Casino dealers and spa personnel are not included since not all guests will utilize those services. A gratuity for bar
services and servers will automatically be added to the price of your drinks on your bar check.
Q: What is the Payment Schedule?
A: At time of booking, attendees are required to pay a $500 per person deposit ($1,000 deposit for single occupants).
Registrations not deposited at time of booking are subject to cancellation. A second deposit equal to 50% of the
remaining balance is due by May 1, 2015, and the final payment is due by July 6, 2015. Note: deposits are
retroactive, so a booking made on or after May 1st will include the initial deposit and the second deposit combined,
etc.
All payments are in US dollars, and accepted forms of payment are American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
and PayPal.
Q: What is the Cancellation Policy?
A. Due to the unique nature of this event, all registrations will be subject to the following cancellation policy:
• From date of booking, initial deposit is non-refundable
• Between June 1 and August 3, 2015: a 50% cancellation fee will be charged
• A 100% cancellation fee (no refund) will be charged for cancellations made on or after August 4, 2015
No refunds will be given for “no-shows” nor will any refund be made in the event of interruption or cancellation by
any passenger after commencement of the cruise.
Any adjustment to the cancellation policy is at the sole discretion of Grappler’s Escape organizers.
Cancellation fees for airline tickets and/or other reservations made by guests are subject to the cancellation policy
of the specific airline/supplier.
Q: I’m a Carnival VIFP Member. Will I still receive the benefits of my membership?
A: Yes, VIPF program amenities onboard will be available or applicable and you will receive credit for the cruise.
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Q: The lineup of instructors is amazing! Can you guarantee that every instructor will be available during the cruise
and I will get instruction from all of them?
A: It is the intention of GE and all the instructors that every BJJ participant will have instruction time with all of our
champions. Unfortunately we have no control over “unforeseen circumstances” (illnesses or other personal issues
experienced by any instructor).
All seminars will have registrations on a first come first serve basis. All instructors will teach multiple sessions, so you
should have a chance to train with every black belt you wish. A schedule of seminars will be released shortly before
we sail. We will also provide schedules onboard the ship, and it will be posted in your cabin.
Q: How do I make changes to my existing reservation?
A: Any changes in registrations must be made via the online registration system. Until approximately 45 days prior to
sailing, most changes to existing registrations can be made by logging into the cruise registration system by clicking
on the “Book Now” button on the Grapplers Escape website, clicking on the “View My Account” button on the
bottom of the screen. Within 45 days of sailing, any change requests will need to be submitted via email to
[email protected]. Note: a change in registration but not a total cancellation, such as a
stateroom category downgrade, may result in additional fees.
Q: When and how will I receive my cabin assignment and cruise documents?
A: Approximately 4 weeks prior to the sailing date, guests who have booked and paid in full will receive an email
confirming their assigned stateroom number and booking number for the cruise. The email will also contain
instructions on how to check-in online via Carnival’s website where guests can sign up for shore excursions, make
specialty dining reservations and pre-register a credit card for onboard purchases. All guests are required to
complete this online registration at least 3 days prior to cruising. Cruise documents will be available for printing
through the cruise line’s online check-in approximately 3 weeks prior to sailing.
Q: What documentation is required to cruise?
A: Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise for all guests. Even though a
guest has completed the cruise line’s online registration, it is still guest’s responsibility to present the required travel
documents at the time of embarkation. Any guest without proper documents will not be allowed to board the vessel
and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued. Carnival Cruise Lines (“Carnival”), Grapplers Escape (“GE”) and its
agents/affiliates assume no responsibility for advising guests of proper travel documentation.
Carnival highly recommends all guests travel with a government-issued passport that is valid for at least 6 months
following the return of the cruise. Although a passport is not required for U.S. citizens taking cruises that begin and
end in the same US port, travelling with a passport may help to expedite your CBP clearance upon return to the US.
Additionally, passports are required in the event you need to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port should you miss your
scheduled port of embarkation or need to fly back to the US for emergency reasons.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows U.S. citizens (including children) sailing on cruises that begin
and end in the same U.S. port to travel with one of the WHTI compliant documents, listed below:
• Valid U.S. Passport
• Passport Card
• Original Birth Certificate issued by a government agency along with a government issued photo ID if 16 years of
age and older
• Original Certificate of Naturalization
• Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card, e.g., Nexus Card, Sentri Card or Fast Card
• Enhanced Tribal Card
• A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
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•
Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) – only acceptable at land and sea ports of entry. It cannot be used for air travel
outside the U.S. The word ‘Enhanced’ must appear on the driver’s license. The following five states currently
issue an EDL: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington.
Copies of US passports/naturalization papers, hospital certificates and baptismal certificates are not WHTI compliant
documents and are therefore NOT acceptable.
For more information on the documentation requirements, please see the cruise line’s website.
Q: Who May Sail?
A: Guests are responsible to ensure that they are eligible to sail according to Carnival’s requirements, including but not
limited to the following:
Infants must be at least 6 months old on the day of departure.
Women must be less than 24 weeks into their pregnancy on the day of departure and for the duration of the
cruise. This policy is due to the risk of premature labor. Pregnant women must have a letter signed by their
doctor (on the physician’s letterhead) stating how far along in weeks their pregnancy will be at the
beginning of the cruise, that mother and baby are in good health and fit to travel, and that the pregnancy is
not considered high-risk.
Adults must be 21 or older unless the guest is:
traveling in the same stateroom with an individual 25 years or older; or
traveling in the same stateroom with a spouse (proof of age and/or proof of marriage are required)
Guests not meeting the cruise line’s requirements will be denied boarding, and no refund of the cruise fare will be
issued. These policies are set by the cruise line (not GE), and no exceptions are allowed.
Q: What is the Customs procedure upon returning to Miami?
A: Detailed instructions about clearing customs will be provided onboard ship near the end of your cruise. Some
general guidelines/suggestions to keep in mind as you shop in foreign ports include: keep receipts for gifts and
purchases. U.S. residents visiting foreign ports have a duty-free allowance of $400 and those 21 years or older may
include one liter of liquor.
Q: When do we eat?
A: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the ship’s main dining rooms located on decks 3, 4 & 5. You can also enjoy
more casual, buffet-style meals at the Lido Market Place located on deck 10 and in Guy’s Burger Joint, which
features recipes from the bestselling author, restaurateur and Food Network personality, Guy Fieri. Other options
include the Sushi Bar (which serves sushi each evening prior to dinner), a 24-hour Pizzeria offering Caesar salad and
several types of pizza and a 24-hour self-serve soft ice cream and frozen yogurt.
The ship also offers two specialty dining experiences (reservations recommended and an additional surcharge
applies):
Cucina del Capitano offers a complimentary, casual self-service pasta bar at lunch as well as a full-service
dinner experience with a menu featuring Italian-American specialties
The Steakhouse - an elegant restaurant serving USDA prime beef and seafood entrées
All dining options and serving times are reflected in the ship’s onboard daily program.
Q: What is the bed configuration in cabins?
A: All double occupancy staterooms have two twin beds, which can be converted to a double-sized bed.
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Q: Can the ship accommodate special dietary needs?
A: Carnival can accommodate special diets that have been created in consultation with a dietary specialist. Selections
offered are for lunch and dinner in the main dining room only. Sample diets include: vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, low
fat, low sodium, low cholesterol, kosher meals, gluten free and lactose free. Please note any special dietary needs in
the Notes section of your reservation.
Q: Is room service complimentary to all guests?
A: A select room service menu is available to all guests on a complimentary basis.
Q: What types of accessibility options are available in cabins?
A: There are a limited number of wheelchair accessible cabins available onboard the ship. For people that do not use a
wheelchair but still need minimal assistance, bars and raised toilet seats can be accommodated in most cabins. In
addition, disposal units for needles, refrigerators for medication, and oxygen tanks can be put into most cabins upon
request. All of these items are available on a limited basis and should be requested in the Notes section of your
reservation. If you have an accessibility need, please send an email to [email protected].
Q: How do I book shore excursions?
A: You can purchase shore excursions on Carnival’s website once you receive your booking number and online check-in
instructions for the cruise (approximately 3 to 4 weeks prior to the sailing date).
Q: Can I take pictures and video onboard?
A: Yes, you can take photos and videos on board, but not during seminar instruction. There will be plenty of time to
take photos with each other and the instructors after the classes.
Q: Can I call my home while onboard?
A: The ship's telecommunications network offers direct dialing via satellite from the stateroom telephone, which is
available 24 hours a day regardless of the ship's location until 4:00am on the final day of the cruise when the service
is closed. The current rate is $1.99 per minute, and charges will be billed to the room’s primary guest’s on board Sail
and Sign account. Since all communication is via satellite, the charges apply to all calls including calling cards, credit
cards, 800 toll-free numbers and collect calls. Information and instructions can be found in the Ship’s Directory in
the stateroom.
We know many of you would like to leave an emergency contact number for family members not traveling with you.
In the event of a TRUE emergency, loved ones may contact our call center at 1-800-227-6482 on a 24/7 basis. Our
team will take down the caller's name and contact information and pass it on to our Guest Services team onboard
for delivery to the person being called.
Q: Is there Internet access onboard?
A: To keep you connected while at sea, all Carnival ships provide satellite Internet access facilitated through the
Internet Café and through the ship-wide Wi-Fi network. Further details regarding availability will be available
onboard ship.
Q: Will my cell phone work while at sea or in ports of call during the cruise?
A: Carnival, through agreement with Wireless Maritime Services, proudly offers an advanced roaming network on
board Carnival ships, allowing you to make and receive calls while at sea using compatible mobile phones that are
set to roaming. International roaming charges will be conveniently billed to you by your home mobile carrier. Mobile
phone service will be available for use while the ship is at sea.
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Rates for usage of your cellular phone are determined by your home mobile carrier. Please note that calls to 800,
888, 866 and 877 numbers are not toll free. You will be billed by your home mobile carrier for your international
roaming usage on your regular mobile phone bill. It can take up to 60 days for charges acquired while using your
cellular phone at these times to appear on your phone bill. For more information, please contact your home mobile
carrier customer service.
Q: Is laundry service available?
A: Yes - laundry, dry cleaning and pressing services are available for a fee. We recommend bringing at least 2, possibly
4 Gi’s or work out clothes as there is plenty of training to be had. The ship will provide laundry services daily for
Gi/workout clothing. Drop off will be by 4p each day, and the clothes will be returned clean at 1p the next day. So
plan accordingly.
Q: Are there hairdryers available in the cabins?
A: Yes.
Q: Are there irons and ironing boards available in the cabins?
A: Cabins do not have irons or ironing boards, however there is a full laundry and dry-cleaning service available
onboard for a reasonable rate. Please also note that irons are strictly prohibited onboard the ship. If you choose to
bring one with you, it will be confiscated from your luggage before sailing.
Q: Do cabins have safes?
A: Yes.
Q: What if I have special medical needs?
A: Any special needs must be indicated in the Special Requests/Notes section of the online registration and will be
addressed on a case-by-case basis. While there is no guaranty that all special needs/requests can be accommodated,
we will make best efforts to accommodate the need or provide an alternative if possible.
Q: Are wheelchairs available onboard?
A: The Carnival Breeze does NOT provide wheelchairs for onboard use. However, you can rent a wheelchair, motorized
wheelchair or scooter from the following vendors.
Care Vacations: 1-877-478-7827
Special Needs at Sea: 1-800-513-4515
Q: I’m bringing my own wheelchair, is the entire ship wheelchair accessible?
A: Not every area of the ship is wheelchair accessible. However, Carnival has made substantial modifications to
enhance your ability to move about the ship. The Carnival Breeze features Accessible Elevators at each elevator bank
with tactile controls within reach of guests who use wheelchairs.
Accessible Routes are available throughout most areas of the ship and signs are posted to assist you in locating these
pathways. There are also accessible seating within your ship's restaurants and lounges, and accessible public
restrooms.
Q: Can I bring more than one guest?
A: While some staterooms can accommodate more than two people with a sofa bed, upper berths stored in the
stateroom ceiling, etc., not all rooms can; and such accommodations are subject to availability at the time of
registration. Due to Coast Guard safety regulations, there cannot be more guests accommodated in a stateroom
than the designated occupancy for that room. Also, please be advised that each guest must be registered and paid
for in full in order to be allowed to board the ship.
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Q: Do I need to tip the cruise ship staff at the end of the cruise?
A: Gratuities are included with the total cruise price, which includes stateroom service team, dining room service team,
and alternative service team (galley, entertainment, guest services and other hotel staff members). If an employee
has gone above and beyond to assist you, you are more than welcome to provide an additional gratuity to the
employee.
Q: How do I make purchases onboard?
A: The cruise ship operates on a cashless system. Guests can validate their Sail & Sign card with their Visa, MasterCard
or American Express card, or sign for payment by cash or traveler's check. Guests can then sign all on-board services
and purchases to their account. At the end of the cruise, guests will receive a completely itemized statement.
Carnival does not accept personal checks, and only U.S. currency is accepted aboard the ships. There is an ATM
located onboard the ship.
Q: Does the ship have a fitness center?
A: Yes, there is a fitness center, which is open 24 hours a day and complimentary to all guests. Grappler’s Escape will
also be providing specialty fitness classes. Please see What’s Included.
Q: Can I bring my own beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) on the cruise ship?
A: Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board except that guests 21 years of age and older may
bring on board during the initial embarkation one unopened/sealed 750ml bottle of wine or champagne in their
carry-on luggage. A $15 corkage fee per bottle will be charged should you wish to consume this wine in the main
dining room or steakhouse. (A corkage fee is a charge exacted at a restaurant for every bottle of liquor served that
was not bought on the premises.)
Also on embarkation day, each guest may bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages on board and only in
their carry-on luggage. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 bottles and/or cans, 20 ounces each or less.
All alcohol/hard liquor/beer (sealed, unopened bottles/cans), wine/champagne over the allowable 1-bottle per
guest (sealed, unopened bottles) or excessive quantities of non-alcoholic beverages (over 12 per person, sealed,
unopened bottles/cans) will be confiscated and stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage. The retained
item(s) will be available for collection onboard in a designated location on the morning of debarkation. Unsealed
liquids that are prohibited will be discarded, as well as any unclaimed items left after the voyage, and no
compensation will be given in either case.
Q: What is the Smoking Policy onboard?
A: Effective on voyages departing October 9, 2014, or thereafter, all staterooms and suite accommodations are entirely
smoke free, including the outside balcony. This policy includes all forms of smoking, including but not limited to,
cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, and personal vaporizers.
Cigarette, E-cigarette and personal vaporizer smoking will continue to be allowed in designated exterior open deck
areas, as well as in the night club, and in certain areas within the casino (for playing guests) and casino bar.
Cigar and pipe smoking will continue to be allowed in designated exterior open deck areas and in jazz clubs (where
available).
Note: Guests who smoke in their staterooms or on their balconies will be assessed a $250 cleaning and refreshing
fee on their Sail & Sign account. Information on this fee is included in Carnival's cruise ticket contract. Guest agrees
to strictly comply with Carnival’s non-smoking policy.
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions about the cruise?
A: For questions about the ship or the registration process, email [email protected].
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Q: Who do I contact if I have questions about the event?
A: For questions about the Jiu-Jitsu cruise events, email [email protected].
Q: What is the closest airport to Miami?
A: Miami International Airport (MIA) is the closest airport - approximately 20 minutes from Port of Miami. You can also
fly into Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL), which is approximately 45 minutes from Port of Miami depending on traffic.
Q: What are the directions to Port of Miami?
A: Port of Miami is located at 1015 North America Way, Miami, Florida, 33132. Once on-site at the port, you can simply
follow the signs to the ship and parking area.
Via the Tunnel
From the North:
Take I-95 South to Eastbound I-395 (Miami Beach) Ramp. Continue on I-395 East and Tunnel Entrance is on your left.
From the South:
Take SR-826 North to SR-836 East, head Eastbound on SR-836 to I-395 East (Miami Beach). Continue on I-395
East/MacArthur Causeway and Tunnel Entrance is on your left.
Take I-95 North to Eastbound I-395 (Miami Beach) Ramp. Continue on I-395 East/MacArthur Causeway and Tunnel
Entrance is on your left.
From Miami Beach:
Take I-395/MacArthur Causeway Westbound and Exit on Biscayne Boulevard ramp. Make a u-turn on N. Bayshore
Drive to enter Eastbound MacArthur Causeway. Continue on Eastbound I-395 and Tunnel Entrance is on your left.
Via Downtown/Port Bridge
From the North:
Take I-95 South and exit 3B-Bayside. Head south to Northeast 5th Street and turn left. Fifth Street will lead onto the
Port of Miami bridge. Continue over the bridge and follow signage to designated terminal.
From the South:
Take I-95 North and exit at Northwest 2nd Street. Head straight to NW 5th Street and make a right. Fifth Street will
lead onto the Port of Miami bridge. Continue over the bridge and follow signage to designated terminal.
Q: Is there parking at Port of Miami?
A: Parking is available at the port at a cost of $20.00 USD per day (rates subject to change by the Port Authority).
Other notables include:
Garage Parking/Parking Lot #2 (an open, outdoor parking lot)
Accepted forms of payment: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, U.S Dollars, U.S. Traveler's Checks
No advance reservations required
Oversized vehicles that are 20' in length or more will be charged an add’l $20.00 USD per day and can only park
in Lot #2
Shuttle Service will pick you up at the Parking Garage/Lot and take you to the appropriate Cruise Terminal
location
Handicap Parking available with proof of valid permit
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Q: What time should I arrive at the pier?
A: Guests are required to check-in at least 1½ hours prior to departure and so should plan to arrive at the pier at least
two hours prior. If you complete the cruise line’s online registration in advance as requested, this will expedite your
check-in process.
Q: How early can I board the ship?
A: The ship has to be cleared by the US Customs and Border Protection Agency before guests can begin boarding, which
can be as early as 11:30am or noon but varies. Please note, however, that staterooms will not be available until
approximately 2:00pm.
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