Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in our 2023 Cruising Teachers cruise. If you are already booked, we’re looking forward to an awesome time! If you have not booked yet, we’d love to have you join us!
 
You must be booked through Superliner Travel, not directly through Carnival or through another travel agency, to be a part of our group. Current prices and a reservation form can be found under the “Rooms & Rates” tab on this website.
 
In mid-March 2023 everyone booked in our group will be mailed a customized Bon Voyage packet with lots of detailed information about your online check-in, embarkation procedures, the ship, ports, disembarkation, group events and more. Until then, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to help you out. If you have a question that is not listed, please reach out and we’ll be happy to assist: [email protected]
 
Booking information

• How much does the cruise cost and what is the deposit?

Full details and current rates can be found on our website under the “Rooms & Rates” tab. The lowest available rates are Early Saver rates, which are up to 20% off standard rates and require a nonrefundable deposit of $150 per person. However, Carnival frequently runs reduced deposit sales. Check the “Rooms & Rates” tab above for the most current info.
 
The rates listed on our webpage include all taxes and port fees. Rates listed are for the number of people in the room, not per-person. Rates will increase as the ship fills up. Booking early will lock in these rates for you. Deposits are nonrefundable and no name changes or room downgrades are allowed without penalty. After March 10, 2023, Early Saver rates are no longer available, prices will increase, and payment will be due in full at booking.  
 
Early Saver rates also offer price protection. If Carnival lowers the rate for your room type after you book, you get the difference back in onboard credit!

• When is final payment due and how do I make payments?

Once your deposit is paid, the remaining balance is due by March 10, 2023. When you book your cruise, you will receive a confirmation invoice. You will be able to view your balance and make payments anytime through the invoice link. You will receive a receipt and updated invoice each time you make a payment towards your cruise. Automatic equal monthly payments on the 1st or 15th of each month can be arranged if you prefer.
 
Carnival will not allow for extensions of final payment. If your cruise is not paid in full by March 10, 2023, it will automatically cancel, and you will lose your nonrefundable deposit. Cancellations negatively affect our group and the events we have arranged. Please be fully committed before making your booking. If you must cancel, please let us know as far in advance as possible.

• Can I book on my own and still participate in the group events or earn CEUs?

No, our group events are only open to guests booked in our through this website, Superliner Travel. Our events are planned exclusively for guests booked in our group. Booking directly through Carnival or through another travel agency/website will not allow you to be a part of our group. Please email [email protected] if you have any concerns.

• What if I find a lower rate elsewhere?

Occasionally past Carnival guests have a special rate that may be slightly lower or offer an additional perk. Often these rates can be booked into our group as well. If you are seeing a different rate, please email [email protected] and we’ll be happy to look into it for you.

• What travel documents are required?

All guests 16 or older will need either a passport OR a birth certificate + government issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license). If you are using a passport, it must be valid for at least 6 months after the end of the cruise.
 
Children 15 or younger may travel with a passport or a birth certificate (no photo ID required).
 
If you are not a US Citizen, please contact me prior to booking so we can ensure you have the proper travel documents.

• Will vaccines be required for the cruise?

Carnival is pleased to announce the adjustment of health protocols to reflect the lifting of CDC requirements on the US cruise industry. Effective October 25, 2022, vaccines and testing are no longer required for cruises less than 15 days in length. 
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• What is Carnival doing onboard regarding Covid-19? Cruise lines are working closely with the CDC and medical experts to ensure the highest level of safety for guests and crew. All crew are fully vaccinated and undergo regular Covid-19 testing and mitigation training. Extensive protocols are in place to mitigate the spread of all bacteria and viruses onboard the ship. High contact areas are continuously sanitized, and high-tech air filtration systems have been installed onboard to reduce the risk of airborne viruses. Everything onboard (dining, entertainment, etc.) is operating as normal. Guest safety is Carnival's highest priority.
  

 

• Who can book the cruise?

Our group is open to everyone, not just teachers. Many teachers bring their spouses and children. We also have several “non-teachers” who cruise with us each year. Everyone is also welcomed to join our group tours as well.

• Can I book a room for one person?

Yes. However, cruises are based on double occupancy. A solo cruiser will pay the same price as two cruisers, minus the second person’s taxes. The same two-person deposit will be due at booking. You can add someone to your room later if the ship still has capacity.

• Can I share a room with a roommate?

Yes. You can submit one booking form to charge the deposit on one card, or separate forms to charge on each person’s card. Just be sure to put in the comment box who you are rooming with if you submit separate forms.
 
**A word of caution… if one person cancels, the other person/people in the room will be paying a higher rate per person. Be sure everyone you’re rooming with is fully committed to the cruise and is able to make their final payment on time.

• What’s does the cruise fare include?

1. A well deserved vacation!
2. Your stateroom, featuring the Carnival Comfort Bed Collection and nightly turndown service... additional stateroom features include a television, in-stateroom safe, individual climate control, full bathroom and ample storage space.
3. Spectacular production shows and nonstop entertainment, including hysterical comedians
4. Numerous lounges featuring live music and entertainment
5. Pools, hot tub spas and waterslides; fitness center
6. Year round youth programs for kids 2-17 years of age
7. A variety of dining options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and late night in the Main Dining Room and/or Lido Restaurant.
8. A variety of dining options for breakfast, lunch and snacking at specialty food spots such as Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, International Buffet, Deli, Mongolian Wok and Ol' Fashioned BBQ.
9. 24-hour Pizzeria & soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt
10. The following beverages served in the Main Dining Room and 24/7 in the Lido Restaurant: non-bottled water, lemonade, iced tea, hot chocolate and non-specialty coffee and tea

 

• What will cost extra?

There are few extra costs that are not included in your cruise fare:   

1. Gratuities – tips are $14.50 per person per day ($16.50 for suites). See below for gratuity information.
2. Sodas & alcohol – Drinks such as water, juice, coffee, tea, lemonade, etc. are complimentary. Sodas and alcohol are extra. Unlimited soda and alcohol packages are available for purchase; see below for more info.
3. Travel insurance – You will receive a travel insurance quote with your cruise confirmation. You’ll be able to view and purchase the policy if you wish.  
4. Specialty dining – There is one specialty steakhouse restaurant onboard that has a small fee. There is also a Seafood Shack with a very small upcharge. There are plenty of complimentary dining options.
5. Souvenirs/Gambling/Shops – There are many activities you may wish to participate in onboard the ship that will cost extra. These include things like gambling, shopping, bingo etc. All of these are optional.
6. Shore excursions – Optional shore excursions are available in Cozumel and Costa Maya. (See below for more information)

 

• Are there wheel-chair accessible rooms?
  Yes, Carnival has a limited number of accessible rooms onboard. Please email [email protected] prior to booking if you need an accessible room.

 

• Cancellation/Refunds

Early Saver deposits are nonrefundable. All amounts become nonrefundable after final payment. Optional travel insurance is available for purchase to cover your cruise fare.

• Is travel insurance available?

You will receive a travel insurance quote with your booking confirmation. Travel insurance is based on your age and the cost of your cruise fare. You’ll be able to view the policy coverages and cost from the link in the email and purchase the policy if you wish. Travel insurance is highly recommended, but completely optional.

• Is parking available at the port?

Parking is available in a secure lot at the cruise terminal in New Orleans. The cost is $110 per vehicle for a 5-day cruise. Payment is due via cash or credit card when entering the lot.
 
CEUs & Group Tours

• How are CEUs earned?

Our Mayan Discovery Tour, which consists of two tours - one in Costa Maya & one in Cozumel - has been approved for 1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through William Carey University. Teachers will participate in both tours during our port calls. We will then meet briefly on the ship on the last sea day to review our experience and complete paperwork necessary for the CEU application. A $15 check made out to William Carey University will be due with the application, along with a signed time sheet and course evaluation form. William Carey University will email CEU certificates upon our return.

There are no boring meetings or seminars required onboard the ship. The cruise is yours to enjoy. Optional CEUs are earned from our group shore excursions only. 

• How will this experience help teachers grow professionally?

A better understanding of other cultures will help teachers foster a more inclusive learning environment sensitive to the needs of diverse students and their families. Understanding and servicing diverse student needs, fostering an inclusive learning environment, establishing and maintaining effective communication with parents, and proactively seeking out and engaging in professional learning activities are all components of the Mississippi Department of Education’s Professional Growth Objectives for teachers.
 
In addition, this activity will allow participants to explore several cross curricular objectives to improve the effectiveness of their classroom instruction. Objectives will be accomplished through hands-on experiences, allowing participants to become authentically engaged and fully immersed in their own learning. These firsthand experiences will allow teachers to vividly share newly gained knowledge with their classroom students.

• Who is eligible for CEUs?

All Mississippi teachers booked in our group are eligible for CEUs through William Carey University by participating in this activity. Unfortunately, we cannot offer SEMI credits for administrators.
 
At this time, we cannot offer CEUs for teachers in other states. However, feel free to email [email protected] if you have a group of teachers from another state that may be interested in participating in our group.

• What if I don’t need CEUs?

If you do not need or want CEUs, you are welcome to still participate in our group tours. You can also join us as “cruise only” and not participate in the tours.

• How much do the tours cost?   

Detailed information about the Mayan Discovery tours can be found under the Tour & CEU tab on CruisingTeachers.com.  
 
Ship Life​

• What’s included onboard?

Nearly everything onboard is included in your cruise fare: all food (except the Steakhouse), some drinks (water, juice, coffee, tea, lemonade etc.), nonstop entertainment, and more. Cruising truly is the best vacation value!

• What’s extra onboard?

Sodas and alcoholic beverages are not included. Optional activities such as gambling, shopping, spa services, etc. are not included. Gratuities and port excursions are not included.
      

• How much are gratuities?

Onboard service gratuities are $14.50 per person, per day ($16.50 for suites). These can be paid before the cruise through your Cruise Manager, or they will be charged onboard at the end of your cruise. Service gratuities are divided among your room steward and your waitstaff at the various dining locations onboard.

• What drink packages are available?

Carnival offers an alcoholic beverage package for $56.95 per person per day (Pre-cruise purchase) or $64.95 per person per day onboard. If one person purchases the package, every adult in the room must purchase the package. The package includes up to 15 alcoholic beverages per day, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages including sodas, bottled water, milkshakes, and specialty coffee.
 
Carnival also offers an unlimited soda package for $9.50 per person per day for adults or $6.95 per person per day for children under 18.
 
Once you’re booked, drink packages can be purchased on Carnival.com under the “Manage my booking” tab using the confirmation number in your invoice. Full details on the packages are available prior to purchasing.
 
You can also purchase drinks by the glass. If you do not plan to drink more than 5 or so alcoholic drinks per day, you will most likely save money buying drinks by the glass rather than purchasing a drink package. 

• Can I bring beverages onboard?

Guests are allowed to bring one bottle of wine/champagne and one 12 pack can of sodas per person onboard at embarkation. These must be carried on with you and cannot be packed in your luggage. No plastic bottles are allowed, only cans. You can also order bottled water and sodas to be waiting in your room through Cruise Planner on Carnival.com.

• What about shore excursions?

You can view and purchase excursion options by logging in to your Cruise Planner on Carnival.com. We also have our group excursions that qualify for CEUs listed on the webpage.  

• What about dining times?

We have a reserved block of tables at Early dining (5:45) for everyone booked in the group so we will all be seated in the same area of the dining room. This is a great way to catch up and fellowship each evening. Carnival also has late dining at 8:00 or anytime dining if you prefer not to be seated with the group.  
 
The buffet is open during dinner also if you prefer a more casual atmosphere some nights. There are numerous breakfast and lunch options available around the ship.

• What about dress code?

Carnival is a very casual cruise line. The only dress code requirements are in dining areas. At breakfast and lunch, anything goes except swimsuits in the dining areas. For dinner in the main dining room, there will be four casual nights and one elegant night. On casual nights, shorts, t-shirts, and jeans are acceptable. On elegant night, dresses or pant suits are recommended for women and slacks and dress shirts are recommended for men. No ties, suits, tuxedos, ballgowns etc. are required. The buffet is also open for dinner if you don’t want to dress up for the main dining room.

• What about communication onboard?

Cell phones generally do not work while at sea and may be subject to very high fees imposed by your carrier. It’s best to keep them in airplane mode while onboard the ship. You can make phone calls from your room for $1.99 per minute.
 
Carnival also offers several excellent Wi-Fi packages at very reasonable rates, starting at about $8.50 per day. This will allow you to communicate via messaging apps like Facebook messenger, Twitter etc. You may also be able to send and receive text messages with a Wi-Fi package, depending on your carrier. Wi-Fi packages can be purchased at discounted rates pre-cruise through your Cruise Planner. 

• What is the Carnival Hub app?

Carnival offers a free app for your smart phone called Carnival Hub. By downloading this app, you’ll have access to several things before your cruise and during your cruise.
      
Before your cruise, you’ll be able to view and purchase shore excursions, spa treatments, specialty dining, Wi-Fi package and more. You’ll also be able to complete your online check-in once the cruise is closer.
 
During your cruise, you’ll be able to use the app to see a daily schedule of events, view menus, order room service/pizza delivery anywhere on the ship, view your onboard account balance, deck plan, photos and more. You do not have to purchase a Wi-Fi package to use any features of the app onboard the ship.
 
The Carnival Hub app also offers a chat feature to keep you connected to friends and family onboard for only $5 per user for the entire voyage.

• What about motion sickness?

Motion sickness is very rare on ships this large. The ship also has stabilizers that help prevent rolling in rough seas. There are several great over the counter medicines to help with motion sickness if needed.

• Can I wash my clothes onboard?

There are self-serve laundromats located on each deck for a small fee. Detergent is available for purchase as well. You can also pay for Carnival to wash your laundry for you. Details will be in your stateroom.
   

• Is smoking allowed onboard?

All staterooms and balconies and most areas of the ship are nonsmoking. There are designated smoking areas located around the ship.

• Is there medical center onboard?

Yes. The ship is equipped with a medical staff of doctors and nurses. The medical center can perform a wide array of treatments onboard the ship. They also have over the counter medications available for purchase.

• Are there children’s programs onboard?

Yes. Camp Ocean is available for children of all ages. You will receive a schedule of events at embarkation. Children can be left at the camp during normal operating hours free of charge. You’ll be given a pager in the event your child needs you. After-hour babysitting services are available for a fee. There are also teen clubs and scheduled events available for older children.
 
Group Events

• What group events are being planned onboard?

We have several onboard events planned for our group. More details and specifics will be available as the cruise nears. Please note, these events are only open to those booked into our group through Superliner Travel. Reservations made directly through Carnival or other travel agencies are not a part of the group.

• Group Dining—we have a block of tables reserved in the dining room for dinner each night so we can all dine together.
• Sail Away Party/Meet & Greet! - Join us around the pool for the Sail Away party as we depart New Orleans.
• Group Excursions— Our group excursions are listed on the webpage. You’re also welcomed to book something different if you prefer.
• Bon Voyage Gift—A welcome aboard gift from Superliner Travel will be delivered to your room on the first evening.
• Bon Voyage Info Packet – A personalized packet of info will be mailed to you in August to ensure you’re ready to have the best cruise possible.

 
Post Cruise​

• What time will we be able to disembark the ship?

The ship will dock in New Orleans early in the morning on the day of disembarkation. Guests are usually allowed to start leaving the ship by 7:00 am. All guests are typically off the ship by 10:00 am at the latest. You will be assigned a disembarkation group and time to leave the ship. If you drove to port, your vehicle will be parked right above the ship terminal where you left it.

If you have any other questions, please email [email protected]