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Is a passport required for this cruise?
Carnival highly recommends all guests travel with a passport (valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel). Although a passport is not required for U.S. citizens taking cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port, travelling with a passport enhances your disembarkation experience, as delays may be expected upon your return to the U.S. if you do not have one. Additionally, passports make it easier for you 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 U.S. for emergency reasons.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows U.S. citizens (including children) sailing on cruises that begin in the same U.S. port to travel with one of the following WHTI compliant document:
- Valid U.S. Passport
- Original or certified copy of a Birth Certificate
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Passport Card

A government-issued photo ID is also required for all guests, including children 16 and over. For more information, a complete list of WHTI-compliant documents or to obtain a passport application, visit www.travel.state.gov.

All guests must present a passport, or other documents listed above upon embarkation. Guests without their required documents will be denied boarding and no refund will be issued. Please understand that Carnival will strictly enforce this requirement to be in compliance with this important U.S. Government mandate.


What is the physical address for the port of New Orleans?
Port of New Orleans
Erato Street Terminal
1100 Port of New Orleans Place
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-1733
www.portno.com

Travel Time: 16 miles from the New Orleans International Airport; travel time is approximately 40 minutes. DIRECTIONS TO THE PORT From Interstate 10 East to New Orleans


How do I drive to the port?
Follow the signs to the New Orleans Business District, U.S 90 West, Crescent City Connection to the West Bank.
Take exit 11-C, Tchoupitoulas/South Peters Street.
Proceed down the ramp to the ground level.
At the second traffic light, turn right. This is Tchoupitoulas Street.
At the next traffic light, turn left. This is Henderson Street.
Go two blocks (cross over the railroad tracks) and turn left. This is Port of New Orleans Place.
The Erato Street Terminal is directly ahead. Harbor Police will be directing traffic.


What about parking?
Credit Card or Cash: (rates subject to change by the Port Authority)
$16.00 per day 
$32.00 per day (oversized vehicles)
Full payment due upon entering the parking garage.
Accepted forms of payment: U.S Dollars or Credit Cards
6-story building; garage on floors 3-6; 1000 parking spaces
The garage is secure, lighted and patrolled.
Handicap Parking available with proof of valid permit.
No advance reservations required.

What about hotel accommodations?
Our travel agent (InterWorld Travel) can provide information on hotel accommodations for you before or after the cruise. We have a block of rooms at a special rate at a nearby hotel. Call 800-993-8785 for assistance.


Can you help with airline arrangements? Our travel agent (InterWorld Travel) can arrange airline reservations for you. Please call 800-993-8785 for a quote on round trip airfare when your travel plans are firm. Actual ticket price is determined at the time payment is made and tickets are issued.


Will I get seasick?
Seasickness is very rare on ships as large as ours. All our ships are equipped with stabilizers which are designed to keep them smooth and steady in the water. If you should feel queasy, medicine is available from your cabin steward, the Information Desk or from the doctor.


Is there a doctor onboard?
Yes, a qualified physician and nurse from our medical staff are on call 24 hours a day. Infirmary hours for medical examinations can be found in your Carnival Capers. A professional fee will be charged. If you should come down with a contagious disease, or even suspect a contagious disease, it is compulsory that you report it to the ship's doctor for the safety of everyone on board. Should you be on any medication, or want the medical staff to be aware of any special needs, please contact our infirmary. This will ensure they will be prepared should you need assistance. Our doctors are independent contractors.


What about my medications?
Please carry your required medication in your pocket or purse so that it will be available when needed. Checked luggage may not be accessible at all times. If you're using any prescription drugs, vitamins or other medication on a regular basis, you should bring an adequate supply with you since these may not be readily available either aboard ship or in our ports of call. Commonly used medications may be purchased at the office of the ship's doctor.


What is Sail & Sign?
Sail & Sign is Carnival's cashless on board credit program which allows guests to charge purchases directly to a personal account for convenience throughout the cruise.

Registration will take place on sailing day at embarkation or on board at the Information Desk. The completed application form (included in the cruise documents) must be submitted along with a 1) credit card, 2) U.S. currency, or 3) traveler's checks.

Personalized Sail & Sign cards will be provided to all guests on a booking (including minors) and are valid for use immediately upon boarding the ship.

The Information Desk can provide guests with a balance update at any time throughout the cruise.

All charges will automatically be billed to the guest's credit card at the end of the voyage. On the final morning of the cruise, a statement detailing all purchases made with the Sail & Sign card will be delivered to the guest's stateroom. The total amount will be applied to the credit card presented during registration. For those guests who put down a cash deposit, if there is an overpayment at the end of the cruise, the guest will receive the overpayment in the form of a check attached to their detailed statement on the final morning of the cruise.

Any inquiries regarding a Sail & Sign Account made after the cruise, need to be referred to the Guest Relations Department (71551) for researching.

Deposit with a Credit Card

Credit Cards are accepted as a form of deposit to open a Sail & Sign Account at the start of the cruise. The following credit cards are accepted

Visa
MasterCard
Discover® Network
American Express
Diner's Club
Optima Card

Note:

      • The American Express "Persona Select" is not an acceptable credit card.

      • Regular ATM debit cards are not acceptable.

      • Guests may use a checking account debit card as long as it is a registered
         MasterCard or Visa card.

      • A guest traveling without his/her parents cannot use the parents' credit card
         even with the parents' written permission

      • The cardholding guest must be an authorized signer by the card issuing bank.

      • Upon completion of the Sail & Sign Application Form, the cardholder agrees
         to pay for the individuals indicated on the form; it is not necessary for these
         individuals to be booked in the same room as the cardholder.

Important Note: A hold will be placed on the credit card or checking account debit card at the beginning of the cruise as a deposit for an onboard purchases. This will reduce the amount of available credit on the credit card or restrict the availability of cash in the checking account. The hold will be released and actual charges will be billed at the end of the cruise.

The following dollar amounts, per guest, are used as a deposit when the Sail & Sign Account is opened:
2-4 day cruises: $100 deposit pp
5-8 day cruises: $200 deposit pp
9 + day cruises: $350 deposit pp

Deposit with U.S. Currency or Traveler's Checks
U.S. Currency and traveler's checks are accepted as a form of deposit to open a Sail & Sign Account at the start of the cruise. As the guest approaches the deposit limit, the Information Desk will notify the guest that additional money must be deposited.

Uses for the Sail & Sign Card The Sail & Sign Card must be utilized for the following; cash will not be an accepted form of payment:
Beverage purchases: A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to the
    bill which the guest may adjust appropriate to the service received.
Shore excursion tours
In-room calling charges
Infirmary charges
Valet laundry charges
Photo purchases: On debarkation day, cash is only accepted.
Video service
Gift Shops
Steiner's spa and salon
Formality Shop (flowers; tuxedo; chocolates)
European Cafe (specialty coffees and pastries)
Supper Club
Camp Carnival babysitting fees
Gratuities for shipboard staff

BOARDING CARD

Your Sail & Sign Card will serve as your Boarding Card. This card identifies you as a Carnival guest and must be carried with you along with picture identification when you go ashore. Because the ship is closed to the public while docked at the various ports-of-call, you’ll have to show your Sail & Sign Card and picture I.D. to the officer on duty in order to return on board.


Do you have luggage restrictions?
Guests are encouraged to limit their checked luggage to two suitcases per person, with each suitcase not to weigh more that 50 pounds and not exceed 16"h x 24"w x 30"length. Please attach your Carnival Cruise Lines luggage tags PRIOR to leaving home and make sure that they are still on your bags when checking in with us. In many ports, guests have the option of carrying luggage on board at embarkation and off the ship at the end of the cruise as long as it does not exceed 24"w x 16"h. This is an advantage you may want to consider as it will allow for quicker easier access to your bags.

If you are traveling by air, please remember that each airline has its own luggage restrictions on the maximum number, size, and weight of bags allowed per person. You are responsible for contacting you airline to learn about their individual luggage restrictions and policies.


What is the tipping policy onboard?
We have already covered your standard gratuity guidelines.


Does the ship offer internet service?
Yes, the Fascination does have an internet cafe. There you can use the cafe computers to access the internet and send and receive email. The charges range from $.75 per minute to package deals of 30 minutes for $16.50 and 60 minutes for $24. These rates are subject to change. You will be able to connect your personal computer to the internet through a wireless network located in the internet cafe area. Wireless packages start at $25 for a 33 minute block of time. If you do not have a wireless card, you may rent one from the internet cafe. Note: rates are subject to change.


What to do with your valuables?
We're sure you'll want to bring your camera, jewelry and other valuable items with you on your cruise. However, since the ship cannot accept responsibility for any articles left in the stateroom, public areas or packed in your luggage, we suggest the use of a safety deposit box or cabin safe. For your convenience and protection, safety deposit boxes are available at the Information Desk.


What is the Fountain Fun Card?
Carnival offers to all guests the option to purchase a "Fountain Fun Card" which will allow them unlimited soft drinks for the duration of the cruise at a one time purchase price (including gratuities). The "Fountain Fun Card" can be purchased at the lobby and pool bar onboard the ship. In all locations where beverage service is offered, guests may receive a glass of the soft drink of their choice - one glass will be served at a time and only to the guest whose name appears on the card. The card cannot be used through room service.

NOTE: A 15% gratuity will automatically be added on at the time of purchase of the Fountain Fun Card.


Photographic Experiences
Remember to keep smiling! You never know when the Ship's Photographer may take a candid picture of you. The photos will be on display and are available for purchase. Special requests can be made by appointment and are available for a fee. If you like taking your own pictures, film for cameras is on sale in the duty-free shop. One-day developing service is available on board ship. See the Photo Gallery Office for details. Please see Photographic Experiences for more information.


Birthdays and Anniversaries
If you're going to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary during your cruise, please let the Maitre d' know. Or contact our travel agent (Inter World Travel at 800-993-8785) for special pre-cruise arrangements.


Where is the lost and found?
The Lost and Found is located at the Information Desk. If you've lost anything, you should report the item to the Information Desk and ask if it has turned up yet. If you find anything, please turn it in there. After the ship returns to your port of origin, all found and unclaimed articles will be sent to the company headquarters in Miami where they can be claimed.


What about electrical appliances?
Bring them with you by all means. Aboard all the "Fun Ships" the current in the staterooms is 110 volts AC and is capable of handling all normal appliances such as electric razors, hair dryers and hot curlers. However, some appliances may require use of an adapter.


What about towels?
Towels are supplied on deck by the pool, so please don't bring any up from your stateroom.


Can I use my cell phone on the cruise?
Yes, cell phone service is available onboard the ship. International Roaming rates will apply, so check with your cell phone service provider to determine what the charges will be.


What to wear?
Casual attire is the order of the day. We suggest shorts, sundresses, tank tops, etc. for the ladies, and for men; shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts, etc. will do. We suggest you wear rubber-soled, low heeled or flat shoes for extra traction while onboard. The use of any footwear with wheels, including but not limited, to Heelys© shoes, is prohibited on board our ships. For dining you may want to dress up a bit and/or bring along a light sports jacket or cardigan.

Most evenings we have a Cruise Casual dress code, but there are those Cruise Elegant evenings one or two nights throughout your “Fun Ship” voyage, where you will have the opportunity to showcase your more elegant attire. For those who want casual attire for dinner time, the Seaview Bistro on the Lido Deck is open nightly, and has a more relaxed theme. Both dress codes for the dining rooms are described below.

Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs). Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, and sleeveless shirts for men.

Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so. Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too! Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.