Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor numbers on this cruise?

Are there children's programs onboard?

Will there be time for my children to enjoy the entertainment and amenities onboard?

My children are of various ages.  Will classes be multi-age or grouped by age?

Will my children be graded?  Will they receive a Certificate of Completion?

What about grown ups?  What's there to do for us?

Does the ship cater to special Dietary needs?

What are the guidelines for Tipping (Gratuities)?

 

What’s included in an Alumni Cruise price that’s not included in a regular cruise price?

For those never before cruisers let’s cover what a regular cruise price covers. Accommodations, gourmet meals in the dining rooms & cafes’ & snacks throughout the day.  Even 24 hr room service. All your entertainment, use of the fitness center, sports equipment, ship sponsored activities and more are included. 

Alumni Cruises includes all of the above and more. Please go to our “What’s Included” page for Alumni Cruises Exclusive Services.

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Will Alumni Cruises Staff members be onboard with us?

Yes, provided that the minimum number of guests are booked, and depending on the total number of bookings there can be as many as 3 Alumni Cruises Staff members onboard.

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What do the Alumni Cruises Staff members do onboard?

We are onboard to ensure your cruise meets and exceeds your expectations.  We will be there as your personal concierges, providing you with assistance in any matters or requests you may have.  We will be available 24 hours a day and just a phone call away.  We will also be coordinating all group activities, which may include raffles, daily newsletters, group shore excursions, parties, etc.

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Can I book this cruise through another travel agent or Royal Caribbean?

Yes you can.  BUT IF YOU purchase a cabin through an outside source (a Travel Agent, Royal Caribbean, etc.), you will be EXCLUDED from all Alumni Cruises related events, HotS events/classes, giveaways, raffles, private parties, daily newsletters, Alumni Cruises Staff member services, etc.

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Can I book this cruise if I am not a Homeschooler?

Absolutely. Anyone interested in participating, is more than welcome.

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PASSPORT INFO: What Travel Documents and identification do I need?

Royal Caribbean recommends that you have a current passport, but passports are not required until January, 2008.

For domestic travel which includes: the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, a passport is recommended.

In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original or a certified copy), plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state or local government agency is required (Drivers License).

A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship.

Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID.

Click here to find out more on what you will need

 

Click here to find out WHERE to get your Passport
Click here to find out HOW to get your Passport

 

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How early do I need to arrive if I make my own travel arrangements?

You should plan to arrive at the pier at least two hours before the ship is scheduled to depart.  Boarding times varies by itinerary.   Please check your cruise ticket booklet for confirmed boarding time. It is your responsibility to arrive on time. In preparation for prompt departure, cruise check-in will close 30 minutes prior to sailing.  Guests arriving after will not be permitted to board.

See the Transportation - Air / Ground page for more info.

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What will I be charged if I cancel?

Please see our Booking / Pricing Page

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Can I use my Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor numbers on this cruise?

Yes you can use your Crown & Anchor numbers to get credit for your cruise and receive your coupon booklets from RCCL, on all Alumni Cruises.  Either give your C & A numbers when you register or you can make sure you fill them in, on the RCCL website when you do your pre-boarding information online, just before the cruise.

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Are there children's programs onboard?

Fun isn't just for adults at Royal Caribbean. We offer exciting programs for guests of all ages, starting at just 6 months old! And you can feel confident leaving your children, over three years of age, with us because every member of our staff holds a college degree in education or other related field, or has qualified experience in working with children.

From 6-36 months of age, our tiniest guests and their parents are invited to participate in the Fisher-Price Aqua Babies and Aqua Tots Programs. Developed by Fisher-Price exclusively for Royal Caribbean International, these activities are hosted by trained youth staff. A parent or caregiver MUST accompany children during activity sessions.

Kids from 3-17 may take part in our complimentary Adventure Ocean® Youth Program. Adventure Ocean was specially designed to blend educational activities with just plain fun. To participate in our Adventure Ocean programs, children must be three years of age and potty-trained (diaper and pull-up free).

Click here to learn more about RCCL’s Family Cruising.

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Will there be time for my children to enjoy the entertainment and amenities onboard?

Of course!  We attempt to schedule our class work around the normal events on the ship.  All activities, whether they are Alumni Cruises, Homeschool on the Seas, or Royal Caribbean activities, are ALWAYS your choice to participate or not.

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My children are of various ages.  Will classes be multi-age or grouped by age?

On-board lessons are designed for children of multiple age groups and abilities. Children will be separated into groups for the on-board lessons.

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Will my children be graded?  Will they receive a Certificate of Completion?

Children will not be graded.  Children will receive a handsome Certificate of Completion.  Parents requesting additional documentation may contact the Director of Programming to satisfy your requests, prior to the cruise.

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Does the ship cater to special Dietary needs?

Yes. Royal Caribbean makes every effort to accommodate our guests' dietary requirements whenever possible. RCCL can accommodate special needs such as, Food Allergies, Gluten-free, Vegetarian (except for vegan/macrobiotic), Low-fat, Low-Sodium, lactose-free/Soy Milk, Ensure, and Kosher meals at no extra charge. Your choices can be selected on our Booking Form.

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What about grown ups?  Will there be classes for us?

This is an opportunity for you to take some time off and leave the teaching to fun, energetic and qualified instructors!   From sunrise to sunset and around every corner, there's something exciting for you to do on a Royal Caribbean International cruise vacation. Onboard, try the rock-climbing wall, or work out with a fitness trainer.  How about a swim or a relaxing massage?  Better yet, attend an art auction, or turn it out dancing in a nightclub.  There are even supervised activities for kids when they are not in lessons at the Adventure Ocean® youth Facilities.  And Shore & Land Excursions  are available. 

NOTE: Parents are welcome to attend the classes.

There is plenty for grown ups to do on board including:

Rock-climbing wall
Themed bars and lounges
Casino RoyaleSM
miniature golf
ShipShape® Day Spa and Fitness Center
 

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What are the guidelines for Tipping (Gratuities)?

So that you can thank those who have made your cruise vacation better than you could have imagined, Royal Caribbean has developed these gratuity guidelines:

Suite attendant:

$5.75 USD

a day per guest

OR    

Stateroom attendant:

$3.50 USD

a day per guest

     

Dining Room Waiter:

$3.50 USD

a day per guest

Assistant Waiter:

$2.00 USD

a day per guest

Headwaiter:

$.75 USD

a day per guest

Note: These gratuities apply to guests of all ages and are at your discretion for the service you receive.  Gratuities for other service personnel are at your discretion.  A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to your bar bill or wine check when you are served.

Envelopes for gratuities will be provided in your stateroom on the last night of the cruise. Gratuities may be paid in the following ways:
     1. Pre paid by having them added to your reservation by Alumni Cruises.
     2. Added to your onboard SeaPass account.
     3. Paid in cash at the end of the cruise.

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Can't find the answers to your questions?

Contact Us or try Royal Caribbean’s FAQ

 

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