Frequently Asked Questions

Thursday, March 5 – 9, 2020 Carnival Paradise
Departure port: Tampa, FL Port of call: Cozumel, Mexico. NOTE: Pursuant to the Ship’s policy, passengers are responsible for providing their own cabin mates.

1. Question: What is the name of the Cruise Ship?

Answer: The Carnival Paradise®

2. Question: What is included in the Cruise rate?

Answer: The price includes your stateroom, entertainment, meals (except in specialty restaurants), beverages (except soda and alcohol), government taxes and fees, port charges. Note CWSC’s core values discourage consumption of alcohol; however, as a guest CWSC Conferee, your choice to consume alcohol is your right or privilege.

Port charges include but are not limited to: (i) taxes/fees assessed by governmental and other agencies; (ii) cost incidental to entering/leaving ports such as pilotage; (iii) costs incurred while in port.

The cruise vacation price does not include air transportation, shore excursions, telephone calls, internet service, photographs, soda or alcoholic beverages, gratuities on drinks and in specialty restaurants, medical services, gift shop or souvenir purchases, beauty/barber/massage services and gambling/casino fees. Note CWSC’s core values discourage gambling; however, your choice to do so as a guest CWSC Conferee is your right or privilege. CWSC Intelligentsia Programming Presentation fees are also not included in the cruise fare.

3. Question: Is airfare included in the cost of the cruise?

Answer: No. Airline tickets are purchased separately and are not included in the price of the cruise. You can arrange your own flight or call Carnival and compare the cost of a combined Cruise-Flight package. Note to take advantage of Carnival’s Cruise-Flight package, your cruise fare is first reserved under your name with $150 deposit paid. Then once you’re within 330 days of your departure date, you can call for flight information. Don’t delay reserving your cabin though awaiting the 330-day flight check period. IMPORTANT: When arriving for your cruise, it is not advised to have a flight arriving after 2 p.m. EST. When departing to return home at cruise end, it is not advised to schedule a flight departure prior to 11:30 a.m. EST. 

Carnival does not make hotel reservations.

4. Question: Into which airport should I fly?

Answer: Tampa International Airport. If flying into the area, it is highly suggested that you arrive at least the day before the Cruise departs for the most prudent planning. To arrive the day of the Cruise, it is not recommended to fly in after 2 p.m. EST. Give yourself plenty of time to get through any checkpoints at Tampa International and to travel to the ship. Time of travel from Airport to Cruise Terminal is approximately 28 minutes with traffic.

5. Question: When should I plan to arrive to and depart from for the cruise?

Answer: Arrival Please plan at the latest to make your arrival on the date of sail no later than 12pm. For maximum convenience, arrive at the check-in time that will be provided in your cruise boarding instructions.

Departure…Due to potential weather issues, we recommend that you make flight reservations for after 1pm on the day of departure.

6. Question: Is transportation available from the airport to the pier? Do you need my flight itinerary?

Answer: Yes, Carnival offers transportation service between the airport and the port on embarkation and debarkation days. Transfers can be purchased on Carnival’s website or by calling your travel agent or 1-800-CARNIVAL.

7. Question: What types of payments will be accepted?

Answer: Credit cards (MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover), personal check, cashier’s check, or money order.

8. Question: What happens if I am not able to make the cruise once I have paid?

Answer: Troubles can occur when you least anticipate them forcing you to cancel or interrupt your trip, lose your vacation investment, and incur unplanned expenses. We strongly encourage you to consider the purchase of travel insurance from a national insurer such as Travel Guard (800) 826-4919, reference number [pending]) or type “travel insurance” into a search engine. Insurers usually require the purchase of coverage to occur near the date of booking.

9. Question: What is accepted as valid proof of citizenship for a United States citizen?

Answer: A current passport is mandatory, as it will speed up your embarkation check-in as well as your debarkation formalities with government officials. A voter registration card or Social Security Card is not considered to be proof of citizenship. Visas are not required for U.S. citizens. Minors can bring birth certificate and a picture government ID. ID not required for younger children under age 16 years. Make sure your passport does not expire during the cruise. IMPORTANT: If your minor child were to be in an emergency circumstance and need to return with you to the U.S. by airplane instead of with Carnival, be advised a birth certificate will not clear customs for entry into the country. All U.S. citizens entering the country by airplane must have a valid passport. Thus the highest ID readiness is a U.S. passport. Visit www.carnival.com website for things to know ‘Before You Cruise’ Help sections for minor guest policy. Age of guests will be verified at embarkation.

Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise. Even though a guest has completed registration using Online Check-in, it is still the responsibility of the guest to present the required travel documents at the time of embarkation. Guests should check with their travel agent and/or government authority to determine the travel documents necessary for each port of call. Any guest without proper documents will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of proper travel documentation.

10. Question: Can I get Internet access aboard the ship?

Answer: There is internet aboard the ship and levels of wifi access plans. Internet access is billed at rates established by Carnival. Currently rates range from $8 – $17 per day based on plan. You can visit the Carnival website for correct rate information and possibly save if you order wifi online before boarding or other deadline.

11. Question: What about my personal smartphone?

Answer: As soon as you set foot on the ship, typically a phone carrier message arrives notifying you that you’re now roaming internationally. But don’t wait for the message. Shut it down before boarding. Don’t get caught with sticker shock over international charges for smart or cellphone usage. Besides, you’re on a cruise and a getaway from the routine, hustle and bustle. Best to shut down your phone and store in your Cabin until Cruise end.

12. Question: How are onboard purchases charged?

Answer: Carnival accepts VISA, MasterCard, Discover®, American Express, Diner’s, JCB (Japanese Credit Bureau), Carnival MasterCard with FunPoints®, VISA and MasterCard Prepaid Gift Card and cash for a deposit on your account.

Sail & Sign is Carnival’s on board cashless credit program, which allows you to charge all your services, gratuities and purchases during your cruise to your stateroom. All locations on board will accept your Sail & Sign card for payment; A credit card or cash deposit is needed to establish your personal on board account. For gratuities, you will usually find it more convenient to pay gratuity once online at your Carnival cruise account before boarding.

13. Question: What if I need to cancel my trip?

Answer: Knowing that unforeseen situations may present, the Carnival policy is if you are canceling your booking prior to your final payment, there is no penalty to cancel unless you have booked a specific promotion with a non-refundable deposit and/or fare. Carnival recommends that guests purchase some form of travel insurance to help protect against cancellation penalties as well as to have coverage while traveling. For your convenience, Carnival offers Vacation Protection. For more information visit https://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/vacation-protection.aspx. Cancellations made after 1/05/20 will be assessed appropriate cancellation penalties.

14. Question: Will my U.S. health insurance policy cover me?

Answer: It is highly unusual for your U.S. health insurance policy no matter how good it is, to follow you and offer protection outside the U.S. Your travel insurance provider can assist with comprehensive insurance to cover health and other risks. Carnival offers comprehensive coverage for a multitude of risks for about $65 maximum per person. Inquire when reserving your cabin or check online for other service providers and their policies for using the insurance vs. Carnival’s.

Visit http://www.carnival.com website for things to know ‘Before You Cruise’ Help sections for minor guest policy. Age of guests will be verified at embarkation.