FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is it too late for any others to join us on the cruise?
No. People can continue to book cabins up to about a week or 2 before we leave or, until the ship fills up (aka sells out). Now would be a good time to encourage those not sure yet to jump on. As some of you have recently found out Royal Caribbean has temporarily dropped the prices in just about all cabin categories on our ship. However chances are that this price drops won't last.

I can't come to Florida on Sunday (Oct 31). Can I fly down the day the ship leaves on Sun, Oct 31?
Yep you can. However we encourage (and advise) everyone to come down a day early in order to avoid any problems you might have with these unstable airlines such as flight cancellations, delays, missed connections, lost luggage, etc.

What happens if any of the above airline issues occur and I miss the ship? Well in short,,,your caught up! Cruise ships don't wait or go back to port for anyone. Once it leaves, its gone. You'd have to catch up with the ship and board at our next stop, Philipsburg, St. Marteen (on Wednesday Nov 3).
Sorry, theres no 'I Love Lucy', episode where they'd helicopter you out,,,lol.

If that happens would I get a refund or credit?
No. Cruise ships aren't like the airlines where they credit you for a future cruise or offer you a refund.

How many clothes should I bring, and is there a luggage limit?
Bring as many change of clothes as you want. You can Diana Ross it up,,lol. You'll need daytime wear, nighttime wear, deck wear, club/party clothes, swim wear, a formal outfit, dinner outfits, ,etc etc...lol. Remember, this is a 6 day 5 night trip, so pack like you know,,lol.
Cruise ships aren't like the airlines, you can check/bring as much luggage on board as you please. But keep in mind that if your flying, airlines limit you to only 2 checked bags and 1 carry-on. Anything extra the airlines will charge you for.

I'm coming into Florida on Saturday night. Do I have to stay at the South Beach pre-cruise hotel or can I stay somewhere up in Miami near the ship port at a different, less expensive hotel?
Yes you can. The hotels listed in the last e-mail were 'suggested', not required. You should stay where your budget calls for you to and what's most convenient.

Since I'm coming in so late on Saturday, I'll miss the South Beach beach party at 3p, and the 5p 'meet n greet ' . How will I catch up with everyone?
Never you fret, your still good to go. Those of us that ain't too drunk and tore down from the 1st 2 events of that day will be meeting up at Club Twist in South Beach that Saturday night at 12mid for our 'official' Bon Voyage party.

Is Strongarm providing any shuttle or transportation this year?
No. Everyone is on there own as far as transportation and getting around goes.

When do we get our cruise documents?
Our documents/cruise tickets will be delivered to AAA around mid-October. If you live outside of Michigan make sure that you contact Danielle (our cruise rep) in order to make arrangements for your cruise documents to be either mailed to you or for you to possibly pick them up at your local AAA office.

What time are we all meeting on Saturday to board the ship?
12noon in the ship port waiting lounge. It would be real kewl if we all were able to board the ship together. However if you'd perfer to board later, you have until 4p. Ship leaves at 5p

What will I need to have with me when I check in before boarding?
For starts you'll need your filled out cruise documents/tickets, a passport or birth certificate (with raised seal, not a kinko's copy), your ID, and a credit card for your on board purchases.
(Cash can be used if you don't have a credit card available but, that has to be handled after you board at the Purser's Office).

Can I bring my own liquor on board?
This has been the most asked question of all,,,lol.
In short the answer is NO. (That of course is my official reply). However... (edited by webmaster - for the rest of this answer, emal me.

FAQ - Series 2

What's the earliest and latest time can we board the ship? The ship usually allows passengers to start boarding around 11:30a, usually. The latest you can board is around 4 - 4:15p.

Are we responsible for getting our own luggage onboard and to our cabins?
No. Once we get to the ship port, before you check in, you'll be dropping your luggage off at curbside. The luggage will then be delivered by the cruise staff to your cabin before the 4:30pm departure.

Do we have luggage tags so that they know where to deliver them?
Yes. Your cruise ship luggage tags with your cabin number already printed on them will be included in your cruise documents.
(NOTE: Do not put your luggage tags on your bags until the day the ship leaves. If you put them on prior to your flight into Florida, the airlines will tear/rip them off when they place their own tags on your checked luggage).

Is 'everything' onboard included in the price we paid for the cruise? No. While room and board, entertainment and all your on board meals are included, alcohol, shopping, casino gambling, and certain beverages like soda are not.

What time is dinner in the dining room and are we all seated together?
Our group is assigned to the 8:30p dinner seating and yes, we are all assigned to tables that are grouped together.

Is there a dining room dress code, and do I have to have dinner in the dining room every night? Yes, there is a dress code in the dining room for dinner. The dress code is casual, but no shorts, tank tops, or sandals are allowed. If you don't want to dine in the dining room, you can have dinner in either the Windjammer cafe (where shorts, tank tops and sandals are allowed), or even the Chops grill (reservations are needed for here and its a $20 per person charge). Last but not least, you can always dine in your cabin with room service.

Whats the deal with formal night and do I need a suit?
The Captains coctail party/dinner for our cruise is slated for (TBD). Traditionally, this is the formal night that folks hear so much about. Yes, most people do dress up in suits, jackets and gowns, (even some in tux's) but others opt for just business attire and come dressed in a dress shirt and dress pants that night. The choice is pretty much yours. They won't kick you out the party if your not in a 3 piece suit and tie,,lol. Note:  since this is a 7-night cruise, there are two formal nights.

Will I get seasick?
No,,,,and yes,,,lol. That strictly depends on you and your body. The Caribbean is generally calm, so in most cases it barley feels as if we're moving. However, on a couple of previous cruises we had (2) days of 14 foot waves. And yup, some folks did get a little, seasick.
There's a ship doctor on board and a little ship convenience store to help you out in case we hit some rough seas.
P.S...Taking it easy on the liquor will definately help..lol.

How late at night can we party and does everything stay open on the ship?
Generally until the last one stumbles out. Our ship has over 10 different bars and lounges in which to chill and party in. While most bars start to shut things down by 4am, the casino goes on generally 24hours. And should you feel like something to eat after 4am, the Solarium serves hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, pizza, and other snacks until sunrise (right before breakfast).

Well that's it for now my brothas. Keep the questions coming.

Oh yeah, for those of you who doan't have passports, don't forget to pack your birth certificate (original or copy with a raised seal). This is the last year anyone will be able to cruise without a passport. So if you plan on joing us next year, now would be a good time to apply for one.