FAQ

BOOKING  FAQ’S

 

What is the cruise itinerary?

 

September 27-30, 2013 – Carnival Inspiration

Friday, September 27, 2013: Depart Long Beach, CA 4:00 PM (boarding begins at 12:00 PM. Be onboard by 2:00 PM at the latest)

Saturday, September 28, 2013: Catalina Island 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Sunday, September 29, 2013:  Ensenada, Mexico 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Monday, September 30, 2013: return to Long Beach 8:00 AM (flights should depart 12:00 PM or later)

 

*Itinerary is subject to change without notice at the discretion of Carnival Cruise Line and Whet Travel.

 

How do I make a reservation for the Groove Cruise?

Reservations can be made online at (https://booking.whettravel.com/Booking) or by calling Whet Travel at 877-GET-WHET (438-9438), extension 4.

 

What information do you need to book my cruise?

We need the following information for everyone in your cabin:

 

*Full, legal name (first/last only) as it appears on your passport or birth certificate/driver’s license (Middle Names are not needed)

*Birth Date

*Phone Number

*Email Address

*Credit card number for deposit/payment, expiration date and billing address

 

What is the booking deadline for the Groove Cruise?

There isn’t “really” a booking deadline for the Groove Cruise, but rates and availability are not guaranteed until booked. We recommend booking early to guarantee the best rates and best cabin locations.

 

How much is the deposit for the Groove Cruise?

If you book before March 13, 2013, you can reserve your cabin for a deposit of $200.00 per person, based on double, triple or quad occupancy. Single occupancy requires a deposit of $400.00 per person. Suites require a deposit of $500.00 per person.

 

Please be advised that Triple and Quad cabins are very limited and require full cabin deposit at time of booking in order to confirm. Triple cabins require a full deposit of $600.00 per cabin; quad cabins require a full deposit of $800.00 per cabin. Triple and quad cabins will NOT be confirmed without full deposit or payment.

 

What is your payment schedule?

50% PAYMENT DUE:  MARCH 13, 2013

FINAL PAYMENT DATE: MAY 22, 2013

All reservations must be paid in full by this date. Cabins not paid in full by each payment date will be charged a $50.00 per person late fee, and subject to cancellation without refund. New reservations booked after this date requires full payment at time of booking. Reservations unpaid after the final payment date of May 22, 2013 will be cancelled without refund.

 

A $50.00 per person late fee will apply if your reservation is not paid in full by this date. If your reservation is not paid in full within 3 weeks after the due date, your reservation will be cancelled without refund of your payments, based on our cancellation policy noted on your invoice.

 

Reservations made after the final payment date of May 22, 2013, require a minimum 50% deposit, and must be paid in full within 30 days of the booking or 30 days from the departure date (by 09/27/2013), whichever comes first.

 

Are payment plans available?

Depending on when you book, payment plans may be available. Please call us at 877-GET-WHET (438-9438) for more information.

 

I want my cabin to be located next to my friends. How do I request that?

Requests to be located next to your friends should be made at time of booking. We will do everything we can to get you as close to your friends as possible, however the earlier you book, the easier it is to accommodate these requests. Special requests are not guaranteed. Please call our office at 877-438-9438 for assistance.

 

I want to go on the Groove Cruise, but I don’t have a roommate. Will you find me one?

Yes! We get several requests for roommates. If you need a roommate, please let us know at the time of booking, or as soon as possible, should your situation change. Please review our roommate policy below:

 

*Roommates are assigned within two weeks of sailing. You will be provided with the name and email address of your roommate at that time.

*If your roommate situation changes, please notify us immediately.

*We will do our best to pair you with someone of similar age, gender and cabin selection, however requests are not guaranteed.

*Your decision to accept a roommate for the Groove Cruise is at your own risk. Groove Cruise and its Released Parties are not responsible nor liable for any and all claims or cause of action arising out of or in connection with your selection of a roommate for the Cruise, including, without limitation, any injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from such request or selection.

 

What is included in the Groove Cruise rates?

Your Groove Cruise rate includes:

 

*Accommodations

*Al meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, 24 hour room service.

*Most beverages (water, tea, coffee, juice, milk)

*Government taxes and fees

*Entrance to ALL Groove Cruise events, including events taking place in Nassau and on Great Stirrup Cay.

 

Your Groove Cruise rate does not include:

 

*Alcoholic beverages

*soft drinks

*Non-refundable Service Fees of $36.00 per person (charged to your onboard account when you board the ship. Fees subject to change without notice)

*Spa treatments and certain specialty exercise classes,

*Laundry

*Photographs

*Casino

*Ship-to-shore phone, email, Internet, fax

*Shore excursions

*Airfare

*Ground transportation to/from the Port of Miami

*Travel insurance

 

Are tips and gratuities included?

Tips and gratuities as NOT included in your Groove Cruise rate. When you board the ship, a non-refundable service charge of $12 per person per day ($36.00 total) will automatically be added to your onboard account. The service charge is for your dining room staff and stateroom stewards.

 

A 15% gratuity is automatically added to bar drink purchases, including sodas.

 

Are cruise discounts available?

Promoter/Affiliate discounts are available and applicable only if affiliate is registered with Whet Travel and the Groove Cruise affiliate program and discount code is given at time of booking. Once booked, discount codes will not be changed for any reason.

 

Organizers of groups of at least 10 people (5 cabins) can receive discounts. The organizer can also earn money or a free cruise for putting together the group.

 

For full details, please click here (http://www.thegroovecruise.com/la/affiliates/)

 

We also offer the following discounts:

 

PAID IN FULL SAVES 5% – Discount to be applied and refunded to your card on file AFTER booking. Last day to pay in full to receive discount is March 8, 2013.

5% MILITARY DISCOUNT – Must email copy of valid Military ID to kathy@whettravel.com

FEMALE FOURSOME SAVES $44 PER PERSON (Four girls in one cabin. Discount will be applied once full deposit and full names of everyone in the cabin is received)

FEMALE FIVESOMES SAVES $55 PER PERSON (Five girls in one cabin. Discount will be applied once full deposit and full names of everyone in the cabin is received)

*Discounts are limited, and subject to change without notice.

What is the age requirement for the Groove Cruise?

Carnival Cruise Line requires that all passengers be 21 years of age or older. Guests under 21 will be denied boarding.

 

If I cancel my Groove Cruise reservation, will I get a refund?

The 2013 LA Groove Cruise is non-refundable. There are no refunds for cancellations, regardless of the reasons (no exceptions!). Because of our strict cancellation policies, the purchase of travel insurance is highly recommended!

 

Do I need Travel Insurance?

Whet Travel highly recommends the purchase of travel insurance! Due to the nature and uniqueness of our Groove Cruise events, our cancellation polices are very strict, and there are no exceptions!

 

Travel insurance protects you against financial loss due to unexpected cancellations, and also protects you against emergencies while traveling, such as trip interruption, trip delay, missed/canceled flights, lost or stolen baggage/personal items, illness/injury and much more.

 

We offer a Cancel for Any Reason option that must be purchased with your initial payment or deposit. The Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance reimburses you at least 75% of your non-refundable. If you have already booked your trip, but did not purchase travel insurance, there is a “basic” insurance option that allows you to cancel for covered reasons only. Basic travel insurance can be purchased up to 4 days prior to sailing.

 

To view the policy details and benefits, please click here: http://www.travelsafe.com/index.php/travel_insurance_plans/travelsafe_classic_plus

 

How do I purchase cruise or travel insurance?

You may purchase travel insurance while placing your reservation online or by calling our representatives at 877-GET-WHET (438-9438) after your reservation has been placed. Travel insurance must be purchased within 15 days of your initial deposit. Insurance is priced per person and rates are based on age and total trip costs (minimum cost of the cabin per person). You may also call us to request additional coverage for other non-cruise travel, such as airfare and deposits on ground transportation or hotels.

 

Do I need a passport for the Groove Cruise?

Please note that U.S. citizens must bring one of the following WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) compliant documents in order to sail on a cruise that departs and ends from the same U.S. port:

 

  • Valid U.S. Passport
  • Passport Card
  • Original or legible copy of a Birth Certificate (issued by the Department of Vital Statistics)
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Enhanced Driver’s License
  • Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card (i.e. Nexus Card, Sentri Card or Fast Card)
  • A Consular Report of Birth Abroad

 

Copies of the following will NOT be allowed:

  • US Passports
  • Naturalization Papers

 

Originals, or copies will NOT be allowed:

  • Baptismal Certificates
  • Hospital issued “Certificate of Birth”

 

As always, we recommend that 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, traveling with a passport facilitates your disembarkation experience. It also makes it easier for you to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port should you miss your scheduled embarkation or need to fly back to the U.S. for an emergency.

 

If you are not a US Citizen, please call US Customs and Border Protection at 877-CBP-5511 or 202-354-1000 to be sure your identification is satisfactory. You should also check with your local embassy.

 

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the proper documents, based on your citizenship, to enter, connect through or stop in the destinations on your itinerary. Whet Travel is not responsible for denied boarding due to incorrect documentation.

 

PRE-CRUISE FAQ’S

 

What times should I book my flights?

We highly recommend that you arrive at least one day prior to the cruise (Thursday, September 26th) to avoid unexpected flight delays and cancellations.

 

Recommended arrival and departure times for flights:

 

Arrival Friday September 27th: Boarding begins at 12 PM. Be on ship by 2pm!

 

Departure Monday Jan 24th:

*We arrive into Long Beach by 8:00 AM. flights should depart no earlier than 12:00 PM

 

Can you book my airfare and ground transportation for me?

Whet Travel does not book flights or ground transportation to/from the airports. We have setup a 5% discount for you on flights if flying American Airlines. When booking flights on www.aa.com, enter code: xxxx

 

Can you book my hotel for me?

Whet Travel will be offering group rates at certain hotels in LA. More information will be announced shortly.

 

Where is the Groove Cruise Pre-Party?

Please be sure to join us on Thursday, September 26th for our Groove Cruise Pre-Party! More information will be released shortly.

 

 

AFTER BOOKING FAQ’S

 

I received my Whet Travel Invoice, but my confirmation is “TBA”. When will I receive my confirmation number?

Confirmation numbers (or booking numbers) will be provided within 30 days of sailing, and when your cabin is completely paid in full.

 

Can I make changes to my reservation?

Any change to your reservation, including name changes, cabin changes, etc. will incur a change of $50.00 per person, per change up until 30 days prior to sailing. Payment is due at the time of the change.

 

Changes received within 30 days of sailing are $100.00 per person, per change.

 

Changes, roommate additions cannot be made online. Please call us at 877-438-9438.

 

All changes, including name changes and roommate additions, must be received at least one week prior to sailing (by September 20, 2013).

 

Changes will NOT be accepted the week of sailing.

 

Will my cruise ticket be mailed to me?

No, Whet Travel does not mail any documents to anyone.

 

You will be provided with your Carnival booking number and instructions on how to complete online check-in within 30 days of sailing. You must complete online check-in (Carnival Funpass) as soon as possible in order to print your boarding pass/cruise ticket. You must print your boarding pass and bring with you to board the ship.

 

Why do I have to complete “Online Check-In”?

 

1. To make sure Carnival has your booking information correct, and that your name is spelled exactly as it appears on your legal documentation (legal first and last names only; middle names are not needed). If your name is not spelled correctly, you could be denied boarding without refund! Whet Travel is not responsible for denied boarding. Please contact us immediately with any name corrections.

 

2. To print your boarding pass and eDocs. You need to present this upon check-in at the pier. Your Whet Travel Invoice is NOT your ticket for boarding.

 

3. To expedite check-in. Completing the required information in advance greatly expedites check-in at the port. The faster you can get through check-in, the sooner your Groove Cruise experience can begin!

 

ONBOARD FAQ’S

 

Will the DJ’s be onboard with us for the entire cruise?

Most of our DJ’s do spend the entire 3-days with us. That is one of the things that make the Groove Cruise so unique! However, sometimes a DJ may only be available for part of the cruise, or have to depart early due to personal commitments.

 

What are the events taking place onboard the Groove Cruise?

A complete Groove Cruise itinerary and DJ line-up will be emailed to registered Groove Cruisers approximately one week prior to sailing. Itineraries and DJ line-ups will also be available onboard the ship.

 

What is Carnival’s Sail & Sign Card?

When you check-in at the pier, you will receive a boarding pass card once all identification documents have been validated.  This card serves several purposes during your cruise vacation:

  • It is your individual ID card
  • It is the card you will use for your onboard purchases and services*
  • It is your stateroom key card
  • It gets you on and off the ship! You must present this card when exiting and boarding the ship in every port of call during your cruise vacation.

 

How do I pay for onboard expenses?

For your convenience, all shipboard expenses are charged to Carnival’s special onboard credit program. Sign up on the first day of your cruise, by establishing your method of payment with Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, Discover®, Diners Club®, travelers checks or cash. If you choose to settle your account with cash, a deposit will be required in advance. You may also use your debit card; however, please be advised that NCL obtains pre-authorization which some banks may hold for up to 30 days.

 

If you prefer to setup your onboard account with cash, a US$100 per person per day is required, although more can be deposited depending on what you plan to spend. If you don’t have enough money down to cover expenses, your account(s) will be closed and you cannot purchase anything until more money is deposited. You can deposit as much money as often as you’d like throughout the cruise, however, refunds cannot be made until the day of disembarkation for any excess. US Traveler’s Checks can be cashed onboard and are the same as cash. **Personal checks will not be accepted, nor can they be cashed onboard.

 

What time is dinner? How do I request to eat dinner with my friends?

What time would you like it to be? Carnival offers open-seating dining in a variety of restaurants and cafés with individual menus, so it’s your choice. Eat where you want, when you want, with who you want!

 

Will I have access to the internet?

The Carnival Inspiration is equipped with 24 hour Internet Cafés for an additional fee. Wireless internet (also known as WI-Fi) is also available for additional fees.

 

Are tips and gratuities included?

Tips and gratuities as NOT included in your Groove Cruise rate. When you board the ship, a non-refundable service charge of $12 per person per day ($36.00 total) will automatically be added to your onboard account.

 

The reason there’s a fixed service charge is an important one: The Carnival Crew is encouraged to work together as a team. Staff members including restaurant staff, stateroom stewards and behind-the-scenes support staff are compensated by a combination of salary and incentive programs that your service charge supports.

 

Also, certain staff positions provide service on an individual basis to only some guests. We encourage those guests to acknowledge good service from these staff members with appropriate gratuities. For example, for guests purchasing bar drinks the recommended gratuity is 15 percent. For guests purchasing spa treatments the recommended gratuity is 18 percent. Similarly, for guests using concierge and butler services, we recommend they consider offering a gratuity commensurate with services rendered.

 

How do I request the type of bed(s) that I want in my cabin?

All cabins have two twin beds that can be converted to a king.  Triple or quad occupancy inside/oceanview cabins have a combination of either two twin beds/king and one or two upper bunk beds. Balcony triple cabins have two twin beds/king, and one twin sofa bed.

 

If your beds are not set up the way you want them to be, simply ask your cabin steward to change them for you.

 

Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?

Guests are prohibited from bringing any alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages or any food onboard. 
Alcoholic beverages will not be sold or served to anyone under the age of 21. We reserve the right to refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone. Alcoholic beverages purchased in the ship’s gift shops or in ports of call will be retained by Norwegian Cruise Line until the end of the voyage.