ZYDECOCRUISE 2007 FAQs -- Page 1 Welcome Zydeco & Cajun Cruisers - PLEASE READ THIS (TODAY !) VERY IMPORTANT!! CHECK YOUR NAME BADGE FOR CORRECT SPELLING! You must bring your name badge and wear it to all Zydeco Group “Private Party” Events required for all dances & all classes. If something is incorrect on your name badge, email Carol at zydecocruise@aol.com. If you can’t email, please call me at 206-295-6839 and leave a very detailed message so we can get your badge corrected prior to sailing. We do the best we can with this, but each year there are still a few errors please help us by checking them right now. Keep badges with your tickets - don’t forget to bring them! This letter is designed to answer some of the FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions). We are writing this letter 5 weeks prior to sailing -- some details can and will change. Lots of details are finalized in October, and we can’t send everyone a NEW letter before we sail. We will update the web site continuously, adding updates right before the cruise. This is the only method we will have to provide everyone with last minute updates and changes, so check the site at www. zydecocruise.com, especially RIGHT before you leave for Houston. Please email Carol at zydecocruise@aol.com rather than calling the Travel Machine if you've got Zydeco events or activities schedule or t-shirt questions. Call the Travel Machine at 1-800-683-9882 or email kermit@travelmachine.net if you have a question about your bill, your cabin, your travel arrangements, or insurance. We do not know the daily dance schedule yet, since it is not 100% confirmed by Carnival. BEFORE THE CRUISE: Check www.zydecocruise.com -- look in “Latest News & Announcements”. If you do not have a computer, we really recommend that you hook up with someone who does, or take a trip to your local library where they can help you access our website. We do understand that not everyone has a computer, and we are sorry if this is inconvenient for you. 1. Houston & Galveston info, buses from New Orleans and Lafayette, shuttles and transportation, Rock ’N Bowl Festival: Please see the website we have lots of info posted. We’ll post more as we get closer. We are sorry about this, but it won’t all fit here in this letter! 2. Register on www.carnival.com go to Carnival’s website and register online. This will save you time later. You’ll need your booking # which can be found on your cruise tickets. You can sign up for shore excursions online we don’t know the cutoff date plan ahead! 3. Email- Ask me, the organizer of this event (Carol Schreitmueller, zydecocruise@aol.com) if you have questions not addressed below. Please read ALL of your documents completely when you receive them - it helps! Your fat packet of info from the Travel Machine includes your cruise tickets, and lots of general cruise info. You have plenty of time to read everything -- if you start now. There is EXTENSIVE info posted on the website on the itinerary and the ports of call, and we will add more specific info as we get all the final details together. 4. Acceptable ID- READ the requirements in the cruise literature. You may be denied boarding or entering some ports if your ID isn’t correct. If you don't have a passport, you'll need a certified copy of your birth certificate (from the office of records at the county/parish where you were born) PLUS a photo ID like a driver's license. The names need to match on your 2 ID's so they can make sure you are really you. CALL THE TRAVEL MACHINE IF YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT YOUR ID. Security at all Ports is VERY TIGHT and they won't make an exception if your ID is incorrect. CHECK YOUR EXPIRATION DATES -- ALL FORMS OF ID MUST BE CURRENT AND VALID! 5. Packing- Please read your cruise literature for tips. There are 2 optional “formal” nights - Monday & Thursday. How about earplugs, swim goggles, sunscreen, rain poncho (naah!)? Sun hat/visor? Alcohol must be packed in carry on bags. There is a 2 bottle limit with a $15.00 per bottle corkage fee. Wine only, no hard liquor. They will take away bottles you sneak into your luggage as they’re x-rayed. Tip: Bring a backpack to use on the port days. Email Carol if you have specific packing questions- it's OK. Laundry - You can send things out for laundry, pressing or dry cleaning on the ship (costs extra like at a hotel).There are self-serve laundry facilities but this is not a fun way to spend your vacation time. The cruise line does not allow irons in rooms due to the fire hazard. Shampoo, soap, hairdryers are in cabins. 6. Money- There is a purser’s office on board, (details are in the cruise literature), but don't count on being able to cash a huge personal check. *Read about “Gratuities” and bring some extra cash. The ATM’s aren’t always in operation so it’s good to have an alternative. 7. Daily Schedule- Every day on the cruise, you will be given a COMPLETE listing of ALL the ship's daily activities. For the proposed daily dance schedule, check our website closer to the sailing date. We will have printed copies of the Zydeco/Cajun music/dance schedules available for you on the ship. Bottom line: There is music EVERY single day, we promise. You will complain: "There is too much dancing". 8. CRUISE T-SHIRTS- T-shirt sales are by prepaid advance order only. Deadline to order your shirts is 10/15/07. We are not allowed to sell them on the ship. Every single person in our group was sent a t-shirt order form in the mail in September. If you can’t find yours, see www.zydecocruise.com and it’s on there. We are very sorry if you are confused about the t-shirts. Contact Carol if you have any questions. 9. Seasickness Prevention- One thing to know: This is a VERY BIG SHIP. Some people get seasick very easily and some don't, but if you are worried, definitely don't take a chance on ruining your fun. PLEASE TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR, BEFORE THE CRUISE. This is your vacation, and we want you to feel great -- every day!