FAQ

-    When to register – NOW!
-    Go here.

-    The cost depends upon the cabin category you choose.  We will try and keep the current rates posted here.  Sometimes as demands increase these rates can be subject to change.  They will not be higher than what is contracted with our group, but often Carnival will adjust the rates depending on how they need to fill the ship.  For example if all of the inside cabins are getting close to being sold out, they may drop the rates of the window cabins to get people to book those instead.  We have no control over that.
-    The price of each category is based upon its deck level.  The higher decks cost more; lower decks cost less, even though the cabins are the same square footage.
-    If rates should drop for your cabin type, Carnival will let us submit an upgrade request, but only if there are cabins available in our reserved allotment.  It is subject to Carnival’s discretion.
-    Registration payments must be made by debit or credit card.

-    JUNE 20 – 1st deposit – $25 per person for allotted cabins (inside & balconies), $250 per person for Ocean View, Suites, Triples, Quads, or Handicap
-    DECEMBER 8 – 2nd deposit – $250 per person (including 1st deposit, so $225 + $25)
-   FEBRUARY 21, 2012 – Final payment – in full
-    Late registrations – if you register anytime BEFORE the FINAL payment is due, you will still be included in the group rates for the allotted cabins (that are available at that time).  IF you register AFTER the final payment is due, you will be subject to whatever rates and cabins are available to the general public at that time. This is Carnival’s policy.

-    Once I have filled out the form, what happens next?  How will I know when my reservation is complete?
-    After you have filled out the form, you should receive an emailed confirmation within 5 days.  If you have not heard back from us within 5 days, please contact Becky by email at beckygandy@ymail.com.
-    You are encouraged to look over the confirmation for accuracy of your names & dates.  Notify Becky Gandy if there are any changes that need to be submitted.

-    Sometimes throughout the year, you may see advertised specials that appear cheaper than our rates.  If there is an actual “sale”, Carnival will notify us of fare changes.  Carnival Group Sales has already discount our tickets to the lowest available price.  There are “super save” fares that pop up occasionally that do NOT apply to our group – these are non-refundable, not transferable, etc.
-    In order to PARTICIPATE in the Low Carb Cruise, you MUST sign up through the group. Access to the Seminars is limited to those who booked with the group and have an official “Name Badge”.  Carnival allows us to reserve the meeting spaces according to the number of guests listed with our group.  This also applies to seating for dinner – in order to sit with the group you must have registered with the group.
-    What is NOT included in those “cheaper prices” you see are some of the group amenities that Carnival rewards us, such as the free private cocktail party, the on-board cabin credits which can range from $50 to $75 per cabin, and the right to reserve the private meeting spaces for the seminars.  You are also getting to attend the seminars during the day and have dinner with the guest speakers every night.

-    Full Deposit – Full deposit is “$250” per person.  Full deposit is required for reserving specific cabins, special rooms (adjoining or 3-4 people), & handicap rooms. This is the preferred deposit.
-    Initial Deposit – $25 per person, only holds the cabin type* & rate for just the cabins in our allotment.  No specific cabin assigned at that time. (*except specific cabins or special rooms as listed above in “a.” above.)  This divides your payment into 3 parts, but you will still need to have $250 per person to put down by the time of the second deposit due date.
-    For 2012, the Ocean View cabins & the Suites cannot be reserved without “full deposit” ($250 per person).  This also includes triples, quads, & handicap rooms.  We were NOT allowed to HOLD any of these cabins in our group allotment.  If you would like one of these types of rooms then you have to contact us to get a current “quote” for the room rate – Carnival reserves the right to book these on a “first come, first serve” basis because they are very popular.  Deposit needed to hold special or specific cabins  are “Full deposit” (see letter “a” above.)  On some of the cabins that are considered popular (Spa Suites, Grand Suites, etc), Carnival MAY request ½ of the total fare as a down payment to reserve.  IF YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC CABIN THAT YOU WANT TO RESERVE, DEPENDING UPON THE CATEGORY, FULL DEPOSIT ($250) OR ½ DOWN MIGHT BE REQUIRED BY CARNIVAL.
Deadlines for deposits:
-    Initial or full deposit deadline:  June 20, 2011
-    2nd deposit:  December 8, 2011
-   Final payment:  February 21, 2012
-    Carnival’s policy changes – Carnival is growing and went through a lot of changes last year. They also made several policy changes, such as deposit due dates.  Please know that these are beyond our control.  I will do our best to keep you informed in a timely manner of any changes that they may require.

-    For U.S. Citizens any valid U.S. identification is acceptable including driver’s license for a “closed loop” cruise (departing and returning to the same port).  Please check the Carnival website before registering to make sure this policy has not changed. HOWEVER, going on excursions may be limited.  This is why passports are recommended for all travelers.
-    Non U.S. Citizens must have a valid passport.

-    There are 2 forms; I will need BOTH of them before processing anything, including a quote:
-    Basic registration information
-    Credit Card Authorization
Last year several people sent me the basic form first and NOT the Credit Card Authorization form.  This takes up extra time to have to go back and request the form.  It is easier if you submit both at the same time.  Even with the Credit Card form, nothing will be charged on your card without your direct permission (In writing, usually by email!)
Either efax, fax, mail, or email the completed forms to Becky Gandy:
1. Scan and email to beckygandy@ymail.com
2. Fax to: 713-583-8466 or
3. mail to:
Becky Gandy
710 Spring Falling Way
Spring, TX 77373
-    No scanner and No fax machine?  Take a clear, readable photo of the completed papers and email them as images!

-    MUST have your name exactly as it appears on your passport / I.D.
-    MUST have your full birth date – month, day, AND year
-   MUST have a valid emergency contact phone number (best place to reach you)
-   MUST have the Credit Card Authorization in writing.  IF you are not comfortable with sending the paper authorization, you may call me directly to give me the needed information (936-546-8055).  You must follow that with an email to beckygandy@ymail.com that states, “I give Becky Gandy permission to submit payment for my cruise reservation.”

-    Neither Carnival nor the Low Carb Cruise committee choose or “assign” your cabin mate.  We only book the reservations, so you have to arrange your OWN cabin mate.  If you need a cabin mate, we suggest you ask a family member, a friend, or post at a forum site you frequent and trust.  WE will not accept the liability for putting you together with a possible felon, or worse – someone who snores!  NOT that we have ever had any problems with that, but it is just better that YOU find someone you are compatible with for the week long cruise.
-    Carnival prices the cabins “per person” but assumes there will be TWO in the cabin.  Example:  IF the rate is $600 per person, it will cost $1,200 to book the cabin!!!
-    You CAN use a different credit card from your cabin mate.  We will need the CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION & information on a separate form for each person in the cabin.
-    IF you are looking for a cabin mate, but have not found one by the time the first deposit is due, you can reserve the cabin with $50 or full deposit (1/2 down) depending upon the cabin type.  THEN when you find a person to add as your cabin mate, you may opt to have them pay the other half OR get a credit back for their part of the deposit and have Carnival charge their credit card separately.
-    Please be aware that the financial arrangements with your cabin mate are between the two (or three) of you.  We will only make changes as you request them.  We cannot be responsible for the individual bookkeeping.  Be sure to keep your statements & confirmations that show your payments.

-    Yes, there are cabins called Triples, Quads, and even Quints!  These require FULL deposit at time of booking.  These cabins are limited and subject to availability.
-    IF there is to be 3 to 4 people in a cabin the price is NOT simply divided by that number.  Carnival will charge full fare for the first two people and a slightly discounted rate for the 3rd person.  Example:  1st person $600, 2nd person $600, and 3rd person $50 (plus taxes & fees).  IF you want to split the total fare between your cabin-mates that will be up to you to handle on the side, but for Carnival the rates must be charged by 1st person, 2nd person, & 3rd person.  Also, I will not keep these records for you – please take care of your own bookkeeping.   We assume no responsibility for these transactions.

-    You can receive a FULL 100% refund up to the February 21, 2012 deadline.  AFTER the last payment date, refunds are pro-rated, depending upon the time left before the sail date.
-    A full explanation of the Carnival refund policy is available at www.carnival.com.
-    If you have a cabin mate, and they have to cancel, you will be held responsible for the balance on the cabin (i.e. their part).  See Question #10 above.
-    You can change cabin mates up to 1 week prior to sailing, without penalty.  (*some exceptions may apply)

-    All of this information can be found at www.carnival.com/cms/faq .  Carnival has addressed many of these questions, divided into 4 parts:  Most Popular, Before Your Cruise, Life Onboard, & After Your Cruise.  It is a GREAT source of information.
-    The “Fun Pass” is your boarding pass you will need to have to get on the ship.  You will get more information on this AFTER your reservation has been paid in full.
-    The “Sign & Sail” card is a card that will be given to you when you check in.  It serves as your room key, I.D., your light switch, and your “credit card” while on the cruise.  After your reservation has been paid in full, you will go online with Carnival and “register” your specific choices, including what debit/credit card you want to be associated with your “Sign & Sail” card, etc.  (Once on board the ship (not before), you may go to the purser/information desk and put cash down on your account, instead of using a debit or credit card).

-    We do NOT make flight arrangements.  It has been our experience that individuals can obtain a cheaper fare rate by booking these themselves, rather than through Carnival.
-    We suggest using a booking engine like www.kayak.com to search for the best rates.

-    There are two airports in Houston (There is no public airport in Galveston)
-    Hobby Airport is the closest, but Carnival does not run shuttle service from there so you would have to take a cab or independent shuttle service to Galveston. (Prices for the independent shuttles are listed at www.galveston.com.)  The distance from Hobby Airport to the Galveston Cruise Terminal is approx 42 miles (takes at least 1 hour to drive).
-    Bush Intercontinental Airport is located on the north side of Houston, but Carnival DOES run a shuttle service for a small fee of $80 round trip.  The distance from Bush Airport to the Galveston Cruise Terminal is approx 70 miles (takes at least 2 hours to drive)

- If you are purchasing the Hotel Package, bear in mind  that the DoubleTree Hotel is on the grounds of Bush Incontinental Airport.

-    Autos – IF you are driving to Galveston, there is parking available at the pier for the week.  Rates vary, but can run from $45 to $65 for the week, and include shuttle service from the lot to the Cruise Terminal.  Many of the lots are fenced and secure. (go to www.galveston.com/cruiseparking for more details)
-    Hotel – there is a possibility that some of the hotels will allow parking for a fee.  These vary so you will need to contact your hotel for that information.

-    Where to stay with the hotel group – DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton at Houston Intercontinental Airport
-    When to register with the hotel group – date group is open – Now!
-    How to register with the hotel group – phone/contact info – Contact
-    Evening meeting/dining – Saturday, May 5th, 6:00 pm – we have arranged a “get acquainted” dinner the night before we sail.  Register!
-    Other places to stay:  Galveston board of tourism

- YES!

WHERE: DoubleTree Hotel meeting room

WHEN:  Saturday, May 5th, 6:00 pm

WHAT: Special Low Carb Dinner and Roast

DRESS: Business Casual

PRICES: (INCLUDED IN HOTEL PACKAGE)

-    When it is completed, you will receive a copy by email.  This is usually 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure.
-    Why does it take so long to complete?  We have to have all the Carnival meeting rooms approved and reserved; then we have to line out the biographies for each guest speaker.  THEN it takes time to gather their photos and to do the layout design.  After that it goes to a few people for review & changes.  FINALLY when everything is done, we usually send it out by email.  This will be sometime before we sail, but there is no deadline for these.  This is a courtesy, and we reserve the right to make adjustments to this as needed.
-    Carnival’s schedule takes priority (formal nights) – In the event that Carnival changes their schedule, especially for the formal nights, the Carnival Schedule takes priority over our schedule.  (Last year we were told by Carnival AND by someone who had taken that exact same cruise that the formal nights were on Monday & Thursday.  When we got on board and received Monday morning’s Cruise newspaper, we saw that the formal night was not listed and had been changed to Tuesday.  We tried to spread the word, but missed a few people.  They look extra fabulous at dinner that night!!)

-    These are being provided by a sponsor and will be included in your packet.
-    You will be instructed when and how to place your order.  PENDING

-    If by car, you can park at one of the available facilities for their fee (payable in advance), and they will shuttle you to the Cruise Terminal.
-    If from the hotel, you may join the group and ride the chartered bus for $10 per person, each way.  Bus tickets may be purchased from Becky Gandy.  See  the "Hotel Package" page for more details about the group transporation arrangements.
-    If someone is dropping you off, they can drive up to the Cruise Terminal – much like picking up and dropping off passengers at the airport.

-    Guests may begin boarding the ship after 1pm, or when the previous guests have all been disembarked.  The very last allowable time for boarding is 1 hour before departure (3pm).
-    Each piece of luggage will need to have the special Carnival luggage tags on them.  You will be able to print these out after your ticket is paid in full.  (I usually “laminate” mine with packing tape and staple them around the luggage handles.)  They will have the information on them needed to get them to your cabin!
-    You will need to have your PASSPORT/I.D. and your “FUN PASS” in your hand as you enter the terminal and go through the stations. (You will not need the other printed information)
-    The Carnival Cruise port: Port of Galveston, 2502 Harborside Drive, Galveston Texas.  Follow the posted signs.

-    Once you get on the ship you can either go get a bite to eat at the grill, explore the ship, chat with friends, or check out your cabin.  Your Luggage will NOT be in your cabin until later (between 3-5pm), hopefully before dinner.
-    Muster is a safety drill in which all passengers must participate.  You will be instructed which location by posted Carnival employees.  This will occur around 4pm, before we pull out of the dock.

-    This information is posted in the FAQ section at www.carnival.com
-    Access / Login – You will be given an instruction sheet when you get onboard the ship with the details of how to purchase internet time and how to log in.
-    Costs – varies depending on the number of minutes you purchase.
-    Wireless connections or Internet café – printing available

-     Cell phones – It is best to NOT use them on the ship.  We recommend that you turn them off or put them on airplane mode.  Roaming charges are VERY costly on the ships – firsthand experience!
-    Be SURE you know the policy of your individual carrier before using your phone on the ship.

A. General Information:
-    www.lowcarbcruiseinfo.com (registration)
-    www.galveston.com (local events & information)
-    www.cruisediva.com (general cruise tips)
-    www.carnival.com (specific info / excursions)
B.   To get to know others:

-    The Forum on this site
-    “Low Carb Cruise Group” on Facebook
-    Jimmy’s links:  www.livinlavidalowcarb.com

-    You ARE on vacation.  WE are on vacation.  Please feel free to dress accordingly!
-    At meetings – There are absolutely NO special requirements other than “clothes” for the meetings.  It can get a little cold in the meeting rooms so a light wrap is advised.
-    On ship – You will see ALL MANNER of dress.  You are on vacation – be comfortable.
-    At dinner – NOW this is the only place with a dress code.  Carnival asks that no one wear shorts, t-shirts, or bathing suits into the dining rooms.  These are totally acceptable on the Lido Deck and in the grill – but NOT in the dining room.
-    On excursions/shore – The important thing here is safety.  Please wear sunscreen, decent walking shoes, & your carry your I.D. close to your body.
-    On formal nights – These can be as simple as your “Sunday” dress or as formal as a ball gown.  We have seen an array of fashion on these nights.  (Personally, it is the ONE time of year that many of us get to dress up so we take full advantage!  I even rented my husband a tuxedo one year.  These can be rented online with www.carnival.com before we sail.)  It is also a time to get some GREAT portraits taken.
-    NO formal night for you? – not a problem!  The grill & café will also be serving food.  It is your vacation and your choice!

A.  LOW CARB Group:
-    Cocktail party – As part of the amenities for our group, we will qualify for a “free” cocktail party which will consist of free beverages & appetizers.  Carnival always tries to accommodate us, but not everyone completely understands the Low Carb lifestyle.  Please be kind and just ignore the high carb appetizers.  We are hoping to have the wonderful Sugar Free Baja Bob’s drink mixes again.
-    Low Carb Meetings – These will take place in a specified conference room.  This is usually not decided until closer to our sailing date and Carnival sees how many guests are in our group.  The meeting place, along with the schedule of speakers, will be on your itinerary.
-    DOOR PRIZES – Donations from the speakers and various Low Carb vendors will be available.  (Vendors & Guest Speakers:  IF you have items you would like to donate for the door prizes, please contact Jimmy Moore.)
B.    Carnival events:
-    Bingo – money & free cruises are given away
-    Ice sculpting – usually on the Lido deck; beautiful to watch
-    Movies – shown throughout the evening on the big screen, outdoors
-    Trivia – various trivia games throughout the ship.  Your chance to win a genuine, 24 karat plastic ship on a stick!
-    Spa – oolala.  AND the Serenity Deck is awesome too.  Get a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, or a fancy up-do for the formal night.

-    An excursion is a “reserved” event or destination that you plan in advance – something to do while on shore.  This includes snorkeling, sight-seeing, hiking, and more.  These range in price from $35 and up.
-    The excursions for our cruise will be listed after you have paid in full.  You will go online and register your information and pick your excursions from a long list that will be available.  You can sort these by type of activity, cost, or strenuousness.
-    IF you don’t know which excursion you want do, you can always wait and book these on the ship.  Sometimes it is good to find out what other people in our group might be doing and go with them!
-    IF you prefer NOT to book an excursion, that is totally fine.  There is PLENTY to do right off the ship.  It is up to you.  Some people have rented a taxi, scooter, or car and done their own thing.  Others have spent the day shopping in the port.

-    You can either prepay the gratuities when you register or you can wait for them to be charged on your bill the last night of the cruise.  At this time it is $10 per person, per night (7 nights).  This tip is split between the room steward, the waiter, & the wait staff.  It does NOT include room service or the Maitre de.
-    Embarkation – it is customary to tip the luggage handler a few of dollars
-    Debarkation – it is customary to tip the luggage handler a few dollars
-    Room service – it is customary to tip a few dollars for this free, 24/7 service
-    Room steward – not mandatory or expected, but a nice gesture for someone who has kept your room clean & tidy.  Go to breakfast – Come back – room clean.  Go to meetings – Come back – room clean.  Take a nap, go to dinner – Come back – room clean.  It is magic!
-    Maître De – You will find an envelope in your room the last night of the cruise to be used for tipping the maître de.  It is customary to tip the maitre de for his service.  It is up to your discretion, but it can be as little as $10 or more, depending on your budget.
-    Waiter / wait staff – This is not mandatory, but a nice gesture.  IF you have received exceptional service, you might consider tipping your waiter an extra little amount on the side.

You have the option for prepaid gratuities and/or travel insurance (USA only).  If you did NOT mark it on the registration form, it will NOT be assumed.  You MUST let me know if you want travel insurance or to include pre-paid gratuities.

-    NO, all of the food will NOT be low carb, but there are plenty of low carb options.  The ship holds 3,600+ passengers so Carnival will not change the menu just for us, however, it has been our experience that the Carnival chef will go out of his way to make sure we have plenty of options.
-    Sugar Free Ice-cream – this is made with cream, splenda, & vanilla
-    Low Carb Cheesecake – (not definite, but always requested!) the chefs in the past have made this for our group.  We are hoping they will again for 2012.
-    Fresh berries & cream – they have a limited amount of fruit, but will provide this for dinner upon request (if possible & available).
-    Also, there are unlimited amounts of protein rich foods always available!

-    No Carb Police! – We have a LOT of different people in our group.  Some of them are Low Carbers and some are NOT.  Some are just family members along for the vacation.
-    None of us have reached perfection.  We encourage everyone to resist the urge to compare and evaluate what is on other people’s plates.  Everyone is at a different place on this journey.  Please be loving and kind to those in our group that may not eat exactly what you eat.  What we NEED is someone to listen, care, and share about how they overcame the obstacles in this journey, not a critic or judge.

-You should feel right at home!  We are a diverse group of health conscience people on the journey.  You will see young, old, tall, short, wide, and narrow people on this cruise.  There are NO judgments allowed.  You are welcome just like you are.  We all choose not to critique the plates or the diners, and always try to see things in perspective.  Love relieves a lot of stress.  Choose to let go, relax, and enjoy the trip.  It can be very beneficial for your health!  AND with the same measure we extend mercy, it will be extended back to us.  Enjoy the time and take advantage of all those things that are positive!

-    Debarkation is explained in detail via the television in your room.  There will also be printed flyers & custom forms delivered to your room the day before we return to port.
-    When – Debarkation usually begins by 8:00am, and it can sometimes take a couple of hours to get through customs.  If you are flying out, PLEASE be careful to allow enough time to get through customs AND make the long drive back to the airport.  It could take less time, BUT to be on the safe side, you might want to consider allowing about 4-5 hours for the entire process.
-    Luggage for Debarkation:
-   Self – IF you opt to carry your own luggage off the ship, you will be directed to the times each deck is released.  Usually “Self Check” guests are allowed off the ship first.  This is essential if you have an early flight.
-    Luggage check – IF you have your luggage checked the night before (by 11pm), it will be waiting for you in the terminal when you get off the ship in a special, marked section.  You will be instructed to wait until your deck is released.  This allows time for a leisurely breakfast, last hugs, and to sit and rest.  You will, however, still have to carry your luggage through customs after you pick it up in the terminal.