CARNIVAL CEO RECOGNIZES TRAVEL AGENTS

CARNIVAL CEO RECOGNIZES TRAVEL AGENTS ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE GROWTH OF THE CARNIVAL BRAND! “Agents clearly are critical to our success. They are essential for driving the industry forward,” said Donald. “Those professionals have helped us grow to the point where over half of U.S. cruisers sail on a Carnival brand.” #CarnivalCruise #RockTheBoatCruises

Who here loves to dance?

The Benefits of Traveling

Many people ponder what they should do for a vacation and I realized a lot of people don’t seem to share my views about traveling. I believe it’s very important to see the world and different cultures. It lets us open our minds to new things and we get to experience life in exiting different ways.

Traveling gives us the opportunity to disconnect from our regular life. You get to forget your problems/issues for a few weeks, it can also help you figure things out that you would not have understood without the distance traveling can give you. We all have crazy schedules, work and a family to take care of, going away alone or with some friends can give you distance and perhaps even make you realize how important these people are for you. Like the saying says: we never know what we have until we lose it.

Another great benefit is the relaxation you get to do. It’s nice to live life to its fullest and enjoy a stress free time with yourself. Going on vacation lets us recharge our “batteries” by disconnecting us from our regular life. When we come back we feel invigorated and we are happy to be back in our day to day routine. It’s a very good stress remover that has a lot more to give than most people are willing to accept.

Traveling increases our knowledge and widens our perspective. To view new customs, different ways of living is fantastic for the mind. It gives us a new perspective about life and especially our life, it can help us change some of our habits or even create new ones. When I travel I usually make it a point to try new food, some cultures don’t have fries in their diet and they are all skinny, others use spices to give taste and not oils or fats. Discovering different values and ways to get by in life is really interesting. You also need to visit exotic new places and discover what this wonderful world has to offer.

New experiences increase our resourcefulness by living situations you would never encounter at home, this is great experience for you when you come back to your routine. I have noticed that people who traveled a lot in life were ready to embrace change and have a natural ability of overcoming problems that others would frown upon.

When traveling with friends or family it creates memories for a lifetime. These memories will create a bond that nothing can erase no matter what happens with the friendship/relationship. It can also give a new perspective on the relationship and cement the bond forever. It also gives nice stories to tell people afterwards, you can create photo albums about your trips and when you feel nostalgic you can take an hour of your life and experience the trips again by looking at your pictures.

It’s never been this cheap to travel. With soaring oil prices the cheap travel era might be coming to an end. However there are still many budget airlines fighting for your dollar right now. With the internet and all the new technology, you can plan your trip exactly the way you want it. You can choose your budget, the duration of the trip and what you want to do. I suggest to read travel blogs and see what others are experiencing, you can save yourself a few hurdles by reading about their trip.

If you have some time off I suggest to take that trip and experience what life has to offer. Don’t wait or tell yourself there will be a better time to go. Take the risk, the opportunity and buy your plane ticket right now and leave. When you come back you won’t be sorry that you left, on the contrary you will be thinking of your next trip the second you come back from the airport.

Feel free to let me know how traveling helped you out, what new experiences you lived and how they helped you in your life.

Many thanks to our great dance teachers!

Rock the Boat: Performance Information

 

All performing groups have the opportunity to perform onboard ship. These performances are organized by “Rock the Boat” and are designed to enhance your cruise experience.

Book your performing group today! http://rocktheboat-cruises.com/performance-info/

The only frozen things we want this January!

If there's one word that you connect to TRAVEL, what is it?

Travel Agents / Tour Operators | Rock the Boat Cruises

Book Your School Group With Rock The Boat and Receive Credit With Carnival Cruise Lines!

Please Call 800-421-4159 or Email Info@RocktheBoat-Cruises.com for More Information!

What CAN'T you do on a Carnival Cruise?

You musn't be afraid to dream big!

Northwestern High School Choir

Northwestern High School Choir performing at a local church in Cocoa

Please Call 800-421-4159 or
Email Info@RocktheBoat-Cruises.com
for all Performance Opportunities!

Welcome Letter

Our goal is to continue providing the finest youth group cruises for both performing groups and non performing groups. We are extremely pleased to be working exclusively with Carnival Cruise Lines. Our relationship with Carnival affords our groups special considerations not given to other travel companies catering to youth groups. As proud recipients of Carnivals’ Winner Circle Award and Pinnacle Club Award for five consecutive years, we appreciate your patronage and look forward to the opportunity of working with you.

Whether you wish to experience the thrill of performing onboard a beautiful ship from the fleet of the “Largest Cruise Line in the World” or just enjoy the “Fun Ship” experience, our expert “Rock the Boat” cruise representatives will work with your group leader to insure that your cruise lives up to all your expectations.

The onboard accommodations and amenities will leave your group with memories that last a lifetime. The cruise experience alone will leave lasting impressions of beautiful ocean seas, while the gorgeous ports of call with beautiful beaches, unique cultures and atmospheres, will be the talk of your adventure when returning home. If your choice is to perform in one of the exciting ports of call or just play in the ocean while snorkeling and feeding exotic fish, our onboard “Rock the Boat” representative are experts in student group cruises and will assist to insure that all of your expectations are met. They will make suggestions and have answers for all of your group’s needs including: meeting spaces, performance venues, and attention to all the details for youth group cruisers.

You may choose from the nearest of the nine ports of departure or we will assist you in arranging transportation via airline with airport motor coach transfers or roundtrip motor coach  to get your group to the port in time to enjoy the first of the many great meals, including fine dining, casual dining, twenty-four hour pizzeria, room service and more, that will be available during your cruise.

To enjoy all of these wonderful experiences and make many more memories of your own, please contact your local group travel planner or contact a “Rock the Boat” representative.

Sincerely,

The “Rock the Boat Cruises” Team

Galveston

Triumph (4-Day Departures from Port of Galveston) Itinerary Port of Call Cozumel

Triumph (5-Day Departures from Port of Galveston) Itinerary – Monday Departure | Saturday Departure Ports of Call Progresso, Yucatan Cozumel

Note: Quad cabins on the Carnival Triumph are limited and based on availability!

Travel Performance Tips | Rock the Boat Cruises

Travel Performance Tips

GENERAL CRUISE TRAVEL TIPS

Effective June 1, 2009, the following rules take effect for cruise passengers:
U.S. citizens on cruise voyages that begin and end at the same U.S. port (closed-loop itineraries) must show proof of citizenship* and government-issued photo ID(such as driver’s license). A passport will not be required for passengers that fall into this category.

*Documents include: Original or certified copy of birth certificate; Naturalization papers; Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State.

All other passengers and/or itineraries (such as cruises which begin in one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port or any cruise that begins or ends in a foreign port) will require a passport or other recognized document. For a list of accepted documents, see www.travel.state.gov

When traveling with a minor and both parents/legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original signed letter from the absent parent/legal guardian authorizing the minor to travel with you. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security. Please note that a notarized letter to this effect is required if debarking with children in Mexico.
In addition to the above requirements, all guests 16 years of age or older must provide an official photo IDs.

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 bring all required travel documents. Guests without the required documentation will be denied boarding and no refund will be issued. Guest should check with their travel agent and/or government authority to determine the travel documents necessary for each port of call. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of immigration requirements. Guests under 18 years old will not be able to complete the online check in online. They will have to complete their check in at the pier.

Resident Aliens need an Alien Resident Card. Aliens need a valid Passport and a valid U.S. Multiple Re-Entry Visa. IMPORTANT! If you have anyone in your group that is a foreign exchange student or not a citizen of the United States, they must contact their Local Immigration office to determine what paperwork they will need. Any person not having the necessary travel documents will not be allowed to board the ship and will not receive a refund for their cruise.

All travel documents should be filled out and all luggage & equipment tagged with the provided Carnival Cruise Line’s luggage tags prior to arrival at the port. Each passenger must have in their own possession travel documents including proper ID and documents.

Student Chaperone Acknowledgment Form: Every student or chaperone must complete and return the respective Carnival Cruise Lines Acknowledgment Form.  Performing groups are exempt from the statement that guests under the age of 18 years must be accompanied in the same stateroom by an adult 25 years of age or older. We require that the group have at least one chaperone for every ten students.

Check-In: Upon your arrival at the port, you will be met in the baggage area by a “Rock the Boat” representative, who will assist with your check-in.

Sail & Sign: No cash is accepted for purchases onboard ship. All passengers must use a Carnival “Sail & Sign” card for all ship purchases. Your “Sail & Sign” account must be set up with a valid credit or debit card, cash or traveler’s check. Students cannot use their parents or guardians credit or debit card unless they are cruising with them. No business or personal checks of any kind will be accepted. The birth date of the cardholder is entered into the master computer on the ship and anyone under the age of 21 will not be permitted to purchase alcohol. Carnival Cruise Lines and your travel company are not responsible if a person under the age of 21 is caught with an alcoholic beverage. This is solely the responsibility of the group’s chaperones. A $50.00 minimum is required to set up a Sail & Sign account for each student under 18 years old.  A $100.00 minimum is required to set up a Sail & Sign account for each adult (18 years old and older).

Spending Money: You will need money for baggage handling, souvenirs, shore excursions, cab fare in port, and any beverages onboard ship not included with meals. Iced tea, water, milk, juices and coffee are included with meals. Juices & milk are offered at breakfast. Soft drinks onboard ships are approximately $2.75 per can which does not include gratuity. An unlimited Soft Drink Fountain Card can be purchased onboard ship at an additional cost.

Gratuities: Your prepaid cruise gratuities cover Dining Room Waiter, Bus Boy, and Cabin Steward. Tips are not included for curb side stevedores, with a $1.00 per bag/equipment being customary. Tips are not included for room service. $1.00 per person is customary. Beverage purchases onboard ship include gratuity.

Clothing: Casual attire is in order during the day. For Formal dinner nights, formal dress, business casual outfit or khakis with a button up shirt are suggested. A Tuxedo is also appropriate but not required. The dress codes for other evenings is business casual. Cut off shirts  are not permitted in the dining room during dinner.

Main Dining Room Sittings: All student groups are assigned late seating (times vary per ship). If you prefer early dining, this will need to be requested ahead of time to assure availability. Table assignments are pre-assigned by cabin and are sat together.

Medical Services: The ships’ infirmaries are equipped to treat minor non-emergency matters. A doctor is available to render services at a customary charge. Doctors are independent contractors. Groups are encouraged to bring their own health history/medical forms for each person in the group.

Special Needs: Carnival seeks, to the extent feasible, to accommodate guests with special needs so they are able to enjoy their ships and other facilities. For example, service animals are permitted onboard ship if prior arrangements have been made at time of booking. In situations where a guest with special needs, such as a guest in a wheelchair, would be unable to be comfortably accommodated due to vessel barriers and other criteria, they may find it necessary to ask the guest to bring along a companion to assist or make alternative arrangements.

Special Diets: Special diet requirements may be requested at least two weeks prior to sailing. You should discuss the method of preparation of menu items with your waiter or head waiter. There may be limitations in our ability to accommodate special orders. Kosher meals are not available.

Cabin Block: All cabins are blocked as close together as possible at Carnival’s discretion. Groups are guaranteed at least Category 4B. Oceanview cabins may be purchased for an additional charge based on availability. Some triple/quad cabins will be accommodated with roll-a-way beds at the discretion of Carnival Cruise Lines.

Ship Rules: We want your cruise to be a pleasant experience for everyone. The following rules must be enforced. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in the offender(s) being removed from the ship to make his or her own way home at his/her expense

1. No noise in cabin areas after 11:00pm
2. No running, congregating or consumption of food and beverage in the hallways
3. Abuse of physical property will not be tolerated
4. No abusive or offensive language
5. No drinking of alcoholic beverages for those under the age of 21
6. Purchase, possession and consumption of illegal drugs will not be tolerated
7. Large radios are not permitted onboard. Headphones must be used with radios on deck

Emergency Telephone Numbers: 1-877-225-7447. You must know the name of the ship and the sailing date (Date of Departure). Approximate cost is $25.00 – $30.00 for the first minute and $8.00 – $10.00 for each additional minute. This telephone number should only be used in the event of an emergency. Rates are the same for calling ship to shore. Calling Cards may not be used on board.

Ship Photos: The ship photographers will be taking candid and posed pictures of the passengers on the ship throughout the cruise. Group photos can be arranged for your group through your cruise escort and the ship’s photography department.

Limitations: No food or beverages of any kind may be brought off the ship.

Luggage: Upon arrival at the port, stevedores will take bags directly from the bus/car and deliver them to your cabin. Please be prepared prior to arrival to pay a gratuity of $1.00 per bag for this service. Also make sure all bags and equipment have Carnival luggage tags and are clearly marked with your cabin number. Carnival luggage tags will be provided for your trip. Please keep your travel documents with you and not in your suitcase. Carnival Cruise Lines is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged suitcases/bags or equipment.

Time to Travel!

Transportation Info | Rock the Boat Cruises

Transportation costs are not included in the package rates offered on this website. You may elect to coordinate your own transportation or advise your Travel Planner about your transportation needs.

Roundtrip Airline or Motorcoach Transportation…

As another service to our clients, “Rock the Boat” has developed a relationship with various transportation providers nationwide in order to provide our groups with the lowest Commercial and/or Charter Airline or Roundtrip Motorcoach Rates available. We do not require full payment at the time of booking and will work the transportation cost into your package payment schedule.

Airport Transfers

Roundtrip Airport Transfers are not included in the cruise price. Transfers may be purchased through our office and based on a per person rate. Please contact your Rock the Boat representative for specific rates for each Port of Departure.

When Booking Transportation on Your Own…

…and arriving by AIR: It will be necessary to make arrangements for local transportation during your stay. Local Transfers may be purchased through our office or you can make these arrangements on your own. If making your own arrangements, make certain you provide a detailed itinerary to the bus company in order to get a specific cost for their services.
…and arriving by MOTORCOACH or PRIVATE VEHICLE:  These vehicles are responsible for providing all transportation services during your stay. The group is responsible for making hotel reservations and payment for bus driver rooms. Drivers will not receive complimentary hotel rooms, meals, cruise or attraction tickets. It is your responsibility to provide a detailed itinerary to your transportation providers once you receive the final itinerary from our office.

What's YOUR New Year's Resolution?

What does travel do to you?