Spring Break 2008 Bahamas
About the Cruise Ship1. What does my Spring Break Travel package include?
• Roundtrip Cruise: Ft. Lauderdale-Freeport, Bahamas
• Bypass Cruise-Flight options
• Hotel Accommodations: 5 Days - 4 Nights (4 Night Trips)
• Taxi Transfers, Hotel & Port Taxes
• 24 hour onsite staff and emergency assistance
• Welcome Orientation to tell you everything you need to know about safety, your location, and most importantly, where the party’s at!
• Discounts on Exclusive Party Packages
• Free Spring Break Travel wristband
2. Are my meals included in the packages?
There are two options in order to have meal included in your package:
• By booking before December 1st FREE MEALS are automatically added to your package as a bonus incentive
• Club Fortuna is the all-inclusive hotel option in Freeport where all of your meals and drinks will be included at the hotel.
3. What is the difference between All-Inclusive and FREE MEALS?
• All-Inclusive is specific to your chosen hotel. Included in the cost of your trip your meals and drinks will be included at your hotel during designated times by showing your all-inclusive wristband provided to you when you check-in.
• FREE MEALS are an added incentive if you book by December 1st. For the Bahamas Party Cruise Spring Break Travel currently offers a basic meal plan consisting of 10 meals (3 on the cruise, 7 on the island). On the cruise you will get a breakfast and lunch buffet on the way to The Bahamas and a dinner buffet will be served on the cruise home. While you are on the island you will be offered 3 breakfasts and 4 lunches/dinners. The meals are located at various restaurants around Freeport and not at your hotel. A student menu will be offered to you consisting of 2-6 items.
*The meal plan may also be purchased (or replaced if lost) for a cost of $49.
4. Do I need a passport?
• For the Bahamas Party Cruise, as of the most current information, you will NOT need a passport if you are traveling via the cruise ship.
You will, however, need
1.) Original birth certificate or a certified copy of your birth certificate
-And-
2.) Government issued I.D.
**Without proper Identification and Travel Documents you WILL NOT be allowed to board the ship.
• When traveling to The Bahamas by air you WILL need a passport.
Please visit: http://www.travel.state.gov/ for more information.
• On January 8, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.
• As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.
5. What happens if I lose my passport?
If you do happen to lose your passport, whether you lost your luggage or just misplaced it while you were down at your destination you will need to go to the American Consulate or the Embassy to get a new one. You will be able to find a Spring Break Travel staff member while you are at your destination that will be able to help you.
*Travel tip: make a copy of your IDs, passports or birth certificates and leave it with a family member for emergencies. They can always fax you a copy if you lose something.
6. From where does the cruise ship leave?
Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale. The port is very easy to find! Directions will be included with your tickets. You can also find directions on mapquest.com and type in Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale. The port is next to the Ft. Lauderdale Airport (FLL).
7. When does the ship leave? What if I miss it?
The cruise ship leaves the dock at 7AM on the day of your departure. The departure day is determined by the hotel that you select and the week of your Spring Break. You’ll need to call our office for this year’s schedule. (Most packages run Saturday - Wednesday, Sunday - Thursday, Monday - Friday, or Tuesday - Saturday. Some spring break 2008 Bahamas trips are Wednesday through Sunday.)
If you miss your scheduled ship, there is not another ship to catch that day. You may be able to catch the ship the next day when it leaves, IF there is space available. (If you miss any portion of your trip because you missed the ship you will not be reimbursed for the difference.)
8. When does the ship return?
Usually between 10PM and 11PM. Do NOT try to fly home on the same night that you are scheduled to return to Ft. Lauderdale. You’ll miss your flight if you are delayed at customs or if the ship arrives late. You’re better off getting a hotel room for a night.
9. Does Spring Break Travel have hotels in Ft. Lauderdale where people can stay if they need a room on the day before or after the cruise?
Yes! We have a number of different hotels to recommend in Ft. Lauderdale that will offer special rates, but you are responsible for booking them yourself. Call our office for details and prices.
10. How much does it cost to fly to Ft. Lauderdale? Does Spring Break Travel provide airfare to Ft. Lauderdale?
As with any airline ticket, the earlier you book, the more you’ll save. Plan on spending somewhere between $150 and $250, depending on your departure city. Spring Break Travel does not provide airfare to Ft. Lauderdale, but we can suggest checking out student fares through StudentUniverse.
11. How far is the Airport from Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale?
The Port and the Airport are located next to each other. They are about a 5-10 minute taxi ride apart.
12. Where do I park my car?
While on spring break in The Bahamas, you can park your car at Port Everglades. Port Everglades has a secured parking lot where you park your car. It costs approximately $11/day (just like an airport parking lot).
13. What do I do with my luggage?
On your spring break 2008 Bahamas trip, you check it at the port and claim it in The Bahamas. Each passenger is allowed to check 2 bags. Do not bring radios!
14. Should I bring a carry on bag?
Sure, a lot of people bring a carry on bag with a bathing suit, towel, sun tan lotion, walkman, etc... Do not put any food in your carry on bag! It will be confiscated at the port. While on spring break in The Bahamas, you can purchase all of the food items you'll need at local grocery stores.
15. What is there to do on the Cruise Ship?
This is a full size cruise ship with a casino, restaurants, bars, a swimming pool, movies, casino style shows, duty free shopping, etc.... There is plenty to do!
16. Will there be other students on board?
Most of the passengers on board will be college students going on spring break in The Bahamas!
17. How many people does the ship hold?
1,300
18. Is it a big ship?
Yes it is 500 ft. long and weighs 13,000 tons.
19. What time should we be at the port?
5:30 AM.
20. Do I get a cabin?
Since you are not staying overnight on board the ship, you don’t get a cabin. If you are interested in renting one you can check with the purser’s desk when you board the ship. It costs approximately $60. Otherwise, there are locker rooms where you can change. These are free.
21. Are all of our drinks included on the cruise ship?
No, you’ll be responsible for purchasing your own drinks. (Ice water and tea are included with the three meals that you’ll get for free.)
22. What is the drinking age?
The drinking age is 21 while in local waters and 18 when the cruise ship reaches 3 miles out into International Waters. It is 18 in The Bahamas.
23. What happens when I get off the ship?
Upon arrival to Freeport, you'll need to clear Customs and Immigration. You will have already filled out all of the appropriate entry documents at Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale. When you get off the ship, you'll be channeled through to inspectors who will check your papers, ask the purpose of your visit, and sign off on your documentation. Once you have exited the terminal a Spring Break Travel staff member will be waiting for you with a transfer to bring you to your Welcome Orientation. You may be transferred by either bus or taxi. If you do not see the Spring Break Travel staff member please be patient! Please do not take another form of transportation including another transfer company or taxi. You will NOT be reimbursed for these extra costs.
24. How far is the transfer from the port to my hotel?
Once picked up from the airport you will be brought to a Welcome Orientation before you reach your hotel. It will take about 15-20 minutes to reach your orientation. Once the orientation is completed you will be taken to your hotel.
25. What is an orientation? Why should I attend?
All Spring Break Travel travelers are brought to a Welcome Orientation upon arrival in Freeport. Spring Break Travel staff will give you everything you need to know about safety, your location, and most importantly, where the party’s at! They will address the ins and outs of the program, tell you what and what not to do, where and where not to go, as well as provide you with all of the essential party information! If you have pre-purchased the Spring Break Travel Pass and/or received the Free Meals bonus, you will be given your coupons immediately following the orientation. It is important to attend so you are given the specific dates and times of each Spring Break Travel sponsored event, a Spring Break Travel wristband, important medical and emergency contact information, and if you did not purchase the Spring Break Travel Pass ahead of time, you can do so before you head to your hotel.
26. Where do I go if I need help?!
All customer service issues are handled on-site. If you have customer service issues please use the number on your Spring Break Travel wristband and a staff member will assist you. You will also find Spring Break Travel staff at ALL Spring Break Travel hosted events, and hotels. DO NOT CALL OUR CORPORATE OFFICE IN THE UNITED STATES!
27. What if some of our event information changes? Where can I find emergency numbers? How will I be informed of important updates?
During orientation you will receive a destination guide which will help you know what’s going on, when it’s happening and where. It will provide you with a list of the do’s and don’ts of Spring Break, emergency numbers, and the meal plan. In addition, all of the StudnetCity.com hotels will have a bulletin board posted in the lobby to help update you on emergency numbers, daily and weekly events, flight departure times, transfer pick-ups and any other pertinent information we feel you may find useful during your stay. Check these boards daily for important updates!
28. Do I have to wear my Spring Break Travel wristband?
Yes! Sorry about the tan lines, but it is very important that you keep your Spring Break Travel wristband on from the moment you receive it until you depart. The wristband helps identify you as a Spring Break Travel traveler so that our on-site staff may assist you and help answer any questions that you may have. The wristband also entitles you to discounts at various clubs, bars, restaurants and retail stores around Freeport.
You may also be given a hotel wristband to help them determine who their customers are as well. Again it is important to keep both of these wristbands on for identification purposes.
29. What if I lose my wristband?
If your Spring Break Travel wristband were to come off you can get a replacement by finding a Staff member or going to Spring Break Travel’s office. Times and location will be given to you at orientation.
If you are to lose your hotel bracelet you will need to ask them if it is possible to get a replacement as there may be a cost associated with it due to hotel specific policies.
30. On which island will we stay?
Grand Bahama Island.
31. How far is Grand Bahama from Nassau and Paradise Island?
Approximately 80 miles. You’ll be closer to Florida than Nassau and Paradise Island.
32. What is the weather like?
Based off of averages from Weather.com during the month of March and the height of Spring Break Freeport typically has highs in the upper 80’s and lows in the upper 60’s
33. What about sun protection?
Make sure to pack sunscreen!!! The sun is extremely strong in The Bahamas so bring sun-block and use it! Tan gradually or you will spend the remainder of your vacation in your hotel room or a doctor’s office with sun poisoning.
34. What is the national language?
That national language in The Bahamas is English.
35. How do we dress for the night events?
The nightlife in The Bahamas tends to follow a “come as you are” dress code though some bars may have a few regulations with hats and such. The CityPass may provide some theme parties in Freeport in which you may want to wear a certain color or follow a certain theme. Before packing please check the CityPass schedule for the updated themes.
36. Will my hotel have compatible electrical connections?
Yes, Electrical outlets at our provided hotels have 110V connections which means you can use your hairdryer, etc., however, you may want to bring adaptors just in case.
37. What time zone is The Bahamas located in?
The Bahamas are located in the Eastern Standard Time Zone.
38. How do I call home?
Spring Break Travel suggests that you DO NOT USE YOUR HOTEL PHONE to make any calls (other than room to room). The rates are the highest from the hotel and add up quick! Also, phone cards purchased in the U.S. will NOT work when used from The Bahamas. You may purchase an INDIGO phone card at the Welcome Orientation, from a Spring Break Travel staff member or from Superior Watersports. The easiest place to use an INDIGO phone card is from a pay phone. These are located outside of all hotels as well as in the International Bazaar and The Port Lucaya Marketplace. Your cell phone may work in The Bahamas with additional international roaming charges. Please check your cellular service provider and they will be able to fill you in.
To dial home from The Bahamas or dial into The Bahamas the process is the same as if you were calling someone long distance in the United States; dial 1 and then the area code. The area code for the Bahamas is (242).
39. How much spending money do I need?
The amount of money each person needs onsite is specific to the amount of money you traditionally spend, though The Bahamas tends to be more expensive due the need to import many of their goods. As an example a traditional meal consisting of a cheeseburger, fries and drink will cost about $10-12. Alcohol prices also differ in The Bahamas. A typical case of beer can cost between $40-$60 (no lie!), but a bottle of liquor tends to be cheaper than what you would pay for it in the United States. If you have purchased an All Inclusive Option Room, you most likely won’t be spending much money on food and drinks. Same goes for the CityPass; if you pre-purchased this before your trip, drinks are included in each of the night events. In Freeport, if transportation is needed, almost all students use the taxi services which can cost them on average, per day, $5-$10. In general, our experience has been that on average, most students use about an additional $250 for food and activities for a full week.
40. Should I take cash or travelers’ checks?
Spring Break Travel recommends that you bring a combination of both. You will need some cash during travel and upon arrival, however for security reasons we recommend that you keep the bulk of your spending money in the form of travelers' checks. You may use travelers’ checks to pay for additional City Passes or Meal Plans from Spring Break Travel representatives. If travelers’ checks are lost or stolen you will be able to get your money back.
41. What is the exchange rate?
The exact exchange rate in The Bahamas is 1 to 1. As an example, 10 American dollars equals 10 Bahamian dollars. They will accept American money, but be aware that you may receive Bahamian change.
** There are also ATMs located in Freeport that your Debit cards will work in. As well, most establishments also accept most major Credit Cards for purchases.
42. What is the Spring Break Travel Pass? How much is it?
The Platinum CityPass in Freeport includes 3 Nightly Theme Parties plus a Booze Cruise aboard the Bahama Mama.
Saturday: New Year’s Eve Party @ Amnesia
Sunday: Booze Cruise
Monday: Mardi Gras Party @ Le Tropics
Tuesday: Junkanoo Beach Club
Wednesday: Heaven & Hell Party @ Amnesia
Thursday: Booze Cruise
Friday: Bahamian Night & Bonfire @ Junkanoo Beach Club
Each theme party is held from 10pm-2am with free cover, express entry and select open bar for all CityPass holders.
The Booze Cruise is a 2 hour boat ride aboard the Bahama Mama, inclusive of DJ, dancing and unlimited Bahama Mamas and white wine. Always a student favorite!
The Platinum Spring Break Travel Pass for The Bahamas Party Cruise is $99, and can be purchased before you leave. Contact us at 1-800-795-4786 for more details.
*Prices are subject to change
43. How and where do I get my Spring Break Travel CityPass?
You can add the CityPass to your account up to the day before you leave for The Bahamas Party Cruise by accessing your account on our website, or by simply calling 1-888-777-4642 to speak with any one of Spring Break Travel’s representatives. If you miss out on the pre-purchase option, you will be given the opportunity to buy it onsite at your Welcome Orientation, or by speaking with any of the Onsite Staff members throughout your Spring Break week.
44. What happens if I lose my coupons?
Unfortunately, to avoid duplication/sharing of these coupons, lost or stolen meal coupons and CityPass coupons have to be re-purchased at the original price. The cost of the Meal Plan is $49.00 and the Platinum CityPass is $99.00. These coupons are as good as cash, so DON’T LOSE THEM!
45. Do we sponsor any side trips or excursions?
No, however a local tour company will give you a welcome briefing when you arrive and will tell you about all the tours available. Some operators are more reputable than others. We recommend booking tours and trips with Superior Watersports.
46. Will I need my ID?
You will be required to provide an ID upon checking into your hotel, but in terms of the local bars or clubs, they will not require you provide an ID.
47. Is it safe to drink the water?
Yes, but in The Bahamas we recommend that you drink bottled water just to be safe.
48. How do we get around?
The most common form of transportation in Freeport is by taxi. (Spring Break Travel is working on setting up FREE transportation to our events. We’ll keep you posted!) The taxis can charge anywhere from $2-$5 per person per ride based on a full vehicle. The taxis are vans and can typically hold up to 12 people. To identify the proper taxi please use taxis with yellow license plates with black writing.
In Freeport there is also a public bus that runs during the day and stops service around 6pm. The cost is $1 each way.
Depending on your hotel/location, some of the places/events you will be attending with Spring Break Travel are within walking distance.
49. Are we allowed in other hotels?
This will vary by hotel. During the day most hotels will allow you to be on their grounds; however, at night they may have a policy that requires you to be a registered hotel guest to be on the property. Most all-inclusive hotels allow only their customers to enter at anytime.
50. Can we bring alcohol into the hotel?
The answer to this question can vary among hotels and can be combined with the question of whether you can bring outside food into their hotel as well. Most of the time you can bring food/alcohol in, but in the end it is up to the hotel. Alcohol requirements may also include the ability to bring plastic or cans in, but not glass.
51. What do I do if I get sick?
If you or any of the people you are traveling with get sick or need medical attention please contact the Spring Break Travel staff right away! You will be able to find them at all Spring Break Travel hosted events, during lobby hours or 24 hours a day by calling the emergency number provided to you on your Spring Break Travel wristband. The staff will assist you in accordance to the level of medical attention you may need. ALL medical costs will need to be covered by the traveler and paid up front. If you have purchased the Travel Protection insurance you will be covered up to a certain amount, but you still need to pay the costs up front and keep the receipts to file a claim with the insurance company upon your arrival home.
52. What if I have to leave the trip early?
If you do have to leave the trip early and you arrived by cruise you may have to purchase a separate return ticket, but will be able to fill out a cruise reimbursement form to request a refund. If you have booked the flight lock option you will be able to contact the airline that you traveled on in order to change your flight. (Flight Change fees will vary depending on airline) Please contact the Spring Break Travel staff onsite for help with changing your flight.
53. How do I get my return information? How do I know when and where to get my transfer back to the port?
You will be aware of your return information before you even leave for your trip. It will accompany your departure information on your travel vouchers. Transfers will typically pick you up around 12pm at your hotel. Spring Break Travel will post on the hotel bulletin boards the time you need to check out of your hotel as well as when and where your transfer will pick you up on your specific day of departure.
