FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We make every effort to keep this information current. In the event of a discrepancy between anything posted here and our ticketing contract the contract always prevails. If you have a ship-related question that you don’t see here, please also check out Princess cruise lines web page. Click here.

Before You Book
What is the Downhome cruise?
Do I have to be a Newfoundlander to book this cruise?
Is this cruise suitable for children?
What does the price of the Downhome Cruise include?
Are there any cruise discounts available?
We are planning a family reunion?  Is this cruise a good choice?
Can I join the group is I book the cruise with another agency or directly with Princess?
What is the ship’s itinerary?                                                             

Placing a Reservation
How do I make a reservation?
What information will I need to book my cabin?
What if I want to book a cabin as a single passenger?
Can I book a suite or Penthouse?
What is the bed configuration in each cabin?
How does travel insurance work?
Why purchase travel protection?
How do I purchase travel insurance?
Can I attend if I am pregnant or just had a baby?

Maintaining Your Reservation
How do I manage my reservation?
Can I make changes to my reservation?
What is the payment schedule?
What is the official cancellation policy?

Pre-Cruise Details
Can I transfer my reservation?
What type of identification will I need to board the ship?
Can arrangements be made for pre and post stays in the Fort Lauderdale area?
Where is the cruise port in Fort Lauderdale?
When will I be sent my boarding documentation?

Once Onboard
What is the dress code onboard?
What dining options are available onboard?
Can I sit with my friends at dinner?
What shore excursions will be available?
What are the tipping guidelines for my cruise?

Where can I learn more about the Princess Crown?
What if I have more questions?

What is The Downhome cruise?
The Downhome cruise promises to be a fun filled week aboard one the world’s best cruise ships, Princess Crown. Newfoundlander’s and friends of Newfoundlanders are all welcome. The cruise departs from Fort Lauderdale November 30th/2008.  The cruise will include group activities and programs exclusive to our group.

Do I have to be a Newfoundlander to book this cruise?
Absolutely not. This cruise is for anyone that enjoys cruising or always wanted to try.  Not only will you be treated on board this world class ship, you will enjoy the wonderful company of Newfoundlanders.  For most of us, our vacation time is precious, no better time can be spent, than with the company of fun loving friends, new and old, great food and quite simply, a terrific cruise.

Is this cruise suitable for children?
Yes, This cruise for everyone.  Princess Cruise lines offer terrific programs for Young children, pre-teens and young adults. Learn about Princess’s Kids Programs. Click here

What does the price of the Downhome Cruise include?
Generally speaking, the price includes all meals, entertainment, taxes and fees.  Gratuities and alcoholic beverages are extra.  Please refer to the policies set out by Princess or contact us for additional information.  Please continue to read the questions and answers for more detailed information about pricing.

Are there any cruise discounts available?
$50 per cabin on board ship credit available to anyone booking after Jan 31/08

* Groups of 16-or-more guests (6 cabin minimum) can apply for a group discount by calling the booking agency. Group rates must be requested in advance and include the names of all participants. Each group participant will receive a $50 Sail & Sign credit on the ship, or the group coordinator can choose to collect the total discount for themselves.

We are planning a family reunion?  Is this cruise a good choice?
Absolutely, a cruise is a wonderful way to get back in touch.  This cruise offers something for everyone, grandparents, and children alike. We can arrange special functions for family while on board as well at port. The cruise is well priced with very affordable cabins. We can offer special pricing for re-unions depending on the number of guests traveling together.  Give us a call!

Can I join the group is I book the cruise with another agency or directly with Princess?

No, to enjoy the extra amenities offered, you must book with the appointed agents. The activities and special functions will only be available to those booked through our appointed agent(s) within this group. Extra amenities and entertainment and discounted group shore excursions will be provided “EXCLUSIVELY” to the passengers booked into the group. Booking directly with the cruise line or with another agency will exclude you from the extra amenities. Extra amenities are being continually being added.   This is a sample of the extra amenities available amounting to savings of hundreds of dollars.

What is ship's itinerary?
Subject to change, the cruise itinerary is:

How do I make a reservation?
Placing a reservation is easy! Simply can Sue Johnson at toll free at 866-456-8728 or email s.johnson@claringtontravel.com.  If you are calling from Alberta or Western Canada, please call Heather Folkins at 1-888-839-8936 or email at hfolkins@algonquintravel.com.

What information will I need to book my cabin?
Before placing your reservation, make sure you have the correct spelling of your name as it appears on your passport.  If you are unsure of who your guests will be at the time of booking you can fill in only the information you know and add additional guests later. Be advised that you are obligated for the full cruise fare of the occupancy level you select during the reservation process even should you not provide additional guest information to us. You will only be charged the taxes and fees for each guest you provide during the booking process. If you later add additional guests to your cabin you will be charged the taxes and fees associated with that guest when you do so. If you wish to add additional guests beyond the capacity of the occupancy level you select during the reservation process you may do so for the additional cruise fare associated with the transaction based on availability.
If you are paying with multiple credit cards, you will need all of the credit card numbers (with expiration date and card verification number) as well as the name and billing addresses for each card.
You will also be asked for a dining preference. The ship has three dinner choices, early dining, late dining and anytime dining. Everyone in your cabin will be assigned to a specific dining room and dining time if you select early or late dining.  The organizers may try to keep the group together depending on the number of bookings taken, unless you are specific about dining time.  Early dining usually sells out first.  Please book early to ensure you receive your dining preference. 

What if I want to book a cabin as a single passenger?
Guests traveling by themselves in their own cabin are still responsible for the double-occupancy rate of the cabin less the second guest taxes and surcharges.

Can I book a Suite or Penthouse?
There are a limited number of Suites available. If those cabin types do not appear on our price chart, they may still be available. Please contact us.

What is the bed configuration in each cabin?
Configuration depends of the cabin category selected.  Please contact us to confirm this information.

How does travel insurance work?
We strongly recommend travel insurance. The travel Insurance we sell is RBC Brand, RBC helps protect travelers whose trips are cancelled or interrupted due to unforeseen events such as emergency illness or injury to the traveler or a travel companion, missed or delayed flights, lost or stolen luggage, and emergency medical and dental expenses, as well as 24 hour emergency travel assistance.* Please visit the RBC Website for additional information about the policy’s. Click here

Why Purchase Travel Protection?
Travel protection provides you with the necessary coverage to help safeguard your travel “investment” from unforeseen circumstances such as:
• Illness or injury to you or a traveling companion or immediate family member causing you to cancel or interrupt your trip
• Jury duty
• Job layoff or termination
• Terrorist events
• Bankruptcy or default of your airline, cruise line or tour operator
• A hurricane that strikes your trip
This coverage must be purchased before your final payment due date. Please contact us for additional information and a competitive quote. We know you might have questions about what is and is not covered so we encourage you to call us.

How do I purchase cruise or travel insurance?
Just give a call; it is as simple as that!

Can I attend if I am pregnant or just had a baby?
Any guest entering her third trimester (27 weeks or more) is not permitted to sail and will be denied boarding. This policy is in place for the safety of the guest. The ship infirmaries are only equipped for minor emergencies, and are not hospitals. Infants under 4 months old are also not permitted to sail.

How do I manage my reservation?
We will collect contact information and keep you informed every step of the way.  We will advise you of any payment schedule and forward cruise documents out when they are ready.  Normally three weeks prior to departure.

Can I make changes to my reservation?
Any changes to your reservation that involve changing or removing existing guests or changes to the value of your cabin can only be done by contacting us. Any changes to a booking are subject to a $50 administrative fee. Any reservation change made after final payment is subject to a $75 administrative fee if the change is possible following the guidelines of the cruise lines policies.  The cruise line may also have change fees after final payment.  They may also refuse changes after final payment. Guests moving from one cabin to another is a reservation change, not a name change, and is subject to a minimum $50 administrative fee for each reservation affected.

What is the payment schedule?
• $250 USD per person after January 31/08
• $280 USD per person after January 31/08
• Final balance of the cruise booking is due September 16th , 2008
Past-due payments are subject to a $35 late fee.  
Reservations made after the final payment date of September 16th, 2008, require full payment when booking.

What is the official cancellation policy?
The person that places a reservation for Downhome cruise is the "Lead" passenger and "owns" the reservation. They must agree to any changes made to the reservation.
+ Each reservation is allowed one free name change prior to September 16th, 2008, but other changes prior to that date or name changes after September 16th 2008 are subject to a $50 administrative fee.
Guests moving from one cabin to another is a reservation change, not a name change, and is subject to a minimum $50 administrative fee for each reservation affected.
The Lead Passenger is not allowed to change their name within the reservation; that is considered a transfer and is subject to the transfer policy.

The cancellation schedule is as follows:
Cancel by Sept. 01/2008 and get all monies back less $75pp admin charge
Cancel by Sept. 26/2008 and get 50% of monies paid back less additional $75pp admin charge
Cancel by Nov.  01/2008 and get 25% of monies paid back less additional $75pp admin charge
No refunds of any kind after November 01, 2008
If you have cruise insurance and need to cancel for a covered condition, you can make a claim with the insurance carrier to recover any lost payments.

Can I transfer my reservation?
A reservation for the cruise is valid only for the person(s) named within as guests portfolio and cannot be transferred without the travel agencies written consent.
With written consent you may transfer your reservation to another party with a $299 transfer fee charged to reservation.

What type of identification will I need to board the ship?
You will require a valid passport. Visit the Princess Cruise Lines website. Princess could update this information without notice.
Effective January 23, 2007, passports will be required for air travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, The Bahamas and Bermuda. This is an important new requirement for our cruise guests traveling by air

Can arrangements be made for pre and post stays in the Fort Lauderdale area?
Yes, we are delighted to do so.  If you would like to extend your stay in Florida, please let us know.  We have special rates available in the Fort Lauderdale area exclusively for Downhome cruise guests.  Just let us know how many days you would like to stay before and after the cruise, and we will provide you a quote. We have several different types of accommodation available, from condos to hotels.

Where is the cruise port in Fort Lauderdale?
By air -- Access to the large cruise terminal is easy and only about 2 miles (5 minutes) from the Ft. Lauderdale airport. Cruise line buses meet inbound flights for transfer to the port if you make arrangements in advance. If you choose to take a taxi from the airport to the pier, it should cost less than $10. Port Everglades is only about 30 minutes north of the Miami International Airport, so that is an additional option for cruisers.
By car -- For those that arrive at the port via car, Port Everglades has 3 passenger entrances: Spangler Boulevard, Eisenhower Boulevard, and Eller Drive. There are two large parking garages that cost $10 per 24-hour period in December 2001. The 2,500-space Northport Parking Garage next to the Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center serves terminals 1, 2, and 4. The 2,000-space Midport Parking Garage is closer to terminals 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, and 26. Both garages have controlled security, are well-lighted, and will accommodate recreation vehicles (RVs) and buses.

When will I be sent my boarding documentation?
Typically, documents are forwarded approximately 1 month prior to departure. We will forward them out to you the moment they arrive to us from Princess Cruise Lines. Within three months of sailing, you can visit the Princess website and pre-register for spas and excursions. We will provide you with your booking number and access information.

What is the dress code onboard?
Princess makes it easy to know what to pack and what to wear when you're dining onboard. There are two designations for dress codes: Smart Casual and Formal.
Smart Casual Evenings:
Passenger attire should be in keeping with what would be worn to a nice restaurant at home. Inappropriate dinner wear such as pool or beach attire, shorts, ball caps and casual jeans (with fraying and/or holes), is not permitted in the dining rooms. Shoes must be worn.
Formal Evenings:
Evening gown, cocktail dress, or elegant pant suit for women
Tuxedo, dark suit or dinner jacket and slacks for men
 
What dining options are available onboard?
The Princess Crown has two dining rooms and two seating’s for scheduled dining. Princess offers early and late dining, as well “Anytime dining”.   Princess also offers two specialty restaurants, Sabatini’s and The Crown Grill.

There is no shortage of food onboard - enjoy a quick snack out by the pool, hit the buffet or enjoy 24 hour room service…that’s all included in your cabin price! These meals are also included in your cruise price.

Traditional Dining
Indulge in award-winning cuisine, served in an elegant, comfortable dining room each evening at 6 p.m. (first seating) or 8:15 p.m. (second seating).

Anytime Dining
For passengers wanting more flexibility in their dining schedule. Just like in a restaurant, show up when you like between 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., to enjoy dinner alone or with friends.

Specialty Dining (Additional charges may apply)
When it comes to gourmet fare, variety is the spice of life — so Princess offers several specialty dining options. Sterling Steakhouse is an upscale take on the traditional steakhouse, serving favorites like New York steak and rib eye. Sabatini's, our Italian trattoria, is as authentic as they come — featuring fresh pasta dishes and Mediterranean seafood specialties. And the Bayou Café & Steakhouse will transport your tastebuds to Cajun country.

Ultimate Balcony Dining (Additional charges may apply)
Enjoy Ultimate Balcony Dining, featuring fresh lobster or steak, delicious delicacies and private service, all on your own balcony. Treat yourself to this unparalleled level of luxury morning or night, available for an additional cost.

Note: Once onboard, you may switch from Traditional Dining to Anytime Dining (subject to availability) with 24 hours notice to the Maître d'hôtel. Actual meal times are subject to change based on itinerary and season. Specialty Dining. Ultimate Balcony Dining available in select staterooms.

Casual Dining (Additional charges may apply, for some items)
All throughout each ship, we have a wide variety of casual dining options:

Afternoon Tea
Indulge in afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, pastries, scones, cookies, music and white-glove service. It's the perfect interlude between sunning out on deck and a star-studded evening at sea. Enjoy a wide selection of premium teas — from Earl Grey to herbal infusions. And of course there's coffee, if you prefer. The choice is up to you.

Room Service
Call for personal room service at any time of the day or night. To have continental breakfast delivered to your stateroom, just fill out the breakfast card included in your stateroom portfolio (one is also placed on your pillow) and hang it out at night on your stateroom door. For a full stateroom menu, please see your stateroom portfolio or call the number listed in your onboard telephone directory.
Private Cocktails & Hors D'oeuvres
What could be more fun than throwing a party at sea? We'll arrange for the invitations, mix the cocktails, and pour the wine. Our chef will even prepare a selection of your favorite hors d'oeuvres. Just contact the Passenger Services/Purser's Desk to plan all the details.

Can I sit with my friends at dinner?
When booking your cruise, we can cross reference books so the ships staff are aware passengers are traveling together.  If there is availability for your dining choice when booking, you and your traveling companions can sit together.  BOOK EARLY!

What are the tipping guidelines for my cruise?
During your cruise, you will meet staff throughout the ship who provide you with excellent service. Many more crew support those who serve you directly. To save you the worry of who to tip and how much, Princess makes it easier for you to reward excellent service by automatically adding a discretionary Hotel and Dining charge of $11 USD for suites and mini-suites and $10.50 USD for all other staterooms per person per day (including children) to your shipboard account on a daily basis. This charge will be shared amongst those staff who help provide and support your cruise experience, including the wait staff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards, galley staff, laundry staff and others. Casino dealers and Lotus Spa personnel do not share in the Hotel and Dining charge as not all passengers utilize these services.
Casino dealers and Lotus Spa personnel do not share in the Hotel and Dining charge as not all passengers utilize these services.
A 15% charge is automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account. This is shared amongst the beverage staff and their support staff, including cleaners and utility staff.

What shore excursions will be available?
Downhome cruise organizers have something special in store for you.  Excursions custom built will be offered at several of the ports.  These special excursions will be offered at a very affordable price, available exclusively for the Group. Additional information concerning these excursions will be made available closer to the cruise date. Princess also offers a complete selection of shore excursions for each port. Make the most of your cruise vacation with shore excursions that will create memories of a lifetime.

Where can I learn more about the Crown Princess?
For specific details about the ship, please visit:
Princess Cruise lines: Click here

What if I have more questions?
Please contact:

For all provinces (other than Alberta), please contact Sue Johnson at 1-866-456-8728, 905-987-4647  or email Sue at s.johnson@claringtontravel.com.

If you are located in Alberta, please contact Heather Folkins at 1-888-839-8936 or email Heather at hfolkins@algonquintravel.com