Browncoat Cruise FAQ
Updated November 22, 2007 - What follows are abbreviated parts of Carnival’s FAQ, combined with information specific to Browncoat Cruise. More items will be added soon and updates will be highlighted. There is a FAQ thread you can read. For more details, we encourage you to read each link below and view Carnival's FAQ Index
OVERVIEW
Who is hosting the Browncoat Cruise?
What is Browncoat Cruise?
Difference between the Full-Event Pass and Limited-Event Pass?
ARRIVING in San Diego
What time do we need to arrive in San Diego?
When arrive in port and booking flights out of San Diego?
What if I'm running late?
Can I go to the Kick-Off Party on November 30th?
Getting from the Marriott Kick-Off Party to the Cruise Dock?
What transportation is available from airport to Cruise Dock?
Where is Carnival’s Port?
Where can I park my car?
Can I watch the VIPs board our cruise ship?
When will Carnival send my boarding documentation?
What is Boarding like?
What should I do when I first board the ship?
THINGS TO BRING
Do I Need a Passport?
How Should I Dress for the Masquerade? *
What's the luggage limit? Are there things I can’t bring?
What is the dress code?
THINGS TO BUY - Carnival
Once onboard, how do I pay drinks, tips, etc from Carnival?
What is Carnival’s Baggage Liability?
Liquor
Tipping
THINGS TO BUY - Browncoat Cruise
What Browncoat Cruise merchandise can I purchase? **
You have a Browncoat Cruise store?
Can I purchase Autographs and Photo-Ops from the Guests?
I’ve Run Out of Cash
THINGS TO DO
What shore excursion should I go on? **
What ship activities are available, besides our events?
What is included from Carnival with my Browncoat Cruise ticket?
What is the ship's itinerary?
DINING
Can I sit with my friends at dinner? **
Do I have to pay for food and drinks?
Can special diets be accommodated?
COMMUNICATION
Can I get on the Internet?
Can I use my cell phone on the ship?
Can I call home from the ship?
Can I receive phone calls onboard?
MISC
Medical Services
What about smoking? *
Can I attend if I am pregnant or just had a baby?
Guests with Special Needs
POLICIES
OVERVIEW
Who is hosting the Browncoat Cruise?
Brian, Jeremy and Tony from Done The Impossible, along with our good friend and event management specialist Christy. We’ve had so much fun attending events and meeting Browncoats, we wanted to host the ultimate shindig ourselves.
Browncoat Cruise is just that, a cruise for Browncoats to enjoy each other's company. It's a cruise for us, the Browncoats, and not strictly a "Con" in the traditional sense. The fact that we are going to have some celebrity VIPs join us is pretty much a bonus.
Difference between the Full-Event Pass and Limited-Event Pass?
The Full-Event Pass gets you into all of the Browncoat events on board the ship. This includes the celebrity guest panels, and all the shindigs, parties, games, activities, etc. A full pass will also give you the opportunity to purchase an autograph or photo-op.
A Limited-Event pass gets you into the same dinner group as the full-event pass holders, and Limited-Event pass holders are also invited to join us for the pre-cruise shindig and the on-board masquerade ball, but are not invited to any of the other special Browncoat events. Limited-Event holders can enjoy all of the cruise sponsored activities on board.
ARRIVING IN SAN DIEGO
What time do we need to arrive in San Diego?
Carnival recommends that your flight arrives into San Diego no later than 2:00 pm on December 1st. Boarding starts at 1:30pm on Dec 1 and you have to be on board by 3:30pm. For your comfort and convenience, please plan for your arrival at the cruise terminal no more than 1 hour prior to the scheduled embarkation time for your cruise. Carnival Additional Information
When will we arrive back in port and what's the earliest we should book flights out of San Diego?
The ship returns at 8 am on December 6, but going through customs may take a while. To allow sufficient time for customs clearance, Carnival recommends that you should book your flight out of the San Diego airport no earlier than 11:30am.
If you are experiencing a travel delay en route to the ship or returning home after your voyage, call Carnival’s travel hotline at 1-877-885-4856 or 1-305-406-4779. Representatives are on call to assist you with any question or travel emergency, 24 hours a day.
If your flight arrives at your ship’s home port after the ship’s scheduled sailing time due to weather or mechanical problems, contact Carnival’s Travel Hotline, 1-800-327-9501 and/or a supervisor at the airline’s ticket counter for assistance in securing hotel accommodations and flight arrangements to your ship’s next destination.
Can I go to the Kick-Off Party on November 30th?
If you are a Browncoat Cruise ticket holder, please come and meet your fellow Browncoats and enjoy music from the Bedlam Bards. You can also pick up your Browncoat Cruise ID Badge and Souvenir Book. The party will start sometime after 7pm. The “official” hotel is the Marriott Courtyard San Diego Downtown:
Marriott Courtyard San Diego Downtown
530 Broadway Street
San Diego, CA 92101
619-446-3000 or 800-321-2211
Getting from the Kick-Off Party at the Marriott to the Cruise Dock?
For those staying at the Marriot Courtyard Downtown, we are hiring a bus from the Marriot to the Cruise Dock the morning of December 1st. If you’re not staying at the Marriott, we encourage you to use other options outlined in this FAQ.
What transportation is available from airport to the Cruise Dock?
Transportation to the pier can be purchased from Carnival for $16 per person each way by calling 1-888-CARNIVAL. Taxis are also available at the airport. Shuttle services, such as Super Shuttle, can be arranged before as well.
Carnival Additional Information
"B" Street Cruise Ship Terminal
1140 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92112
3 miles from the San Diego International Airport; travel time is approximately 15 minutes. Carnival Additional Information
You will NOT be permitted to park at the pier during your cruise. For long-term parking, you may park at the parking facilities listed in the link. Carnival Additional Information
Can I watch the VIPs board our cruise ship?
Yes, you are free to watch from a distance and take pictures. VIPs will board about an hour before everyone else.
When will Carnival send my boarding documentation?
Carnival uses the "Funpass" system which allows you to print your boarding pass online, much like an E-Ticket. To do so, you will be sent a unique Booking Number in mid November and be directed to the Carnival site. Also 3-5 weeks prior, the Lead Passenger in the reservation will be sent via mail luggage tags and Sail & Sign applications for each guest in the cabin.
Carnival Additional Information
What is Boarding like?
Carnival Additional Information
What should I do when I first board the ship?
We recommend that you get settled in your cabin and start exploring the ship. Prior to the Opening Ceremonies, you need to check-in at our Browncoat Cruise hospitality table and pick up your Browncoat Cruise ID and Souvenir Book, if you didn’t pick them up at the Kick-Off Party. The table location and times will be announced later.
THINGS TO BRING
Although the U.S. government said a passport was not required for travel to Mexico until January 2008, recent reports on the news indicate that the government has caught up with passport requests, and that a passport is now required. Although we have not verified this, we strongly recommend that everyone have a passport from their home country. Make sure your passports are up to date. According to some law, if your passport expires in 6 months or less, you may not be permitted to travel to some countries. Passports can take 6 weeks or longer unless expedited. Don’t wait.
Please Note: Guest names on travel documents (passport, Alien Resident Card, birth certificate, etc.) must be identical to those on the cruise and airline tickets. Otherwise, proof of name change (e.g., a marriage license) OR a valid driver's license (or other government-issued photo ID) must be presented.
Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise. Carnival strongly recommends guests travel with a passport since it will expedite clearance by the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Alien Residents need a valid Alien Resident Card. Canadian citizens must present a valid passport. Non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport and a valid, unexpired U.S. Multiple Re-entry Visa, if applicable. Guest names on travel documents (passport, Alien Resident Card, birth certificate, etc.) must be identical to those on the cruise and airline tickets. Otherwise, proof of name change (e.g., a marriage license) OR a valid driver's license (or other government-issued photo ID) must be presented. On occasion, non-U.S. citizens and U.S. Alien Residents may be asked to surrender their passport and/or Alien Resident Card at time of embarkation. These documents will be returned upon completion of the Immigration inspection at the time of debarkation.
Carnival Additional Information
U.S. Department of State
Passport Services
How Should I Dress for the Masquerade?
Carnival has requested that costumes be "non-scary" and "non-military." Apparently there was a costume party onboard some years ago, and many passengers panicked and thought the boat had been hijacked.
No fake or real weapons are allowed by Carnival. Please leave them at home.
What's the luggage limit? Are there things I can’t bring?
You can bring as much luggage as you want to as long as it fits in your cabin. Curbside porters are available at the pier during embarkation to take luggage to the vessel for delivery to your stateroom. Please be sure each piece of luggage is locked and has a tag listing your name, ship and stateroom number. Usual tip is $1 per bag. Curbside porters are not employees of Carnival; therefore, any problems are the responsibility of the guest.
Carnival Additional Information 1
Carnival Additional Information 2
Casual attire and resort wear is the order of the day both on board and in port. For the one formal night, a suit or formal attire is suggested. The dress code for other evenings ranges from sport coat and tie to casual resort wear. Shorts, T-shirts, tattered clothing or swimming suits are not permitted in the dining room during dinner. For those not wanting to dress up, the Lido Restaurants are open nightly and have a casual dress code. Carnival Additional Information
THINGS TO BUY - Carnival
Once onboard, how do I pay drinks, tips, etc from Carnival?
Carnival Additional Information
What is Carnival’s Baggage Liability?
Carnival highly recommends that all guests purchase their Vacation Protection Plan. The Plan covers trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and contents, and accidents. Depending on the policy, and the level of protection desired, you may be protected against such losses. Carnival Additional Information
Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages onboard. However, guests (21 years and older only) may bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person on board only during embarkation at the beginning of the cruise. A $10 corkage fee per bottle will be charged should you wish to consume this wine in the dining room or a $14 corkage fee per bottle in the Supper Club. Guests may bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages. All alcohol, additional quantities of wine/champagne or excessive quantities of non-alcoholic beverages will be confiscated and discarded without compensation. Guests may purchase a variety of beverages on board the ship.
Carnival Additional Information
Carnival automatically charges the gratuities for dining and stateroom staff to your onboard Sail & Sign account. The total amount is $10 per guest, per day. If you want to lower the amount, you need to talk to the Purser's Desk. Tipping your Maitre d’ is at your discretion, based upon the service you received. Other service personnel, such as bar and room service staff, may be tipped as service is rendered. A 15% gratuity is automatically included on all beverage tabs.
Carnival Additional Information
THINGS TO BUY - Browncoat Cruise
What Browncoat Cruise merchandise can I purchase?
Although attendees will receive one Browncoat Cruise ID Badge and Souvenir Book, additional will be available for sale. They’re rather shiny! We will also have unique Browncoat Cruise merchandise such as Mal and Zoe dog tags (designed by Ben Mund aka Whitefall), a Travel Poster (designed by Adam Levermore-Rich, creator of the popular QMx travel posters), DVD Set #1, Celebrity Dining, Autographs and Photo-Ops.
You have a Browncoat Cruise store?
Yes, we are bringing in merchandise from dealers around the country, and some shiny things you haven’t seen before :-) Cash is required and ATMs are available on the ship.
Can I purchase Autographs and Photo-Ops from the Guests?
Yes. Final pricing is being determined and pre-orders may be possible. You are welcome to bring your own item to have autographed, or purchase one of ours. You can purchase an autograph or photo-op ticket with cash from our Browncoat Cruise Store in our events room.
All ships have ATMs on board.
THINGS TO DO
What shore excursion should I go on?
Carnival offers a variety of shore excursions. We recommend the Cabo By Land and Sea from 8:30am to 1pm on Monday as the “Official Browncoat Excursion.” Join us on a Browncoat filled exploration of Cabo San Lucas. Please book directly through Carnival by going to www.carnival.com (view booking instructions) or calling 1-888-CARNIVAL. Pending availability, you will also be able to book your excursion once we get on board by bringing your completed order form (available onboard) to the Information Desk. You will be able to order directly through your in-stateroom Fun Vision System, which is accessed through the television. These tours are operated by independent contractors and Carnival and Browncoat Cruise are not responsible for their actions.
What ship activities are available, besides our events?
Carnival Additional Information 1
Carnival Additional Information 2
Included from Carnival with my full-event Browncoat Cruise ticket?
In addition to admission to Browncoat Cruise events, the following are highlights of what's included from Carnival in the price of your room:
- All Meals: gourmet fare in the formal dining rooms, casual indoor and outdoor grills open for meals throughout the day and 24 hour room service
- Non-Carbonated Beverages: tea, juices, coffee
- Disco, casino, piano bar, health-fitness center, pools, waterslide
- Camp Carnival facilities for kids up to 17 years old
NOT Included :
- Spa
- Alcohol: average drink costs are $4.00 to $5.00
- Soft Drinks: $2 per or $27.50 for unlimited during the cruise.
- Meals, Events and Tours while in Port
- Airfare and Ground Transportation
December 1 = San Diego, CA (board about 1:30pm, depart 4pm)
December 2 = At Sea
December 3 = Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (in port 8am to 5pm)
December 4 = At Sea
December 5 = Ensenada, Mexico (in port 9am to 5pm)
December 6 = Return to San Diego, CA (in port 8am)
Is there a map of our ship – The Carnival Elation?
Carnival Additional Information
DINING
Can I sit with my friends at dinner?
We have been assigned a large section of the Inspiration Dining Room at 5:45pm, so our group will be together. Dining assignments have been made based on cabin assignments. There will be some flexibility and re-arranging, especially on the nights that Celebrity Dining is offered. Please dine in your assigned seats at the first dinner. It is a great opportunity to make some new Browncoat friends. If you have questions or encounter a problem please speak with Christy.
Do I have to pay for food and drinks?
There are snacks, buffets, 24-hour room service and formal dining available – included in your cabin price.
Non-carbonated beverages (i.e. tea, juices, coffee) are included, but soda and alcohol are not.
Breakfast Menu sample
Lunch Menu sample
Dinner Menu sample
Can special diets be accommodated?
Yes, simple requests such as the method of preparation of menu items or special diet requirements need to be arranged with the headwaiter on the first night of the cruise. Every menu in the dining room has Spa Carnival Cuisine Fare that is lower in calories, sodium, cholesterol and fat and use sugar substitutes. Each menu has one vegetarian entree. Low-cholesterol egg substitute is available upon request as well as diet jellies at breakfast. There may be limitations in Carnival’s ability to accommodate. Carnival Additional Information
Available: Vegetarian, Salt-Free, Bland, Low Sugar
Not Available: Kosher meals, Baby Food and Formula
COMMUNICATION
Access is facilitated through each ship’s onboard 24-hour Internet Café, as well as wireless internet access points for personal laptops and most other wireless devices. In addition to normal internet access, guests will have the option to use their very own temporary e-mail account with “CruiseE-mail”.
Carnival Additional Information
Can I use my cell phone on the ship?
Yes, Carnival Cruise Lines has completed the fleetwide implementation of cell phone service aboard all 22 of it's "Fun Ships". Check with your cell phone carrier for additional fees. Some let you pay a small fee for coverage on the ocean and in Mexico, others charge around $5 a minute.
Can I call home from the ship?
Direct dialing via satellite from the staterooms telephone available 24 hours a day regardless of the ship's location. $6.99 per minute for calls to the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and $9.99 per minute for all International calls. All charges are billed to the guest's on board Sail and Sign Card. Since all communication is via satellite, guests cannot use calling cards, credit cards, dial 800 toll-free numbers nor make a collect calls. Carnival Additional Information
Can I receive phone calls onboard?
Yes via Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN) Shore-to-Ship telephone service. $9.50 per minute from the United States; additional long distance charges may apply from outside the United States. The caller needs to have available the ship name “Elation” and the guest's name. The charges will be applied to the caller's credit card. 1-877-225-7447 from the U.S. 1-732-335-3284 from Canada and outside the U.S.
Carnival Additional Information
MISC
Should a guest require medical attention while aboard, the Infirmary staff is available to assist 24 hours a day, and is equipped to treat minor non-emergency matters. Physicians are available to render services at a customary fee. While at sea or in port, the availability of medical care may be limited.
Carnival Additional Information
All rooms are steam cleaned before each voyage. You shouldn't be able to tell if there was a smoker in the room previously. If you can, they will clean it until you can't. There are designated areas of the cruise ship that are non-smoking areas.
Can I attend if I am pregnant or just had a baby?
Guests who are 27 weeks or more into their pregnancy at the time of the voyage will not be permitted to sail because of the risk of premature labor. Carnival Additional Information
Carnival seeks, to the extent feasible, to accommodate guests with special needs so they are able to enjoy our ships and other facilities. Guests who have any medical, physical or other special needs are required to contact Guest Access Services at 1-800-438-6744, ext. 70025, or TTY (for hearing impaired) at 1-800-972-4386 to discuss the details of their specific special needs. Carnival Additional Information
POLICIES
Carnival Additional Information
In order to keep Browncoat Cruise a shiny and happy event, we require your cooperation with the following 'Verse policies, including additional policies on BrownCoatCruise.com and Carnival.com. We reserve the right to make any changes in the event of something unforeseen. By purchasing your Browncoat Cruise ticket and receiving your official attendee ID onboard, you agree to abide by all policies, and we reserve the right to remove anyone temporarily or permanently who misbehaves or acts like a Reaver.
1. Have Fun: The ship has activities 24-hours a day - meet new Browncoats and try something new.
2. All Full-Event Browncoats are required to visibly wear their Browncoat Cruise ID during all of our events, and Limited-Event Browncoats need to wear their ID.
3. All Browncoat Cruise ticket holders consent to being filmed and photographed. We have hired someone to photograph and film all events for our DVD. Smile, you may be on camera :-)
4. Please be respectful of our celebrity guests and their families, and let them enjoy their personal time outside our events without interruption. Obtaining autographs and photo-ops from guests are permitted at pre-determined events only. Guests appear subject to work commitments. We cannot guarantee that every attendee will be able to purchase an autograph or photo-op with the guests.
5. Admission to Browncoat Cruise events is at your risk. We are not responsible for any loss, injury, or if you pass out and fall off the ship. If you plan to get that drunk, please stay toward the middle of the ship.
6. If you have any questions or concerns please speak with Browncoat Cruise staff - Brian, Christy, Jeremy and Tony, or with one of our volunteers on site.