How big is the Liberty of the Seas and when did she start sailing?
160,000 tons, 1,112 in length, and she holds 4,375 passengers along with 1,365 crew members! The Liberty of the Seas is the newest edition to the Royal Caribbean fleet. Her inaugural sailing was on May 19, 2007.
What all is included in the price of the cruise?
Your cruise cabin, your port taxes, meals, select beverages, all genealogy seminars, and onboard entertainment.
What ISN’T included?
Transfers, alcohol, soda pop, gratuities, shore excursions, and spa/salon treatments.
How much are the gratuities?
These are the guidelines: Waiter - $3.50 per person per day; Assistant Waiter - $2.00 per person per day; Cabin Steward $3.50 per person per day; Head Waiter - 75 cents per person per day. Any additional tipping, such as bar service or room service delivery, is at your discretion.
Can I book shore excursions in advance?
You can pre-book your shore excursions on Royal Caribbean's website: www.RCCL.com
Just click on the tab at the top of the page "Before you board" and then click on "Shore & Land excursions". This will tell you what shore excursions are available, what they include, how long they last, and how much they are. If you sign up for shore excursions in advance, they WILL charge your credit card at the time you make the reservation.
What time does the ship sail and from what port?
At 5:00 pm from Miami, Florida
What time do I have to be at the pier?
Check-in begins at 12 noon. You must be at the pier no later than 3 pm.
How much luggage am I permitted to take?
Each passenger is permitted 2 checked bags not to exceed 50 lbs each. Checked luggage may not exceed 62 inches (L x W x H). You may also bring one carry-on per person weighing no more than 40 lbs each that measures no more than 45 inches (L x W x H). A personal item may also be carried onto the plane (ex: laptop, purse).
Flight arrangements?
Air can be purchased in conjunction with your cruise from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and will include free roundtrip airport transfers. Air can also be purchased directly from Fly Away Travel. If you have ten or more travelers, Fly Away Travel can arrange for group air space. Please inquire.
Regardless of where you purchase your airfare from:
**YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR RECONFIRMING YOUR FLIGHTS**
24 hours prior to departure, flights can be reconfirmed online with your confirmation number or by calling the airline directly. The airlines have schedule changes regularly, so be sure to call them prior to going to the airport.
Air Tran 800-247-8726
American 800-543-0460
America West 800-235-9292
Continental 800-525-0280
Delta 800-325-2000
Northwest 800-692-7000
Southwest 800-435-9792
Spirit 800-722-717
United 800-241-6522
USAirways 800-428-4322
What time should I schedule my flights for the cruise?
You can fly into Miami or Ft Lauderdale. Suggested arrival time is no later than 2 pm to allow you adequate time to transfer and board the ship. We strongly suggest that you take the earliest possible departure from your home city allowing additional time in case of a flight delay. For your return flights, suggested departures are 12 noon out of Miami or 12:30 pm out of Ft. Lauderdale.
How will I get from the airport to the ship?
Before final payment is made, cruise line transfers may be added. The cost is $29 per person round trip from Miami Airport; $56 per person round trip from Ft. Lauderdale Airport. You may also choose to take a taxi from Miami airport to the pier. Cost is approximately $20 each way. (not per person)
If I drive to the pier, how much is parking at the pier?
$12 per day
Why should I purchase Trip Insurance? **STRONGLY SUGGESTED**
Because your best laid vacation plans can be disrupted. Trip insurance provides you with protection in case you encounter the unexpected. Illness, medical emergencies, severe weather, flight delays, etc. can disrupt your vacation. Click on the CSA Travel Insurance link for further details.
Are we cruising in hurricane season?
Yes, hurricane season runs from June to November. With today's technology, they know the weather conditions well in advance. They do not cancel a cruise if a hurricane is heading towards your destination. Instead, they will change the ship's itinerary in order to avoid any adverse weather conditions. The cruise line would never put its passengers in harm's way.
Do I need a passport for this cruise?
Yes, a valid passport is required. For your passport to be valid for this cruise, it must not expire prior to June 1, 2009.
Does it cost more if I want a cabin by myself?
The cruise line charges a single supplement fee. The cost varies depending on the cabin category purchased. Please inquire.
Can I smoke on board the ship?
Smoking is allowed within the designated smoking areas only. All cabins and dining rooms are non-smoking as of January 1, 2008.
What is the difference between an inside, outside, and balcony cabin?
Are there handicap rooms available?
Handicap rooms are available with wheelchair access to the cabin, as well as the bathroom and the shower. Please note that the number of cabins are limited and must be booked as soon as possible to guarantee confirmation.
What amenities are in the rooms?
The cabins have a hairdryer, safe, dorm room size refrigerator, shampoo, and shower gel and beach towels. There is 24 hour room service if you need coffee or an iron.
Can I call home from the ship?
Yes, but it is not recommended unless it's an emergency since the cost is approximately $8-$10 per minute. It is less expensive to use a calling card from one of the ports. You can call from room to room on board the ship for free. Check with your individual cell phone provider to see what your options are with them as they vary with each carrier.
Is there Internet access on board the ship?
Can I sit with my friends at dinner?
Table sizes range from two-ten people. Dining room assignments can be requested with your final payment.
Can I choose what time I want to eat dinner?
Yes. There are two scheduled times for dinner. Main seating is at 6 pm and Second seating is at 8 pm. The entire group is scheduled for Main seating, however, if you wish to dine outside of the group on Second seating, please advise us when making your deposit.
Is there a dress code for dinner?
Other than the two formal dinners, casual attire for both men and women is acceptable in the main dining room. For the two formal dinners, men are required to wear a jacket (but not a tie) and the women can wear dress pants or dresses. Some passengers will wear tuxedos and evening gowns.
Are there any other dining options available on board?
Yes. There is the Windjammer Café that offers buffet dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are also 2 specialty restaurants: Portofino serves northern Italian cuisine and Chops Grille is an upscale steakhouse. Both restaurants carry a $20-$25 surcharge which includes your gratuity. There is also a Johnny Rockets diner on board that serves all your great burgers, fries, milkshakes, etc. There is a surcharge of $4.95 in this restaurant.
What if I’m not attending the genealogy seminars, is there a discount?
Yes. You may deduct $100 from the cost of your cruise.
Where are the genealogy classes being held?
All of the classes will be held in the conference center on deck 2. There are four conference rooms and each room holds 80-100 people per room, theater style. There will be a schedule posted outside of each conference room stating the seminar title and speaker (presenter) along with a roster of who signed up for that particular class.
When will I be able to sign up for my desired genealogy classes?
Once final payment has been received by the entire group, class schedules and sign up sheets will be e-mailed (no later than August 20th, 2008). Classes are capacity controlled, so reservations will be on a first come/first served basis.
How will I know I have been placed in the seminar I signed up for?
Fly Away Travel will advise you if it is necessary to choose an alternate seminar. Please carry your seminar schedule with you.
What is the schedule for the genealogy seminars?
Classes will be held only on our days at sea. There are 5 classes per day and they will begin at 8:30 and end at 4:30pm with a break for lunch between 11-12:30pm. There will be 30 min. in between each class for speakers to change classes, people to use the restrooms, etc.
Will I be given a genealogy syllabus for the classes?
The syllabus will be e-mailed to each seminar attendee in a CD-ROM format on or before August 20, 2008. The CD will contain the outlines of each speaker's classes, along with a photo and brief biography for each speaker. When you receive the CD, you will need to print out the outlines for whatever classes you are planning on attending to bring with you. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BRINGING YOUR SYLLABUS TO THE CLASSES. You will need to notify us if you do not have e-mail access.
For more information or reservations,
call Cindy at Fly Away Travel, 800-837-0295,
or e-mail flyawayinc@aol.com.
© 2007 Fly Away Travel