Q. What are the parking fees at Port Canaveral? Is handicapped parking free?
A. The parking fee for cars is $12/day and there are 24 hour security monitored lots near each of the ships. The only free parking at the port is for handicapped people that meet 1 of the 2 following criteria:
1. Florida toll exempt decal
2. Permanent modifications to their vehicle (must show these to the attendant)
Q. Can I rent a tux on the ship?
A. Yes, you can reserve one via the Royal Caribbean website but you need to do it at least 2 weeks prior to sailing.
Q. Can I bring alcohol on the ship?
A. The ship doesn’t like you to bring alcohol, but last year they were pretty relaxed about it. If you do decide to
risk it and bring alcohol, you might want to consider plastic bottles so nothing breaks and spills
Q. Will the bears be eating together?
A. Everyone who signed up with Gay Travel Agency will be able to attend the late dinner seating in one of the main dining rooms. You will need your name badge to get in. The seating will be open so you can sit with different people or the same people every night…your choice. You can also dine on your own at different times as well, your choice.
Q. Is there a safe in the room?
A. Yes, all of the rooms have a free, digital safe so you can store your money, passport, etc.
Q. What about room amenities?
A. All of the rooms have color satellite TV, a refrigerator (stocked daily with ice), Air conditioning, etc.
Q. Can I buy alcohol at a port and bring it back on the ship?
A. Yes you can, but the ship will keep the alcohol you purchase and give it to you when you disembark at the end.
Q. What hotels do you suggest that we book for the night(s) before the cruise?
A.The cruise will coincide with BearBust 2006, so you can stay at one of those hotels or contact Gay Travel Agency for recommendations/help.
Q. If I book through another travel agency for the cruise, can I still attend all of the Bear events on the ship?
A. No. All of the bear-specific events on the ship (including dinner seating) will require a name badge for entry. We will be a sizeable group on the ship and are working closely with Royal Caribbean to ensure proper venues to hold our group for dinner, entertainment, parties,etc. Thus, if you don't book through Gay Travel Agency, we will not know that you are on the ship and not be able to plan to accommodate you.
Q. Is AirCruiseSavings.com associated with BearVoyage?
A. No. They are an independent travel company not affiliated with BearVoyage, Bearfilms or Gay Travel Agency.
In order to be included in the private dinner seatings, on ship private parties, etc. you must book through us.
Q. Will any of the BearFilms.com models be going?
A. Yes, some of the models will be on the cruise.
Q. Is this a entirely Gay cruise?
A. No. We expect the cruise to be about 30% Bears. We have found that by going on a standard cruise, the
cost are much lower than “gay-only” cruises and that the accommodations are much nicer due to travel on
brand new ships. On the 2005 cruise, 95% said that having straight passengers on the ship was not a problem, many said they preferred the variety.
Q. What Cruise line/Ship is the cruise on?
A. Royal Caribbean, Mariner of the Seas
Q. Is Airfare included in the cruise price?
A. No, the airfare is not included. The cruise occurs at a time of year when airfares are usually very competitive
due to the low travel Fall season. Gay Travel Agency can help you with your airfare if you are interested.
Q. Why should I sign up early?
A. By signing up early, you will lock in the lowest prices available at the time for the cruise. You will also have
choices over better cabins.
Q. What is included?
A. The booking price includes your lodging, meals and all taxes (including port taxes). The only expenses you are
responsible for are alcohol outside of hosted parties, gratuities, transportation/airfare to/from the ship and
any shore excursions.
Q. Can I really eat as much as I want?
A. Amazingly yes! There is food available on the ship 24 hours a day. The ship has both casual dining
(buffets or pizza/burgers, etc.) to more formal dining at each meal where you can choose from a gourmet
menu. No matter which dining choice you prefer, you can get as much food as you want, a dream for us Bears!
Q. Are there formal nights?
A. Yes, on a 7 night ship, there are usually 2 formal nights. Formal is usually a dress shirt and sport coat, but
suits and tuxedos are common as well.
Q. Is there a costume contest?
A. Yes, we will have a casual, costume contest this year. We are planning a Costume party and will have contest during the party. Costumes won't be required for the party, but are definitely encouraged :)
Q. Will there be entertainment?
A. Yes, in addition to all of the ship's usual entertainment, there will be several Bear-only events, including a
Costume Party. We are happy to have Shann Carr join us again. Shann has been doing comedy for over 25 years and is a big fan of the bears. We are finalizing the other events, so if you have any ideas, let us know.
Q. Aside from the costs mentioned, are there any other hidden costs?
A. The ship total includes all ship lodging, meals and taxes. The only additional fees are your airfare and
gratuities on the ship (estimated to be ~$10/day).
Q. Where does the ship sail to?
A. There are 3 days at sea and 3days in port: Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Maarten.
Q. Will there be special excursions?
A. In addition to all of the usual ship excursions, we will have some Bear specific events.
Q. Can more than 2 people share a room?
A. Yes, most rooms will accommodate up to 4 people if you want to save some money and get cozy with your
friends! You actually save quite a lot of money on the 3rd and 4th person!
Q. Do I need a passport?
A. Yes, passports are required for any international travel in 2006.
Q. If I sign up now, is my deposit refundable?
A. If you sign up before Jan 31, 2006, your deposit is fully refundable.
Q. Are sodas included on the ship?
A. No. Iced tea and water are included beverages, but soda is not. You can purchase a soda plan that gives you unlimited sodas on the ship.You can purchase the plan per day for $6 or for the whole week for about $42.
Q. Does the ship have a gym? Sauna? Steam?
A. Yes, the ship has a pretty extensive health club. The exercise machines, weights, etc. area all free. They also offer special exercise classes (yoga, aerobics, etc.) for an extra fee. The gym has a men's locker room that includes both a large steam room and sauna.
Q. Will all the bears be staying in cabins together on the ship?
A. Deck 9 will be exclusively bears, but isn't large enough to hold all of us. Also, some types of rooms (suites, family suites, etc.) are only available on certain decks.
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