Most Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are some answers to common questions:
"What are the benefits of booking with the group?" - Personalized one on one service, discounted group rates, private catamaran excursions for Cruise Planners guests, flexibility, and priority reservations with each hotel. I have personal relationships with groups managers at each hotel who make our guests a PRIORITY.
"Why are we booking so soon for next year?" Believe it or not, group contracts are taken out over a year in advance for the most popular hotels. By securing space now, we lock in our lower rates, and guarantee enough space for everyone to join. Last year the hotel sold out to the public in the beginning of October. Because I had group space, everyone who requested a room was still able to get one.
"What happens if we can't travel due to COIVD?" It will be really important this year for everyone to purchase travel protection. While COVID is not a covered reason for cancellation, insurance will reimburse you 75% if non-covered cancellation reason or 100% if it's a covered reason. Payments are non-refundable, however the hotels last year offered a courtesy credit for a future stay and some issued refunds. When booking with the group, the hotel gives us priority to accommodate our guests if a cancellation occurs.
"Are the hotels ALL-INCLUSIVE?" Yes, all of our hotel options for this trip are ALL-INCLUSIVE. Food, Beverage, Alcohol, Housekeeping gratuity are all included. Airport transfers to and from the hotel are also included. FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
"After I register, will I receive a new confirmation?"- Yes, as soon as your payment is processed, we will send a new confirmation for you to review. Each time your reservation has a change, you will receive a new confirmation as well.
"How will I know if the room category that I am requesting is sold out?" If a room category is sold out of my group inventory, I will contact you immediately and put in a request for additional rooms. Be prepared to have a plan B while we wait for the hotel to respond, which takes up to 48-72 hours.
"Is there a chance we could get bumped?" No. That is one of the benefits of booking with the group. They would not bump any of my groups, unless something catastrophic happened and the hotel became uninhabitable, then they could move the entire group.
"Do I have to book my own flights?"- Yes. Booking your own flights allows you the flexibility to use points, companion pass, etc. It works best for everyone to be in charge of their own flights.
"Are airport transfers included?"- Yes, roundtrip airport transfers are included with your trip. Once we have your flight information, we will set them up for you.
"How will I know I know who my driver is?" - There will be a sign with your group's name on it at the airport.
"Do you know what type of vehicle will be picking us up from the airport?"- Vehicle types are not provided prior to pick up. It could be a large bus or mini van depending on how many people they are picking up.
"Do I need to give you my flight information?"- Yes, I will need all flight information in order to provide transfers. If you do not provide it, I can't set up transfers and you will be responsible for getting to the hotel on your own. There will be a form to fill out on my website to input flight information.
"Can you tell me how much travel insurance is?" -The cost of travel Insurance is based on the per person cost of your vacation. It will be attached your confirmation invoice. If you want flights added to your insurance quote, please contact me to provide a quote once you have your flights booked.
"Do I need special permission if I'm taking a child under 18 that doesn't belong to me?"- Yes, you will need to get a notarized letter allowing travel out of the country and medical treatment authorization. (I've personally done this at my bank US BANK)
"If I am divorced and my child is under 18, do I need to have my ex sign a notarized letter saying I can travel out of the country?" - Yes, it is a good idea to have a document on hand. It is not always enforced and you may not have to present it, however it's better to be safe than sorry. There is a chance you may not be able to leave either country without it.
"Do we get travel documents before we leave?" Yes, we will set up an app with all of your itinerary information in it.
"Should we bring our travel documents with us?" It is not necessary to carry paper with you as long as you have the app. Some guests still prefer to have a hard copy with them as it could be faster to pull out a piece of paper than trying to find it on your phone.
"Can I make changes to my reservation after final payment in January?" Changes made after final payment will incur a $50 change fee per change made. Changes made within 30 days of departure will incur a $100 change fee per change.
"When will we know about the Catamaran trip?" Once I finalize dates with the catamaran companies, I will let everyone know. This usually doesn't happen until closer to departure.
"My friend did not book their vacation through your agency. Can he/she still join the private group catamaran excursion?" The private catamaran excursion is set up for Cruise Planners' clients. Boats are capacity controlled and our guests get first priority. There are no guarantees of space for individuals who booked outside the group.
"What if my passport expires less than 6 months from my date of return?" Passports must be valid for 6 months from when you return from your trip, so they need to be valid through November 2025. You will need to renew your passport. (Sometimes this is not enforced, however I like to error on the side of caution)
"If I requested double beds or a king bed, is it guaranteed" My onsite coordinator is going to make my groups a priority and try to accommodate everyone's special requests.
"How do I request a change to my reservation?" Up until final payment, you can send me an email. After you have made final payment, there is a link under Spring Break Reservation Information tab here on my website where all changes need to be made. All changes need to be made through the change form.
"Can I text you with my changes?" No, texting is not a preferred method of communicating reservation changes. It is critical that changes stay organized in one location and texting me changes is not reliable for reservation changes.
"When can I make my final payment?" You can make your payments at anytime up until January 10 when final payment is due.
"How do I make my final payment?" I will send out a reminder in December.
"How do I know how much I owe?" It is important to save all invoices and correspondence from me. I can always resend it, but please organize the trip information in a separate folder.
"Can I call you if I have any other questions?" Absolutely. I try to over communicate but feel free to call me if you have any questions.
"How can I find out what flight everyone is on?" Once I have received all flight information, I will put together a Google Doc to share with the group.
"If I decide to cancel my trip, is my money refundable?" After final payment you vacation package is non refundable unless you have travel insurance. If it's a covered reason for cancellation, you may be eligible for a refund. Please note that deposits are non-refundable as well.
