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Lisa Phillips
All Tickets Travel
2-19-10 thru 2-25-2010

All you needed to know

about cruising and the Hahn
Reunion:
This is a little booklet I put together with all the information you need to know for our upcoming reunion! We
have over 100 people attending and I hope it will be a wonderful time for everyone! This recaps my emails,
and answers
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e you have asked. I hope you find it helpful and please feel free to ask me if anything
else comes to mind you need to know

FUNPASS: First and foremost - time to get pre-registered on the Carnival

funpass site! Funpass registration - you will need your "booking number"
located on your cruise receipt and you will enter that and follow the prompts.
You will need to complete this prior to sailing and print your tickets and
luggage tags as they no longer mail them to you. So this is a very important
step you need to get completed. You will also add a credit card on file for
your "sail and sign" card to be linked to on board the ship. Since cash is
rarely seen onboard, your card issued to you at check in (Sail and Sign) will
be your credit card, room key, and identification to reboard the ship in port!
Not something you want to lose once you pick it up in Galveston. Your photo
will be embedded in the card and when scanned by the security - will serve
as ID to board the ship along with a US issued photo ID while in port. You
can also see your room assignment, etc. So get this step done asap!!! See in
Cruise Faqs section for more information on the “Sail and Sign card”.

You can also shop the online guest services and find gifts you can send to
other staterooms to friends or extra specials to have waiting in your cabin,
such as wine, photo coupons, drink coupons, gifts for kids, t-shirts, and even
roses or chocolate covered strawberries! You can even have your room
decorated for a birthday or anniversary! Carnival bon voyage gifts!

Airfare/Hotel arrangements: You can fly into Hobby (HOU) or Bush

(IAH) in Houston. I would NOT suggest flying in the same day as the cruise
leaves unless you book for a very early flight in case of issues or flt changes
that would result in your missing the boat! Return flights should be booked
for 2pm or later on the 25th to ensure you get back to airport in time.

There are many options from there. The carnival

shuttle http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/Airport_and_Pier_Transfers/galvest
on.aspx can be booked thru me or I believe you can do it yourself after you
register with carnival for your funpass. If you decide to go to Galveston to
get a hotel for the night before or after PLEASE realize that you have to get
there and it is 50 miles SE of Houston. I was told - If you can fly into Hobby
instead of IAH, it is some 15-30 min drive to pier. Taxi should cost around
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$40 total for 4, one way. From IAH, it is about 1.5 hours drive and price is
higher accordingly.

OR you can stay in Houston the night before at a nearby hotel to the airport
and then take free hotel shuttles back to airport next day to catch the Feb.
20th Carnival bus to port. (fee applies) I personally have booked, and many
of you have, the Hampton Inn in Humble Texas. They offer a shuttle from IAH
to the hotel for free. Here is a link to book the hotel thru them directly:
Hampton inn There is a TGIFriday's across the street from the hotel that we
can walk to for dinner/drinks the night before. If enough interest I am going
to arrange for an SUV/Van service to come and get us at hotel and transport
to pier. It will reduce the price from Carnivals shuttle to approx $20 per
person. They can also arrange to pick up a group from pier back to IAH (Bush
airport) on the 25th or you can opt to take the Carnival shuttle back to your
airport (either one) for the one way fee listed on the above link to "Carnival
Shuttle".

There is also a hotel that offers packages with shuttle to pier as well I have
recently found. It is attached to the Bush airport -
Hotel at airport ..you can check that out for further info.

Passport questions: As some of you may have noticed as well there

has been a change to the passport laws effective June 1st 2009. Initially it
was going to be that each person on this cruise needed a passport...now
the Dept. of Homeland Security has changed the laws and our cruise meets
the "loophole". For a cruise leaving/returning to the same port - we can
board with just a raised seal copy of Birth Certificate and a DL/photo ID.
However I continually will stress to you to get a passport if you can - because
if you were to miss the boat, get injured, or there was an emergency back in
US with a loved one - you can NOT FLY back to US without a passport...with
the new laws. It is a long swim. So again, I urge you to get a passport for this
trip but it is no longer a requirement. Link to info on
passcards/passports: http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/passportcard.ht
ml

Travel emergency: This hotline is in case you experience a travel emergency in transit
to or from your cruise holiday. You may call our travel hotline from within the U.S. at 1-877-
TVL-HTLN (1-877-885-4856) or from outside the U.S. by calling collect to 305-406-4779.
Our representatives are on call to assist you with any question or travel emergency, 24
hours a day.

Excursions/tours: I have been working on this for weeks and this is my

offering of trips on the island. I want to stress that these are NOT REQUIRED
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at all and you can feel free to book as you see fit from the Carnival website
or on board the ship at the time of sailing. This is YOUR trip so please do not
feel pressured to participate in these if you do not wish to. I am only trying to
put together the best package I can for all of us as a whole. Having said that,
for our day in Cozumel, Mexico (Monday Feb 22, 2010): cozumel excursion
flyer!

Cozumel Beach Party: This does require taxi to the location (not
included). There are TONS of taxis waiting at the pier and they run
approximately $14-17 each way for 1-4 people. So we will get in groups of 4
and pay our way to and from the beach party, splitting costs so it won't be
too bad. We are in Cozumel from 9am to 5pm. We can arrive/leave this party
at our leisure with no set times. You will purchase online, print your voucher
and take with you on the cruise. On that day, when you are ready to get a
taxi over you can and present your voucher when you arrive at resort. This
offer is great for those of you with kids as well. We need to plan to be back
on board by no later than 4:30pm. Click here to choose and pay for your
Cozumel trip

-Price per person over age 4 is : $58.00 per person, children 4 and
under are free.

(what is included with price on next page)

• includes Bottled water
• Domestic open bar all day (beer, rum, vodka, tequila, sodas) tips are not
included...
• Beach chair/lounger & umbrella - snorkeling equipment is available to rent
for $10
• Showers and restrooms
• ¡Estilo Mexicano! lunch buffet included
• Fresh water swimming pool
• Water activities - inflatable castle and a bongo jumpie - great for kids!

OR (can not do both as they overlap)

Two Snorkel Stop Adventure: (departs 10am) Click here to choose your
Cozumel trip and purchase!
This snorkel adventure offers you a peaceful day at sea, laughing and
snorkeling with your family and friends in the turquoise water. Relax to the
rhythm of the sea, and enjoy the Mexican paradise!
You will make two different stops for snorkeling, with 45 minutes to an hour
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of snorkeling time at each. Your snorkel guide will be with you at all times, to
make sure that you don't miss a thing. All of your snorkeling gear is included,
as well snacks, soft drinks and beer to enjoy when you are through
snorkeling. Make sure to bring along an underwater camera to capture all
the marine life.

Special Instructions: Snorkel equipment and taxes are included in the price.
Beer and soft drinks are also included.
You will need to take a taxi to the marina where the boat is located. The ride
should take about 10 minutes and cost between $6-$10 for up to 4 people.A
$2.35 (in cash) Cozumel Marine Park Fee will be collected from you by the
guide. Correct change is appreciated.
Pricing:
Per Person $58.00 USD
Children $35.00 USD Ages 4-8
Observers $35.00 USD No
snorkeling

and while in the Yucatan port:

Yucatan/Progresso: (Tues Feb 23) I am not planning an excursion thru

Carnival for this stop as they raised the prices considerably for us as a group,
and after much debate with the supervisors, I can not get them to bring the
price down. So my advice on this is to select from the fun trips they offer:
Carnival Excursions - Yucatan and book online so the tickets will be waiting
for you in your cabin. These fill up fast so waiting to book on the ship often
means the one you want may be full. *Now on a side note - I am suggesting
this trip below if we want to still go as a "group" and just all book the same
tour. Ultimately it will end up with whoever books it being together anyways,
versus the higher cost of being exclusive. This is the link to the excursion I
am looking most forward to and will be booking for myself: Mayan Ruins &
Beach Break combo - $76 per person. (I have not been here personally, as I
have only seen the ruins from the Cozumel side, which takes 8 hrs so this is
at least a shorter day)

Take a journey back in time to explore the ancient Dzibichaltun Mayan Ruins
followed by a relaxing beach break. (5 hrs long)

On this excursion you will:

• Begin with an approximate 40-minute bus ride to one of the oldest and
most populated Mayan cities in the Yucatan.
• Explore the temples and buildings used before the arrival of the
Spaniards.
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• See the Temple of the Seven Dolls, a tribute to the Mayan’s

astronomical skills.
• Visit the ancient cenote which was the life center of the city.
• See the traditional Mayan huts up close as well as original artifacts
dating from 500 BC and other more recent items.
• Be transported to one of the best beach spots in Progreso after
exploring the ruins.
• Take a refreshing swim in one of the two swimming pools or just relax
in your lounge chair overlooking the ocean.
• Enjoy the beach club’s private beach area and domestic open bar. :)

• Note: Minimum age is 6 years. (Sorry for those with younger children, but should you decide
there is also babysitting offered on ship to allow you to still take this excursion if you so desire)
Guests are only permitted to take a camera and water to the ruins; personal belongings may
be left aboard the bus.

REUNION T-SHIRTS: I will be placing the order on Jan. 4th to ensure the t-
shirts are back to me by time of cruise. I will be bringing them with me so
you will be picking them up from me either at hotel the night before or on
the boat. If you have not already seen the pictures - here they are:

Reunion green t-shirt. $13.00 unisex cotton t-shirt size S-XL, $15.00 for 2XL,
3XL, 4XL Green Hawk reunion t-shirt
Shotfest 2010 black t-shirt. $16.00 unisex cotton two-sided t-shirt size S-XL,
$18.00 for 2XL, 3XL, 4XL Shotfest front T, and Shotfest back T .

I have to assume they fit accordingly as I have no samples. So I can make no

guarantees, but I would suggest ordering to fit.

To pay: I can take a check in the mail, please enclose the check made out to
me: Lisa Phillips along with a written note of how many and what sizes. Mail
to: Lisa Phillips 5705 CR HH.7, Lamar, CO 81052
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OR: I would prefer paypal as it is faster and easier. You can pay by credit
card, debit card, or bank acct transfer. Just log into www.paypal.com and hit
"Send money" and then fill in the email address:
[email protected] and enter the amount to pay and click
on "PERSONAL" instead of "purchase" - click on "money owed" -and then
click continue, and finish filling in the blanks. (this keeps me from being
charged a fee for each transaction) Be sure and add a note telling me what
type/size/amount of the shirts you want. It's that easy! Deadline will be 8am
Jan. 4th to place your order and pay. The sooner the better so I have a
reasonable count of how many shirts, etc.

Reunion Tshirt Shotfest front Shotfest back.

CARNIVAL ECSTASY – Port of Galveston, Texas

I decided to make an informative section that would give you all an idea of
what to expect on a cruise whether this is your first or just your first on
Carnival, it helps to refresh.
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5 Day Western Caribbean from Galveston, TX

Sailing on: Saturday

Ship: Carnival Ecstasy

Searching for the perfect less-than-a-week getaway? Here's a fabulous 5

day Western Caribbean cruise from Galveston you're going to love.

Day Port of Call Arrive Depart Shore Excursions

Saturday, Feb Galveston, TX 4:00pm View Shore Excursions

20

Sunday, Feb 21 Fun Day At Sea

Monday, Feb 22 Cozumel, Mexico 9:00am 5:00pm View Shore Excursions

Tuesday, Feb Progreso, Yucatan, 10:00am 6:00pm View Shore Excursions

23 Mexico

Wednesday, Fun Day At Sea

Feb 24

Thursday, Feb Galveston, TX 8:00am View Shore Excursions

25
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If you drive to port in personal car: Info on prices of parking at the port
- http://www.portofgalveston.com/cruiseinformation/parking.shtml
Ship boarding: When you arrive at the docks, there will be crowds making their
way to the main cruise terminal. You will find luggage handlers waiting for you and
they always are in a hurry! They take your bags from you there and you are left
with only your carry on. It is customary to tip these handlers: the industry standard
is $1.00 - $2.00 per bag. (Be sure and bring some small bills with you for this
purpose). You will need to make sure you have your tickets and ID or passport
handy once you get inside, be prepared to go thru metal detectors and your carry
on will pass thru an xray machine. (all stepped up since 9/11)..your boarding should
go smooth and without excessive wait. Carnival staff is everywhere to help. Your
key/card will be given to you at this time and you will make your way on board.
Once on the ship you will be in the Grand Atrium of the Ecstasy. This is the center of
the ship and the most beautiful. You will head from there to the elevators to start
locating your deck and cabin assignment. Once you have checked it out you will
want to head up to the Lido deck where lunch will be serving during the boarding
times. The party officially gets started!

- Carnival Ecstasy Grand Atrium

Your cabin: Your cabin is much smaller than a hotel room but will have two
beds apart or will be put together to make a king if you are traveling as a
couple. There is limited closet space, some drawers and a safe in the closet.
The room steward assigned to your room will take care of all your stateroom
needs and make up your beds daily. They will introduce themselves to you
the first day on board and are always very friendly and helpful. The
bathroom is small with a toilet, sink, and shower. Be ready for the toilet, the
flushing is often a joke of the cruise directors as new cruisers first discover
them! 
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Pic of a Category 6B stateroom

(oceanview)

Electrical outlets in rooms: There is one electrical outlet in each stateroom

located in the area of the desk/vanity. The outlet is equipped with a 3-prong 110
volt and a 220 volt plug. The outlet in the bathroom can only be used for electric
razors. The ship frowns upon hair straighteners and curling irons as they can
overheat and cause fires. This ship did go up in fire in the 90’s so they tend to
enforce this rule.
The Muester Drill (aka lifeboat drill): This is usually the least fun of your
cruise and is a requirement by the US Coast Guard. You must attend (don’t try to
skip out in cabin cause now they check every single one and you can be fined if
caught) The cruise officials will let you know when it is time to head back to your
cabin and retrieve your life vests and go to your assigned “muster station”. This is
located on the back of your door and is on your life vest. You make your way like
cattle being herded to your station and you stand and stand. Finally when the ship
is cleared, a whistle sounds and it is announced that the ship is setting sail. You will
return to your room, put up the life vests and will want to hurry up top to the open
decks to watch the ship depart. 
Sail & Sign card: What is it? Sail & Sign is Carnival's onboard cashless
credit program which allows you to charge, at your convenience, all your
services and purchases paid throughout the cruise. All locations onboard will
accept your Sail & Sign card for payment, casino will also accept cash. You
will register online with funpass for the card and will be completed during
embarkation as you check in. What forms of payment are accepted for
Sail & Sign account?
Credit Cards:
Visa
MasterCard
Discover®
American Express
Diner's
JCB (Japanese Credit Bureau)
SeaMiles MasterCard
Visa and MasterCard Prepaid Gift Card

Note: Guests may use a checking account debit card as long as it is a

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registered MasterCard or Visa card, just note a hold will be placed to the
available monies.

How is my credit card charged?

During embarkation, when your credit card is swiped, an initial approval of
$50 is obtained. Throughout the voyage incremental holds will be obtained.
This will reduce the amount of available credit on the credit card or restrict
the availability of cash in the checking /debit account. Authorization hold
releases to your account is entirely up to your issuing bank.

All charges will be automatically billed at the end of the voyage. On the final
morning of the cruise, a statement detailing all purchases made with your
Sail & Sign card will be delivered to your stateroom. If you put down a cash
deposit and there is an overpayment at the end of the cruise, you will
receive the overpayment in the form of a check, attached to the detailed
statement on the final morning of the cruise.

Cash Deposit:
U.S. Currency and Traveler's Checks are accepted as a form of deposit to
open a Sail & Sign Account at the start of the cruise. As the guest
approaches the deposit limit, the Information Desk will notify the guest that
additional money must be deposited.
Where can I view my Sail & Sign account?
Guest Services can provide a balance throughout the cruise and you can also
view the statement via your stateroom TV; just follow the options for folio
review.

Boarding Card: Your Sail & Sign Card will serve as your Boarding Card. This
card identifies you as a Carnival guest and must be carried with you along
with picture identification when you go ashore. Because the ship is closed to
the public while docked at the various ports-of-call, you’ll have to show your
Sail & Sign Card and picture I.D. to the officer on duty in order to return on
board.
Internet Access: Many ships have Internet access available now but the
service is not cheap. They may have public access computers or an Internet
Cafe in a certain location of the ship. Certain locations may also have wi-fi
hotspots. But even if you bring your wireless (wifi) laptop they will charge
you to use the Internet. Wifi is usually not available in your room, but you
must leave your room and go to a certain area that is designated. At the
time of this writing a $3.95 setup fee whether you are using your personal
laptop or an Internet Cafe computer and then they charge .75 cents per
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minute or a package deal of 100 minutes for $55.00 or 250 minutes for
$100. This can change..

Alcohol: You are not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages from home
onboard the ship. You can purchase individual alcoholic drinks to be
consumed onboard the ship from restaurants and bars. These can cost from
about $5 to $11 usually. There will be a “drink of the day” that will be listed
in the daily caper/news and if you purchase this drink it is around $6.95 and
comes with a cup, you get refills for $5.95. These usually are very worth it, if
you ask me! I come home with a collection of Carnival glasses.  If you
purchase an liquor from an onboard shop then they will store it on the ship
for you and return it to you on the night before the end of the cruise so you
can pack it. If you purchase an alcoholic drink at a port then upon returning
to the ship they will take the beverage and store it on the ship for you. Then
they will return it to you on the night before the end of the cruise so you can
pack it. Note – I was told that the bottles you get delivered to your stateroom
the night before often get “consumed” at that. me..hint, hint for cheaper
drinking on last night).....Also see Carnival's Liquor Policy.

Unlimited Soda Program: Carnival has free water, juices, coffee/tea on

the ship. However sodas are not free. You can purchase by the can as you
wish or you can buy an unlimited soda card. These are good for your teens!
All guests have the option to purchase the "Unlimited Soda Program" which
will allow them unlimited soft drinks for the duration of the cruise at a one-
time purchase price (including gratuities). The "Unlimited Soda Program" can
be purchased at the casino, lobby and pool bar onboard the ship. In all
locations where beverage service is offered, guests may receive a glass of
the soft drink of their choice - one glass will be served at a time and only to
the guest whose name appears on the card. The card cannot be used
through room service. NOTE: A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to the
purchase of the "Unlimited Soda Program.”
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Cruise Packing: Carry-ons are key. Pack everything needed to get you and your
family through dinnertime -- bathing suits, cameras, medications, sandals,
sunscreen, a change of clothes and toiletries. Your luggage will be on the ship but
not delivered to your room sometimes till after dinner time so be prepared with
what you need to get by till then on the first night. Hair dryers are not provided on
the Ecstasy as far as I know, unless they updated them, I would prepare to bring
one if needed. They will have shampoo/body wash provided for you as well as a
basket of little samples in each bathroom that usually varies but will have a razor,
Tylenol samples, and maybe a toothpaste sample or two.

Casual attire is the order of the day. I suggest shorts, sundresses, tank tops, etc.
for the ladies, and for men; shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts, etc. will do. For dining you
may want to dress up a bit and/or bring along a dinner dress or sports coat. .
Most evenings we have a Cruise Casual dress code, but there is a “Cruise Elegant
evening” one night onboard, where you will have the opportunity to showcase your
more elegant attire.
Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis,
jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies - Casual
dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants,
dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs).
Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies
and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops,
bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men and baseball hats.
Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress
shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties that is
suggested. Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if
you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too!
Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies
and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit
attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball
hats.
Dining options: There are numerous options to find food 24/7 on our cruise. Even
24 hr pizza and ice-cream and free room service! The breakfast/lunch can be (and
normally is) eaten buffet style up on the lido deck so you can stay by the pool and
hang out and eat. However the dining room does offer a breakfast/lunch at set
times. (I honestly have never had breakfast or lunch in the dining room ever.) For
dinner, you can chose to eat in the dining room at your assigned time (we are all
set for 6pm dining time) and you are set at tables assigned to you. This is the
fancier dining experience on the ships and expects more dressier attire. Refer
above for definition. You will want to enjoy this experience on “Elegant evening” as
the waiters put on a show while serving, it is usually a lobster/steak dinner as well.
Vegetarian meals are offered on every menu as well as low calorie, etc. You can
have special needs met during your dining as the maitre’de is always very helpful!
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Washing clothes on ship: Each ship has at least 2 self-service launderettes

located on the stateroom decks. There are two or three washers and dryers, and
one iron and ironing board in each launderette. The cost is $3.00 per washer load
and $3.00 per dryer load. Vending machines dispense small boxes of detergent and
water softener at $1.00 per box. I have personally never used this on board, but
wanted to share.

Dr. on board: Should a guest require medical attention while aboard, the Medical
Center staff is available to assist 24 hours a day. The Medical Center 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.
Medications: Motion Sickness -complimentary Meclizine (Bonine) is available from
the Medical Center, Room Service or the Information Desk, free of charge. A motion
sickness shot can be administered to those who are actively vomiting, but not as
preventive medicine; there is a fee for the shot. The Medical Center does not have
motion sickness patches nor wristbands. Over-the-Counter medications for cold,
cough, upset stomach or other minor illnesses can be purchased at the Medical
Center from 8:00am-8:00pm. In addition, the shops on board may carry some of
these items.
Rentals on board: You can rent two way radios for use on the ship (good with
teens, kids), strollers, or golf equipment for use during excursions.
Sea sickness: Will you get sea sick? Each individual handles it differently but I
personally never have and very very few people do. Here is a link on some good
info on what you can do to prevent and help stop it if it occurs: sea sickness, what
to do
Photos on board ship: They will be taking your picture from the time you board
the ship! They will come around at dinner and take photos, as well as in each port,
and every night while dressed up for dinner. There is no charge to have these
pictures taken, only a charge if you purchase. There will be a videographer as well.
All the photographs taken are displayed daily in the photo gallery. Simply pick out
your favorites and charge them to your Sail and Sign card.

Tipping: Carnival recommends that you spend $10 a day for tips which is broken
down to $5.50 to the headwaiter/waiter, $1 to the assistant waiter/kitchen staff and
$3.50 to the cabin steward. This $10 charge is now automatically charged to your
onboard account in the amount of $50 usually on the second day of cruise.. 15%
gratuity is added to bar bills…so be prepared to see tips added to price of drinks as
well.
Activities: On board the cruise ship there are usually many activities going
on during day and evening hours. At night there is usually a show that can
include comedy, singing and dancing. One night there is the “adult only”
comedy show that is usually the highlight of all shows in my opinion as I am
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a huge comedy fan. During the day you can usually participate in activities
such as swimming, rock climbing, basketball, ping-pong, etc. These
activities are all free. There is also miniature golf to play! There also are
other shows and activities such as dancing, karaoke, sexy legs contest,
Bingo, hairy chest contest, belly flop contest, name that tune, Newlywed
game, and more. Each room has a flat panel TV with movie channels and
satellite channels. Newly released movies are shown daily as well and
change each day. There is also an arcade on the ship for the teens/kids to
play air hockey and video games as well as the “Camp Carnival” that will
have monitored activities all day long for the kiddos and babysitting at night.
If you have kids, they will have as much fun or more than you, trust me. You
will not ever be bored on the ship!
Some clubs located on ship are:

Stripes Dance Club is a wild and crazy place…this is the “happening spot” at night.
Chinatown also features music. The Rolls Royce -- and yes, there is a real Rolls on display --
is a patisserie and coffee house, and the Crystal Palace Casino is often the hottest spot on
the ship.

The Blue Sapphire Lounge, a two-tiered showroom, features a lot of glitter, a lot of blue,
some wonderfully comfortable seats, but also those darned poles that ruin sight-lines on the
Fantasy-Class ships. It is a shame, because many of the shows produced in this room are
about the best in the business. It is an elegant show room -- in a 90's sort of way.

Crystal Palace Casino is a full-service casino with slots and table games and weekly slot and
blackjack tournaments. Table games include blackjack and Caribbean Stud Poker, three card
poker, roulette and craps. Slots are state-of-the-art..plus many other bars located
throughout the ship!

Shore Excursions: I have suggested group excursions and included them

in earlier section, however should you chose to forego these, the ship offers
many options! The tour prices can range from cheap to expensive
depending on what you do. They can range from $15 to over $150 per
person. But many of the activities are a lot of fun. They can include
snorkeling, horseback riding, zip lining, wine tasting, kayaking, hiking, sailing
and more.
Customs Declaration Forms/disembarkation: Before disembarking the cruise
ship you have to fill out a customs declarations form listing all the souvenirs, alcohol
and other things you bought at different ports. Each person is allowed to purchase
and bring back to the United States up to $800 of duty-free merchandise, which
includes one liter of an alcoholic beverage. If you purchase more than $800 worth
of merchandise then you may have to pay duty tax on the rest of it. The last night
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on ship your luggage is to be placed outside your cabin by 11pm and the ships
handlers gather it up. You will pick up your luggage after you leave the ship in the
cruise terminal. The last morning on ship they do expect you up and going early and
breakfast is served up on lido deck. They prefer you out of your cabin by no later
than 8am and you can expect to start unloading passengers by 930am (depending
on clearance from customs) and this is not a fun time. Lots of people standing
around, sleepy and hungover wanting to get off the boat at the same time can
make for unpleasant last moments on the ship! So be prepared to get up, get up on
deck and wait for your time to be called off the ship. (based on color coded tags you
were given the day before to place on your bags)

Cell Phone service: Yes, cell phone service is available on all ships in the
Carnival fleet. While your ship is at sea, the cellular system is activated and you
can make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, as well as view
emails and browse the Internet with over 300 carriers worldwide. International
roaming rates apply and are set and billed by your home carrier. Charges will
appear on your regular cell phone bill. Please contact your carrier before your
cruise to check rates for each service and ensure your plan allows you to roam.
For more information, visit www.cellularatsea.com.
Calling home: The ship's telecommunications network offers direct dialing via satellite
from the staterooms telephone. This is available 24 hours a day regardless of the ship's
location. This service is closed on the final day of the cruise at 4:00AM. The rate is
$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. Instructions and rates
can be found in the cabin's directory. OR you can usually purchase minutes or charge
minutes to a credit card and use pay phones while in port.
Spa services while on board: There are TONS of services offered for a fee at the
ship’s spa as well as daily specials that will be advertised in the Carnival Caper
delivered to your room daily. Such services include: massages, facials, nails, hair, teeth
whitening, hair braiding, up-do’s, men’s shaving and facials, etc..

ABOUT THE SHIP:

Carnival Deckplans Your cabin number is located on your receipt. You can
use the above link to locate it on the appropriate deck (IE Riviera or Main,
etc) It won’t take you long to learn your way around and there are
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convenient maps located to help you as well as small pocket size ones you
can pick up at the purser’s desk.

VERY cool virtual tours of ship as well as a neat interactive map, check it out
at:

Carnival interactive map/virtual tour

Just some fun interesting information for you about the Carnival Ecstasy. The ship was built in 1991 as
part of the “Fantasy Class” fleet. Recently redone (10/09) to add the addition of many amenities - a
wireless Internet café, expanded Youth Program space (including a Circle "C" lounge), a Resort-Style
pool,the splashy stylings of Carnival WaterWorks, a tranquil Serenity(SM) Adult-Only Retreat and 98
new private balconies. New carpet, and upholstery was added throughout as well. The ship was used
during hurricane Katrina as a “floating home” for many evacuees.

Builder: Kvaerner MASA Yards, Helsinki, Finland

Gross Tonnage 70,367 Length: 260.8 m (855.0 ft)

Beam: 31.5 m (103.0 ft)

Passengers (normal): 2,044 Passengers (maximum): 2,594

Crew: 920 (majority are international but speak English!)

Service speed: 19.5 knots