About the Cruise · FAQ

What does the cruise include?
Most of your cruise experience is included with the fare you pay.   This includes all of the meals, transportation, lodging and entertainment provided by the ship and all of the parties, events and entertainment provided by the Atlanta Parrot Head Club.

There are some exceptions including: Bar service (including soft drinks), shore excursions, gratuities, gambling in the casino, shopping in the onboard mini-mart (no running up and down the aisles!), most spa services, and of course there’s always a raffle or two for Parrothead prizes.

Your cruise fare does not include air transportation to or from the port and it does not include optional travel protection insurance.  Air transportation is available for an additional fee that varies depending on your departure city.  Travel protection insurance is available for several levels of coverage.  If would like additional information for either of these services, please call.

What kind of Parrothead activities should I expect?
The Parrothead Cruise is a phlocking at sea.  We do a lot of things to turn an ordinary cruise into a Parrothead Cruise. 

The Parrothead Cruise is a chance to spend time in the islands with a whole bunch of like-minded fun pholk while sipping boat drinks, lounging on the beach, listening to island music and doing some good for other people while we’re at it. Onboard there will be private parties, events and activities just for Parrotheads.  On shore, we usually plan at least one in-port adventure.  We’ll also have private concerts onboard with our own Parrothead entertainment. Plus there are quite a few Parrothead Cruise traditions to look forward to, including the sunrise party/musicians jam, the Parrothead pool invasion and the infamous toga night.

How will I know what to do?
When you register for the cruise you’ll be added to an online group and mailing list exclusively for Parrotheads sailing on the cruise.  This will be our central place to discuss the cruise, to plan our adventures and to crank up the excitement.  As the cruise grows closer you’ll begin receiving a number of “Cruise Bulletins” that will tell you everything you need to know.  We’ll cover what to pack, what to expect in each of our destinations, tours and trips you may want to take in the ports we’ll visit, where to meet on board and for the traditional pre-cruise party, the agenda of Parrothead activities onboard and lots of tips for first time cruisers and veterans alike.

Why is there a limit to the number of participants?
Limits are imposed for a number of reasons, including the number of staterooms made available to us at our discounted rate and the size of rooms and venues available to us for events and shows.

Why do I need to register with you? Can't I just book the cruise on my own?
All registered cruisers receive official Parrothead Cruise credentials. These credentials allow you to participate in our private Parrothead events including all of our onboard concerts, parties and other activities. These events are paid for by a portion of the cruise fare of registered cruisers. A portion also goes toward the cruise charity. Restricting certain events to registered cruisers isn't simply a financial or fairness issue though, there just isn't enough room to accommodate everyone in the onboard venues.

Do I need a passport?
Strictly speaking, no if you are an American citizen, but we strongly recommend it. State Department travel guidelines are continuously being revised and there is an effort underway to require passports for all US citizens to Caribbean destinations. This is not yet in effect but is gaining momentum. Until the new travel guidelines start, American citizens can opt for a certified copy of their birth certiciate along with a government issued photo ID as evidence of citizenhip. It is important to note that a driver's license alone is not sufficient proof of citizenship. If you do not have proof of citizenship you can be denied boarding and will not be eligible for a refund.  Non-US citizens may need passports, visas or other documentation.  Call us and ask about your specific situation.

I'd be travelling alone, what are my options?
The cruise line charges a premium for passengers travelling in a stateroom alone, typically double what you would pay if you had a roommate.  To help, we match up shipmates for Parrotheads travelling alone.  If you would like to be on the Shipmates list, please send your name, contact information including phone number and any roommate preferences (male/female, smoker/nonsmoker) to shipmates@parrotheadcruise.com

Click here to see the Shipmates page

Rooms for the cruise are limited.  If you know you are going on the cruise but aren’t sure of your cabin mates yet, We suggest you register for the cruise and reserve a room now.  We can add people to your stateroom later, or shift your deposit and payments to another stateroom if necessary.  Registering in advance guarantees that a stateroom will be available, and it allows you to participate in all of the pre-cruise discussion and planning.  Remember, there’s no risk to registering early; deposits and payments are fully refundable until the date announced.

How does the cruise raise money?  Who gets it?
Through incentives from the cruise line and the booking agency the cruise generates income. Onboard, we will also hold a silent auction and a few games and raffles to raise funds. Out of that, expenses are paid including promotions, credentials, entertainment, costs for group activities onboard and a bunch of miscellaneous stuff. All net proceeds left over go to charity.  We work hard to keep costs to a bare minimum. To date, the Parrothead Cruises have raised over $320,000.00.   The board of the Atlanta Parrot Head Club decides the benefactors.  For the 1999, 2000, and 2001 cruises the monies went to the March of Dimes. From 2002 onward, the proceeds fund edvarious breast cancer charities including the Avon 3-Day Breast Cancer Crusade and It's the Journey, Inc. Presently the cruise supports: Phlockers Battling Breast Cancer, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the Zonta Club of Key West.

What kind of people go on a Parrothead Cruise?
The people our parents warned us about.   Parrotheads are a pretty diverse group.  Parrothead cruises are a mix of singles and couples, along with a few families with children.  The age range is from early 20’s to late 60’s typically, with the average being somewhere in the 40's.  Of course, once you put on your tropical toga, have a margarita or two and crank up the music, all fruitcakes are the same age.

What have people said about past Parrothead Cruises?
Click here to see reviews of previous cruises.

I can't go this year! Will there be another one?
We certainly hope so! Because of some recent changes in direction with our cruise partner Carnival we are unable to organize a Parrothead Cruise in 2011. We've already started the ball rolling for Parrothead Cruise 2012 and Parrothead Cruise 2013 though! The cruise is one of the Atlanta Parrot Head Club's largest philanthropical events and it's one of the greatest phlockings across the nation. Just like Jimmy's summer concerts, we hope they'll never end!

Do I have to belong to a Parrot Head Club?
No. The cruise is open to anyone who appreciates good times, good music, good people and partying with a purpose! Of course, if you fit this description you might enjoy being a member of a parrot head club. Find a club near you, check them out and get involved.

Is there a Parrothead Club in my area?
Maybe!  There are over 225 Parrot Head Clubs across the country plus international clubs based in Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Australia. Take a look at the current list of chapters.

Where can I learn more about the Atlanta Parrot Head Club?
Visit our website at http://www.AtlantaParrotHeadClub.org.  If you live in the Atlanta area, please come out and join us at one of our happy hours or community service events.

Is Jimmy Buffett going to be on the cruise?
No.  At least, not to our knowledge.  He’s welcome to come along of course.  Hey Jimmy, are you reading this?  Drop us a line.

Who is this Jimmy Buffett guy?
If you really don't know then this cruise may not be for you.  Then again, maybe it is - you should get out more. Check out Margaritaville to find out.

I've never been on a cruise.  What else do I need to know?
Carnival Cruise Lines has a very informative web site for first time cruisers.  You can find out much more by clicking here.

What if I still have questions?
Ask us!  Send an email to info@parrotheadcruise.com or give us a call at 800-771-9300.  We’ll be more than happy to answer your questions and help in any way we can.