About the Cruise · FAQ
What does the cruise include?
This is an all-inclusive event, so the great majority of your
experience is included in the cruise fare; including all meals in the
complimentary restaurants plus credits to dine in your choice of
the specialty restaurants aboard, plus a beverage package
that includes virtually unlimited cocktails, beer, wine and soft
drinks. Your registration also includes all of the 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: certain premium bar
service, bottled water, shore excursions, 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
our agents at Travel by Georgia at 941-218-6399 or by email to info@parrotheadcruise.com
Host hotel information, as well as details of our pre-cruise Bon Voyage party, will be announced on the website here when available.
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 pholks while sipping boat drinks, lounging on
the beach, listening to trop rock 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 Pink Out night, the Parrothead 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 community
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. You must book through our agents to participate in the Parrothead Cruise.
Cruise reservations made elsewhere will not be eligible for event
credentials and you will not be able to participate in any of our
private events.
Do I need a passport?
We're checking - but most likely YES. 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 $575,000.00 for
various charity partners. 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 funded various breast cancer charities including the Avon 3-Day Breast Cancer Crusade, Phlockers Battling Breast Cancer, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and I Will Survive, Inc. Presently, the cruise supports Paint Georgia Pink, Swim Across America, Sisters By Choice, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation and also raised some funds for the TRMA Artist Relief Foundation by hosting a "house concert" at sea.
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 70’s typically, with the average being
somewhere in the 50'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! The cruise is one of the Atlanta Parrot
Head Club's largest philanthropic events and it's one of the
greatest phlockings across the nation. Our plan is to follow Jimmy's
lead and keep the party going!
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 Parrot Head Club in my area?
Maybe! There are nearly 200 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.
What is a Parrothead anyway? Who was Jimmy Buffett?
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?
Norwegian Cruise Line 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 941-218-6399. We’ll be more than happy to answer your questions and help in any way we can.
