Sparkman Band

Harvest, Alabama

Spring Trip Final Meeting

On Tuesday April 14, 2015, the Sparkman Band will hold a final spring trip meeting for all students and parents participating on the cruise to Cozumel.  The meeting will be held in the band room at 6:00p.m. just after the Cruise Band rehearsal.

NEW:  The departure time has been moved to Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM.  Below is information covering  before, during and after the trip.  Please familiarize yourself with this information prior to the meeting.

Trip Preparation

Checklist

  • Online Check-In:  Register on the Carnival Website and use your booking number to complete all possible steps.  We will travel on the ship “Elation” and the departure date is April 23, 2015.  Note:  Students can not use their parent’s credit card if they are not traveling on the trip and will need to take either a prepaid credit card or at least $50 cash with them to put on their “Sign and Sail” card.
  • Check your cell phone data plan and settings.  You do not want to acquire out of country data roaming charges.  Cell phone service will not be available out at sea without the purchase of a rather expensive on-ship service.
  • Click on the brochure for a full pdf version.

    Print out luggage and equipment tags.

  • Be familiar with the schedule by reviewing:

What to Pack?

  • Clothes
    • Tux/Dress for performance.
    • Nice clothes for dinner each evening. I will wear my normal dress clothes – khakis and button up.  Please note that cut-off shorts, flip-flops and t-shirts are not allowed in the formal dinner area.
    • Formal clothing for one dinner.  (I will wear a suit and tie)
  • Instrument and Music
  • Swimming will be available on the boat and at the beach in Cozumel.  Don’t forget sunscreen.
  • I do NOT recommend bringing additional electronics such as gaming systems and other items that would require being in the cabin to use.
  • Each student is limited to one checked back and one carry-on bag.  Checked bags (suitcase) can not be larger than 24″w x 16″h and should not exceed 50lbs.  Checked bags will not be received until later Thursday night on the ship.  Anything needed before then should be packed in a carry-on bag.  Print your luggage tag and boarding pass before you leave.

How Much Money Should I Bring?

We will only have 4 fast food type meals required on this trip.  All other costs will be included.  Any other expenses will be according to souvenirs purchased on the boat, in Cozumel or in New Orleans.  The beach will have various rental activities such as jet ski rental etc…

Also, be sure to bring several single dollar bills in order to tip the longshoremen (typically $1/bag) for loading your luggage on and off the ship.  Thomas Tours will cover this along with all tips and gratuities for our students.

Where Do I Park My Car?

Make all efforts possible not to leave your car at the school.  If you must leave your car at school please park it in the front parking lot south of the school sign in the center section.

Trip In Progress

Rules On The Boat

  • Boy/girl mixing in rooms strictly prohibited.  Students should not spend extended time in rooms, there is plenty to do and places to go on the ship.
  • Students are not allowed in the casinos or adult bars.
  • Students should check-in with their chaperone throughout the day.
  • Attend all mandatory meetings and procedures.
  • Do not use the in-cabin telephone for anything other than cabin to cabin calls.  On-shore calls can cost up to $10/minute.

Rules in Cozumel

  • Students may go on an excursion ONLY if their parent is present.  All other students will travel to a public beach together.
  • Students must stay with their chaperone at all times while in Cozumel.  When on the beach, stay within the designated area.
  • Avoid taking anything from locals street people and be aware you will constantly be approached to buy items.  The best approach is to say “no thank you” and keep walking.

Chaperone Duties

  • Select a time and location for regular check-in times with your designated students.
  • Check students in their rooms during curfew times. (Curfew will differ according to ship schedules)
  • Report all misbehaviors or student rule/procedure breaking to Mr. Raney or Mr. Albert.
  • Attend chaperone meetings.  Due to the lack of electronic communications on the ship we will have at least one or more meetings per day to discuss changes and clarification of procedures.

Emergency Contact Number

1-877-225-7447 – Press five pound for the Elation.  Upon connection to the ship’s operator or automated attendant, this call will be billed at a rate of $9.50 per minute.  If you are calling for any other reason than to speak to a passenger, please call Carnival Cruise Lines at 1-800-carnival.

Bottomless Bubbles

Carnival Cruise Lines will offer all guests the option to purchase a “Bottomless Bubbles” unlimited soda program which will allow the guest unlimited soft drinks and voices for the duration of the cruise.  Prices are as follows – a 15% gratuity will be added:

  • Child Rate Per Day  $4.50 (17 years of age and younger)
  • Adult Rate Per Day $6.00 (18 years of age and older)

Post Trip Procedures

Medication must be picked up from the medical assistant upon return.  ONLY parents may check out left over medication.  Any medication that is left over will be sent to the school nurse the following day and disposed.

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