Is this a cruise for couples only? No, the cruise is for singles as well as couples. Many singles are looking for roommates and should mention to Advantage International, LLC that you are single willing to share. Your name will be added to a list where you will be put in direct contact with another single cruiser.
What is the single rate? The single rate is based on the total price of the cabin. For example: Category 4A is $999 per person based on double occupancy + $79.00 tax, shipping and handling. Therefore the single rate is $1998 + $79.00 tax, shipping and handling. However, single passengers may apply two discount coupons towards their cabin reducing the single rate to $1498 + $79.00 tax, shipping and handling.
Is there a children/child rate? There is no child rate applicable. The 3rd & 4th passenger in a cabin regardless of age is 50% of the package price and is not eligible for the Authors at Sea discount coupon.
Can I book the Authors at Sea cruise through my travel agent? The Authors at Sea cruise package can ONLY be booked through our official agency (Advantage International, LLC, 1-877-238-6843) in order to participate in any and all of the Author at Sea events.
Can I book directly with Carnival? The Authors at Sea cruise package can only be booked through our official agency (Advantage International, LLC, 1-877-238-6843) in order to participate in any and all of the Authors at Sea events.
Is this valid with other special offers? Authors at Sea is a special event and cannot be combined with other offers.
Can I book Carnival land excursions in advance? You can now book Carnival Shore Excursions in advance online. You will need your booking number. To obtain your booking number contact Advantage International by email AdvntgInt@aol.com or call the administrative office at 312-856-1138.
How do I apply the discount coupon? Follow these simple steps:
1. Purchase a participating paperback book and save your receipt. These specially marked books will be available wherever books are sold starting August 2005.
2. Make a reservation online or call our official booking agency, Advantage International, LLC, toll-free at 1-877-238-6843.
3. Mail in your coupon and proof of purchase to the address indicated on the back of the coupon.
How is the coupon applied? Upon receipt of your coupon and proof of purchase the $250 discount is credited to your invoice.
Which airport should I fly into? Either LAX (Los Angeles), John Wayne Airport or Long Beach Airport.
How do I get I get to the port of Long Beach? The Carnival Lines' Long Beach Cruise Terminal is located at:
231 Windsor Way
Long Beach, California 90802
Phone: 562-901-3232
From Los Angeles International Airport - West Los Angeles
Take the San Diego Freeway (405) South to the Long Beach Freeway (710)
Take the Long Beach Freeway (710) South
Continue on the Long Beach Freeway (710) South and follow the signs for the Queen Mary
At the entrance to the Queen Mary, stay to the far right of the parking ticket taker for the Queen Mary; this lane is the entrance the Carnival Cruise terminal
Follow the directional signs for Passenger Parking and Luggage Drop-Off Area.
From The Long Beach Airport
Take Lakewood Blvd. South to the San Diego Freeway (405)
Take the San Diego Freeway (405) North to the Long Beach Freeway (710)
Take the Long Beach Freeway (710) South
Continue on the Long Beach Freeway (710) South and follow the signs for the Queen Mary
At the entrance to the Queen Mary, stay to the far right of the parking ticket taker for the Queen Mary; this lane is the entrance the Carnival Cruise terminal
Follow the directional signs for Passenger Parking and Luggage Drop-Off Area.
From Malibu, Pacific Palisades - Santa Monica
Take California 1 South to Santa Monica Freeway (10)
Take the Santa Monica Freeway (10) East to the San Diego Freeway (405)
Take the San Diego Freeway (405) South to the Long Beach Freeway (710)
Take the Long Beach Freeway (710) South
Continue on the Long Beach Freeway (710) South and follow the signs for the Queen Mary
At the entrance to the Queen Mary, stay to the far right of the parking ticket taker for the Queen Mary; this lane is the entrance the Carnival Cruise terminal
Follow the directional signs for Passenger Parking and Luggage Drop-Off Area.
From The San Fernando Valley and the North
Take the San Diego Freeway (405) South to the Long Beach Freeway(710)
Take the Long Beach Freeway (710) South
Continue on the Long Beach Freeway (710) South and follow the signs for the Queen Mary
At the entrance to the Queen Mary, stay to the far right of the parking ticket taker for the Queen Mary; this lane is the entrance the Carnival Cruise terminal
Follow the directional signs for Passenger Parking and Luggage Drop-Off Area.
From Hollywood
Take the Hollywood Freeway (101) South to the Harbor Freeway (110)
Take the Harbor Freeway (110) South to the San Diego Freeway (405)
Take the San Diego Freeway (405) South to the Long Beach Freeway (710)
Take the Long Beach Freeway (710) South
Continue on the Long Beach Freeway (710) South and follow the signs for the Queen Mary
At the entrance to the Queen Mary, stay to the far right of the parking ticket taker for the Queen Mary; this lane is the entrance the Carnival Cruise terminal
Follow the directional signs for Passenger Parking and Luggage Drop-Off Area.
From Pasadena and Downtown Los Angeles
Take the Pasadena - Harbor Freeway (110) South to the San Diego Freeway (405)
Take the San Diego Freeway (405) South to the Long Beach Freeway (710)
Take the Long Beach Freeway (710) South
Continue on the Long Beach Freeway (710) South and follow the signs for the Queen Mary
At the entrance to the Queen Mary, stay to the far right of the parking ticket taker for the Queen Mary; this lane is the entrance the Carnival Cruise terminal
Follow the directional signs for Passenger Parking and Luggage Drop-Off Area.
From The Inland Empire and the East
Take the San Bernardino Freeway (10) or Pomona Freeway (60) West to the Long Beach Freeway (710)
Take the Long Beach Freeway (710) South
Continue on the Long Beach Freeway (710) South and follow the signs for the Queen Mary
At the entrance to the Queen Mary, stay to the far right of the parking ticket taker for the Queen Mary; this lane is the entrance the Carnival Cruise terminal
Follow the directional signs for Passenger Parking and Luggage Drop-Off Area.
From Anaheim - Buena Park and Northern Orange County - Riverside Areas
Take the Artesia - Riverside Freeway(91) West to the Long Beach Freeway (710)
Take the Long Beach Freeway (710) South
Continue on the Long Beach Freeway (710) South and follow the signs for the Queen Mary
At the entrance to the Queen Mary, stay to the far right of the parking ticket taker for the Queen Mary; this lane is the entrance the Carnival Cruise terminal
Follow the directional signs for Passenger Parking and Luggage Drop-Off Area.
From Irvine - Southern Orange County Areas and the South
Take the San Diego Freeway (405) North to the Long Beach Freeway (710)
Take the Long Beach Freeway (710) South
Continue on the Long Beach Freeway (710) South and follow the signs for the Queen Mary
At the entrance to the Queen Mary, stay to the far right of the parking ticket taker for the Queen Mary; this lane is the entrance the Carnival Cruise terminal
Follow the directional signs for Passenger Parking and Luggage Drop-Off Area.
What is the ship's check in time? Boarding time (embarkation) is between 12 noon and the ship leaves at 4pm.
Do you have suggestions for air transportation? There are many choices for air transportation. We suggest you call your favorite airline or go on-line to some of the discount companies. These discount companies are always advertised on television or on your favorite radio station.
Do you have suggestions for hotel accommodations? Hotel accommodations are necessary if you plan to arrive prior to the date of departure. Authors at Sea is currently scouting a variety of hotel accommodations in the Long Beach area. These rooms will be listed on the website prior to sailing. Sign up as a VIP member to receive immediate accommodation updates via email.
There are limited cabins available for disabled passengers. You must contact Advantage International, LLC (877-238-6843) directly to reserve one of these cabins.
Will I need a passport? By December 2005 US Citizens will be required to have a Valid Passport to travel to the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada. All other nationalities must contact the consulate of the various ports that are visited for verification of documentation. Proper documents are the responsibility of each passenger.
Beginning next year, the United States Department of State will be requiring passports for more and more types of travel. Cruise lines will be fully compliant with the new regulations and in keeping with our interest in providing the best service possible, we encourage all of you to obtain a passport. Obtaining passports now will alleviate the last-minute rush and expense of obtaining necessary documentation closer to sailing.
Click here to view the implementation timeline and further details regarding the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
Click here to print copies of all necessary passport application forms.
What should I pack? Casual attire and resort wear is the order of the day both on board and in port. Shorts, slacks, sundresses, blouses, etc., are in line for women. Clothing for men is just as casual. You should bring a pair of rubber-soled sandals or sneakers to wear on deck and a pair of good walking shoes. You might also want to consider bringing along a sweater or jacket for cool evenings and inexpensive rain gear in case of a sudden shower. Women may want to bring along a hat or scarf. You'll have a chance to dress up on two nights for the Captain's Cocktail Party and the Gala Farewell Dinner. On the other evenings you can dress casually for dinner. For those not wanting to dress up, the Lido Restaurants are open nightly (with the exception of the last evening of the cruise), and have a casual dress code.
Formal Wear: suit and tie; sport coat, tie and slacks; cocktail dress; pantsuit Casual tank tops and bathing attire are not permitted in the Dining Room during dinner.
What meals are included? Breakfast, lunch, dinner, midnight buffet & occasional snacks are all included. Non-alcoholic fountain drinks are included but may not include certain juices or sodas.
The Authors at Sea events will be posted on the website approximately 90 days prior to date of departure.
Some of tentatively scheduled events are:
Pajama parties
Seaside High Tea
Romance Round table/Mystery Round table
Wheel of Fiction and other games/contests
Themed cocktail parties
Intimate book chats
Private land excursions hosted by Authors at Sea authors
Author hidden talent classes
Authors at Sea will be hosting signature author events at each of the port cities.
These excursions will only be available to Authors at Sea passengers at an additional fee and will feature author hosts.
These special excursions and prices will be listed 90 days prior to sailing.
