Cruise FAQs

Updated as people ask us frequent questions!

Do I need a passport for the Neighborhood Cruise?

A passport is strongly recommended, but the answer for US Citizens is no - with a big BUT... having a passport makes the boarding and debarkation process much easier. The State Department strongly recommends that all cruisers have a passport, and if you don’t have a passport there is a list of other government documents that you need original copies of.

If you don’t have a passport, the process to apply and get one is not difficult and the good news is there is plenty of time to make it happen! Information on US passports available at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

For non-US Citizens passports are required.

How many beds are in a room?

All rooms can be set up as one queen size bed or as two twin beds. When you book Rich will find out which configuration you prefer.

Can I book other staterooms for friends/family who aren’t in the neighborhood?

Absolutely! Anyone can book with our discounted all included group booking rate. Just share the information with your friends who you would like to join us.

Is there a veteran or active military discount?

Yes! Celebrity offers an additional discount for our group if one of your stateroom guests is a veteran or active military member. Just let Rich know!

What if I want to book an Inside, Oceanview, Suite or Aquaclass Stateroom that you don’t have listed?

We can book any class of Stateroom with the Cruise group. The block of staterooms consists of the most popular categories, but if you contact Rich we can book whatever Stateroom category you would like with all of the group benefits.

How do meals work?

Meals at the four complimentary restaurants on the Celebrity Reflection and Equinox are all included with the price of your stateroom booking. There are options for buffet or sit down style service at almost all meals. You will either choose Celebrity Select anytime dining or choose a reservation for the 6pm or 8:30 seating at Opus for dinner. You are free to also visit the buffet on your own for dinner. Our dinner reservations at 6 and 8:30 are “Round Robin” style, which means that we will have a section of the restaurant for our group, but we don’t have to sit at the same specific tables each night. We can move around and sit with different folks each night if we like.

What about entertainment?

The Reflection is full of various entertainment included with your cruise booking. Most nights have a production show in the large theater and a later presentation in the nightclub. Every day the ship’s lounges, bars, and lobby are peppered with live musicians and singers, DJs, and impromptu parties. Plus, the cruise activities crew constantly has activities going on, such as trivia, karaoke, scavenger hunts, and silent disco parties.

What’s not included with the Neighborhood Cruise stateroom booking?

Not included with the Cruise stateroom booking: spa services, shore excursions, casino gambling money, shop purchases, upgraded “premium” beverage package items, smoothies, specialty coffees, fresh pressed juices, specialty dining experiences, onboard events/experiences that are advertised with a charge, gratuities, transportation to and around Fort Lauderdale.

If you question if something is included, please feel free to ask! The Cruise is great at advertising if there is an extra charge for something.

Is there a dress code? I don’t have a tux!

There IS a dress code for the evening activities, but not to worry. No tux required! Here is a detailed breakdown of attire suggestions aboard the cruise. If you have “Smart Casual” for the evening, then you are good to go!

One night aboard will be a Gala Formal night. But participation is completely voluntary.

What is the cancellation policy?

Bookings for The Neighborhood Cruise through us are fully refundable until the final payment due date. The May 2024 Bahamas Cruise is fully refundable until Feb 1, 2024. The Feb 2025 Caribbean Cruise is fully refundable until Oct 30, 2024. After these dates cancellations begin to incur cancellation penalties as dictated by Celebrity Cruises.

When is the latest that I can book?

Bookings for the Neighborhood Cruise can be made as long as Staterooms are available for booking. We are not the only people on the ship, and though we have a block of rooms reserved, we cannot guarantee that once that block is filled that more rooms will be available.

What’s the payment schedule?

Payment for bookings can be made all at once, or with a deposit at booking and final payment due upon the listed final payment dates. Any Stateroom bookings made after the final payment date must be paid in full at time of booking.

For the May 2024 Bahamas Cruise - Final payment is due Feb 1, 2024

For the Feb 2025 Caribbean Cruise - Final payment is due Oct 30, 2024

Contact Rich with specific questions and to work out payment schedules if you would like a monthly payment plan.

Is travel insurance available?

Celebrity CruiseCare travel insurance is available to purchase for most cruisers. Celebrity CruiseCare must be purchased before the final payment date. Information on Celebrity CruiseCare and coverage for your state of residence can be found by clicking here. Celebrity CruiseCare for cruisers in the group booking must be arranged via Rich. Contact Rich for more details

Can I book my own stateroom through Celebrity’s website?

We are able to match any prices and sales advertised by Celebrity through their website or email promotions. You can book your own stateroom on Celebrity’s website - but there is no reason to. If you would like a quote on a room that does not include the all included packages, please reach out to Rich or submit the quote request form

We are able to match any prices and sales advertised by Celebrity through their website or email promotions.

Are the listed ports of call guaranteed?

The listed ports of call are the planned ports of call for the cruising. Changes are highly unlikely, however possible should circumstances require.

I’ve never heard of Celebrity, how do I know they are legit?

Celebrity Cruises is one of the five cruise brands operated by The Royal Caribbean company. In order to ensure the quality of the Neighborhood Cruise, Rich has been on multiple cruises with Celebrity, and have visited both of these ports. We know you will have a fantastic time!

I’m scared to come, what if I get seasick?!?

Here’s the thing - Rich spent every summer Sunday of his childhood deep sea fishing on his grandfather’s small boat. And… he used to get seasick. Rich even gets motion sick on most of the rides at Disney and Universal. That was the main reason it took Rich and Joel a long time before they decided to go on their first cruise five years ago. But the thing is, on cruise ships Rich doesn’t have ANY seasick problems. The main difference is that his grandfather’s boat was about 17 feet long, and the cruise ship is hundreds of feet long by twelve stories tall! Plus the technology improvements on large ships is amazing with large stabilizers that prevent the ship from rocking. Might it take you an evening to get your ‘sea legs’? Of course. But seasickness only actually affects a small percentage of modern cruise travelers.