CPE Credit Questions and who can attend:
Q: Can I get CPE credit for the seminar courses?
A: Yes.
Q: When will I get my CPE credit certificate?
A: It will be emailed to you after the cruise. You’ll get a certificate for each class you attend. You must sign in and sign out for each course.
Q: Do I have to be a Florida NATP member to book the cruise and seminar?
A: No you don’t. Non-members and members from other states are very welcome to join us.
Q: Will there be coffee at the conferences?
A: Yes, we know how you can’t manage without it. Your seminar fee will include coffee, tea, juice, and Danish pastries in the morning and in the afternoon you’ll get cookies.
Q: When should I send in my registration for the seminar?
A: As soon as you book your cabin, send in your registration. There are only 80 seats available in the ship’s conference room. Once those seats are spoken for, we will have to close the seminar. Registration fees increase by $50 after May 1, 2018.
Q: Can I get a refund of my seminar fee if I have to cancel my cruise?
A: Yes. Notify Sandra Torrence at: confidential1227@aol.com no later than October 19, 2018 to receive a refund. There is a cancellation fee of $15. No refunds will be granted after that date unless due to extreme circumstances (family death, medical issues, federally declared disaster area, for example).
Q: Can I give my seminar registration to someone else?
A: Yes. Registration substitutions are accepted, provided non-members pay the non-member or non-group cabin booking difference.
Travel to the Cruise Ship:
Q: What is the best airport to fly into if I live outside Florida?
A: Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Q: What about coming to Tampa the day before the cruise leaves? Do you have hotel recommendations?
A: Yes, we do. Our group travel agent has recommended three hotels that have “sleep and sail” special rates:
• Hampton Inn Airport. Call the hotel directly: 813-289-6262. Ask for their “Park, Stay and Go Package”. Book and stay and you’ll get parking (if you’re driving in) and shuttle service to and from the airport (if you’re flying in) and the shuttle to and from the cruise ship.
• Holiday Inn Tampa Bay. Call the hotel directly: 813-289-8200. Ask for their Cruise Package. In addition to the same sort of transportation arrangement as above, this package includes breakfast for 2 adults, too.
• Tampa Marriott Westshore. Call the hotel directly: 813-287-2555. Much the same arrangements as the Hampton Inn.
Q: Will there be an RCCL bus to Tampa from other cities in Florida?
A: At this time, RCCL does not have one. However, if enough requests are received by our travel agent or through the Board members, it may be possible to arrange a private bus. Stay tuned.
Q: How much does it cost to park my car at the Port not at a hotel?
A: The parking rates will vary because they change regularly. Usually, there are lots available to park at, however the Port of Tampa Bay has parking spots you can reserve for the cruise. Pricing for 2018 is not available yet, however prices range from $60 to self-park or $80 valet. The Chapter has no responsibility for parking at any locations or where you chose to park. You can visit the Port of Tampa at their website www.tampaport.com
Booking and Rooms:
Q: What if I want a cabin to myself?
A: There are group rates for single occupancy cabins. Please contact our group travel agent for rates. Ellen Rafferty at Odyssey Travel, 386-672-8113 or ellen@odysseytravel.com.
Q: Why do I have to book my cabin so far ahead if the cruise doesn’t leave until 11/3/2018?
A: Group rates can change after JULY 7, 2017 and booking early gives you the best group rate and cabin choice. Group cabins are limited in quantity.
Q: Can we book a group rate cabin and not the seminar?
A: Yes, as long as there are group rate cabins available.
Q: What “perks” come with the group rate cabins?
A: Every cabin in the group will receive a $50 credit to use onboard.
Q: Can I get a refund if I can’t go?
A: If you sadly must cancel your cruise, please let our travel agent know by 8/14/18 for a full refund of your deposit and any payments you may have made.
Q: When do I have to pay for my cabin in full?
A: Your full balance is due by 8/15/18.
Q: What happens to my payment if I cancel after 8/14/18?
A: If you cancel after you’ve paid in full, then there is a sliding scale of available refunds. Up to 43 days before sailing you lose $100 per person; between 42 and 29 days of sailing you lose 50% per person; from 28 to 15 days of sailing you lose 75% per person and from 14 days to the date of sailing you lose 100% per person.
Additional Information:
Q: What about tipping?
A: You have a choice. Depending on what you select as your dining time gratuities may or may not be prepaid or you may just pay on board as you wish. There will be more details on this in your cruise documents.
Q: What about insurance for the trip?
A: It is strongly recommended that you purchase travel insurance. It can be purchased as part of your cruise or can be bought independently. Our group travel agent will be sending out information as we get closer to departure.
Q: Do I need a passport?
A: Yes, you do need a passport. This cruise will be going to foreign ports, so a passport is required. There are options of passports that you can purchase, so please consult your local Clerk of the Clerk or local Passport office.
Q: Can people with disabilities cruise?
A: Absolutely! Cruise ships are wheelchair compatible and if you have special needs for beddings, bathroom chairs etc. these items can be rented from vendors. I recommend contacting the travel agent or the cruise line. They can handle it all, so don’t let anything stop you.
Your Tax Deduction Questions:
Q: Can I take a tax deduction for the cruise expense and/or the seminar fee?
A: No. The ship is not a US Registered vessel and therefor no deductions are allowed per the IRS.
Q: Can I deduct my travel expenses to get to the port?
A: Yes. Hotel room, airfare, mileage, parking, tolls and meals may be deducted appropriately on your tax return as business expenses for yourself. The night before the cruise will be a wonderful time to network and make new friends as well.
