Frequently Asked Questions

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WHO STARTED THIS CE CRUISE DEAL?

JC Melvin Seminars, Inc. and Youngblood Coaching and Consulting started this some 12 years ago. JC Melvin and Julie Youngblood thought it would be fun to create a quick get-a-way and knock out some CE credits at the same time. We skipped 2 years because of COVID and resumed with a 5-day cruise in January of 2022. It was a BLAST, we did a 7 day cruise in 2023 and  a 6-day cruise in 2024. The upcoming cruise is on the NEW Carnival Jubilee.  This will be our 11th annual annual CE-esta Cruise. We will offer 12 hours of Nevada Real Estate Continuing Education.  It is simply a let your hair down, relax and have fun cruise....  Networking with other professionals, enjoying adult refreshments, eating great food, dancing and more! If you've ever thought about it, JUST DO IT...  

Q. Can I book directly or through my own travel agent?

A. NO, we have a travel agent for this "group Cruise" and prices have been negotiated to our best advantage. This is also how we get the rooms to teach the classes.  Even if you think you have a unique situation, CALL Hilarie at 480-998-1112 to discuss. She is on our team and will point you to your BEST avenue!

Basic CRUISE Info

Q. Where do we board the ship?

A. This ship will sail from the: (Galveston, Texas)

Galveston Cruise Terminal

Q.   What is the itinerary? 

Date                    Port                             Arrival               Departure

Sat: March 21     Galveston                     ----                   4 pm

Sun: March 22    At Sea                             Two classes                      

Mon: March 23    At Sea                            One class

Tues: March 24   Mahogany Bay          8 am                  6 pm    

Wed:  March 25   Costa Maya               8 am                  5 pm         

Thur: March 26    Cozumel, MX            8 am                  4 pm

Fri:    March 27     At Sea                           One Class

Sat:   March 28     Disembark  -  Galveston  -  8:00 am 

Q. How do we get to the Pier? 

A.  Fly to the Houston area (Houston Hobby airport is closest - with Southwest airlines) and get a transfer from the airport.. The drive is typically 45 minutes to 1.25 hours depending on which airport you fly into… You Don’t want to miss the ship. You can also Fly to Huston Hobby the day before and stay the night in a hotel or Air BnB... We'd suggest you look into that when you make your plane reservation. You can also book a transfer when you complete your "online" Cruise check in. (It has been running $25 per person.)

Q. What’s the best time to board the ship on the day of departure? 

A. The Ship is scheduled to sail at 4:00 pm. You MUST be on the ship two hours before departure (2:00 pm). Boarding begins as early as 9:00 am for those with early bird registration or suites…General boarding for all typically begins at 10:30 to 11:00 am. You'll choose your arrival time online once you’re paid in full and complete your online check-in.

Q. What about luggage? 

A. Bring what you think you may want. Just know that most people that come tend to over pack. We are super casual, shorts, jeans, bathing suits, tee shirts, although you may want to dress for a dinner or two. Since you check your bags at the curb, we suggest you have a small carry on with a pair of shorts and flip-flops to hang out until your bags arrive in your cabin.

Q. When will my bags arrive in my Cabin?

A. They have their systems down. If you board at noon, you will likely have your luggage between 4 and 7 pm. I've seen it as late as 10:00 pm

Q. I've heard about a Bon Voyage Party?

A. YES, it's true... We know how to have fun on a cruise. The Bon Voyage Party is typically at the rear of the ship. It will likely take place at an outdoor  bar, (aft of the ship) very rear of the ship depending on weather. We will meet 15 minutes after "Muster" (required safety drill).  We cover everything you need to know for the cruise in about 15 minutes. The Party and get together takes place as we are leaving the port. Monday, October 7, 2024, usually sometime between from 4:30 and  5:30 pm.

Q. Can my spouse or significant other come to the cocktail receptions or parties with me?

A. ABSOLUTELY,  they are invited. The only thing your unlicensed partner may not want to attend is the CE classes.  

Q. Do I need a passport?

A. 100% recommended BUT not absolutely necessary. If you do not or will not have a passport, speak with Hilarie about it early on. (without a passport, bring a birth certificate.)

Q.More about passports:

A. Your passport NEEDS to have at least 6 months validity from your return date to the USA.  Example: If your passport were going to expire in June or July of 2023, renew it NOW.

Q. CE Classes: Does everyone have to sign up for classes?

A. No, oftentimes people bring their spouse or significant other that are not licensed. Sometimes we have couples come where neither sign up for the classes.

Q. Is it a tax write off?

A. Check with your own tax professional. Opinions we have heard is that since the trip and classes are all business expenses, the answer is yes. We, however, are not accountants, check with yours.

Q.When are the classes?

A. We will run 4 classes total, always on sea days. The first class will be Tuesday morning from 8;00 to 11:00 am, the second class will follow immediately, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

The third and fourth classes will be on Friday 8:00 to 11:00 and 11:00 am to 2:00 

Needless to say, if something comes up on the ship, we are slightly flexible, as may be necessary.

All who sign up for classes will be emailed and/or texted exact schedule and locations prior to sailing or on the day of sailing, on board.

Q. How do we sign up for the classes?

A.  On approximately February 1, 2026 the website will open to the page to pay for your CE classes. You will need to pay in full for the CE classes by  March 12, 2026.  You can attend one, two or all four classes for the fee.

The fee is $99.00

Q. When will we get our certificate?

A. Providing you have signed up in advance, you will receive them after each class. If you are a late/on ship sign up, you will receive your certificate in the mail up to 10 days after return. 

FIRST TIME CRUISERS

Q. Will I get sea sick?

A. The ship is a large ship so, the motion which might make a person seasick is not very high.  If you are concerned, there are a few OTC and prescription remedies that are available. We recommend you ask you doctor for advice. If you know you are prone to sea sickness and/or are really concerned about it, a tip is to book a cabin towards the center of the ship (mid-ship) and on a lower deck (2-5).

Q. What kind of cabin should I get?

A. Those of us that have cruised many times all suggest that you get a balcony room. There is really something about being able to both see outside and be able to sit outside anytime on your own private balcony. If you are concerned about safety (maybe because of a child) with a balcony cabin, we still recommend that you consider an "Oceanview" cabin. An inside cabin, while the least expensive, has NO window or porthole.

Q. Can I bring my children on the CE-esta Cruise?

A. YES you can. Any child must be at least 6 months old on the day of boarding. Although we do not bill this as a kids cruise, there is lots for the kids to do, the onboard childrens program.  It's okay either way. Just know that  it's a slightly different cruise experience with children.  See ship info for height and weight requirements for rides. 

Q. Is a babysitting service available?

A. YES, Check with the FAQs of the ship to see times, cost and availability.

Q. Can I come if I'm pregnant?

A. Carnival Cruise Line cannot accept guests who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy by the beginning of, or at any time during the cruise including any and all land arrangements made through Carnival Cruise Line. An expectant mother's application for passage must be accompanied by a medical certificate establishing her due date and fitness to travel. 

Q. What time will we get off the ship on Saturday morning?

A. The ship is scheduled to port at 8:00 am Saturday morning. You can usually figure that you'll be off the ship between 9:00 and 10:00 am.

If you have "Hand carry" luggage only, you can walk off the ship with it fairly early.  With large luggage, you'll have to wait for it to be unloaded and then locate it after you disembark and exit US Customs.

Q. Will I have fun?

A. YES, we believe you will. If you can't have fun with this crew on a ship, you may have missed the boat. LOL

Q. What do we do while in port?

A. The ship offers different experiences from bike riding to snorkeling to sunset cruises, scuba and more in the various ports.  

Q. Is it safe in the Caribbean & Mexico?

A. We have never had a problem with our group. We suggest that you stick to the main streets and attractions and always travel with a buddy. Use common sense! For example: Don't buy a ROLEX from anyone on the street, IT'S NOT REAL. Again, use common sense. 

Q. Can I drink the water on the ship?

A. YES, the ship has it's own, complete and sophisticated water treatment plant on board. The water is safe to drink. 

Q. Can I bring liquor or beer on board?

A. NO, No water, liquor or beer is allowed to be brought on board. You are allowed to bring one unopened bottle of wine per guest (Over 21). Bring it with your carry on as you must go through security when boarding. Please note, a corkage fee may apply.

Q. What's the deal with Carnivals Cheers Package?

A. Pre-Cruise Purchase: CHEERS! can be purchased online at www.carnival.com/Funshops or by contacting 'The Fun Shops' Department at 800 522-7648, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-10:00pm ET and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am-6:00pm ET. Cut-off for pre-purchase online is at 11:59pm ET,  3 days prior to the cruise departure.

1. Pre-Cruise Purchase Price: $70.74 USD per person, per day includes 18% service charge 

ALL GUESTS IN SAME CABIN MUST PURCHASE SAME PROGRAM  

Q. What does the Carnival offer for WIFI?

A.

Carnival's Wi-Fi Service

To keep you connected while at sea, every one of our ships provides satellite Internet access at our Internet Cafés and through the bow-to-stern ship-wide Wi-Fi network.

What plans are offered?

We have upgraded our communications technology to the latest, state of the art systems and guests now have access to much faster speeds at an affordable price! Guests can upgrade from one plan to another and can use multiple devices per plan, including their smart phone, laptop or shipboard Internet cafe but only one device can be used at a time. Our ships feature awesome internet plans.

Social Wi-Fi Plan
Access the most popular social websites and applications including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Linkedin, Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, SnapChat and the most popular airline sites. Does not include access to most websites and email. Does not support Skype or access to video and music streaming (such as Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Pandora). Cellular-network-dependent Wi-Fi calling and Facetime services are also not supported. 

Value Wi-Fi Plan
Access popular social websites, email and applications including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Linkedin, Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, SnapChat and the most popular airline sites as well as news, entertainment (not including streaming sites), sports, weather, banking and finance. Post pictures of your trip and make your friends jealous. Faster speeds than the Social Plan. Does not support Skype or access to video and music streaming (such as Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Pandora). Cellular-network-dependent Wi-Fi calling and Facetime services are also not supported. 

Premium Wi-Fi Plan
Our Premium Wi-Fi plan provides you access to all sites under the Social and Value Plans at the fastest possible connection on board (3 times faster than the Value Plan). Our Premium Plan also supports apps like Zoom, Skype and Teams video calling, where coverage allows. Does not support access to video and music streaming (such as Hulu, Spotify, Pandora); Netflix can be viewed through your Netflix account/app. Cellular-network-dependent Wi-Fi calling and Facetime services are also not supported.

Prices for Internet Plans Purchased Starting January 16, 2023

Package

Pre-Cruise Purchase

Onboard Purchase

Onboard
Single Day Purchase

Social

in advance: $12.75 per day

On board: $15.00 per day

N/A

Value

In advance: $17.00 per day

On board: $20.00 per day

$22.00 per 24 hours

Premium

In advance: $18.70 per day

On board: $22.00 per day

$30.00 per 24 hours

Prices are based on cruise-long plans and are subject to change without prior notice. 

How to purchase a plan?

Before Your Cruise: We offer guests the opportunity to pre-purchase Internet plans at a discounted rate online via the 'Manage My Booking' tab on carnival.com, send as a gift to family and friends through The Fun Shops or call our Fun Shops department at 1-800-522-7648, Monday through Sunday, 9:00am-9:00pm ET. When pre-purchasing, guests must purchase a plan that covers the entire duration of their cruise. Plans may be pre-purchased online up to 11:59pm ET, the evening prior to the cruise departure (or up to 9:00pm ET, the evening prior to the cruise departure, if calling our Fun Shops department). Daily plans are available for purchase on board.

On Board Your Cruise: To access Carnival’s shipboard Wi-Fi service, guests simply turn on their device's Wi-Fi feature and access the Wi-Fi settings to receive all necessary instructions on how to purchase the Wi-Fi plans.