|
Q: Since the 2012 Georgia Red Hat Jubilee is a cruise, do we have to have a Passport?
A: If you have a Passport or a Passport Card that is the preferred form of identification for the cruise. If not, since this is a closed loop cruise, it is acceptable to use a Certified Copy of your Birth Certificate along with a picture ID (such as a Drivers License) for identification purposes for this cruise. A closed loop cruise is one that leaves and returns to the same port. One issue with not using a Passport is the fact that we never know when an emergency could arise and you may need to leave the ship early and fly back home. In that case you would have a severe problem trying to re-enter the United States because you would have gone outside the “closed loop cruise” scenario, and the Jubilee Council would be powerless to assist you. It is up to you to decide whether or not to take this risk.
Q: What should we wear and can we costume?
A: It goes without saying that we wear purple with a red hat if we are over the golden age of 50 and pink with lavender if we’ve not yet reached that threshold. We expect something red on your head at all times with the possible exception of the bathing suits of the past stroll at CocoCay. For our 2012 cruise our suggestions for dressing for events are:
- Casual Red Hat attire during the day aboard the ship and on the various shore excursions or for other activities in port.
- Dressy casual attire for dinner in the evenings with the exception of one dinner, which will be a more formal occasion and on this evening we will want to bring out the bling and dress in our best and show the other passengers just what a dress-up evening is all about when you are a Red Hatter.
- Somewhere in Time Costume Stroll at CocoCay. Today is the day to pull out the stops and frolic on the beach at CocoCay in your bathing costume from the past. This is our opportunity to make a splash and have a frolicking good time as our mothers and grandmothers did - or even as we did ourselves back in the day! If possible, we would love to see you sporting our colors on this occasion.
Q: Do you have any packing tips for the cruise?
A: It is best to consolidate your packing into as few pieces of luggage as possible. You will be asked to leave all of your various cases, etc., for porters to deliver to your rooms upon arrival, and anything you don’t leave for the porters you will have to carry in yourself without the help of a trolley or any such apparatus. Upon departure at the end of the cruise you will be asked to put all of these items outside your room on the last evening so they can be picked up and taken through Customs. The more pieces you have to gather again the more likely you will be to lose something. Plan ahead and bring hats, bling, costumes, etc., that pack easily and can be incorporated into your suitcases. Keep in mind that boarding a ship is not like checking in to a hotel. There won’t be an opportunity to have a Bell Hop take your boxes and bags to your room, nor will it be practical for you to attempt to make multiple trips to your automobile.
Q: Can I bring a "living" mascot to the Jubilee?
A: Real-live dogs, cats and other pets are not allowed as mascots, and neither are grandchildren. We’ll have to make do with the animals our cabin stewards make out of towels for us this time, or bring those from home that don’t actually breathe..
Q: Can I bring my Granddaughter as a Pink Hatter?
A: Yes, you can, if your Granddaughter is a member of a registered Red Hat Chapter and she is 21 years of age or older.
Q:Can I attend the one night at the Radisson Resort and not go on the cruise?
A: Yes, you can. However, please understand that there are no activities planned for the night at the Radisson as this is offered simply as a convenience for those traveling in to get to the ship in a timely manner.
Q: I send my Registration to you - then what?
A: Georgia Red Hat Jubilee will take care of all preliminary arrangements with the cruise line. Approximately 30 days prior to sailing you will receive instructions as to procedures to either go on line or call in to activate your SeaPass card to simplify the boarding process. At that time you will also receive instructions to obtain your luggage tags to make sure your bags get delivered to your cabin safely upon check-in. That’s it - just show up at the Pier and get on board.
Q: Will there be table assignments?
A: Yes, there will be table assignments and your table number will be on your ship’s card that acts as your key to your cabin and your onboard credit card. You will receive this card when you board.
Q: How will the table assignments to handled?
A: There is a place on the Registration Form for you to request table mates. Our Onboard Representative will make every effort to seat you according to those requests.
Q: Are you REALLY enforcing your cancellation policy?
A: Yes. Our cancellation policy is set on a “sliding scale” in an effort to be as fair as possible to our attendees while protecting the Georgia Red Hat Jubilee as well. This year in particular we have a set schedule of payments due to the cruise line that must be paid as determined by registrations received. While we realize that unforeseen problems may arise we have to meet these payments well in advance of the Jubilee date so we will have to enforce the refund deadlines.
Q: In the case of last minute cancellations can we sell our cruise ticket to another Red Hatter?
A: While we have allowed this right up until Registration in the past we won’t have that flexibility with the cruise. The cruise line has a deadline in late September for receiving all of our information. They must clear every passenger with the Department of Homeland Security, so last minute swaps will not be available for this year.
Q: Can we purchase insurance against cancellation due to illness?
A: Yes, this is available through a private carrier of your choice or through the cruise line. Further information will be forwarded to you as we get closer to our sailing date.
Q: My husband will be coming with me. Can he attend any of the events or activities.
A: Things will be a bit different due to the fact that this is a cruise and our activities will not be as contained as they usually are. Cabin mates are always seated at the same table at dinner, so husbands will be seated with us for our dinner meals. We would not have husbands attend our Pajama Breakfast nor would we have husbands participate in the Somewhere in Time Costume Stroll for bathing beauties on the beach. Other activities are on your own and husbands are welcome, of course.
Q: Are Red Hatters from other states invited to join you at this Jubilee?
A: Absolutely! We welcome Red and Pink Hatters from anywhere as long as you are a member of a registered Red Hat Chapter.
|
email the web-lady