Spring Break 2005 Bahamas

From where does the cruise ship leave?
Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale. The port is very easy to find!  Directions will be included with your tickets. You can also find directions on mapquest.com and type in Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale.  The port is next to the Ft. Lauderdale Airport (FLL).

When does the ship leave?
The cruise ship leaves the dock at 7AM on the day of your departure. The departure day is determined by the hotel that you select and the week of your Spring Break. You’ll need to call our office for this year’s schedule. (Most packages run Saturday - Wednesday, Sunday - Thursday, Monday - Friday, or Tuesday - Saturday.  Some spring break 2005 Bahamas trips are Wednesday through Sunday.)

When does the ship return?
Usually between 10PM and 11PM. Don’t try to fly home on the same night that you are scheduled to return to Ft. Lauderdale. You’ll miss your flight if you are delayed at customs or if the ship arrives late. You’re better off getting a hotel room for a night.

Where do I park my car?
While on spring break in the Bahamas, you can park your car at Port Everglades.  Port Everglades has a secured parking lot where you park your car. It costs approximately $11/day (just like an airport parking lot).

What do I do with my luggage?
On  your spring break 2005 Bahamas trip, you check it at the port and claim it in the Bahamas. Each passenger is allowed to check 2 bags. Do not bring radios!

Should I bring a carry on bag?
Sure, a lot of people bring a carry on bag with a bathing suit, towel, sun tan lotion, walkman, etc... Do not put any food in your carry on bag! It will be confiscated at the port. While on spring break in the Bahamas, you can purchase all of the food items you'll need at local grocery stores.

What is there to do on the Cruise Ship?
This is a full size cruise ship with casinos, restaurants, bars, a swimming pool, movies, casino style shows, duty free shopping, etc.... There is plenty to do!

Will there be other students on board?
Most of the passengers on board will be college students going on spring break in the Bahamas!

How many people does the ship hold?
1,300

Is it a big ship?
Yes it is 500 ft. long and weighs 13,000 tons.

What time should we be at the port?
5:45 AM.

Do I get a cabin?
Since you are not staying overnight on board the ship, you don’t get a cabin. If you are interested in renting one you can check with the pursers desk when you board the ship. It costs approximately $60. Otherwise, there are locker rooms where you can change. These are free.

Are all of our drinks included on the cruise ship?
No, you’ll be responsible for purchasing your own drinks. (Ice water and tea are included with the three meals that you’ll get for free.)

How do I get from the Bahamas port to my hotel?
Your taxi transfers are included with the cost of your Spring Break 2005 Bahamas trip.

Which meals will be included on our trip?
This depends on the meal plan you choose.  With our basic package, 7 meals are included.  With our VIP Meal Package which costs $39, 15 meals are included.  With both packages you'll get 1 all-you-can-eat breakfast and lunch buffet on the cruise over to the Bahamas and a dinner buffet on your cruise home.

Where are the meals served?
Meals included with your basic package will be served at Taino Beach. Meals included with the VIP package are at served at various locations in the International Bazaar and Port Lucaya as well as Taino Beach. Transportation to meals is not included.

What is the best hotel?
Depends on how you define “best”. We have many different hotels to fit many different budgets. Call one of our reps and they can help you figure out which option is best for your spring break Bahamas 2005 trip.

Do our hotels have A/C, private baths, pools?
Yes.

How much is food/drink?
Food is moderately priced as in any resort area. It does need to be flown over from the U.S. so it is a little bit more expensive than usual. Fast food like Burger King, Subway, Wendy’s and KFC are available and are not that much more than what you would find in the States. Sit down restaurants can be expensive depending on where you go and what you order. Alcohol is very inexpensive (1/2 gallon of rum is $11.00, but Coke is expensive!)

Can I bring food/drink to the Bahamas?
The cruise ship will not allow people to bring alcohol on board. (It’s cheaper to buy it in the Bahamas anyway.) No food will be allowed in your carry on bag! It must be checked.

What is the drinking age?
The drinking age is 21 while in local waters and 18 when the cruise ship reaches 3 miles out into International Waters. It is 18 in the Bahamas.

What is the temperature in March?
It is typically in the 70s-80s daytime/70s night.  SBT cannot predict exact weather patterns and temperatures so please check weather.com before your trip to make sure you have the proper attire!

What are the most popular bars?
Rum Runners, Pussers, The Corner Bar, Club 2000 and Pirate's Beach Club.

What is the currency in the Bahamas?
The Bahamian dollar which is equal in value with the U.S. Dollar.

How much spending money do I need?
$200-$300. You know your spending habits better than anyone. If you eat and drink a lot you’ll spend more than this. Use your judgment.

What is the best way to get around the island?
You can take the public bus for $.75 each way! It is very easy to catch and very convenient! There are also plenty of taxi cabs. The fares vary, but tend to be on the expensive side.

If I stay at the Redwood hotel, where do I lie out?
You will have full access to the beach across the street.

Can we drink alcohol on the beach?
Yes, there are no open container laws in the Bahamas.

On which island will we stay?
Grand Bahama Island.

How far is Grand Bahama from Nassau and Paradise Island?
Approximately 80 miles.  You’ll be closer to Florida than Nassau and Paradise Island.

Do we have hotels in Ft. Lauderdale where people can stay if they need a room on the day before or after the cruise?
Yes! We have a number of different hotels in Ft. Lauderdale that will offer special rates. Call our office for details and prices.

How much does it cost to fly to Ft. Lauderdale?
As with any airline ticket, the earlier you book, the more you’ll save. Plan on spending somewhere between $150-$250.

Do we need passports?
U.S. Citizens are required to carry proper documentation of the U.S. citizenship (i.e. a valid U.S. passport OR an state-issued birth certificate and a state-issued picture ID.) However, SBT recommends a valid U.S. passport when traveling to the Caribbean. Foreign Nationals must consult their local consulate for documentation requirements. Children under 18 must carry a notarized letter of consent, signed by both parents or legal guardians for travel outside the U.S..

Will our bags get searched when we enter the Bahamas?
Maybe, and maybe when you come back to the states too!

Will there be a representative from Spring Break Travel in the Bahamas?
Yes, we have representatives in each of our destinations.

Are there ATM machines in the Bahamas?
Yes, there are ATM’s available at the Royal Oasis Casino and in the Port Lucaya Marketplace.

Do we sell airplane tickets to Ft. Lauderdale?
No, you will be responsible for arranging your own transportation down to Ft. Lauderdale.

Do we sponsor any side trips or excursions?
No, however a local tour company will give you a welcome briefing when you arrive and will tell you about all the tours available. Some operators are more reputable than others. We recommend booking tours and trips with Superior Watersports.

Can we drink the water?
Yes.

Should I purchase Travel Insurance?
Yes! We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to protect you in the unlikely event that you become ill and are unable to travel. Insurance may also protect you should the ship’s departure be delayed due to weather conditions or mechanical problems.

How far is the Airport from Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale?
The Port and the Airport are located next to each other. They are about a 5-10 minute taxi ride apart.

What happens if I forget my proof of citizenship?
You will not be able to board the ship. Immigration will not make any exceptions! You will also not receive any refund from SBT.