How do I make a reservation for the Holistic Holiday at Sea?
All bookings for this group must be done through Taste of Health. Please call Jan at 1-800-496-0989 for reservations.
Will I need a passport or visa?
The US Department of State requires a passport for all travel by air to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, Central and South America. A passport will soon be required for travel by land or sea to these destinations and we
STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU OBTAIN A PASSPORT IF YOU DO NOT ALREADY HAVE ONE. IF YOU HAVE ONE, CHECK THE EXPIRATION DATE TO BE SURE IT IS
VALID. For updates on required travel documents, check: travel.state.gov. Because of the new requirement, guests are encouraged to obtain passports as soon as possible to avoid backlogs. No visas are required for US or Canadian citizens.
Aliens who are permanent residents of the US must carry their Alien Registration Card and passport.
Citizens of other countries generally must have a passport and a multi-entry visa, since you will be entering the US to embark on the cruise and re-entering the US at the end of the cruise. Please check current visa requirements with your Consulate General or a travel agent in your area to be sure you have the required documents.
You are responsible for obtaining and bringing all necessary travel documents and for complying with customs and immigration requirements. Guests without proper documentation will not be allowed to board the vessel, and no refund of cruise fare will be given to any guest failing to bring such documentation. Your first and last name on your passport must match the first and last name on your ticket. Call us if you need to change the name on your ticket or if you have any questions about this.
What if I’m physically disabled?
There are a limited number of handicapped-equipped staterooms. Check with our reservations department for availability. If you require a wheelchair for embarkation and disembarkation, this must be requested at least 30 days prior to departure. Wheelchairs may not be available on board, but you may bring your own wheelchair or electric scooter. Again, notify us ahead of time if you plan to bring one. There are rental services in the area. Please check with our Taste of Health reservation department if you need more information.
Can I celebrate a special occasion?
Yes. To be sure you can be accommodated, please request cakes for birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary celebrations 30 days prior to sailing. Also, let us know if you want a typical cake made with sugar, which will be supplied by Costa, or one of our sugar-free and dairy-free cakes prepared by our chefs.
What is included in the cruise fare?
Holistic Holiday at Sea cruise fare includes shipboard accommodations and ocean transportation; our holistic program, meals, and socials; port charges; and the ship’s entertainment and amenities, including the gym, salt water pools, and free spa services such as the sauna and steam bath.
What’s not included in the cruise fare?
Besides government fees, tips for your meals and room steward, a fuel surcharge, and handling fee, which are explained on the Rates page, the following are not included: spa treatments and salon services; wine, liquor and other beverages (except the water or tea served with meals and the free organic wine and apple juice served at our welcome party and dance party); private consultations or treatments you may schedule with our health professionals; and there are 3 workshops that have an additional charge if you choose to take them.
How do I get from the airport to the port?
The port is only 2-3 miles from the Ft. Lauderdale Airport. There are several options for getting to the port:
- Transfers can be purchased to the port from the airport and/or from the port to the airport for $15 per person each way. In this case, a Costa van will transport you. Transfers should be requested at least 45 days prior to the sailing date, and we must have your flight number and airlines in order to purchase this for you.
- There are cabs lined up outside the airport, and the cost is approximately $15 one way.
- You can take the Share-a-Ride shuttle from the airport. You will find a desk located outside the baggage claim area.
What is the pier number for the Costa Fortuna?
The Costa Fortuna generally departs from Pier # 21, but this occasionally changes at the last minute. There will be signs at the port that clearly list the ship names and pier numbers, so check these upon arrival.
How do I get from the port back to the airport?
If you have not purchased a transfer, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to the airport. Even though there will be a lot of people disembarking, the shuttles and numerous cabs run frequently, so it shouldn’t take more than about 30 minutes to get a ride and about 10 more minutes to get to the airport. Of course, times may vary.
Parking
If you are driving, please see the directions to the port included in your ticket booklet. There is secure parking at the port for approximately $15 a day. Park ‘N’ Fly is a more economical option. You will receive information about this in your ticket booklet.
Departure & Arrival Times (Note the following carefully when making your flight reservations):
The ship departs at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1st. You must arrive at the pier at least 90 minutes prior to departure in order to board. The
Fortuna will return to Florida early in the morning of April 6th and disembarkation will begin about 8 – 8:30 a.m. Everyone is generally off the ship by 10:30 a.m. Costa recommends that you schedule a return flight from Ft. Lauderdale at 12:30 p.m. or later, if you are returning on Sunday,
April 6th. International guests should allow at least an extra hour, so schedule flights at 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. or later. Also, allow an extra hour if flying from Miami.
-- How early can we embark?
Boarding begins on Sunday, March 1st, about 11:30 a.m. (as soon as Customs clears the ship). You must be on board NO LATER than 5:30 p.m.. If you are driving, please see the directions included in your ticket booklet.
-- At what time will we be off the ship at the end of the cruise?
We will be getting off the ship between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Costa recommends that you schedule a return flight at 12:30 p.m. or later, if you are returning on Sunday,
April 6th. International guests should allow at least an extra hour, so schedule flights at 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. or later.
What amenities are provided in each cabin?
In addition to the basics such as soap, shampoo, and towels, each cabin has a hair dryer, safe, mini-bar/refrigerator, phone and interactive TV.
Are beach towels available for the pools? What about for taking on excursions?
Yes, beach towels are provided at the pool and will be delivered to your room on days that we will be in port.
Will I be able to plug in and recharge my digital camera, cell phone, etc?
Yes, there are outlets in each cabin for both domestic and EU appliances.
How c an I fill out the Passenger Declaration Form on-line?
Go to the Costa website (www.costacruises.com) and click on the tab marked “Before you Board”. Select Passenger Declaration Form, complete the form, print a copy for your records, and submit it. It will facilitate boarding if you bring the copy with you and have it handy during embarkation. This should be done at least 30 days prior to sailing, or as soon as you book if there is less than a month before departure.
How can I arrange for early disembarkation at the end of the cruise?
Early disembarkation must be requested on the ship. You will have to go to the front desk and ask to be placed on the early disembarkation list for their early flights. Do this at least 2-3 days before the end of the cruise.
How much cash should I bring?
The ship operates on a cashless system. All charges incurred while onboard will be charged to your credit card in one payment at the end of the cruise, unless you choose to pay the total in cash. Credit cards are accepted by almost all vendors in the ports. Therefore, you will not need to bring very much cash.
What clothing should I pack?
Light, casual clothing is the norm. However, the ship has two formal nights for optional evening attire at dinner. Don’t forget your swimwear, and if you plan to participate in yoga, Pilates or other exercise classes, we suggest loose cotton clothing or other comfortable attire.
The weather is generally warm in early spring, but it can be cool and breezy in the mornings and evenings out on the deck. Also, although all cabins are air conditioned and individually controlled, we are not able to control the temperature in the public spaces such as the dining room and lecture rooms, which may be cool, so a sweater or light jacket is recommended.
How many suitcases can I bring?
Each guest is allowed to bring up to 200 pounds of personal luggage on board the ship. Airlines weight limitations may be less than 200 pounds. Be sure to use the luggage tags included in your ticket package on your baggage. You can pick up additional tags at the port.
Can I phone home during the cruise?
Ship-to-shore telephone service is available while the ship is at sea or in port from your stateroom. You’ll find a telephone and dialing instructions in your cabin. Since it is a satellite phone service, it is expensive. If you need to be reached by people at home, have them contact the ship directly. The emergency contact number for the Costa
Fortuna if dialed from the US is 011-871-324-799- 770 OR 011-874-324-799-780. For those calling from another country, replace the 011 with your international dialing code. Also, as a rule, this only works when the ship is at sea (not in port). Costa Cruise Lines toll-free number for their Hollywood, Florida office is 800-445-8020.
Will regular cell phones work on the ship?
Cell phones will not work when we are at sea. Depending on your service, they may work when in port.
Is internet service available?
You can send and receive e-mails or surf the web on Costa’s computers in the Internet Café for a fee. (For the last two years the fee has been $0.50 a minute.)
What is the dining schedule?
We have early seating for dinner. Dinner will begin at 5:45 or 6:00. Our breakfast is served from 7:30 to 8:30 and lunch is at noon.
How are special diets accommodated?
If you have special dietary requirements or restrictions, please be sure to notify Taste of Health at least 30 days prior to sailing. A healing diet (low salt, no oil vegan diet) is available, but again, we must be informed as soon as possible, and once you choose it, it is not possible to switch back and forth between the healing diet and the regular holistic menu.
Does Costa offer a children’s program?
Yes, Costa offers two programs for children and one for teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17. Children must be at least 3 years old and out of diapers in order to participate in the young children’s program. Both are interactive programs that provide daily activities such as costume parties, board games, and junior aerobics. Children have special counselors and a room designed for their activities. The ship is also equipped with video games.
Is the children’s program offered when we’re in port?
Costa’s “In Port” Program offers children a variety of activities onboard to entertain them. Parents will receive information pertaining to scheduled activities at the beginning of the cruise. Ask about specially priced shore excursions for children aged 12 and under.
When will I receive my tickets?
Tickets are generally mailed about 3 weeks prior to departure. Be sure to notify us if your address for receiving tickets is different.
When will the holistic program schedule be available? Will it be sent to me?
We plan to have the program schedule up on our website in early January. It will also be included in one of our mailings prior to sailing.
How much can I buy, duty-free?
US citizens are allowed $800 worth (retail price) of duty-free merchandise, provided that at least $400 of that merchandise is purchased in the US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas or St. John). Persons over 21 may include 1 quart of liquor.
How much should I tip?
Prepaid tips for your meals and room steward are included as part of your invoice. A 15% gratuity will be added to beverage purchases automatically.
How do I sign up for Continuing Education (CEUs)
Participants interested in obtaining continuing education credits from Florida International University (FIU) must pre-register on board at the CEU registration desk, which will be next to our hospitality desk. There is a charge of $75 to cover the fees that FIU is charging to oversee the program.
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