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Common Questions
What can I expect on the cruise?
To first and foremost, have FUN, and meet other incredible single Catholics! The cruise is a great way to meet new people, enjoy a worry free vacation (it's like an inclusive traveling hotel room - complete with free room service!), and grow closer to God through daily mass, fellowship, and adoration! AMS provides some formation talks as well. You also get to meet Anthony in person and spend time with him. He makes himself very "available" to the group, especially for one-on-one time to talk. Helping Anthony get to know you will also help your chances of meeting someone, since he gets to know people on ALL trips, and is known to suggest two people get in touch with each other.
I've never traveled alone before - is it ok to come on the cruise by myself?
Absolutely! This seems to be one of the main reasons people hesitate to come on an AMS trip. But that is a mistake. Hundreds have come on the trip not knowing anyone ahead of time, and they have all said that after the very first day, they felt like they were with old friends. It's amazing how easily everyone just fits right in. For those who pay for double occupancy cabins, AMS does the roommate assigning based on information provided by the attendees ahead of time, and they do a great job pairing people well. AMS also provides a list of attendees and their email addresses (and AMS ID numbers, if they are an AMS member) so the group can get in touch with each other ahead of time. People plan car pooling, or they work out meeting somewhere the night before with all those who fly in the night before the trip. So there is no reason to make traveling alone an issue. But by all means, if you have someone you would like to travel with, bring them along. They don't have to be an AMS member or single. Either way, you won't regret attending. No one does :-)
How do I make flight arrangements?
You have to make your own flight arrangements. This is so easy these days because of the Internet, because you can find cheap fares and just pay by credit card. AMS recommends using one of the top flight aggregator services: www.Kayak.com, www.Priceline.com, www.Travelocity.com, www.Orbitz.com. Anthony is really big on Kayak.com because they also allow you to search and compare with the other top aggregators to insure you get the best price. If you can fly in the day before and can stay over night upon arriving back into Miami after the cruise, you can get great deals on Priceline.com. They have a "Name Your Price" feature and you can get up to 50% discount on a flight (and rental cars and hotels, for that matter). The catch is you cannot choose the times of your flights; only the days of departure. But the times tend to be reasonable times. You just don't want to do this on the days of sailing or returning, because you don't want to miss the boat.
When should I fly in, and when should I book my flight home?
It's always best to fly in the day before, if you are able. That leaves you room for things you can't control, like missed connections or canceled flights. You just never know. It seems to make things much more relaxing for a traveler, as well. But you can also travel the day of the cruise. The ship departs in the afternoon (usually around 4pm), and they start boarding at noon. We recommend getting a flight that arrives no later than 12:00 noon so you have ample time to get your bags and arrive at the port. The ship docks early morning on the day of arrival back into Miami, and disembarking begins usually by 7:30. They always have an express service for those who want to disembark with their bags in hand before the other passengers. That is usually at 7:00am. The advantage is you get off the ship first and early. The disadvantage is you MUST keep all your bags with you and you MUST get off that early. Otherwise, the typical disembarking service is that you leave your bags outside of your cabin the last night of the cruise and the ship attendants take them where you will pick them up after you disembark. AMS recommends that you do NOT book a flight home BEFORE 12:00 noon. Any time before that is a risk of missing your flight.
What airport should I fly into and out of? Miami or Ft. Lauderdale?
Either airport is fine. The port is about 30 minutes from Miami International, and about 45 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale. Obviously, it will be slightly more expensive to get a shuttle/taxi from (last year it was a difference of $5-$10), but it is usually less expensive to fly into/out of. Ft. Lauderdale airport is definitely less crowded to fly out of after the cruise.
How will I get from the airport to the cruise ship?
Typically, people just take a cab. NCL (the cruise line) provides shuttle services with AMS can arrange for you, but it tends to not be cheaper than just taking a cab, and certainly not as convenient. You have find NCL at the airport, register, and then go wait in a line to get on a shuttle bus. It's so much easier just to get in a cab as soon as you get your bags at the airport. What's even better is to arrange with others in the group to share a cab. This can be done through the list of attendees provided by AMS long before the cruise and on the AMS trips discussion board. In the days and weeks prior to the cruise, many emails are exchanged back and forth between AMS cruisers. It is easy to find someone to share a taxi or airport shuttle with. But if you take a taxi, AMS highly recommends discussing a fee for the transport before getting into a taxi or shuttle, that way there are no surprises.
If I fly in the day before (and/or fly home the day after returning), how do I get a hotel room?
This also needs to be taken care of on your own. Sometimes, AMS sets up a hotel for the group to book at so they can all be together, but people arrive at such different times and have such specific needs, and also because people might want a cheaper hotel room, it's easier for people to book their own hotels. AMS encourages those arriving the day before to plan having dinner together in the evening at a set place to meet. It's easy to get good hotel rates by booking online using the same online travel services as mentioned above in the question about booking flights. If you arrive the day before, the transportation needs you will have will be to get from the airport to the hotel, and then from the hotel to the port, which is two transportation expenses instead of one if you arrived the day of the cruise. So please find out what the costs will be to take a cab or shuttle both from the airport and to the port from the hotel you are considering before you book it. Some hotels closer to the airport have free shuttle service from the airport. Something to consider.
What should I bring on the cruise?
Packing light is always best, if you can, as there are many items to buy in the ports. In general, summer clothes are recommended, with a sweater or two for those windy evenings on the deck. AMS asks that you consider appropriate dress when it comes to attending Mass, and appropriate swimwear that maintains modesty (i.e., one piece swim suit for women). Some of the public places on the ship get chilly, but for the most part, summer clothes will work. Also, bring at least one outfit that is formal. There is one night on the ship that is "Formal Night" where people dress up on the ship for the eveing. AMS likes to hold a cocktail hour one time on the trip, too, and formal dress is appropriate. One outfit for both occassions is fine. For men, jacket and tie is fine. The Caribbean sun is HOT!! So consider a hat that covers the face, and sunscreen, etc. The ship has a store where you can get pretty much anything you would need, and so do the ports of call.
Are there any extra fees on board the cruise?
NCL does add on a gratuity fee of $10 per day, which is divided among the staff that care for you. This is particularly convenient, as it takes the guesswork out of tipping. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not included in the price of your cabin; only all the food and drinks like juice, coffee and iced tea. There are also some specialty restaurants that have a reasonable cover charge to dine there; usually between $10-$20 (they do have discounts on certain nights and at certain times, so watch for those in the ship's daily schedule). The main restaurants are quite beautiful and have outstanding food, and they have no cover charges. These restaurants are where our group would meet at a set time as a default place for those who have not made other plans.
What is there to do on the cruise?
What isn't there to do! There are several nights spots for dancing, pubs to hang out in, a jogging/walking track, swimming pools, hot tubs, a pool spa, fitness center, library, arcade, casino, salon, etc. The Norwegian Pearl also has a bowling alley. The list goes on and on! You will definitely not be bored between all the cruise ship has to offer and what AMS organizes!
Will this be a waste of time if I am not going to meet my future spouse?
INo! In fact, it would be unwise to approach this trip with an "expectancy" to meet your future spouse. Does it happen? Yes, indeed it does. In fact, there is not a single AMS trip where at least one couple did not out of it (Alaska 2005 had four couples). The real spirit of the AMS trip is to go with an open mind, and with a desire to vacation with other faithful single Catholics who share your faith. You will have such spiritual opportunities on a vacation like never before (i.e., daily Mass, confession available, spiritual direction available, Eucharist adoration available, talks and discussion groups). You will be edified by others, you make new friends, and you will definitely expand your network of people who will know you and who know other single people and could be working to help you meet that right person at a later time. Certainly, there will be a special bonding of the group that will last well past the trip and you know there will be so many new people praying for you. This is what makes AMS trips very special, and exactly why no one has ever regretted going. You will also not regret it. In fact, Anthony always says that if you are inspired to attend, then you are meant to be there for whatever reason God has in mind. It is sooooo true! Just register and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.
For more information about the Norwegian Pearl, please visit http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/fleet/shipInformation.html?shipCode=PEARL
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