Perl Whirl 04 FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of my cruise? Virtually everything with the exception of certain items of a personal nature, for which there is a fair and reasonable charge. Your cruise rate includes shipboard accommodations, ocean transportation, standard meals, services, and entertainment.

What's not included? Items that are of a personal nature, for which there is a fair and reasonable charge. Not included are gratuities, shore excursions, telephone calls, faxes, internet access, spa treatments, salon services, photographs, laundry, and valet service as well as wine, liquor, and other beverages. (There are two "open bar" Geek Cruise parties, however. And sodas will be served in the afternoon sessions.) Also not included are taxes and fees imposed by governmental or quasi-governmental authority which will be, approximately, $175 per person for our cruise. The amount of the taxes and charges specified herein are subject to minor change. We reserve the right to charge passengers for any increase or additions to these government taxes.

Will I need a passport or visa? United States citizens must carry a valid passport — visas are not required for U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens must carry a valid passport and appropriate visas. Non-U.S. citizens should contact their local embassy or consulate to confirm their individual requirements for entry. Guests without proper documentation will not be allowed to board the vessel and will be subject to full cancellation penalty.

A PASSENGER DECLARATION FORM will be mailed to you. This form must be completed and mailed or faxed to Costa or completed at www.costacruises.com 30 days prior to your departure.

Do I need to be inoculated? Because requirements for inoculations often change, we suggest that you contact your local health service or personal physician for specific information.

What about kids? Costa offers a comprehensive children's program. Please download the PDF for details.

What is the climate like? Temperatures average 14 – 31 degrees Celsius (57 – 88 degrees Farhrenheit). Of course, they may vary.

What clothes should I pack? Most of the time, you'll feel comfortable in casual resort wear including light cotton clothing, swimwear, a beach robe for covering swimwear when indoors. Tennis shoes or low-heeled walking shoes are recommended for exploring the ports of call.

There is usually one formal gala to which ladies will wish to wear long gowns or cocktail-length dresses; gentlemen may choose either tuxedos or dark suits. On other evenings, resort attire is the norm.

Do I need insurance? Luggage insurance is an important consideration, since airlines and Costa have limited liability for loss. Please hand-carry medications, jewelry, electronic devices, and valuable papers. (All electronic devices, and jewelry, are not covered by the airlines, should they be lost or stolen.)

Travel, luggage, trip cancellation, medical and personal injury coverage are available in an all-inclusive policy available for purchase through Geek Cruises. If this insurance is purchased within 14 days of booking, pre-existing medical conditions are covered as well.

How much money should I bring? Costa's onboard cashless system allows you to sign for drinks, shore excursions, and other purchases onboard and apply the charges to your credit card. U.S. dollars and Traveler's Checks can be cashed at the Front Desk. Personal checks cannot be cashed onboard ship. With proper identification, most major credit cards are accepted at many shops in port. Onboard currency is the Euro.

Can I phone home? Practically all European-based cell phone services will work on the ship 24 hours a day! Ship-to-shore telephone service is available 24 hours a day as well. However, this service is very expensive — in the neighborhood of $8 per minute. If you need to be reached by people at home, have them call or fax the ship directly (or they can contact you via email through the onboard Internet Cafe or into your 802.11-equipped laptop). When you receive your ticket package (about six weeks prior to sailing), the ship's phone and fax number will be provided.

Is Internet service available? You'll have two options. You can send and receive email through your own service provider in the Internet Cafe for a nominal per-minute charge. Or, for $275, you can have unlimited access into your 802.11-equipped laptop.

What activities are available in the ports of call?
Naturally, you are free to explore many of the ports of call on your own. Or you may purchase optional tours at the Shore Excursion Desk. To help you plan your activities ashore, information will be provided with your tickets as well as onboard ship. Several port lectures will be held during the course of our cruise.
Shore excursions may not be pre-booked. Due to their popularity and limited space availability, we suggest you contact the Shore Excursions Desk early in our cruise.

How much merchandise can I bring back, duty-free?
The amount to be paid will be determined by a Customs Officer. U.S. Residents are normally entitled to a duty-free exemption of $400 on those items accompanying them; non-residents are normally entitled to an exemption of $100. Both residents and non-residents will normally be required to pay a flat 10% rate of duty on the first $1000 above their exemptions.

What is the dining schedule? Breakfast is served from 7am to 8:30am. Lunch is served from Noon to 1:30pm. There are two "seatings" for dinner: 7pm and 9pm. There will be several seminar sessions, as well as all of the "entertainment" sessions, from 5:30pm to 8pm. Our group, therefore, will be taking second seating. If you prefer to eat at 7pm, you'll indicate this when you book online.

How are special diets accommodated? Costa will make every attempt to satisfy special dietary needs. Make sure, when booking, that you indicate your specific needs.

What if I require medical care? A physician and nurse are available onboard the ship 24 hours a day while at sea, and during certain hours of the day while in port. In necessary, they can visit your stateroom. Customary charges are in effect for medical care.

What about laundry and dry cleaning services?
Complete valet services including laundry, pressing, and dry cleaning can be arranged through your stateroom steward/stewardess and billed to your shipboard account.

How much should I tip? Tipping is a personal matter, and your own judgement is the best guide. Costa provides these suggestions for service rendered: U.S.$2.50 per person, per night to your waiter and busboy team; U.S.$1.50 per person, per night, to your stateroom steward/stewardess; U.S.$0.50 per person, per night, to your Maitre d' and Head Waiter team. Bartenders, servers, deck stewards, and other staff may be tipped as service is received. For your convenience, a 10% gratuity is automatically added to beverage purchases.

My significant other is doubtful about cruising with a ship full of geeks, but I want him/her to come along with me. The ship holds about 2,000 people and only about 300 of that number will be Geek Cruisers, including their non-geek spouses, friends, and family members. So, actually, it's the geeks who will be in the minority. Your spouse will have plenty of company.

Is there separate pricing for non-geek spouses?
Yes. Anyone who is not planning to attend our seminars will not have to pay the conference fee. Cruise rates, however, are the same for all passengers based on double occupancy.

Are there activities scheduled for non-geek participants while we geeks are in classes? Geek Cruises does offer an occasional activity for non-geeks. In addition, Costa provides constant activities onboard the ship. During our seminars, non-geeks can swim, lounge, play in the game room, indulge themselves at the spa, watch movies, go shopping, work out, play shuffle board, and much, much more.

How do I obtain airport transfers if I don't participate in your Fly-Cruise plan? Taxis are plentiful, and not that expensive, between the dock and the Venice airport. Transfers to the ship can also be purchased from Geek Cruises; and/or you can also buy a transfer on board for your return to the airport.

How much time do I need to allow for embarking and disembarking? For arrivals and departures in all ports of (dis)embarkation, it is recommended that if you haven't purchased Costa's Fly-Cruise and Tour Plan you need to allow three (3) hours for transfer between the local airport and the pier.