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FAQ’s

Must I be vaccinated?
YES!  Royal Caribbean requires all guests over the age of 12 to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to boarding the ship, meaning two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or one dose of Johnson & Johnson. A booster is not required. Proof of vaccination required at pier check-in. 

Do I need a negative COVID-19 test?
YES!  At this point in time, Royal Caribbean requires  a negative Antigen or PCR test taken no more than 2 days prior to boarding.  We will provide attendees with updated information at the beginning of March.

What is NOT included in the cruise fare?
Additional expenses will include airfare to and from Tampa, transportation to and from the port, pre-cruise hotel (if arriving the night before), purchases made in onboard shops, the spa & casino and any expenses incurred while ashore in Costa Maya.

Do I need a passport?
YES, you will need a passport! Regardless of whether or not you disembark in Costa Maya, you will be required to have a valid passport before boarding the ship in Tampa. We will be traveling in international waters and will be required to show passports to clear customs upon returning to Tampa.  You will be denied boarding without a valid passport.  REMEMBER:  Passports should be good for at least 6 months after the end of the meeting!  Check your passport expiration date now.

Do I have to wear a mask on the ship?
Masks do not need to be worn when outside or at the pool, while eating or drinking or in your stateroom. They do ask for masks to be worn when walking through indoor public areas and on elevators. 

Will I get seasick?
While sea conditions cannot be predicted, ships of this size are equipped with stabilizers that minimize motion under normal conditions. For those who are prone to motion sickness, over-the-counter medications, skin patches, and pressure point wrist bands can be helpful.

Will there be long lines?
Embarkation is typically a very quick process without long lines. Right now, Royal Caribbean is issuing timed arrival, based upon the time you select when checking in.  More information on how to check in will be sent after the first of the year.  Busy times in the buffet restaurant can require you to go through a line, but these are typically short. Getting off and on the ship in port is normally a quick process as well.

Will I feel claustrophobic?
The inside of a cruise ship is very similar to the inside of a large hotel. Brilliance has plenty of space to “get away” from it all if you prefer a quiet place to sit and read.  She is filled with beautiful lounges, dining areas outdoor deck, pools and spaces to prevent anyone from feeling claustrophobic.

Can I book through my own travel agent or the cruise line?
No! In order for you to receive the IHEA rates and participate in the Annual Meeting on the ship, you must book through IHEA.

Are there specific airlines/flights to book? When should I book my flight home?
Tampa is served by a wide variety of airlines. Check out several to ensure the best airfare.  To ensure you have sufficient time to disembark the ship and get to the airport, we recommend flights departing Tampa after 11:00 AM.

When can I board?
Boarding typically starts about 11:30 AM on embarkation day but you will be assigned a specific time to show up at the board when you are checking in on-line prior to the cruise.  Again, we will provide check-in instructions after the first of the year. Plan to be onboard at least two hours prior to sailing. Sailing time is 4:00 PM.

What if I need to cancel?
We know, especially today, that occasionally something comes up and you need to cancel.  Royal Caribbean has specific cancellation policies for groups as follows:

• No penalty for new bookings only if your reservation is cancelled before January 12, 2022.  No cruise cancellations after that time.  Rollover cabins cannot be cancelled as there is no refund available since we were only issued a credit.