Frequently Asked Questions

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We are not a Festival. The Gothic Cruise is a vacation experience. We are a group of people with common interests on a cruise. Music. We have our own private events and concerts onboard the ship making this a unique, one of a kind vacation experience in our scene. 

Each cruise has its own theme for that year and up to 15 private events including our concerts from bands who will sail with us for the entire cruise.

But What if I'm Not Gothic!??

Do you need to be Goth? No. If you love the bands, like people and want to join in – you are more then welcomed. In addition to the gothic cruise events, there are a still many events and activities  such as Las Vegas Style shows, Comedy Club, other music reviews and shows, jacuzzis, pools, gym, sports court, movies and more. You wont be board. But we think you’ll find us gothic cruisers so fun and friendly, you’ll want to stay in our events anyway! 

In order to attend gothic cruise private events, concerts, access our private dining or private shore excursions – all reservations must come through All Genre Travel, info@gothiccruise.com or info@allgenretravel.com . If you book directly with Carnival you will be denied access to all private events/functions and perks (like free ship credit).

Can I book directly with the cruise line and still attend the gothic cruise events? 

No. In order to attend our gothic cruise events and concerts... you must book through All Genre Travel.

Why is the pricing higher then when I call the cruiseline? 

You have access to concerts and events not included for regular passengers of the cruise line. We have over 12 private events in addition to our concerts, plus all the activities and shows included by the cruise line. Additional monies goes to pay for the bands and their cabins, technical equipment, storage cabin, cruiselines technical fees, bartenders for our private bars, etc.

The pricing is confusing, how does pricing work?

Cruise lines base their prices on the first two people in each cabin. If there is only one person in the cabin, the cruise lines will still charge for two people, except on taxes.

When looking at the pricing grid, the first two people in the cabin each pay the 1st/2nd passenger price. If you have a 3rd or 4th person in your cabin, they would pay the lower 3rd/4th passenger costs. All of your pricing is your out the door costs for the gothic cruise - except for tips, insurance, airfare or transfers. (Not everyone needs these)

If there is only 1 person in the cabin, that person will pay the total single fare listed.

How do deposits and payments work for the gothic cruise?

Your minimum deposit is $300 per person in your cabin to book - Minimum of $600 per cabin. (Note there are often deposit specials offered by the cruise line so this changes OFTEN). Your final payment is due typically 100 days before sailing. Once booked your exact final payment date will be notated on your invoice. There are times when the cruise lines has fleet wide sales offering reduced deposits and additional free shipboard credits. If one of these sales is happening when you book and is compatible with group, we will of course add this for you. (If the fine print of the sale states it is valid for individual or FIT reservations only, then it is not compatible with our group rates) You are always welcomed to make additional payments throughout the months preceding your final payment date... Just give us a call or send us an email letting us know you'd like to make another payment on your cruise... it’s that easy.

We recommend making a 2nd payment of $250 per person about 3 to 4 months after your initial deposit, and then your final payment date when it’s due.

What’s included in the gothic cruise pricing?

All of the items as noted on the pricing page PLUS:

All your food (available 24 hours a day including room service)... order as much as you like... as often as you like.

Nonalcoholic/noncarbonated beverages and nonbottled water. You will find free beverage stations at the ships buffet. Here you will find free hot and cold teas, coffee, juices and water.

All of the ships regular entertainment... such as their production shows, lounge acts, piano bar, pools, jacuzzis and more.

All of the gothic cruise official private events, concerts, parties.

A great time on the original gothic cruise!

What’s not included in the cruise fare?

Airfare or ground transfers to the ship. Though Transfers are included when booking the precruise party.

Optional travel insurance though recommended.

Cruise tips of about $104pp. These are typically added to your invoice and can be adjusted onboard.

Gourmet coffee onboard the ship though regular coffee is included.

Bottled water - though water packages are available and non-bottled water is free.

Optional Shore Excursions (please see our FAQ about shore excursions)

Internet Time on the ship available for nominal charges, Beauty shop and spa services however you can use the spa facilities and gym at no charge. Photography services.

Is there a booking deadline?

Yes and No. Although you can book right up to the day before departure, prices are subject to change until you are booked. We show the deadline for current pricing on the page. The closer we get to the sailing date, the higher the prices go.

Typically the ship will be sold out about a month prior to sailing. Sometimes there is erratic availability. However, the longer you wait to book the HIGHER the rates go. I cannot stress this enough. Prices are ALWAYS subject to change without notice by the cruise line until you put down your deposit. Prices can and do jump up by hundreds of dollars.

So, where do I go to book?

You can call our office at (813) 325 - 7435 You can fill out our online booking form by CLICKING HERE or You can also email us at: info@allgenretravel.com

EBM Concerts and Fetish Events??! 

No. We do not have a fetish event onboard this ship. However, club attire is allowed during the 1am to 4am Club Goth at Sea private parties.

What about Dress Code and Gothic Clothing?

Club wear should be kept to the Club Goth at Sea parties which take place every night except our last night from 1am to 4am in a private lounge. For formal nights many go to dinner in Victorian Garb though we advise against hoop skirts due to the close proximity of the tables.

Vampire, industrial, or gothic wear is ALLOWED throughout the cruise. Deck party attire should not be more revealing then a bikini. Nudity at anytime outside of your cabin is a no-no.

Due to federal security laws, you cannot bring on any clothing that contains simulated weapons such as: bullet belts, grenade belts, handcuffs sewn into pants or any other weapon or blade used as clothing accents.

What is the drinking age onboard the ship?

The drinking age onboard the cruise ship is 21 years. However some ports of call may have a drinking age of 18.

What about Alcohol and Age Stuff? 

You cannot bring alcohol aboard the ship on your first day of arrival. Alcohol you purchase at the ports of call, will be taken by the cruise line into their secured marshaling area, and returned to you on the last night of the cruise. 

You must be 18 to enter ANY gothic cruise event except the deck parties and the pre/post cruise parties. If you are under the age of 21, then at least one person in your cabin on the ship must be over the age of 25. The exception is legaly married couples or active duty military.

What about smoking?

Smoking is NOT allowed in cabins or on your private balconies, and is only allowed in designated smoking areas on the ship.

1. Cruises are planned a year and a half in advance. NO exceptions. We cannot add last minute shows.

2. Our waiting list for guest DJs is about 10 years out. 

3. Appearing bands have first “dibs” on guest spots for dj’ing.

4. Please note we have a contracted DJ that does NOT change from year to year due to his preapproval by the cruise line to work with onboard equipment, is familiar with rules/regulations of customs and Carnival and is responsible for all matters DJ related.

To inquire about playing, either as a DJ or in a band, or possibly both, on the Gothic Cruise, please send us a link to samples of your work.

email at: info@allgenretravel.com or call 813 325 7435

Do I need a passport or Visa? 

If you are resident of the USA, you do NOT need a passport. You will need at least a certified copy of your state issued birth certificate with valid photo i.d. such as a drivers license.

All nonresidents of the USA need a passport. Residents of Canada do not need a Visa. If you are unsure if you need a Visa, please give us a call. For those that do need a Visa, such as residents of Asia or Russia, you must have a Multiple Re-Entry US Visa.

What are the customs allowances? 

United States residents must declare all articles acquired abroad and in their possession when they return to the U.S. This includes items purchased in "duty-free" shops. The duty-free exemption allowed for purchases or gifts for returning U.S. residents varies, depending on how long they have been out of the U.S. and which countries they have visited. The standard exemption for U.S. residents who have been abroad more than 48 hours is $600 - $800, which may include one liter of alcohol (if you are at least 21), 100 cigars and 200 cigarettes.

Residents returning to the U.S. from the U.S. Virgin Islands may bring $1,200 worth of goods duty-free. The duty-free exemption for U.S. residents doesn't need to include items that are mailed back to the U.S.; those will be assessed for duty when they arrive. The duty-free exemption for a package mailed as a gift is $100; the exemption for a package marked for personal use is $200. Non-U.S. citizens should check with their local authorities for customs allowance information. For more specific customs information, be sure to attend the briefing by the Cruise Director before your ship reaches home port. (Check the daily onboard newsletter for time and place.) You can also obtain information before you sail by contacting the nearest U.S. Customs office (look under United States Government, Department of Treasury in your local phone book). You can also visit the U.S. Customs website - www.customs.ustreas.gov - or call 1.202.927.6724 and ask for the brochure "Know Before You Go." Note: Bottles of liquor you purchase on board or ashore will be held in a secure area and delivered to your stateroom at the conclusion of the cruise.

U.S. Citizens and residents are not allowed to bring more than 200 cigarettes into the U.S. if they are produced in the U.S., whether made for export or not.

Zaida - Owner of the Original Gothic Cruise - is what our office now dubs as a gothic-rivet head. Agency Owner and stompy boot addict. She has 20+ years of experience in the travel industry and has logged over 37 cruises. She has worked for Triple AAA, Cendant and American Airlines. She is also a certified travel agent trainer for Sabre. She is the event organizer and owner. Hires the bands, schedules all the activities and works with the sponsors.

The people below lend their time and energy to the gothic cruise at no charge. Though we try to have fun and keep the website “fun”, the people below go out of their way to insure the gothic cruise runs efficiently and remains a fun event for everyone. They have also been known to step up during my times of Illness and have become very dear friends. Their help, work and dedication is appreciated.

Spike - AKA Demonic Mickey & Graphics/Website Extraordinaire!. Spike is Zaida's go to person for our tshirt designs, web designs, cd designs, printing designs, merchandise designs, flyers and business card designs, logo designs (aint spike one talented guy!) and anything else she finds the time to beg and harass him for. Spike also fixes the websites as Zaida crashes them rather regularly. Zaida also regularly bounces idea's off of Spike for future cruises and events. Obsviously, Spike has enough patience to put Mother Theresa to shame. On a more personal note.. Spike has also become a very good friend to Zaida since his first time out of his cave on the 2007 gothic cruise. He often sits on the phone whilst Zaida vents and has nuclear meltdowns. Thank you Spikey. You can beam me up now.

DJ Aesthetic – Our official Gothic Cruise DJ. An avid supporter of the gothic cruise, he makes the magic happen and tirelessly keeps our dance floors full under the taskmasters (that’s me) enthusiastic scheduling! (I work him to exhaustion!) Nathaniel also lends “muskels” to the task to get equipment moved.... For 20 years DJ Aesthetic has been bringing his own unique blend of electro, industrial, dance, and party music to clubs all around the world. Industrial hype man for Bunker.404, MOTHERF*CKER and The Shelter, he’s packed night clubs for decades all to support putting his cats through ninja school. Get ready to dance…

DJ Steven Archer – DJ and Additional Lighting – Yup. That Steven Archer. And he brings his DJ Skills, his projects and his ice cream addiction to the Gothic Cruise’. Steven also provides additional gothic cruise support in special lighting, Tshirt & Towel Designs. Steven Archer is a founding member of Ego Likeness and his side projects Stoneburner & Hopeful Machines. Steven also lends his talents to manual labor of equipment moving and set up. 

A night of both DJ’s spinning off each other in tandem, side by side is NOT TO BE MISSED! This is an awesome added experience to the gothic cruise and we thank both DJ’s for their support and dedication to the gothic cruise!!

Donna Archer – Support & Band Liason as needed - Wife of Steven Archer (you can do it!), Donna lends support to Zaida and has become an asset on the gothic cruise. A calming and supportive force, Donna helps with paperwork, reminders, and relief where needed.

“Pitman” - Public Relations & Word Smith, Forum Moderator. -

We Are A Travel Leaders Travel Agency – (Travel Leaders, formally known as Vacation.com Consortium)and updated certifications by: Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, Cunard and Celebrity.

Zaida has further certifications by another 12 cruise lines and 17 tour companies.

Zaida’s Certifications: (Certificates on File and Available for Verification)

Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruise Lines, Princess Cruise Lines,

Cunard Cruise Lines, Holland America Lines, Trafalgar, Cosmos, Globus, Insight, Viking River Cruises, Sandals, Superclubs,

Club Med, Disney (USA), EuroDisney. A Carnival Cruise Lines Top Agency.

This means Zaida has taken each cruise lines or tour operators certification and education course and has passed.

Destinations Specialization Training: (Certificates on File and Available for Verification)

Grand Cayman, US Virgin Islands, Cozumel, Cancun, Bahamas, Jamaica, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Tahiti, Alaska, Israel, Germany,

Coppenhagen, Eurorail, Japan, Italy, Colorado Ski Specialist, Ireland, Scandinavia, Denmark, Belize, European River Cruising.

Added London and Barcelona in early 2017 Currently working on: Amsterdam, Basel and Germany.

This means Zaida has taken and passed a travel agent certification program offered either through a local department of tourism or an accredited travel agent course.

All certification and destination courses have Travel/Tourism Degree credits attached to them for college equivalents through CLIA and IATA.

We Are A Travel Leaders Travel Agency – (Travel Leaders, formaly known as Vacation.com Consortium)

Shore excursions are optional side trips at each port of call. You do not have to pay any type of service fee or money to get on or off the ship at each port of call and do your own thing. Some people in our group get off in smaller groups of their own and just go sight-seeing.

We do offer private shore excursions for our group only which is an additional charge. You will find a link to shore excursions on the main menu bar by clicking on Events tab above.

Can you find me a roommate?

Yes, if you book far enough in advance. It’s best to call to see if we have a roommate available. There is also a roommate section on our gothic cruise forum at: http://www.gothiccruise.com/forum it is important to realize that all roommate fares are completely nonrefundable once booked, since the cruise line charges for two in cabin. We strongly recommend insurance in case you have to cancel. Roommates are paired same gender only. If you are open to sharing with the opposite sex... then you need to post your own roommate ad on the forum.

 Cancelation Policies (gothiccruise.com) 

 More information to follow .

1. Cruise tickets are only available at 45 days prior to sailing for the gothic cruise due to the size of our group.

2. You will need to create a free MSC to access your booking.

3. You must complete your online check in before you can print your cruise tickets. 

4. To complete your online check in, you must log into your reservation as noted in step 2.

5. Once you have completed your online check in, the site will prompt you to print your tickets.

Note: You can complete your online check in up to 10 months prior to sailing. However you will not be able to print your tickets until the sailing is 45 days away.

All of the ships regular entertainment... such as their production shows, lounge acts, piano bar, pools, Jacuzzis and more.

All of the items as noted on the pricing page PLUS: 

All your food (available 24 hours a day including room service)... order as much as you like... as often as you like.

Nonalcoholic/noncarbonated beverages and nonbottled water. You will find free beverage stations at the ships buffet. Here you will find free hot and cold teas, coffee, juices and water.

All of the ships regular entertainment... such as their production shows, lounge acts, piano bar, pools, jacuzzis and more.

All of the gothic cruise official private events, concerts, parties.

A great time on the original gothic cruise!

What’s not included in the cruise fare? 

Airfare or ground transfers to the ship. Though Transfers are included when booking the precruise party. 

Optional travel insurance though recommended. 

Cruise tips of about $91pp. These are typically added to your invoice and can be adjusted onboard. 

Gourmet coffee onboard the ship though regular coffee is included. 

Bottled water - though water packages are available and non-bottled water is free.

Optional Shore Excursions (please see our FAQ about shore excursions)

Internet Time on the ship available for nominal charges, Beauty shop and spa services however you can use the spa facilities and gym at no charge. Photography services.

Is there a booking deadline?

Yes and No. Although you can book right up to the day before departure, prices are subject to change until you are booked. We show the deadline for current pricing on the page. The closer we get to the sailing date, the higher the prices go.

Typically the ship will be sold out about a month prior to sailing. Sometimes there is erratic availability. However, the longer you wait to book the HIGHER the rates go. I cannot stress this enough. Prices are ALWAYS subject to change without notice by the cruise line until you put down your deposit. Prices can and do jump up by hundreds of dollars.

Each year the gothic cruise gets more and more new cruisers. Many people have never traveled or cruised before.. and sometimes. you can get a little carried away with the festivities. Totally understandable.. but there are some rules that everyone needs to be aware of.

MARIJUANA IS NOT LEGAL IN JAMAICA!

Please see rules at the bottom on this.

1. Please remember that we are on a cruise ship with other normies/muggles not part of our group. For that reason, we ask that you please keep your language neat and tidy in public areas of the ship and be aware of the types of logos you are wearing on your clothes. (please don’t wear clothes with foul language printed on it or clothing that depicts the desecration of religious persons).

By Cruise Line Policy and Contract with All Genre Travel: Persons not booked into our gothic cruise group by All Genre Travel may not enter our private parties under any circumstances. You may not invite any regular passenger into our private parties. They will be removed by ships security. This rule is strictly enforced.

2. Nudity or sexual behavior of any type is not allowed anywhere on the ship at any time (besides your cabin of course) - not even our private parties. Such behavior can have you disembarked at the next cruise port or confined to your cabin under the captains order. Notes: Body Paint or electrical tape is not considered clothing. Having sex on your balcony is considered public exposure and is illegal.

3. Club Wear. Yes you can wear club wear on the ship. Extreme club wear, or clothing that pushes limits needs to be kept to our private parties. (But you still cannot violate rule number 2 :)

4. Drinking on board: Drinking age is 21 on the ship. The drinking age at the ports of call is subject to local laws. If you become over intoxicated, the cruise line has the right to stop serving you alcohol. If you purchase the cheers card onboard, repeated over intoxication can have your cheers card shut off with the inability to purchase alcohol for the rest of the cruise. Moderation.. Moderation..! 

You are considered over intoxicated if:

1. You don’t know where you are

2. You cannot walk safely on your own – holding up a wall does not count.

3. You cannot speak or articulate clearly – or your talking jibberish

4. You cease to follow cruise line or gothic rules

5. You are a danger to yourself or others.

6. You have decided your signficant others purse is the new toilet.

7. You have become so loud, obnoxious, unruly and touchy/feely that people are rooting for you to fall down.

5. Moshing is not allowed. Bands will stop the concert as this is a violation of Carnival policy. Please remember you are on a cruise ship in the ocean. There is NO solid ground under you.

5A: Violence of any type is strictly forbidden. You CAN be arrested on a cruise ship by the captain’s security, confined to your cabin or the brig, and turned over to authorities at the next port of call. (that’s not good in some places, like mexico people). Any type of physical fighting, domestic violence will result not just in legal action by Carnival, but you will be permanently banned by the Gothic Cruise.

6. Shorts Spikes, collars, floggers, armor rings, handcuffs.. etc: Most things you can bring onboard with no problem.. but PLEASE.. put these in your checked baggage! Please do not try to get through port security wearing spikes and armor rings.. or a lot of metal. It irritates homeland security and makes boarding extremely difficult. 

Due to federal homeland security laws.. there are some items that you cannot bring onboard. These items will be confiscated by the police, and destroyed, you will not get them back. Such items include:

Any type of handcuffs - fake, plastic, real or otherwise. This includes the handcuffs on your tripp pants.

Any type of simulated weapons: Plastic water guns included. Sorry.. I know water guns are popular for Rocky.

Someone once lost a belt buckle that was shaped like a gun as well.

Cane Swords, Pocket Knives

Scissors larger then personal grooming scissors

Nonlabled prescription medications

If you have syringes for medications, you need to bring your doctors prescription for them.

Bullet Belts, GRENAID BELTS - or any jewlery/accessories that depict weaponry are strictly not allowed. DO NOT attempt to enter the cruise port with these items.

7. Marijuana and illegal drugs – NOT tolerated.

Jamaica. Weed is NOT legal here folks. And the Jamaica government posts signs everywhere stating such. It is a fact that weed is everywhere here and is a problem – but it is NOT legal. That being said if you take a tour to the Bob Marley compound, it is ONLY “allowed” inside the fence if you buy it from the compound. Notice I said its “allowed” not legal.

Weed is illegal on all the other caribbean islands. 

If you bring ANY illegal drug onto a cruise ship, you are now guilty of international drug trafficking and smuggling. Generally you are charged in the country you are busted in. However, if seriousness enough you can be be charged by all countried involved, including the country the ship is registered to. For USA Citizens, the USA has the right to charge you AFTER another country is done with you. 

You will have to pass through security at each port of call to get back onboard the ship. When leaving the ship, please make sure you carry your cruise card and your photo i.d with you.

Note: You cannot bring back Cuban cigars, fresh flowers or fresh fruits/vegetables into the US from the ship. (you can bring them onboard.. but once back in the USA, you cannot take them off the ship)