Equality Cruise
May 24, 2015
Dear Supporter,
Thank you for your interest in Equality Maryland’s second annual Equality Cruise! Please refer to this
packet for information on the itinerary, pricing, payment due dates, and details to make your cruise
vacation memorable.
Join local and national Equality Maryland supporters and staff for a welcoming week long
family-friendly cruise vacation. Set sail for 7 nights of relaxation -- or choose to partake in the constant
Caribbean style party -- while making new friends surrounded by all you can eat buffets and events.
Special events and surprises are in store for all Equality Cruise passengers.
Your cruise vacation begins at the Port of Baltimore, where you will board your newly renovated
resort-at-sea, the Carnival Pride. The Pride boasts a full casino, Broadway style theatre, resort style
pools, an adults only pool, numerous bars and lounges, a 72-foot water slide, a spa and fitness center,
youth designated areas and activities, and much, much more. Your vacation starts with two days at sea
before making stops in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, Freeport, Bahamas, and Carnival’s private
Bahamian island Half Moon Cay, ending with you soaking up the sun on your last day at sea before
returning to Baltimore.
Prices start at $727 per person (based on double occupancy), and a $50 refundable deposit is required
to hold you space on the trip.
We look forward to having you with us on our Equality Cruise. Feel free to invite your family and
friends, and contact Vanessa Bowling, our Office Manager, if you would like information on sailing
with children or with more than two people in your room. She can be reached at 410-685-6567, or
[email protected].
Safe Travels,
Carrie Evans
Executive Director
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the cruise fare?
Your cruise fare includes entertainment, dining in the dining room, buffet, and 24 hour room service, non-carbonated and
non-alcoholic beverages, and access to the bars, lounges, pools, and theatre.
I want to travel on the cruise, but I don’t have a roommate. Do you match roommates?
Unfortunately, we do not match roommates. You can, however, book a single room.
Do I need a passport?
While you are encouraged to have a passport it is not necessary. You can travel with an original birth certificate.
What if my name on my passport (my legal name) and my preferred name don’t match?
While you will have to book the cruise in your legal name, we will let staff know your preferred name. We cannot guarantee that they
will refer to you by your preferred name before meeting you, but once you also inform your daily service providers (i.e. waiters,
stateroom attendants, etc.), they will refer to you as your preferred name. When it comes to getting off the ship, it is advised that you
bring any legal documentation you may need with you off the boat, but all you need to get on and off the boat is your room key.
Is the cruise trans* friendly?
We’re working with Carnival Cruise Lines to explain the diverse needs of our community while cruising. We have every reason to
believe the staff will be courteous to everyone. However, as a safeguard, Equality Maryland Staff on board will be happy to advocate
with you for any needs or issues you feel need to be addressed.
I am under 21, can I come on the cruise?
Yes, but you will need a roommate over the age of 21, or a parent or guardian traveling with you.
How many people can I have in one room?
It depends on your room, some rooms can accommodate up to 6 people. Contact us for more information.
Will the price decrease if I have more than two people in my room/only one person in my room?
The price for the 3rd and 4th guests are lower than the price for the initial first and second guest. You can decide if you would like the
rate divided evenly or if you would like the additional guests to pay the reduced rate. If you are in a single room, the total price for your
room will increase. Since rooms are priced for double occupancy, you will need to pay double the cruise rate -- but only have to pay
taxes for one person.
I want to bring my child, do they have to room with me?
Children do not have to be in the room with you, but they will need to be in a stateroom across the hall or connected to yours
depending on their age. If your child wants to be in a different section of the ship, they will need a roommate over the age of 21 in their
room. There are also sections of the boat designed for children under 18, and designated childrens activities.
Will the ship be completely LGBT?
No, the Equality Cruisers will be a group on a public cruise. Special events for the group will be announced at a later date.
Are the destinations hostile to LGBTQ people?
Some of the destinations have no legal protections for LGBTQ people and some may not be accepting of LGBTQ people, when visiting
other countries it is advised to stay with your group excursion and not go off on your own. Paradise Island in Nassau is known to be
gay friendly, and LGBTQ friendly events will be held on the ship for those who feel uncomfortable disembarking.
Weddings, Events and Upgrades
You know that November 6, 2012 changed the lives of many LGBT Marylanders when we won on
Question 6; but did you know that you can legally get married on board the Carnival Pride while in port
in Maryland? You can even invite your closest friends and family to share in your day on the boat -- as
long as they don’t decide to stow-away.
For more information on Carnival’s wedding packages, please e-mail your request to:
[email protected], and look for the link at www.eqmd.org/equalitycruise.
Premium Beverage Package
Carnival offers the option to upgrade your beverage package to include alcoholic beverages for a small daily
charge. The Cheers! Beverage Package costs $43 a day per person, if purchased before embarkation, and allows
you up to 15 alcoholic beverages under $10 each per day. Some restrictions apply.
Specialty Dining
The Carnival Pride offers upgraded dining at The Steakhouse for a nominal up charge. Reservations can be made
prior to embarkation, or upon arrival on the ship.
Excursions
Carnival offers excursions for purchase on the ship. Excursions range from cooking classes to nature hikes, and
all that’s in between. It is important to remain with pre-planned excursions when traveling, and remain aware
when traveling in new locations and countries.
Equality Cruise Events
As the embarkation date approaches, you will receive additional information about events reserved only for registered Equality Cruisers.
Please note: You must book through Equality Maryland or Vanessa Addrienne Travel
to be included in cruise events.
Photos courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines
Registration Form for Equality Cruise 2015
One form must be completed by each traveler
Legal Name:
Preferred Name: (if different than above)
Date of Birth:
Gender:
Sex:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Phone Number:
E-mail:
Roommates Name:
Prefered Dinning Time:
Early Seating
Late Seating
Anytime Dining
Emergency Contact Name:
Emergency Contact Phone Number:
Have you traveled with Carnival before?
Yes
No
VIFP Number (if applicable) ______________________________
Dietary Restrictions:
Kosher
Vegetarian
Low Carb
Gluten Free
Other________________
I would like to reserve the following room:
Interior Room
Oceanview Room
Balcony Room
Suite
My signature below acknowledges tha I understand that I will be purchasing a cruise vacation, promoted by
Equality Maryland, and booked through Vanessa Addrienne Travel, working with Classic Travel Unlimited, Inc.
I am aware that my $50 deposit is refundable until 7/20/2014, after which time I will be subject to the terms and
conditions set forth by Carnival Cruise Lines. I will not hold Equality Maryland Foundation, Inc. liable, and will
contact Vanessa Addrienne Travel directly with any issues pertaining to my cruise vacation. I also agree to abide
by Carnival Cruise Lines terms and conditions, which can be found here: http://www.carnival.com/cms/static_
templates/ticket_contract.aspx.
Signature
Date