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    FAQ

    FAQ

    Booking Questions & Policies


    • What if I need to cancel my cruise?
      The cruise lines cancellation policy applies and it allows you to cancel with a full refund as long as you cancel at least 90 days prior to the cruise, unless you book with a Non Refundable Deposit (NRD). Suites may have a different cancellation policy. Please click here for the full Celebrity Cancellation Policy. We also recommend purchasing travel protection. For our group cruises in 2025 and forward, there is a $100 per person cancel fee, which is in addition to any cruise line cancellation penalty.
    • How much is the deposit to book the cruise?
      The deposit for our group trips is $500 per stateroom for all categories, except Suites. The deposit for a Suite is 10% of the cruise fare, or $500 per stateroom, whichever is greater. Each guest may use a different credit card if they wish, as long as the full deposit is paid.
    • If I book through John Heath Travel, what "Extras" can you offer me?
      In addition to our great customer service, we usually have discounted group rates, extra onboard credit or other promotions specific to John Heath Travel.

      On our annual Post Thanksgiving Cruise we have JHT hosts, our private parties and events at no additional charge to you. In the past we've had guest entertainers, private cocktail parties, dance parties, a pre-cruise bon voyage party, game shows and showtunes. We also have organized private group shore excursions* and a pre-cruise host hotel*.

      *These are optional and extra charges apply. For our hosted groups, besides the Post Thanksgiving Cruise, we have an onboard host. For our larger groups, we will also have a host hotel and private excursions.
    • Can I book through another travel agent and still attend the group events?
      We promise you a great time, great service and great amenities on your cruise and we can only do this for guests booked through John Heath Travel. Unfortunately we can't make any exceptions.
    • I/my friends booked directly through the cruise line, can I/they still attend the group events?
      You must book directly through John Heath Travel but if you booked directly with the cruise line we can usually transfer those reservations to us. Email us your reservation number and we will see what we can do. Please contact us as soon as possible as the cruise line has rules on how long we have to move a booking to us.
    • What's included in the cruise fare?
      The cruise fare includes your stateroom on the ship, most food, an unlimited Basic Wifi plan, and a Classic Beverage Package. Bookings made prior to October 4, 2023 also include Pre-Paid Tips. After October 4, 2023, some Concierge Class bookings for our 2024 Post Thanksgiving Cruise still include Tips. See your confirmation to see if your booking includes Pre-Paid Tips.

      With our hosted group cruises, it also includes extras provided by John Heath Travel, which vary by trip, such as access to our host hotel, with discounted rates, our onboard entertainment, parties, activities and private shore excursions.
    • What are some extras I should expect to pay for on the cruise?
      Airfare, transportation to the cruise ship, specialty restaurants, spa services, pre and post cruise hotel charges along with any beverages that aren't included in your beverage package, and tips, if they are not included with your rate. This is not an all inclusive list.
    • I don't have a roommate and I don't want to pay double, what can I do?
      We recommend you post on our Facebook group for the event and see if anyone else is looking for a roommate.
      Click here for a quote and to purchase online.
    • Do I need Travel Insurance?
      Travel Protection is highly recommend.
      Click here for a quote and plan options and details.
    • Can I book alone now and add a roommate later?
      You can book alone but you will be required to pay the full stateroom deposit. Depending on the promotion you book with, we can typically add a second guest to a reservation until about 7 days before the sailing date. If you book a single occupany promotional rate, if you add a roommate later, your booking will be repriced at the current rates and promotions at the time of the change. Please email if you have any questions.
    • How do I choose my specific stateroom?
      As our system is not connected to the Celebrity reservation system we can't show you live inventory. We always choose the best stateroom available at the time of booking. Things we look for when choosing a location.
      A higher deck
      Mid ship
      Not too close to the elevators to avoid any noise
      Not directly below areas that could be noisy such as a basketball court, etc.
      If you have any special requests, such as you want to be forward or aft or near an elevator, please put them in the comments at the bottom of the booking form.
    • Do I need a passport to cruise?
      We recommend that everyone taking a cruise from the United States have a passport book. Though some “closed-loop” cruises may not require a U.S. passport, we recommend bringing yours in case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port.

      If I don't have to have one, why should I still get one?

      Unexpected circumstances can come up that make it impossible to return to the United States on the cruise ship. Here are some examples:

      Illness or Injury – Depending on the severity of your illness or injury, you may have to be admitted to a local hospital overseas. If you cannot be discharged before the cruise ship is scheduled to depart, the cruise ship may leave without you. In this case, you would need a U.S. passport to fly home upon clearance from your doctor.
    • I don't identify as LGBTQ, can I still go on the cruise?
      Of course! We'd love for you to join us. Each year we have parents, siblings, friends all join us and we all have a great time!
    • Why are there no Non-Refundable Rates listed for some categories?
      When we have a group rate available, that is the lowest rate and it is refundable. No lower rates are available.
    • What is a Non-Refundable Deposit?
      If you book with a Non-Refundable Deposit, your deposit is not refundable at any time. If you cancel, Celebrity will retain your full deposit. If you change the ship and/or sail date, Celebrity will charge a $100 per person fee.
    • When are payments due?
      The full deposit of $500 per stateroom for non-suite staterooms, or 10% of the cruise fare for Suites, is due at the time of booking. The final payment is due approximately 90 days prior to sailing. See your invoice for the exact due date.
    • What will the total be for my booking?
      The rates listed are per person based on double occupancy and include all discounts and promotions. If you are traveling alone, you will still pay double the cruise fare, but only one tax.


      EXAMPLE

      If the rate on the pricing sheet is $1500.


      $1500

      x 2

      =$3000 Total Cruise Fare

      +$112.50 per person for tax


      TOTAL

      $3112.50 One guest or

      $3225.00 Two Guests. If you are traveling alone, you will still pay double the cruise fare, but only one tax.
    • What's the difference between Veranda, Concierge and Aqua?
      The rooms are very similar, but Aqua and Concierge come with added amenities and are typically on higher decks.
    • Why are some lower categories more expensive than the higher ones?
      It's usually because we are out of our discounted rates on the lower category, but we still have some left for the higher category.

    Beverage Package/Wifi/Tips/Onboard Credit

    • My perks are not showing on my Celebrity online reservation. Why is this? Are they on my reservation?
      Not all perks will not show on your Celebrity online reservation. You may not see your beverage package or wifi, but those perks they will be on your account when you board the ship.
    • Can I use my onboard credit for the private excursions offered by John Heath Travel?
      For our private shore excursions onboard credit can't be used to book those.
    • I received an email from Celebrity about adding the beverage package, pre-paid tips and internet but I thought they were included?
      The Celebrity marketing system does not recognize the perks/options that are on your reservation. They send the same email to everyone even though your the reservation may already have the beverage package and wifi. You can ignore those marketing emails.
    • My roommate and I should have the same amount of onboard credit but one of us has more and the other has less. Why is this and how can we fix it?
      Some onboard credit can't be split on the reservation but you can go to Guest Relations once onboard the ship and they can adjust it for you. You should always check your final bill at the end of the cruise BEFORE leaving the ship to make sure everything is correct.
    • Can I upgrade my beverage package?
      If you have the Classic Beverage Package, you can upgrade to the Premium Package on the Celebrity Cruise Planner platform. The upgrade is typically available within 7 days of booking, but sometimes it's not available until after the final payment date for your cruise. The current price to upgrade is $20 per person per day.
    • Why is my onboard credit different than my friends?
      Suite reservations include $300 per person in Onboard Credit (OBC). Non-Suite reservations do not include any OBC, unless there is a special promotion on the date you book. Pricing and promotions change often, so if you did not book on the same date, your reservations could have different prices and OBC.
    • Do I have to tip on the cruise?
      Bookings made prior to October 4, 2023 include Pre-Paid Tips. After October 4, 2023, some Concierge Class bookings for our 2024 Post Thanksgiving Cruise still include Tips. See your confirmation to see if your booking includes Pre-Paid Tips. If your booking does not include pre-paid tips, your tips will be added to your onboard account while on the cruise.

      The pre-paid tips are shared by your stateroom attendant, dining services staff, and housekeeping staff members who help enhance your vacation experience. If you received exceptional service feel free to leave an extra tip with the staff.
    • Can guests request a non-alcoholic drinks package if an individual guest does not drink alcohol?
      Beverage packages include a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options including specialty coffee, fresh squeezed juices, bottled water, sports drinks and soda. All guests can choose beverages of their choice, with or without alcohol. Guests under the legal drinking age will only be eligible for non-alcoholic beverages.
    • Do I need to tip onboard for beverages?
      Beverage Gratuities are included with the beverage package, but you're always welcome to reward the bar staff for great service.
    • Can Third & Fourth Guests purchase additional internet packages?
      All guests in the stateroom will receive a beverage package and wifi. Bookings made prior to October 4, 2023 also include Pre-Paid Tips. After October 4, 2023, some Concierge Class bookings for our 2024 Post Thanksgiving Cruise still include Tips. See your confirmation to see if your booking includes Pre-Paid Tips. and pre-paid tips.
    • What are Gratuities?
      Gratuities are the same as tips.
    • What's the difference between the Basic & Premium Wifi?
      You get a Basic Wifi Plan with your booking but you can upgrade to the Premium on the Celebrity Cruise Planner.

      Premium: You can message or video chat on messenger services, browse the web, send emails, post on social media, and video chat in real time. Plus, stream all your favorite videos, movies, music, and shows.

      Basic: This is for anyone who simply wants the ability to browse the web, send emails, and text on messenger services. You’ll stay connected through the basic functions of Wi-Fi, but won’t be able to stream videos, send or receive photos, or use technology such as FaceTime or Skype.
    • What drinks are included in the Beverage Package?
      Click the link for a list of beverages included. Please note: This list is subject to change.
      Beverage Package Flyer
    • How do I upgrade my Wifi plan?
      You can upgrade to the Premium Wifi Package, after the final payment due date, by going to the Celebrity Cruise Planner. The current cost to upgrade is $15 per day onboard or book on the cruise planner and save 13%. Prices are subject to change at any time without notice.
    • Can I book without any perks included for a lower rate?
      Our group rate includes the Classic Beverage Package and Basic Wifi, but if you choose to book Cruise Only rates, Celebrity will charge us a significantly higher rate to have our onboard parties, if we have any guests without a beverage package. If you would prefer to have the Zero Proof (non-alcohol) package, we can swicth you to that, but there would be no price difference. If you opt for a Cruise Only rate, there will be a $200 per person Program Fee assessed.
    • I don't drink alcohol, can I book without the beverage package?
      Our group rate includes the Classic Beverage Package and Basic Wifi, but if you choose to book Cruise Only rates, Celebrity will charge us a significantly higher rate to have our onboard parties, if we have any guests without a beverage package. If you would prefer to have the Zero Proof (non-alcohol) package, we can switch you to that, but there would be no price difference. If you opt for a Cruise Only rate, there will be a $200 per person Program Fee assessed.
    • I am Zenith level with the Celebrity Captains Club, can I book without the beverage and wifi package?
      You may choose to book the Cruise Only rates with your choice of a refundable or non-refundable deposit. Due to the cost of putting our events and parties, there there will be a $200 per person Program Fee assessed. This fee will be waived for guests booked in a suite.

    General Questions

    • I've never been on a cruise, will I get sea sick?
      While there is no guarantee, the ships are equipped with state of the art stabilizers, which, along with the ships’ mega size, make cruising much different – and more comfortable – than before. Moreover, there are many proven methods to counter motion discomfort, such as Dramamine, which is available over the counter, or Transderm Scop patch, which requires a prescription – plus, a physician is always on board and available to help if needed.
    • I've been on other gay group cruises, how will this compare?
      Our Post Thanksgiving Cruise is typically around 400 guests, and our other cruises between 100-200. Feedback we often here, is that people always have a great time, and it feels like one big family. We have a large number of guests that sail with us year after year.
    • I'm not receiving emails from John Heath Travel but I know you have my email.
      Our emails come from two different email services. If you email us or we email you directly, this is a regular email. When we send emails out to multiple people at one time for either marketing purposes or with information on a specific group trip, those come from another email, which is more of a marketing email and those are more likely to get flagged as spam.

      You will need to add travel@travelagentupdates.com, info@johnheathtravel, and john@johnheathtravel.com to your contacts as this is the email address most emails will come from. You can also look in your spam/junk email folder and you'll likely find emails in there from this email address. If you find an email in there from us, mark it as "not spam" and this should stop our emails from going into spam.
    • What's the difference between a Hosted Cruise and Group Cruise?
      On our Hosted Group Cruises, we will have a representative from John Heath Travel on the cruise with you. We will have nightly meet ups and we will usually have a group shore excursion. A non-hosted Group Cruise is a cruise we organize, get you discounted rates and we will arrange for a nighly meet up, but there will not be a representative from John Heath Travel onboard.
    • Which rooms have a balcony?
      Celebrity calls their balcony a veranda. All Veranda, Concierge, Aqua and Suites have a veranda.
    • Can I book flights through Celebrity?
      Click here to book your flights with Flights By Celebrity. You must have have your booking number, which can be found in the Client Portal.
      Click Here
    • I read that I'll need additional documentation to travel to Europe, is that true?
      United States passport holders who have not applied for a visa before will need to fill out an application from the European Travel Information and Authorization System, ETIAS. It will cost about $7.79 USD to submit, and you should leave yourself some time before you travel to file, because the process could take up to 30 days if you end up needing to provide additional documentation. The form will not be available until 2024, but you can find more details here. https://etias.com/ UPDATE: The EU has delayed this to 2025

    Onboard Events/Entertainment & Dining

    • Is there a set dining time for the group?
      We will be doing Celebrity Select dining. This is a flexible dining time that allows you to eat when you want and with whom you want. You can make reservations or simply go with your party to the main dining room during dining hours and you will be seated together. If you are in AquaClass or a Suite you will have open dining in a different dining room.
    • I want to dine with my friends, where can I submit a list of those that I want to dine with?
      Since we will be doing Celebrity Select dining, you do not need to submit a list of names. You will just go to the dining room with your friends and you will be seated together.
    • I want to have a set dining time, is that possible?
      If you would like a set dining time (6pm or 8:30pm) please email John. Please note that the events and activities we plan will vary in time and you may miss some or all if you have a set dining time.
    • What is the dress code for dinner? Do I need to bring a suit? Is there a formal night?
      For detailed information on the Celebrity dress code, please visit https://www.celebritycruises.com/faqs/onboard-dress-code
    • What type of events do you have on the cruise?
      For past cruises, we've had a White Party, cocktail parties, a welcome aboard party, performances by Kelly Carey and Rick Santamaria, and in 2023, we had America's Got Talent performer Brian Justin Crum.
    • What is the entertainment for this year?
      We typically announce our entertainment about 120 days prior to sailing.
    • Is there going to be a theme party? What is it?
      We typically announce our theme party about 45 days prior to sailing.
    • What is the schedule of events onboard as I want to make specialty dining reservations?
      The schedule likely won't be released until we board the ship, as the schedule is constantly changing prior to the cruise. The cruise line works with other groups and has to plan other events on the ship, so they have to move events around to accommodate everyones needs. We suggest that you make your dinner reservations and then you can change them later, if needed. We will attempt to plan our events and activities for the evening hours between 9-11pm, but this is subject to availability of the venues on the ship.

    Existing Reservation Payments/Changes/Cancellation

    • Can I add or switch a guest on my reservation?
      We can typically add or switch out one of the guests up to 7 days prior to the cruise. The easiest way is to email John with the new guests first and last name along with their email address and an explanation of the changes you want to make. He will send a link to the new guest so they can securely provide their information so they can be added to the reservation. The only charge to add a second guest is the taxes and port charges for the second guest (unless you're switching stateroom categories).
    • How much do I owe on my cruise? How can I make a payment?
      Click on the Reservation Access link at the top of this website to access your reservation, view your balance and to authorize a payment.
    • How much will it cost me to upgrade my category?
      When you upgrade you go to current pricing*, which you can find on the pricing page for the specific cruise you're booked on. You will also lose all current options, perks and onboard credit that your current booking has, with the exception of any onboard credit you received for booking your current reservation while onboard another cruise. Then you would retain that amount, which is $100 for an Inside, $125 for Ocean View, $150 for Veranda, Concierge or Aqua and $250 for a Sky Suite. When you upgrade your onboard credit for booking onboard will change to the amount that aligns with your new stateroom category. If your current booking has a Non-Refundable Deposit, your new booking will also have a Non-Refundable Deposit.

      *Some group rates are not applicable to upgrades and are for new bookings only.
    • My invoice shows a future dated payment. What is this?
      Most reservations will have the final payment automatically scheduled on the same card used for the deposit. We will send an email reminder about 30 days prior to the payment processing date and you can change the card used for the final payment by contacting us at least 3 days prior to the scheduled payment date. If you would like to make payments on your reservation prior to the scheduled payment please date click on the Reservation Access link at the top of this website to submit a payment pre-approval.
    • Can I make scheduled payments?
      If you would like to make scheduled payments, click on the Reservation Access link at the top of this website and enter the first payment you would like to make. In the comments section please enter the date and amount you would like additional payments made on that card. For example: You enter a payment of $200 for tomorrow and in the comments you put, make a $200 payment on the 1st of each month. Please note: If there is a final balance remaining on the final payment due date that payment will be automatically processed on that date on the same card.
    • Can I make payments on my reservation?
      Click on the Reservation Access link at the top of this website to pre-approve a payment. You can choose the date you want the payment made and you can enter future dated payments.
    • I don't use social media, how can I access the portal and make a payment?
      You won't be able to access the portal, but you can email us the trip, amount and date you want to pay and we will send you a secure link to provide your payment informaiton.
    • Why does my reservation show as paid if the final payment hasn't been made?
      Your booking is marked as paid in our system when we have your authorization to process your final payment. You can look on your invoice to see the amount, credit card being used and the date that charge is scheduled to be processed.
    • I'm a Canadian resident, why isn't there an option to select a province when submitting a pre-approved payment.
      This is a known issue, but you can select any US state and we will know what province you reside in.
    • Why is there a payment showing but the date is in the future?
      With new bookings we obtain your approval to process your final payment on the due date, so we schedule this in advance and it will be processed on the date listed.
    • I want to change the credit card used for the final payment, how can I do that?
      Click on the Reservation Access link at the top of this website. Then follow the instructions to pre-approve a payment and use your new credit card details. You can select any payment date as long as it's on or before the final payment due date. The invoice won't immediately reflect the updated payment info, but you can check back in a few days and your invoice should be updated.
    • I submitted a payment pre-approval as I have a new credit card. Why is the future dated payment still there on the old card?
      Click on the Reservation Access link at the top of this website. Then follow the instructions to pre-approve a payment and use your new credit card details. You can select any payment date as long as it's on or before the final payment due date. The invoice won't immediately reflect the updated payment info, but you can check back in a few days and your invoice should be updated.
    • When I pre-approve a payment what date will it be processed?
      We will process the payment on the date you request. On rare occasions it may be a day or two later, but never earlier.
    • I'm paying for another guests invoice, why can't I view it in my portal?
      With our portal, you can only view reservations that have your name assoicated with them. To make a payment on another guests reservation, please email us. For security reasons, please do not include any payment information in your email.
    • My final payment is listed as a future payment but I want to make a payment before that.
      Click on the Reservation Access link at the top of this website then submit a payment pre-approval. We will process that payment and we will adjust the final payment amount if there is a remaining balance.
    • I'm entering my payment, why won't let me submit it?
      The amount must be entered without any commas or dollar signs. Example: 1234.56, NOT $1,234.56
    • I received an email from Celebrity about a big promotion they are having. Can I take advantage of this?
      Most likely your current reservation is much cheaper than their current promotion. Our group rates are typically much less than the Celebrity prices and most promotions don't combine with the group rates. Promotions also don't combine. To see if the current promotion is better, find your total price in the client portal, or your initial invoice, along with what perks you received. Then check the current price on our website, add in taxes and see if the current promotion is better.
    • Why is there a JHT cancellation fee?
      We provide our onboard parties, entertainment and events to our guests at no extra charge, and usually with significantly discounted rates. We spend alot of time processing the reservation, processing payments, confirmations, answering questions, making changes, etc. Sometimes spening many hours on a reservation, over time, then when that guest cancels, we get paid nothing for the work that was done. This fee will help cover the costs involved in the revenue lost. We appreciate your understanding. This fee is onlhy applicable to our organized group cruises.
    • I would like to make a payment on my reservation, how can I do that?
      For our payment form, click here.
      Click here
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