Open Mic – Any Questions for our Science at Sea Experts?

Open Mic is a great opportunity to post any questions you might have… so far. You’ve got the attention of Steve Spangler’s event planning team, our expert travel coordinator from AAA Travel (Gina MacDonald) and our Carnival cruise advisor, Tnle McCloskey.

You’ll find a “Leave a Comment” link in the upper right-hand corner of this post. Click on the link and post your question.

9 replies
  1. SLT
    SLT says:

    I was wondering if us Science at Sea participants will be assigned dining tables on the ship (I’m not sure if all cruises do this), and if so will we sit with other participants? The reason I ask is because I’m going it alone and would like to sit with other teachers and pick their brains and share ideas.

    Reply
    • Tnle McCloskey
      Tnle McCloskey says:

      Hi there! Yes, you will be seated together, not only in the same area of the dining room but also at the same tables as other Science At Sea participants. That is something your Steve Spangler Science team negotiated from the beginning! So…know that if you choose to eat dinner at your assigned dining time in your assigned dining room, you’ll be among friends! Enjoy!

      Reply
  2. Rebecca Sutton
    Rebecca Sutton says:

    I am a regular Sunday Catholic mass go-er. Is there a chance for me (either at one of the ports or on board the ship) to fulfill my Sunday obligation as a Catholic during the cruise?

    Reply
    • Gina MacDonald
      Gina MacDonald says:

      Carnival does not have services on the ship that I am aware of unless it’s a holiday, however, I did find a Catholic Church in Skagway. The church is called St Theresa and they are located in town at 9th & State St. I contacted the church and they don’t have a service Sunday afternoon but I was told that you could go in and receive communion at any time. The tour that you are scheduled to take in Skagway will be from 8:30am-12:30pm and then you will be free until 4:00pm to explore on your own so you could go to the church at that time.

      Reply
  3. Jeff
    Jeff says:

    Hi there! Couple of questions…first of all are boots necessary for the excursions or would tennis shoes be fine?
    Second of all, how strict is the cruise about the weight limit on the suitcase…I usually travel with one big suitcase but I’m sure it will weigh more than 50 lbs…what would you recommend?
    Thanks !

    Reply
    • Gina MacDonald
      Gina MacDonald says:

      Hi Jeff,
      Boots aren’t necessary but recommended. There could be some hiking and/or rough roads where boots would be more comfortable than tennis shoes would be. Water-proof shoes would be a good idea either way.
      The cruise line does not have a weight restriction on your luggage but the airline you are flyin on will. They do require your luggage to be under 50lbs and they will charge you a fee if you are over. I’m not sure what airline you are on so I can’t quote you what that fee would be. You should check their website or call them for a price.

      Reply
  4. Tnle McCloskey
    Tnle McCloskey says:

    Hi! Your footwear need will depend upon your shore excursion. The AK shore excursions I have been on did not require boots, but I know other cruisers who were happy they were wearing something other than tennis shoes for their shore excursions. Id be happy to assist you additionally if you could specify your shore excursions. Also, I recommend looking at the shore excursion descriptions on Carnival’s web site. Usually they mention what specialty items are necessary. If you’re the adventurous type and typically drawn to water, bring boots: there is water everywhere…and its beautiful (and chilly)…perfect for wading!

    As for luggage, although the airlines have plenty of restrictions, Carnival only has one: your carry-on is limited to a 16″ x 24″. The rest of your tagged luggage (to be “checked” ship-side) can be any size and any weight. I do recommend bringing luggage that can be “nested” during your cruise. By “nested” I mean bring a large suitcase and then a medium or small suitcase. Once unpacked, the medium or small suitcase can be stored in the large suitcase and the whole thing can be placed under your bed, completely out of your way. This leaves your valuable closet space for the things you’ll need to access daily. One other tip: Pack your carry- on with things you’ll need to get you through for several hours. You may not get your “checked” luggage for a while once you’ve boarded the ship (maybe not even until dinner time).

    Reply

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