Do I need a passport for the Rainbow Readers Cruse?

A passport is strongly recommended, but the answer for US Citizens is no - with a big BUT... having a passport makes the boarding and debarkation process much easier. The State Department strongly recommends that all cruisers have a passport, and if you don’t have a passport there is a list of other government documents that you need original copies of.

If you don’t have a passport, the process to apply and get one is not difficult and the good news is there is plenty of time to make it happen! Information on US passports available at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

For non-US Citizens passports are required.

Can I bring my husband/wife/spouse/partner/best friend/pet to share the stateroom with me?

Yes! (not the pet though…) All staterooms are designed for two people. We do have single occupancy stateroom pricing, but we recommend you use this opportunity to bring a guest! Guests who are not registered for the conference are welcome at all meals and evening social events, but not at the conference events or signing. 

Can I share a stateroom with another attendee?

Absolutely! You can share a stateroom (and stateroom costs) with another attendee. We can even split out the payment for the stateroom between two people for processing. Just contact Rich to work out details. If you are looking for a roommate to share a room, join our Facebook group – Rainbow Readers Cruise where we have a pinned post for readers to share that they are looking for roommates!

How many beds are in a room?

All rooms can be set up as one queen size bed or as two twin beds. Just let Rich know which configuration you prefer.

Can I book other staterooms for friends/family who aren’t attending the conference?

Absolutely! Anyone can book with our discounted Rainbow Readers Cruise group booking rate. Stateroom bookings are not limited to just the conference attendees. Just contact Rich to work out details.

Can I book my own stateroom through Celebrity’s website and then book the conference through you?

All cruise staterooms for those attending the Rainbow Readers Conference must be booked through us via the conference website or with Rich. In order for the cruise line to provide us with conference space for our use, we have to book the staterooms for the group. If you would like a quote on a room that does not include the all included packages, please reach out to Rich or submit the booking request form selecting that you would like quotes.   

We are able to match any prices and sales advertised by Celebrity through their website or email promotions. Just reach out to Rich.  

What’s included with my Rainbow Readers Cruise stateroom booking?

All Rainbow Readers Cruise stateroom bookings include the stateroom category of your choice, all meals (15+) at the four complimentary restaurants on the Celebrity Reflection, shipboard entertainment, and all taxes and port fees.

Is there a veteran or active military discount?

Yes! Celebrity offers an additional discount for our group if one of your stateroom guests is a veteran or active military member. Just let Rich know!

What if I want to book a Suite or Aquaclass Stateroom that you don’t have listed?

We can book any class of Stateroom with the Rainbow Readers Cruise group. The block of staterooms consists of the most popular categories, but if you contact Rich we can book whatever Stateroom category you would like with all of the Rainbow Readers Cruise group benefits.

How do meals work?

Meals at the four complimentary restaurants on the Celebrity Reflection are all included with the price of your stateroom booking. There are options for buffet or sit down style service at almost all meals. You will choose a reservation for the 6pm or 8:30 seating at Opus for dinner, but you are free to also visit the buffet on your own for dinner. Our dinner reservations are “Round Robin” style, which means that we will have a section of the restaurant for our group, but we don’t have to sit at the same specific tables each night. We can move around and sit with different folks each night if we like.

What about entertainment?

The Reflection is full of various entertainment included with your cruise booking. Most nights have a production show in the large theater and a later presentation in the nightclub. Every day the ship’s lounges, bars, and lobby are peppered with live musicians and singers, DJs, and impromptu parties. Plus, the cruise activities crew constantly has activities going on, such as trivia, karaoke, scavenger hunts, and silent disco parties where you will rub elbows with your fellow readers and authors.

What’s not included with the Rainbow Readers Cruise stateroom booking?

Not included with the Rainbow Readers Cruise stateroom booking: spa services, shore excursions, casino gambling money, shop purchases, beverage package items (unless booked with the All Included Group before April 2024), smoothies, specialty coffees, fresh pressed juices, specialty dining experiences, onboard events/experiences that are advertised with a charge, the Rainbow Readers Cruise Conference fee.

If you question if something is included, please feel free to ask! The Cruise is great at advertising if there is an extra charge for something.

Is there a dress code? I don’t have a tux!

There IS a dress code for the evening activities, but not to worry. No tux required! Here is a detailed breakdown of attire suggestions aboard the cruise. If you have “Smart Casual” for the evening, then you are good to go!

We will be having dress-up theme evenings, and one night will be a Gala Formal night. But participation is completely voluntary.

Conference booking, Stateroom booking - what’s the difference?

The Rainbow Readers Cruise Conference is taking place ON the Celebrity Reflection. Much like a conference takes place at a conference center or hotel. The Conference booking covers one reader or author/creator attending the conference. The Stateroom booking provides a place for the attendee and their other stateroom guest to stay, as well as the cruise meals and amenities - much like a hotel room for an on land conference. Since a reader needs to be on the Celebrity Reflection to attend the conference, every attendee needs Stateroom arrangements, as well as Conference arrangements. 

What is the cancellation policy?

Bookings for The Rainbow Readers Cruise through us are fully refundable until May 1, 2024. After May 1, 2024 cancellations begin to incur cancellation penalties as dictated by Celebrity Cruises. Conference registration is fully refundable until May 1, 2024. After May 1, 2024 there is no refund for cancellations of conference registration. Registrations MAY NOT be transferred to another person without prior written approval from the organizers.

When is the latest that I can book?

Bookings for the Rainbow Readers Cruise can be made as long as Staterooms are available for booking. We are not the only people on the ship, and though we have a block of rooms reserved, we cannot guarantee that once that block is filled that more rooms will be available.

What’s the payment schedule?

Payment for bookings can be made all at once, or with a flexible monthly payment schedule. When using a payment plan all Stateroom costs and conference fees must be fully paid by April 30, 2024. Any Stateroom and conference bookings after April 30, 2024 must be paid in full at time of booking.

Contact Rich with specific questions and to work out payment schedules.

Is travel insurance available?

Celebrity CruiseCare travel insurance is available to purchase for most cruisers. Celebrity CruiseCare must be purchased on or before May 15, 2024. Information on Celebrity CruiseCare and coverage for your state of residence can be found by clicking here. Celebrity CruiseCare for cruisers in the group booking must be arranged via Rich. Contact Rich for more details

Are the listed ports of call guaranteed?

The listed ports of call are the planned ports of call for the cruising. Changes are highly unlikely, however possible should circumstances require.

Are the listed Authors/Creators for the conference guaranteed?

All listed authors and creators are eager to take part in Rainbow Readers Cruise and have every intention of attending and doing their best. That being said, life happens and changes are possible.

I’ve never heard of Celebrity, how do I know they are legit?

Celebrity Cruises is one of the five cruise brands operated by The Royal Caribbean company. In order to ensure the quality of the experience for the Rainbow Readers Cruise, Rich and Joel have been on multiple cruises with Celebrity, and have visited both of these ports. We know you will have a fantastic time!

I’m scared to come, what if I get seasick?!?

Here’s the thing - Rich spent every summer Sunday of his childhood deep sea fishing on his grandfather’s small boat. And… he used to get seasick. Rich even gets motion sick on most of the rides at Disney and Universal. That was the main reason it took Rich and Joel a long time before they decided to go on their first cruise five years ago. But the thing is, on cruise ships Rich doesn’t have ANY seasick problems. The main difference is that his grandfather’s boat was about 17 feet long, and the cruise ship is hundreds of feet long by twelve stories tall! Plus the technology improvements on large ships is amazing with large stabilizers that prevent the ship from rocking. Might it take you an evening to get your ‘sea legs’? Of course. But seasickness only actually affects a small percentage of modern cruise travelers.