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Poker Cruise III - Frequently Asked Questions


How can I get a Cruise Ticket and participate in the Festival of Poker?

There are currently three methods by which you can obtain a Cruise Ticket:

1. By winning a Cruise Ticket in the Weekly Final that is held on a Sunday night. Or,
2. By winning it through a player point freeroll.
3. By purchasing a Cruise Ticket from an existing or multiple Cruise Ticket holder (second ticket must have been won after 2nd November).

There is a waiting list of players wishing to purchase Cruise Tickets. If you wish to join this waiting list, please email your details to cruise2008@ladbrokespoker.com


Can I purchase a cabin directly from Royal Caribbean and still participate in the Festival of Poker?

No. Only holders (and their guests) of Cruise Tickets that have been won or bought from Ladbrokes are entitled participate in the Festival of Poker.


Can I purchase a Cruise Ticket directly through the Poker Cruise / Winners List lobbies?

No. Since September 2007, it has not been possible to purchase Cruise Tickets for the Ladbrokes Poker Cruise III through the Poker Cruise / Winners List lobbies.


What if I qualify for more than one ‘Cruise Ticket’?

Your second Cruise Ticket can be transferred to a Ladbrokes Poker Player of your choice or used to fund pre-registration of Festival Tournaments and credit the balance to your online bankroll. Details of the player to whom you wish to transfer must be sent to the Cruise Team within 15 working days - including their Ladbrokes Poker Alias. Email us at cruise2008@ladbrokespoker.com if you would like to make such a transaction.


How will my booking be made and confirmed?

Once payment has been received by Ladbrokes from your Poker Account we will make a booking on your behalf. That booking will be between Royal Caribbean Cruise Ltd (“RCCL”) as operator of the Cruise, and you as the passenger and will be subject to RCCL’s ticket terms and conditions. Ladbrokes in receiving your payment and making the booking is acting as agent for the Cruise Operator, RCCL. Once the booking has been made you will be allocated a cabin and your details will be confirmed to RCCL. You will then receive written confirmation from our Cruise Team of your cabin on the Cruise. You will at that time be requested by us and must return to us confirmation in writing that you have arranged travel insurance (see below) and that are bound by RCCL’s ticket terms and conditions.


What if I subsequently qualify for a Cruise Ticket?

If you have purchased a cabin on the Cruise and subsequently qualify for a Cruise Ticket, if you notify us and provide us with proof of purchase (if we request it), you will be reimbursed the amount of $3,800 for your original buy-in.


If I have to cancel my cruise booking, will I get a refund?

If you need to cancel your cruise booking you must immediately give notice in writing to our Cruise Team via the e-mail address cruise2008@ladbrokespoker.com. The booking will only be cancelled on the date we actually receive your written notice of cancellation. You will then receive one of the following refunds depending upon the date of cancellation:

  • Cancellation prior to September 1st 2007: 50% rebate of cruise ticket purchase price

  • Cancellation prior to November 20th 2007: 25% rebate of cruise ticket purchase price

  • Cancellation after November 20th 2007: No Refund

    At any time before 1st November 2007 a person wishing to cancel their Cruise Ticket may also have the option if available to transfer that ticket to another Ladbrokes Poker Customer. Such a transfer can only be effected in consultation with our Cruise Team.

    Depending on the reason for cancellation, you may be able to reclaim these cancellation charges (less any excess applicable) under the terms of your travel insurance policy. Claims must be made directly to the insurance company concerned.


    Will I need to arrange my own travel insurance?

    Yes. All guests must have appropriate personal travel insurance before departure. This must include as a minimum cover for the cost of cancellation by yourself and the cost of assistance including repatriation in the event of accident or illness. It is your responsibility to make sure that the insurance you purchase is suitable and adequate for your particular needs and to purchase additional or alternative insurance if required.

    Financial Failure Insurance.

    When you buy-in to the Cruise, although Ladbrokes is not offering the Cruise or making a booking on your behalf as a package holiday in accordance with “The Package Travel Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992”, all passengers booking through Ladbrokes International Ltd t/a Ladbrokes.com are fully protected for all monies paid in the event of the insolvency of Ladbrokes International Ltd t/a Ladbrokes.com. A certificate detailing this cover is held by Ladbrokes International Ltd t/a Ladbrokes.com as evidence of cover. This insurance has been arranged by International Passenger Protection Ltd and underwritten by Insurers who are members of the Association of British Insurers & Lloyds Syndicates.


    When do I get my travel allowance?

    Your $1,700 expenses allowance to cover flights to New Jersey and overnight accommodation the night before sailing will be credited to your account within 10 working days of qualification.


    How do I buy into the Poker Tournaments on board once I have a ‘Cruise Ticket’?

    Qualification for the $2,500 Main Event is available via a weekly qualification program with satellites starting from $7.50. If you win 2 tickets for the Main Event, the second ticket can be used to pre-register for the 4 side events and receive the balance as bankroll.

    5 and 10 seat Single Table satellites for 4 side event are available 24/7 in the Sit and Go > Satellites > Cruise Lobby.

    Any seats for Festival of Poker Tournaments Side Events that are not pre-registered online, will be available on the ship, on a first come, first served basis. Payment for entries bought on the ship must be made with chips purchased from the ship’s Casino

    Please Note: You will not be able to register for the Main Event aboard the ship. If you do not qualify online for this event, you will need to buy-in via the Pre-Registration Lobby by Tuesday 22nd January (places permitting).


    How will I receive any Tournament winnings?

    All prize payouts will be credited to your Ladbrokes Poker account by Friday 15th February 2008.


    Can I bring an extra guest on the ship?

    Some of the cabins we have been allocated have facilities for an extra passenger in the form of a drop-down bunk. A few of the cabins can take four passengers, but the additional two berths are in the form of a double sofa-bed. If you wish to have extra passengers in your cabin, the charge will be £415.00 per person including gratuities and taxes. This is subject to availability of cabins with extra berths. Please contact our Cruise Team to check availability and with any more questions you may have.


    I want to take this opportunity for a family holiday and bring along my children?

    The ‘Explorer of the Seas’ has excellent facilities for children. Children can share your cabin (see extra guest information and charges above) or you can purchase an additional cabin for your family, we do have some inter-connecting cabins suitable for families. You should be aware that an adult must be the lead passenger name on each separate cabin and both adults will need to have a Ladbrokes Poker account.


    What facilities does the ship offer for children?

    Royal Caribbean welcome families on all of their ships. Complimentary, organised activities are available on board for children. The following gives you an idea of the age requirements for on board activities:

    Kids Clubs: Age 3-17

    Solarium: Ages 16 and over

    Theatre: Under 16’s must be accompanied by a parent / guardian

    Whirlpools: Under 16’s must be accompanied by a parent / guardian

    ShipShape Centre (Gym): 16’s and over

    ShipShape Centre (Spa): 18’s and over

    Adult Night Club / Disco: 18 and over

    Bars: 18’s and over (unless accompanied by a parent / guardian)

    Casino: 18's and over.

    Babysitting and child minding (at the applicable hourly rate) can usually be arranged, provided cruise staff are available to provide this service. The minimum age for in-stateroom babysitting is 12 months.


    If I am unable to take up my Cruise Ticket, can I transfer it to someone else?

    The first ticket won by any person in a Ladbrokes online tournament is non-transferable. Should any qualifiers win more than one Cruise Ticket, that person may transfer any subsequent ticket(s) to another Ladbrokes poker player of their choice (the transferee must have a Ladbrokes Poker account). The transfer must also be confirmed in writing to Ladbrokes within 15 working days of the date they qualify for the second (or subsequent) cruise ticket. All transfers must be completed by 25th November 2007.


    I am uncertain who will be accompanying me?

    If you have qualified or bought on to the Ladbrokes Poker Cruise, you must complete a registration form for yourself and your guest(s). You will have to log in with your existing Ladbrokes account details, and then complete the form itself. This information must be provided by 16th November 2007. Please click here to access the form.

    Any passengers who have not provided this information in advance of embarkation will not be able to board Explorer of the Seas. This form must be completed with details for yourself and your guest and should be submitted by November 16th 2007 at the latest.

    If you need to change the name of your guest then you should contact the Cruise Team before 25th November 2007.

    Any changes after November 25th will not be possible.


    Can I upgrade my cabin?

    Certainly, subject to availability there are a number of upgrade cabins available at an additional charge. Please contact the Cruise Team to discuss the options and costs involved.


    How does the travel allowance work?

    From March 2007, new weekly qualifiers will automatically receive $1,700 in their account towards the cost of their travel to and from New York and a Hotel on the night of 24th January. The allowance will be paid into your account within 10 working days of your qualification and it is then up to you to make your own travel arrangements. We will be issuing up to date information and advice on the best travel options together with some recommendations on hotels in the New York area within the Cruise section at Ladbrokespoker.com.


    What things will I need to pay for on the Cruise?

    Most things on a Cruise are included in the Cruise Ticket, however, you will need to consider spending money to cover the following items.

    - Drinks: Complimentary tea, coffee and soft drinks are available in some of the food areas on board the ship. However, alcoholic drinks, speciality teas, coffees and soft drinks in the bar areas need to be paid for.
    - Excursions (see Qualifier Information for details)
    - Spa & Hair Treatments
    - Spending money for Ports of call

    The ship runs a cashless system for items which are chargeable (see information below).


    How do I pay for things on the ship?

    The ship operates a cashless system on board. When you embark the ship they will take an impression of your credit card and you will then be issued with your Seapass card. If you do not have a credit card you can lodge a cash credit against your Seapass card and you will be contacted when this credit is running low. The Seapass card is then used around the ship to purchase drinks, excursions, beauty treatments etc. You will be presented with a final bill towards the end of the cruise.


    Will I need to buy special clothes for the cruise?

    The cruise does operate a dress code for dinner each evening in the main dining room. If you do intend to enjoy the formal dining opportunities offered, then you will need to include some smart clothes in your packing. We will be issuing the final daily programme and dress code nearer to the sailing date.


    Medical Conditions?

    At the time of qualification, or as soon as possible if the medical condition arises after your qualification is confirmed, you must advise us in writing of any medical or physical condition which may require medical treatment or attention during the cruise or which may affect your cruise in any way (including your use of services or facilities). We regret that Royal Caribbean must reserve the right to refuse to allow anyone to travel who, in their reasonable opinion, is unfit to travel or may require care beyond that they can reasonably provide.


    What will I require to travel to the US?

    For non-US citizens, valid passports and visas (if necessary) are required. To enter the US, your passport must be ‘machine readable’ and valid for at least 6 months after your expected return date to the UK. If you are from a country that is part of the Visa Waiver programme and your passport is machine readable, you should not require a separate visa, however, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation to enter the US and also for the Caribbean destinations included on the cruise. Click here for more information.



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