Hi there!

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Thank you for submitting an interest form for the Idaho Singles Cruise to Cabo, hosted by Boise Speed Dating! We’re excited that you’re interested in joining us aboard the Carnival Panorama, November 15–21, 2026.

 

The following is also attached to this email as a PDF version above, we recommend printing if booking.

 

Attached is our Pre-Booking Checklist & First-Time Cruiser Guide. Please read it carefully before booking your cabin. It covers important information about:

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• Choosing a cabin

• Shared-room and roommate-matching options

• Flights and recommended arrival times

• Passports and travel documents

• Credit cards versus debit cards onboard

• Gratuities and other possible expenses

• Travel insurance

• Our optional pre-cruise meetup at the Queen Mary

• First-time cruiser tips and important reminders

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Your next step

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After reviewing the attached guide, please use the link below to pay the $150 Boise Speed Dating Experience Fee:

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Experience Fee Payment Form:

https://alttouch.wixforms.com/f/7503157620476216363

 

The experience fee covers the special Boise Speed Dating portion of the trip, including opportunities to connect before and during the cruise, group communication, roommate-matching events, singles activities, and additional trip coordination.

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After you have paid the experience fee, you will receive an email with our cruise coordinator’s:

• Phone number

• Available calling hours

• Instructions for selecting and reserving a cabin

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Please do not book your cabin independently if you want to be included in our coordinated cruise group. Our cruise coordinator will help you review available cabin options and complete your reservation.

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If you’re interested in sharing a cabin but don’t already have a roommate, that’s okay! We’ll be hosting virtual roommate meet-and-greet events so participants can meet potential roommates before any arrangements are finalized. Roommate placement will depend on availability and mutual compatibility and cannot be guaranteed.

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We can’t wait to bring an incredible group of Idaho singles together for six nights of new friendships, fun experiences, and unforgettable memories in Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada!

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🌺 IDAHO SINGLES CRUISE TO CABO

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Your Pre-Booking Checklist & First-Time Cruiser Guide

November 15–21, 2026
🛳️ Carnival Panorama
📍 Roundtrip from Long Beach, California
🌴 6 Nights • Two Days in Cabo San Lucas • Ensenada
💕 Hosted by Boise Speed Dating

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BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR CABIN — PLEASE READ THIS FIRST!

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We're SO excited to have you joining us!

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If you've never cruised before, don't worry. There are a few things about cruising that are very different from booking a normal vacation, so we've put together this guide to help you make the right choices before you reserve your cabin.

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Keep this checklist handy throughout the booking process.

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✈️ 1. PLAN YOUR FLIGHTS BEFORE BOOKING

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⭐ OUR STRONGEST RECOMMENDATION: FLY IN THE DAY BEFORE

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Our cruise departs Long Beach on Sunday, November 15, 2026.

Whenever possible, we recommend flying into Southern California on:

Saturday, November 14, 2026

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Why?

A cruise ship is NOT like a hotel. It cannot wait for passengers whose flights are delayed or canceled.

A delayed flight, missed connection, bad weather, mechanical problem or lost luggage could potentially cause you to miss the entire cruise.

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Arriving Saturday gives you a safety buffer and lets you start your vacation relaxed instead of racing from the airport to the ship.

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Airports to compare:

✈️ Long Beach Airport (LGB) — Usually our first choice for convenience. It is much closer to the Long Beach cruise terminal and is a smaller, easier airport to navigate.

✈️ Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) — Farther from the cruise terminal, but often has more flight choices and potentially lower fares.

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COMPARE BOTH AIRPORTS BEFORE PURCHASING AIRFARE.

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Don't choose LAX simply because the airfare is $30–$50 cheaper without also considering the additional transportation time and cost.

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⚠️ Flying in Sunday morning?

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We strongly discourage cutting it close.

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If you must fly in the morning of November 15, choose the earliest reasonable flight and leave a significant cushion for delays.

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Carnival currently requires guests using its Long Beach Airport transfer to arrive at LGB no later than 12:30 PM on embarkation day. That should NOT be viewed as a recommended flight-arrival time—we recommend arriving substantially earlier.

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✈️ DON'T BOOK AN EARLY FLIGHT HOME!

Carnival Panorama is scheduled to return to Long Beach at approximately 9:00 AM Saturday, November 21.

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The ship arriving at 9:00 AM does NOT mean you'll be standing outside the terminal at 9:05!

Thousands of passengers must disembark, collect luggage and clear the terminal before traveling to the airport.

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Carnival's current guidance for ships arriving at 8:00 or 9:00 AM is that return flights using Carnival transfers should be no earlier than 12:30 PM.

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We recommend allowing even more breathing room when possible—especially if flying from LAX.

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⚓ 2. OPTIONAL PRE-CRUISE MEETUP AT THE QUEEN MARY

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Arriving in Long Beach early?

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We plan to have an OPTIONAL pre-cruise meetup at the Queen Mary, conveniently located next to the Long Beach cruise terminal.

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This gives early arrivals somewhere fun to meet other members of our group instead of everyone sitting separately at hotels, restaurants or the airport.

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💕 Meet some of your fellow singles
🥂 Grab a drink or something to eat
📸 Take some pre-cruise photos
👋 Meet people BEFORE we board
🚢 Then head over to the cruise terminal for your assigned arrival time

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Admission/pricing varies by event and access type, so we'll confirm the exact meetup details and current Queen Mary admission information closer to sailing.

Participation is completely optional.

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If your arrival time doesn't work with the meetup, simply meet us aboard Carnival Panorama!

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🛳️ 3. YOUR ARRIVAL TIME IS NOT NECESSARILY EVERYONE ELSE'S

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This is important for first-time cruisers.

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We will NOT necessarily all board the ship at the exact same time.

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During Carnival's online check-in process, each cabin selects an available Arrival Appointment.

That is your assigned window to arrive at the cruise terminal.

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Don't panic if another member of our group has a different time.

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Once everyone is aboard, we'll have designated group meetup information.

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Do not intentionally arrive hours before your assigned appointment. Carnival may require early guests to wait or return at their assigned time.

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🛏️ 4. CHOOSING YOUR CABIN

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We're including a Carnival Panorama deck/cabin map with this guide.

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Take a few minutes to look at it BEFORE choosing your room.

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There are four basic categories you'll see:

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🛏️ Interior

Usually the least expensive option.

No exterior window, but you still receive the same basic cruise experience and access to the ship's public areas.

Great for someone who says:

"I'm only going to be in my room to sleep and shower!"

Interior cabins are also very dark at night—which some cruisers LOVE for sleeping.

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🌊 Ocean View

Includes a window looking outside.

A nice middle ground if you want natural light without paying for a balcony.

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🌅 Balcony

Includes your own private outdoor balcony.

Great if you enjoy morning coffee outside, ocean views, fresh air or quiet time away from the crowds.

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✨ Suites

Larger accommodations with additional space and, depending on the category, additional amenities.

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📍 5. CABIN LOCATION MATTERS!

Don't choose a room based ONLY on price.

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Look at the deck directly:

ABOVE your cabin
AND
BELOW your cabin.

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Light sleepers may want to avoid cabins directly under or above:

🎶 Nightclubs
🎭 Entertainment venues
🍽️ Busy restaurants
🏊 Pool/Lido areas
🪑 Areas where chairs may be moved early in the morning
🚪 Very high-traffic locations

Being close to an elevator can be extremely convenient—but may also mean more foot traffic.

 

🌊 WORRIED ABOUT MOTION?

Some cruisers who are sensitive to motion prefer cabins closer to the middle of the ship and on lower decks, where movement can feel less pronounced.

Forward and aft cabins can sometimes feel more movement.

If you already know you're prone to motion sickness, consider this when selecting your cabin.

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👯 6. WANT TO SHARE A CABIN AND SAVE MONEY?

Cruise pricing is commonly based on double occupancy, meaning two people sharing a cabin.

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If you're interested in sharing a room but don't already have a roommate, don't worry—we're creating an opportunity to meet potential roommates first.

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Shared cabins will be coordinated through our cruise coordinator.

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💻 VIRTUAL ROOMMATE MATCHING EVENTS

Before roommate assignments are finalized, we'll host several online video meet-and-greet events.

You'll be able to meet potential roommates of the same gender, talk with them and decide who you would feel comfortable sharing a cabin with.

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After each event, you'll submit the people you would be open to rooming with.

You can:

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✔️ Select more than one potential roommate
✔️ Participate in multiple matching events
✔️ Widen your selections after meeting additional people
✔️ Change your selections if needed before assignments are finalized

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We will not treat one short conversation as an automatic roommate assignment.

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The goal is to give everyone a chance to actually meet potential roommates and identify people they feel comfortable traveling with.

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Roommate placement is subject to availability and mutual compatibility and cannot be guaranteed.

If sharing a cabin is not for you, you are absolutely welcome to book your own cabin.

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💳 7. CREDIT CARD VS. DEBIT CARD — IMPORTANT!

This surprises many first-time cruisers.

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Carnival ships operate primarily as a cashless environment using your Sail & Sign account.

Purchases made onboard are charged to this account.

You can establish the account using a credit card, qualifying debit card or cash.

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💳 WE GENERALLY RECOMMEND A CREDIT CARD IF YOU HAVE ONE.

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Why?

Carnival places authorization holds on credit AND debit cards.

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For a 6-day cruise, Carnival currently indicates an initial authorization of $100 per stateroom when the same card funds that stateroom, and additional holds may be placed as onboard spending increases.

With a debit card, those holds can temporarily tie up actual money in your checking account.

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Even after Carnival settles your final bill, your bank may take additional time to release the holds.

That can create a frustrating situation where you technically have money in your account but can't access all of it immediately.

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With a credit card, the holds generally affect available credit instead of the cash sitting in your checking account.

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💡 First-time cruiser tip:

If you have an appropriate credit card available, consider using it for your onboard account and then paying the balance after the trip.

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If you prefer not to use a card, Carnival also allows a cash-funded Sail & Sign account. Carnival currently recommends a $200 cash deposit per person for cruises of 5–8 days.

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Your cruise fare includes a LOT—but there are optional and additional expenses you should budget for.

Potential additional costs include:

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💵 Carnival gratuities
🍹 Alcohol and beverage packages
🥤 Specialty beverages
🍽️ Specialty restaurants
☕ Specialty coffee
🌴 Shore excursions
📶 Wi-Fi
💆 Spa services
🎰 Casino spending
🛍️ Shopping
📸 Professional photographs
🚕 Transportation/Uber/Lyft
✈️ Airfare
🏨 Pre/post-cruise hotel
🅿️ Airport or cruise-terminal parking
🧳 Checked airline luggage
🛡️ Travel insurance
🍴 Meals before/after the cruise
🎁 Souvenirs and personal purchases

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GRATUITIES

Carnival's current recommended gratuities for standard staterooms are $17 per person, per day and $19 per person, per day for suites.

For six nights, that's approximately:

$102 per person — standard cabin
$114 per person — suite

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These rates can change, so confirm your actual amount with Carnival.

You can generally prepay gratuities before sailing, which can make budgeting easier.

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🍹 9. THINK BEFORE BUYING A DRINK PACKAGE

Don't automatically purchase a beverage package because everyone else is.

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Think about what YOU realistically drink.

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Also pay close attention to Carnival's current rules regarding beverage packages for adults sharing the same cabin before purchasing.

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If you're sharing a cabin, discuss packages with your roommate before anyone buys one.

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📱 10. DOWNLOAD THE CARNIVAL HUB APP BEFORE LEAVING HOME

Everyone should download the Carnival HUB App before traveling.

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You'll use it for things such as:

📅 Daily activities
🗺️ Ship maps
🍽️ Menus and dining
💳 Sail & Sign account information
🌴 Excursions
📋 Your onboard schedule
💬 Optional onboard chat
🚨 Safety information

The HUB App itself works through the ship's Wi-Fi without purchasing an internet package.

IMPORTANT PHONE TIP:

Once the ship leaves port, put your phone into AIRPLANE MODE and then connect to the ship's Wi-Fi.

Otherwise, maritime cellular roaming can result in unexpectedly expensive cellular charges.

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🛂 11. GET YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS IN ORDER NOW

Do NOT wait until the week of the cruise to figure this out.

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Carnival requires appropriate citizenship and identification documentation to board.

Carnival strongly recommends traveling with a passport book, even on itineraries where another form of documentation may be legally accepted.

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We recommend a valid passport whenever possible.

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Why?

If an emergency occurs in Mexico and you need to fly back to the United States rather than returning aboard the ship, having the proper passport documentation can make an enormous difference.

Never pack your passport, identification, boarding documents or necessary medication in checked luggage.

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Keep them with you in your carry-on.

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Ultimately, each participant is responsible for confirming that they meet Carnival and government documentation requirements for their individual citizenship and circumstances.

 

It might not arrive immediately.

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Pack a small carry-on containing anything you'll want during your first several hours onboard:

✔️ Passport/ID and travel documents
✔️ Prescription medication
✔️ Wallet/credit cards
✔️ Phone + charging cable
✔️ Portable battery bank
✔️ Swimsuit
✔️ Sunscreen
✔️ Sunglasses
✔️ Essential toiletries
✔️ Any medication for motion sickness
✔️ One change of clothes if desired
✔️ Anything valuable or irreplaceable

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Never put medication, identification, money or valuables in checked luggage.

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🔌 13. DON'T PACK YOUR NORMAL POWER STRIP WITHOUT CHECKING IT!

Cruise ships have stricter electrical rules than hotels.

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Carnival prohibits surge-protected power strips and certain heating appliances.

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That includes items many first-time cruisers wouldn't think twice about packing, such as:

❌ Clothing irons
❌ Garment steamers
❌ Hot plates
❌ Coffee makers
❌ Heating appliances

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If you bring an outlet extender, make sure it complies with Carnival's current prohibited-items policy.

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🍷 14. KNOW THE BEVERAGE RULES BEFORE YOU PACK

Carnival's current policy allows guests age 21+ to carry on one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per person at embarkation.

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Beer and hard liquor cannot be brought aboard.

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Carnival currently permits up to 12 sealed cans/cartons of non-alcoholic beverages, 12 ounces or less each, per person, carried on during embarkation.

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Bottled beverages are subject to different restrictions, so check Carnival's current policy before packing.

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🛡️ 15. SERIOUSLY CONSIDER TRAVEL INSURANCE

Things happen.

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Illness. Flight cancellations. Family emergencies. Lost luggage. Weather. Medical emergencies.

Your Boise Speed Dating Experience Fee, Carnival cruise fare, airfare, hotels and excursions may all have different cancellation policies.

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Travel insurance may help protect certain prepaid expenses depending on the policy purchased.

Read the coverage carefully—especially cancellation reasons, medical coverage, evacuation coverage and pre-existing-condition provisions.

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🌴 16. DON'T OVERBOOK YOUR PORT DAYS YET

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Remember: this isn't just a Carnival cruise—it's also a singles group experience!

We'll be organizing opportunities for members of our group to spend time together onboard and in port.

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Our itinerary includes:

🌊 Day 1 — Long Beach
🌊 Day 2 — Fun Day at Sea
🌴 Day 3 — Cabo San Lucas | 11 AM–7 PM
🌴 Day 4 — Cabo San Lucas | 7 AM–4 PM
🌊 Day 5 — Fun Day at Sea
🇲🇽 Day 6 — Ensenada | 8 AM–5 PM
⚓ Day 7 — Long Beach | Approx. 9 AM

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We'll provide additional information about optional group activities and excursions.

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You are NOT required to spend every minute with the group. This is your vacation!

Join as much—or as little—of the organized programming as you'd like.

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🕐 17. SHIP TIME MATTERS

When visiting ports, pay very close attention to the time Carnival tells you to return to the ship.

Do not assume your phone's automatically displayed local time is the time Carnival is using.

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Always follow the ship's instructions regarding ship time and the required all-aboard time.

The ship will not wait indefinitely for passengers returning late from independently arranged activities.

Build in a safety cushion.

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💊 18. MOTION SICKNESS — PLAN BEFORE YOU NEED IT

Even people who don't normally get motion sick can occasionally feel movement at sea.

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If you're concerned, talk with your doctor or pharmacist beforehand about appropriate options.

Don't wait until you're already feeling miserable to start thinking about it.

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑 19. REMEMBER: THIS IS A SINGLES TRIP, NOT A MATCH GUARANTEE

Our goal is to create as many opportunities as possible for genuine connections.

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We'll provide:

💕 Introductions
💕 Group communication
💕 Singles activities
💕 Matching opportunities
💕 Social events
💕 Optional group adventures
💕 Opportunities to meet people before and during the cruise

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But this is still a vacation.

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There is no guarantee that you'll meet a romantic match—and there is absolutely no obligation to date anyone.

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Treat fellow travelers respectfully, respect boundaries and enjoy getting to know the group.

You may come home with a date, a relationship, a new best friend, a whole new travel group—or simply an incredible vacation story.

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All of those count as a win in our book.

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✅ BEFORE BOOKING YOUR CABIN — FINAL CHECKLIST

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Before you give our cruise coordinator the green light:

☐ I have reviewed airfare to LGB and LAX.

☐ I understand that arriving Saturday, November 14 is strongly recommended.

☐ I have considered my transportation and/or hotel costs.

☐ I have reviewed the Carnival Panorama cabin map.

☐ I have decided whether I prefer Interior, Ocean View, Balcony or Suite.

☐ I have looked at what is above and below my preferred cabin.

☐ I have considered whether I am sensitive to ship movement.

☐ I know whether I want my own cabin or am interested in roommate matching.

☐ I understand roommate matching is not guaranteed.

☐ I have considered the TOTAL vacation budget—not just the advertised cruise fare.

☐ I have budgeted for gratuities and other additional expenses.

☐ I understand the difference between using a credit card, debit card and cash for my Sail & Sign account.

☐ I have reviewed my travel documentation/passport situation.

☐ I have considered travel insurance.

☐ I understand that embarkation Arrival Appointments may be different for different cabins.

☐ I understand our Queen Mary meetup is optional.

☐ I understand some Boise Speed Dating group activities and excursions will be announced separately.

☐ I am ready to book!

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🌺 THEN IT'S TIME TO MAKE IT OFFICIAL!

Once you've reviewed everything above, contact our Singles Cruise Coordinator to select and reserve your cabin.

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After booking, you'll receive additional information from us covering:

💻 Virtual roommate events
💕 Pre-cruise singles introductions
📱 Matching profiles
💬 Group communication
✈️ Arrival coordination
⚓ Embarkation-day plans
🥂 Our optional Queen Mary meetup
🌴 Group excursion opportunities
🎉 Onboard singles activities
🧳 Final packing checklist

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Welcome to the Idaho Singles Cruise to Cabo!

We're not just putting a group of singles on a ship—we're creating six days of opportunities to meet people, make friends, explore Mexico and make some unforgettable memories together. 🌴💕🛳️