Mexican Riviera Deck Gazette
December 7-14, 2014
7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

View the poker room schedule here - http://tiny.cc/cpc-mex

ARE YOU READY TO SAIL?

On December 7th, you will begin your exciting, fun-filled vacation to the Mexican Riviera sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Star. This Deck Gazette will give you valuable tips and information that will make your cruise more enjoyable.

WELCOME ABOARD!

When you come aboard, please proceed directly to the poker room (the Conference Center on deck 12) to meet our staff and pick up your nametags between 1:00pm - 3:00pm. There will be a mandatory fire drill at 4:30pm. At 5:00pm there will be a Welcome Aboard party in the poker room. Please plan to attend to learn about our poker procedures and plans for the week. The drinks are on us!

POKER ROOM

The poker room is located in the Conference Center on deck 12 and will be open for play at 9:00am on sea days and every evening after first-seating dinner. The staff will be happy to spread any game and limit that enough players want to play. If the game you wish to play is full, give your name to the brush or board personnel and they will put you on the waiting list. If the game or limit you wish to play is not in progress, we will be glad to start an "interest" list.

RULES

Our cardroom has the same rules as most poker rooms in a casino.
Some specific rules to our cardroom at sea include the following:

• A no-abuse policy is strictly enforced in the cardroom.
• Smoking is not permitted in the cardroom.
• When re-opening the cardroom after dinner, names will not be put on the board until the games are full. Please take a seat in the game you wish to play; a waiting list will be started if the game you wish to play in is full.
• In order to accommodate everyone, players will only be allowed to be away from their table for 15 minutes. Please pick your chips up when going to eat or to attend a ship activity. No personal checks will be cashed in the cardroom.

Important: You must wear your name badge at all times in the cardroom in order to be identified as a Card Player Cruises guest.

IDENTIFICATION

All passengers are required to carry a passport valid for six months after disembarking the ship. Expired passports are not acceptable. In addition, non-US citizens who have previously been admitted to the United States for permanent residence must carry their Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a Green Card. Aliens should contact the appropriate consulate to inquire about necessary travel documentation. Each passenger will need a photo I.D.

MONEY

It is important to know that while U.S. currency and travelers checks are accepted in most ports of call, Norwegian Cruise Line employs a sign and sail format. In order to purchase beverages, photos, shore excursions, or other incidentals on board, you will need a shipboard account. You will be asked to register your credit card or make a cash deposit with the Front Office personnel on sailing day, at which time you will be issued a shipboard account card. Your MasterCard and VISA are accepted in the duty-free shops on board.
Please note that Card Player Cruises is unable to cash personal checks.

SEASICKNESS

If you are of the “better safe than sorry” mindset, Card Player Cruises has found Bonine to be very helpful in combating seasickness, and it does not make most people sleepy. Bonine can be purchased without a prescription at most drug stores. Free seasick pills are available onboard at the Front Office.

GRATUITIES ONBOARD

Gratuities for shipboard personnel (waiter, busboy, and cabin attendant) will be automatically charged to your account during your cruise. These gratuities cannot be reversed so please be sure to let Jan, Rita or me know immediately if you have any service issues. A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to your bar bill or wine check when you are served.

FOOD

The poker room will be closed during first-seating dinner. You will have open anytime/anywhere dining. Card Player Cruises uses open seating. If you want to sit at the same table each night, simply write the table number and your name on the table tent so that others will know the table is reserved for specific people.

You will be able to eat at virtually any time of day on this cruise. You may wish to try one or more of the pay restaurants. Please note that it is advisable to make reservations online for the specialty restaurants.

ROOM SERVICE

Room service is complimentary. You may choose to tip room service personnel.

DRESS

T-shirts and shorts are not allowed in the dining room at dinner time. There are two formal nights on this cruise: Ladies usually wear evening gowns, fancy pant suits, or cocktail dresses; gentlemen may wear either tuxedos or suits. Alternative restaurants are available for those who do not wish to dress up.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Norwegian Cruise Line’s shore excursions offer something for every interest and passion. Card Player Cruises recommends that you book your shore excursions through Norwegian Cruise Line for this trip. When you receive your eDocs (electronic documents) you will be able to view and book excursions online at the Norwegian Cruise Line website. You may also book them onboard, but please remember that some excursions are limited and sell out quickly.

Important: You must wear your name badge at all times in the cardroom in order to be identified as a Card Player Cruises guest.

ONLINE CHECK-IN

Guests are requested to complete Online Check-In no later than 3 days prior to the cruise in order to expedite the pier check-in process. You won't have to fill out any forms at the pier. When you and your party arrive, you'll just need your Onboard Expense Account document, identification documents, and the credit card that you registered online.
First, gather the following information for all the guests you're checking in:
* Ship, sailing date, and your Norwegian Cruise Line reservation number
* Passport or appropriate proof of citizenship and identification
* Home address
* Emergency contact name with phone number
* Travel plans before and after your cruise
* Credit card for the Onboard Expense Account

WHEN DO WE SAIL?

The suggested arrival time at the cruise ship terminal is generally 3 to 4 hours prior to the ship's scheduled sailing time. If you get to the cruise terminal before 1pm, you may experience long lines waiting to board. We recommend that you sleep in and get to the terminal about 2pm to avoid waiting to board the ship. Please refer to your eDocs (electronic documents) for more details.

The Norwegian Star gets underway at 4:00pm but you must check in by 2:30pm. Directions to the pier in Los Angeles will be included with your eDocs. Curbside porters will be available at the pier to take your luggage to the ship. From there, it will be delivered to your cabin by the ship's personnel. Sometimes it takes a while to arrive, so please carry on valuables, necessary medications, and clothes for the first night, etc.

I look forward to seeing you soon.
Please feel free to write to me with any questions you might have.

Safe travels,
Linda Johnson
Card Player Cruises