FAQs
General Conference & Cruise Questions
Q: Who is The Closers Cruise for?
A: This event is for real estate professionals (agents, brokers, investors, and industry leaders) looking for networking, learning, and a great experience.
Q: Is this exclusive to one brokerage?
A: ALL BROKERAGES ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED! We want this to be a place for all real estate professionals to come together. Recruitment pirates are strictly prohibited (IYKYK). Violators will be asked to leave.
Q: What is included in my conference ticket?
A: Your conference ticket includes:
● Access to all speaker sessions
● Networking events
● Happy hours (based on ticket level)
**Cruise fare and excursions are booked separately.
Q: Can I bring a guest who is not attending the conference?
A: Yes! Guests can enjoy the cruise, but conference sessions are reserved for ticket holders.
Q: How will I receive conference updates?
A: Attendees will be added to the private Facebook group “The Closers Cruise – The Inner Crew” for event updates. There will also be email updates and reminders up until the cruise.
Q: What if I’ve never been on a cruise before?
A: No problem! We’ll provide helpful tips, packing lists, and guidance in our Facebook group to make your first cruise experience smooth and stress-free.
https://www.journeysbyjean.com/pages/first-time-cruisers-2081
Q: What happens if I miss the ship at a port stop?
A: It is your responsibility to return to the ship on time. If you miss boarding, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the next port of call. We recommend booking excursions through NCL, as these ensure you return to the ship on time.
Q: What if I am further along in my pregnancy?
A: Norwegian Cruise Line will not accept guests who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy and beyond by the time their travel with Norwegian Cruise Line concludes. A Statement from the expectant mother's doctor, stating her due date and fitness to travel must be provided prior to boarding. Norwegian Cruise Line will not be responsible or liable for any complications of pregnancy which arise or occur during the cruise.
Pricing & Accommodations
Q: What is the cost for a balcony cabin?
A: The group block price is $1,176.22 per person (based on double occupancy), which includes:
● Cruise fare, taxes, fees, and port expenses
● 150 minutes of Wi-Fi per person
● $50 per NCL shore excursion for the first guest in the cabin
● 6 complimentary dining options
Q: What package options are available for balcony cabins?
A: Each balcony room must choose Option A or Option B (one choice per room):
● Balcony Option A – More at Sea Package ($270 per person for guests 1 & 2)
○ More at Sea Beverage Package (includes premium alcohol, soda and juice; no drink limit)
○ More at Sea Specialty Dining (3 Specialty Dining Meals)
● If Guest 2 is under 21, they receive the More at Sea Soda Package ($147.50)
● Balcony Option B – No Additional Cost
○ 10-Photo Package (per cabin)
○ $100 onboard credit (per cabin)
○ If choosing Option B:
■ Optional soda package available for $105 or pay per soda
■ Alcoholic beverages and specialty dining are paid individually ($40-$60 per specialty dining meal)
Q: What is the cost for an interior room?
A: The group block price is $946.17 per person (based on double occupancy), which includes:
● Cruise fare, taxes, fees, and port expenses
● 6 complimentary dining options
Q: What package options are available for interior cabins?
A: Each interior room must choose TWO items from Option A or Option B (one choice per room):
● Interior Option A (Choose two)
○ More at Sea Beverage Package $210 (includes premium alcohol, soda and juice; no drink limit)
○ If Guest 2 is under 21, they receive the More at Sea Soda Package ($87.50) ○ More at Sea Specialty Dining $20 for one Specialty Dining Meal
○ 150 minutes Wi-Fi per person
○ $50 per NCL shore excursion for the first guest in cabin
● Interior Option B (Choose two) – No Additional Cost
○ 10-Photo Package (per cabin)
○ $100 onboard credit (per cabin)
○ 150 minutes Wi-Fi per person
○ $50 per NCL shore excursion for the first guest in cabin
○ If choosing Option B:
■ Optional soda package available for $105 or pay per soda
■ Alcoholic beverages and specialty dining are paid individually ($40-$60 per specialty dining meal)
Q: What if I want my own cabin or need a cabin for more than 2 people? A: Email jean.thares@cruiseplanners.com for pricing and availability.
Q: What if I need to change a guest name in the cabin?
A: Name changes can be made prior to final payment. The free PPG promo is applicable for reservations made with both names of the guests in the cabin and fully deposited by 3/30/25. Name changes to the cabin could void that promotion.
Booking & Payments
Q: How much is the reservation fee?
A: $65 per person (non-refundable). The invoice will be sent via PayPal from Journeys By Jean, LLC (Cruise Specialist: Jean Thares, Cruise Planners).
**Cruise must be booked through the group cruise specialist to get the block discount and additional conference events.
Q: What are the payment options?
A: You can choose from the following:
● Pay in full
● Pay deposit, then full balance by September 1, 2025
● Pay deposit, then 4 monthly payments (auto-deducted June–September, 1st of the month)
Q: How much is the deposit?
A: $125 per person (due at registration)
● Refundable if paid by credit card until 9/1/2025
● CruiseFirst Credit can be used for the deposit if purchased before making a reservation
● Notify Jean Thares on how you plan to pay your deposit
CruiseFirst Credit
Q: What is CruiseFirst Credit?
A: CruiseFirst Credit allows you to purchase a discounted deposit credit for a future cruise.
● Standard offer: $150 purchase = $300 credit
● Valid for deposits on new bookings of 6+ day cruises (must book 120+ days before sailing)
● Only one CruiseFirst Credit per stateroom
● Purchase link: https://www.ncl.com/no/en/cruisefirst-program
**NON-REFUNDABLE (If canceled before 9/1/2025, the credit returns to your NCL Latitudes account).
Cruise Registration & Documentation
Q: What are the registration requirements?
A: You must:
● Include both guests in the cabin when registering
● Submit cabin location requests (subject to availability)
● Pay a $25 fee for any room changes after booking
Q: What documents are required?
A: Each guest must:
● Email a copy of passport to jean.thares@cruiseplanners.com
● Complete a secure credit card authorization form for the deposit (not charged if using CruiseFirst Credit)
Q: Is a passport required and can I book the cruise if I don’t have one? A: Yes! Please read the following:
● If you don’t have a passport, you can still register for the cruise. Apply for a passport RIGHT AWAY as this process takes time. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport.html
● A driver’s license/birth certificate is not sufficient - you will need a valid passport for each traveler
● Your reservation information MUST match your passport.
● If your passport has expired or is not valid through 7/17/2026, you will need to renew it by going to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport.html
Guests & Conference Attendance
Q: Can I bring my family or non-conference attendees?
A: Yes! Family, friends, and non-conference guests are welcome on the cruise and optional group excursions. However, conference sessions are limited to ticket holders.
Q: Is the conference ticket refundable?
A: No, but it IS transferable to another attendee.
Q: Will the conference sessions be recorded?
A: At this time, sessions are planned to be live and in-person only. We encourage you to take notes and participate actively!
Cancellation & Travel Insurance
Q: What are the cruise cancellation fees?
A: The following cancellation fees apply based on days before departure:
Days Before Departure Cancellation Fee
119-91 days 25% of fare
90-61 days 50% of fare
60-31 days 75% of fare
30 days or less 100% of fare
Q: Should I get travel insurance?
A: Highly recommended! Travel insurance can cover:
● Trip cancellations or interruptions
● Medical emergencies
● Lost baggage, flight delays, or missed connections
Flights, Hotels, & Transfers
Q: Where should I fly into?
A: Fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) – the nearest airport.
Q: When should I arrive?
A: Arrive at least one day before departure to avoid delays.
Q: Are flights, hotels, and transfers included?
A: No, you are responsible for booking your own flights, hotels, and transfers.
Onboard Experience & Extras
Q: What should I do before the cruise?
A:
✔ Download the NCL app (new version) to check in 21 days before sailing ✔ Book shore excursions through the NCL app or website
Q: Can I purchase additional Wi-Fi?
A: Yes! First, use your free 150 minutes, then you can purchase more onboard.
Special Requests
Q: How can I request special accommodations?
A: Email jean.thares@cruiseplanners.com for:
✅ CPAP machine distilled water
✅ Dietary restrictions
✅ Special celebrations (birthday, anniversary, etc.)
Sponsorship & Speaking Opportunities
Q: Can I apply to speak?
A: Yes! Submit a 30-60 second video on our website (www.thecloserscruise.com) explaining:
● Your topic
● Why you’d be a great fit
Q: How can I become a sponsor?
A: Exclusive sponsorships are available (one vendor per category). Apply on our website (www.thecloserscruise.com) to:
● Sponsor a happy hour
● Speak at the event
● Provide branded giveaways
Additional Questions?
**For cruise inquiries: jean.thares@cruiseplanners.com
**For conference inquiries: thecloserscruise@gmail.com
**FAQ updates will be posted periodically.