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Overview

Alabama A&M Friends & Family Cruise "With the Jazz Band"
Bahamas
Mar 13 - 19, 2026
Performing Arts Consultants image
Performing Arts Consultants
$1,069
Deposit: $200

About your trip

Welcome to your CARNIVAL CRUISE onboard the beautiful Carnival Freedom with the Alabama A&M University Jazz Band. We're excited that you are looking to join the band on their performance cruise! Cabins available through December 6 so don't miss YOUR opportunity!


Please register here to request your preferred stateroom for the cruise. With your deposit, we will secure your requested cabin promptly and advise of alternatives if your cabin type is sold out. Don't worry, we look to have you aboard with the band!


Friday, March 13, 2016

Schedule your flight to the Orlando International Airport (MCO). Arrive anytime during this day (Friday). Flights are not included in your pricing below and are to be booked/arranged by each passenger. Arrive anytime on 3/13. Best to return to home after 1pm on 3/19.


So as not to risk missing your departure on Saturday, we have reserved hotel space for you near the Orlando International Airport on Friday night (March 13) at the "Country Inn & Suites." You will take the complimentary hotel shuttle to your room from the airport and we'll take you as a group to the Port Canaveral Cruise Port the next morning (exact time ytbd). 


WE DO NOT RECOMMEND FLYING FOR YOUR CRUISE ON SATURDAY. Most any weather or mechanical delay on Saturday morning flight could place you in jeopardy of missing your cruise! 


Saturday, March 14, 2026

Enjoy your complimentary hot breakfast at the hotel.


5-night Carnival Cruise onboard the Carnival Freedom to Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay and Nassau, Bahamas with a jazz performance by the Alabama A&M University Jazz Band!


***PASSPORT RECOMMENDED***

Birth Certificate (certified/original) accepted.


10:00am    Shuttle from the hotel to the Arrive at Port Canaveral Cruise Ship Terminal and check-in with Carnival.

Please Note:  Proof of citizenship is required at this time (passport of original/certified birth certificate copy).

Boarding begins for the Carnival Freedom – Welcome Aboard!  

12:00pm Buffet lunch is served on the Lido Deck.

TBA Bon Voyage Party starts on Lido Deck, featuring live calypso music.

3:30pm Carnival Freedom departs Port Canaveral, FL for the Bahamas.

Be sure to check-in with your cruise staff for a Mandatory Passenger Lifeboat Briefing.

  

8:15pm Dinner is served in the main dining room. Check your “Sail ’n Sign” card for your table assignment.  Your evening is free to enjoy the many activities available.

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Fun Day at Sea! Morning Breakfast in your dining room or buffet on the Lido Deck.  Enjoy the spectacular pools, water slide, and sunshine or the many shipboard activities throughout the day. Afternoon Open seating lunch in the dining room or on the Lido Deck.

TBD Alabama A&M University Jazz Band Performance on board ship for all guests. 

8:15pm Dinner in your assigned dining room.


Monday, March 16, 2026 

8:00am The Carnival Freedom arrives at Half Moon Cay. After you see the pristine beaches and breathtaking turquoise waters, it's no surprise to learn that Half Moon Cay was named Best Private Island. But it held the title for more than 20 years… and you don't earn that type of respect without having great ways for visitors to really make the most of paradise. Morning Breakfast in your dining room or buffet on the Lido Deck. Afternoon BBQ lunch is served on Half Moon Cay.  

4:00pm The Carnival Freedom departs Half Moon Cay.

8:15pm Dinner in your assigned dining room.

Tonight is "dress your best night."


Tuesday, March 17, 2026

8:00am Arrive Nassau, Bahamas! –

Buffet breakfast served on the Lido Deck or a plated breakfast in dining room. Once authorities clear the ship, you may proceed ashore. Explore Nassau’s famous Nassau Straw Market or visit the Pirates of Nassau museum or relax on one of Nassau’s beautiful sandy beaches. There’s a lot to do in this popular cruising destination! 


11:00am Jazz Ensemble Performance in downtown Nassau, Bahamas.

Afternoon Buffet lunch available on the Lido Deck and open seating lunch in the dining room.

4:00pm The Freedom sets sail for Celebration Key.

8:15pm Dinner in your assigned dining room.  

Check your ship schedule for exciting things to do tonight on-board ship.


Wednesday, March 18, 2026

8:00am The Freedom arrives at Celebration Key a private island in the Bahamas. 

Morning Breakfast in your dining room or buffet on the Lido Deck

Afternoon Lunch buffet or open seating lunch in the main dining room. Food is also served on Celebration Key.

 5:00pm The Freedom departs Celebration Key for Port Canaveral, FL.

 8:15pm Dinner in your assigned dining room.


Thursday, March 19, 2026

Morning Breakfast in your dining room or on the Lido Deck

8:00am Ship arrives in Port Canaveral, FL. 

9:30am Disembark the Carnival Freedom and proceed through the luggage terminal and Customs. Board your arranged motorcoach back to the Orlando International Airport for your flight home, or choose to stay in the Orlando airport on your own for other pursuits!


Very Important! All aspects of this itinerary are subject to change by the Cruise Line. Make sure to review the “Carnival Fun Times” found in your cabin each morning to reconfirm times and locations for all meal functions. Arrival times at the Ports of Call may vary slightly. 


Your trip deposit and payment may be made online here by check draft (no fee) or by credit card (4% fee to cover the credit card processing charge).


Initial deposits are due by Saturday, December 6 to reserve your cabin(s) onboard this special Alabama A&M Jazz Band Cruise!

After this date, cabins are no longer available to join the band.

Inclusions and Pricing

5-night Carnival Cruise onboard the Carnival Freedom to Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay and Nassau, Bahamas with a jazz performance by the Alabama A&M University Jazz Band!

One Night pre-cruise at the Country Inn & Suites Orlando Airport.

Hot Breakfast at the hotel.

Transport from the Hotel to the Cruise Port.

Transport from the Cruise Port to the Orlando Airport


Interior Cabins

Quad: $898 Triple: $962 Double: $1069 Single: $1599

Oceanview Cabins

Double: $1169 Single: $1779


Balcony Cabins

Double: $1359 Single: $2189

All port fees and prepaid gratuities are included.

Air transportation to/from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) is your responsibility and not included. This allows you to use your preferred airline and points, etc.


(other configurations on request)

Your trip deposit and payment may be made online here by check draft (no fee) or by credit card (4% fee to cover the credit card processing charge).

Trip Insurance?

Travel insurance, if desired, may be purchased for your group from any provider, not just our recommended provider. We use and recommend for individual travelers the retail insurance products at Travel Insured. You can find their offerings and quotes here: TRAVEL INSURED


Note: PAC is not a licensed Insurance Company. 

Cancellation Policy

In consideration of your cruise arrangements, you can cancel and request a full refund through December 15, 2025. Afterwards:


INDIVIDUAL CANCELLATION POLICY

• Cancellations received between December 16, 2025 and January 15, 2026-$150.00 per person fee

• Cancellations received between January 16, 2026  and February 4, 2026 - $200.00 per person fee

• Cancellation received between February 5, 2026 and February 28, 2026 -75% of cost 

• Cancellations received 30 days or less prior to sail date-no refund

Documents Need to Board the Cruise

To board a Carnival cruise, you'll need a passport or other acceptable proof of citizenship, along with a boarding pass. For domestic cruises, a birth certificate (issued by a government agency and accompanied by a photo ID) or a passport card can also be used. Ensure the name on your travel documents matches your government-issued photo ID. Required Documents:

  • Proof of Citizenship:
    • U.S. Citizens: A valid passport, or a birth certificate (original or certified copy) and a government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license). 
    • Permanent Residents: A valid passport and a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551). 
  • Boarding Pass: This is obtained after completing online check-in. 
  • Passport Card (for domestic cruises): Can be used instead of a passport for certain cruises. 
  • Other Documents (if applicable):
    • Visas: Required for certain itineraries. 
    • Marriage certificate or legal name change document: If the name on your ID doesn't match your booking. 

Important Considerations:

  • Name Consistency: The name on your travel documents must match the name on your photo ID. 
  • Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the cruise's completion. 
  • Online Check-in: Complete online check-in before your cruise to receive your boarding pass. 

Optional Excursions

Closer to the Cruise date, you will be afforded the opportunity to purchase optional excursions and other onboard ammonites and services for your cruise.

About your organizer

Since 1984, Performing Arts Consultants functions as an educational foundation exclusively for students of the performing arts (501c3). With most of our professional staff holding degrees in the performing arts, we totally understand what it takes and means to young minds when on a trip of this nature. We take great bands to their biggest events with pride!

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