Question 1

What are the cruise dates?

Accepted Answer

September 16–20, 2027.

Question 2

What ship are we sailing on?

Accepted Answer

Carnival Horizon.

Question 3

What is the Houston Party Cruise?

Accepted Answer

It's a full entertainment experience at sea presented by Sam Mac Entertainment — music, comedy, live performances and themed parties throughout the sailing.

Question 4

Is this a regular Carnival cruise?

Accepted Answer

You'll be sailing aboard Carnival Horizon and enjoying the ship as any guest would, with Houston Party Cruise entertainment and events layered on top.

Question 5

Who can attend?

Accepted Answer

The experience is created for adults who love great music, comedy and entertainment.

Question 6

Is this cruise only for people from Houston?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Whether you're from Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, New Orleans, Los Angeles or anywhere else, you're invited.

Question 7

Can I bring friends and family?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bring your friends. Bring your family. Bring your crew.

Question 8

Can I come by myself?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Come by yourself and leave with a whole new group of friends.

Question 9

Where does the cruise depart from?

Accepted Answer

The sailing departs from the Houston / Galveston area. Exact terminal and embarkation time will be confirmed.

Question 10

How do I receive updates?

Accepted Answer

Join the VIP list and we'll send announcements by email and text.

Question 11

How do I contact SME Cruise?

Accepted Answer

Call 713-701-2122 or text 832-547-0820, or send a message from the contact page.

Question 12

How do I book my cabin as part of the group?

Accepted Answer

Guests should book using the designated travel advisor. Booking through the group ensures you receive applicable group benefits and are included in group communications and activities.

Question 13

Can I book directly with the cruise line and still be part of the group?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests booking directly with Carnival or their own travel agent can purchase a $172 per person Sam Mac All Access Pass for our private events, subject to limited availability. This pass does not include the off-ship excursion or group-booking benefits. Contact our team before booking independently.

Question 14

How much is the deposit?

Accepted Answer

The $65 per person non-refundable reservation deposit is due at the time of booking to hold your room. The full deposit is $150 per person (refundable until July 3, 2027), due by November 1, 2026. An additional $150 per person (refundable until July 3, 2027) is due by January 15, 2027. Your room cannot be assigned until the full deposit has been received.

Question 15

When is the final payment due?

Accepted Answer

Your final payment deadline is May 22, 2027. Guests are encouraged to make monthly payments throughout the year rather than waiting until the final payment date.

Question 16

Can I make monthly payments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You may schedule a regular monthly payment or make payments toward your cruise at any time before the final payment deadline.

Question 17

Is there a required monthly payment amount?

Accepted Answer

No, there is no required monthly amount after the deposit. However, you are encouraged to make monthly payments throughout the year rather than waiting until the final payment date.

Question 18

Can I pay for my roommate separately?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Roommates can make separate payments toward the same reservation.

Question 19

Can I change the person traveling with me?

Accepted Answer

Name changes are permitted when booking on the standard group rate until the final payment date. However, some promotional rates require a name change fee.

Question 20

Can I change my cabin after booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, changes may be possible depending on availability and current pricing. Changing cabins may result in a fare increase depending on the cabin category.

Question 21

Can I book a cabin by myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes. However, the fares are based on double occupancy, so a solo traveler would be required to pay the cruise rate for 2 people minus the taxes for the second person.

Question 22

How much does the cruise cost?

Accepted Answer

Interior: Starting at $668 per person; Ocean View: Starting at $788 per person; Balcony: Starting at $896 per person; Suite: Starting at $1,333 per person. Based on double occupancy. Prices are subject to change based on availability and promotions. Your $65 holds your spot. Our travel team then confirms your cabin with you by phone or text.

Question 23

What is the Sam Mac Entertainment All-Access Pass?

Accepted Answer

The All-Access Pass is $172 per person and is separate from the cruise fare. For guests booking directly through Carnival or their own travel agent, it provides access to Sam Mac Entertainment's private events for all 3 days, including complimentary alcohol served during those events. It does not include the off-ship excursion. The pass is paid in full and is non-refundable.

Question 24

How much is an All-Access Pass if I did not book through Sam Mac Entertainment's Houston Party Cruise?

Accepted Answer

The All-Access Pass is $172 per person, paid in full in one payment. It is for guests who have already booked their cruise and is separate from the $65 cabin reservation deposit. It provides access to Sam Mac Entertainment's private events for all 3 days, including complimentary alcohol served during our private events. It does not include our off-ship excursion, and the pass is non-refundable.

Question 25

What is included in my cruise price?

Accepted Answer

Bookings through the Houston Party Cruise group include your cabin, most meals, non-alcoholic beverages, onboard entertainment, pools, fitness facilities, ship activities, and the All-Inclusive Excursion at no additional charge. The Sam Mac Entertainment All-Access Pass ($172 per person) is a separate fee for guests who book their cabins directly through Carnival or their own travel agent; that pass does not include the off-ship excursion.

Question 26

What is not included in the cruise price?

Accepted Answer

Additional expenses can include airfare, transportation to the port, parking, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi, other optional excursions purchased separately, spa services, photos, casino play, shopping, and gratuities.

Question 27

Are taxes and port fees included in the quoted price?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your booking quote includes taxes, port expenses, and government fees.

Question 28

Are gratuities included?

Accepted Answer

No. Gratuities are not included in the quoted price. However, cruise line gratuities may be prepaid or charged to your onboard account.

Question 29

Can the cruise price change?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cruise fares are dynamic and can increase or decrease based on availability and promotions. Your $65 holds your spot. Our travel team then confirms your cabin with you by phone or text.

Question 30

What happens if the price goes down after I book?

Accepted Answer

If the price decreases and you reach out to the travel advisor during the promotion, you may be eligible for a price adjustment. Contact your travel advisor rather than canceling or rebooking the reservation yourself.

Question 31

Is the beach excursion included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The All-Inclusive Excursion is included with every booking through the Houston Party Cruise group at no additional charge. It is not included with the All Access Pass for guests booking cabins independently.

Question 32

What is included in the All-Inclusive Excursion?

Accepted Answer

Open bar (beer, margaritas, rum punch, tequila cocktails, sodas and bottled water), a buffet lunch, beach access with lounge chairs, umbrellas, hammocks and shaded areas, water activities including kayaks, paddleboards and water inflatables, beach volleyball, and a tequila tasting.

Question 33

Do I have to pay extra for the excursion?

Accepted Answer

For guests booked through the Houston Party Cruise group, the designated All-Inclusive Excursion is included at no additional charge. It is not included with an All Access Pass purchased by guests booking their cabin independently. Other optional excursions are purchased separately.

Question 34

Can I skip the excursion and do something else?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The excursion is included, but participation is entirely up to you.

Question 35

What does the group package include?

Accepted Answer

Bookings through the Houston Party Cruise group include private parties, hosted entertainment, group games, themed events, meet-and-greet, group photos, exclusive activities, or other special experiences. Guests booking independently can purchase the separate All Access Pass for private events, subject to availability; it does not include the off-ship excursion.

Question 36

Are group activities mandatory?

Accepted Answer

No. Guests can participate in as many or as few group activities as they would like.

Question 37

Will we have private events onboard?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Private events are included with Houston Party Cruise group bookings. Guests booking independently may purchase a separate All Access Pass, subject to limited availability. The schedule and location will be shared closer to sailing.

Question 38

When will we receive the group itinerary?

Accepted Answer

The preliminary event schedule is posted on the website, with the final itinerary provided closer to departure.

Question 39

Will there be themed nights?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The themes will be communicated in advance.

Question 40

Do I have to stay with the group during the entire cruise?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. This is still your vacation. Enjoy the ship, ports, excursions, dining, and activities on your own schedule.

Question 41

What types of cabins are available?

Accepted Answer

Interior: Starting at $668 per person; Ocean View: Starting at $788 per person; Balcony: Starting at $896 per person; Suite: Starting at $1,333 per person. Based on double occupancy. Cabin availability must always be verified before booking.

Question 42

Which cabin category should I choose?

Accepted Answer

That depends on your budget and preferences. Interior cabins offer the lowest price, while balconies and suites provide additional space and amenities.

Question 43

Can three or four people stay in one cabin?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some cabins accommodate three or four guests. Availability is limited, so these cabins should be booked early.

Question 44

What happens if my roommate cancels?

Accepted Answer

The remaining guest may become responsible for the increased cost of the cabin unless another roommate is found.

Question 45

Do I need a passport?

Accepted Answer

Passports are not required for this sailing. An original birth certificate and State ID may be used instead.

Question 46

What if the name on my reservation doesn't match my ID?

Accepted Answer

The name on the reservation should match the traveler's identification documents. Contact your travel advisor immediately if a correction is needed.

Question 47

Who is responsible for making sure I have the proper documents?

Accepted Answer

Ultimately, each traveler is responsible for having the identification, passport, visa, and other documentation required to travel.

Question 48

Should I purchase travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Travel insurance is strongly recommended because unexpected illnesses, emergencies, travel delays, cancellations, and other situations can occur. We strongly recommend travel insurance — ask Travel by Yvette for options at www.travelbyyvette.com.

Question 49

What does travel insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

Coverage may include trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, evacuation, baggage issues, and travel delays.

Question 50

Can I purchase insurance later?

Accepted Answer

Possibly, but some benefits are available only when insurance is purchased within a certain period after the initial trip deposit.

Question 51

What happens if I cancel without travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

The group booking is refundable until July 3, 2027. Cruise-line cancellation penalties will apply according to the fare rules and cancellation schedule starting July 4, 2027.

Question 52

Is my deposit refundable?

Accepted Answer

Deposits made on the group rate are refundable until July 3, 2027. The $65 per person deposit is non-refundable. Promotional rate deposits are non-refundable.

Question 53

What happens if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

Contact the travel agent immediately. Cancellation penalties typically increase as the sailing date approaches.

Question 54

Will I get all my money back if I cancel?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Refunds depend on the cruise line's cancellation policy, fare rules, group-package terms, and travel insurance coverage. The initial deposit and All Access Pass payments have separate cancellation and refund policies from the cruise fare and are non-refundable. Reach out to the travel agent for specific information.

Question 55

What happens if the cruise line cancels the sailing?

Accepted Answer

The cruise line will provide options according to its applicable cancellation policy, which may include a refund or future cruise credit.

Frequently asked questions

About the Cruise11

What are the cruise dates?

What ship are we sailing on?

What is the Houston Party Cruise?

Is this a regular Carnival cruise?

Who can attend?

Is this cruise only for people from Houston?

Can I bring friends and family?

Can I come by myself?

Where does the cruise depart from?

How do I receive updates?

How do I contact SME Cruise?

Booking & Reservations10

Pricing9

Group Package & Activities10

Cabins & Roommates4

Travel Documents3

Travel Insurance4

Cancellations & Refunds4