Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Fundraising Cruise?
A Fundraising Cruise is a unique idea utilizing a cruise vacation to raise money for nonprofit organizations.
Who can set up a Fundraising Cruise?
Anyone can set up a Fundraising Cruise. The only requirement is for the recipient of the fundraising check to have a federal ID reflecting not-for-profit status - 501C. Some examples: churches, schools, youth activity sponsors, charities, social service organizations, fraternal groups, scholarship programs, youth sports, booster clubs, non-profit foundations and more.
Why should we try a Fundraising Cruise as a fundraiser?
Because it's easy! The target participants for your Fundraising Cruise are folks who have cruised in the past or are planning a cruise in the future. Your members, their families and their friends are out there right now thinking about cruising. Soon they will be making the decision on which cruise to take. Why not give them a reason to sail on a cruise designed to benefit your specific fundraising effort?
Since families and friends tend to vacation together, you will also gain access to potential new contributors who have disposable income and can assist you with future events.
Remember, people who have a truly great cruise experience will cruise again and again.
Who does all the detail work?
We do! We handle the reservations, deposits, payments, special requests, answering questions and distributing the documents.
How do we promote our cruise?
You can promote your cruise through your website, monthly newsletters, meetings, word of mouth, or any type of print or radio advertising you have access to. We will supply you with posters, post cards and other print media to help with your promotion. Additionally, we will list your cruise on the RealValueTravel.com website to invite others to join in your fundraising efforts.
How does our organization make money with a Fundraising Cruise?
Your group makes money by:
- By "marking up" the already low group rate
- By receiving matching funds from Carnival Cruise Lines
- By using the "free" cabins as additional fundraising devices or converting directly into fundraising cash.
More specifically, we obtain a group rate from the cruise line. You then "mark up" the per person price - the amount is up to you.
Carnival will match up to $5 per person per day of the cruise (first and second passengers in the cabin only). For example:
3 day cruise / $30 per cabin
5 day cruise / $50 per cabin
7 day cruise / $70 per cabin
For every 15 cabins your group sells, the 16th cabin is free (2 berths). You can take the cash value of the free cabin and add it to your fundraising totals. Or, you can raffle or auction off the free cabin to earn additional money.
How much money can we make?
Let's say 20 cabins are sold on a 7-day cruise. You marked up the cabin price by $70 ($35 per person based on 2 in a cabin). Carnival matches the $70 - now you have $140 per cabin x 20 cabins = $2800 Total Fundraising for your organization.
Don't forget the free cabin you've earned. You can turn the value of the cabin back into cash - if the per person cruise fare was $500 - you now have an additional $1000 for your group for a Total Fundraising of $3800.
OR -
You can sell 500 raffle tickets for the free cabin at $10 a ticket for a chance to win the free cruise. Total raffle dollars raised for the free cruise: $5000. Now the Total Fundraising is $7800!
See how it adds up?
When do we get paid?
After the sailing, Carnival will send a check, made payable to your non-profit, to Real Value Travel and we will deliver it to you.
When can we use the free cabin?
The free cabin must be used during the group cruise.
When can we sail on a Fundraising Cruise?
With the exception of the holidays and extremely high volume periods, almost anytime is available for a group fundraising cruise.
Where can we sail on our cruise?
Carnival "Funships" cruise to the Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas, Bermuda, New England & Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and Europe from many convenient ports, some within easy driving distance from most major cities.
Can we have private meetings or socials?
Yes, we can arrange special events just for your group complete with audio visual equipment and special catering items.
Can we dine together as a group?
We can make arrangements to have your group seated together for dinner, or, if you prefer, everyone may dine as they please. The choice is yours.
Fundraising Cruises
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