FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I register an additional trip participant to my room?
You can add an additional participant to your room by logging back into the your online account:
1. Visit https://www.cruisedreamsgroups.com/THEWATKINSCO2019
2. Log into your account by clicking the ‘Already Registered’ tab
3. Click on 'My Guests'
4. Click on ‘Add Additional Guest' button
5. Follow all the prompts to complete the guest registration
What if I need to change the name or any other information of a registered trip participant?
When you register, please ensure that all information is accurate and reflects the exact information on your passport and/or travel documents. Once you have registered online, any subsequent changes may incur a cost to the participant. Please contact Cruise Dreams directly at 1.877.999.4533 if any changes to your reservation are required.
What travel documents should I bring with me to the airport?
You must take the following documents with you to the airport:
- Valid Passport
- Airline E-ticket
- All other travel documents required (e.g., visa)
Any guest without proper travel documents will be denied boarding.
All participants are required to have a valid passport, and it must be presented upon check-in at the airport.
IMPORTANT PASSPORT INFORMATION: Your passport must be valid at least six months beyond the completion date of the trip. Anyone traveling without a valid passport will be denied boarding at the airport by the airlines. Passport information must be submitted by FEBRUARY 25, 2019 in order to receive your final travel documents! Please remember that all travel documents must be under the same name as stated on your passport.
What is the luggage requirement?
Checked baggage fees vary by airline. Please check your airline’s website for the most current information regarding baggage fees and allowances. Each guest is responsible for paying any baggage fees required by the airlines.
What time should I arrive at the airport?
Please check-in at the airport 2.5 hours prior to your international flight departure. This will ensure you have plenty of time to check in, drop off your bags and go through airport security screening. You may be denied boarding if not checked in as noted above for international travel.
What if I am a frequent flyer with the airline?
Please bring your frequent flyer card to the airport and present it at check-in on the departure and return flights.
What will happen when I arrive at our final destination? Will we be transferred to the resort automatically?
All transfers (Airport-Resort-Airport) are included for those traveling on group dates only. Upon arrival in Punta Cana collect your luggage, proceed through customs, then exit airport. You will be met outside the airport terminal by our transfer staff holding a Watkins/Cruise Dreams sign. They will guide you to the correct vehicle for your transfer to the resort.
What is included in your trip?
Your all-inclusive trip includes:
- Round-trip air travel
- Round-trip transfers from airport-resort-airport
- Standard Oceanview accommodations
- Private group check-in with welcome (non-alcoholic) cocktail
- All standard on-site meals and snacks
- All on-site beverages by the glass - including liquor, domestic & international brands
- Daily and nightly on-site entertainment and activities
- Taxes, gratuities and porterage
Plus, the following special events & activities:
- (1) hour private welcome cocktail reception with open bar & appetizers, hosted by The Watkins Co
- Semi-private group dinner, hosted by The Watkins Co
- Private Group Excursion - Altos de Chavon, compliments of The Watkins Co.
All other incidentals are at each participant's expense and a credit card must be presented to the resort upon check-in.
What is the hotel check-in process?
Check-in time is 3:00 pm. Your rooms will be ready as soon as possible. We suggest you bring a carry-on bag containing your essential items or change of clothes so that you can relax and explore the IBEROSTAR Punta Cana and all it has to offer! Your luggage will be delivered to your room by a pre-tipped bellman within a couple of hours.
The resort maintains a separate account for each individual’s personal expenses that may not be covered by the travel program. You will be required to present a credit card upon check-in for any incidental charges and your account must be settled before departure. In the event that you do not have a credit card, you will be required to submit a cash deposit.
What is the language spoken in Punta Cana?
In Punta Cana and in the rest of the Dominican Republic, the official language is Spanish. Most people involved in tourism understand and speak English. In some places that get more influx of tourists from a certain region, some people also speak German, French or Portuguese.
What is the currency in Punta Cana?
The official currency of the country is the Dominican Peso (DOP). However, because Punta Cana is a hot spot for international tourism, most shops, hotels, excursion companies and restaurants accept US dollars and Euros. In fact many visitors go about their trips without ever using any other currency than the US dollar, but it is advisable that each member of your party has some Dominican currency in his or her wallet also. The value of the DOP typically hovers between 40 to 45 Pesos per US dollar.
What is the weather typically like in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic?
The weather in Punta Cana is tropical and humid. The average temperature remains virtually constant throughout the year, about 28-29°C / 82-84°F.
How should I pack?
In addition to swimsuits, shorts and t-shirts, you will want to pack appropriate clothing to dine in the resort's restaurants. The restaurant dress codes are:
- Resort Casual: For gentlemen, shirts with sleeves at breakfast and lunch, Bermuda shorts and shoes or sandals at dinner. For ladies, sundresses, skirts, pants, tops and shoes or sandals.
- Resort Formal: Long pants are required. Jacket and sleeved shirts or polo shirts, dress sandals or shoes for gentlemen. For ladies, sundresses, skirts, pants, tops and shoes or sandals.
What is the electrical voltage at the hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic?
Generally the electricity operates at 110 volts (like in North America) but voltage irregularities are quite common here - sometimes providing less, sometimes providing surges of far more. For this reason, expensive appliances and computers should have surge protection if they are going to be used here. Appliances from countries that use more voltage, 220 volts for example, will generally require converters or adapters.
What about the Zika Virus Warning?
In an abundance of caution, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new travel notices for countries affected by Zika virus. The interim recommendations from CDC read:
Zika virus can be spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby. There have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant. Knowledge of the link between Zika and these outcomes is evolving, but until more is known, CDC recommends special precautions for the following groups:
Women who are pregnant (in any trimester):
- Consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
- If you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your doctor first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.
Women who are trying to become pregnant:
- Before you travel, talk to your doctor about your plans to become pregnant and the risk of Zika virus infection.
- Strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.
Please see the www.cdc.gov/zika and http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices websites for more information.