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Ceremony Travel
 

Ceremony FAQ's

Good to Know
 

Travel is the best way to learn about yourself and build independence. Here are the most common questions people have about their Ceremony travel experience.


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COVID-19 - FAQs
 

UPDATED: June 25, 2020

We have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak and are following the guidelines set out by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Global Affairs Canada and the local government regulations for the countries we operate in. 

As we work to support our groups who are preparing for, returning from, or in the midst of travel, our thoughts are with the people affected by the COVID-19 situation around the globe.

Here are some common questions we have been receiving. Due to high volume if you do have a question that is not addressed here, we ask that you email us.

1. What is Ceremony doing in reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak?

At this time, we are continuing to monitor travel updates from the Government of Canada and Public Health Canada (PHAC). As the Government of Canada advises on the evolving nature of the situation, we will continue to respond quickly to any announcement of new travel requirements. 

Having information on our response to COVID-19 is a critical step in giving you peace of mind during travel. Here’s what we’re doing to ensure your safe journey with us:

  • We have implemented additional training/education for our staff and volunteers to encourage best hygiene practices to prevent the virus.

  • We've been working with our partners, who are educating their staff about additional cleaning steps to prevent the spread of germs. In addition, we have asked them to have extra supplies of hand sanitizer available for our travellers

  •  to use during their trip. 

  • We are actively monitoring the impact that the coronavirus is having on the areas in which we operate programs as well as the PHAC’s guidance for travel, events, and schools. Where appropriate, we’re also speaking with local health officials who can help offer additional perspectives and guidelines that we can follow to help make our programs as safe as possible. In nearly all of our program locations, we have local staff who provide additional information for consideration by our Health & Safety Team.

  • We aren’t supporting travel in any destination with a Warning Level 3 Travel Health Notice from the PHAC, or any areas where a government is restricting travel.

2. What is happening with my trip planned for later this year?

As there are currently no travel restrictions to the countries we will be traveling to, our programs will continue as planned. As this is an evolving situation, we will continue to monitor and will address any required changes or modifications to travel as new information becomes available.

It’s worth noting that the destinations we travel to throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America have been deemed as low risk for COVID-19 by the Government of Canada. According to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Situation Report, as of March 10, 2020 there are currently less than 25 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the destinations where we operate.

3. I am concerned about travelling later this year, what should I do?

As this is an evolving situation our recommendation is to see how the situation develops before making any decisions. We are constantly monitoring the situation and are prepared to make changes as the needs arise.

4. I want to cancel now, what are my options?

If you purchased additional cancellation insurance and your reason for cancellation is covered by Manulife, you may be eligible to submit a claim to recover any additional payments to the non refundable deposit. As this situation is unique by case, we suggest contacting Manulife to discuss your coverage options.  They will instruct you on how to proceed from there. 

Today, we have received an option from Air Canada Vacations to rebook your travel plans for the end of the school year, June 28, 29, 30 or July 1, 2020 departure at the same price/cost and without any fees.  We will rebook all passengers together for the best available date based on availability once we have the confirmed number of rebookings.

The choice to change your travel plans is an individual choice, we will adjust rooming as necessary and there will be no costs incurred to travellers for March Break nor for those rebooking for Summer. 

Should you choose to take advantage of this option to rebook, please email us at [email protected] before 5:00 PM today indicating that you are taking the Summer trip option.  Please make sure to include the following in your email:

1. Traveller Name

2.  Group/School Name

Note that if the new date does not work for your schedule we will continue to advocate for you and work with Air Canada Vacations and other suppliers to provide alternative travel dates or compensation and will continue to communicate in this regard, but at this time no other options are available. 

5. What preventative measures can I take to prevent COVID-19?

At Ceremony, the health and safety of our passengers is our top priority and while we are advised that the risk remains low, we will be encouraging travellers to take basic preventative measures. As a community, we must all keep proper hygiene routines to minimize contracting the virus.

When travelling you should always take preventative measures against the spread of viruses. 

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

  • Avoid close contact with people who are ill

  • Avoid sharing water bottles and drinks

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm

  • Staff members and guests are advised to stay at home if feeling unwell

We will continue monitoring the COVID-19 updates, and will respond based on the advice of governments, public health authorities, and medical professionals.

We are stronger together.

Let's work together to keep our community safe and healthy!

We look forward to travelling with you soon!

How to Book
 

I DON’T KNOW MY RSVP CODE

Contact the Group Leader in your area, they’ll have your RSVP Code. If you don’t know who your Group Leader is, or if you want to be the Group Leader for your area fill out this form and we’ll give you a call with more info.

I DON’T KNOW MY ROOMMATES YET, SHOULD I WAIT TO RSVP?

Nope! You should RSVP ASAP to claim your spot on Ceremony. Roommates can be added and changed after the RSVP process is complete. It’s better to claim your spot early and then add your roommates afterwards.

 
I WANT TO GO ON A DIFFERENT TRAVEL EXPERIENCE THAN THE REST OF MY FRIENDS!

We believe that everyone can find a Ceremony travel experience that fits their travel dreams. Send us an email to [email protected] with your name, phone, school, and desired travel experience and we’ll work with you as best we can.

 

Your Account
 

I Forgot my password

For 2020 travellers, click here.

For 2021 travellers, click here.

 
Something is wrong with my account!

Send us an email to [email protected] with your name, phone, RSVP Code, Traveler ID, and let us know the problem you’re having, we’ll get back to you ASAP to find a solution!

I’m a Group Leader. Where can I find all my resources and tools?

Group Leaders can access lots of extra account functions in their “Group Leader Toolkit” section of their account. If you have trouble finding anything, reach out to your Ceremony contact and they’ll help you figure it out.

For 2020 travellers, login here.

For 2021 travellers, login here.

I have questions about Ceremony, what’s the best way to contact you guys?

The best way to contact us is by email [email protected] and we will respond within 24 hours. Please be as detailed as possible so we can assist you best.

Payments
 

What happens if I miss a payment?

In order to maintain your reservation you must keep up with your payments.  If you miss a payment or fall behind your reservation could be cancelled. We don’t want you to miss out on your Ceremony, for payment related issues so it is always best to contact us at [email protected] ahead of time to see if anything can be done.

 
What is the cancellation & refund policy?

Please review the terms and conditions , under the “cancellation services section”.

If you purchased additional cancellation insurance and your reason for cancellation is covered by Manulife, you may be eligible to submit a claim recover any additional payments to the non refundable deposit

If you don’t purchase additional insurance, then the regular cancellation fee applies. If you have any questions about cancellation or refunds, please send us an email at [email protected] prior to booking.

I’m a Group Leader. Where can I find all my resources and tools?

Group Leaders can access lots of extra account functions in their “Group Leader Toolkit” section of their account. If you have trouble finding anything, reach out to your Ceremony contact and they’ll help you figure it out.

I have questions about Ceremony, what’s the best way to contact you guys?

The best way to contact us is by email [email protected] and we will respond within 24 hours. Please be as detailed as possible so we can assist you best.

Work With Us
 

How can I become a Guide for Ceremony?! What do you guys look for when hiring?

We look for experience working with youth, a personal love for travel, and a connection to our values. If you are selected for an interview you must also pass a background check, as well as our hiring process, and training.

Guide applications are through our partner Committed to Youth. To apply, contact Committed to Youth here

To learn more about who and what Committed to Youth is and what they do, click here.

I want to work for Ceremony! Where is the job board?

Guide applications are through our partner Committed to Youth. To apply, contact Committed to Youth here

To learn more about who and what Committed to Youth is and what they do, click here.

Guides
 

Are there staff on Ceremony?

Yes, there are Guides on each travel experience.

Our purpose is to create unimaginable travel experiences that kickstart the next chapter of life and help advance you to adulthood. Our team will meet travelers upon their entry into the country of which their travel experience takes place. Their role is focused around facilitating & supporting all of our on-site programing throughout the the travel experience & setting / maintaining boundaries for our travelers.

Ceremony Guides go through a multi-step application process through our partner Committed to Youth. Our Guides will complete a background check and training prior to joining our team.

Ceremony Guides at least 24+ years old and have experience working with youth and a passion for travel.

To learn more about who and what Committed to Youth is and what they do, click here.

Travel Stuff
 

My passport is expired, can I still travel?

Make sure to check your passport expiration date ASAP! In order to travel, your passport must be valid for 1-3 months past the date of the final day of your trip. Different countries have different rules. Most countries require your passport to be valid for 1 month after your departure. Go double-check your passport and country rules now.

What should I pack?

We recommend: clothes (including a sweater, pants, and shorts), money, passport, secondary ID, insurance info, credit card, debit card, bathing suit, hat, sunnies, reusable water bottle, backpack/bag for adventures, sunscreen, bug spray, toiletries, medication. Sandals, walking shoes, chargers, packaged snacks, theme gear for our celebrations.

Optional: Waterproof bag, GoPro, rash guard (if you plan on surfing), travel journal, aloe vera, floaties, magazines or books for the plane, headphones, eye mask.

On Ceremony
 

What happens when we arrive on Ceremony?

Upon arrival, Travellers attend a short briefing which reviews important traveller information, Ceremony Code of Conduct, and hotel policies. This is where they must present their passports and sign for their room keys.

Can my parents contact me during Ceremony?

Of course! We recommend using text, Whatsapp, or email as wifi is available at most of our destinations. There is also an emergency hotline active during travel which is reserved for emergencies only.

Are there rules on Ceremony?

Ceremony travellers are young adults and are expected to be able to conduct themselves in a responsible manner during their travel experience. Each Ceremony traveller will be required to agree and sign our Ceremony Travel Code of Conduct, Terms and Conditions, and Waiver and Release Agreement before departure. Any traveller who is unable to handle this level of independence could be sent home at their own expense.

What’s included in my Ceremony?

To check out the specifics, login to your account with your RSVP Code.

For 2020 travellers, click here.

For 2021 travellers, click here.

What does my Ceremony itinerary look like?

Specific itineraries will be released closer to your departure date. Your itinerary will vary depending on the chosen travel experience for your group. Each travel experience comes with a list of set inclusions which can be found by entering your RSVP Code and reviewing your account.

For 2020 travellers, click here.

For 2021 travellers, click here.

What is the medical insurance?

Manulife Emergency Medical Insurance is included in every travel experience package.  Optional upgrades to the Premium Plan at the time of booking or the All-Inclusive Plan are available as well. Full policy listings can be found here.

Need More Info?
 

Contact Us
 


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