FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CUSTOMS & PASSPORT INFORMATION

The Cove, Paradise Island is located in the Bahamas. A Valid US Passport is required. Please check with www.state.gov regarding specific requirements. It is recommended to make a copy of your passport and keep in a separate area from your passport.  Please Note: If you do not bring this documentation with you, you will be denied boarding your flight to the Bahamas.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP TO PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS

Round-trip airfare from your home city, airport transfers in Paradise Island (on the dates of Wednesday, April 11 and Sunday, April 15 only), 4 nights’ hotel accommodations, taxes, resort fee, meals (as noted in the agenda) and gratuities are included. The Resort fee allows you access to the Aquaventure water park, fitness center, Atlantis Movie Theatre, Resort Shuttle Service and Wi-Fi in guest rooms and lobby areas.  All personal expenses such as, but not limited to, souvenirs, additional sightseeing, meals and activities not specifically mentioned in the agenda are not included and will be your responsibility.    

TRAVEL DEVIATIONS

Registration Headquarters will book your hotel reservations for arrival on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 and departure on Sunday, April 15, 2018.  If you plan to extend your stay at The Cove, please provide information regarding any additional nights requested in the “Travel Deviations” area of the registration form. Additional airfare for deviation from the group block, hotel charges, change fees, transfers, etc. will be at your expense.

If you wish to extend your stay after April 15 at The Cove, the discounted group rate $659.00 based on double occupancy inclusive of taxes and fees.  That rate is available three days’ post program.

There will be no front end deviations or early arrivals permitted.

A NOTE FROM THE TRAVEL TEAM

Register to book your travel by February 12, 2018.  Airline Ticketing will primarily be done between Thursday, February 1 – Monday, February 12, 2018.

NOTE:  Flights to/from the Bahamas are very limited and in high demand. To secure flights and best pricing, we need to book as soon as possible.  Securing a flight for everyone within budget is the priority.  The air staff will work with you to secure the best possible options but it is important to note a few set program rules they are required to work within:

• No early arrivals prior to Wednesday, April 11 are allowed.
• Priority is to use any blocked space we have secured.
• A 2-hour minimum for connecting flights is mandatory.  Airlines may offer options with less connection time in between flights, however experience has proven that doing so is too risky and often impossible, leaving travelers missing connecting flights.
• No one is allowed to overnight in any connecting city unless coming from a city which does not allow qualifier/guests to make travel connection on program dates. Should this be the case hotel arrangements and expenses will be made for you.  Any arrangements made on own will be at your own expense. 
• For those who require an overnight in connecting city – if a red eye is available – this choice is acceptable.  (NOTE:  Official Hotel Check in time is 4pm.)

 Timing is very critical when searching for and securing air seats at this time of year. Therefore, a mandatory 24hr response time (set by the airlines) is required. Please monitor your email. When we send you a flight schedule, a response within 24hrs is needed. 

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Transportation between the airport and the hotel is only available for passengers arriving and departing on the event dates of Wednesday, April 11 and Sunday, April 15. If you are departing on a date past Sunday, April 15, it will be necessary for you to arrange your own transportation.

AIRPORT TRAVEL TIPS

Recent airport security measures designed to enhance your safety have also changed the check-in experience. Please plan to contact your airline prior to check-in to determine the most current information regarding check-in time, security procedures and luggage restrictions.  Please check www.tsa.gov/public prior to travel for current travel regulations.

GUEST POLICY:  Connection qualifiers are invited to bring one adult guest (21 years or older) to this event.

Guest employees: Bringing a guest employee will not be allowed if it violates any of the existing HR policies of Connection.  All qualifiers or nominees must gain approval from executive management to invite a Connection employee as their guest; such consideration will only be given if the employee has worked with the respective qualifier or nominee as part of their team for the majority of the year in which they became a President’s Club qualifier or nominee.   Connection executive team reserves the right to grant or deny any employee guest requests.

HOTEL INFORMATION

Upon check-in at the hotel, you will be asked for a credit card guarantee for any non-hosted charges you make to your room. IMPORTANT!   We recommend against using a debit card for this guarantee, as your account may be immediately debited for a deposit and may not be released until a credit is issued by the hotel, which may take several days or longer. Please note that the hotel will charge one night's room rate for an early checkout.  Check in is 4pm and check out is 11am.

The Cove/Atlantis – Paradise Island
One Casino Drive
Paradise Island, Bahamas (No Postal Code)
242-363-3000

Sleeping Rooms: 

Everyone will enjoy an Ocean Suite.  Ocean Suites offer guests a refined level of comfort and feature a host of designer amenities including full or French balconies with ocean views, open floor plans with step-down living areas, spacious bathrooms and all rooms have a comfortable king (or two queen beds) -size to sink into.

LANGUAGE

English is the official language; however, you may hear Bahamian English which is a mixture of the Queen’s English with African influence.

THE CLIMATE

The climate in the Bahamas is sub-tropical.  Average temperatures in April range between 66 – 82 degrees Fahrenheit.  You will be visiting during the Dry Season (December through May), which is much cooler and less humid.  Bright colored loose airy clothing is the recommended daytime wear.  A light sweater or jacket should be part of your travel gear.  Brief heavy showers are common throughout the year – called Liquid Sunshine.

TIME ZONE

The Cove, Paradise Island, Bahamas is on Eastern Time Zone. (UTC-5 hours).

CURRENCY

Atlantis is mostly a cashless resort, but you are able to pay with US Dollars.  Major credit cards with the new encrypted technology are accepted in most establishments. You may want to notify your bank that you’ll be traveling to the Bahamas & the dates, before leaving. Check with them to verify your daily spending amounts & withdrawal amounts.  ATM’s are located in the Casino & will dispense U.S. dollars; there is a service charge.   Additional ATM’s will be located around the tourist areas. 

CELL PHONES

Cell phones work in the Bahamas. Please check with your U.S. Local Carrier, at least a week in advance, to change your plan to international for your trip, or to find out Roaming Charges (rates are approx. $3 per minute + tax). Calling the Bahamas from the U.S. dial 1 (242) + 7 digit phone number.  Calling the U.S. from the Bahamas 001 the area code + number.

CREDIT CARDS, DEBIT CARDS AND ATMS


Credit and Debit Cards are widely accepted (at stores, hotels, supermarkets and for most travel services). As in most parts of the world, credit card theft is not unusual, and credit card transactions may not be confidential in some cases, so we recommend that you always get a receipt and check the charges made before you leave.

ELECTRICITY

The hotel operates on the same 110-volt current as the U.S. so electrical adapters are not needed. 

ATTIRE

Casual attire is acceptable throughout The Cove & Atlantis. Evening functions are "Resort Casual" (no jeans, sneakers, cut-offs, etc.), however, you may wish to bring a dressier outfit for the Award Brunch and something festive for the Junkanoo Explosion Evening, where photographs will be taken.

Women will be comfortable in casual cottons, linens and lightweight synthetics, hats for protection against the sun, flat heeled & soft shoes for walking. Shorts and slacks can be worn on the streets of Atlantis. Bikinis should be reserved for beaches and swimming pools.

Men casuals and shorts during the day acceptable. Some restaurants require long pants for evening attire.

SAFETY/SECURITY

As with many tourist destinations, Atlantis has criminals who are looking for opportunities to steal your valuables. Do not leave valuables unattended. Lock doors and windows. Use the hotel safe for storage of valuables. These simple precautions should prevent the loss of cash, jewelry and identification.

SPECIAL NEEDS?

Please advise us if you have a disability, special diet or specific travel limitations.  We will do our best to make your trip as convenient as possible!

LIABILITIES

Connection and Strategic Meetings and Incentives, LLC and its regular or contract employees assumes no liability for accidental death or injury, damage to property, delays in transportation which may be sustained during the program, any or all of which may have been caused by malfeasance, and/or failure to act by any person, firm or organization.

 QUESTIONS?

If you have questions about the content of the program or registration, please contact Jamie Cook at jamiecook@strategicmeetings.com