Tyee Totem Cruise Details
We are in the initial stages on planning our “Tyee Totem Cruise”. If you are interested, keep reading.
Out of the alum for which we had emails, 24 responded.. 78% were either a definite yes or showed a high level of interest. The group’s chosen destination were split between a cruise out of Florida to warm waters or the West coast. Cruises out of Hawaii and New York were at the very bottom so we are ruling these out for this cruise. West coast destinations are seasonally dependant so we will have to narrow down these choices further. The top three cruise priorities were, in order of preference: accommodations, ports, food & entertainment. For this reason we will focus on selecting a newer ship with the least number of days at sea. All the newer ships have additional dining choices and, the larger the ship, the better the budget for entertainment.
Who is invited? We are focusing on the Tyee Senior High School Class of 1979 but anyone who wishes to join us is welcome. Booking as a group gives us more buying power. The larger the group, the better the discounts, onboard ship credits, perks & better on-board treatment we all received.
How will the trip be organized? Ultimately, it is your choice how and with whom you would like to spend your vacation. Sleep in, read a book, go to bingo, sit by the pool, visit a port or connect with old and new friends. Mornings, lunches and excursions are at your leisure. Dinner tables will be reserved for our group, and you can come and go as you please. We plan on hosting two cocktail parties (at no extra charge)and one private dinner(probably in the “gourmet” dining room depending on the ship) along the way. However, you are not obligated to attend any of these events. It is your vacation. Do what you want.
When do I have to decide? You can jump in at any time. The sooner and larger the group, the better. As a group we can ask the ship to provide additional benefits to make your vacation even better. You will also receive first and best choice of suites the further in advance we schedule the trip. Perks will be added as the bookings increase. Refundable deposits can be accepted at any time. Non-refundable deposits are usually due within 8 to 12 weeks of the cruise. As we work through the details we will try to a choose a cruise so it is available to as many as possible. We will need to have our group in order within six months of the cruise.
Do you do this for a living? No, I have never planned vacations for a living. Traveling is a passion and since there was some interest we thought it would be fun to put something together. We have helped plan trips for our clubs and know how to get great deals.
How many people do we need to be considered a group? Groups are determined by the number of cabins we reserve. A minimum of six cabins are required to get some benefit, while greater than twelve is best. Based on the initial response we should be able to book the minimum. The price range, of course, will depend on the ship, but there will be a wide range of rooms to choose from. The least expensive will be cabins without windows (inside cabins) that are usually very reasonably priced, to larger suites that are the most expensive. Most folks like regular cabins with balconies, but the choice will be yours. The same meals, and extras will be provided to everyone. (The only exception to that rule will be that on some ships, if you book the very expensive suites, there are extra perks like butler service, sometimes free drinks, ect, but that depends on the accommodation chosen and the ship).
I/we have never cruised and I am nervous about going. There is no better way to travel for the first time than with a group. If this is your first cruise, there are lots of things to consider. Cruising isn’t for everyone but I have found that 90% of the people, who do go, would choose to go again. There are lots of discussion groups on the Internet that can help you decide (CruiseCritic.com is one very good one). You are free to email me if you are considering the trip but not sure it is right for you.
Contact me directly at warren@kendrick.com or webmaster@tyee79.com with any questions and/or comments regarding the trip. All of the information will also be posted on the tyee79.com website. Remember, this is not just for Tyee Alum but can include extended family and friends. Let’s plan a trip we can all remember.
The more the MERRIER (and better perks too!!!)
