Western Caribbean Tyee Alum Cruise
Ft Lauderdale, Florida / Key West, Florida / Ochos Rios, Jamaica
/ Georgetown, Grand Cayman / Cozumel , Mexico
(8 Days – 7 Nights)
Cabins including port fees starting at just $599
Kids ages 11 and under travel for free. (Ages 12 – 17 for $99 and dependents over 18 for $299) (+applicable taxes)
After narrowing down our cruise options, we wanted to be sure to get the best possible deal on a nice ship. We have gotten a good one and are ready to move forward. We have secured a great deal too. This cruise is around $200 a person less than the previous one we were considering!
MSC Cruises is a division of MSC Shipping; one of the largest cargo lines in the world. Don’t worry, their cruise ships are hardly container transport vessels. Actually, they are the fastest growing cruise line in the world, with eleven new ships, and more being built. This line offers true Italian ambiance on a new ship at an amazing price! We have sailed with MSC twice in the past and have had a terrific time. We are planning special on board events that include a hosted cocktail party, trip memento, and special dining event.
At 90,000 gross tons, the MSC Poesia was built in 2008, holds 3,000, but the ship is never allowed to book to capacity, so there are usually less than 2400 guests and boasts a crew of 1,000. Special features include a spectacular waterfall with bridges in the foyer, Zen garden in the sushi bar and a serene 12,000 square foot spa.
Information about the cruise line: http://www.msccruisesusa.com
A terrific You Tube video is at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1AmkDUWJxE&feature=related
Deposits: We need to start collecting deposits as soon as possible. This cruise has not yet been posted on the website. Early booking lets us have first choice of cabins. Deposits can be as little as $150 per person. Your deposit is fully refundable up until the date of full payment which will be needed by November 1, 2010.
Call Warren Kendrick @ 619.218.7911 or email warren@kendrick.com
Itinerary:
Sunday February 13, 2011: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Monday February 14, 2011: Key West, Florida
Tuesday February 15, 2011: Day at Sea (Atlantic Ocean)
Wednesday February 16, 2011: Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Thursday February 17, 2011: Georgetown, Grand Cayman
Friday February 18, 2011: Cozumel, Mexico
Saturday February 19, 2011: Day at Sea (Caribbean Sea)
Sunday February 20, 2011: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Rates:
Inside Cabin: $599
Ocean View: $699
Balcony: $899
Superior Balcony: $999
Suite with Balcony: $1399 (limited availability)
Need help booking air flights and hotels? For an additional $50 per person, we can search for the best airfare and hotel rate.
The more people we get, the better the perks when we are on board…so invite family and friends…this is a fabulous ship, and a really good deal too. We are also working on a pre-cruise private party in a very elegant place in the Fort Lauderdale area, but details have not been worked out yet. Remember, EVERYBODY is welcome. The more the better!
The rates listed are in US dollars, double occupancy, per person cruise only pricing (this means that if you are traveling as a couple, take the price listed for the room desired and multiply it by two). Port charges and taxes are added onto this figure. If you are single who wishes to have a private room, the price is 1.8 X the room rate for standard rooms and 2 X for Balcony Suites. Shore excursions, drinks, air fare and specialty restaurants are an additional cost. Government and port fees as of April 5th are an additional $82 per person. Name changes and cruise date changes are considered reservation cancellations and are subject to the above cancellations charges. Cruise lines do not refund in the event of “no shows,” or interruption or cancellation by the guest after the start of the cruise. Cancellation insurance can be purchased if you feel there may be circumstances which will keep you from making the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
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, 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.
I don’t like (or know how to) book tickets, hotels, etc. Can you help? If you need assistance with the balance of your travel plans, I can help you book the entire trip for an additional $25 per person for flights, hotel and transportation or $50 for everything including excursions.
Have you been on a lot of cruises? I took my first cruise in 1988 and since then have logged over 600 days on nearly every major cruise line. My partner took his first cruise on the Cunard CARONIA in 1951. In my opinion, it is the ultimate way to spend a vacation; especially in these uncertain times. Unpack once, choose how to spend your free time and there is no greater “Bang for your Buck” anywhere. Bigger ships are traveling to more destinations than ever before.. This combined with economic challenges can make a cruise affordable to everyone. In addition, traveling with a group of friends can add a dynamic element that can never be re-created.
Do we have to have a passport? YES! The cruise line will not let you board the ship without one. Check to be sure yours is current or apply for one ASAP.
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!!!)