Trista and Ryan Sutter to Christen Princess Cruises' Ruby Princess

Trista and Ryan Sutter to Christen Princess Cruises' Ruby Princess
America's Most Romantic Couple Celebrates Fifth Wedding Anniversary Milestone by Naming Newest 'Love Boat'

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Aug 13, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- In celebration of National Romance Week,* Princess Cruises announced today that celebrity couple Trista and Ryan Sutter will christen the newest cruise ship in the Princess fleet, Ruby Princess, on November 6 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The Sutters, who met on ABC's hit reality series, "The Bachelorette," the most romantic franchise on TV since the Love Boat, will celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary this fall, and will mark this milestone event during the Ruby Princess inaugural, which will be themed around "romantic moments and milestones."

Trista and Ryan are one of the best-known romantic duos in recent broadcast history, as they are the first and only couple from "The Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" franchises who have actually gotten married. The Sutters also recently celebrated the first birthday of their son, Max.

"Princess Cruises has long stood for romance and reconnection, and so we're delighted to have Trista and Ryan christen Ruby Princess as they celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary," said Jan Swartz, senior vice president for Princess Cruises. "While slightly unconventional, their courtship and marriage was exciting to watch as it unfolded, and we think their fascinating love story epitomizes our inaugural theme of celebrating romantic moments and milestones."


Trista and Ryan Sutter met in 2002, when she was America's first "Bachelorette." "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" on ABC-TV were the first and are still the most popular reality dating shows in which one man or woman searches for their soul mate out of 25 potential suitors. Over the course of the show, the bachelorette bestows roses on those bachelors she wishes to continue dating. Trista presented Ryan with her final rose and he then proposed on the show's finale in November 2002. The couple wed on December 6, 2003 in an elaborate television ceremony watched by 26 million viewers, making it one of the most widely viewed episodes in the history of reality TV and one of ABC's top rated shows of the year. After their highly visible courtship, Trista and Ryan moved to Vail, CO, where they currently reside with their son, Max.

"We're incredibly honored to be invited to be the godparents of Ruby Princess," said Trista Sutter. "It's hard to believe that it's been five years since we got married. This is a wonderful way to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and also to remind people about the importance of marking not only the key milestones in a relationship, but also making time to incorporate romance into our everyday lives. We are so excited to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

The 3,070-passenger Ruby Princess includes a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and an ever-changing array of performing street entertainers. Passengers will also enjoy Princess' other array of dining venues including the signature Sabatini's Italian trattoria and the Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant, plus a relaxing oasis just for adults called The Sanctuary.

*National Romance Week takes place during the second week of August each year. In 2008 it is August 10-16.
SOURCE Princess Cruises

Celebrity Solstice 2 Day Cruise!

Looking for a quick 2 night getaway on a brand new ship? Look no further than the November 21st two night sailing aboard the beautiful Celebrity Solstice! This ship has been chartered by our parent company WTH and we are only selling balcony cabins and above! This means the ship will NOT be full for an even better experience! Perhaps you'd also like to sail on the 7 night Thanksgiving sailing which is the official Inaugural sailing as well! Add on the 2 night sailing and you've got an awesome trip on this brand new ship!
Pricing starts at $329 per person for a category 2C balcony cabin.
Category C2 Concierge Class starts at $369 per person.
Pricing for 3rd and 4th passengers sharing a stateroom is $179 per person.
Add $93 per person to the above rates for government taxes, fuel surcharge and mandatory pre-paid gratuities.
Call CruiseOne today to reserve your spot on the special sailing!
Toll free 1-866-241-9940
(770) 718-9147
crus1ga@bellsouth.net

Countdown to the Oasis of the Seas!

Everybody is asking so here's the information regarding the dates that bookings will open for the Oasis of the Seas.
I suggest that if you want to sail on this ship in 2009 or 2010 that you go ahead and pick a date and place your deposit as soon as possible. This ship will sell out! I can help you be sure you get the sail date that you want so email or call me!
Toll free 1-866-241-9940 or crus1ga@bellsouth.net

And now the details..........


Diamond Plus and Diamond Crown & Anchor members may begin reserving space on August 21st at 8AM (EDT).
All Crown & Anchor members may begin reserving space on August 28 thru Sept. 2.
Reservations for the general public begin Sept. 3.

During the special booking period deposits will be due immediately – there will be no courtesy holds. Full names are required and no name changes will be allowed during the special booking window. Deposits are refundable up until the final payment due date which is approximately 75 days prior to sailing.

Celebrity's New Ship Solstice

Celebrity (my favorite cruise line) is coming out with a new ship named the Solstice in just 4 months. This ship is amazing with so many features. At 122,000 gross tons and 1,033 feet you will find plenty of space on this beautiful ship to stretch out and enjoy. From the interior staterooms to the spacious suites, all staterooms come standard with a suite of amenities and white-glove service. 90% of the staterooms are ovean view and about 85% offer their own private verandas to enjoy the ocean breezes.
All staterooms come standard with 2 lower beds that convert to a Queen, plush European-style bedding, wireless internet access, direct dial telephone and voicemail, thermostat-controlled air conditioning, individual safe, hair dryer, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, 100% cotton towels, complimentary use of bathrobes and complimentary 24-hour room service!
A new category to Celebrity is the new AquaClass staterooms. These staterooms are all double occupancy only and come standard with all of the above including verandas with each stateroom, complimentary use of the AquaSpa relaxation room and the invigorating Persian Gardens. Also included is access to the dedicated specialty restauarant Blu, a stimulating Hansgrohe shower panel in each bathroom and use of plush AquaClass robe and slippers.
In addition to the main dining room there are a total of 10 dining options for you to choose from each day.
Another first in the cruise industry is the new Lawn Club. Located on the top of the ship, you can enjoy outdoor activites in a Country Club atmosphere. There's mini-golf, Bocce Ball... even a Glass Blowing demonstration!
There's several pools to choose from including one for adults, one for families and one for "sports". There's even a water play area for the kids.
The first sailing is set to sail on November 23, 2008 which happens to fall over Thanksgiving. So if you're looking to make a little piece of history and sail on the first ever voyage of the Solstice, just let me know! Look forward to seeing you onboard.

More Exciting Information on the Oasis of the Seas

Here is some of the latest information regarding the Oasis of the Seas. This is information I received from Vicki Freed on a live conference call last week!

Central Park
Bars and restaurants to include Chops Grill, Antonios Table, Vintages Wine Bar, 150 Central Park and Rising Tide Bar!
The flowers and trees in the park will be changed seasonally!
It will be a more upscale neighborhood geared to adults.

Boardwalk
Boardwalk will have a working carousel with custom made horses.
There will be TWO rock climbing walls!
There will be a Psychic and Tattoo Parlor (Temporary Tatoos!)
Johnny Rockets, Boardwalk Bar, Donut Shop, Seafood Shackand an ice cream parlor for meal times and snacks!
Shops geared towards families to include candy beach, Star Pier, Kid/Teen Retail Shop, and a novelty photo shop.
A Zip Line will be suspended 9 decks above the Boardwalk and Central Park.

Royal Promenade - Mezzanine Level
The promenade will contain two guest service desks, the bridge and photo area.
Sorrentos Pizza, Cafe Promenade, Boleros, Champagne Bar, On Air Club and shopping!

Accomodations to include 2 level loft suits (holds 4 people), Royal Family Suites, Junior Suites - 37 categories of cabins. LOW rates available for an affordable family vacation!!!!
Boardwalk cabin balconies will allow you to see the boardwalk and the water show in the Aqua Theater.
There will be many options for adjoining cabins.
There will be interior cabins across the hall from balcony cabins so families can stay close together.
Wireless Internet available in the the cabins.

The Aqua Theater located at the aft end of the ship will hold 600 people. During the day it is a fresh water pool that guests can use and by night there will be a water show with LED lights on each side of the stage like at the Bellagio in Las Vegas!

Dining
Traditional Dining will be available as well as My Time Dining or any of the alternative dining venues.
Many of the alternative restaurants will not charge a fee. Johnny Rockets will have a very small minimal fee. 150 Central Park will charge a premium between $35-$50 per person.

The Itinierary will be alternating between St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau or Cozumel, Falmouth Jamaica, and Labadee. This ship will always be docked as tendering would take too long for the # of passengers!

How Do I Book the Oasis?????
So you are ready to go right?
Bookings will be open beginning September 3rd. If you are a Diamond Member of the Crown and Anchor Society, there will be an earlier booking window for you!
Sailings will begin on December 12, 2009 with the Eastern Caribbean Itinerary. May 10, 2010 they will begin the alternating itinerary.
If you know which date that you would like to book your trip on this incredible ship, please contact me at jslater@cruiseone.com or toll free at 1-866-241-9940 and I will be able to be prepared to book what you want on September 3rd. Want to get a group of friends and family together for a group cruise? Let me know the date and I will get the group put together for you then as well!
Don't miss out - this ship will sell out fast on popular dates!

Carnival Inspiration - Spring Break 2009

Looking for a fun, exciting and inexpensive trip for your family for Spring Break 2009? Look no further than the newly renovated Carnival Inspiration sailing out of Tampa. Set sail to beautiful Grand Cayman and Cozumel for 5 fun days and nights in the warm sunshine! The Inspiration features a brand new 9 hole mini golf course as well as the family fun WaterWorks featuring new slides and fountains for kids to run and splash in! Want to get away from the kids? The Serenity Adults Only Retreat is just what you are looking for. 24 hour dining options and around the clock entertainment await you on your dream vacation to total happiness aboard the Inspiration. So join CruiseOne for 5 days of fun in the sun!
Call today!
1-866-241-9940

Viking River Cruises

Have you been thinking about trying something different?
A River Cruise thru Europe may just be the way to go!
River cruising is the easiest way to travel through many of the world’s most fascinating places. Comfortable and convenient, it offers a greater variety of destinations than you could encounter any other way — and lets you get in-depth exposure to the culture and history of each region.
Once you board the ship, you only unpack once and you are then whisked away to all of the places you have dreamed of seeing!
You will wake up each morning in a different port - free to explore the cities. Since you will port right in the heart of the cities, you will have more free time to explore the culture and history of each city.
Viking offers many special offers quite frequently including a fabulous 2 for 1 promotion!

The New Carnival Dream To Be Based Out of Port Canaveral!

Get ready to start livin' the dream with our most visionary ship yet. Setting sail in September 2009, CARNIVAL DREAM was designed to be the largest and most innovative floating resort in our "Fun Ship" fleet. Among many amazing features, she will boast more outdoor deck space, more stateroom categories, the largest spa we've ever built, Carnival Waterworks and a new dining and entertainment complex called The Piazza. Once completed, this ship will literally be in a class all her own.

New 130,000-Ton Carnival Dream to be Based at Port Canaveral
Following her Europe inaugural and sailings from New York, Carnival Dream will reposition to Port Canaveral, Fla., for a special five-day cruise calling at Nassau and Grand Turk. And, finally, she will launch year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral.

On its new Port Canaveral-based program, Carnival Dream will depart every Saturday on alternating weeklong cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Eastern Caribbean cruises will call at Nassau; St. Thomas/St. John, U.S.V.I.; and St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles; while the Western Caribbean voyages will visit Cozumel, Belize, Isla Roatan, Honduras; and Freeport, The Bahamas. Carnival Dream will assume this route from the Carnival Glory, which will be redeployed to Miami to operate year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning October 3, 2009.

See more about this amazing ship at www.carnival.com/dream

Group Cruising

Are you thinking about planning a family reunion? Or perhaps a wedding or special anniversary celebration? Maybe you would like to get your friends and family from church or school together for a fun vacation at sea! Corporate meetings, incentive or training trip.... I can plan it all for you! All you have to do is show up and relax!
Taking a cruise with a large group is the ideal way to travel. Group cruises are affordable - pick something as short as a 3 night trip or as long as 14 nights or even longer! A cruise caters to people of all ages from young children to the sweet grandparents who love to watch their grand children play on the beach in Grand Cayman or watch the whales in Alaska!
Food choices are plenty from 24 hour room service to the Main Dining room where you are fed a 5 course feast each evening.
I will assist you with all of the details for the entire group. Groups even receive special amenities when traveling by sea!
Whether you are planning your next corporate meeting, school reunion or family getaway, call CruiseOne and let us do the work for you!
1-866-241-9940

Jewel of the Seas to Bermuda

Our parent company has chartered the entire Jewel of the Seas for a fabulous voyage to Bermuda from Boston in October! We are offering up some really great deals on this trip!

Here is some information regarding the Jewel:

The Radiance Class ships are the most elegant and best in the fleet. The Ritz-Carlton of the fleet. These vessels have a sleek mega-yacht profile and an abundance of glass; nearly 3 acres of exterior glass with panoramic elevators facing the sea and over 500 balcony staterooms.

There's more space per guest on this ship comparably. Plus high celilings and hundreds of windows add further to the feeling of spaciousness. The Jewel of the Seas has rock climbing, minature golf, a cinema, and a billiard room; among all the other beautiful facilities.

Book early to get the best mid-ship staterooms. This is the "only" weekend cruise to Bermuda from Boston.

The Jewel of the Seas leaves Boston on October 23, 2008, on a 5-night journey to Bermuda. Ports of call include Hamilton and Kings Wharf.


5 NIGHT EXCLUSIVE CHARTER
FREE UPGRADES, STATEROOM GIFTS
TWO (2) ON-BOARD COCKTAIL PARTIES

Oasis of the Seas - Sales Open in September!

Since so many people are asking, here is the limited information that I have found so far regarding the Oasis!

Oasis will set sail on December 12, 2009, with an Eastern Caribbean
itinerary, and starting in May of 2010 will alternate Eastern and
Western, adding a new port (Falmouth) in Jamaica.

Bookings will open on September 3 of this year.

RCCL's Oasis of the Seas

INNOVATION AND IMAGINATION ARE CORNERSTONES OF THE NEIGHBORHOODS ONBOARD ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S OASIS OF THE SEAS

Miami, June 18, 2008 – Steeped in a philosophy that innovation and imagination contribute to a remarkable cruise vacation, Royal Caribbean has once again raised the bar with the announcement of the latest amenities on its newest ship, Oasis of the Seas. Launching in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the world’s largest and most revolutionary ship introducing the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept, which will provide vacationers with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal styles, preferences or moods. Boardwalk, will be a breathtaking space for families inspired by the nostalgic seaside piers of yesteryear; the first amphitheater at sea, AquaTheater, will celebrate water with the largest freshwater pool found on a ship offering a full spectrum of activities and performances for guests; and the urban living concept will take to the high seas with the introduction of industry-first loft suites offering expansive ocean views and luxury amenities. Enhancements to the cruise line’s signature Royal Promenade will include a new design allowing guests to have a physical connection with the neighborhood above, Central Park, as natural light cascades down from the sky through the Crystal Canopy sculptured glass domes. Other surprises include two rock-climbing walls and the first zip-line at sea suspended nine decks above Boardwalk.

The announcement of the new neighborhoods adds to the previously revealed neighborhood, Central Park, which was introduced in April. Reminiscent of the piers that dot the coast of England and amusements parks such as Coney Island, the elements of Boardwalk will dynamically engage the entire family in classic fun – whether young or just young at heart – with eateries, retail outlets and carnival games. An original, handcrafted carousel – the first at sea – will be the centerpiece of this vibrant neighborhood. AquaTheater, created to offer two unique experiences, will allow guests to swim in the theater’s magnificent kidney-shaped pool, relax on sun loungers located on tiered platforms surrounding the pool, and even take SCUBA lessons in the afternoon. At night, it will deliver a complete sensory experience playing on the element of surprise as audience members witness the venue come alive with heart-pounding theatrical performances featuring dramatic acrobatics, synchronized swimming, water ballet, and professional high-diving, as well as elaborate fountain shows synchronized to music and lights.

The introduction of 28 contemporary two-level loft suites will redefine cruise ship accommodations with vibrant, ocean-inspired colors in a sophisticated and spacious setting. Never before seen at sea, the lofts will feature spectacular views of the ocean with floor-to-ceiling, double-height windows to ensure the view will be enjoyed from each and every vantage point. The signature lofts will round out a new portfolio of 37 categories of accommodation options many with views unique to Oasis of the Seas.

“With our history of introducing game-changing amenities, we’re pleased to be able to answer the question of ‘what could possibly come next?’” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman & CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “We are particularly excited about the neighborhood concept which gives guests compelling choices and the ability to flow seamlessly throughout the ship to meet their individual desires and preferences.”

Additions to Royal Promenade, the heart of the ship, will include a mezzanine level that overlooks the main promenade below. The Royal Promenade will be home to a vast array of shopping, dining and entertainment options including, the Rising Tide bar, the first moving bar at sea, which will traverse three decks and allow cruisers to enjoy a cocktail as they slowly ascend into Central Park. A focal point will be a giant copper globe sculpture built into the facade above the Globe and Atlas Pub, which will “crack open” to create a spectacular, surprise element for guests, as it unfurls on hinged hydraulics and becomes a bridge platform for performances. Other options include the cruise line’s popular Schooner Bar and Champagne Bar; the new Mondo Coffee Bar; Focus, a photo shop and gallery; and the ever-popular Boleros Latin dance club.

“Royal Caribbean is proud to introduce a number of industry ‘firsts’ on a level and scale that the world has never seen before,” stated Adam Goldstein, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Oasis of the Seas is the ultimate expression of the creativity and imagination found on all of our ships, providing guests with a collection of experiences that will offer an incredible cruise vacation.”

When she launches in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons (GRT), carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.oasisoftheseas.com.

Spring Break 2009!!

Spring break came and went this year.... where did you go????

In order to lock in at the lowest rates, you MUST book early! If you are a family of more than 2 people, you MUST book early! Each year I get calls and emails in February and March from people looking for a great deal for a cruise over Spring Break. These deals don't exist then!

I've got group space held on 2 sailings right now - the Celebrity Solstice 7 night sailing and the Carnival Freedom 6 night sailing. My family hopes to be on the Freedom's 6 night sailing - don't you want to come with us??? My group space is already priced lower than what you can get if calling Carnival directly! The sailing on the Freedom will also offer exclusive golf opportunities for the golfers in your life at each port! Call for more details! Don't wait till it's too late - grab your friends and family and get booked on a great deal today!

Valentine's Cruise To Benefit The Atlanta 2 Day Walk For Breast Cancer!

On September 20th and 21st of this year, I will be participating in the Atlanta 2 Day Walk for Breast Cancer. Although I have not personally been affected by this horrible disease I am a part of a worldwide community of thousands of people working together to fight and stop this terrible disease and improve the lives of those suffering with it. The needs are great and the number of lives affected is daunting, but the strength and commitment of the people who are rising to meet the crisis head on are even more amazing.

To raise money for this wonderful charity, I have put together a fabulous cruise aboard the Celebrity Century which just happens to fall on Valentine's Day and sail thru President's Week for those that have a day off then!
Take your sweetie, your girlfriends, your family.... anyone that you love and just by sailing, you will be supporting the Atlanta Walk for Breast Cancer. For each cabin sold, CruiseOne will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Atlanta 2 Day Walk. What more could you ask for? 5 days of fun in the sun AND you are helping a charity! Below is the itinerary:

Sat 14 Feb 2009 Miami, Florida 5:00 PM Boarding
Sun 15 Feb 2009 At Sea
Mon 16 Feb 2009 Ocho Rios, Jamaica 9:30 AM 4:30 PM Docked
Tue 17 Feb 2009 George Town, Grand Cayman 7:30 AM 5:00 PM Tendered
Wed 18 Feb 2009 At Sea
Thu 19 Feb 2009 Miami, Florida 7:00 AM Departure

If you or someone you know happens to be participating in this walk, instead of just making one group donation, I can donate the money directly to them in their name as well! Just let me know.

Call or email for all of the details! See you onboard!

Grab The Girls and Getaway!

When the thrill and excitement of the holidays are over and all that is left is the icy chill of the winter, what better way to relax than a quick 2 night cruise to the beach?
Grab your mom, sister, cousin, girlfriends and daughters and set sail on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas to their private island in the Bahamas!
For LESS than $300 per person you can be pampered and relaxing on this awesome getaway to melt those winter blues away!

Thu 22 Jan 2009 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 5:00 PM Boarding
Fri 23 Jan 2009 Cococay, Bahamas 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Tendered
Sat 24 Jan 2009 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 7:00 AM 7:00 PM Departure

Call or email today for more details!

Become a Group Leader!

How would you like to gather a group of your friends or family and do the thing we all love best take a cruise? It's easy to start planning and promoting your own group cruise. Just follow the instructions and advice we provide below and you'll be sailing away with a few (or a few hundred) of your fellow friends and family! We'll even make it easy to find your group onboard by giving the group a special discount on specially designed T-Shirts or other gear. Start earning yourself a free cruise by becoming a group leader! Just follow our easy steps below to get started.

1. Pick a Ship and Itinerary
Check with your friends and family to see what itinerary that they are interested in. Call CruiseOne to check out what ships are available for that itinerary.

Tip: New ships tend to attract the most takers.

2. Select a Month to Travel
Once you have a ship and itinerary selected and an initial group that's interested, attempt to select a month that all can agree to travel.

Tip: The best group deals are offered in May, June, September, October and early November.

3. Contact our CruiseOne Independent Cruise Specialist.
Once you have an idea of how large your group will be initially and the month and ship of sailing, contact CruiseOne and let us know that you are interested in leading a new group cruise. At this time your personal cruise specialist can offer additional advice, information and expertise on your choice of cruise. We will explain the process and give you a quote. After you receive your proposal, and checking with your group members, it is full speed ahead! Our Cruise Specialist will create a web page for your group as well as designate your own message board forum.

Hint: Being flexible in sailing date may mean a better price and more amenities!

4. Promote Your Group Cruise
Once you have a group started, we will create a special web page for your group cruise listing all of the information about the cruise including prices and booking information and a message board just for your group along with E-mail and postcards! This is the perfect place to talk about the cruise and get to know each other before sailing, make onboard plans to meet (wearing your own special designed gear of course!), and keep your group informed of important details like deposit and final payment information.

Hint: We'll help designed specials postcards, E-mails, and flyers to give to all of your friends and family.

5. Remind Group Members to Send in Deposits
Once you have decided to reserve a new group, the CruiseOne Independent Cruise Special will reserve an cabin allotment for the sailing date. Full deposits for each cabin booked need to be made no later than five months prior to sailing (this may vary depending on the ship and sail date). At that point any cabins which do not have deposits on them will be released. After these cabins are released you may have difficulty obtaining additional cabins if others want to join your group, so remind members to send their deposits in. In some categories availability may be limited, plus, on some cruises all group members will receive additional perks if a certain number of cabins are booked in the group. Encourage your group members to send in their deposits as soon as they have decided to cruise with the group.

Hint: If prices for the sailings come down after booking the group, the CruiseOne will make adjustments to the payments even after final payment has been made. If there are no price adjustments available, the group is guaranteed the original negotiated price for the initial allotment of cabins.

6. Encourage Purchase of Travel Insurance
It's important to remember that there are penalties on a group starting at 70 days prior to departure so please get your group to buy travel insurance. Take the worry out of cruising.

Hint: Third party insurance offers more comprehensive coverage than your average cruise line package. Insurance is based on price per person of actual cruise fare. CruiseOne has negotiated with Travel Guard to provide you with the best possible coverage.

7. Plan Some Fun
Plan some group activities during the cruise, or make arrangements to go on some shore excursions together. Decide if you want the group to have a pre-cruise party at a day early to get to know each other before the cruise. If so, your cruise specialist can help you plan it at a local port hotel and include transfers to the port the next day, and other amenities.

Hint: This is a great opportunity to wear your special gear and meet all your online friends and take a group photo!

8. Order Your T-shirts or other specially designed gear.
All CruiseOne group members are entitled to receive discounts off any bulk ordered CruiseOne logowear. Your Independent Cruise Specialist can help you with the details and ordering.

9. Final Payment
Final payments will be paid directly to the CruiseOne. Some groups may require the prepayment of gratuities. Individuals can contact your Independent Cruise Specialist directly to make all payments to protect their credit card information. Passengers that are purchasing an air/sea package will have their transfers included from the airport to and from the ship.

Hint:

Group Leader Perks
All CruiseOne groups must have a minimum of 8 cabins booked to be considered a group and receive all of the group perks. As group leader you will receive one free net cruise fare if at least 8 cabins are sold, and two free net cruise fares if at least 16 cabins are sold. Group leaders will need to pay for their cruise upfront, but will be rebated the equivalent rate per berth for the category which has the largest number of cabins booked. Group leader is responsible for all port charges, taxes and fees.

CruiseOne reserves the right to refuse permission to be a group leader for any reason.

Surf's Up!

June 13, 2008


Surf Simulator Debuts in Grand Turk
Royal Caribbean no longer has the lock on cruise-related surf simulators. While locked on land, cruisers will find the Grand Turk FlowRider -- featuring a concept nearly identical to those found on Royal Caribbean's Freedom, Liberty and Independence of the Seas -- the new centerpiece of the Turks & Caicos' port facility at Grand Turk.

The FlowRider, open to all passengers coming off ships at this increasingly popular Atlantic port of call, is a surf simulator that forms a "wave" by shooting a steady stream of water over a cushioned surface, creating a layer of agua that can be glided across ("surfed" on). You can either lie prone, a la boogie boarding (anyone can do it) or stand up in the traditional surfing style (if you have the balance).

Visitors to Grand Turk can try the simulators for the following rates: $24 for a half-hour of body boarding or $34 for an hour-long stand-up surfing session (passengers using Royal Caribbean's onboard surf simulators pay no extra fee). It's unclear how many rides you'll get in that time period.

Grand Turk, which is an emerging as an alternative port to the more commonly visited towns of Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas, is an evolving cruise destination. Development has been spurred by Carnival Corporation's effort to create a dedicated port facility there, incorporating souvenir shops, ice cream stalls, bars, restaurants such as Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville and a pool area. Passengers literally can while away the day right on site -- without ever venturing out into the wilds of Grand Turk.

Want to surf on the Grand Turk FlowRider? You can queue up with other passengers and pay the fee or sign up for a shore excursion visit via participating cruise lines.

Most of the ships that call at Grand Turk are members of the Carnival Corporation family of fleets; Carnival Cruise Lines is its most common visitor, and ships from Costa, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, Holland America -- all Carnival Corp. owned -- and Fred. Olsen are among those that also visit there.

Interestingly, the Carnival Corp.-owned port facility is not a stranger to Royal Caribbean's Freedom-class ships, which pioneered the FlowRider concept in cruise travel. Though the port is not officially listed on Freedom-class ships' itineraries, several RCI charter cruises (in which organizations that organize full-ship charters can, within reason, request ports), do visit occasionally, bringing ships equipped with the FlowRider to a port ... also equipped with a FlowRider.

--by Dan Askin, Assistant Editor CruiseCritic

Overseas, The Ugly American" Needs a Manners Makeover

By Kyle Kreiger, Times Staff WriterPosted: Jun 10, 2008 11:18 AM

It never takes long for the ugly American tourist to appear. No, not the stereotypical elderly guy wearing shorts, black socks that seem to reach above his knees, and sandals. I'm talking about the demon that appears whenever I'm out of the country. This time, it reared up before we had even left the United States.Passengers had been aboard the Norwegian Sun cruise ship for an hour when I spotted a woman complaining to an employee that her luggage hadn't arrived at her room. The ship was still tied to the pier. Her luggage was probably being X-rayed in the terminal. But this woman wanted it - NOW. She had only the jeans she was wearing, she complained, and certainly couldn't go to dinner dressed like that. To a dinner that was at least four hours away. "I expected better,'' she lectured the crew member, who did an admirable job of remaining positive and telling the woman she could call him later if her luggage didn't arrive before dinner. I would have abandoned ship if I'd been in his uniform. Instead, he probably shared the story about the crazy American woman with the rest of the crew.Why do so many Americans become morons when they go abroad? It's embarrassing. So, in the interest of improved foreign relations (and to ease my humiliation) here's a primer for avoiding Ugly American Syndrome when traveling to Canada, the Caribbean and all other points east, west, north and south.

Tip No. 1: Things will be different. You're not in Kansas anymore, Toto. Forget the comforts of home. I'm tired of hearing: "I will never go back to (insert name of country here)." Each "here" is an adventure. Avoiding a place like Dominica means missing out on stunning volcanic peaks engulfed by rainforests. A Pirates of the Caribbean movies was filmed there. It is one of the few places where the original residents of the Caribbean, the Carib Indians, can be found. The unspoiled island boasts 365 rivers, amazing waterfalls and a famous fruit stand where Mr. Nice gives away the fruit, but sells the jokes. But many Americans see only a poor island with bad roads and dilapidated homes - a place without megaresorts, fancy restaurants and upscale shopping. My suggestion for them? Try Orlando.

Tip No. 2: Do some research. Get friendly with Google.com. Learn about your destination. It might be embarrassing if you don't learn beforehand that all camouflage clothing is illegal in Barbados. At the very least, learn the name of your destination. The beautiful island in Tip No. 1 is da-ma-NEE-ka (not da-MI-na-ca, as in the Dominican Republic). The residents are proud of their island and don't like being confused with the Dominican Republic. Yet I don't remember anyone on our cruise pronouncing it correctly. Imagine our reaction if foreigners talked of being in flor-i-DAY.

Tip No. 3: Be aware, not scared. Americans tend to travel in large herds. It's the pack mentality. There are dangers everywhere (but a lot more at home). By combining a little bit of Tip No. 2 and some common sense, it's easy to stay safe.

Tip No. 4: Language will be a problem, because in many places, the residents will speak better English than you (or me).

Tip No. 5: You have a passport to adventure. Use it. You don't have to go cliff diving (unless you want to), but try something new. Pass up the hamburger on board ship and sample the local cuisine. Talk to the residents. Most locals are proud of their country and are willing to share its heritage.

Tip No. 6: Don't buy into the stereotypes. Will you be approached by Jamaicans aggressively trying to sell souvenirs? Sure - by people trying to put food on their table. Isn't that better than begging? Are some worse than others? Of course. On one visit I was passing through a craft colony. An American was chatting with a jewelry maker who was selling his wares. The tourist's wife yanked him away and scolded him. "Stop talking to him or he'll end up owning our house." I apologized for the woman's comment. "No problem," the jewelry maker said with a smile. I told him his work was beautiful but that I couldn't buy anything. He thanked me for the compliment and continued on, still smiling. I suspect the woman remembers things differently. I'm sure she still brags to friends about saving her husband from the dangerous, dreadlocked Jamaican scam artist who was after their home.