Friday, December 12, 2008

Fuel Surcharge DROPPED

The recent lifting of the fuel surcharge has resulted in lower fares for everyone. Karin will be sending out an updated invoice.

If you've been waiting to make your reservation, now is the time to lock in the lower rate!

:)

FACEBOOK

If you're not already on FaceBook, you should be!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Fuel Surcharge

The fuel surcharge has been lifted for some reservations. You'll have to check with Karen to see if your pricing has been affected.

Prop 8 The Musical with Jack Black and many others!

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Ship Highlights

Ship Highlights

Ice-skating rink
Rock-climbing wall
In-line skating
Royal Promenade (open 24 hours)
Johnny Rockets® '50s-style restaurant
Portofino Italian Restaurant
Themed bars and lounges
Casino RoyaleSM
Golf simulators
9-hole miniature golf course
Adventure Ocean® youth facilities
Day Spa and Fitness Center
Full-size basketball court

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Get the Latest Prices and Official Cruise Information



CLICK FOR DETAILS

To book, contact Karin at Traveler's Choice! Her contact information is on the information page in the upper right hand corner. Share this link with your friends and family!

Join our group for as little as $799/pp/do!!! Plus you'll enjoy the group benefits (ship board credits, open bar parties, t-shirts, bus transportation, THE GROUP! ... restricitions apply, see elsewhere on this blog).

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

It's Not Too Late!

Although some cabin categories are sold out, cabins remain available for our cruise in April, 2009. If you or your friends have been sitting on the fence, now is a good time to make your reservation.

On a ship that is so heavily booked this far in advance, it is likely that the price will go up or the ship will sell out over the next several months. You can lock in the current price with a refundable deposit now and then take the next five months to pay off the balance.

Remember… for most of us, this is a “no fly” vacation. That means no planes, hotels or rental cars. We’re going to charter buses to take us to port at Cape Liberty in NJ. Details to follow.

Monday, April 28, 2008

$27 per person FUEL SURCHARGE

This new fee, announced recently by Royal Caribbean, will apply to anyone who books with a deposit after May 1.

You'll still get the BIG discount if you book before May 4, but you may end up paying more between May 1 and 4 because of this new fee.

John

Friday, April 11, 2008

Travel Agent Contact Information...

To avoid all confusion, please contact our travel agent directly:
Karin Lazzell
610.917.0868 Office
610.716.4848 Cell phone
610.983.0976 Fax

Monday, March 24, 2008

Recap... Watch the dates...


Current & Future Family & Friends...

If you were with us in 2007 for the Carnival Cruise out of Miami you already know how much fun it was to be part of a Family & Friends (and extended Family & Friends) mega-group vacation! If you missed it, you’ve got another opportunity to be part of a vacation you’ll never forget.


Don’t know John & Ron?
No problem… You’ll be friends or family in no time.

Please consider joining us…
John & Ron’s Family and Friends 2009
Explorer of the Seas-Royal Caribbean
April 17 – 26, 2009
Sailing from Cape Liberty, NJ

Ports of call include:
· San Juan, Puerto Rico
· Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas
· Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic
· Labadee, Haiti



We’ve made a few tweaks in planning the next group trip in order to accommodate the greatest number of potential travelers…
1. Our ship will leave from Cape Liberty, NJ. Few of our group will require flights and hotels!
2. We chose Royal Caribbean for its superior menu and luxury accommodations.
3. Great price! Book an inside cabin for two for about $115/day per person!
4. We’re going to charter a bus (or two) to get us to the port. Details later.
5. We’ve negotiated discount rates for our group. But you’ve got to act quickly to lock your reservation.
Booking by May 4, 2008 will save you lots of money*…$200.00 per cabin off the lowest advertised prices as of today!$75.00 per cabin in shipboard credits (not available elsewhere)$120.00 in cocktail party invitations (2 people x 2 parties)$25.00 in special collector’s T-shirts

$420.00 (approx, as of today) per cabin in savings!

*The number of discount cabins is limited. You must book through our exclusive agent below. Cancel and get 100% refund until Feb 2, 09. Final payment is due before Feb 3, 09. You must book with the group to get t-shirts and party invitations.


See full details at http://www.valincius.com/

Traveler's Choice Inc.
1288 Valley Forge Rd. #71
Phoenixville, PA 19460-2687
Toll Free: 800-548-7826
Fax: 610-983-0976

Ask anyone… Cruising is a great value! And there is nothing better than cruising with a group, especially when the group is made up of your family and friends.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Getting to Port

We’re going to charter a bus from home to the port. It will cost less per person than parking your car at Cape Liberty! Expect to hear more about this once you’ve booked with the group and we’re getting a little closer to travel day.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Watch the dates...

Watch the dates!!!

If you want to book a cabin for three people, your deposit is due MARCH 26, 2008.
If you want to book a cabin for two people, your deposit is due MAY 4, 2008.

http://johnron2009.blogspot.com/

Read the post below: Book Soon to Save $$$
For lots more information and where/how to book.

Booking early with the group will save you lots of money…
$200.00 (aprox) per cabin off the lowest available prices
$75.00 per cabin in shipboard credits - not available elsewhere
$120.00 (based on double occ) in cocktail party invitations
$25.00 (based on double occ) in special collector’s T-shirts
$420.00 per cabin in savings!

Dialysis?

Call Dialysis At Sea Cruises.

They provide all the medical staff needed and the cost example I was given is $525 per treatment based on 2 per week which according to them should be reimbursed by medical insurance. They will cross reference the reservation to insure they will dine with their group.

http://www.dialysisatsea.com/

Sunday, March 16, 2008

WHY CRUISE WITH US?

Duh!?
1. Because it's the best time you'll have this year!
2. Booking with the group will save you $$$
3. You don't have to fly, rent a car, stay in a hotel or plan for travel day (if you're a DV resident).

But it looks expensive...
Yes. I understand there may be some sticker shock.

But you're looking at a NINE night vacation on a premium cruise line. Even if you get the most expensive balcony suite, you're only paying $172/day ... for excellent accomodations, three meals (plus all you can eat), non-alcoholic beverages, unlimited entertainment, travel to some really cool places and you get to hang out with family and friends!

Money tight? Simply choose the inside stateroom and you're only paying $115/day!

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Book Soon to Save $$$

Hi Cruise Gang,

I’ve got good news on the cruise. We’ve come up with some pretty substantial discounts on the April, 2009 cruise. There is, of course, a catch. The deadline for paying your deposit is coming up fast. Cabins for two still have some time, but if you planned on having three people in your cabin, you’ve got to act very quickly to get the discounts. Royal Caribbean severely limits triple cabins and it appears that they don’t offer quads.

In the days since I got this quote, the price has gone UP $200 per person! When you do your comparison shopping, please know that most web sites do not include taxes, port charges and fees in their quote. Also, each cabin will receive $75 in shipboard credit through this group offer and everyone booked through the group will get a special t-shirt and invitations to two cocktail parties!

John & Ron’s Family and Friends
Explorer of the Seas
April 17 – 26, 2009
Sailing from Cape Liberty, NJ

Category Type Double 3rd person
D2 Deluxe oceanview 1543.84 with balcony

F Large oceanview 1213.84

H * Large oceanview 1173.84 688.84

I Large oceanview 1133.84

I * Large oceanview 1133.84 688.84

L Interior stateroom 1103.84

N Interior stateroom 1043.84

DEPOSITS DUE:
Royal Caribbean payment schedule:
1) Triple cabins: $500.00 per cabin plus names due by March 26, 2008 to guarantee triple occupancy.
2) Double cabins: $500.00 per cabin plus names due by May 4, 2008 to guarantee blocked categories.

FULL PAYMENT DUE:
February 3, 2009

CANCELLATION POLICY:
(You can get ALL your money back if you cancel before Feb 3, 2009):
Days prior to sailing Cancellation Schedule Date
67 – 30 days $250.00 per guest 09 Feb 2009
29-8 days 50% per guest 19 Mar 2009
7-0 days 100% per guest 10 Apr 2009


Note: If you’re not sure who you’re traveling with, I would suggest that you book now. You can change all but one name in the cabin. This way you’ll lock in the discount rate and you can change the name later.

· Quoted rates are per person based on double occupancy.

· Rates inclusive of port charges and government fees of $179.00, taxes of $89.84 and fuel surcharge of $5.00 per person per day (first two occupants of each cabin).

· These categories are blocked for trip occupancy only

· All staterooms will receive a shipboard credit of $75.00.

· Two cocktail parties will be provided (as long as there are at least 25 cabins and 50 passengers).

We’re going to use a local travel provider. You can call them directly, just be sure to mention that you’re with the John & Ron’s Family and Friends group in order to get the discounts. If you book outside of the group, I can’t invite you to the cocktail parties.
This is also who to call with questions or to arrange for travel insurance.

Traveler's Choice Inc.
1288 Valley Forge Rd. #71
Phoenixville, PA 19460-2687

Phone: 610 933-1100 or 800-548-7826
Fax: 610 983-0976

This is, as always, an open invitation. I would encourage you to pass this information on to your family and friends. Any discounts and incentives I was offered for coordinating the group have been passed back into the group savings! Please call the travel agent with any specific questions and to make your reservation.

http://valincius.com/travel/cruise_2009.html
http://johnron2009.blogspot.com/

John & Ron

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

San Juan, Puerto Rico


San Juan
One of the largest islands in the Eastern Caribbean, Puerto Rico's landscape encompasses mountains, underground caves, coral reefs, white-sand beaches and an incredibly massive rain forest that supplies fresh water to most of the island. At the same time San Juan, the capital of the commonwealth, is a big city with a bustling business district, glitzy resorts and casinos, as well as one of the most stunning examples of colonial life in the Western world.

Attractions
When you're in San Juan, don't miss the opportunity to witness the pinnacle of natural beauty by exploring Puerto Rico's El Yunque Rain Forest. It features more than 240 species of trees, hundreds of miniature orchids, and what was once believed to be the Fountain of Youth.

Activities
See Baño Grande, a natural swimming pool. Then take a walk on Camitillo Trail and look for the artificial nest of the Puerto Rican parrot and the flora and fauna of the Palo Colorado forest
Explore Old San Juan, the second-oldest European settlement in the New World. Ride to San Felipe El Morro, the most dramatic of all the city's military fortifications. Visit the Casa Blanca Museum & Gardens, the Ballaja Barracks, Quincentennial Square, San Jose Church, San Juan Cathedral, and Cristo Chapel

Adventures
Bike through the gorgeous scenery of the Piñones Reserve, home to the island's most spectacular views

Shopping
In Old San Juan, you will find more traditional shops as well as many souvenir shops selling imported goods from all over the world. Also available are hand made cigars, wooden carvings, lace, ceramics and basketwork. Puerto Rican rum, ranging from light to dark brandy-type rums, is probably the most popular item to purchase.

Food
Puerto Rico is a great place to enjoy authentic Spanish-style sangria and taste a wide array of delicious tapas

Currency
The U.S. dollar (USD) is the official unit of currency in Puerto Rico. Traveler's checks and credit cards are also widely accepted.

Charlotte Amalie


Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas
There are bargains on just about everything in St. Thomas. In addition to excellent duty-free shopping, St. Thomas boasts some of the loveliest beaches in the Caribbean: Magens Bay, Sapphire Beach, and Coki Point.

Attractions
While the beaches and ocean are beautiful, there is one thing that really sets St. Thomas apart - shopping. Browse through the shop-lined streets of Charlotte Amalie and find out why St. Thomas is called the "duty-free shopping capital of the world." Shop for duty-free trinkets and bargains on everything from liquor to imported china and crystal. Visitors can bring home $1,200 in merchandise without paying duty - twice the limit of most of the Caribbean.

Activities
Take a ride on Skyline Drive and enjoy a breathtaking view of St. Thomas Harbor. Then travel to Mountain Top, the highest point on St. Thomas, and see spectacular views of Magens Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Check out Coral World Marine Park, where you can touch sea stars at the touch pool or explore the mystery of life in a mangrove lagoon off the Coastal Trail.

Sit back and enjoy a relaxing half-day sail to Buck Island aboard a large sailing yacht, then snorkel in Turtle Cove.

Submerge yourself in a sci-fi adventure. Trek around coral reefs and get up close and personal with the marine life on the Atlantis Submarine.

Experience a bird's-eye view of the beauty of St. Thomas on an exciting helicopter adventure.
Travel 700 feet above the sea via skyride to The Paradise Point and see the most fantastic vistas in the Caribbean.

Adventures
Take an exhilarating, wind-in-your-face ride-of-a-lifetime all the way around the island on the 100-foot trimaran, Wild Thing.
Take a bike tour through historic and picturesque St. Thomas harbor.

Shopping
St. Thomas is the bargain-shopping bazaar of the Caribbean. There are over 400 shops along the Main Street area in Charlotte Amalie and some 50 more in Havensight Mall. Great bargains are found on precious gemstones, and on fine jewelry and watches from designers like C2K, Caribbean Hook, Chopard, Honora, House of Tanzanite, John Atencio, John Hardy, Kabana, La Nouvelle Bague, Roberto Coin, Starnight, White Diamonds, Alfex, Concord, Gucci, Maurice Lacroix, Michele, Movado, Wenger and more. St. Thomas also features excellent buys on luxury items like perfume, leather, imported linens, china and crystal. Cameras, electronic goods, and designer clothing are also available, as are a selection of island rums and liquors, with great bargains on your favorite spirits.

Currency
The U.S. dollar (USD) is the official currency. Traveler's checks and credit cards are also widely accepted.

Casa de Campo


Casa de Campo
Talk about the best of both worlds! Here we have Casa de Campo, a 7,000-acre Caribbean paradise complete with water sports, spa services and multiple golf courses. And right around the corner you'll find Altos de Chavon - a stunning replica of a Mediterranean village built by local craftsmen and featuring boutiques, galleries, a museum and more.

Attractions
High above the Chavon River is an unbelievable village. Altos de Chavon was created in 1976 by stonecutters, woodworkers, and ironsmiths as a testament to their craft and to this region's cultural history. Not only will you find beautiful crafts and artwork to purchase, the village itself is a marvel you won't soon forget.

Activities
The tropical resort of Casa de Campo has a laid-back atmosphere with a wide array of exciting activities:

Three golf courses designed by a renowned architect, including the top-rated Teeth of the Dog.
A full range of spa services with botanical treatments inspired by local ingredients.

An equestrian center with trail riding, jumping lessons and polo instruction.

Adventures
In addition to the activities above, the resort offers plenty of thrilling options to get your heart pumping: mountain biking, diving, tennis, sailing and more!

Shopping
Built and run by artisans, Altos de Chavon is an inspiration to students, professionals and amateurs. It is a center for artistic expression and creative development - so you can only imagine the rare gems and unique gifts you'll find here.

Currency
The Dominican peso is the official currency of the Dominican Republic.

Labadee, Haiti



Labadee
A secluded spot on the north coast of Haiti, reserved soley for Royal Caribbean guests. Attractions: Floats, aquabikes, banana raft rides, snorkeling and other water sports. Also volleyball, beach barbecues, authentic Haitian art and local craftsmen.

Attractions
It's impossible to choose just one thing that's special about Labadee. The sandy beach and coral reefs provide a perfect place to relax and have fun. Whether you're interested in kayaking, snorkeling, parasailing or you just want to lie on the beach and relax, you won't want to miss
Labadee.

Activities
Paddle along the gorgeous coastline of Labadee on a relaxing kayaking tour. Your guide will lead you through beautiful coral reefs, where you'll witness an abundance of exotic marine life. You'll also pass various fishing villages that have been unchanged for decades.
Soak up the sun while you float on the waves on a beach mat.
Enjoy the fun-filled floating Aqua Park as you bounce on trampolines and climb and slide on inflatables.

Adventures
Grab a bird's-eye view as you soar 400 feet above the beautiful peninsula of Labadee on a thrilling parasailing ride.

Paddle through the enchanting Bay of Labadee on a kayaking tour. Absorb the breathtaking surroundings and learn a bit about the Haitian culture.

Take an exhilarating ride aboard a waverunner down the scenic coast of Labadee. See your ship from a perspective rarely enjoyed by other guests.

Go shopping for beautiful handmade local artwork, woodwork and crafts. You'll want to bring cash so you can take home a beautiful memento of this private paradise.

Food
Our special "Labaduzee" is waiting for you - our signature frozen drink that is out of this world. Order yours from a shady hammock to capture the true spirit of Labadee.

Currency
Currency in Guadeloupe: gourde (HTG)

Bayonne, New Jersey


Bayonne
Cape Liberty Cruise Port is located on the New York Harbor in Bayonne, New Jersey, and is just seven miles from New York City and three miles from Newark Liberty International Airport. Its waterfront location and convenience to the Big Apple allows visitors easy access to everything New York City has to offer along with providing visitors access to the historic roots of Northern New Jersey. Convenient guest parking is located adjacent to the cruise terminal.

Attractions
As a symbol of democracy and freedom, the Statue of Liberty is recognized around the world and is synonymous with the United States. You can reach Liberty Island by ferry, departing from Jersey City, New Jersey.

Activities
Take a tour of Ellis Island and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. From 1892 to 1954, the island was the gateway for more than 12-million immigrants to the United States.
Explore the Liberty Science Center located in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey which features hundred of interactive exhibits, shows, demonstrations and the nation's largest IMAXTM Dome Theater.

Visit the Bayonne Bridge in Bayonne, New Jersey, which is one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world. It's not only impressive in size, but also in looks. When it opened in 1931, the American Institute for Steel Construction named the bridge the 'Most Beautiful Steel Arch'.
See more than a century's worth of fire-fighting history at the Chief John T. Brennan Fire Museum in Bayonne, New Jersey. First used in 1870, the firehouse is listed on the National
Register of Historic Buildings.

Shopping
New York City is quite literally a shopping mecca. You can find anything and everything here, from the world's finest designers on Fifth Avenue to eclectic boutiques throughout the city. And for souvenirs, you don't have to go far - you'll find a shop on just about every block.

Food
Whether you're looking for an elegant dinner for two or hot dogs for the family, New York City has some of the best food in the world. Grab a sandwich at Sardi's, a deli in Times Square famous for its celebrity-named sandwiches. Or get a slice of the pizza the city is famous for, offered in any number of small restaurants and street vendors.

Currency
The U.S. dollar (USD) is the official currency. Traveler's checks and credit cards are also widely accepted.

Explorer of the Seas






Ship Highlights

Theaters
1
Meeting Rooms
Y
Casino
Y
Disco
Y
Fitness Center
Y
Children's Program
Y
Internet Cafe
Y
Shops
Y
Library
Y
Spa
Y
Year Built
2000
Ships Registry
Bahamas
Ship Tonnage
142000
Number of Cabins
1557
Handicap-Accessible Cabins
18
Capacity
3114
Restaurants
10
Bars
8
Pools
2

Monday, February 4, 2008

Quotes

I'm working on getting quotes from cruise discounters. I'll share the numbers when I get them!
:)
John

It's time to start planning the next cruise...

Our big cruise in April, 2007 was probably the most fun we’d ever had squeezed into one week. Thank you! – If you were among the 73 people in our group who made all that fun possible. If you weren’t, I sincerely hope you can be there for the next big group vacation.

Life is truly all about the people in it -- and we've been blessed with a lot of great people.

Every vacation seems to include time spent fantasizing about the next vacation and on the last cruise we spent time with several of you planning the next trip. Perhaps you were one of the dozen people who suggested that we make this a yearly event? Yes... Yearly would be great, but the consensus was that we should try to plan a trip bi-annually so as to accommodate the most people possible.

We had toyed with the idea of an all-inclusive resort, but nearly everyone wanted to cruise again.Cruising assures great accommodations, great and diverse foods, lots of activities and the excitement of seeing places you'd probably otherwise never get to see.

While it may seem a bit early to be planning, we've also got some rather heavily scheduled people amongst us who need lots of lead time. Planning now gives everyone a chance to plan the time off of work, drop Christmas cookie weight and to budget well in advance of travel day.

Most of our group resides in the Delaware Valley, several people traveled thousands of miles to meet the group in Florida. Since the cruise, several people have mentioned that not everyone enjoyed the air travel but everyone loved the cruise.

As we planned, we wanted to have the fewest people travel by air as possible; so we've been looking at the cruises from Northeast US ports.

We think we found a great cruise that should satisfy the needs of the most people possible! The well priced cruise departs from Cape Liberty, New Jersey.

It includes nine nights beginning on April 17, 2009 to exotic ports in the Eastern Caribbean. The Royal Caribbean ship Explorer of the Seas makes stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Casa De Campo, Dominican Republic and Labadee, Haiti – Royal Caribbean’s private island. Who do you know has ever been to Haiti?

We don’t need anything from you today! This trip is in the pre-planning phase. Just mark the date on your calendar, start setting aside a little money each week, and consider how much fun it is going to be to cruise with everyone again next year!

We’ll post updates at http://www.valincius.com and http://johnron2009.blogspot.com/
So save these links to your favorites!

Bon Voyage, John & Ron