CRUISE MEXICO 2010 (Spring Break, April 3-10)
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Introduction

This website (www.bradreynolds1.pageout.net), or handout if you are reading a hard copy, is for YOU if you are interested in taking an exciting cruise from Los Angeles (no air costs!) to three exciting Mexican ports from April 3-10, 2010, during the Spring Break (8 days and 7 nights). Our ship is the beautiful Norwegian Star, which means you will be getting the best on both land and sea! Sailing roundtrip from Los Angeles, you’ll enjoy a couple of days at sea to indulge in the pleasures of your floating resort (that includes pools, hot tubs, casino action, and more) before we hit Mexico. And when you step ashore, you’ll be provided with snorkels, fins, and scuba tanks or the jet boats, golf carts, and fishing gear you need to plunge headlong into your exciting adventure to the Mexican Riviera where you will visit ports renowned for their legendary cliff divers, lively beaches, and wild and energetic party life. This is an adventure you won’t want to miss as you enjoy the beautiful ports of:

CABO SAN LUCAS

MAZATLAN

PUERTO VALLARTA

And you can earn college credits (if you want them) for Western Civ I or II (History 101 and 102 at College of the Canyons and History 150 and 151 at CSUN), U.S. History I or II (History 111 and 112 at College of the Canyons, History 270 and 271 at CSUN, and History 1A and 1B at ECC), and/or Latin American History (History 240 at College of the Canyons and History 161 at CSUN).

Cruise prices start as low as $449, per person, quad occupancy (triples, doubles, and outside cabins are higher, and the price does not include port taxes, security fees, etc. nor tuition, books, or any fees associated with earning the college credit available in conjunction with the cruise). And you can hold your spot for as little as $100! The price includes your accommodations aboard ship, most food and entertainment aboard the ship (excluding the casino, of course!), plus your travel between ports.

For more information about the trip please see below or email Dr. Reynolds at brad.reynolds@canyons.edu or at breynolds@csun.edu, or at drbradreynolds@gmail.com, or you can call Dr. Brad Reynolds at (661) 362-3388, or at (818) 677-3565. Space is limited so don't delay!

Course Description

The Classes

We expect to offer five optional history classes at College of the Canyons during the spring 2010 semester in conjunction with our Mexico cruise. A brief description of the history classes is listed below, but for more information you should see the syllabus for the class you want. The syllabus for each history class will be listed online at http://bradreynolds1.pageout.net by the fall of 2009. (If the class you want is not yet listed when you look for it, keep checking since it will be listed soon or you can contact Dr. Reynolds if you have questions by calling 661-362-3388 or 818-677-3565.)

Western Civ I This class covers the history of Western Civilization (Middle Eastern and European history) from the beginning of recording time to about 1500. This class is History 150 at CSUN and History 101 at COC.

Western Civ II This class covers the history of Western Civilization (Middle Eastern and European history) from about 1400 to the present. This class is History 151 at CSUN and History 101 at COC.

U.S. History I This class covers U.S. history to 1877. It is History 270 at CSUN, History 111 at COC, and History 1A at ECC.

U.S. History II This class covers U.S. history since 1865. It is History 271 at CSUN, History 112 at COC, and History 1B at ECC.

Latin American History This is a general survey of Latin American history. It is History 161 at CSUN and History 240 at COC.

The classes will be offered during the spring 2010 semester which will run from Februay to May 2010. (If you are reading this after the spring 2010 semester has started, you should contact Dr. Reynolds about getting credit for your cruise during the summer 2010 session). Several orientation meetings will be held during the fall of 2009 and spring of 2010 to review class requirements and to answer all questions about the classes and the cruise (contact Dr. Reynolds if you have questions ahead of the meetings). There will also be meetings aboard the ship while we are at sea to answer your questions about the ports or the class requirements and to take exams if you like. There will also be some meetings upon our return to answer all questions for those people who cruised for class credits and to take any remaining exams. Work for the classes will include an optional research paper on the history of ports you will visit, or you can do a photo journal of the historical sites in each port you visit, or you can opt to the homework assigned to the other students in the class you are taking. Whatever you decide, your homework assignment will count as 40 percent of your class grade while each test will count as 30 percent. Again, consult your class syllabus at http://bradreynolds1.pageout.net for more details on the homework, the tests, and the texts, or contact Dr. Reynolds for more information.

THE SHIP

The cruise package includes a 8 days / 7 nights cruise on Norwegian Caribbean Line’s beautiful Norwegian Star, a ship that has 10 restaurants for your dining pleasure, open seating dining from 5:30-11 p.m., a sushi bar, a tapas bar, a full casino, a gourmet Italian restaurant, a 24 hour indoor/outdoor café, 24 hour room service, ocean view balcony staterooms if you want one, 2 pools and 6 hot tubs, an internet café, cigar lounge, sports bar, champagne bar, whisky and beer bar, card room and library, aerobics classes, a full gymnasium, a kids playroom and special kids only pool, disco, 13 bars and lounges, a jogging track, a 24 hour fitness center and Mandarin spa, video arcade, basketball/volleyball/soccer court, and nightly shows with comedians, singers, dancers, and magicians, and a movie theatre (not to mention the continuous first run movies you can watch for free in your cabin).

Plus your package includes aboard the ship: Port talks, first run movies daily in your cabin, the Captain’s welcome aboard party and farewell party, the opportunity to shop duty free aboard the ship, play ping pong, play bingo, take snorkel lessons, or JUST RELAX, plus visit three exciting Mexican ports!

THE PORTS

Cabo San Lucas

The hundreds of luxury hotel rooms along the corridor north of Cabo San Lucas (which is located at the tip of Baja, California) has transformed this formerly rustic and rowdy outpost. Although it retains boisterous party life, Cabo San Lucas is no longer the simple town Steinbeck wrote about. Once legendary for big-game fish, Cabo San Lucas now draws more people for its nearby world-class fairways and greens, and it has become one of Mexico's most elite resort destination. You will enjoy a growing roster of adventure-oriented activities, and the party life is as hot as the desert in July. A collection of popular restaurants and bars along Cabo's main street stay open and active at all hours and as fishing charters head out to sea. But despite the growth in diversions, Cabo remains more or less a one-stoplight town, with most everything located along the main strip, which means easy walking and touring for you. Aside from fishing, sports available in Cabo San Lucas include surfing, whale-watching, kayaking and boat trips to Los Arcos or uninhabited beaches. All-inclusive daytime cruises are also available on a variety of boats, including a restored pirate ship. Many of these trips include snorkeling, while serious divers have great underwater venues to explore. But while sports and partying are Cabo's main attractions, there are also a few cultural and historical points of interest that I know you want to see even if you are not going for college credit. The stone Iglesia de San Lucas (Church of San Lucas) on Calle Cabo San Lucas (close to the main plaza) was established in 1730 by the Spanish missionary Nicolás Tamaral. When you go, take a look at the large bell in a stone archway which commemorates the completion of the church in 1746. Buildings on the streets facing the main plaza are gradually being renovated to house restaurants and shops, and the picturesque neighborhood has the most Mexican ambiance in town.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta's seductive innocence will captivate you and beckon you to return – and to bring friends. Beyond the cobblestone streets, graceful cathedral, and welcoming atmosphere, Puerto Vallarta offers a wealth of natural beauty and manmade pleasures. Ecotourism activities are gaining ground, from mountain biking the Sierra foothills to whale watching, ocean kayaking, or diving with giant mantas in Banderas Bay. Twenty-six miles of beaches extend from the center of town around the bay, many tucked in pristine coves and accessible only by boat. Meanwhile, high in the Sierra Madre Mountains, the mystical Huichol Indians still live in relative isolation in an effort to protect their centuries-old culture from outside influences. The area's natural appeal aside, Puerto Vallarta also offers sophisticated services with over 250 restaurants, a sizzling party life, and enough shops and galleries to tempt even jaded consumers. Luxury shopping centers have sprung up to the north and south of the original town, allowing Vallarta to grow to a sizable city of 250,000 without sacrificing its considerable charms. Today, it boasts the services and infrastructure of a modern city as well as the authenticity of a colonial Mexican village. While there you will enjoy the cool breezes that flow down from the mountains along the Río Cuale, which runs through the center of town. The main waterfront street, or malecón, is graced with fanciful public sculptures and bordered by lively restaurants, shops, and bars. The malecón is a magnet for both residents and visitors, who stroll the broad walkway to take in an ocean breeze, a multihued sunset, or a perfect wave. The surrounding mountains offer the equivalent of a continual, comforting embrace, adding to that sense of welcome that so many visitors feel as well. You will like PV!

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a model of modern infrastructure, services, and luxury hotels, yet it retains the quintessential Mexican beach and fishing village feel. In short, it offers an ideal contrast and the best of both worlds. Those looking for luxury can head to one of the five star hotels along the beach and hang out there for the day. While those who prefer a more rustic retreat with real personality can head to the fishing port area where American fishermen seem to return year after year. The city, with a backdrop of the Sierra Madre Mountains and a foreground of Pacific waters, provides a full range of activities and diversions including scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, bay cruises to remote beaches, and golf, among other favorites. The party life is lively and nonstop. Soak it all in!

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW

Deposits and Payments: Your deposit of $100 will hold your spot. Payment plans are available for the remaining balance and all major credit cards are accepted (with final payments due by January 15, 2010).

Literature is available regarding the ship and ports of call – ask for copies

You can bring whomever you like on the trip, or we can find you roommates of the same age and sex.

You do not have to be enrolled in a college or university to join the group, and all ages are welcome (there is a themed kid’s pool and Planet Kids program)

Inexpensive travel insurance is available and recommended if you think there is any chance that you will need to cancel your cruise after October 1 (travel insurance is required for those folks going for college credit).

HOW TO BOOK YOUR CRUISE

You can send your deposit check for $100 per person to Brad Reynolds at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita, CA 91355. Or you may pay by credit card by calling Brad Reynolds at (661) 362-3388 or (818) 677-3565, or sending him an email at breynolds@csun.edu or brad.reynolds@canyons.edu, or drbradreynolds@gmail.com with your credit card number, expiration date, and the amount you want to charge, along with the type of cabin you want and the name(s) of the people in your cabin. The charge will show up on your credit card statement as Norwegian Cruise Line, Miami, Florida. Dr. Reynolds will also need your birthdate, passport number, phone number, address and email when you decide to sign-up if you are going for college credit. You will be billed for your final payment in December 2009 and all payments are due by Janaury 15, 2010.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE CLASSES

To take the classes offered with this trip you will need to enroll in the spring 2010 semester at College of the Canyons. Rgistration will start in mid-November of 2009. Enrolling is easy. Simply go to www.canyons.edu and follow the directions. If you are not a regular student at COC, you do NOT have to take any special placement tests to enroll for the travel classes! After the class finishes, you simply have your transcript sent to your regular college and you will get the three units for each history class you take.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the cruise and the classes offered in conjunction with the cruise. If your question is not answered below, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Reynolds by one of the following methods: by phone at (661) 362-3388 or (818) 677-3565, or via email at breynolds@csun.edu or brad.reynolds@canyons.edu or drbradreynolds@gmail.com.

1. Are your prices usually discounted and cheaper than retail?

Yes! Because we book in volume and have a good record with many different travel brokers, we get some great discounts and upgrades which we pass on to you. We also shop for reasonably priced packages offered by reputable firms that we know will give you what you pay for and more.

2. Is the trip price guaranteed?

In most cases the answer is yes. We try to book our packages with firms that will guarantee your price at the time of your deposit. While it is possible that a company we are working with might raise their prices due to fuel costs, inflation, or other unforeseen developments, we have never in nearly 30 years raised the price on a travel package where a trip has been paid in full so you might keep that in mind.

3. What type of financial security do you offer?

We deal only with travel operators who are fully bonded and who guarantee your deposits and payments in writing. We also work with a fully certified and bonded travel agency. No one has ever lost a penny with one of our groups in nearly thirty years of travel service.

4. Can I get trip insurance?

Yes, and we recommend it. You can purchase travel insurance from us which will cover lost luggage, last minute cancellation, trip interruption costs, medical costs, and just about any other costs related to the trip. We work with several companies, including Travelers Insurance. Ask for details.

5. How does one sign up for a travel package?

When you are ready to sign up you should call Dr. Reynolds at (661) 362-3388 to have an application for travel mailed to you. You can pay your deposit by check, money order, or by credit card right over the phone.

6. What costs will I have beyond the package price? How much money should I bring on the trip?

That depends on your package and your tastes. If you are cruising with us, you will likely have very few additional expenses since your cruise package includes almost everything and you pay for it prior to your departure. You would need money only for tips (typically $12 per day), drinks, the casino aboard the ship, and your shore excursions, although the latter could cost you nothing if you just want to window shop and/or go to the beach! If you are doing a non-cruise package, you need to consider the cost of your food and entertainment when doing your expense calculations, assuming your air and hotel costs are included in your package price. Attending one of the group orientation meetings will help clarify all this and will get your specific questions about costs answered, but a good rule of thumb is to figure on about $50-$100 per day in expenses.

7. Can I use my credit card to pay for the trip? Can I use it on the trip?

Most of the companies we deal with will accept any credit card. Ask for details. As for using your credit card on your trip, you can do so without worry throughout the Caribbean and Mexico and aboard most cruise ships.

8. Are there cancellation costs if I find I cannot go on my trip?

Yes. If you cancel within fifteen days of your initial deposit you will get a full refund. Cancellations made after fifteen days and up to 90 days prior to departure will be assessed a $100 cancellation fee. No refund will be made for cancellations after 90 days prior to departure. Please read the Release of Liability form that will be given to you when you sign up. It will explain the cancellation penalties in more detail.

9. Can I bring someone with me on the trip who does not attend our college?

Yes! Many members of our groups are not students at the college. Everyone of any age is always welcome to travel with us.

10. Can I get college credit for going on the trip? p>You can earn transferable college credits in conjunction with one of our trips. The credits are usually available in history, but sometimes they are also available for Spanish, music, and political science. Usually students earn the credit by doing a research paper on the history or politics of one or more of the places they will visit on their trip, or they do a photo journal of the historical and/or political places they see during their trip. Either way, you should ask Dr. Reynolds for more details if you want college credit for your trip or check his web site at www.bradreynolds1.pageout.net.

11. Can a student from another college earn college credit for going on the trip?

Yes. The student needs to simply follow the policy outlined above and then transfer the units to his or her own college. p>12. How can I learn about what to see on my trip and about sightseeing expenses?

We will tell you about all the wonderful things to see and do on your trip at our orientation meetings. We will also give you information about the costs of sightseeing and how to keep your costs down. Meanwhile, you should visit a bookstore for a travel book on our destination or check the web. When your tickets arrive, there will be included additional information on what to see.

13. What experience have you had in organizing tours?

We have served thousands of people since our first tour was offered in 1980. Also, most of the tour operators with whom we deal have been in business for decades or are among the largest operators in their field. In addition, Dr. Reynolds has traveled extensively across the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe,\ and Hawaii and makes sure that any packages offered are safe and fun, and are to reasonably priced destinations. >14. Where do I go if I have additional travel questions?

You should call Dr. Reynolds at (661) 362-3388 or at (818) 677-3565. If no one is in you can leave your name and phone number on his voicemail. You will get a call back as soon as possible. Dr. Reynolds will be able to answer all your questions or at least tell you where to find the answers. You should also check his website at http://bradreynolds1.pageout.net.

15. Are the people in your groups required to stay together during the trip?

No. You are always free to go off and do what you like, when you like, and with whom you like. We call ourselves a group in order to get group travel discounts and because we hold optional group meetings before we travel and usually during the trip, but you are never under any obligation to attend them. We do find, however, that members of our groups usually hit it off and often end up spending time together during the trip!

16. Will I feel out of place because of my age or marital status?

No. People in our groups are all ages, as are people on cruise ships and in hotels. The odds are more than likely that you will find plenty of people in your age group either among the people in our group or at your destination. As for your marital status, we have singles, married folks and everything in between, so you won't feel out of place whatever your marital status. And remember, you are never under any obligation to stay with the group.

17. Are children allowed on the groups?

Yes they are, and often at discounted prices. Ask for details. (If you are traveling with us to escape from your little ones, we understand. Just let us know and we'll make sure your hotel room or ship cabin is away from the children.)

18. On a cruise, what is the difference between an "inside" and an "outside" cabin?

Outside cabins have windows while inside cabins do not. Some people feel less crowded in an outside cabin and claim that it gives them a feeling of more space, although most cabins are the same size regardless of their location. Outside cabins also let in natural light and you can look outside to see ships passing or to gauge the weather. However, some people prefer inside cabins because they stay darker so people can usually sleep better and longer in them. In addition, some people think inside cabins are quieter and ride smoother than outside cabins. The bottom line is that it's a matter of personal preference. You can book either an inside or an outside cabin in one of our cruise groups, but we can tell you that inside cabins are always less expensive, and since one doesn't spend very much time in the cabin, most people in our groups book inside cabins.

19. Can I upgrade my room or cabin or my flight to the destination?

Yes, most likely. While we may have to charge you a bit more, it will probably still be a discounted price over what you would pay retail.

20. What type of entertainment is there on a cruise ship? What does one do at night? How much does it cost?

Almost all the entertainment aboard your cruise ship is included in your price, except the use of the casino. Most ships offer a piano bar and orchestra dancing prior to dinner, and then a Las Vegas type review after dinner that usually includes a singer, a magician, a comedian, and dancers. Many ships also present a musical show for you. Later in the evening you can try your luck at the casino, dance to an orchestra, or spend all night in the disco, all at no additional charge to your cruise fare. Then it's on to the midnight buffet, or if you ate late and aren't hungry again as yet, you can enjoy the 1:30 a.m. buffet that many ships now offer, or you can take advantage of the 24 room service!

21. Will I get bored on a cruise? What will I do during the day when we're at sea?

You can do as much or as little as you like, but you will not get bored! From the time you arise until the time you retire for the evening, you're cruise ship will have some event that you can attend. It may be games at the pool, a wine tasting, bingo, gambling in the casino, cards, shuffle board, a movie in your room or at the ship's theatre, table tennis, or basketball, but whatever you look for something will always be happening! Or, if you prefer, you can just find a quiet place to sleep on deck, read a book, or simply watch the ocean roll by. Whatever, you won't get bored or ever have the opportunity to say that you had nothing to do!

22. Will I feel out of it if I go on the trip alone and everyone else goes with a friend?

Absolutely not. Many people join our groups without knowing anyone, but by the end of their trip (indeed before the trip!) they have many new friends! That's one of the advantages of going in a group! You'll get to meet all the other people in your group at the orientation meetings and you'll probably see each other regularly during the trip. You'll also have the chance, of course, to meet many other people where you're going. So don't be afraid to venture out alone! You won't be alone for long!

23. Can you arrange a roommate for me?

Yes, and we do it all the time. If you want us to find you a roommate, we'll do everything we can to match you with someone of like tastes. We'll introduce you to each other at the orientation meetings or, if for any reason you would rather room with someone else, you just let us know and we'll find you a different roommate. But remember, you will only share a room with the person and you will not be under any obligation to stay with that person during the trip.

24. Can you make arrangements for special occasions?

Yes. If you are having a birthday, anniversary or whatever, please let us know and we'll have something special planned for you or your friend.

25. Am I likely to get seasick on a cruise?

Probably not. Most cruise ships are like floating hotels and are so big that you will hardly feel any motion if at all. Generally speaking, if you do not get motion sick in a car, you will not get seasick on a cruise ship. However, if you are prone to motion sickness, there are many wonderful medications you can take these days to prevent seasickness. Also, keep in mind that most of the time you will travel between ports at night while you are asleep and so you will not feel the rock of the ship if any even occurs.

26. Will I need a passport if I join a group going outside of the United States?

Yes. Passports are required and they are a wonderful form of identification if you want to cash a check or whatever, so please get one. Passports these days cost less than $100, they are valid for ten years, and you can obtain one in only a couple of weeks from your post office. We will give you all the details at the orientation meetings or you can call a post office. IF YOU A FOREIGN NATIONAL you are welcome to join our group but you will need a valid passport from your country and a multi entry visa to the United States. You will need to also see if you will need a visa for any of the countries we will visit.

27. Are there different classes of service on a cruise ship?

No. Everyone enjoys one class of service - first class. No matter where the location of your cabin or what you paid for it, everyone dines in the same ship's restaurant, uses the same public rooms, sees the same shows, and so on.

28. What are the drinking and gambling ages in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe?

You can drink and gamble in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe at eighteen, although we strongly recommend you do both in moderation if at all!

29. Will people speak English at the places I visit in Mexico or the Caribbean?

Yes, since most of the places we visit are tourist areas.

30. How do I get to my plane or ship to start my vacation?

If you are flying to your destination, you are on your own to get to your airport. We will, however, try and arrange a carpool for you with other people in the group who live near you, and we will supply tips on how to get to your airport with the least amount of hassle and cost.

31. What should I pack?

This question really depends on you, but we feel you should pack as light as possible. For one thing, the plane will only permit you to have two regular sized bags or you'll have to pay for extra luggage. Also, if you're cruising with us, the closet space on most cruise ships is small to say the least. Just remember that you're probably going somewhere warm where you won't need a lot of clothing and where the atmosphere is generally laid back and casual. Think mix and match, but do bring a few special things to wear for those special nights on the town or for the captains party if your going aboard ship with us.

32. Can I extend my stay beyond the travel package dates?

Most likely yes, if you give us sufficient advanced notice prior to your making final payment. Most airlines will let us extend your air ticket and usually at a low charge. We will also gladly help you with arranging hotel stays, rental cars, or anything else you'll need if you stay longer at your destination.

33. By what date do I need to sign up?

Most of our packages have limited space, especially our cruise packages, and are sold on a first come basis. Most of the time when we run out of space we cannot get any more. Our recommendation, therefore, is that you make a deposit on the trip you want to guarantee a spot for you.

34. How much is the deposit and can I hold a spot even if I do not have enough for a full deposit?

The deposit is normally $250 per person but we will usually hold a spot for as little as $100 providing you tell us at the time you deposit when you can give us the balance of your payments.

35. What kind of payments do I have to make?

Generally speaking, we try and divide your payments into four installments, but we will gladly establish for you just about any payment plan you like that meets the final payment date for your trip.

36. What type of food can I expect on a cruise ship?

The best! For breakfast you can have just about anything you can imagine including a few things you probably can't like kippers! For lunch you can have a buffet on deck or select from several entrees in the dining room. And then comes dinner! A feast will great you each night! Your five course dinner will include several entrees to choose from and many fabulous desserts! And if you can't decide on which dessert you want, you can have them all! Then later, at midnight, you can see what creations the chef has for you at the midnight buffet, and if you're still hungry you can order from the 24 hour room service. We may not be able to guarantee you romance on your cruise, but we will guarantee that you won't go hungry!

37. How much are drinks aboard a cruise ship?

Drinks on a ship cost about what you would expect to pay at a bar in Los Angeles. If you want to keep alcohol costs down, you can take your own booze aboard ship or you can purchase alcohol in the ship's store duty free. However, you are not permitted to take open bottles on to the decks or in the public rooms.

38. What type of weather can I expect?

Winter and spring months in the Caribbean and Mexico are often dry and warm (generally in the mid eighties) but the nights are cooled by tropical trade winds most of the time. The summer is usally hot and humid but you'll likely find your cruise ship well air conditioned, so the heat should not cause you discomfort.

39. Can I get a special diet aboard a cruise ship?

Most cruise ships today offer special diet menus such as low sodium. Let us know your special dietary needs if you are cruising with us and we'll take care of the rest.

40. Are handicapped people able to go on your trips?

Absolutely! Most cruise ships and hotels have rooms for handicapped persons these days, but check with us.

41. Can I arrange my own air to the disembarkation city?

Yes.

42. Why does a cruise seem to cost so much?

It's not really expensive, it just seems that way because it's all inclusive! Actually, you'll find cruising very reasonably priced if you realize that your cruise price includes air, transportation to different ports, your accommodations, all your food and your entertainment. Try pricing a similar package on your own and you'll see the terrific value of cruising!

43. Can I use my hairdryer and shaver on a cruise or on a trip to Mexico?

Yes. Almost all modern cruise ships and resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean have converted the U.S standard current.

44. What about tipping customs?

At the orientation meetings we will tell about tipping customs at the places you will visit or aboard your cruise ship.

45. Can I find no smoking areas aboard a cruise ship or request a no smoking room at a hotel?

Yes. Cruise ships today have non smoking areas in their lounges and restaurant and most hotels now have non-smoking rooms. Just let us know your preferences and we will do everything we can to accommodate you.

46. What do cruise cabins look like?

Most cruise cabins have about half the space of an average hotel room, so be prepare for a shock! But you'll soon find your cabin comfortable enough and that it includes a bed, dresser, bathroom, phone, radio, air conditioning and most of the other comforts you require. Just remember, you will likely spend very little time in your cabin!

47. Can I use U.S. money on my trip if I am going to the Caribbean?

In most places yes, or the ship or hotel at which you are staying will convert your money for you. We will give you exchange rates at the orientation meeting just prior to your departure.

48. What advantages are there in going in your group over booking a package myself?

One advantage is price. Because we book as a group, we usually get a better price than an individual could receive. Also, by joining our group you'll have the opportunity to attend several trip orientation meetings to have all your questions answered. But most importantly, as a member of our group you'll get to meet dozens of new people and you'll have a travel escort with you to answer your questions or to take care of any little problems that arise.

49. How do I find out about customs regulations and the like for coming back to the U.S.?

We will provide all that information at our orientation meetings.

50. On a cruise, why are there different meal sittings?

Most ships cannot accommodate enough passengers for a single sitting. And besides, some people prefer eating early while other prefer a later dinner, so most ships have two dinner sittings. However, many new ships have open seating for all meals and that seems to be the trend of the industry.

51. Must I take a class to go on the trip?

It depends on the trip, but for the cruises we offer the answer is no.

52. Can I go diving?

Not only can you go diving, the ship has several dive options. Ask for details.

53. Can I upgrade my cabin?

Absolutely.

54. When I read about cabins being double, triple and quad, what does that mean?

On the cruise their are cabins that hold two people (doubles), three people (triples), and four people (quads). When we advertise a price like $399 quad what we mean is that each person in a room that takes four would pay $399.

55. Will I have fun?

You can bet on it!

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