Greetings!

    The weeks really fly by when you're looking forward to a great
vacation.  Many of you have joined this update list as a result of the
recent mention in the LP News or the Liberator OnLine of the Advocates
for Self-Government.  I'm very glad to have received your request for
information.  We now have 50 requesters enjoying this virtual cruise!
Sixteen people are now booked to be aboard.  I've enjoyed meeting all
of you.

        You may enjoy exploring the web site of our Cruise Line, Royal
Caribbean International at:

http://www.rccl.com/1.0.2.html

    They have a "virtual cruise" that tempts you to leave your work day
behind, a "first time cruisers" area with frequently asked questions,
and details of the cancellation insurance option.

    The date by which I must release unbooked staterooms is 8/27/98.
If you consider your chances of joining us to be more likely than not,
please book by then to maintain your ability to join us.  Your deposit
is fully refunded if you decide not to go and cancel by 11/25/98.  If
you email me with your intent or mail me a check for the $250 per
person by then, I'll keep a stateroom held for you!

    Once again, some frequently asked questions, then "A Day on the
Enchantment of the Seas".
 

What kind of clothing is best for a Caribbean cruise?

    With your cruise documents you will get a nice booklet that covers
this and many similar items.  Typically, the evening temperatures are
in the low 70's with daytime highs in the upper 70's.  In the direct
sun, it always seem hotter to me.  Dress is casual in the daytime and
most evenings.  There are two "formal" nights where gentlemen are asked
to wear dark suits or tuxedos and women wear fancy dresses (that's as
close to observant about women's wear as I can be).  Ashore and on
deck, most wear shorts and short sleeved shirts.
 

Will I need to bring cash with me?

        Most cruise ships are "cash free".  That means personal extras (drinks,
shore excursions, or gifts purchased on board) are charged to your "On Board
Account" with your signature, like staying at a resort hotel.  The casino is where
cash is accepted and US currency is accepted at all ports of call (as are credit
cards).  You'll want to bring cash for your last evening tip envelopes for your
waiter, assistant waiter and cabin attendant.  The customary tips are $3.50 per
person per day for your cabin steward and waiter and $2.50 per person per day
for your assistant waiter.

        One of the nice features of cruising is enjoying wonderful meals and
service without exchanging money for each item you're enjoying. You've
already paid for it!
 

DAY TWO ON THE ENCHANTMENT OF THE SEAS

        As the sun rises and I sip my morning coffee on deck, we sail past the
islands of the Bahamas.  Later, at breakfast in the dining room, we are greeted
like "long lost relatives" by the table attendants that met us just last night.
Even though I saw him last night working the midnight buffet, our waiter is
bright and smiling as if this were a day off.

        Monday is a day at sea, so it's a day to enjoy all the ship has to offer.
For some, the on-board gym and exercise equipment will look inviting.
Others will take this day to soak up the warm Caribbean sun by one of the
pools.  I like itineraries like ours with two days at sea before beginning our
days in port.  Days at sea are great for getting fully relaxed and prepared to
enjoy the week's vacation.  They are a great time to explore the many luxuries
of the ship we'll be enjoying all week long.

        I like to participate in some of the extra activities planned for days at sea.
There are sometimes wine tasting classes, tours of the galley and bridge, and
backgammon tournaments.  You don't have to attend the on board talks about
the many shore tours and shopping lectures (held in the show lounge), but
they are fun live.  These are all taped and rebroadcast several times on your
stateroom TV.  There are also good movies playing each day on your in-room TV.

        Monday is without any rush or fuss and it continues at a perfect pace for
an evening of elegance.  Tonight will be the first of two formal evenings starting
with a complementary Captain's Welcoming Cocktail Party before dinner.  For
me a formal evening at sea, with a gourmet dinner and evening stage show is the
highlight of the cruise.
 

Till next time,

Ken
 

--
KEN BISSON, M.D. - https://members.tripod.com/~kbisson/CRUISE99.htm
395 LN 150 Jimmerson Lake, Angola, IN 46703
219-833-6700   e-mail:kbisson@usa.net

"It is error alone which needs the support of government.
 Truth can stand by itself."

                    --Thomas Jefferson, Notes on Virginia

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