Piano Lovers Cruise Details!
See the attached Word Doc for all the details.

Piano World and Dream Vacation Travels
is proud to present

MELODIES AT SEA
CARIBBEAN CRUISE
MARCH 14 - 21, 2010


Join Founder Frank Baxter on the Inaugural Cruise of Piano World
to the Sunny Western Caribbean on
Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas

Bring Your Music!

This will be our maiden voyage. After this we will try to make it a yearly adventure, picking different itineraries each year, but always centered around the piano.
Please join us on our first piano adventure at sea. There can only be one first!

Our Ship...


The Promenade...



A Stateroom...



A Show...




Another Show, with Orchestra ...



A Lounge (meeting room?) with a Piano ...


Don't forget to download and read the attached Word Document with Itinerary, Ports of Call, Pricing, Contacts, and more...

Piano Lovers Cruise Details


Bill's Dream Vacations Web Site

Piano World and Dream Vacation Travels
is proud to present

MELODIES AT SEA
CARIBBEAN CRUISE
MARCH 14 - 21, 2010


Join Founder Frank Baxter on the Inaugural Cruise of Piano World
to the Sunny Western Caribbean on
Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas
We promise memorable experiences in unique
ports of call. Cruise devoted to those who enjoy the piano, want to learn more, or are piano professionals. Experience will include:

• 7 nights of Caribbean cruising
• Choice of a variety of deluxe staterooms.
• Private receptions
• Private concerts
• Informative and entertaining lectures
• Traditional preset dining
• Daily activities – 24 hour room service
• First Class entertainment
• Guaranteed Fun
• Surprise gifts


Day Port Arrive Depart
0 Miami 04:30 PM
1 Musical Day at Sea

2 Private Island, 08:00 AM 04:00 PM
Labadee, Haiti

3 Montego Bay, 10:30 AM 06:00 PM
Jamaica

4 Georgetown, 08:00 AM 04:00 PM
Grand Cayman

5 Cozumel, Mexico, 10:00 AM 07:00 PM
6. Musical Day at Sea

7 Miami 07:00 AM

Special group pricing includes accommodations, port charges, and on board group activities as follows
NOTE:The rates have actually gone down Twice.
Bill (our travel agent) can give you the latest deals.



Rates are per person, double occupancy and do not include: Airfare, Transfers to ship, Gratuities, Gov’t Taxes, Fuel Surcharges, Travel Insurance, or optional shore excursions. For reservations and additional information contact: Bill Potuchek, Dream Vacation Travels at 1-877-874-7771 or info@dreamvacationtravels.com
. Space in each cabin category is limited.

Affiliated with Travel Planners International.
FLA seller of travel Reg. No. 1067024.
CA seller of travel Reg. No 2063964-40.

NOTE: The first 20 people to sign up get their choice of an official Piano World T-shirt and an official Piano World Hat...

Ship Highlights...

Ship Highlights
FlowRider®
H2O Zone
Cantilevered whirlpools
Rock-climbing wall
Ice-skating rink
Royal Promenade
Extensive WiFi capabilities and connectivity for cell phones
Full-size, flat-screen TVs in every stateroom
Themed bars and lounges
Adventure Ocean® youth facilities
Fitness Center and Day Spa
Full-size Everlast boxing ring
Casino RoyaleSM
Presidential Family Suite
Sports Pool
Full-size sports court
9-hole miniature golf course
Johnny Rockets® '50s-style restaurant
Portofino Italian Restaurant
Chops Grille
Ben & Jerry's® ice cream
Vintages wine bar
Boleros Latin-themed lounge
Sorrento's pizza
Vitality Wellness Program

Ship Facts
Maiden Voyage: May 19, 2007
Passenger Capacity: 3,634 double occupancy
Godmother: Donnalea Madeley
Gross Tonnage: 160,000
Length: 1,112'
Max Beam: 184'
Draft: 28'
Cruising Speed: 21.6 knots
Conference Facilities
Dedicated meeting space with breakout rooms and reception area to accommodate up to 400 people

High-tech presentation rooms

Color touch screens, wireless remote controls, teleconferencing equipment and more

More Ship Details Including Video

Frank, thanks for posting all the details about the ship. My husband and I are really looking forward to it. I can't imagine anything more fun than a piano cruise!

Carol

Got this note from our friends on Cape Cod...

erry A441 and I, Linda both want to be included in this fabulous cruise. Jerry said that he replied a couple weeks ago but I can't find his post. Anyway, count us in.
_________________________
Linda Gloo

Hi all,

I'll be signing up for this and bringing a friend. I went to the post office today and got my paperwork for my passport. It's cold and rainy here in Oregon today. Wish I was on a cruise right now!

Great Sandy, welcome to the cruise.

I'm sure the Caribbean will be warmer.

Heck, Pompano Beach, FL (where I am) weather for this week is...

Thanks Carol, looking forward to seeing you and your husband on the cruise.

Race you to the piano bench

Wow Frank, that weather forecast makes me want to pick up and go to Florida tomorrow. Enjoy it!

[/quote]Race you to the piano bench [/quote]

Hey, Frank, if there's a dispute about who got to the piano bench first, there's a boxing ring on the ship where we can duke it out! Or we could challenge each other to a rock climb . . .

But of course the thought that photos may find their way onto the Forum after we get home will probably ensure a certain level of decorum!

Carol

Hey, Frank, if there's a dispute about who got to the piano bench first, there's a boxing ring on the ship where we can duke it out! Or we could challenge each other to a rock climb . . .

But of course the thought that photos may find their way onto the Forum after we get home will probably ensure a certain level of decorum!

Carol [/quote]

If I was still in this shape (me too many years ago)...





I'd go for the ring or the rock climb.

Unfortunately, I now look like this...



So maybe a drinking and/or eating contest would be more appropriate

I wanted to answer some of the questions asked by members about the cruise. So far 4 cabins have been spoken for and that doesn't include one for Frank and one for me.

Most have asked for balcony cabins. I am holding space in four categories of balcony:

CONTACT BILL FOR LATEST PRICING

The difference is that the E cabins are 177 sf plus the balcony and the D cabins are 214 sf plus the balcony (slightly bigger). The other is the location of the cabins on the ship.

On the cruise it is common to tip a total of $ 10 per person per day at the end of the cruise. In addition there is currently no fuel surcharge but the cruise lines have the right to add one on if the price of oil goes above $70 a barrel.

I just realized that St. Patrick's Day next year we will be on the ship. More a reason for fun.

The cabins of each type are limited so I would reserve early if you are considering going. At the present time I have 16 cabins guaranteed but can request more (but maybe the price will be higher). Also the mid August deadline.

Please feel free to email me with any questions at dvtravels@hotmail.com or call me at 860-887-6481. Look forward to meeting you all.

Wow! This will be exciting to see! I'm very much sure that my friends will gonna love it when they hear this. Can't wait to see that day!

______________________________
www.onlinefurniturecoupons.com

Six cabins taken so far with only 9 more held. Don't delay and possibly be left out.

I really like the idea of a piano cruise, and it looks like it would be worthwhile. (Although my wife would hate it.)

However, when I have cruised the Carribean in the last 2 years, and when I see advertisements for similar cruises now, the prices for this cruise seem to be almost twice the prices that I have seen and actually paid recently.

I'm still considering what I want to do, but whether or not I cruise, I do hope everyone enjoys it!

Hop

I think it is important to clarify some questions about the cruise.

1 - We have had oour group space confirmed in the lounge in the Crown Lounge for two afternoons while at sea. This is important as we get to meet, play, and whatever the group wishes to do.

2 - The advertised prices are the GROUP prices which are confirmed not to go higher for at least 6 months. IF THERE IS A LOWER PRICE AT THE TIME YOU DEPOSIT YOU GET THE ADVANTAGE OF THE LOWER PRICE. Also if the price goes lower after you deposit I have your assigned cabin "repriced" lower and your final payment becomes less.

3 - With the group not only do you get access to the piano on the ship at no cost but many other events and gifts have been negotiated for you. While these are based on numbers of cabins booked they are well worth any small increase above individual prices advertised by others.

4 _ Royal Caribbean has a policy that all agencies whether large, small, on line or other MUST advertise and sell at the same prices.

I would encourage members to contact me at 860-887-6481 to have any other questions answered. We will have a great time but remember any space not deposited within the next three months can be recalled by RCCL. Please do not delay. The deposit is only $ 500 pre cabin.

Bill Potuchek

Hey,

This is really nice and very beautiful piano cruise.

Oh man, I wish I could go on this cruise! I've been on this exact ship before and it is a beauty. Cruising with a bunch of other piano enthusiasts sounds wonderful!
For anyone who has not been cruising before, your room might seem small/cramped but the only thing you will be doing in your room is sleeping so don't worry about it!
Labadee, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel are all great cruising stops. When I went on my cruise we stopped at a different port in Jamaica (Ocho Rios I think?) and it was dirty and unimpressive, but I've heard Montego Bay is much better.
You guys should definitely have a blast!

edit- if you guys have any questions about the ship, I may be able to help so post them here. If I don't respond in a day or 2, send me a private message and I will definitely get back to you.

Sounds like fun. But I don't know how well my style of music will mesh with all the classical players out there.

Classical players?

You obviously haven't been to a Piano Forums party to hear me play yet :-)
I play exactly one classical piece, 1st movement of the Moonlight Sonata, and even that has a "special" arrangement.

Standards, classical, jazz, rock, progressive rock, blues, ragtime, ...
We cover it all!

In fact, that's half the fun.

oh I wish I was old enough to go :P

My wife and I have cruised a few times with Holland America (HA) (we're "Mariner" members) but we can't make this cruise. Too bad! But I do have a serious suggestion for all piano-playing cruisers.
There's a dearth of available pianos on cruise ships. HA has several Yamaha grands aboard but they are all in public spaces (lounges, restaurents, also behind the stage) so the passengers can't really use them. There are good reasons for this: one is that you're "competing for time" with the professional entertainers (of course they come first) and, secondly, you really must NOT inflict your playing (and in my case, lack of competence!) on paying passengers. And you can't make a noise at night! On the last HA cruise I found myself sharing the Yamaha upright behind the screen in the Wajang movie theatre with one of the classical piano entertainers between movies, cooking demos and late at night (he copied one of my Mozart scores to practice!) Even he could not get the piano time he wanted! In the two week cruise I barely got in 4 hours of practice in.
I wrote to HA Head Offcie and politely suggested that they install half a dozen digital stage pianos (with NO speakers!) in the ship for passenger use (pick up headphones at the pursor's office or, better, bring your own), but I got no reply. I will write again.
May I ask Frank and all interested parties to lobby the cruise lines for this? (Including our still favourite HA!) We might then find a "sea change" in the passenger-accessible piano population on-board.
What other ideas do people have for getting more passenger-accessible pianos on cruise ships?
Cheers,
Roger

Hi, all.
My wife and I have cruised a few times with Holland America (HA) (we're "Mariner" members) but we can't make this cruise. Too bad! But I do have a serious suggestion for all piano-playing cruisers.
There's a dearth of available pianos on cruise ships. HA has several Yamaha grands aboard but they are all in public spaces (lounges and behind the stage) so the passengers can't really use them. There are reasons: one is that you're "competing for time" with the professional entertainers (of course they come first) and, secondly, you really must NOT inflict your playing (and in my case, lack of competence!) on paying passengers. And you can't make a noise at night! On the last HA cruise I found myself sharing the Yamaha upright behind the screen in the Wajang movie theatre with one of the classical piano entertainers between movies, cooking demos and late at night (he copied one of my Mozart scores to practise!) Even he could not get the piano time he wanted! In the two week cruise I barely got in 4 hours of practice!
I wrote to HA Head Offcie and politely suggested that they install half a dozen digital stage pianos (with NO speakers!) in the ship for passenger use (pick up headphones at the pursor's office or, better, bring your own), but I got no reply. I will write again.
May I ask Frank and all interested parties to lobby the cruise lines for this? (Including our still favourite HA!) We might then find a "sea change" in the passenger-accessible piano population on-board, e.g. several fully-weighted keyboards with headphones only (no speakers.)
What other ideas do people have for getting more passenger-accessible pianos on crusie ships?
Cheers,
Roger

Oh man I'll love to go! I wish that I didn't live on the other side of the world and were financially independent. Keep this cruise going every year or so!

Can you tell me what opportunities we will have to play and perform the piano? Also, can someone give me the total cost of the cruise, excluding optional shore trips, but including taxes and other fees? Of course airfare is a separate cost.

Thank you.

Hi Frank,

I'd dearly love to go - but 2010 is out. I'd be available for a 2011 sailing though.

There are a lot of mega ships coming on line the next year or so. When the time comes could you look into the Norwegian Epic, Royal Caribbean's Oasis/Allure of the Seas, etc. for possible outlets. With such gigantic ships maybe they'd have more pianos on board and more venues. Just a thought.

Thanks for putting together such an interesting outing. Hope this fabulous idea continues for years to come.

V

We only have one more month to confirm the group space and guarantee the NEW LOWER RATES for everyone. I will be making all deposits for those who have confirmed in mid August and the final payments will not be due until December.

NEW LOWER RATES:

INSIDE FROM $ 799
PROMINADE FROM $ 913
OUTSIDE FROM $ 956
BALCONY FROM $ 1087
JUNIOR SUITE FROM $ 1899

As before these prices are per person and do not include airfare, transfers to ship, gratuities, Govt taxes (currently at $97 per person), possible fuel surcharges, and insurance.

It is imperative for more information or booking that you contact me at 860-887-6481 or email dvtravels@hotmail.com

We only have a few cabins left and these prices will not be offered after 20 August.

As noted before with a group we do have access to the lounge with piano on the beautiful deck 14 during both sea day afternoons. Look forward to meeting you all.

Bill Potuchek, CTA, ACC
Owner
Dream Vacation Travels

see info above on new lower costs of the cruise.

so ho much would it be for just one person to go on this cruise.. does the price include flight and what oher exspences????

It is unfortunate that the cruise lines charge just about double for a "single" occupancy. Perhaps someone else on the "thread" will want to join you and make a "cabin". Email me as noted above and I can give more info.

I have posted the new rates which are less than the original ones. Our deadline for price guarantee is mid August. Email dvtravels@hotmail.com Hope you can join us.

A note to all who have confirmed the cruise. All cabins are reserved. Deposits will be made on August 20th as they would hold cabins without money. We have deposits from 5 couples and room for a few more. After 25 August the price and space cannot be guaranteed.

With one more week to go before prices go up on cruise here are the single rates and INCLUDE all taxes and port charges.

Inside: Total $ 1548
Outside: Total $ 1850
Prominade: $ 1764
Balcony: From $ 2180 to $ 2390

This does not include gratuities, airfare, shore excursions (optional), and on board charges.

It isn't as bad as I thought earlier.

It is important to contact me by August 24th. You can hold a cabin without penalty with a refundable $ 500 deposit (until January 2, 2010). PRICES WILL BE GOING UP AFTER AUGUST 25TH.

Call me at 860-887-6481.

RCCL has agreed to keep the old lower rates in effect as long as group space is available. If you would like to have fun and play a piano on a cruise ship please contact me today at dvtravels@hotmail.com.

Look forward to seeing everyone going to Cape Cod.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Group space in the two lowest balcony categories are no longer available. Also effective October 20, the prices for inside, outside and prominade cabins will increase from $50 to $ 100 per person. Please if you are even thinking of going please call me before the 20th at 860-887-6481.

I booked another couple tonight and we are now up to 7 cabins. Join us for fun.

Frank, my wife and I are in the process of pricing various cruises so I am really envious of the cruise you have advertised. Since we are much further away your cruise would be ideal but much more expensive as we would have to fly to the US.

We are currently looking at Venice/Greek Islands/Turkey - all without a piano.

If my lottery numbers come up in the meantime, I'll join you!
Good Luck.

Cruise is coming up soon, but there is still time to join us!

Pricing has come DOWN!

There's still time to join us...

Frank,

I have great news for the pianoworld family

Due to my agency volume with Royall Caribbean everyone who has booked on the cruise already, I have had their final invoice reduced between $ 400 and $ 500 and will be notifying them.

EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT IS THAT IF ANY MEMBERS HAVE NOT BOOKED AND RESERVE PRIOR TO JANUARY 1ST, THEY ALSO WILL GET THIS LOWER PRICE SAVINGS.

Can you please send out an 'EMERGENCY NOTICE" to your membership and have them contact me as soon as possible. Even rates for singles in cabins has been dramatically reduced. Then can call me at my office phone 860-887-6481.

Saw the ship last week and it is in great condition and awaits us now less than 90 days away.


Bill Potuchek,
Owner
Dream Vacation Travels

Prices are down, now is the time to sign up!

Check out the ship we will be sailing on, it has a fantastic collection of fun stuff to see and do. Plus we get to play the pianos.

You will also be the group that helps us begin the plans for our European tour in 2011.

Give Bill a call, he has all the details.

Come on folks, still time to join us for our first ever piano lover's cruise.

Details are at the start of this thread.
Pricing has actually come down, so it's a good time to contact Bill our travel agent.

bump

There's still a chance to join us for our first Piano Lovers Cruise.

Read through this thread, then contact Bill (our travel agent).

This is a low-key just for fun cruise. We expect to have access to a piano during the at sea days (and whenever else we can get our hands on one).
Much like our Piano Forums Piano Parties, we'll take turns playing and having fun.

When it comes to doing other things on the ship or on shore excursions, we can do some together, or you can go your own way, your choice.

The idea is to have sun and fun, meet other forums members, and play some piano music.

Oh, and we're also going to be discussing the 2011 tour of European Piano Factories, Composers/Musicians homes, and all that Europe has to offer (Cathedrals, Castles, Opera Houses, etc.) (Germany/Austria/possibly Italy/Estonia?).

Yikes!
We sail in less than two weeks now.

A cruise to the Caribbean with friends, warm weather, and live piano music.
Can't wait!

Have a great time, Frank. Wish I could have made it.

Thanks Kathy, we will.

Maybe you can join us next year, either the next cruise, or the European Piano Factory tour?

Best,

Frank B.

Where is the download to find out prices

There's a link in the first post, tho I think the prices came down a couple of times.

But - I also think they're on board and on their way for this one. Maybe next time?

Cathy

Can I follow secretly in a high quality German U-boat?

To protect you against modern day Pirates along the African coast...

Norbert

You missed the boat Norbert, but there is still time to catch The BUS

Looks like a dream vacation...