See New Post About Cruise (this one is locked)

Choose A Cruise!



We have been talking about a Piano Forums Piano Cruise off and on for years, without actually getting anywhere.

Now we have an agent who is working hard to help us put together the first real cruise.

Bill will be handling all the arrangements for us, which means he will help everyone with the booking, travel arrangements, etc.

(Bill Potuchek, CTA, ACC
Owner
Dream Vacation Travels)

Our criteria includes needing access to pianos we can play, preferably acoustic pianos.

We decided the first PWPF Cruise should be no more than 7 nights, and it should sail from Florida (so we won't need International flights the first time).

Bill (our travel agent) has come up with a few suggested cruises to choose from.

Our itinerary will include time to get together as a group, and plenty of "free time" to do your own thing. If we have enough people sign up I will try to entice some of our "professional" pianist to join us (and perform).

The First Cruise will be in early 2010

Pricing will depend somewhat on how many people are in our group. We will get the best deal we can for everyone.

Keep in mind, "days at sea" will be the time we get together to make music.

Please See This Important UPDATE! Piano Cruise UPDATE!

Been waiting for this AND / OR a tour of European Piano Factories / Concerts!

Can you add preference of dates? I'd prefer winter and March, not April.

Shoot - my preference of #3 is the least voted on!

I also think we should know of port of call time visiting, if he can add that info.

And approx cost of such an event!

Tuners/techs might really be welcome as well as performers!

Thanks Frank! (BTW leaving from Fl doesn't have anything to do with that you LIVE there does it?)

:p

Frank,

How exciting! I know this is a lot of work and I appreciate that you are doing it.

One thing to consider - March and April are very busy months for church musicians; if the cruise could happen after Easter/Passover more folks might be able to go.

I am sure you all will have a great time.

I went to sea for 24 years (which wasn't half long enough...) and would only be comfortable as a crew member, not a passenger.

I don't envy Frank the task of picking an itinerary and, especially, dates that would accommodate everybody. I also wonder if it might not be better to restrict voting to those people who express a meaningful likelihood in attending. I voted, but given the proposed dates I would not be able to go along. So maybe it shouldn't matter what itinerary I like.

Monica,

Don't you have spring break after Easter?

If our first cruise goes well (and I suspect it will) we will certainly look toward putting together a Europeon cruise/tour to include piano factories and composer's homes.

"(BTW leaving from Fl doesn't have anything to do with that you LIVE there does it?)"
Of course not :-) Florida happens to be the cruise capital of the U.S., it's just a coincidence that I live about 20 minutes from port.

I'll let Bill handle the other questions.

It's usually spring break for us before Easter. The real problem is that the university administration in its infinite wisdom (VERY heavy sarcasm here) always chooses dates that don't coincide with the public school spring breaks. After all, it's not like university faculty would actually like to be able to go on vacation with their children, would they? (even heavier sarcasm).

I just did the Jamaica, Cayman, Cozumel itinerary last year on Freedom of the Seas. Those ships are ENORMOUS. My kids would like nothing better than to get back on one of these boats. This may be a little early to mention, but when they offer to check you through to your airline for $20/person, DO NOT HESITATE. All of the cruise lines disembark their passengers at the same time. There is nothing like waiting in line with 10,000 of your closest friends at the airport.

that would be so wonderful! we could tour the val di fiemme, visit the brahmshaus in baden baden, not to mention all the wonderful factories: sauter, grotrian, steingraeber, etc. etc. etc.

What Pique said.

Is this going to be a BYOP (Bring your own piano) cruise. Another future thought would be a river trip trough Germany stopping at some piano factories.

According to Bill (our travel agent) the ships he suggested have acoustic pianos, and he's verified we will have access to them.

I'd like to use our first cruise as a stepping stone toward future cruises. If we get enough people to join us, we can create some more elaborate cruises in the future.

In December we were on one of the ships that you're considering - the Celebrity Summit. I counted five Yamaha grands on board, all about 5'8" I would guess.

I played one of them several times. It was in pretty good condition - not perfect, but better than many hotel pianos! It was in a piano bar and was the only piano that I saw being played while we were on the ship. Two or three of the others, which had player systems, were always locked.

Carol

What kind of cost would be expected on this?

A cruise is a marvelous luxury.

I just wonder how some of you people might get along after reading some of these threads! Yipes! MAN OVER BOARD! Or, woman!

I think I'll even plan on going but hiding! hehehe. Especially from Diane! Great idea though!

Thank you and keep the votes coming in. To answer some of your questions:

5 night Celebrity visits Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Cayman with 2 nights at sea. A short cruise but a good value for those who do not have to fly in. If flying in to Florida may be too short.

7 night Celebrity Solstice: Sailed on the pre inaugural and this ship is really "class". Due to popularity there may be less "perks" for the group but definitely a great ship. Ports are Sn Juan, St. Kitts, St. Maarten with three days at sea.

Royal Caribbean 7 night Liberty: Sailed on this one as well as the new Independence (see 6 night choice). If travelling with families this or the Independence are the way to go. In my opinion next to Disney, the best family cruise line. A large ship with more activities than you can imagine. San Juan, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten with 3 days at sea.

Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas - 6 night. Typical western Caribbean with Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Montego Bay, Jamaica. and 2 days at sea.

Don't let the ports necessarily influence your choice. All ships are great and the voting continues to be close, with about one more week to go.

Regarding dates it will more than likely be in March and not conflict with Easter Holidays or Holy Week. Will look for best value on the ship selected and perks allowed. It looks like Royal Caribbean will give better perks but don't let that influence your decision.

It will be fun and I look forward to getting to know all of you better. For those who asked yes Frank will be there and with a group I always sail to coordinate any events on board, questions on shore excursions, and heaven forbid, problem which may arise.

I have been on (3) cruises and enjoyed them all- although it has been a while since the last one. The Germany trip/factory tour has been on my mind for some time now. I definitely want to do that one. I suspect as a group we could command the red carpet tour?
I hear Germany is beautiful in the fall and something about an Oktoberfest?

About four hours ago I got back home after a ten day Panama Canal cruise,aboard RCCL's Jewel of the Seas.It was my twenty seventh cruise and the ninth with RCCL. They have become my favorite.
If any one wants to ask me any thing about cruising I would be happy to respond. I think cruising is a wonderful vacation.I also agree with Frank that Florida is the best place to sail from.

i am so a cruise girl

I have been looking at the best dates for value and perks for each of the four cruises and there has been some itinerary changes so I wanted to get you input if you feel you might want to sail with us.

Independence of the Seas - 6 night - Feb 28 is best availability date. The ports are now Berlize, Costa Maya Mexico, and Cozumel with two days at sea. Pricing including taxes range from $ 849 for inside to $ 1799 for suite with a great value of $ 1199 for balcony (which I ofren recommend). If you plan to travel with children let me know as RCCL has the best childrens program.

Liberty of the Seas - March 14 is the best available date. Best itinerary for first time western carribean sailing experience with the private island, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel with two days at sea. Pricing about $ 100 per person more than Independence but you get an additional day.

Celebrity Century - Is a short 5 night sailing which may lead to more "partying". Now ports in Key West and Grand Cayman with 2 days at sea. A relatively short sailing if you are flying to Florida to board. Pricing ranges from about $ 600 for inside to $ 1100 for suites. Children may become bored if sailing. March 1 is the best value date.

Celebrity Solstice - Newest of Celebrity ships and quite luxurios with spectacular shows. Ports in San Juan, St. Maarten, Tortola and private island in Haita with 2 days at sea. An upscale experience for a value price. After sailing on it in November I held space (which can be cancelled if this ship is not selected). Pricing is lower than you can find on the March 7 sailing. Again Celebrity is not as well recommended for families in comparision to RCCL. If this ship is selected we are limited to 24 cabins as group space has "sold out".

On all sailings a deposit of $ 250 per person is required by May 1st or as long as cabins last. Final day for "voting" is this Saturday, February 14th. Details should be available on this site by February 22nd.

is

Thank you Frank for noticing my typo. Century suites from $ 1100. $ 110 would have been some kind of a deal.

I have been on two cruises. The first was with Princess. It toured the carribean (7 nights). It was fine.

The most recent cruise was on the Celebrity Summit. It was awful-to-poor. (14 nights from Spain to Puerto Rico).

I suggest avoiding the Celebrity. Princess has been great (and people that I know who have sailed both have had a very recent cruise on Princess and still like it a lot).

Both ships had several and more grand pianos. One of the Celebrity pianos was badly out of tune. Another was pretty good. Every piano that I saw on both ships were Yamaha.

I suggest adding workshops where knowledgeable instructors could lead sessions (blues, jazz, theory, etc.).

Thanks for the feedback Hop,

I would love to add workshops, but that would depend on who is joining us.
If we get enough people to sign up, I can work on "incentives" for some of the pros.

Otherwise, you may have to settle for listening to my rock arrangement of Moonlight Sonata :-)

...which is well worth the price...

Do you mean Belize instead of Berlize?

I AM SO WITH YOU ON THAT MONICA!

Yes Belize. Goes to show that you all read well. Hopefully many of you will elect to join us. Hope to have a ship and voyage selected by next week, keep the comments and votes coming in. Summit and Century are part of the "older" class of ships (although only a few years old) which may make comment above valid. Also shorter cruises tend to have the older ships. We are trying to find the cruises and cruise lines which will provide us with the most opportunities to meet and have fun at the same time.

I have been on five cruises, four with Royal Caribbean (East and West Caribbean and two to Alaska) and one short re-positionig cruise with Holland America.

I have done the Royal Caribbean cruise to the Private Island, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel stops and enjoyed it immensely.

I have found RCCL to be first rate in all categories that one would expect to find on a cruise ship.

The food was excellent, the activities and entertainment were fabulous and the accomodations and service were second to none.

I have done a 5, 7, 10 and 14 day and found the 10 day for me was optimum.

I would say that a 7 day cruise should be a minimum. Anything less and I found that it seemed that you just get settled in and it's time to leave.

As for workshops, we often have posts here from Bradley Sowash, Neil Miller, and others.

We could always "invite" people like Mark Harrison or Tim Richards, or other people often mentioned on this forum.

Perhaps posters know of others.

Yo soy un Berlizer...LOL

For workshops and discussions that a piano is not needed, RCCL would be the best choice since they have rooms specifically set aside for conferences on deck 2. I would also think that they would have more piano's as I know there are only 2 really available for meeting and playing at the same time. If anyone on this forum has sailed on either Fredom, Liberty or Independence of the Seas and can provide locations it would be appreciated. I was invited and sailed on the pre inaugurals of both Freedom and Liberty of the Seas but in all honesty cannot remember.

Actually Bill, I cannot imagine a meeting with our group that would 'not' require a piano!!!

Could you check on that for us?

We are players/gatherers/partygoers all day and all night! And if attending a lecture/performance/shoptalk we still need a piano on hand.

And a place to meet for just the get-togethers could be most anywhere that there is a place that a group could gather within the large group...
or a big private estate room or adjoining rooms for the after party events.

In other words, the trip itself is only the frosting on the cake. Our get together and a place to meet and would be of utmost importance.

Otherwise, we could take any old cruise at any old time!

I hope I am speaking for others interested in attending. If not, I apologize for being forward about this.

Good points Lilylady.

Bill, if you scan a few of these posts, you will see how we usually operate.
We can meet just about anywhere, as long as there is:
~ A Piano (or 2 or 10 or...)
~ Food
~ Drink

http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?/topic/22/145/2.html


http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/22/171/3.html

http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/22/133.html

http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?/topic/22/147/3.html

I'm sorry to hear you had a bad experience with Celebrity. A number of years ago, my wife and I went on a Celebrity cruise, and were very impressed with the ship and crew. At the time, Celebrity was still owned by the Chandris family, and not by RCI, as they are now, so perhaps things have changed.

Cruise ships are very hard on the environment. Some companies are trying to become more responsible. I hope you will consider going with them.

There's an article in today's NY Times:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/travel/15green.html?ref=todayspaper

It is a matter of scheduling. Once we have selected a ship I will begin to work on scheduling. The space and time offered to us will depend on how many people we have (ie with say 20 to 40 we could probably use the piano bar during the day. With larger groups again gatherings would be during the day in most cases and probably in the upper "crowsnest" lounges.

It is a matter of scheduling. Once we have selected a ship I will begin to work on scheduling. The space and time offered to us will depend on how many people we have (ie with say 20 to 40 we could probably use the piano bar during the day. With larger groups again gatherings would be during the day in most cases and probably in the upper "crowsnest" lounges.

Cruise ships are very hard on the environment. Some companies are trying to become more responsible. I hope you will consider going with them.

There's an article in today's NY Times:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/travel/15green.html?ref=todayspaper

Hi Frank,
Saw you posts for the piano cruise. Sounds like a great idea. We would do our own entertaining and spend less time eating all that food. We have been on several cruises, the most recent last Feb. on NCL's Gem. Nice ship, great shows, and service. In 2005 we fly to London, took a 10 day cruise back to the states on NCL' Jewel. Again, a very good experience. They have Yamaha's in their lounges, with good pianists. In 2000, when I was still working as a Nurse, we did an educational cruise on NCL's, Norway. They were very accommodating, setting up rooms, and private breakfasts. Have you checked them out? Have you set a time of year or month? Looking forward to possibly joining you.
Dot

Hi Dot,

Thanks for your input.
I think it will be fun.

I'm letting our agent handle all the details.

I've never been on a cruise. All the ships I traveled on were work boats (offshore lobster, fishing draggers, tug boats).

If we get enough people, we should be able to commandeer some meeting space with a piano.

We are looking at March/April 2010 I believe.
Hope you can join us.

I have been on a number of cruises to the Carribean. Holland American, Norwegian Cruise lines and Royal Carribean were the best.

I heard from friends that Celebrity was the worst. Gaby Tu

I want to thank all of you who voted and the comments provided in this thread.

Based on the opinions of many of you in this "thread" we have decided to sail on the Liberty of the Seas by Royal Caribbean. The voting was close so we used the following to our advantage:

A great location for piano sessions on the ship overlooking the ocean from the lounge on deck 14.

The pricing which was a better value

Much better ports of call including a "day on the beach" at the private island. I apologize for those who may have travelled in the past on this itineary but there is so much more to see and do and my wife loves the "shopping".

A far superior children's program for anyone who wishes to come with their children or grandchildren I guarantee that they will not get in your way during the cruise.

More balcony cabins and far more activities (due to being a larger ship).

We have a choice of the March 14 or April 11 sailing. The April sailing is a better value and will not interfere with Lent as it leaveas the week after Easter. Next week a flyer will be prepared and posted. Early reservations are recommended. Since this is the initial cruise of the group RCCL will only provide 16 cabins at this time. Any questions can be directed to me at info@dreamvacationtravels.com or posted to this site for all to see the response. Look forward to meeting many of you. Thanks again for your input. It really helped in making the decision.

Hi Bill, I'm sure I'm not the only person curious about the approximate price range on the cruise. Can you give us an idea?

Don't forget to negotiate internet access so you can keep in touch with all us guys who can't make it.

The forum could be a bit slow that week!

Without the moderators around there is a good chance we will all kill each other.

Oh and Monica, take that price with a pinch of salt. In this economic climate you should be able to bag a discount of at least 30% :rolleyes:

The best Cruise we (wife and I)went on recently was on the new Cunard 'Queen Victoria'

They also had Yamaha Grands, about 7 I think, one a near-concert grand size. All in good tune. We also had an excellent paid Concert Pianist who's name I cannot remember. Even bought his CD. Will edit post later. Plus the resident bar pianist who played to requests of the passengers. Another talented pianist.

Sorry, but all my subconscious brain is full of music awaiting my recall when I next play the piano. To get piano practice in as a passenger I had to get on the ivories around 6.30 AM. That was no problem as I get up early every day.

I cannot play to audience as I'm one of those peculiar people that play by ear and memory recall,any distraction ruins the brain recall and the ability of master of the keyboard sounds.

So yes, we can recommend the Queen Victoria 100%

The details, pricing, location of piano's for our use, itinerary etc will be on the site by the end of February. Negotiating with the cruise line but pricing will start under $ 1000 per person including all those crazy port and government taxes. Not much more for outside cabins and the best of all the balconies. As interest and bookings increase I will see more perks such as free internet, cocktail parties, etc. All I can say is "sharpen your ice skating and surfing" skills. I want to see Frank climb the rock wall (Can you see that picture on the forum). I tried everything when I sailed on the inaugural of the ship and may even forward Frank some pictures. I look forward to meeting many of you on the cruise and if the response is anything like the response to the "survey" we will take over the ship.

Would you consider surveying members to find out whether there's a preference between the two dates you're considering? For me, one date will work and the other won't - the same may be true for others.

Carol

Piano 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

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 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

Junior Suite with Balcony: from $ 1,949.00; Deluxe Balcony: from $1,299.00; Outside Stateroom from $ 1,149.00 ; Promenade Stateroom from $ 1,099.00; Inside Stateroom from
$ 964.00. Deposit of $ 250 per person required. Balance not due until November 30, 2009.

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.
Rates and availability not guaranteed after 8/15/2009.
Affiliated with Travel Planners International.
FLA seller of travel Reg. No. 1067024.
CA seller of travel Reg. No 2063964-40.

Information about the ship...

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

Want to Know More?

Virtual Tours, Deck Layouts, Podcasts, Videos...

Liberty Of the Seas

Jerry 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.

That's great news Linda.

Ok, we have our piano tuner onboard now (just kidding).

Now you just have to convince some more of our friends from the Cape to join us.

Best,

Frank B.

Please see this new thread...

http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthrea...tml#Post1156407