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If you haven’t done a cruise before this might be the one! Even if you have, cruising with your Ski Club friends might just be quite the party trip. Signup for this trip is through the travel group Concierge Cruises in Ft. Meyers, Florida.

A cruise simply offers so many options when you consider the many shore excursion options too, the board felt it best to negotiate the best room and airfare we could and then let our members sign up directly. Reservations must be made by room (2 people at a time). Our group rate is under the East Iowa Ski Club and Amenity Group A. You will say your stateroom choice (ocean view or balcony), with or without airfare, and you want the Group A amenity package. Our rooms are on decks 10 and 11.

Once we have most reservations in, we will work to get our rooms close together. Flight times will be sent later. Arrangements can be made through Concierge Cruises if you want to extend your time in Miami for a day or so earlier.

Our cruise ship “Breakaway” was first commissioned in 2013 and totally refurbished in 2020. The ship is 1,068’ long and 170’ wide and can accommodate 3,963 passengers with a crew of 1,657. It’s not the biggest but big enough to offer something on board for everyone. You can relax and breathe in the fresh ocean air along The Waterfront, a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade lined with restaurants, bars, and spectacular views. Or indulge in a wide variety of dining experiences. There are three main dining rooms, a help-yourself buffet and a variety of casual cafés, grills, and on-the-go choices. We also have two nights where you can enjoy a night of gastronomic proportions at one of the many specialty restaurants. You can enjoy a delicious seafood venue at Ocean Blue, a hearty steak at the Brazilian steakhouse, something totally different at Moderno Churrascaria. After dinner, or anytime, you can enjoy any number of bars and lounges, or take in a Broadway play or comedy show, or try your luck at gambling in the casino when you are out at sea. You will find any number of amenities day or night to keep you entertained.

Itinerary:

Sunday, April 21
Depart Cedar Rapids for Miami.A shuttle will take us from the airport to the ship where we embark at 5:30 pm.

Monday, April 22

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 7:00am to 2:00pm. (Tender Port) This is one of Norwegian Cruise Lines private island resorts with beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. There are plenty of things to do from snorkeling, kayaking, to taking a wave runner ride to just relaxing in your private beachfront cabana. Or enjoy their 8500 square foot beach buffet.

Tuesday, April 23

A day at sea.

Wednesday, April 24

St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, 11:00am to 4:00pm. Charlotte Amalie is one of the most breathtaking harbors in the world. Once home to pirates of long ago, today visitors find treasures of a different kind. St Thomas offers some the best shopping of all the islands.

Thursday, April 25

Tortola, British Virgin Islands, 6:00am to 2:00pm. The area was first discovered by Christopher Columbus himself in 1493. This exotic, peaceful island is home to both towering mahogany trees and white sand beaches. If you are in for a good hike, the region offers a challenging hike that extends 1,780 feet up Sage Mountain.It’s a great spot for birdwatching and breathtaking views of Tortola and neighboring islands.

Friday, April 26

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, 10:00am to 6:00pm. Puerto Plata (or officially known as San Felipe de Puerto Plata) is the ninth largest city in the Dominican Republic and the capital of the province of Puerto Plata. For spectacular city views, take a ride up the Pico Isabel de Torres Mountain which stands over 2600 feet high.If you’re a history buff, visit Fortaleza San Felipe, which was built in the 16^th Century and served as a prison under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. Or head to the Amber Museum, a museum filled with a unique collection of valuable Dominican amber. 

Saturday, April 27

At sea

 

Sunday, April 28

7:00am Disembark the ship and shuttle back to the airport for our flight home.

Signing up for this cruise trip is different than what we normally do.  A cruise simply offers so many options and choices that it’s just easier for each of you to book directly with Concierge Cruises in Ft Meyers, Florida. To make your reservation, call Concierge Cruises at (239) 772-1840 in Florida. Reservations must be made in groups of two. You both will have to get together and call in your reservation at the same time as they will need specific personal information from each of you.   

You need to say you are calling to sign up for the East Iowa Ski Club group cruise.  In addition to specifying which room choice you want (ocean view or balcony) and if you are flying with the group, you need to have all your personal information including your passport number.  Additionally, they will ask for your emergency contact name and phone number, and if you will be purchasing travel insurance through Concierge Cruises, and of course, then have your credit card ready.  

Our rooms are on decks 10 and 11. They may be able to tell your room number on the call or send it to you later. Other decisions you will need to make soon are which shore excursions you would like.  

There is a lot of information in this article so please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.  marty@eastiowaskiclub.com  or log in to see his phone number above.

 

~article by Marty Stimson, Club President