Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions the Convention Planning Committee has received.
As more come in, we will post them, with answers.
QUESTIONS ABOUT BOOKING THE CRUISE
IF YOU HAVE ALREADY BOOKED
QUESTIONS RELATING TO BEFORE AND AFTER THE CRUISE
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SHIP AND WHAT'S INCLUDED ON BOARD
QUESTIONS ABOUT BEING ON THE SHIP
OTHER QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS ABOUT BOOKING THE CRUISE
Can I still book?
If you have not forwarded your cruise booking form, you still have time to book a cabin. We recommend you do so as soon as possible. The Cruise Booking Form is found under Convention Registration.
Do I have to indicate a roommate now? Can this be done later?
NEW (August 17) If you need a roommate, contact the Convention Coordinator, Doris Ginther--coordinator@powertalkconvention.com--before sending in your registration.
I understand the $250 holds a room for me, but is it refundable at a later date?
If you must cancel $200 will be refunded, $50 of the deposit is non-refundable.
Do you have to belong to our organization to make the deposit? Are spouses invited?
Anyone wishing to attend as a member or a guest is requested to put down the deposit. You are invited to bring your spouse, friends, family and/or past members.
Former Royal Caribbean Cruisers are members of the Crown and Anchor Club. Will the cruise line honor Club discounts on this cruise?
Although the cruise will count towards Crown and Anchor Club members' cruise credit accumulation, discounts do not apply to group bookings.
Will the same travel company handling the cruise ship arrangements also arrange flights through Cruiseshipcenters?
We are recommending passengers make their own air arrangements. They should be able to find special rates using their local travel agency.
Is there specific information on travel insurance cost except the recommended RBC travel insurance? Does the cruise line have an insurance program?
Yes, Royal Caribbean does offer insurance coverage, but only for US citizens.
What are other costs for the convention?
There will be a convention registration fee to cover convention costs announced later. It will be comparable to previous convention fees.
Do our guests have to pay the registration fee in order to go on the cruise?
No, only if they wish to attend any of the events put on by the convention, e.g., Business sessions, Training Sessions, etc. Guests will be able to attend the final Speech Contest at no charge.
Will seminars and business meetings occur aboard ship and/or can we do any touring during the seven days?
The Committee has been working with the Burnaby CruiseShipCenters for the past year to ensure that business and training can fit around the tours planned for this ship. Several tentative programs were prepared proving that both can happen. You will not only have your convention, but your vacation as well.
I've paid but haven't heard back from the cruise company.
If you have not received confirmation of your booking deposit, contact Susan Hajek, Cruise/Travel Consultant, Burnaby CruiseShipCenters, for clarification at shajek@cruiseshipcenters.com.
When will I be able to register for the Convention?
Convention registration is likely to be available approximately late August 2008. We will send out that information to all who have registered for the ship as well as via the Club Liaison Officer and newsletters.
QUESTIONS RELATING TO BEFORE AND AFTER THE CRUISE
I plan to fly into Seattle-Tacoma Airport and to also depart from there. Is there a bus one can take to Vancouver as well as return?
Yes, there is! Quick Shuttle (www.quickcoach.com) provides buses that start at the Seattle Tacoma International Airport and drop off at Vancouver International Airport. From there, you can take the free shuttle to the Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel. Quick Shuttle’s winter (Sept 30-April 30) schedule shows 5 trips each way. Average time airport to airport is just under 4 hours. If you don’t want to take the bus, there are numerous airlines’ flights between these two airports every day
Will we need to book accommodations prior to the cruise?
The cruise departs Saturday, July 18 at 5:00 PM and returns Saturday, July 25 at 7:00 AM. We encourage members to arrive at least the day before. This way if you encounter difficulties or delays getting to Vancouver you won't miss the cruise departure time. Travelers arriving from a great distance will appreciate the extra time to catch up on sleep and reset their internal time clock to be ready for the activities we have planned for you. You will also be able to pick up your registration packets prior to boarding.
The Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel will provide rooms at special prices for those guests of our organization who arrive prior to the cruise or want to stay after the cruise. This includes those who are interested in tours of the Pacific Northwest. The cost of the rooms at the hotel will be $185-$205 Canadian per room. See Hotel Information.
Are there any activities scheduled prior to sailing?
All official convention activities will be held on the cruise. Pre-convention activities are in the early planning stages.
I thought cruise ships all left from the terminal at Canada Place, Downtown Vancouver, yet arrangements have been made with the hotel at Vancouver Airport, Richmond?
There are two berths from which ships leave. We have chosen the Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel for four reasons. It is close to the airport, includes a free shuttle, has easy access to both cruise berths, and the price is far better than we could get in downtown Vancouver. Vancouver will begin some of the 2010 Olympics games in 2009 and hotel prices have already jumped astronomically, starting around $250 per night and up.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SHIP AND WHAT'S INCLUDED ON BOARD
What is the Proposed Cruise Itinerary?
Day / Date |
Day of Week |
Port Location |
Arrival Time |
Departure Time |
NOTES |
1 – July 18 |
Saturday |
Vancouver, British Columbia |
5:00 PM |
||
2 – July 19 |
Sunday |
Inside Passage (Cruising) |
|||
3 – July 20 |
Monday |
Icy Strait Point, Alaska |
10:00 AM |
6:00 PM |
Shore and land excursions available |
4 – July 21 |
Tuesday |
Hubbard Glacier (Cruising) |
9:00 AM |
1:00 PM |
|
5 – July 22 |
Wednesday |
Skagway, Alaska |
7:00 AM |
8:30 PM |
Shore and land excursions available |
6 – July 23 |
Thursday |
Juneau, Alaska |
7:00 AM |
3:00 PM |
Shore and land excursions available |
7 – July 24 |
Friday |
Cruising |
|||
8 – July 25 |
Saturday |
Vancouver, British Columbia |
7:00 AM |
What are the differences in the staterooms and their prices?
Generally, the higher the deck location the more expensive is the stateroom price. The following table shows on which deck each type of cabin is located.
E1 |
Deluxe Balcony |
Decks 7, 8, 9, 10 |
179 sq. ft., balcony – 41 sq. ft. |
E2 |
Deluxe Balcony |
Deck 8 |
179 sq. ft., balcony – 41 sq. ft. |
G |
Ocean View |
Deck 4 |
170 sq. ft. |
H |
Ocean View |
Deck 3 |
170 sq. ft |
N |
Interior |
Deck 3, 4 |
165 sq. ft. |
How big are the bathrooms?
The bathrooms are small, generally large enough for only one person at a time. Bathrooms are 3' x 5'8” standard stateroom. Toiletries - i.e. shampoo and soap - are provided. Showers are European telephone style, adjustable to 6'2” max. Nonskid/nonslip mats are provided upon request. Hairdryers are provided in each stateroom.
QUESTIONS ABOUT BEING ON THE SHIP
Are we going to have a separate meal package charge?
No. All meals are included in the price of the cruise, and oh what great meals!
Will there be a refrigerator in our room?
All cabins have fridges so attendees can use for storing their medical supplies.
Will I be able to bring my wheelchair?
You can bring your wheelchair if you are in a wheelchair accessible room. You won't be able to maneuver it in a standard size cabin. The ship has four or five wheelchairs (on a first come, first served basis) but they are not allowed off the ship. If you wish, you may rent a wheelchair through an outside agency, for example CareVacations -- CruiseShipAssist at http://www.cruiseshipassist.com/html/mobility.html; Toll Free 1-877-478-7827.
Will there be POWERtalk functions (e.g., business meetings, education, workshops) during the ship's entertainment times?
We are trying to arrange our program around the major ship events and meals so that attendees can enjoy the events planned by the cruise line. There may be some over lapping for minor functions and tours.
Will we have a separate room for our meals and any activity we have prior to and after our meals?
We have booked the early dinner seating at approximately 6:15 for all our attendees. As the dinning room is open to the public we will be unable to hold any other event at that time. Most of our meetings will be private although other passengers may be interested in observing, such as speech contests. This could be a great Public Relations tool!
Why a Convention at Sea?
Choice:
- Over 100 modern “floating resorts”
- Destination from close-to-home to exotic
Value -- Price includes:
- Accommodations / meals / refreshment breaks / entertainment
- Meeting space & some audio visual equipment
- Cocktail party
- Ideal setting for team building and networking
Copyright © 2008 POWERtalk International Convention 2009
Home | Comments or Questions? | POWERtalk International Website