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<h2>Piano Forums Piano Cruise 2005!</h2>



As promised, my sister the tour coordinator has been investigating some options for us.

Yes, I'm still serious about a Piano Cruise.
At this point I'm figuring on targeting 2005.

I'm hoping we can put something together and invite others in the piano industry (PTG, teachers, manufacturers, performers, dealers, piano lovers in general).

To make it interesting (and fun), I'd like to
know who might be willing to contribute some of their time and talents by...
Playing for us, talking about pianos, putting on technical clinics, etc.

I'm open for ideas, we are still at the talking (dreaming?) stage right now. But if we are going to do it, we need to start making plans fairly soon (cruise ships book up fast).

This is from an email she sent me recently...
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The MUSICALLY THEMED msZaandam offers a unique shipboard atmosphere. Her decor includes artifacts and memorabilia representinig VARIOUS MUSICAL GENRES - FROM A BAROQUE-STYLE PIPE ORGAN in the atrium to guitars signed by rock icons Ther Rolling Stones. Of course, guests enjoy Holland America's signature offerings, such as world-class cuisine in the Rotterdam Dining Room, which spans two decks and features Rosenthal china, starched linens, silver and fresh flowers.
The Itinerary is as follows: ZUIDERDAM PANAMA CANAL 11/11/05
O Fort Lauderdale depart Fort Lauderdale
1 Half Moon Cay 8:00am 3:00pm (Heavenly beyond words)
2 AT Sea
3 Oranjestad, Aruba 12:00pm 11:00pm (Fabulous)
4 Willemstad, Curacao 7:00 7:00pm (Weird place)
5 At Sea Perform/meetings
6 Panama Canal Fascinating!
7 Puerto Limon, Costa Rica 6:00am 4:00pm (Rain Forest, etc.)
8-9 At Sea (Perform, meetings)
10 Fort Lauderdale

This is an incredible cruise...have done it and came back so relaxed it took 10 years off me! Plenty of free time and play time...your choice...tour in air-conditioned submarine in Aruba to see billions of fish with classical music playing in the backround (you don't really go down in sub...is designed with glass bottom bowl with seats at every window so everyone has a window so you THINK you are way underwater) is jaw-dropping! EVERYONE was speechless on that trip...would love to share it with you! Air-conditioned bus brings you to beach, launched short distance to sub...tour also includes tour of Aruba, stops at cool places, etc. Fabulous tour!
Rain Forest tram was 150 feet up in the canopy...on way to Rain Forest see beautiful country once you get past the very poor area near the ship...lunch is served at base of rain forest in an open, covered area and was delicious!
Half Moon Cay is so beautiful that everyone who sees it says "just leave me here forever"
Anyway, Rotterdam has Yamaha, Model CG, C7, C2, GH1, C2 Disklavier, E116T Upright Year 1997 (same as ship)
Playing them subject to time/lounge restictions
Be aware that every cruise has five or six choices every day for tours so you have a huge variety to choose from! The people who took the tour to the city and had a brief tour to the rain forest enjoyed that trip, too.

THE ZUIDERDAM EASTERN CARIBBEAN 10/15/05

0 Fort Lauderdale departs 5:00pm
1 Half Moon Cay 8:00am 4:00pm (Paradise)
2 At Sea
3 St. Thomas, US VI 8:00am 11:00pm (Beautiful)
4 Road Town Tortola 7:00am 7:00pm (Beautiful)
5 At Sea
6 Nassau, Bahamas 1:00am 8:00pm (Nassau is Nassau)
7 Fort Lauderdale
When ship is in port it is usually tethered to wharf and you can get on and off at your leisure or take a tour which brings you back for meals, etc. so you have a myriad of options. They only launch you in to Half Moon Cay (in life boats, airconditioned-this is Holland America) because water is too shallow.
Pricing being done now...Europe trip information not available yet for 2005 but Angelique is checking on it every day. Will keep you posted!
She is working on Zaandam information now...you know the group better than I...they may already be well traveled...therefore the Panama Canal trip would be appealing because it is so different and allows plenty of free time for meetings, playing and networking.
But the Euopean trip if "to die for" so will keep you posted! Love, Sis

Frank:
I am certainly willing to entertain the idea. I have a wedding coming up, and possibly a new transplant. Depending on the latter of the two, my next year may be questionable, but I LOVE this idea!

I think it would be fun if some RPT's did some technical clinics for the hobbyist?

Keep us informed

Hi Frank, thanks for the update.

As I said before, if it isn't too expensive (and if I can afford it at the time anyway) I would definately like to attend this event!

Frank, it sounds like a dream. Curious to know what it will cost. I will make every effort to schedule the time and set the $ aside.

I don't have my glasses on, but it still seems to me that no price or even range of price is given (I know it depends on the cabins and all), Very doubtful I could go owing to having a teeanger at home to look after still (and he's the pianist anyhow!)...and also finances. Sooooo many expenses this year.

However, I enjoy fantasies so it would be nice to know how expensive my fantasy has to be!

Ariel

I am interested! Please keep us informed as you get more details.

My husband and I have been wanting to go on a cruise this sounds like the perfect excuse to finally do it. With enough notice we would definitely be interested.

Cathy

Here is an idea of the rates.
Keep in mind, the bigger the group we organize,
the better the rates we can get...
==================================================
Here are the group rates for the following sailings


ZU 10/15/05


Inside cabins - $688.38 - $794.68 Per person based on double occupancy
Outside Cabins - $807.78 - $851.48 Per person based on double occupancy
Verandahs - $817.38 - $851.38 Per person based on double occupancy
SS Cabins - $1038.38 Per person based on double occupancy
S Suite Cabins - $1446.38 Per person based on double occupancy


ZA 11/11/05


Inside Cabins - $1387.40 - 1442.50 Per person based on double occupancy
Outside Cabins - $1557.90 - 1643.40 Per person based on double occupancy
Verandahs - $1972.80 - $2045.90 Per person based on double occupancy
Suites - $3095.10 Per person based on double occupancy


All rates are subject to change until a group is confirmed. These rates
include all port and government taxes.


If you notice on the Zu sailing some of the verandahs are cheaper than some
of the outsides. I can only guarantee this rate if we open the group on
this sailing.

Angelique Smith
Personal Cruise Consultant
Holland America

I would definitely like to go on the Panama Canal cruise. I have plenty of time to find a "cabin mate" as I am single and I plan to stay that way!

How large a group would be the minimum? Would it be okay to give info to people I know who are not members here?

I have been on many cruises. Other than not liking inside cabins (too dark)having the least expensive outside cabin is just fine. There is so much to do onboard that you spend very little time in your cabin. So if $$s are an issue and you want to go...get the least expensive outside cabin.

Keep us updated, please.

clc

Frank,

The Panama Canal trip sounds really appealing but I'm wondering if you have any updates or information yet on the Europe option?