Several weeks ago my Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines sales representative suggested that I try another group promotion with them, other than the Rudy Cruise we have scheduled in September out of Galveston. I told him I would be interested if we could get a good one with a good rate that would draw some attention. We looked around and found what I think is a good one at a really good price. You tell me!!!
It is a 7-day cruise on the Jewel of the Sea, departing San Juan, Puerto Rico and cruising to what is referred to as the Southern Caribbean. The exciting and interesting ports of call are St. Thomas, St. Croix, Antigua, St. Lucia, and Grenada. . .5 ports in 7 days. . .very impressive ports as winter approaches. The cruise date is Nov. 15-22, 2014.
What got my attention is the price they quoted me for my group. An outside room with an un-obstructed window is $640 a person, based on double occupancy, including all the taxes. A balcony room is just a few dollars more at $765 a person, based on double occupancy including taxes; a little over $100 a day for a balcony room!! A refundable deposit of $250 a person would hold the reservation until final payment on August 29, 2014.
The air cost to San Juan is dependent upon when the reservations are made, but I’ve seen prices as low as $555 a person round-trip from DFW to San Juan. . .even at $600-$700, it would still be a good travel deal.
One of the options to consider on going there is a pre-night stay at a hotel in downtown San Juan before the cruise. That way you don’t have to be concerned about a late flight on the day of ship departure. The cost of one of those options is around $125 a person per night.
The Jewel of the Sea was the last ship built in what Royal Caribbean calls the Radiance-class ships. She started service about 10 years ago, and is a 90,000 ton ship that carries around 2100 passengers. Plenty of space, and plenty of activities are available on her such as cooking demonstrations, art auctions, dancing lessons, shopping, and a lively casino. For those fitness buffs, the fitness area is large with adequate treadmills, ellipticals and stationary bikes, and a jogging/walking track on Deck 12 where 6 laps make a mile. . . .plus there is a rock-climbing wall, sports court, miniature golf, and a golf simulater.
Food is good, entertainment is excellent, and the ports are definitely different than Texas, so grab several couples and lets go have a party on a really nice ship for not a whole lot of money. Give the travel agents a call at The Travel Factory and let us help you manufacture this dream vacation or any other you might dream up. We can be reached at 698-1421 or drop in for a person-to-person visit at 4150 Southwest Drive between Rosas and Chick-fil-A in southwest Abilene. . .your true vacation shop.