FAQs -- 2013 Down Syndrome Cruise Conference

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Frequently Asked Questions for 2013 Down Syndrome Cruise Conference

Mission Possible: Sailing to Solutions

lie & Andi, why are you putting together this Conference?

The main purpose of Mission Possible is to bring together a group of speakers within the Down Syndrome Community who have assisted families to improve the lives of children and adults with Down Syndrome with therapies that have not been mainstream, but are just as effective and in some cases more effective than more commonly accepted therapies and services.

As lie began studying and learning about the Cruise business, it quickly occurred to her that a family orientated Down Syndrome Conference Cruise would make a unique and interesting experience for families and professionals. Andi has a background in planning conferences and Fred & Cora Dehaas have many years experience with organizing group cruises, therefore, combining our efforts for Mission Possible seemed natural.

Our biggest motivation is the struggle that we, and other caregivers, have faced in attempting to obtain information about the therapies and services that are available for our children. As we know, our children are unique and no one therapy will fit every individual with Down syndrome. There is a need to share this information so that parents/caregivers can make more informed decisions. After all, we are affected by the therapies used for our children, not the professionals providing the services . . . so it is important to get this information out to the primary caregivers in the same situation we find ourselves.

Why did you choose Royal Caribbean over the other Cruise Lines ?

Royal Caribbean is not a luxury Cruise Line. They are a very reasonably priced, family and couples-friendly Cruise Line, which offers an all around fantastic vacation experience. Having the Dreamworks experience on "Liberty of the Seas" was a definite factor in choosing Royal Caribbean, so our children can enjoy their time as much as anyone else on the cruise. And we have the added bonus of Conference facilities since we have blocked our group space well enough in advance of the sailing date.

When should I book my Cruise ?

The sooner, the better. Connecting rooms and triple and quad staterooms are of limited supply so booking now will help ensure you have the best arrangement for your family. When booking a triple or quad, the 3rd & 4th passenger rates for the stateroom are significantly less than for the 1st and 2nd passenger. The Balcony staterooms are also booking quickly for our cruise. Accessible staterooms are also in limited supply.

So, we encourage everyone who has an interest in attending this Cruise Conference to book their staterooms early for best selection. Groups of this nature are always booked 12 – 18 months in advance of the sail date. There is more planning with Groups than individual travel. Booking early ensures proper size meeting rooms based on the number of attendees. It helps with the planning of the Cruise Conference experience. It also allows for seating cross-referencing at our early dinner seating.

Is there a minimum age for children to go on the Cruise ?

Yes, the minimum age is 6 months old, with no exceptions.

What is the rate for single travellers?

If you are booking into our cruise as a single traveller, the cruise fare is based on double occupancy, which will be less than 2 x the 1st/2nd passenger rate. Royal Caribbean does have a maximum number of single occupancy staterooms per ship sailing. Another reason to book early.

What if I’m single, but looking for a friend or relative to travel with me ?

We can book you into the stateroom of your choice and make a note that the 2nd passenger is To Be Announced. That will give you time to find the additional passenger and if not, then you may still sail as a single passenger.

What if my toddler or baby sleeps in a pack and play?

You may request Royal Caribbean supply the pack and play, however, most travellers will bring their own. You will still need to reserve a stateroom that accommodates the extra child. For example if there are two adults and one toddler sleeping in a pack and play, you will still need to reserve a triple occupancy stateroom and the 3rd passenger rate will apply to the child.

How do the Children, Youth and Teen Programs work?

For children ages 3 – 17, there are different child, youth, tween and teen programs available during the sea days for them to participate in at no additional charge. For children ages 1 year to 3 years there is a Babies and Tots Nursery program where for a nominal fee, Sitters at Sea offers babysitting services, both in a group setting, and individually in parents’ stateroom. We already have some sponsorship funds started for this service to cover some of these babysitting costs during the sea days.

Are there Internet Services available from our staterooms?

Yes, there is a WiFi internet service available throughout the ship, including in your stateroom. Upon arrival you would check in at the Guest Relations Desk to set up your service. The current charge for this service is as follows, in U.S. dollars (prices are subject to change):

65 cents per minute or a package of 60 minutes = $35; 100 minutes = $55; 150 minutes = $75;

250 minutes = $100; 500 minutes = $150

Do we need passports?

Yes, passports are required for all passengers. The expiry date on the passport has to be at least 6 month past the date of return from the cruise.

Can any travel agent book into this group for those wishing to attend the Conference?

Our cruise is based on a group rate which includes the conference fee to bring the speakers onboard as well as meeting rooms, cocktail party etc.　 It will be a great value added for all attendees.　 If the cruise is booked outside our group those doing so will not be able to participate in the Conference.　 Bookings can be made through myself (lie) or Fred Dehaas.　Additional travel requirements (flights, pre/post hotel bookings, additional back to back cruises, Disney World stays, insurance etc.) may also be booked through Fred or myself, or through your own travel agent.

Best regards,lieSecure your spot !for the 2013 Down Syndrome Cruise ConferenceMission Possible: Sailing to Solutionshttp://www.rosalienewellwagner.cruiseshipcenters.com/Promotions.aspx