Join us for our Among Friends Caribbean Cruise 2005 A Personal Invitation from Dr Bill. Over the last seven years, Among Friends has organized an annual Caribbean Cruise which most people have found to be a wonderful experience. I am pleased to share with you the details of our 7 th Annual Cruise on the attached brochure. We are going to the Southern Caribbean for 11 nights, departing from and returning to San Juan, Puerto Rico. If you are a grieving person, and have had a significant loss, I invite you to consider coming on this trip not alone but Among Friends We have been able to arrange a wonderful group package rate for the air and the cruise. The cruise price is advertised on Royal Caribbean s website at $500 more, so it is in your interest to try to take the entire travel package to ensure this excellent rate. Many people who have been touched by grief have been a part of this program over the years and have said how helpful it was to get away, travel again, do things they once did and with people who could understand and support them through difficult moments and challenges. This Among Friends cruise is primarily for people who have had a significant loss, and an important component is the support that is offered to people, acknowledging that many memories or feelings in such situations can often be difficult and challenging. In order that we might support grieving people, Among Friends tries to create a safe and comfortable environment. We organize numerous activities together, and take da ily excursions in the various exotic locations, and become something of a community. We have support meetings on the ship each evening open only to those who have experienced the death of a loved one, for those who want to talk over feelings or share grief issues. And there can be difficult issues. For example, often seeing couples together can be very difficult for people who have lost a spouse. While impossible to isolate everyone from seeing couples, we INSIST that at least in our Among Friends group, ANY COUPLES who are part of the group agree to be SENSITIVE to EVERYONE in the group, acknowledging just how painful overt reminders of what we have lost can be. We also request that everyone involved always show sensitivity to and consideration of the feelings of the opposite gender. Johanna, my wife, and I have always tried to set an example by limiting open displays of affection for each other in front of grieving friends, so as not to cause anyone hurt or pain. I expect that everyone involved in the group will try to be equally sensitive. These conditions are not intended to legislate but to create a comfortable environment where people who have been hurt can feel safe, supported and understood without misunderstanding or offence. We feel confident that everyone who decides to travel Among Friends will not only understand but co-operate to creating such an atmosphere. As time goes on, we will post some testimonials from past and current participants, as well as a movie of a previous cruise. Stay tuned. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you and I hope you will consider being a part of another exciting cruise adventure Among Friends. Bill Webster
COME CRUISE WITH DR. BILL WEBSTER CARIBBEAN CRUISE VACATION For information and reservations contact: CATHY DOUGLAS, ROBERT Q S TRAVEL MART 17 MAIN ST W NORWICH ON, N0J 1P0 Phone: 18884377901 Fax: 5198632532 norwichtravel@cablerocket.com
YOUR ITINERARY SEE THE WORLD FROM A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW. Royal Caribbean International brings your cruise vacation to life like no one else can. And no one knows these amazing destinations like Royal Caribbean International. Not only that, no one else can offer you The Royal Advantage: Gold Anchor Service - that anticipates your every need; Exciting onboard experiences ranging from fine dining and contemporary musical stage productions to our complimentary Adventure Ocean program for kids; Shoreside adventures that you might never have imagined in a million years; And the most innovative ships in the industry, featuring onboard rock-climbing walls and lively shopping promenades. THE ULTIMATE VACATION BEGINS WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL. No one knows the Caribbean better than we do. After all, it is our middle name. And when it comes to beautiful beaches and sparkling blue waters, the Caribbean is really in a league of its own. There are countless adventures within reach on your cruise vacation. Get up close and personal with stingrays in Grand Cayman. Compete in an actual race on one of New Zealand's former America's Cup yachts in the Bahamas. Plus, there's the El Yunque Rain Forest in Puerto Rico, Christoffel National Park in Cura çao, and the Mayan Ruins in Cozumel, just to name a few. 17-JAN-2005 to 28-JAN-2005 Departs 17-JAN-2005 from San Juan, Puerto Rico aboard EMPRESS OF THE SEAS Day Ports of Call Arrive Depart 1 San Juan, Puerto Rico 8:00 PM 2 Philipsburg, St. Maarten 10:00 AM 5:00 PM 3 Gustavia, St. Barts 7:00 AM 6:00 PM 4 Basseterre, St. Kitts 7:00 AM 6:00 PM 5 Castries, St. Lucia 10:00 AM 6:00 PM 6 Bridgetown, Barbados 7:00 AM 6:00 PM 7 St. George's, Grenada 7:00 AM 6:00 PM 8 Margarita Island, Venezuela 7:00 AM 3:00 PM 9 Willemstad, Curacao 11:00 AM 6:00 PM 10 Oranjestad, Aruba 7:00 AM 11:00 PM 11 At Sea 12 San Juan, Puerto Rico 7:00 AM 11 NIGHT SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE EMPRESS OF THE SEAS Itinerary subject to change.
SHIP FACTS Maiden Voyage: June 25, 1990 Passenger Capacity: 2,020 Godmother: Gloria Estefan Gross Tonnage: 48,563 Length: 692' Beam: 100' Draft: 25' Cruising Speed: 19.5 knots EMPRESS OF THE SEAS Empress of the Seas* may be smaller than our other ships, but don't let its size fool you. You'll find everything you've come to expect onboard a Royal Caribbean ship, like panoramic ocean views from the two-story ShipShape Day Spa and Fitness Center, romantic dinners in Portofino, our specialty Italian restaurant and dancing in the Latin-themed bar, Boleros. Its unique combination of smaller size and amazing amenities has put Empress of the Seas in a league of its own. WHILE ONBOARD ENJOY
YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS INTERIOR STATEROOM Two twin beds (can convert into queensize), vanity area, and a private bathroom. (117 sq. ft.) Please note: Stateroom images and features are samples only. Actual furniture, features, colors and configurations may vary. PRICE INTERIOR STATEROOM FROM CAD 2299 FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT COMMENTS CATHY DOUGLAS ROBERT Q S TRAVEL MART 17 MAIN ST W NORWICH ON, N0J 1P0 PHONE (1) 18884377901 PHONE (2) FAX 5198632532 PRICES INCLUED CRUISE, AIR, PORT CHARGES, GOVERMENT FEES, TRANSFERS, DEPOSIT REQUIRED AT TIME OF BOOKING $900.00, BALANCE DUE OCTOBER 25TH. OPTIONAL: INSURANCE CANCELLATION & MEDICAL ASK FOR THE GROUP PRICE. norwichtravel@cablerocket.com DISCLAIMER This cruise package is non-refundable, we recommend Cancellation, Interuption insurance. Robert Q's acts as agents only and are not responsible for changes, or cancellation of cruise or tours or changes of itineraries.
PORTS OF CALL SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO One of the largest islands in the Eastern Caribbean, Puerto Rico's landscape encompasses mountains, underground caves, coral reefs, white-sand beaches and an incredibly massive rain forest that supplies fresh water to most of the island. At the same time San Juan, the capital of the commonwealth, is a big city with a bustling business district, glitzy resorts and casinos, as well as one of the most stunning examples of colonial life in the Western world. GUSTAVIA, ST. BARTS The island of St. Barts is only about eight square miles, but every inch boasts spectacular natural beauty. Discovered by Christopher Columbus and named after his brother, St. Barts has stayed relatively tranquil in comparison to other Caribbean islands. However, this anonymity may be short lived, as St. Barts has recently become a hotspot for royalty and the wealthy. CASTRIES, ST. LUCIA St. Lucia has been a part of the British Commonwealth since 1803. But prior to that, it was often occupied by the French, which is evident in much of the island's culture. Castries offers a colorful local market and great shopping. And the surrounding areas offer lush rain forests, striking waterfalls, beautiful beaches and Sulfur Springs - the world's only drivethrough volcano. ST. GEORGE'S, GRENADA From the moment you set your eyes on St. George's, you'll see why it's considered one of the most picturesque ports in the Caribbean. Lush vegetation, mountainous terrain and colorful colonial architecture make up the landscape. And if the sights don't wow your senses, the aroma will. Grenada is also filled with spice trees and is a leading source of many different spices, including nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon and cocoa. WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO Curaçao is the largest of the six islands that comprise the Netherlands Antilles. It gained autonomy from the Netherlands in 1954, but the Dutch influence is still very visible in PHILIPSBURG, ST. MAARTEN When the Spanish closed their colonial fort on St. Maarten in 1648, a few Dutch and French soldiers hid on the island and decided to share it. Soon after, the Netherlands and France signed a formal agreement to split St. Maarten in half, as it is today. Philipsburg displays its Dutch heritage in its architecture and landscaping. The island offers endless stretches of beach, beautiful landscapes and great shopping. BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS With dormant volcanoes, pink beaches and gorgeous green hills, St. Kitts is a beautiful backdrop to your Caribbean adventure. Founded in 1623 by both the French and the British, the island's deep colonial history is reflected in the abandoned fortresses, as well as its landscaped gardens, city squares and architectural details. BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS Though Barbados gained its independence from the British in 1966, the island maintains a distinctly English flavor. From British products such as chocolate and china to the national pastime, cricket, the British influence is evident throughout this gorgeous Caribbean destination. MARGARITA ISLAND, VENEZUELA There's a good reason why Margarita Island is known as the "Pearl of the Caribbean." With 50 beaches - many of them still unspoiled - and the perfect conditions for windsurfing, visiting here is like stumbling upon a rare jewel. ORANJESTAD, ARUBA Located on the picturesque southern coast, Oranjestad is the historic Dutch capital of Aruba, where the traditional, tall, multicolored houses combine carved
Willemstad's architecture and culture. With the growth of the oil industry in Curaçao in the early 20th century, workers and their families came to the island from more than 50 countries, providing a varied and vibrant population. Everyone should experience the sights, sounds and energy of this unique destination. wooden doors and typical Dutch tiles with open-air patios. The charm of the city complements the beauty of this popular Caribbean island where the Dutch and indigenous cultures have merged to give Aruba its unique atmosphere. Today's visitors can enjoy this culture along with beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and exciting nightlife.
EMPRESS OF THE SEAS Deck Three Deck Four Deck Five Deck Six Deck Seven
EMPRESS OF THE SEAS Deck Eight Deck Nine Deck Ten Deck Eleven