Caribbean Cruise August 2011

Have you ever thought of getting together with all your friends and family but just as quickly dismissed the idea because of the logistical nightmare?  Me too!

Christine, Aimee and I have attempted to get everyone together a couple times in the past few years and the plans never solidified for many different reasons. The main reason is that everyone is spread out from Washington State to Florida and all directions in between.  Can we continue not getting together?  NO.  Is it realistic to visit everyone with any frequency?  NO.  Is it expensive to visit just one person for a week?  YES!

Now that we know the problem what is the answer?



Here is what we've come up with.

We'd love to see everyone every year and beginning next year we will start go on a summer cruise with the hope that our family and friends will seriously consider joining us.

The overarching theme is getting the Bering's and Dabaldo's together as an annual family reunion themed cruise vacation.

Why a cruise vacation you ask? 

• Cruise ships are all inclusive and can accommodate as many friends and family that choose to attend.
• Stress free planning.
• You fly to the airport of embarkation and the cruise line gets you to the ship then back to the airport.
• Low deposit and pay as you wish until you pay it off (usually due 2 months prior to cruising).
• The vacation is paid for in advance (booze, sodas and shore excursions are always extra).
• We are all together but with our own rooms (and bathrooms) but can still go our separate ways in port if desired.
• No need for rental cars.
• Cruising is FUN!
• The perfect reunion platform.

That being said, we have already taken the bull by the horns and set up the inaugural cruise reunion vacation and you are invited if:

• You are related to or know a Bering.
• You are related to or know a Dabaldo.
• You think you might know someone that is friends with a Bering or Dabaldo.
• You don't know any of us but think it sounds like fun anyway.

The first cruise is scheduled to coincide with mom and dad's (John & Marilyn Bering) 50th wedding anniversary on 07 August, 2011 and is therefore established as the Anniversary Cruise.

Additionally, Tracy Clark's birthday (girlfriend of Steve Dabaldo) is also the 7th of August and there are several other summer birthdays and anniversary's to celebrate too..

Aimee has set-up a group booking with Carnival Cruise Line for a four day cruise departing from Miami on Thursday the 4th of August.  The first port is Key West on Friday followed by Cozumel, Mexico Saturday then a fun day at sea on Sunday (the 7th) and back to Miami on Monday.  Four days for several reasons.  If you haven't cruised before and are leery you aren't obligated for 7 nights at sea.  Early August is still peak season and rates are still higher than the off season so four days is more affordable.  A mid length cruise works for those that may not have much vacation time available.

With this group rate we need to secure cabins within the next 30 days and that will require a $150 deposit with the balance due by next June. The deposit is per person but if you'd like to stretch it out a bit you can call and place the initial deposit for one person but tell the Carnival rep the name of the second person for the room and that they will be calling in later to make their deposit.  As mentioned earlier, we need to secure the rooms within 30 days but we can stretch out the second $150 over two months or so if need be. If you are a military veteran you get a discount when you call to make your reservation. 

To place your reservation call Carnival Cruise Line: 1-866-721-3225
Give them the booking number: 50T4X2
They will want to confirm that you are with: John and Marilyn's 50th Group
They will take your deposit and answer questions.
If you need transportation from the airport to the ship make sure to let them know, I believe it is a $16 charge.
Then you'll have until next June (2011) to pay the balance.
We have set dining up for the early seating so our group will have a large table set aside to accommodate everyone.
Ask for any discount you may normally receive i.e. military, senior, too darn good looking, etc.

There may be a few single people wanting to attend and cruise line policy is that cabins are rented double occupancy.  Single people should find a roommate or let me know & I'll keep track of who needs a roommate, or, unfortunately, you'd have to pay double fare for the cabin.

We hope you can join us next year and in the years to follow.  We have planned the next three get-togethers as follows:

• August 2011, Miami, Key West, Cozumel, Miami
• Summer 2012, Hawaiian cruise
• Summer 2013, Mediterranean cruise

Please read the attached fliers that go into all the details.  You will notice references to "cruise credits" with several options.  We will be utilizing the credits for a group cocktail party that will include a one hour "open bar" in which all drinks i.e. soda, specialty coffee drinks, beer, wine, liquor and alcohol free drinks (Virgin Mary, Virgin Colada, etc) are free.

Please let me (johnbering@cox.net or jnbering@gmail.com) or Aimee (capecoma1@gmail.com) know if you and/or someone you know would like to attend next summer and if you'll be making a reservation in the next 30 day window.