JANUARY 5, 2025 * VIEW AS WEBPAGE

WE'LL 'SEA YOU' SOON

Welcome to the second issue of SAIL AWAY prior to our YMCA Alumni Reunion-at-Sea later this month. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser we hope you will find information you can use in this special newsletter.



Thanks once again to Meghan Bibby of Go Travel for pulling much of this helpful information together in one place. Be sure you have downloaded the Royal Caribbean App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

--Carmelita Gallo, YMCA Alumni VP/West and Reunion Chair

--Bob Cook, Go Travel Sales Director and consultant to our Travel Club

REUNION-AT-SEA

SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE

WELCOME ONBOARD

OUR GENERAL SESSION AND FAREWELL LUNCH

Your Planning Committee understands that our cruise needs to leave lots of time for members to enjoy many of the activities, shows, restaurants and amenities aboard the Harmony of the Seas.

That's why we have just two major events and several workshops scheduled on days while the ship is at sea.

Our Welcome Aboard/Opening General Session is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 27 in the Brilliant Conference Room on Deck 3. Speakers (photo top to bottom) include YMCA Retirement CEO Mike Cefole and YMCA of the USA CEO Suzanne McCormick.

Hall of Fame member and former Stahl Award winner Len Wilson will present the 2005 YMCA Alumni F. William Stahl Award to Nancy Reece.

YMCA Alumni President Phill Morgan will host our Farewell Champagne Lunch, Saturday, Feb. 1, 11 a.m. in the Main Dining Room, Deck 3.

The program includes a remembrance of all those who left us since our last reunion in New Orleans.

Workshop presenters Top Row, L-R: Bob Cook, Len Wilson, Patrick Murphy.

Bottom Row L-R: Bob Hastedt, Mary Tikalsky, Mike Bussey.

A variety of short workshops are planned on sea days (see schedule above) on topics from travel, to reports on troubled YMCAs overseas to estate planning, and improving your bridge game. Pick and choose what might interest you.

WHAT TO PACK?

CASUAL, BUT NICE

Personal Items: We suggest transporting all of your medications in your carry-on luggage to minimize the potential for diversion or loss of medications and also advise keeping all medications in their original, labeled prescription containers. Pack at least three days of extra medication in the event of an unexpected change in the itinerary.

Clothing:

When you’re on board, the right look will vary by venue. But here are a few suggestions: Shoes should be low-heeled for deck activities. Bring a few swimsuits (so you will always have a dry one if you're planning a swim or hot tub soak). You’ll need comfortable walking shoes when going ashore into the port or on excursions. Be sure to bring a hat for protection from the sun if you’re going ashore in the Honduras and Mexican port stops.

Casual, but nice: You're on vacation – relax! Jeans, shorts, tees, polos, sundresses and blouses are all the right amount of laid back. Please keep swimwear to the Pool Deck.

Smart Casual: Spiff up a bit in the evenings. Think of this as a step up from your typical dinner wear. Dress to impress with jackets, sports coats, blazers, collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits, though jackets and sports coats are not a requirement. "Formal nights" are usually the second and sixth nights. But, forget what you see in those old movies. Leave the gowns and suits at home, unless you "fancy" a real dress-up occasion.

Click HERE to read an excellent article about "what to pack" if you are a cruising novice (or veteran, for that matter).

THE MUSTER

IT'S A MUST

ALL passengers must complete the muster drill before the ship can sail. But, no worries, it's easy and fast.

There are three parts to completing your mandatory muster safety drill. The first two can be completed in the Royal Caribbean app or on your stateroom TV before you visit your assigned muster station at the set time.

1. Watch the life jacket instructions video.

2. Listen to the emergency horn.

3. Visit your muster station which is listed in the app and on your Seapass card. A crew member will verify you’ve completed both steps and completed your drill or will help you to complete all the steps.

ALL ABOARD

PICK YOUR TIME

Everything's big in Texas and that includes Royal Caribbean's spectacular new cruise terminal in Galveston where we will board the Harmony of the Seas.

Our group arriving on the shuttle busses from Houston will board at the same time. The busses will leave the hotel at 10:15 a.m., arriving at the port at about 11 a.m. If you are arriving in Galveston by car or shuttle on your own, choose the earliest available time. If you have purchased The Key, you may board at any time.

Use the Royal Caribbean app when checking in for a quick and easy experience.

Reunion registration is at the Marriott Hotel Hobby Airport in Houston if you are arriving early for pre-trip activities or on Deck 3 once you board the cruise if you are heading direct to Galveston. Join us in the Schooner Bar on Deck 6 at 4 p.m for a casual meet-up.

WHITHER THE WEATHER

WARM DAYS, COOL EVENINGS

It's warm in the Caribbean year round, but January is one of the most comfortable months to cruise in this region. Don't arrive in Galveston in shorts and T-shirt, however, as it can be cool.

But once we sail into the swing of things -- in Honduras and Mexico -- here comes the sunshine and warm temps (Roatan averages 77 degrees; Cozumel and Costa Maya average 82 degrees). Still, remember that "weather is weather" and we can always be surprised.

Check the weather online a week before we sail for a closer estimate.

CHECK YOUR DOCUMENTS NOW

Now is the time to make sure your passport matches your legal first and last name that is listed on your Go Travel invoice and be sure it doesn’t expire prior to August 2, 2025. 

If you are traveling with a birth certificate:

It must be a state-certified birth certificate issued by the government. No “baby feet” certificates, no hospital birth certificates and no baptismal papers. You must present the original copy, no photo copies.You also must show a valid government issued photo ID, like a driver’s license. Guests 15 and under do not need to show an ID, just the birth certificate.

Hopefully, you have downloaded the Royal Caribbean app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store by now. If not, please do so RIGHT NOW. This is the easiest way to manage just about everything aboard the ship.

Please note: There is a current scam that is affecting Royal Caribbean. If you are calling to have them help you book excursions or dining or to make any changes to your cruise planner items, the only phone number you should call is 1-800-398-9819. Do not search for the phone number on any search engine. If they are trying to charge for gratuities and any other fees, you have already paid those. They are trying to scam you. The email they send you looks very official. It's best to use the app.

ROYAL ENTERTAINMENT RESERVATIONS

Royal Caribbean Entertainment reservations are open now on the app. You will be able to pick a time for the shows based on availability. There is a Vegas-style production show, an ice show, an aqua show and a comedy show. Comedy shows sell out quickly.

If the show you want to see is sold out, you will still have a chance to wait in the non-reservation line if you miss your preferred time. They will typically produce the shows two times through the cruise. You still need to make reservations if you have purchased The Key, but special seating is reserved if you arrive early.

UNPACK, RELAX

YOUR STATEROOM IS READY

Your stateroom will be ready around 1 p.m. Listen for an announcement on the intercom when it is ready. Your Seapass card will be outside of your stateroom on your door. Always keep your card handy (it looks like a credit card). This will tell you what deck your dining is on, what your table number is in the dining room and what your muster station number is. You also will use this to get in and out of your stateroom, to purchase any drinks you may order, specialty dining, and any souvenirs or gifts you may purchase in the shops onboard the ship. 

DID YOU MISS OUR FIRST ISSUE?

No worries. Just click HERE and there it is. There's plenty of info in it as well.

QUESTIONS? CLICK THE BUTTONS

If you have questions about travel and anything to do with travel, cruise and reservations, click the red button below and Go Travel will respond. If you have questions about the YMCA Alumni programming on the cruise, click the blue button below.

SAIL AWAY is produced by craig altschul + associates (ca+a).