Friday, May 18, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Telling Others
You probably didn't know what to expect from a conference that takes place on a cruise ship. We have had lots of questions about this -- and we thought it would be great for people considering attending in 2008 to hear from you experienced conferees what it is like. Of course, we want you to come back too!
So let's hear it. What would you tell someone who was thinking about bringing their team to Worship At Sea 2008?
So let's hear it. What would you tell someone who was thinking about bringing their team to Worship At Sea 2008?
Favorite Memory?
I have lots of fun memories. Getting to meet you as you came on board was a blast. Royce and I had been praying for you all for so long -- that it almost felt like I was reuniting with old friends, even when I was meeting you for the first time.
Our day at CocoCay was great. I must say that some of your came back from the island with a whole new look on your face. Some still had the look of absolute terror coupled with delight in your eyes (I later discovered that this was from the "wave runner" tour that took you on an all out sprint around the island for over an hour). Some of you were an interesting shade of red that grew even deeper by dinner time! *smile* Some of you looked like you had found the hammocks and were well rested.
Worshiping together each night was perhaps one of my fondest memories. Each of our leaders brought a unique perspective to the conference...and each was perfect for the moment. I loved that even the diverse styles of leading brought us closer together and focused on the different aspects of the character of God. Of course, the view from the windows was phenomenal and so inspiring.
Tell us about YOUR favorite memory.
Our day at CocoCay was great. I must say that some of your came back from the island with a whole new look on your face. Some still had the look of absolute terror coupled with delight in your eyes (I later discovered that this was from the "wave runner" tour that took you on an all out sprint around the island for over an hour). Some of you were an interesting shade of red that grew even deeper by dinner time! *smile* Some of you looked like you had found the hammocks and were well rested.
Worshiping together each night was perhaps one of my fondest memories. Each of our leaders brought a unique perspective to the conference...and each was perfect for the moment. I loved that even the diverse styles of leading brought us closer together and focused on the different aspects of the character of God. Of course, the view from the windows was phenomenal and so inspiring.
Tell us about YOUR favorite memory.
Home Again
We Miss You Already!
Was it hard making the transition back to the daily schedule? I tell you, I have found fixing dinner to be a bummer! I was very used to have lots of options -- whenever I wanted. Of course, since I had to start the "after cruise diet" yesterday, it is probably best that I don't have all those options.! I also found that my bed doesn't make itself here at my house -- nor does it come with cute towel art! Oh well...something to look forward to next year.
Of course, the thing I am most hoping to see next year is YOU! Please stay in touch with us and tell us how you are doing and how your ministry is going. I am going to add some questions to the blog so you can share what the impact to your team and ministry has been.
Take care...talk with you soon
Jann and Royce
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
You know you're supposed to relax during this conference...after all -- it's on a Cruise Ship! But some of you are already beginning to sweat and go through separation anxiety when you think about being away from technology for five days? You hear the voices...Will it follow me? Will my thumbs twitch noticeably if they don't send even ONE text message? What is it like to talk with someone across the table rather than across the internet?
Here's the scoop.
Cell phones. Depending on the location of the ship after we set sail, your cell phone just might work. The ship does boast of better satellite connections than other cruise lines and depending on your service provider you may find that you can get a good enough signal to make a call. But just take it from me, the best shot you have of connecting is anywhere besides in your cabin! I like the upper decks out on the bow of the ship. It seems to be quieter. Try deck 13...it's the closest point to ANY satellite circling above you. Good luck.
Land line phone connections. Take out your wallet and say ouch! A phone is located in your cabin and it can connect to the USA. They do promote this option and if the kids really do need to hear your voice, then call them. Usually the charge is billed to your Sea Pass.
Internet connection. Welcome to the era of Cruise Ship technology. Yep, they've done it...but it'll cost you. You have two choices. If you want a quick connection and to do a little email, then there are two areas that have computers available. One is on deck four near the library and the other is on deck seven where our conference center is located. Your second choice is connecting with your own laptop and it's wireless system throughout the ship. Starting charges are .50 cents a minute and decrease as you purchase larger minute packages. They have info distributed on board that can give you all the details.
Television. Yes, it's in your stateroom and on a few public TVs scattered around the ship. Public TVs are usually dedicated to sports, while your personal TV has a selection of cable channels including news and entertainment. There is also a 'Ship Channel' that runs constant ship and port information. They also show current clips from daily ship activities. You just might see yourself the next day on TV!
Stateroom Wall Knocking. Only use this form of communication if you know the people that are in the stateroom next to you. A series of long and short pounds on the wall work best, and generally prior to midnight if at all possible.
So...take a deep breath. See how long you can last with just face to face communication -- but if you are about to go crazy, know that you have options to connect to the rest of the world!
Here's the scoop.
Cell phones. Depending on the location of the ship after we set sail, your cell phone just might work. The ship does boast of better satellite connections than other cruise lines and depending on your service provider you may find that you can get a good enough signal to make a call. But just take it from me, the best shot you have of connecting is anywhere besides in your cabin! I like the upper decks out on the bow of the ship. It seems to be quieter. Try deck 13...it's the closest point to ANY satellite circling above you. Good luck.
Land line phone connections. Take out your wallet and say ouch! A phone is located in your cabin and it can connect to the USA. They do promote this option and if the kids really do need to hear your voice, then call them. Usually the charge is billed to your Sea Pass.
Internet connection. Welcome to the era of Cruise Ship technology. Yep, they've done it...but it'll cost you. You have two choices. If you want a quick connection and to do a little email, then there are two areas that have computers available. One is on deck four near the library and the other is on deck seven where our conference center is located. Your second choice is connecting with your own laptop and it's wireless system throughout the ship. Starting charges are .50 cents a minute and decrease as you purchase larger minute packages. They have info distributed on board that can give you all the details.
Television. Yes, it's in your stateroom and on a few public TVs scattered around the ship. Public TVs are usually dedicated to sports, while your personal TV has a selection of cable channels including news and entertainment. There is also a 'Ship Channel' that runs constant ship and port information. They also show current clips from daily ship activities. You just might see yourself the next day on TV!
Stateroom Wall Knocking. Only use this form of communication if you know the people that are in the stateroom next to you. A series of long and short pounds on the wall work best, and generally prior to midnight if at all possible.
So...take a deep breath. See how long you can last with just face to face communication -- but if you are about to go crazy, know that you have options to connect to the rest of the world!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Food Glorious Food
Yes, there is hot sausage and mustard (not to be confused with the mandatory drill)– but so much more as well. You simply have to forget about no carbs, lo carbs, South Beach AND Weight Watchers for the duration of the cruise. Food is almost always available and it is included in the price of the conference. Your choice of iced tea, water, lemonade and coffee come with every meal – everything else must be paid for separately. If you would like cokes, diet cokes or fruit juices, my suggestion is that you purchase the “coke pass.” These “passes” allow you to get all the cokes and juices that you want during the cruise – with meals or at any of the drink stations. They may be purchased in the main lobby when you board or at the bar on the pool deck later ($4/day for adults, a little less/day for kids). You will get a sticker to place on your “SEA PASS” card. Since you will carry this sea pass with you at all times, you will always have access to these additional drinks.
You will have three options for breakfast.
You will have three options for breakfast.
- Room service: Each night by 3 am, you may place a breakfast request on your stateroom door letting the room service team know what you would like and when you would like it. You may want to begin with coffee or tea just to wake up and go for a more complete breakfast elsewhere.
- Dining Room: Here breakfast is a seated meal ordered from a menu (although you can order one of everything if you like). It is a little more formal – but it is also quiet since most families opt for the breakfast buffet . Be sure and wear a shirt w
ith sleeves as folks without sleeves on their shirts will be turned away. - Buffet in the Windjammer Café: You have a lovely view off the bow of the ship and a tasty, all you can eat meal.
Lunches are very informal affairs served in the Windjammer Café, Sorrentos Pizza Bar, Johnny Rockets Diner and the Deli. On the day that we visit CocoCay, a special BBQ lunch will be served so you will not have to return to the ship to eat and can just continue enjoying the sun and festivities on the island until the last tender (small boat that ferries people back and forth from the ship to the island) heads back.
Dinners are served in our assigned dining room and seating. We will all be together and are currently assigned to the later dinner hour of 8:30. Again, the dress for meals is casual. Typically, there is one evening that is considered a “formal” night. On my recent cruise I saw dresses that were last worn to a prom and quite a few bridesmaid dresses. Never say that you “never had a chance to wear that ugly thing again!” Those dresses are PERFECT for formal night! Actually, many people did dress up and looked quite lovely. For guys, formal night means you will probably want to take it up a notch -- maybe a jacket -- or your tux (you know you always wanted an excuse to buy one). Of course, there is the option of RENTING tuxes on the ship -- or if you just want to rent the bow tie it is $5. *smile* On all other nights, nice casual clothing will be appropriate for evening meals.
And let's not forget the midnight buffets.... This is why I mentioned in an earlier post to "nap when you can." It is so worth staying up for the midnight buffets -- even if you are not hungry. Just go graze, nibble or stuff your face (although I am not suggesting that we indulge in gluttony). There is usually an ice carving exhibition that is just phenomenal to watch -- and the whole culinary staff goes out of their way to make the buffet lines on the pool deck a site to behold. Frankly, I never have thought of a radish as a beautiful vegetable -- but I tell you, you will walk away with a whole new view of this humble vegetable after these buffets~!
Now, let's get back to the part where I talked about gluttony. You may want to just start confessing your sins right now if you happen to love chocolate -- because one night is a CHOCOLATE buffet. Yes, you heard me -- a whole buffet based on chocolate! My eyes are rolling back in my head even as I type this...not only a feast for the eyes -- but your mouth is going to be thrilled!
Ok...I will go now -- all this talk about food has made me hungry and I am on the "pre-cruise" diet plan -- so I have to go nibble on some carrots and celery!
Can't wait til we see you on board!
Monday, April 16, 2007
Muster and Other Condiments
A ship is a floating hotel…the key word here being “floating.” While I have never stayed in a hotel that held a fire drill…the very first major activity after boarding the ship is MUSTER. It is in effect, a lifeboat drill. You are required to grab your life jacket from your stateroom and proceed to your muster station. It isn’t enough to carry your life jacket, you must put it on. This is not the most comfortable thing I have ever done since the part of the floatation device behind your neck which is designed to keep your head above water when you are floating, on land keeps your head pushed forward like you are some kind of odd bird. Fortunately, this drill is well organized and quite comforting because it answers the question of how you get in a lifeboat that is on the seventh story of your “hotel at sea.” Just a couple of things to make this mandatory exercise a little easier.
1. Get there early. Each muster station is defined into a colored block imprinted into the deck. This area will hold approximately 150 people. If you get there early, you will be on the edge rather than in the middle of the mass of humanity and you will benefit from the breeze.
2. Put on your own lifejacket. If one of the attendants helps you, they tighten the straps like you were about to climb in the boat for real. Good information to have…but since it is just a drill, you will breath easier if you do it yourself.
All in all, it is over very quickly and you can return your lovely orange accessory to your stateroom for safe storage and begin thoroughly enjoying your cruise. The answer to one other somewhat bothersome question that remained with me after the drill is this. “Yes, there are lifejackets located elsewhere on the ship, so if something did happen, you wouldn’t have to get all the way back to your stateroom to grab your lifejacket and then get to your muster station.” Just go directly to the muster station…do not pass go, do not collect $200.
1. Get there early. Each muster station is defined into a colored block imprinted into the deck. This area will hold approximately 150 people. If you get there early, you will be on the edge rather than in the middle of the mass of humanity and you will benefit from the breeze.
2. Put on your own lifejacket. If one of the attendants helps you, they tighten the straps like you were about to climb in the boat for real. Good information to have…but since it is just a drill, you will breath easier if you do it yourself.
All in all, it is over very quickly and you can return your lovely orange accessory to your stateroom for safe storage and begin thoroughly enjoying your cruise. The answer to one other somewhat bothersome question that remained with me after the drill is this. “Yes, there are lifejackets located elsewhere on the ship, so if something did happen, you wouldn’t have to get all the way back to your stateroom to grab your lifejacket and then get to your muster station.” Just go directly to the muster station…do not pass go, do not collect $200.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Monday Morning -- Let's Get Going
Unless you have stayed in Miami on Sunday Night , the first thing you will need to do is make arrangements to get from the Airport to the Port of Miami. There are shuttles that are available from Royal Carribean that run between Miami International and Ft. Lauderdale Airports. They vary in cost, but round trip from Miami International to the Port of Miami is about $30. You can usually buy the transfer ticket at the Airport but I recommend that you contact our travel agent (Group Source Travel,
toll free 800.800.2519, in Nashville 615.385.3673) to make advance arrangements. You can also grab a taxi. The one-way fare from Miami International is about $25. By the way, most Miami taxi's only take CASH so be prepared. If you are driving in, you can park at the Port of Miami for about $12-15 per day paid in advance when you park.
So, when can I board the ship?
toll free 800.800.2519, in Nashville 615.385.3673) to make advance arrangements. You can also grab a taxi. The one-way fare from Miami International is about $25. By the way, most Miami taxi's only take CASH so be prepared. If you are driving in, you can park at the Port of Miami for about $12-15 per day paid in advance when you park.
So, when can I board the ship?
Well, you're suppose to be able to start boarding after 12 noon. Something that we learned during our site survey is that Royal Caribbean has improved their boarding system and we actually boarded like lightening about 11:15 am. There were NO LINES! You might try it. But, if you arrive in Miami early that morning, have a cup of coffee somewhere and wait until about 11 am before heading on over to the Port. But PLEASE, DO NOT EAT LUNCH before you board! There is a HUGE lunch buffet waiting for you in the Windjammer as soon as you board.
Details about getting on board.
Details about getting on board.
Regardless of how you get to the port -- be sure and tell them that your destination is Royal Caribbean...Majesty of the Seas. They'll know where to take you (look for a big white ship with that name and STOP!) Ship porters at the curb will take your luggage, tag it and get it on the ship for you.
Check-in.
To check into the cruise, have your papers ready (including your on-line check-in printout, your passport/birth certificate and drivers license and credit card) You will go to the check in desk based on the deck where your stateroom is so make sure you know your stateroom number -- it speeds up check in time. After finishing with the front desk, you will head up the escalator and through the scanning machine and security (and the first of MANY pictures). Walking through the entrance onto the ship you feel like you are walking into another world. That's when you gasp (if this is your first time) and say, "I can't believe this! It's big, beautiful and it's all mine for five days." One item you may want to take care of immediately while you are in the entrance area is to get your "Coke Pass." This pass (which is a small sticker attached to your Sea Pass) allows you to get an unlimited amount of soft drinks while on board -- which ends up saving you a LOT of money since cokes are about $3.00 each. The cost of the pass is $4.00/day for adults and a bit less for children. And they give you a lovely souvineer cooler cup which is nice to take to the pool area with you.
To check into the cruise, have your papers ready (including your on-line check-in printout, your passport/birth certificate and drivers license and credit card) You will go to the check in desk based on the deck where your stateroom is so make sure you know your stateroom number -- it speeds up check in time. After finishing with the front desk, you will head up the escalator and through the scanning machine and security (and the first of MANY pictures). Walking through the entrance onto the ship you feel like you are walking into another world. That's when you gasp (if this is your first time) and say, "I can't believe this! It's big, beautiful and it's all mine for five days." One item you may want to take care of immediately while you are in the entrance area is to get your "Coke Pass." This pass (which is a small sticker attached to your Sea Pass) allows you to get an unlimited amount of soft drinks while on board -- which ends up saving you a LOT of money since cokes are about $3.00 each. The cost of the pass is $4.00/day for adults and a bit less for children. And they give you a lovely souvineer cooler cup which is nice to take to the pool area with you.
On Board.
Once you board you will probably not be able to get to your stateroom immediately (especially if you board between 11 am and 1 pm). There are two things you will need to do. First, proceed to Deck number 7 and look for the Worship At Sea registration table. We want you to register as soon as possible so we know that you made it and are with us! Then, go have some lunch in the Windjammer on the 11th deck. Fill your plate, sit down and enjoy what we hope will be a 'rain free' gorgeous view of Miami harbor. Relax for a while! You may want to bring a small carry-on or roller bag with you until you can get to your stateroom -- keep any medicines, cameras or a change of clothes if you are coming from colder weather and are too hot once you arrive in Miami.
Then, after 1 pm, proceed to your stateroom, take a nap, find your life jackets in your closet or on your bed and get ready for mandatory MUSTER at 4:30 pm on the 7th Deck. More on this in a future blog entry. Trust me, it's interesting and you have to do it!
Then, after 1 pm, proceed to your stateroom, take a nap, find your life jackets in your closet or on your bed and get ready for mandatory MUSTER at 4:30 pm on the 7th Deck. More on this in a future blog entry. Trust me, it's interesting and you have to do it!
The fun will have just begun...but let this time start you on a path of relaxation and preparation for what God has for you during the cruise and conference...it is going to be GREAT!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Are You Arriving In Miami On Sunday Night?
Good news! "Worship At Sea" researched and visited several local hotel properties in Miami and selected the Airport Regency Hotel serve as the local host hotel for our conferees. "Worship At Sea" has negotiated a special conference rate of $85 plus taxes for those conferees that will be arriving on Sunday May 6th and need lodging.
Besides the GREAT RATE for hotel accommodations in this popular Miami area, the Airport Regency Hotel offers FREE shuttle service from Miami International Airport to the hotel 24 hours a day AND the hotel will provide FREE shuttle service on Monday from the hotel to our cruise ship Majesty of the Seas located at the Port of Miami. The shuttle begins running to the port at 11:00 am -- just let the staff at the check-in desk know that you will need to take the shuttle on Monday. This could save you as much as $50 in taxi and transfer fees!
The Airport Regency Hotel is located conveniently near the airport and has very comfortable rooms and a restaurant with a breakfast buffet Monday morning to get you fueled for your departure.
To book your reservation please call the hotel at 305-441-1600 and make your reservation using the conference code "Worship At Sea." If you need a hotel room Sunday night, this is the place! See you at the Airport Regency Hotel...around the white baby grand piano!
Besides the GREAT RATE for hotel accommodations in this popular Miami area, the Airport Regency Hotel offers FREE shuttle service from Miami International Airport to the hotel 24 hours a day AND the hotel will provide FREE shuttle service on Monday from the hotel to our cruise ship Majesty of the Seas located at the Port of Miami. The shuttle begins running to the port at 11:00 am -- just let the staff at the check-in desk know that you will need to take the shuttle on Monday. This could save you as much as $50 in taxi and transfer fees!
The Airport Regency Hotel is located conveniently near the airport and has very comfortable rooms and a restaurant with a breakfast buffet Monday morning to get you fueled for your departure.
To book your reservation please call the hotel at 305-441-1600 and make your reservation using the conference code "Worship At Sea." If you need a hotel room Sunday night, this is the place! See you at the Airport Regency Hotel...around the white baby grand piano!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Jann: Your Cruise Director
Dear Worship At Sea Conferees:
As a girl, I loved watching “The Love Boat.” It seemed like the most wonderful vacation I could imagine – and I kind of wanted to grow up to be Julie the Cruise Director. Sadly until a couple of years ago, I had never been on a cruise and I had no idea what to expect. This may be your first time too, so I thought I would share a few of my experiences in anticipation of our time together in May – not to mention that it lets me live out my dream just a little bit.
Cruising is one of America’s favorite vacation getaways…and I now can see why. Where else can you settle into your “hotel” room, visit multiple cities and not have to pack and repack every time you visit someplace new. I love this concept. Granted the room is smaller than your average hotel room (the photographer for the picture on their website must have used a fun-house mirror lens) – but then, the amount of time you spend there is very limited and it is rather cozy -- so it kind of all evens out!
Here are the three big things I think everyone should know about cruising:
1. Stretchy clothing is the way to go. Food is constantly available and it is usually quite good. You’re on vacation so it is ok to graze…but it won’t be nearly as fun if you bring outfits that look FABULOUS but don’t give a inch.
2. The ship will leave without you. I actually saw this happen and it wasn’t pretty. A mother and son from another ship docked next to ours were doing some last minute shopping and I over heard him say, “Mom – it is ten til two and our boat leaves at two.” To which she replied after a quick glance around, “All these folks are probably on our ship…we have a few more minutes.” Needless to say, when I headed back to my ship ahead of them the ship was disappearing out of the harbor! They were stuck and all for a few more pucca shells.
3. Rise early, nap when you can and stay up late. Rise early because there is nothing like a sunrise in the Caribbean. Later in the day find a lounge chair and drift in and out of sleep saving your energy for later. Siesta is KING! Finally, the best fun happens after dinner! There are fun game shows, musical reviews and activities under the stars if you have the stamina!
As a girl, I loved watching “The Love Boat.” It seemed like the most wonderful vacation I could imagine – and I kind of wanted to grow up to be Julie the Cruise Director. Sadly until a couple of years ago, I had never been on a cruise and I had no idea what to expect. This may be your first time too, so I thought I would share a few of my experiences in anticipation of our time together in May – not to mention that it lets me live out my dream just a little bit.
Cruising is one of America’s favorite vacation getaways…and I now can see why. Where else can you settle into your “hotel” room, visit multiple cities and not have to pack and repack every time you visit someplace new. I love this concept. Granted the room is smaller than your average hotel room (the photographer for the picture on their website must have used a fun-house mirror lens) – but then, the amount of time you spend there is very limited and it is rather cozy -- so it kind of all evens out!
Here are the three big things I think everyone should know about cruising:
1. Stretchy clothing is the way to go. Food is constantly available and it is usually quite good. You’re on vacation so it is ok to graze…but it won’t be nearly as fun if you bring outfits that look FABULOUS but don’t give a inch.
2. The ship will leave without you. I actually saw this happen and it wasn’t pretty. A mother and son from another ship docked next to ours were doing some last minute shopping and I over heard him say, “Mom – it is ten til two and our boat leaves at two.” To which she replied after a quick glance around, “All these folks are probably on our ship…we have a few more minutes.” Needless to say, when I headed back to my ship ahead of them the ship was disappearing out of the harbor! They were stuck and all for a few more pucca shells.
3. Rise early, nap when you can and stay up late. Rise early because there is nothing like a sunrise in the Caribbean. Later in the day find a lounge chair and drift in and out of sleep saving your energy for later. Siesta is KING! Finally, the best fun happens after dinner! There are fun game shows, musical reviews and activities under the stars if you have the stamina!
Tomorrow, we will begin talking about what to expect when you get on the ship.
Hope you are having a great day.
Your Cruise Director,
Jann
Let's Get Started With Things You Should Know
We are so excited that you are joining us on the Worship At Sea Cruise and Conference. Royce and I just returned from the site survey (yeah I know it is hard work to have to go on a cruise to get ready for the conference) -- and we are thrilled with the changes Royal Caribbean has made to the Majesty of the Seas. The conference center ammenities have been greatly upgraded from our previous trips and therefore we will be able to schedule more classes simultaneously. If you would like to check out the line-up of classes, please visit the clinic schedule on the Worship At Sea website. We have recently updated the class schedules with a more complete listing of classes being offered during the conference.
In upcoming entries, I will give you some tips on cruising and things you should know.
Can't wait to see you!
Jann
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