Aloha to Hawaii on the Radiance of the Seas® for the Next Member Cruise

May 3, 2008, over 1,000 Crown & Anchor Society members will join us on a wonderful trip to the islands of Hawaii. Most will begin the trip in San Diego and catch a transfer to Ensenada to board the Radiance of the Seas®. It's important to bring your passport to use when you cross the US-Mexican border. If you haven't decided how you are getting to the ship, it is advisable to do some research and be prepared. I looked up some alternatives by looking for San Diego to Ensenada, Mexico. The bus lines seem to be the best bet.

Our bon voyage will depart from Ensenada at 9:00 pm and head to the islands. The itinerary includes:

Ensenada, Mexico May 03 Depart 9:00 pm

At Sea May 04 - 08

Lahaina (Maui) May 09 Arrive 7:00 am

Lahaina (Maui) May 10 Depart 11:00 pm

Kailua Kona May 11 Arrive 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Hilo May 12 Arrive 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Mount Kilauea May 12 Evening Sail

Honolulu (Oahu) May 13 Arrive 7:00 am

From May 4 through May 8, we will be at Sea which will give us some time to interact with each other. The ship crew will have their regularly scheduled activities. We will have many specially planned activities for the Crown & Anchor members.

The first evening will be mostly for everyone settling in. Our staff will have hours at the Crown & Anchor lounge, as well, the Concierge Lounge for Diamond and Diamond Plus members. We thought it would be great to introduce the special activities we plan onboard for those that have never experienced a member cruise.

The signup for the activities listed below will be available during regular desk hours in the Crown & Anchor Lounge. Check the Cruise Compass which will be delivered every evening to your stateroom for times and for alternative activities.

Orientation* (Day 2): The Crown & Anchor members will have an opportunity to meet each other and be introduced to the staff. This is always fun to see old friends and get acquainted with new ones.

Captain's Welcome Back Party*: This is on every cruise but even more special during a member cruise. Different from orientation where our staff will be accessible, the Captain is available to say, 'Hello' during the Welcome Back Party. The seating for this party goes along with your preference for dining.

Dance Classes: Always fun and located in the Viking Crown Lounge with a spectacular view. The ship crew will instruct the classes and give you and your partner some new steps to try out while on the cruise.

Hawaiian Cultural Seminars: The ship crew will be available each day while we are at sea for classes introducing you to the Hawaiian Islands and people. This is a great way to acclimate yourself before we get to Maui, Kailua Kona, Honolulu and Hilo.

Crayola® Art Class and Beaded Jewelry Making Classes: Back by popular demand, these two classes bring out your creative side. Whether making a picture frame in the Crayola Art Class or stringing beads for a necklace, earrings or a bracelet, both classes will require your imagination and ingenuity. This cruise we plan to offer more classes than ever before during our sea days so that everyone will have a better chance to participate.

Digital Camera Seminar: You bought your digital camera and read the book, however, things don't seem to work out as well for you as in the manual. The ships photographer will host an exclusive class with the Crown & Anchor members to reintroduce you to your camera and to get the best pictures that you have always wanted. Bring your camera.

Gourmet Cooking Class: An exclusive event, the master chef onboard will be present to introduce you to one dish that will be a specialty you can cook for friends and family. It's always a great time to meet the chef and ask him questions. You will leave with one of his recipes in hand.

Wine Tasting: For the connoisseur of wine, this event promises to teach you something new. The Wine Cellar Master will choose the wines and be available to answer questions. After this class, hopefully, you will be able to impress your table mates by ordering something new to your palate or different from your old standards.

Towel Folding: When cruising on a Royal Caribbean ship, a nightly ritual that is the amazement of guests young and old is the towel art the stateroom attendants surprise you with after turndown. Now is your time to work with the staff and bring the art of towel folding into your own realm of reality.

*Some activities do not require sign-up

This is a glimpse at some of the special activities for Crown & Anchor members. There will be plenty of other things to do if you find the above will not suite your needs. The Radiance of the Seas® staff will have it's usual activities all over the ship. Myself, sometimes I just like walking around and taking it all in, relaxing by the pool or sitting a reading a book in the library or on deck.

If you like reading this article there are others about our previous member cruises and travel locations featured in the 'Crown & Anchor Society' group at Gather. Go to the yellow bar at the top of the page and click 'featured articles'. By clicking, you will go to a page of featured articles by me. Clicking on the three buttons to the right: 'articles', 'images', and 'video', you will get a list of items featured from other group members by scrolling down. Enjoy!

Are you a Crown & Anchor Society member? Connect with other members and post your comments, photos, and articles to RoyalCaribbean.gather.com. Click here to join the group.