http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/ Updates and travel tips for the 2008 Arts Cruise 60 en-us http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news http://www.cordair.com/images/logo1t.jpg http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/ gallery update was e-mailed and posted last week. If you missed it and would enjoy being added to our secure list, please sign our online guest book. This month's update includes new gallery arrivals as well as Arts Cruise news. Bryan Larsen's new prints of "Monna Vanna" are a wonderful way to remember our having experienced "...one of the greatest plays in all world literature."

Have you told anyone about QCFA lately? Forwarding our gallery updates is an easy way to introduce others to our sunlit world. We really appreciate it and chances are that they will thank you for it. :)

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Joe Parks passed along a bit of information that his wife, Lois found on line this week. Our local classical radio station, KDFC, is advertising a "Arts Cruise." Prior to ours, I had never heard of anyone doing anything remotely like this. The funny thing is that we advertised our Arts Cruise on their web site for a few months last year. (I wonder where they got the idea?) :)

We provided a full 24 hours of Arts content for a $250 conference fee. Best I can figure, they are offering about 15-20 hours of content and are charging $1275 for their arts program plus the cruise fare of $2000-$6700 per person and that does not include airfare to Europe. Wow! The cruise is 12 days from Barcelona to Venice, longer than ours, but no where near the value. Besides, they do not have "Monna Vanna," Robin Field, Bryan Larsen, Stephen Siek, David Berry, Dianne Durante, Alan Nitikman, Thomas Shoebotham, David Felberg, et al.

I'm glad that they recognized what a great idea we had and I hope that we continue to see more programs that promote the arts.

]]> http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/ "Ali."

While Ali's portrait is not available for sale, Bryan has offered many of his drawings for sale here.]]> http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/ website.

"This ongoing series of articles on assorted international cuisines aims to help you choose an exotic restaurant, order a meal once there, or decide on some creative cooking. Each page includes an overview of the culinary background of the country or region, a list of ingredients that are likely to be unfamiliar, and a description of classic dishes. At the end are suggestions for entrees appropriate to low carb, diabetic, low fat, and vegetarian diets. We also offer suggestions for those who love stimulating their taste buds and for those who would rather be safe than sorry. Finally, we list websites that offer recipes of some of the classic dishes." - Dr. Dianne Durante

Dr. Durante is very interested in receiving feed back via the forms at the end of each article.]]> http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/
If you have future travel plans and could use a helping hand, please keep her in mind. She can be reached via e-mail, jody@jbtravelconnections.com, or by phone, (269) 216-4238 and toll free: (800) 910-2272.

Thank you Jody for everything!!!


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Many of you have asked if tapes of the lectures and performances on board Voyager will be made available. David Berry has been working to compile the video and audio tapes. If it works out we may offer them for sale through the gallery. We'll keep you posted.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. If your loved one would enjoy a lovely work of art from our collection, please let me know soon to ensure an on time delivery.]]> http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/
Many new photos have posted on the photo bucket account. E-mail me if you need the user name and password. At present there are over 350 photos posted, many of the latest were taken by Godfrey Joseph. Thank you Godfrey and everyone else who has posted their photos to share with those of us who forgot to bring a camera. Hey, I remembered everything else. :)

The e-mail list continues to grow. I hope to be able to send it out next week. If you have not notified me about being included, please do so asap.

If you find that you need another QCFA catalogue to share with a friend or need to replace yours because you already gave it away. Please let me know; we have more.

You might as well start your Arts Cruise savings account, because while it will be difficult to top this recent experience, Quent and I do love a good challenge. It is likely that there will be another, maybe in 2010. Date and location to be determined. :)

Many asked about Kyra's belt buckles. Her web site is www.bootyboutique.com. Tell her we sent you.

We'd love to hear from you, please keep in touch!

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The cast of Monna Vanna is looking for copies of a picture that was taken at Saturday night's reception. It is of the entire cast holding Christina in the air. If anyone has one, please forward it to me or upload it in our photobucket account.

Special thanks to Ted Bechard for providing us with such an informative wine tasting. I think that we all learned a lot. Unless you are in one of the forbidden states, reward yourself with some Bechard Wine. You deserve it and Ted and Andrea would love to hear from you.

I will be sending out the e-mail list soon. If you have not already contacted me to be added to the list, please do so asap.

We will be sending out our QCFA gallery update next week. If you are not already receiving them, please go to the website and sign our guest book In addition to some wonderful new art, this month's updates will feature some Arts Cruise highlights.

Yes, believe it or not, we are already thinking about the next conference. Be patient with us; it's going to be very difficult to meet or exceed the experience we just enjoyed together. :)]]> http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/
Brahms: Sonata in E minor for piano & cello, Op. 38

There are many good recordings by duos such as Yo-Yo Ma/Emmanuel Ax, Rostropovich/Serkin, Starker/Buchbinder, etc.

Rachmaninoff: Sonata in G minor for piano & cello, Op. 19

Again, many good recordings exist. I played the Ma/Ax for the lecture:

http://www.amazon.com/Rachmaninoff-Prokofiev-Sonatas-Yo-Yo-Ma...



Wieniawski: Polonaise in D for violin and piano

I used the Perlman recording, which comes from an excellent two CD set of short pieces for violin & piano:

http://www.amazon.com/Itzhak-Perlman-Encores-Joseph-Achron...



Kreisler: Preludium & Allegro for violin & piano:

David and I did it live, but it can be found on many recordings, including another Perlman set:

http://www.amazon.com/Ithzak-Perlman-Encores-Arcangelo-Corelli...



Popper: "Once more upon Beautiful Days: in memory of my Parents" for cello & piano

Starker made a recording of a number of short Popper works, including this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Romantic-Cello-Favorites-Janos-Starker...



Popper: Hungarian Rhapsody for cello & piano

Starker recording:

http://www.amazon.com/Janos-Starker-Virtuoso-Music-Cello...



Faure: "Apres un Reve" (After a Dream) original vocal version

soprano: http://www.amazon.com/Janos-Starker-Virtuoso-Music-Cello...



baritone: http://www.amazon.com/Faur%C3%A9-M%C3%A9lodies-Souzay-Ameling-Baldwin...



"Apres un Reve", cello transcription: There are a number of good recordings. Casals made a nice one, but it is from 1927, so the sound is primative:

http://www.amazon.com/Pablo-Casals-Early-Recordings-1925-1928...



Starker plays it in modern sound on the same disc that has the Popper Hungarian Rhapsody.

Gershwin: "It ain't necessarily so" from the opera "Porgy and Bess", transcribed for violin & piano by Heifetz

http://www.amazon.com/Heifetz-Collection-Vol-40-Joseph-Achron...

]]> http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/ Online check-in must be completed at least 3 days before sailing. Once completed, you will be able to print a SetSail pass to bring with you. I completed ours last night and printed the SetSail pass this morning. It was very easy.

Completing Online Check-In for all the guests in your reservation will save you from having to fill out forms at the pier, which means your cruise vacation adventure can start immediately. When you arrive at the pier, you’ll need a printed copy of your SetSail Pass and identification documents for each guest. All guests listed on the SetSail Pass must be present to board and begin your adventure.

When you arrive at the pier, passengers who have completed online check-in will have an area designated for their documentation validation. By checking in online, you will expedite your boarding process and will be able to start enjoying your cruise vacation much faster.

When you reach the pier on your day of departure, look for the SetSail Pass signs. You will need to present:

SetSail Pass

Identification Documents (proof of Citizenship) for each guest

Credit Card used for your Onboard Expense Account

Onboard Expense Account Information (i.e your credit card and the reservation information that is authorized to charge against the account)

Note: If you successfully complete Online Check-In and receive a SetSail Pass, you will NOT be required to complete any of the forms contained within your Guest Vacation Documents relating to check-in.

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Wednesday, January 9 - Jamaica - partly cloudy and 79 degrees

Thursday, January 10 - Grand Cayman - scattered showers and 81 degrees

Friday, January 11 - Cozumel - mostly sunny and 84 degrees

]]> http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/ Cell Phones

Most cell phones will work while we are on board Voyager. There are a few things that you should be aware of before we leave. Some cellular companies offer an international roaming plan which can be temporarily placed on your account. Cingular/ATT for example charges a flat fee of $5.99 per line which reduces the cost per minute. With the plan, cell minutes in Mexico are reduced from .99 per minute to .59 per minute. Jamaica and Cayman rates are reduced from $1.99 per minute to $1.69 per minute. Calls placed on the ship are $2.49 per minute. There are also international rates for text messages. I was shocked to learn that if Quent and I call each other that we will be double charged because we are on the same bill. While on board the ship that would be nearly $5 a minute. I was also told that it is best to leave the phones off when not in use because you are also charged to receive a voice mail if the phone is turned on. Please check with your provider to see what your options are. While on board Voyager, I suggest using the "house" phones and message boards whenever possible.

Internet

Jody just informed me that Royal Caribbean now offers an unlimited internet package for $100. For many of us this may be a more affordable option than buying blocks of minutes. Arrangements for this package can be made on board at the purser's desk.]]> http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/
Q: Why should you use Online Check-In?

A: Completing the Online Check-In process for all of the guests in your reservation will save you from having to fill out forms at the pier and needs to be completed 3 days prior to your sailing date. This will greatly speed up the check-in process and reduce the amount of time that you spend waiting in line in the terminal. Let's get this party started!!!

Due to new government regulations requiring cruise lines to submit final departure manifests at least 60 minutes prior to sailing, guests are requested to complete Online Check-in no later than 3 days prior to their cruise. If you do not complete Online Check-in 3 days prior, you will be required to complete this process at the pier at least two hours prior to the published sailing time. Please note: All guests must be checked-in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time or you will not be permitted to sail.

Once you have completed the Online Check-In process, you will receive a SetSail Pass which you will print and bring with you. You'll be glad you did!

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What to bring:

Sunscreen, lots of sunscreen; the Caribbean sun is much more intense than most of you are used to.

Aloe vera gel or cream; for those of you who forgot the sunscreen and for your friends that did too.

A hat; not only will you look stylish it will also provide some protection from the sun.

A good book or two; for those quiet "me time" moments.

Sun glasses; Duh! :)

Comfortable shoes; this is not the time to break in a new pair, especially in port as island sidewalks can be very uneven and you may do a lot of walking.

Binoculars; great for ocean viewing and for spotting your friends on the other end of the ship.

Snorkel Gear; if you have your own, bring it. In many cases you can snorkel right from the beachwhere the ships or tenders dock.

MP3 player; great for those relaxing hours at the pool or in the gym. Don't forget the batteries.

Your appetite and a sense of adventure; you may have whatever and as much of anything that you would like to eat. Try something that you have never had and if you do not like it, send it back. Really, it's ok.

Eye drops; the sun and wind can really dry your eyes.

Safety pins; for those last minute fashion alterations of repairs.

Tide To Go Stick stain remover and Downy wrinkle releaser; just in case.

Camera and charger or extra batteries; you'll want to record all of these wonderful memories.

Prescription drugs and over the counter pain reliever; better safe than sorry.

Small first aid kit; band aids, cotton balls, antiseptic etc.

Cell phone and charger; check with your cell provider for a temporary Caribbean roaming program. Otherwise the cell rates are ridiculous!

What you do not need to bring:

Towels; the ones in your cabin are replaced daily and there are always plenty by the pool. They even have ones that you can borrow to take ashore.

Soap and Shampoo; Each cabin has a constant supply of each.

Laundry bag; there is one in your closet and reasonable laundry,dry-cleaning and tailoring services are available.

Laptop computer; there is a two level internet cafe available 24 hours a day. Besides you are supposed to be on vacation.


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Houston Hobby Airport and Houston Hobby Hilton:

Transfers from Houston Hobby Airport should check in at the Galveston Limousine desk across from the Southwest Airlines baggage claim area. The transfer is scheduled to leave the airport at 11:00 am. Guests staying at the Houston Hobby Hilton will be picked up at the front entrance at 11:30 am.

Houston Inter-Continental/ Bush Airport and Double Tree Hotel:

All guests staying at the Double Tree Hotel in Houston will depart via 2 shuttles. One bus will board at 11:45am and another bus will board at 12:15pm. All passengers will be assigned to a specific bus. Look for an e-mail from Jody on Monday with your bus schedule.

Guests arriving at the Inter-Continental/Bush airport will find their bus outside Terminal A. Please proceed to the taxi and ground transportation area and look for the "SGT" (Scheduled Ground Transportation) sign. The shuttle is scheduled to arrive around IAH at 12:30 pm. and leave at 1:15pm.
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Folks getting to Galveston early on Sunday may enjoy the Train Museum. It opens at 10:00 am. Admission is $6.00 for adults. It's not overly large; you could probably see most of the exhibits (including some of the restored trains) in 1-1.5 hours.

Website:

http://www.galvestonrrmuseum.com/

Another travel tidbit: The main roadway along the north side of Galveston Island (between the causeway and the cruise ship terminals) is called Harborside. It's the site of many heavy industries (some older than others). Off to the north side, you may catch a glimpse of an unusual sight: an large bright-yellow pile of sulfur. These days it's not quite as mountainous as it once was.



]]> http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/ http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/ Monna Vanna is an 18" x 30" original oil on linen. We are also offering a limited number of signed and numbered giclee prints on canvas. Enjoy and please let me know if you want to reserve a copy for yourself.]]> http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/
And if you have not already done so, please forward a copy of your air schedule for our records.
]]> http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/
On Wednesday, we will be in Jamaica, the land of sweet fragrances, shimmering sunsets and spicy flavors. After enjoying Jamaica, make your way back on board Voyager for a lecture by Bryan Larsen from 3:30pm-5:00pm.

On Thursday we'll be in Grand Cayman. This beautiful island is surrounded by turquoise waters and is known for being one of the premier places in the world to snorkle and dive. Grab your towels and head back for a cinema lecture from 3:30pm-5:00pm.

On Friday we arrive in Cozumel, Mexico's largest island. Cozumel was a sleepy little fishing village until 1961 when Jacques Cousteau declared it to be one of the most beautiful scuba diving areas of the world. Shopping and exploring are also very popular. Afterwards join us back on board for a lecture by Dianne Durante from 3:30pm to 5:00pm.

Of course, all of the programs are optional. If you don't make it back in time for a scheduled event that's ok, we'll catch you at the next one. Remember, this is supposed to be a vacation too!

]]> http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/
We have a new website dedicated to the Monna Vanna performances that features additional information about the play, including podcast interviews with the director and the actors.

The Los Angeles performances will give the actors the experience they need to bring a polished performance on board Voyager. If you know of anyone in the Los Angeles are who will be unable to join us on the cruise, please let them know about the LA production. We would love to fill the house for each of the 15 performances. Quent and I are donating all of the proceeds from the Dec. 2 matinée performance to The Ayn Rand Institute.]]> http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/
Port of Galveston

2702 Harborside Dr.

Galveston, TX]]> http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/
Saturday Jan 5, 2008 NASA Johnson Space Center Tour - Additional Info

There is no limit to the number of participants, as the tour location (Space Center Houston, www.spacecenter.org) is accessible to the public. You will have a private, "insider" tour guide. We will be able to get a group rate for Saturday. For more information contact Chris Land at chrisland_at.comcast.dot_net.

Anyone wishing to see Space Center Houston on Sunday Jan 6th (the day of the cruise) will be able to do so. However, you won't have an insider tour guide, and you won't be able to get the same group-rate tickets as the Saturday participants. Your time will also be limited as you'll need to get down to Galveston by mid-afternoon at the latest. But there is at least an opportunity.

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Shore trips can be arranged in advance or while on board Voyager. You will have a few extra choices if you make the arrangements in advance. While on board Voyager of the Seas you are limited to what they offer or you can opt to explore the island on your own.

Here are a couple of links to get you started. Jody, my partner in cruise reservation land, was nice enough to contact an independant vendor that specializes in day activities for cruise ship passengers. To be fair, Royal Caribbean also offers an array of excursions that you should check out too. You can mix and match these however you like. If you are just not sure what you may want to do and want to wait until you are aboard ship, you won't be alone. The only risk is that some of the smaller tours may fill up in advance. Personally, I rarely book a shore excursion in advance. The one major exception was our wedding last year on Grand Cayman. In this case, it was a very good idea to plan ahead. ;)]]> http://www.cordair.com/artscruise/news/ provide me with your Crown & Anchor Society number before we sail so that you will be entitled to your repeat cruiser benefits.]]>