HIV+ Cruises and Retreats

2006 HIV+ Cruise to Mexican Riviera

October 21 - 29, 2006

Rates & Accomodations | Ports of Call | Reservations | About the Ship | FAQs

• Download the cruise flyer (adobe PDF).
• Read an article about the cruise.
• Article: "Homos and Heteros in the Same Boat" (adobe PDF).

We sail for eight nights and our exciting cruise itinerary will make stops at four fantastic Mexican Riviera ports of call. Enjoy vibrant Acapulco, Colonial Puerto Vallarta, quaint Ixtapah/Zijuatenejo, and dynamic Cabo San Lucas!

We are genuinely pleased to offer to this year’s cruise on the Norwegian Star, a 2,200 passenger ship that entered service in 2001. Norwegian Cruise Line is most known for it’s “Freestyle Dining”. This allows you to dine in any restaurant at anytime you choose and with whom you choose. Select from 10 dining venues such a French Bistro, a Japanese/Asian restaurant, a steakhouse, Tapas bar, Italian Trattoria and more!!!!

NCL is also known for it’s more casual atmosphere. Feel free to leave your tux, suites and jackets at home. Relax and make your self comfortable.

During our cruise you will have the opportunity to attend workshops, lectures and support groups. We offer private cocktail parties, mixers, movie night, games and even our own private shore excursions!! We make it easy to mix and mingle and make friends for life!

FEATURED SPEAKER

Nelson Vergel, a former chemical engineer from Venezuela, is a 22 year HIV survivor who have become one of the leading treatment advocates and speakers in the US. He is the co-author of the book Built to Survive, the founder of the Body Positive Wellness Clinic in Houston, and the moderator of pozhealth, the discuss list with the largest membership in the Internet. Nelson has lectured extensively in the past 15 years and will be coming to the cruise to talk about how to stay healthy and fit while living with HIV.

SPONSORS

www.powerusa.org
The Center for Positive Connections and
www.nelsonvergel.com

Rates & Accomodations

Inside Cabins: $565.00		Outside: $735.00
Balcony Cabin: $929.00		Mini Suites: Price On Request

Port taxes are an additional $222.88 per person. Deposit is $400 at time of booking.

NEED A ROOMATE? SHARES CAN BE ARRANGED FOR INSIDE, OUTSIDE AND BALCONY CABINS ONLY.

Single Occupancy Rate is Double the above rates.

Ports of Call

Acapulco

Acapulco has long been known as the hot place to see and be seen in Mexico. It is hard to decide which is more breathtaking – the spectacular views from Las Brisas, or the daredevil leaps of the cliff divers at La Quebrada. Or just relax at world famous beaches. For those who wish to create their own excitement, Acapulco provides and endless playground of possibilities. We are here until 2:00AM so plan to dine and/or dance ashore.

Itapah / Zihuatenejo

The serene beauty of these two beach cities can be the perfect contrast to the sizzling high energy of Acapulco. Playa la Ropa is a calm, gentle bay that offers excellent swimming, snorkeling and gorgeous sunsets. Dramatic, lush mountains ring the towns.

Puerto Vallarta

Perhaps Mexico’s most authentic Colonial town on the sea, you may stroll lovely cobblestone streets, shop at open air markets or walk the seaside promenade known as the Malecon. Or spend the day at Playa Los Muertos, a very happening gay beach that is jammed year round.

Cabo San Lucas

As you sail into Cabo, the site of El Arco, the soaring rock archway that greets you upon arrival, is a photographer’s delight. Blessed with perpetual sunshine, azure blue water and long expansive beaches this area is offset by stark yet very dramatic desert scenery. Nearby is the mission town of Todos Santos, home of the famous Hotel California, popularized by a song by The Eagles.

Reservations

To reserve a space or if you have any unanswered questions, then call the travel agent Paul Stalbaum at (800) 735-0401, ext. 241 or send him an email at paul@universal-travel.com or The Center for Positive Connections at (888) pos-conn (767-2666) or (305) 891-2066, or send an email to email@positiveconnections.org

1. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD RESERVATION FORM (pdf format--click here if you need the adobe pdf reader).

2. PRINT OUT FORM (IT WILL OPEN IN ACROBAT READER) AND FILL OUT COMPLETELY

3. FAX COMPLETED FORM TO 954-463-2703

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL RESERVATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS THE SIGNED FORM IS RECEIVED

About the Ship

Read a STAR review of this ship (popup).

Dining

Norwegian Cruise Line is the pioneer in eliminating regimentation in the dining room. Guests may eat in our main dining room or choose to dine at whatever time you want and with whom you like. Select from 10 specialty restaurants including California cuisine, an elegant French bistro, an Italian trattoria, a steak house, and a sushi/Pan-Pacific Asian restaurant. Although we will have a block of tables together each night at 8:00PM in one of the main dining rooms for those of us who like the camaraderie of dining as a group. Dining rooms will be open from 5:50Pm until midnight.

Clothing

Norwegian Cruise Line promotes a more casual experience. Suits and tuxedos are not required or necessary. Dinners are casual. Slacks and button down shirt are perfectly appropriate. Although it may be advisable for gentlemen to have at least on sport coat and tie during the cruise.

Norwegian Star Amenities

* Ten Gourmet Dining Options
* Room Service
* Thirteen Bars and Lounges
* Cabins equipped with TV’s and mini-fridge
* Two Swimming Pools
* Six Hot Tubs
* Full service Spa
* 24 Hour Fitness Center
* Broadway and Las Vegas Style production shows
* Star Club Casino
* Basketball/volleyball court

FAQs

1. Payments:Norwegian Caribbean will require a deposit of $400.00 per person at the time of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to sailing.

2. Documents: Each person will be required to have either a valid US Passport or a state issued birth certificate with a photo ID. There are no exceptions. Canadian and other residents will need to check with their consulates to see if a visa will be required.

3. Cabin Assignments: At the time of your deposit the best located cabin available will be assigned to you. Sometimes however, cruise lines stop assigning specific cabin numbers but will continue to sell the cabin category. What this means is you have what is called a “guarantee”. You are guaranteed to get the cabin category of your choice but will not know your cabin until a few weeks or so before we sail. Often clients who get a guarantee, will be upgraded at no extra cost.

4. Pre-Cruise Hotel and Party: We will be making arrangements for a pre-cruise hotel at a local hotel. We also plan a pre-cruise party. Details will be made available later.

5. Cashless Society: Any thing you purchase on the ship will be charged to your cabin account. Cash is not accepted anywhere. When checking in prior to sailing, each guest will need to leave an imprint of their credit card.

6. Ship Board Activities: The first night of every cruise we host a welcome cocktail party exclusively for our guests. This is the first time the entire group will have a chance to meet and mingle. Sheri and Paul make many useful announcements. Other private events are also planned for the week. Full details of these events are mailed to you about 2 – 4 weeks in advance, with your documents.

7. Dining: Although we have confirmed a block of seats in the main dining room at 8:00PM each evening, you are free to choose from 10 dining options on the ship. Feel free to dine with the group or make reservations at whichever restaurant you choose and what time you prefer. Three restaurants will have a small surcharge.

8. Mingling with ship’s guests: We are a group on a ship that holds 1,800 passengers. We do plan lots of activities of our own but we do also participate in many of the ships activities. In our opinion, we get the best of both worlds.

9. Shore Excursions: The ship will offer many excursions to purchase. We however, will offer at least one or two of our own including a chartered catamaran for swimming, snorkeling and fun. Our trips are usually lower priced and include more than what the ship will offer.

10. Gratuities: A daily charge of $11.00 per person will be added to your cabin account to serve as tips to porters, waiters, cabins stewards, and pool boys.

11. Getting to the Ship: Most passengers will be flying into Los Angeles airport. You may take a taxi from the airport or you may purchase transfers from the cruise line for $20.00 per person each way. If you stay at our pre-cruise hotel, bus transfer will be provided at a nominal charge.

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