SPSA 2009 Cruise to Italy, Greece, Croatia
The SPSA Spring Board Meeting was held on board the Costa Cruise Line "Fortuna." Our group arrived in Venice, Italy, to board the "Fortuna" at our port of departure.
The Costa Cruise Line arranged for our Celebration of Ludivina Dorado's Birthday Party and reception for our SPSA group. We soon found out that the SPSA must celebrate another event, the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Mel and Lydia Simon.
The recognition of these significant celebrations knotched up our celebratory enthusiasm. We were treated to several wonderful singing performances and raised our glasses to recognize the life events that are best shared by friends who share cultural bonds, SPSA history, and personal best wishes for the present and future.
All of us enjoyed the dinner time get together at the end of each day with our own version of "musical chairs"to change up the company of our members. Tales of bargains gained and immersion in ancient times was great fun.
The never ending surprise and interest in our members seasoned attention to history and knowledge of events both ancient and contemporary was evident always and particularly led by our President, Reynaldo Lee Llacer and his wife Zorayda. Spending time with them was like walking thru a live seminar in history and how those times effect our own.
Many of attended Sunday Mass aboard ship on our last day at sea with our own Ferdie Ona serving as Deacon and giving the homily in English.
We departed with good cheer, knowing that we all passed thru a special moment.
Cruise aboard the Fortuna with the Costa Cruise Line Leaves Port in Venice, Italy Monday, April 13, 2009 (day after Easter) to Monday, April 20, 2009
Itinerary
Port |
Arrive |
Departure |
| 1.Venice, Italy | 12:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 2.Bari, Italy | 12:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 3.Katakolon (Olympia), Greece | 7:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 4.Santorini, Greece | 6:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| 5.Mykonos, Greece | 8:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| 6.Rhodes, Greece | 6:00 PM | |
| 7. At Sea | ||
| 8.Dubrovnik, Croatia | 8:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| 9.Venice, Italy | 9:00 AM |
Several members have expressed some concern about the itinerary. It certainly appears fully packed. The 4th day has 2 ports and when I checked with the Cruise Line they assured me that the time for tour excursions of about 3 to 3 ½ hours is more than adequate to get a good overview of the city and some of the key features that makes it unique. The same holds true of the short time in some of the other ports. The Cruise Line arranges the excursion tours and a representative of the Line accompanies the group that signs up. Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes are tender ports and again the Cruise Line assured me that those going on tours will disembark first and the ship will not leave without them and their employee.
Average temperatures in April in the Greek Isles range from about High 67 degrees F. to Low 53 degrees F.
I’m looking into a hotel arrangement for 1 presailing night in Venice that would be located near the port.
I will need to get credit card info so I can proceed with reservations.
Mary Zamora, (843) 243-0369 or (843) 323-0588, fax (843) 768-8292
All confirmation will be sent either by E-Mail or by mail whichever you prefer.
Will need:
Name as it appears exactly on Credit Card
Credit Card Type
Credit card # with the expiration date.
Birthdate for each passenger
Address
Phone #
Fax # optional
E-Mail Address
Category Cabin preference
Dining arrangement – I will request that the group is assigned to the first dining time slot
It is scheduled for 7:00PM.
Preference for notification of confirmations (E-Mail, Mail)
Please get this info to me ASAP. The group reservations fill up fast and we want to take advantage of the perks involves in group reservations.
Ben is planning a Category II CME and it will most likely be held on the AT SEA day of the cruise. More info about this will be sent. Each of us needs to check with our accountants about the possibility of tax deductible status.
Payments:
Interior Cabin $836.27(all inclusive of taxes port charges and fuel surcharge)
breakdown of those charges is as follows
cabin charge - $749.00
government and port taxes $183.27
fuel surcharge $ 63.00
Total $836.27
$400.00 initial payment per person ($800.00 per couple) to hold the cabin assignment
Oceanview Cabin $1236.27(all inclusive of taxes port charges and fuel surcharge)
breakdown of those charges is as follows
cabin charge - $1149.00
government and port taxes $ 183.27
fuel surcharge $ 63.00
Total $1236.27
$400.00 initial payment per person ($800.00 per couple) to hold
the cabin assignment.
Once booking occurs rates are guaranteed.
Final Payment is due 1st week of January with no penalty for cancellation before that.
I will send out reminders for the final payment
Note: Zorayda Lee-Llacer sent info regarding the round trip cost she found on the internet for a flight to Venice from Dulles Airport, Washington, DC. She found $379.00 RT.
Iberia, United and Lufthansa.
The ship offers many features and can be found on the website of Costa Cruise Lines.
Mary Zamora
Email: "Mary Zamora SPSA" <zam1967@bellsouth.net>,