Michael January 22nd, 2008

I apologize for the big and loud headline for this post - but the information here is extremely important.

While we still have a few months before we sail now is a good time to make sure that you understand the documentation requirements that both Celebrity Cruises as well as the US and Canadian Governments require for passengers. If there is documentation that you need but don’t have yet, you still have plenty of time. I can’t stress this enough, if you do not have the proper documentation with you when you check in for your cruise - you can and very likely will be denied boarding. That’s something we don’t want to happen to anyone.

For US Citizens the latest information on documentation requirements can always be found at http://travel.state.gov/ However the requirements that will be in place for US and Canadian citizens on the day we depart are:

U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a passport, passport card, SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST, or a U.S. Coast Guard Mariner Document (Don’t sweat it if you don’t know what SENTRI, NEXUS or FAST is). Alternatively a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate will be accepted.

You should have the original birth certificate with a raised seal or a certified copy - photo copies of birth certificates may not be accepted.

Passport card applications will be accepted starting February 1st and you are welcome to apply for one, however the first cards are expected to be delivered in “Spring 2008″ so there’s no guarantee that you would have your passport card in time for the sailing.

You are required to have proper documentation regardless of whether you intend to get off the ship in any of the ports we visit or not.

It is essential that you have the required documentation when you check in for the cruise. If you are denied boarding due to improper documentation Celebrity Cruises will not refund your cruise fare, nor is such a denied boarding covered by travel insurance. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that you bring the required documentation with you.

I hate to have to make such an ominous post, however neither Patricia nor I want to have anybody left on the pier as the ship is sailing away because they didn’t have the proper documentation with them.

• Sea Socks '08
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Patricia January 20th, 2008

I just want everyone to be aware that SeaSocks will be closed to all new bookings on February 15th.  That sounds so final and frankly it is.

There are a few reasons for this hard and fast date, and because I’m a giver, I’ll pull back the curtain a bit and share:

1. For reasons that defy explaination there is a rule with Celebrity that once there are pentalities for canceling, you can’t add people to a group.  No, I don’t get it either.  So, if *I* don’t cut it off, Celebrity would.
2. (I’m about to share my deepest secret), I don’t have a goody bag from last year’s cruise.  I don’t because when I ordered, I ordered extra and then I kept taking bookings and well, one sleepless night I counted.  Opps.  I had dreams of donating the extras to charity — what extras.  So, I’m enforcing the no exceptions policies, not because I want a goody bag, but because I don’t want to miss count more than just me this year.

So, it’s not just me, it is Celebrity.  We both are closing for new bookings on 2/15 for Sea Socks ‘08.  That said — I’m planning on ‘09 already — and fair warning, bookings for Sea Socks ‘09 will open promptly on May 21st.

• Sea Socks '08
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Patricia January 18th, 2008

I’m throwing this out there, because I get asked about roommates all the time and I have good answers, really I do.

First, as of this typing, I have 3 people in need of a roommate.  It just so happens that they are in an inside, an outside, and a balcony cabin. 

So, I’m looking to make some matches.  Now, here’s my basic rules on helping to find a roommate for you…

1. If you need a roommate to cruise, let me know.  I understand the difference between “need” and “would prefer so I have more money for yarn” — you can imagine those are vastly different things.

2. Before I will match you with a roommate, you have to put a full deposit down ($500) on a cabin.  This is really insurance for your other half (and you, really).  Should one of you need to back-out, the cabin doesn’t risk being lost until the other half of the deposit is paid.

3. I know final payment is coming up, but it doesn’t mean we don’t do a little last minute scramble around here.  Last year, I pulled a triple out at that last minute (yes, it was tight, but it worked) to get everyone on board. 

So, if you’ve been thinking about this and wondering who you could talk into to coming with you — I have roommates who need you!!

• Sea Socks '08
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Patricia January 16th, 2008

…no, it isn’t May yet.  But now is the time to start dealing with the biggest hurdle on the way to Alaska.  (Well, the biggest hurdle right after you had to explain to the family that *THIS* was the way to see Alaska — with 120+ of your closest knitting friends.)

Yes, winging its way to your mailboxes are the first of two packets from me.  The first is about your final payment and confirming what you booked and what you wanted.  There is also I questionaire in there.  We beg you to fill it out because if you don’t Michael is offering to make up your information (will you trust me that it wouldn’t be pretty if you allow that?) The second won’t be out until about 4-6 weeks before the cruise when I have documents for you and material lists and all sorts of the fun.

So, in your packet there’s stuff for you to fill out — please do.  If you need more copies of those forms, they are here:

Sea Socks Questions Sheet

Sea Socks Exclusives

Finally, would you like to pay your final payment? You don’t have to go back to the registration site — in fact there is no way to do what you want from there. Call me at 888-286-9827 or just mail the form back from your packet.

• Sea Socks '08
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Michael January 12th, 2008

Patricia’s already posted about SeaSocks Exclusive excursions you can participate in - you’ll find the details here. Don’t worry, there will be a flier with all of that information included with your latest invoice which you can expect this coming week…

But, what if you want to do something in Juneau, Ketchikan, or even something else in Victoria? Well, we’ve got some options for you thanks to our good friends over at Shore Trips. You’ll find a wide variety of options from Whale Watching in Victoria BC, to kayaking or canoing in Ketchikan, even flightseeing or hiking in Juneau.

Shore Trips limits their tours to small groups of people - you won’t be sitting in a full motorcoach that’s part of a caravan of motorcoaches all on the same tour. They guarantee that you won’t be delayed returning to the ship - and they’ve never had a passenger miss a ship. Plus they offer an extremely generous cancellation policy - you can cancel without penalty up to 11 days before your tour and they always offer a refund in full in the event of a ship itinerary change or weather-related safety considerations.

• Sea Socks '08
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