Chicks at Sea 2010

Chicks at Sea

It’s one of my favorite times of the year, when I start booking our annual Chicks at Sea Girl’s Getaway Cruise, and this year is no different. I get jazzed up when I remember the fun and deep relaxation I get when on a cruise and the idea of sharing that with other women—well I get excited—I really do. I love, love, love the idea that I am a tiny part of giving women something positive to help them restore, relax, and rejuvenate. Having been a working mom while raising two kids; I know how hectic and tiring it all can become. My mentor and friend told me to be successful one must find their “bliss” and I think I have. Helping women feel better about themselves, to become nourished and renewed so they can go back to their family, friends, and career ready to take on the world.

This year’s Chicks at Sea is a five day cruise departing from Tampa, FL on February 20th, 2010. We will be making port stops at Key West (can you say fun) and Cozumel, Mexico. We also have 2 sea days for visiting the spa, taking in the entertainment, making new friends, and enjoying the many other activities of the ship. Or maybe just lounging by the pool doing something special—absolutely nothing! How long since you did nothing?

We have a range of rooms reserved for our group ranging in price from $574 to $924 per person based on double occupancy. Your price includes everything including your prepaid gratuities. Also included is a swag bag with spa goodies, a pretty journal, and other goodies just for the gals. We do recommend you add Travel Insurance. Deposits of $100 per person or $200 per cabin are due November 19th. Final payment date is December 12th, 09. Find a roommate and get your deposit in. I feel pretty good about saying you will so glad you did.

Chicks at Sea is near and dear to my heart and I so look forward to talking to you more about this special gals getaway. Feel free to visit my web site: www.SandyWheelerTravel.com fore more information or just give me a call 252-339-9614. You can also email me for more information.

Love and peace, Sandy


Sandy Wheeler, the diva cruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler an Independent Contractor for Connie George Travel Associates. Follow her adventures at www.SandyWheelerTravel.com or on Twitter @thedivacruiser

Communication!! (Part One)

It’s no surprise to my friends that I saw the new Star Trek movie twice within the same month and that I would see it again if I could find where it was still playing. Yes, I am a trekkie, my favorite being the Original TV series. In one of the episodes, the crew finds itself aggravated by a buzzing sound which is actually an alien race trying to communicate. Supposedly they move and speak so rapidly they can’t be understood or even perceived. The problem is solved, communication is achieved, and all is well.

I thought of the episode this week while spending all morning on the phone to Philadelphia and New York trying to arrange a girl’s getaway trip to NYC for some shopping and theatre and a BFF weekend for another group in the Caribbean. Since I speak “deep south” and these gals were speaking “high north”; the conversations bordered on hilarious. I would ask a question or make a statement and they would answer me accurately—but I didn’t get it. We were not communicating. I had to ask twice and then repeat it back to be sure I had the correct information. When I would answer their questions, I am pretty sure they were nodding off. Neither side was unskilled, being contrary, or lazy. Just a bit of a communication lag, patience won out and the trips are ready to book.

One of the joys of cruising is the ability to communicate with so many different people. People from all countries, nationalities, religions, dialects—it’s awesome. Every breakfast and lunch I head for the dining room and ask for a big table. There I have met a red-headed South African physician whose voice was like music it was so pretty; an Indian physicist teaching at MIT for a year; a couple from Mississippi who rode their Harley to Ft. Lauderdale to depart; a French waitress who called me “Madame”; a Canadian gentleman who led a good-natured argument with me on religion vs. education that the whole table of eight joined in on. Where else can you find this kind of diversity and fun?

I am closing this blog entry with a couple of my favorite sayings: YOU DESERVE A CRUISE and Cruise on my sisters Cruise on!

Ya’ll call me ya hear? (I couldn’t resist)

Sandy

Sandy Wheeler, aka the diva cruiser is in reality an independent contractor for Connie George Travel Associates. Follow us on Twitter @ladiestravel, @thedivacruiser, and @ChicksAtSea. I can be reached at 252-339-9614 or email me.

Follow Up To My Last BLog--Stains on My Clothes While Cruising

I received two emails with questions as followups to my lastest article. One was “if I do as you say and only take one dressy dress for both formal cruise nights, what happens if I spill something on my dress the first night?” signed Messy Mendy from Virginia.
Well Mendy there are several ways you can handle this and still look sharp in the dining room on that second formal night. If it is a fabric that can be washed and the stain is relatively small I would use one of the strain treating sticks or cloths available on the market today. If that doesn’t take out the stain, then use those single use packets of regular clothes detergent–just wash your dress out in the sink and hang on a hanger in the bathroom to dry. Both of these are inexpensive and take up almost no room in your suitcase. While you are out enjoying your shore excursion your dress will dry and all will be well. I have done this several times with good results. Of course, the divacruiser knows to choose dresses in fabrics that are easy to pack and easy to spot clean if necessary!
If the stain is more extensive, the fabric is not washable, or requires ironing , the ship does have laundry services. Tell your cabin steward that you have an item to be dry cleaned or laundered and it will be back in your room spic and span before you know it. The cost of the drycleaning or laundering will be added to your ship’s account. Some larger ships have a self service laundry with machines that are paid for using your ship account. Personally, I try to avoid work of any kind while on board (except Pilates classes or rumba lessons).
Thanks for your question. It is my pleasure to help. Other questions can be sent to the divacruiser, aka cruise chick by clicking here.

the divacruiser, aka the cruise chick, is really Sandy Wheeler, Independent Contractor for Connie George Travel Associates, which sponsors the ladies cruise Chicks at Sea. See more information at: www.ChicksAtSea.com.