RIAdventure

FAQ

Are there speakers or sessions?

Nope, this is purely a social/networking event. Not a conference.

How do I book the cruise?

Just call Sandy from Penny Pitou Travel at 603-856-7362. She is our dedicated cruise travel agent and will help with everything and answer questions.

What does the price include?

The price includes the room, food, taxes and the estimated fuel supplement for the entire week. The price may change a bit depending on what fuel does over the next few months.

What does the price NOT include?

The price does not include drinks (soda or alcohol), excursions, tips, air travel and other typical extras. It also does not include wifi internet access.

What extra costs might we find?

You may want to fly into Miami a day early to explore and also ensure you don't miss the boat, thus book a hotel room. Our travel agent has secured us at least some rooms with travel to / from airport and cruise-line for $99/night. Boarding is at 3pm eastern on Monday the 9th. You may also consider getting cruise insurance. It is strongly recommended by the travel agency.

I need a roommate for my cabin, can you recommend someone?

Since the pricing is for double occupancy some of you may want to find a roommate. If you can't convince a friend to go with you just join our google group and post there. If you don't want a roommate you can certainly book with single occupancy.

Is there internet access available?

The cruise-line advertises WIFI availability, but the quality of which is not known by me. It is also somewhat expensive. They also offer internet terminals if needed, so you don't have to bring your notebook.

What can I expect for food?

While I have not been on this ship, I have been on two other NCL ships and found the food adequate to great. They have a large restaurant where we serve ourselves that is free to everyone and a number of other smaller restaurants we can visit that are also free. Some restaurants that are more fancy may require extra $$ per person if their food is especially nice. You can quite happily eat without spending more though.

From the cruise line: Our dining options are some of the best in the industry - our idea of Freestyle is being able to dine where and when you want, with whomever you want! We are non-traditional in that sense, however we can secure specific dining times for your group if you would like - even if it's just for a night or two during your cruise.

What can I expect for drink?

NCL says the ship boasts 10 lounges/bars. So plenty to drink. I have seen an all you can drink soda option as well. They have serving staff doing drink orders all over the top lvls of the ship so you can sit out at the pool or on the deck and have the drinks come to you.

Should I splurge on a balcony room?

I think this is personal preference. My wife and I have been quite happy with an inside room and an outside room in the past. We are doing a balcony this year so we will see. Remember, you are probably not going to be in the room much and it is VERY small.

Are kids ok?

Yes! NCL has special programs for the kids so you can have some free time. Though you shouldn't bring anyone under 2.

Are friends ok?

Yes! While this is branded as an RIA focused group, others are more then welcome. In fact I expect at least a few of my friends join me. All great people who know nothing of RIA. I encourage you to find ways to take advantage of our discounted rooms.

Is there a payment plan?

When you book the cruise you must make a down payment of $100 per person and $30 for the room itself. Then you have until December to pay the balance. You can send in smaller payments to the travel agent to help manage your money if you like. Talk to Sandy about that 603-856-7362.

Can I just book the cruise on my own without the travel agent?

Yes. You would pay more money though. Also we wouldn't be able to track you, and if we have perks from NCL they wouldn't be available to you. Basically it wouldn't be a good idea.

What is the dress code?

NCL has a freestyle system. You can eat at any restaurant (make reservations) whenever and there a very flexible dress code. That said you may want to bring:

• Swimwear - there are pools on the boat and we will be all over the Bahamas.
• Comfortable clothes/shoes for any excursions off the boat
• Something nice for a fancy dinner

From the cruise line: There is a dress code for evening's - it is resort casual without formal nights, but you cannot wear t-shirt or shorts in any of the dining rooms. You can, however, at our Freestyle Action Stations (or buffet). Jeans are now acceptable in dining rooms however they must be tasteful and not along with sneakers - women can wear them with nice sandals and men with casual shoes.

What are excursions?

Excursions are trips off the boat to the Bahamas. The boat will be at a new location each day and we can get off whenever we want while docked. NCL offers organized excursions and activities, which cost extra. You don't have to do them though, you can get off and do whatever you like. Just get back on the boat before we set sail.

Do I need a passport?

Yes and no. You should really get one as travel in the future will probably require it, but it isn't required for this trip for folks from the US. If you're from the US you can just bring your drivers license or other valid ID and your original birth certificate. Or just a passport. If you decide to get a passport, do it ASAP as it can take months to process.

Will I get sea sick?

Most of the boat traveling is in the evening and night and you usually don't feel much. That said if you think you could then just bring medicine for it or wear that funny bracelet to help. My wife and I went through a hurricane our first trip with 20-30 foot seas and had no problem. It was fun! We also didn't get blinding drunk our first night out and remembered to take medicine. :-)

I have found that the lower your room is on the boat the less motion and also less expensive. Something to think about.

Got a question not answered here?

Visit our forums / google group and post there.