Hello to all the Caribbean Cruisin’ Santas, Mrs. Claus and friends:
If you have any questions, after reading this, please feel to call, text, or email me. This is Voyage Y410 to the Caribbean and our School4Santas group code is TQB.
CRUISE JACKET – have previously sent out information on ordering a custom embroidered windbreaker for this cruise. The deadline to order for the Caribbean Cruise is February 1. If you did not receive the windbreaker info, Click here.
NO COVID TESTING REQUIRED – The requirement to take and show proof of a negative COVID test ended last year.
Here is a link to the Princess web site for Caribbean cruise tips: https://www.princess.com/learn/cruise-destinations/caribbean-cruises/caribbean-cruise-tips
USING THE MEDALLION CLASS APP – First things first. This is a Princess MedallionClass™ cruise. Be sure you have completed all the Princess “OceanReady” Check-in requirements. Get Ready for Your Princess® Cruise – Princess Cruises
The Medallion app on your phone will allow you to connect with anyone in our group while aboard ship. You are part of a special group. If you need to add Barbara and myself, our booking number is: 6J9MVV. And we are in cabin E220. That is the Emerald Deck, room 220.
Downloading the Princess App® to complete your travel check-in steps will help you expedite your arrival experience:
- Order and Customize Your Medallion
- Personal Info
- Travel Docs
- Security & Profile Photos
- MedallionPay
- Emergency Information
- Passage Contract
- Health Questionnaire
- Boarding Pass
There is also the “JourneyView” interactive digital planner, where you can bookmark activities of interest you want to participate in.
CLASS LOCATION and TIMES – Per the current ship schedule, we will be having our school in two sessions, on Sunday, March 3, and Friday, March 8, from 9 am to 1 pm. The location for our school sessions will be the “Take-5” Lounge on Deck 6, next to the Casino. I have these areas reserved on the two days we will be at sea.
DRESS – Other than the casual attire for our school, plus your Santa hat, the rest of your cruise wardrobe should be what one would pack for a traditional Caribbean cruise. On past cruises some of the ladies also had little Claus hats or “fascinators,” with holiday decorations. It is whatever you are comfortable with. No matter what your attire, a Santa Hat truly makes it special for selfies, videos and of course our graduation.
Here is a link to the current Princess suggestions for packing: https://www.princess.com/learn/cruise-destinations/caribbean-cruises/caribbean-cruise-tips/learn-about-the-caribbean/what-to-pack-for-a-caribbean-cruise.html
I have sent everyone cruising some checklists for packing and preparing for this one-week trip. These include:
- Planning Ahead for your Cruise
- Before you leave home 2024
- Men’s Packing List for Cruises
- Packing List for the Ladies
- Excursion Bag Check List Caribbean 2024
- Cruise Packing 101 – From Cruise Critic
DINING – As with past cruises, Princess has set us up for group dining at 5:20 pm in Soleil Dining room, Deck 5, bottom level of the Piazza (Our Group has a standing reservation for this time slot, although you can dine anywhere you wish after this night.) Other than when in class, or just sitting in a lounge enjoying your favorite beverages, this is a time when all Santas and Mrs. Claus can network and dine.
Please know that you do not need to dine with the group and can dine whenever and wherever you wish. Often Couples will schedule special dining in the Crown Grille, Sabatini’s, or the Catch, instead of the dining room. Just know that you always have a reservation with our group seating, and should you decide to select specialty dining, just let the Maître d’ know of the change. Also check your Medallion App for dining updates. If you booked a package that includes one or two specialty dining nights. The ship may try to schedule you in advance and sometimes they will try to put you dining on the first night, which will conflict with our first night.
DIPLOMAS – Every person who attends a School4Santas workshop is presented with a special Diploma, suitable for framing. For the cruise, we will have a special diploma with the famous ‘Sea witch” Princess Logo stating, “Awarded aboard the Sky Princess this Eighth Day of March, the year Two-Thousand and Twenty-four.”
- Attendance at first workshop= bachelor’s degree in SantaClausology diploma is presented ready to frame
- Attendance at second workshop = master’s degree in SantaClausology diploma is presented ready to frame
- Attendance at three or more workshops = Advanced Master’s Degree diploma is presented ready to frame in SantaClausology
DIPLOMA WORDING – I need each attendee to give me the preferred wording for their personal Diploma and Certificate. Diplomas and certificates will be printed on Sunday night, May 12, prior to Barbara and I departing for Anchorage. You may have your name printed in a variety of ways. As we get closer to the cruise date, I will send out a list of those who are registered. If I do not receive any confirmation on your diploma wording, I will just use your first and last name. Options for wording on your diploma include: “John Smith”; “Santa John Smith”; John “Santa John” Smith; “Susan Smith”; “Mrs. Susan Smith”; Susan “Mrs. Claus” Smith, or any stage name you prefer. (For your convenience, I have also included your email addresses, home state and cabin assignments, if I have them. Should you have a second email address you wish to add, please let me know.)
NETWORKING – As with our past few cruises, I have set up a Facebook group where all Santas, Mrs. Claus and those traveling with us can network. If you have not already joined, just click on the link and you can make a request. Or contact me. (12) Santa Cruise Club | Facebook
COURSE BOOK – “Behind the Red Suit, The Business of Santa” is the course book for the IUSC. It is not necessary for you to bring a copy of the book with you, but should you wish to have a copy, the alumni cost for the 20th Anniversary Edition, from me is just $40 plus $10 USPS Priority shipping, or you can order a copy from Amazon for $60 plus shipping.
SANTA CLAUS OATH CEREMONY – On Friday, March 8, just prior to graduation, at 11:30 am, I will host a “Santa Claus Oath Ceremony.” All Santas and Mrs. Claus on our cruise, even those not attending the school, are invited to join us. Certificates suitable for framing will be handed out.
HISTORY OF SANTA CLAUS – As the list of subjects presented in the school continually changes and expands, some adjustments have been made to accommodate everything. One of the changes is removing the “History of Santa Claus,” from the live school and making it available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UaTsHXJFtSs Everyone is invited to watch this special video prior to attending the live school. You are also most welcome to share the video with anyone you wish.