Join this Unforgettable Christian Cruise on the Among Friends Caribbean Cruise with Kathy Troccoli
I would love if your “look forward to vacation” would be cruising with me and my guests to the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Key West on March 9-16, 2014. Of course, you will enjoy everything those destinations have to offer, in addition to the amenities and lavishness that cruising on a Holland America ship provides. But what makes an Among Friends cruise even that much more of an amazing experience is the wonderful inspirational teaching, powerful soul-stirring music and a much needed dose of side-splitting laughter. It will all be amidst encouraging conversational exchanges and a sense of being around family.
I have hosted cruises for years and in being the host, I invite you to my cruise as I would invite you into my home. I want you to enjoy yourself, feel comfortable and let your hair down.
My desire is that you will truly feel like you are Among Friends. Whether you come alone, with a friend, or as a group, my hope is that this vacation will be a memory-making one for you.
And by the way, I will keep you posted about my guests—trust me, they are always amazing.
Kathy Troccoli
Meet These Special Guests During Your Exceptional Travel Experience
Rita has been playing the piano since she was 11 years old. She began lessons not with a desire to write songs or lead worship but because she was jealous of an older sister who was taking lessons and she wanted them as well. Music had always caused a stirring in Rita, as did poetry and drama. It was in those early years that she realized the keys of a piano were like a secret island she could escape to and later she would dream of them as the literal shoulder of God. Rita learned the value of true worship on those piano keys. The hidden melodies begin to reveal themselves to her as life and its balancing act progressed. She started writing songs soon after her father’s death and came to find a deep respect for the art of linking lyric and rhythm together. She would be quoted later as describing those younger years as “When I started digging for treasure.”
In the late 1980’s Rita started attending a Vineyard Church and was forever changed by the sound of personal worship. The rise of new choruses of worship songs grabbed her attention. She would soon become a writer with Vineyard Music Group when they published her song Make Us A Prayer, on one of their Touching the Father’s Heart, series. These early days were powerful and engaging as the simplicity of 3-and 4 chord songs began to take the church to a whole new level in intimate and accessible worship. Rita felt called to learn the art of leadership and to carry with her the same purity in crowds singing and leading as she had found with the Lord as a child learning and growing.
Rita recorded her first CD with producer Craig Musseau entitled Love Covers in the mid 90’s. That was an incredible first start to what would become a beautiful journey. She signed later with an independent record label (Floodgate Records) and recorded her first live release at the Anaheim Vineyard. Created To Worship was a raw organic set up to what Rita loves most about worship; capturing it live in front of a ready audience. The release All I Have followed a year or so later with Andy Piercy, producing. The next 9 years held the eventful releases of Effortless (produced by David Ruis), I Have To Believe (produced by Nathan Nockels), Rise Up and the compilation, Worth it All. All of these were while she was still under contract with Floodgate Records. In 2007 Rita recorded her first project when the Floodgate contract expired called Beautiful You. In 2008-2009 she began writing and co-writing more then 20 other songs, which recently became another release called, Be Quiet.
Rita had an encounter with the Lord in December of 2004 and felt called to adopt a baby whose origin is African but was born in the states. Rita wrote that her son, (Justice Zane Anesu Springer), “has truly been the best song that I have ever written! He is a complete joy to bring up and has been such an incredible source of love and insight to my life! Being a mother is truly one of life’s greatest blessings.”
Within the past decade Rita has been apart of and actually started her own women’s conference. Fragrant Oil began out of a deep desire to see women free through the tools of the Word, Worship and Prayer. The conference was an incredible season of 7 years watching God use worship powerfully to transform lives across the globe. In 2008 she began a worship school called DIVE. (Deep-Innovative-Vertical-Expression) The school trains and encourages upcoming worship leaders all over the world with weeklong intensive one-on-one courses. Rita experienced a newfound love of mentoring and sees it as a valued gift to the whole of worship and what it is truly about. She believes that the joy of being a worship leader is to make those listening, jealous for what has been found in Christ. Making Christ famous through the art, act and physical sound of our worship is Rita’s anthem and her deepest desire is to see this arise in the body of Christ. Her motto is; “To make the Lord famous in whatever I do with my worship and relationship with Him”.
Rita and Justice reside in Charlotte, NC.
Rita has been playing the piano since she was 11 years old. She began lessons not with a desire to write songs or lead worship but because she was jealous of an older sister who was taking lessons and she wanted them as well. Music had always caused a stirring in Rita, as did poetry and drama. It was in those early years that she realized the keys of a piano were like a secret island she could escape to and later she would dream of them as the literal shoulder of God. Rita learned the value of true worship on those piano keys. The hidden melodies begin to reveal themselves to her as life and its balancing act progressed. She started writing songs soon after her father’s death and came to find a deep respect for the art of linking lyric and rhythm together. She would be quoted later as describing those younger years as “When I started digging for treasure.”
In the late 1980’s Rita started attending a Vineyard Church and was forever changed by the sound of personal worship. The rise of new choruses of worship songs grabbed her attention. She would soon become a writer with Vineyard Music Group when they published her song Make Us A Prayer, on one of their Touching the Father’s Heart, series. These early days were powerful and engaging as the simplicity of 3-and 4 chord songs began to take the church to a whole new level in intimate and accessible worship. Rita felt called to learn the art of leadership and to carry with her the same purity in crowds singing and leading as she had found with the Lord as a child learning and growing.
Rita recorded her first CD with producer Craig Musseau entitled Love Covers in the mid 90’s. That was an incredible first start to what would become a beautiful journey. She signed later with an independent record label (Floodgate Records) and recorded her first live release at the Anaheim Vineyard. Created To Worship was a raw organic set up to what Rita loves most about worship; capturing it live in front of a ready audience. The release All I Have followed a year or so later with Andy Piercy, producing. The next 9 years held the eventful releases of Effortless (produced by David Ruis), I Have To Believe (produced by Nathan Nockels), Rise Up and the compilation, Worth it All. All of these were while she was still under contract with Floodgate Records. In 2007 Rita recorded her first project when the Floodgate contract expired called Beautiful You. In 2008-2009 she began writing and co-writing more then 20 other songs, which recently became another release called, Be Quiet.
Rita had an encounter with the Lord in December of 2004 and felt called to adopt a baby whose origin is African but was born in the states. Rita wrote that her son, (Justice Zane Anesu Springer), “has truly been the best song that I have ever written! He is a complete joy to bring up and has been such an incredible source of love and insight to my life! Being a mother is truly one of life’s greatest blessings.”
Within the past decade Rita has been apart of and actually started her own women’s conference. Fragrant Oil began out of a deep desire to see women free through the tools of the Word, Worship and Prayer. The conference was an incredible season of 7 years watching God use worship powerfully to transform lives across the globe. In 2008 she began a worship school called DIVE. (Deep-Innovative-Vertical-Expression) The school trains and encourages upcoming worship leaders all over the world with weeklong intensive one-on-one courses. Rita experienced a newfound love of mentoring and sees it as a valued gift to the whole of worship and what it is truly about. She believes that the joy of being a worship leader is to make those listening, jealous for what has been found in Christ. Making Christ famous through the art, act and physical sound of our worship is Rita’s anthem and her deepest desire is to see this arise in the body of Christ. Her motto is; “To make the Lord famous in whatever I do with my worship and relationship with Him”.
Rita and Justice reside in Charlotte, NC.
Melodie Tunney, Bonnie Keen and Marty McCall met in the mid 1980’s as studio musicians, considered in Nashville Tennessee as the ‘first call’ by producers for background vocals and commercial jingles. They recorded an a capella Christmas album Evening In December with David Maddux, who would later work with them on Somethin Takes Over. While touring with Sandi Patty, the trio recorded their first pop cd, Undivided which showcased not only the groups’ gifted vocals, but introduced them as songwriters and propelled First Call into the forefront of Contemporary Christian music.
Much to their surprise, three Dove awards and five Grammy nominations would follow. Still working as studio singers at home, they chose to focus their writing and performance skills on a newfound ministry.
Songs like ‘Undivided, ‘The Reason We Sing’, ‘O Sifuni Mungu’, and ‘Sweet Love’ seemed to fuel an audience hungry for a harmony driven trio, many times likened to the sounds of Manhattan Transfer. Yet beyond the accolades, the group shared something that survived years of success and turmoil—a heart for Christ and friendships that would endure times of separation and change.
In 1990, Melodie felt led to leave First Call to join her husband Dick Tunney in their own concert and songwriting ministry. Yet behind the scene her heart was never disconnected from the bond she shared with Bonnie and Marty. “You hear about a group breaking up and that there’s dissension and strife,” Mel states. “With the three of us there was none of that.”
During the ensuing years, Bonnie and Marty continued the ministry of First Call with another talented vocalist, Marabeth Jordon. The trio went on to record two more highly acclaimed cds, Human Song and Sacred Journey with the new alto. Higher profile tours and writing nearly all of their own material followed. Five years later, ready to sign the largest contract of their career, life happened. The painful, personal events of 1994 split the group apart. While on tour with a high profile male artist, Marabeth was caught up in a public scandal, which led to her resignation from the trio. “People still ask about Marabeth leaving,” says Bonnie, “Although we are at great peace as friends, it’s part of First Call’s journey. She was a tremendously creative and talented member of First Call, and nothing will diminish her contributions. Questions come because they are a valid part of our history. As with Mel, Marabeth is a spectacular vocalist. We grieved with her and for her family, and are also grateful that God has moved us all past the circumstances that caused her to leave.”
God’s restoration in First Call is a recurring theme.
Warner Alliance signed Marty and Bonnie to record another two projects as a duo with guest artists. Beyond December and First Call produced more avenues for ministry, and the group added recordings of the latter project to their catalog of projects recorded in Spanish. However the loss of the trio image and sound left First Call at a crossroads. After fifteen years, Bonnie and Marty peacefully and reluctantly parted to pursue avenues of solo ministries.
Reader’s Digest Update: Marty, Bonnie and Melodie have gone on to record solo projects, publish books, travel and speak, to serve as worship leaders all the while staying in touch and often longing for a time to hit the road again for Reunion First Call events.
“If you fall to pieces in the first place, there wasn’t much to you in the first place.” Proverbs 24 Message
After years of thinking their touring and recording days were over, God was working on putting the finishing touch on 2 decades of ups and downs. The One who put the group together had a sweet surprise for the original trio. Discovery House Music expressed an interest in a project they had never pursued: an a cappella hymns cd, a TV taping in Israel and a time for the trio to dream again.
Some may wonder, “Is this First Call jumping on the hymns CD bandwagon?”
“Hymns have always been a huge part of where Bonnie, Marty and I are—individually and as a group,” Mel explains.
Bonnie adds, “Oddly enough, First Call – 12 projects in – NEVER did a Hymns CD! What a perfect project to work on after so much life has happened to all of us. It’s as if God is allowing a beautiful period to the end of a somewhat tumultuous…but blessed sentence.”
What a perfect project to bridge their first years with those ahead.
“We’re ready to sing and record together again and we truly have a back story to the songs we’ve recorded that will bring new life to the lyrics and songs,” says Marty. “It’s all about God’s heart for redemption and second chances. God is never done with us. His redemptive heart shows up when least expected. Even in a trio that never thought they would share a studio or platform again.”
Enjoy and be encouraged by the opportunity to have First Call come your way, full of gratitude and joy, joining their voices to give God the honor and glory for all He’s poured into them individually and as a trio.
REJOICE with First Call as they return again with a renewed passion and a reason to sing.
Melodie Tunney, Bonnie Keen and Marty McCall met in the mid 1980’s as studio musicians, considered in Nashville Tennessee as the ‘first call’ by producers for background vocals and commercial jingles. They recorded an a capella Christmas album Evening In December with David Maddux, who would later work with them on Somethin Takes Over. While touring with Sandi Patty, the trio recorded their first pop cd, Undivided which showcased not only the groups’ gifted vocals, but introduced them as songwriters and propelled First Call into the forefront of Contemporary Christian music.
Much to their surprise, three Dove awards and five Grammy nominations would follow. Still working as studio singers at home, they chose to focus their writing and performance skills on a newfound ministry.
Songs like ‘Undivided, ‘The Reason We Sing’, ‘O Sifuni Mungu’, and ‘Sweet Love’ seemed to fuel an audience hungry for a harmony driven trio, many times likened to the sounds of Manhattan Transfer. Yet beyond the accolades, the group shared something that survived years of success and turmoil—a heart for Christ and friendships that would endure times of separation and change.
In 1990, Melodie felt led to leave First Call to join her husband Dick Tunney in their own concert and songwriting ministry. Yet behind the scene her heart was never disconnected from the bond she shared with Bonnie and Marty. “You hear about a group breaking up and that there’s dissension and strife,” Mel states. “With the three of us there was none of that.”
During the ensuing years, Bonnie and Marty continued the ministry of First Call with another talented vocalist, Marabeth Jordon. The trio went on to record two more highly acclaimed cds, Human Song and Sacred Journey with the new alto. Higher profile tours and writing nearly all of their own material followed. Five years later, ready to sign the largest contract of their career, life happened. The painful, personal events of 1994 split the group apart. While on tour with a high profile male artist, Marabeth was caught up in a public scandal, which led to her resignation from the trio. “People still ask about Marabeth leaving,” says Bonnie, “Although we are at great peace as friends, it’s part of First Call’s journey. She was a tremendously creative and talented member of First Call, and nothing will diminish her contributions. Questions come because they are a valid part of our history. As with Mel, Marabeth is a spectacular vocalist. We grieved with her and for her family, and are also grateful that God has moved us all past the circumstances that caused her to leave.”
God’s restoration in First Call is a recurring theme.
Warner Alliance signed Marty and Bonnie to record another two projects as a duo with guest artists. Beyond December and First Call produced more avenues for ministry, and the group added recordings of the latter project to their catalog of projects recorded in Spanish. However the loss of the trio image and sound left First Call at a crossroads. After fifteen years, Bonnie and Marty peacefully and reluctantly parted to pursue avenues of solo ministries.
Reader’s Digest Update: Marty, Bonnie and Melodie have gone on to record solo projects, publish books, travel and speak, to serve as worship leaders all the while staying in touch and often longing for a time to hit the road again for Reunion First Call events.
“If you fall to pieces in the first place, there wasn’t much to you in the first place.” Proverbs 24 Message
After years of thinking their touring and recording days were over, God was working on putting the finishing touch on 2 decades of ups and downs. The One who put the group together had a sweet surprise for the original trio. Discovery House Music expressed an interest in a project they had never pursued: an a cappella hymns cd, a TV taping in Israel and a time for the trio to dream again.
Some may wonder, “Is this First Call jumping on the hymns CD bandwagon?”
“Hymns have always been a huge part of where Bonnie, Marty and I are—individually and as a group,” Mel explains.
Bonnie adds, “Oddly enough, First Call – 12 projects in – NEVER did a Hymns CD! What a perfect project to work on after so much life has happened to all of us. It’s as if God is allowing a beautiful period to the end of a somewhat tumultuous…but blessed sentence.”
What a perfect project to bridge their first years with those ahead.
“We’re ready to sing and record together again and we truly have a back story to the songs we’ve recorded that will bring new life to the lyrics and songs,” says Marty. “It’s all about God’s heart for redemption and second chances. God is never done with us. His redemptive heart shows up when least expected. Even in a trio that never thought they would share a studio or platform again.”
Enjoy and be encouraged by the opportunity to have First Call come your way, full of gratitude and joy, joining their voices to give God the honor and glory for all He’s poured into them individually and as a trio.
REJOICE with First Call as they return again with a renewed passion and a reason to sing.
Michael O’Brien is probably most known from his 7 year tenure as lead singer of the Christian band Newsong. But, he has actually been in the music ministry for some 20 years now and has built a reputation as an incredibly gifted singer/ songwriter with a heart for ministering to the body of Christ.
Sensing that God was calling him to step out of his secure position with Newsong in 2006, Michael had to literally start all over again. But if you ask him if he has any regrets in his leaving, he replies “I knew it was something that God was calling me to. I was somewhat apprehensive and yet excited to take a step of faith and completely put my trust in the Lord. God has not disappointed.”
Michael has realized the importance of controlling his calendar as well and making time for the most important calling of his life. His family. “I used to live on the road and my kids didn’t even miss me when I was gone. It wasn’t conducive for a spiritually healthy family.”
Now Michael is getting more opportunities to share how God restored and healed his marriage. “We were in a very bad place” Michael says. “I was not being the spiritual leader of my home and it had a huge negative impact in my relationship with Heidi and my children. The Spirit of God convicted my heart.” He is now encouraging couples that have been contemplating divorce, like they were, to not only stay together, but to run for help and get good Christian Counseling. “We have seen first hand the blessings that have come from us fighting for our marriage, even when we didn’t feel like it was ever going to work out. We have learned that marriage is not about happiness, it is about commitment.”
Michael’s most recent project “Something About Us” has been described by Michael as a musical love letter to his one and only. It has received critical acclaim from many of his musical peers. Natalie Grant says, “Michael O’Brien is such a phenomenal talent. His voice is a rare breed in today’s musical climate. I’m a sucker for music with a nostalgic sound. This is just great classic sounding music. He reminds us what true love is all about.” Country Artist Mark Wills says Michael is his“favorite singer of all time,” while Nicole Mullen says “Michael O’Brien has outdone himself! This cd is wonderful, and
highly recommended for all married couples. It’s about time that
someone has given us a clean, passionate, beautiful backdrop for falling in love all over again. Out of
four stars, I’d give it a six!”
Something About Us is filled with 14 original love songs that come out of a pure and holy devoted love solely between a man and a woman. Laced with silky smooth vocals and lush string arrangements performed by the Irish Film Orchestra (Dublin, Ireland) this cd is a must have. Michael says “Our goal was to create a work that would give couples an opportunity to have romantic interludes in a style reminiscent of Nat King Cole. It’s like Song of Solomon set to music. Romantic! Poetic! I believe Christians should be writing the most beautiful love songs ever. The Love that Heidi and I share comes from the Author of love. God! As Christian couples, our marriages should be a city on a hill!”
In the last several years, Michael and Heidi have shared their story of restoration on National Television and radio broadcasts across America. Ministries that have partnered with Michael and Heidi are The Billy Graham Association, Family Life Today, The 700 Club, Life Today, the TBN and Daystar Networks, Babbie’s Place, Rick and Bubba Radio, Steve and DC Radio, Living The Life, and Faith Café, just to name a few.
Michael O’Brien is probably most known from his 7 year tenure as lead singer of the Christian band Newsong. But, he has actually been in the music ministry for some 20 years now and has built a reputation as an incredibly gifted singer/ songwriter with a heart for ministering to the body of Christ.
Sensing that God was calling him to step out of his secure position with Newsong in 2006, Michael had to literally start all over again. But if you ask him if he has any regrets in his leaving, he replies “I knew it was something that God was calling me to. I was somewhat apprehensive and yet excited to take a step of faith and completely put my trust in the Lord. God has not disappointed.”
Michael has realized the importance of controlling his calendar as well and making time for the most important calling of his life. His family. “I used to live on the road and my kids didn’t even miss me when I was gone. It wasn’t conducive for a spiritually healthy family.”
Now Michael is getting more opportunities to share how God restored and healed his marriage. “We were in a very bad place” Michael says. “I was not being the spiritual leader of my home and it had a huge negative impact in my relationship with Heidi and my children. The Spirit of God convicted my heart.” He is now encouraging couples that have been contemplating divorce, like they were, to not only stay together, but to run for help and get good Christian Counseling. “We have seen first hand the blessings that have come from us fighting for our marriage, even when we didn’t feel like it was ever going to work out. We have learned that marriage is not about happiness, it is about commitment.”
Michael’s most recent project “Something About Us” has been described by Michael as a musical love letter to his one and only. It has received critical acclaim from many of his musical peers. Natalie Grant says, “Michael O’Brien is such a phenomenal talent. His voice is a rare breed in today’s musical climate. I’m a sucker for music with a nostalgic sound. This is just great classic sounding music. He reminds us what true love is all about.” Country Artist Mark Wills says Michael is his“favorite singer of all time,” while Nicole Mullen says “Michael O’Brien has outdone himself! This cd is wonderful, and
highly recommended for all married couples. It’s about time that
someone has given us a clean, passionate, beautiful backdrop for falling in love all over again. Out of
four stars, I’d give it a six!”
Something About Us is filled with 14 original love songs that come out of a pure and holy devoted love solely between a man and a woman. Laced with silky smooth vocals and lush string arrangements performed by the Irish Film Orchestra (Dublin, Ireland) this cd is a must have. Michael says “Our goal was to create a work that would give couples an opportunity to have romantic interludes in a style reminiscent of Nat King Cole. It’s like Song of Solomon set to music. Romantic! Poetic! I believe Christians should be writing the most beautiful love songs ever. The Love that Heidi and I share comes from the Author of love. God! As Christian couples, our marriages should be a city on a hill!”
In the last several years, Michael and Heidi have shared their story of restoration on National Television and radio broadcasts across America. Ministries that have partnered with Michael and Heidi are The Billy Graham Association, Family Life Today, The 700 Club, Life Today, the TBN and Daystar Networks, Babbie’s Place, Rick and Bubba Radio, Steve and DC Radio, Living The Life, and Faith Café, just to name a few.
A reputable author and speaker, Ellie has touched the hearts and funny-bones of audiences since 1984. Her ability to discover humor in everyday situations coupled with her deep understanding of God’s grace have brought laughter, hope and encouragement to many. Equally comfortable sharing the “Great News” alongside acclaimed teachers at national conferences, on a television broadcast, or roaming the halls during a midnight search for chocolate at a women’s retreat, Ellie effuses a natural ease and engaging warmth. After meeting Ellie for the first time, Patsy Clairmont shared, “She is the kind of person you immediately hope will always be your friend.”
Ellie (Elvira Robina Mannarino Lofaro) is a first generation American and the second of five children in a “very Italian” family. A native New Yorker, she speaks of being brought up “with the awareness of God, but not the experience of God.” However, as a teenager, she encountered a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and realized her new identity as a “Capital C Christian” — “highly flawed, fully forgiven and greatly favored.”
When asked about some of the joyous highlights of her life…Ellie shared that she loved her years at Boston College, taught high school English, coached volleyball, debate and Bible Quiz teams, traveled through Europe with a backpack for 10 weeks, served as a youth group leader, married Frank, made three babies, helped to revamp her church’s women’s ministry, presided over the PTA, hosted a daily radio talk show, contributed a newspaper column, traveled to five continents, and has filled up 70 plus photo albums. (no cropping!) That said; her deepest joy comes from receiving and sharing the goodness and love of God.
Ellie and her husband Frank (President and CEO of the Christian Leadership Alliance), reside near the nation’s capital. They have three terrific (almost grown) kids: Paris-- named for the City of Light; Jordan-- named for the River of Life; and Capri-- named for the Isle of Love.
Ellie loves the ocean, travel, photography, reading, eating all things Italian--but does not enjoy cooking.
Completely convinced of God’s love and His mandate to “go and tell,” Ellie has committed her life to inspire others with His goodness and grace.
A reputable author and speaker, Ellie has touched the hearts and funny-bones of audiences since 1984. Her ability to discover humor in everyday situations coupled with her deep understanding of God’s grace have brought laughter, hope and encouragement to many. Equally comfortable sharing the “Great News” alongside acclaimed teachers at national conferences, on a television broadcast, or roaming the halls during a midnight search for chocolate at a women’s retreat, Ellie effuses a natural ease and engaging warmth. After meeting Ellie for the first time, Patsy Clairmont shared, “She is the kind of person you immediately hope will always be your friend.”
Ellie (Elvira Robina Mannarino Lofaro) is a first generation American and the second of five children in a “very Italian” family. A native New Yorker, she speaks of being brought up “with the awareness of God, but not the experience of God.” However, as a teenager, she encountered a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and realized her new identity as a “Capital C Christian” — “highly flawed, fully forgiven and greatly favored.”
When asked about some of the joyous highlights of her life…Ellie shared that she loved her years at Boston College, taught high school English, coached volleyball, debate and Bible Quiz teams, traveled through Europe with a backpack for 10 weeks, served as a youth group leader, married Frank, made three babies, helped to revamp her church’s women’s ministry, presided over the PTA, hosted a daily radio talk show, contributed a newspaper column, traveled to five continents, and has filled up 70 plus photo albums. (no cropping!) That said; her deepest joy comes from receiving and sharing the goodness and love of God.
Ellie and her husband Frank (President and CEO of the Christian Leadership Alliance), reside near the nation’s capital. They have three terrific (almost grown) kids: Paris-- named for the City of Light; Jordan-- named for the River of Life; and Capri-- named for the Isle of Love.
Ellie loves the ocean, travel, photography, reading, eating all things Italian--but does not enjoy cooking.
Completely convinced of God’s love and His mandate to “go and tell,” Ellie has committed her life to inspire others with His goodness and grace.
Departing From Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Sunday, March 9, 2014)
Embarkation: 11:30 A.M.—2:30 P.M. Depart: 4:00 P.M.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (March 10, 8:00 A.M.– 4:00 P.M.)
Half Moon Cay is ideal for beach lovers, watersports and nature enthusiasts. Snorkel among the coral reefs, or paddle boat in the crystal clear bay. This island is a designated wild bird sanctuary with nature trails leading visitors to the vantage points that are ideal for bird watching.
Day At Sea (March 11)
Georgetown, Cayman Islands (March 12, 8:00 A.M.– 4:00 P.M.)
You’ll enjoy crystalline waters, snorkeling with tame stingrays, civilian submarines: This duty- free port has it all, plus Seven Mile Beach and a charming turtle farm.
Cozumel, Mexico (March 13, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.)
Located 12 miles east of the Yucatán Peninsula, Cozumel’s coral reefs make it an underwater sanctuary for hundreds of exotic fish species, while the lush vegetation inland makes it a haven for a range of tropical bird species.
Day At Sea (March 14)
Key West, Florida (March 15, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
Key West offers a perspective on life that differs from that found anyplace else in the U.S. Home to Ernest Hemingway, it’s now the site of a ritual enjoyed by natives and visitors alike—the nightly gathering on Mallory Docks to pay homage to the most glorious sunset you may ever experience.Concluding In Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Sunday, March 16, 2014)
Arrive: 7:00 A.M. / Debarkation 8:00—10:00 A.M.
Sun-Drenched Magnificence
Few destinations boast as much tropical beauty or cultural diversity as the islands of the Caribbean. The colorful quilt-work of cities and ancient ruins fill a breathtaking backdrop of lush jungles, fresh water caves, coral reefs, blue lagoons and white-sand beaches—all bathed in warm sunlight. Swaying palm trees and calypso rhythms fill the air in this tropical paradise perfectly suited for relaxing and getting away. The Caribbean provides the perfect backdrop to unplug and be spiritually refreshed during your Christian travel experience while meeting and enjoying new friendships with other believers.
Tropical Destinations
Caribbean islands host some of the most beautiful cities and scenery you’ll ever see.
Best World Beaches
Picture yourself soaking up the sun and sinking your feet into the powder-white sand beaches that rank in the top beaches in the world.
Caribbean Culture
From thatched huts to the vibrant and colorful buildings that fill the Caribbean, come experience island living at its finest.
Holland America's msNieuw Amsterdam
TIMELESS ELEGANCE IS EVERYWHERE
Understated, refined, welcoming, and warm in the fresh floral arrangements, in the fine furnishings, in the impressive sculptures, and in the gracious hospitality that is Holland America’s hallmark. With a multimillion-dollar art collection as the backdrop, your universe for seven days will revolve around a myriad of activities, plush staterooms, soaring spaces, and attention to every detail. Holland America Line serves incomparable cuisine in a variety of wonderful ways—from beautifully served dinners in the main dining room and bountiful buffets on deck to the sumptuous late night buffets, the food will be everything you expect and more. The gracious crew members are dedicated to your satisfaction and are known for impeccable five-star service. Holland America offers everything you could want in this world-class floating resort.
Prices
Cabin Category |
Deck |
Prices |
Description |
OCEAN-VIEW STATEROOMS |
|||
SA |
7 |
$2,598 |
Neptune These beautiful suites feature a large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah and whirlpool bath. There are two lower beds that convert to one king, and a double sofa bed. Approximately 506-590 sq. ft. with verandah. |
SB |
6, 7, 8 |
$2,458 |
Neptune: These beautiful suites feature a large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah and whirlpool bath. There are two lower beds that convert to one king, and a double sofa bed. Approximately 506-590 sq. ft. with verandah. |
SC |
4, 5, 6 |
$2,298 |
|
SS |
8 |
$1,858 |
Signature: Exclusively available on Vista and Signature Class ships, these nice suites feature a large sitting area, private verandah, and floor-to-ceiling windows. There are two lower beds that convert to one queen, and a single sofa bed for one person. Approximately 273-456 sq. ft. with verandah. |
SY |
5, 6 |
$1,798 |
|
VQ |
10, 11 |
$1,598 |
Signature: These ocean view staterooms feature a sitting area, private verandah and floor-to-ceiling windows. There are two lower beds that convert to one queen, some have additional sofa beds. Approximately 213-379 sq. ft. with verandah. |
V |
8 |
$1,558 |
|
VA |
4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
$1,498 |
|
VB |
4, 6 |
$1,428 |
|
VC |
5 |
$1,378 |
|
VD |
4 |
$1,318 |
|
VE |
5 |
$1,258 |
|
VF |
4, 5 |
$1,198 |
|
CABINS ABOVE THIS LINE INCLUDE BALCONIES |
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C |
1 |
$1,178 |
Ocean-View Large: The best option for those wanting a full ocean view window. These staterooms feature a sitting area and two lower beds that convert to one queen. Many have an additional sofa bed or upper bed. Approximately 169-267 sq. ft. All G cabin categories have a partial sea view. GG & H have fully obstructed views. |
D |
1 |
$1,158 |
|
DD |
1 |
$1,138 |
|
E |
1 |
$1,118 |
|
F |
1, 6 |
$1,098 |
|
G |
4 |
$1,078 |
|
GG |
4 |
$1,058 |
|
H |
4 |
$1,038 |
|
INTERIOR STATEROOMS |
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I |
5, 6, 8 |
$998 |
Interior Stateroom: A nice starter option. This stateroom features a sitting area and two lower beds that convert to one queen. Approximately 141-284 sq. ft. |
J |
1, 7, 8 |
$978 |
|
K |
1, 6 |
$958 |
|
L |
5, 6 |
$938 |
|
M |
4 |
$898 |
|
MM |
4 |
$868 |
SIGNATURE SERVICE OPTION |
Conference Fee: $198
FLIGHT & HOTEL QUOTES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE
MON - FRI 8:30AM - 5:00PM (PACIFIC TIME)
Conferences
Frequently Asked Questions
