Frequently Asked Questions
Is everyone on the ship in recovery?
Hardly. Just like on land, there is a mix of people. People who drink on land are likely to drink aboard ship. Cruise lines make a lot of money from the bar.
Can I bring a family member?
Absolutely. Family members are welcome! Our group is not a retreat from the world, but just a way that some clean and sober friends can enjoy fellowship and support while on vacation.
Do I have to be in recovery to enjoy the group discount?
We are not the recovery police. If you wish to book with us and prefer not to be included in group meeting notices, just let me know. It’s a big ship. If you participate in group activities, please come clean and sober.
Aren’t there sober people on any cruise?
Absolutely. We are everywhere.
How do I find them?
The advantage of joining a group in recovery is the ability to form impromptu meetings and activities without depending on third party endorsement. Support and fellowship extends beyond the walls of a meeting room.
If you are seeking onboard meeting on other cruises, look for “Friends of Bill W.” on the schedule of events. If you don’t see it listed check with the purser’s desk. If you haven’t left for your cruise yet, check out roll calls or other postings at sites such as cruisemates.com or cruisecritic.com.
Are you affiliated with twelve steps groups or treatment centers?
The Traditions of most twelve step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or Alanon prohibit them from affiliating with outside enterprises. “Power ‘n Numbers” is not affiliated with any twelve step program or treatment center, though group members may decide to meet together.
How is “Power ’n Numbers” different from other recovery cruises?
You can save money traveling with Power ‘n Numbers. Our efforts are primarily peer run. That is, we can have meetings, support, fellowship and a lot of fun, just like in our meetings. (Of course, on the cruise you also get lodging, meals, entertainment, exciting ports of call, and all of the facilities of a first class resort.) Promotion, marketing, coordination and planning are all provided by group members. There are no overhead costs paid to a third party. Expenses for printing and promotion come out of commission from the cruise line, not out of increase fares for the passenger.
What activities do you have planned?
Whether you want to spend time with the group or prefer doing most things on your own, it’s your vacation. When you book, you will be given the option to release your name or contact information to other members in the group who release the same consent. Also, I will contact you to see if there are activities you would like. You may wish to arrange for some meals or excursions with members from the group or others you meet on the ship. Just let me know if you need help coordinating other activities.
Do you have speakers? How many meetings are planned?
Group members are planning meetings in addition to the ship's "Friends of Bill W." The main focus of the group is on informal peer support while on vacation. The group was formed in response to several people in recovery who expressed a desire to try a cruise, but didn't feel comfortable leaving their support network behind.
A survey will be sent to group members as we approach departure, including desire for meeting and other activities and willingness to chair meetings. If group members want to have a more formal structure there is time to plan meetings and additional activities. By registering with “Power ‘n Numbers” you can opt to be included in any meeting notices or update prior to and during the voyage.
How much does it cost to travel alone?
You are not alone anymore. That’s why we’ve got a group! If you wish to travel without a cabin mate, however, there is a “single supplement.” The supplement can almost double the price of the double occupancy base fare. Even so, with a low base fare a cruise can still be affordable. On some voyages there are cabin categories that do not have as high of a “single supplement.”
What are the formal nights listed in the itinerary?
In the main dining rooms and the atrium (the large open indoor areas outside of the restaurants) the dress code is normally “smart casual,” meaning no jeans, shorts, swim wear, tank tops or cutoffs. Think about when you go out to a nice restaurant.
On the two formal nights, during the evening formal wear is excepted in the main dining rooms and the atrium. Formal can mean a tux and a bow tie for men and cocktail dress or dinner gown for women. For men dark suits are fine. You may rent formal wear direct from Princess Cruises. Check out the online Cruise Personalizer (www.princess.com), which is available when you book. Formal wear is not necessary in other parts of the ship such as the buffet, or on deck.
Why should I book so early?
- Best Selection--By booking early you have a better selection of cabin, you can take advantage of a smaller deposit and you get a good rate.
- Great Price--There is limited availability on our block of cabin categories locked in at a discounted rate. When those are gone you may be paying higher rates.
- Possible Upgrades or discounts--If you are already booked and a cruise line promotion becomes available, we can often book into the new fare before the final payment date. Early
- Lead the way--Prospective passengers wait to see who else will join in. By booking early you stimulate the decisions of your friends to join in.
Is there a payment plan?
The two important payment dates for the Cruise line are the date of deposit at booking and the final payment date 75 to 90 days prior to sailing. We can arrange payments to be made on a regular schedule if you wish. Please arrange payment early enough so your payment posts with the Cruise line before the deadline. Deposits are refundable on cancellations completed before the final payment date. See brochure terms and conditions. Please call for clarification.
Why are the prices so low?
We have access to all promotions extended by Princess Cruises to the passenger. Be sure to tell us if you are a Captain’s Circle past passenger of Princess. With your member number, your rate may be even lower than the public fares. The low prices for Power ‘n Numbers are achieved by taking advantage of several factors:
- Reduced price on group inventory
- Group discount on general inventory
- Promotions offered by cruise lines
- Combining group and promotional offers
- Seasonal low just prior to vacation
- Early booking while low priced inventory is available
- Extending savings directly to passengers
- Refusing to pass on administrative cost to passengers
Join us! Call 650-224-7541. |
