Paula Deen & Family Caribbean Cruise, January, 2011

From only $1,529 Per Person

Paula Deen and Family are setting sail for an exciting and delectable winter-busting cruise. And we’ve got lots of surprises in store!

Everything from a cooking critique to private parties (including a barbecue and the first ever Deen Beach Olympics on Half Moon Cay, Holland America's very own private island paradise) … from games to photo sessions and optional hosted excursions.

Paula will be joined by husband Michael and other members of her family. Come share their enthusiasm for great cuisine, good living and good fun.

Holland America's ms Nieuw Amsterdam is the perfect ship for this culinary adventure. It's spanking new (inaugural voyage - July 2010), bright and spacious, beautifully decorated, and has fabulous entertainment and multiple dining options.

Caribbean Cruise with Paula Deen and Family

Jan. 30-Feb. 6, 2011 (7 nights)
Holland America's brand new ms Nieuw Amsterdam
Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale

 (see our pre-cruise hotel package and optional welcome party)

Jan. 30 - Depart Ft. Lauderdale.
Arrive early. There is an abundance of things to see and do in the Ft. Lauderdale area: Visit the newly redesigned Ft. Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard or venture to the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion.

Jan. 31 - Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.
Holland America's pristine private island offers everything you need for a day of play in paradise: a two-mile crescent of perfect beach, optional private beachside cabanas with butler service, showers and misters, and all manner of water sports. Paula's guests will enjoy a private BBQ and a chance to participate in our own Deen Team Olympics.

Feb. 1 - Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos.
Named for the fezlike scarlet blossoms of the cactus that grows here, Grand Turk is a place of simple pleasures. Float dreamily over vibrant coral reefs, dine on conch fritters and set your watch to "island time."

Feb. 2 - At Sea.
Exclusive Paula Deen Shipboard Events.

Feb. 3 - Georgetown, Cayman Islands.
Crystalline waters, snorkeling with tame stingrays, civilian submarines: This duty free port has it all, plus Seven Mile Beach and a charming turtle farm.

Feb. 4 - Costa Maya, Mexico.
The quiet side of Mexico. Here, along an unspoiled coastal paradise, archaeology buffs discover Mayan ruins shrouded in magic and mystery; divers find treasure in fantastic coral reefs.

Feb. 5 - At Sea.
Exclusive Paula Deen Shipboard Events.

Feb. 6 - Disembark Ft. Lauderdale.

Note: Special optional excursions, hosted by Paula and members of her family, are being arranged.

About Paula Deen

Georgia native Paula Deen is a real success story, the old-fashioned "bootstraps" kind. She comes from a typically Southern tradition of close family and good food, but her young married life was marked by sudden losses and misfortunes that left her caring for her two babies as a single mom and her teenage brother. Fighting back from hard times, she started a simple lunch-catering business on a $200 budget, using the know-how she learned in her Grandma Paul's kitchen, and from there, the only direction was up. She opened her own acclaimed Savannah restaurant, The Lady & Sons (with sons Jamie and Bobby joining her in the business); then came a best-selling cookbook, awards, more cookbooks, and three phenomenally successful shows of her own on cable TV.

Since 2003, Paula has hosted the popular FoodNetwork show, Paula's Home Cooking and publishes a bi-monthly magazine, "Cooking with Paula Deen". Today Deen has four shows running concurrently on the Food Network, including the latest, "Paula's Best Dishes", which launched in 2008. She makes frequent appearances at special events and has been a guest on a great many TV shows.

Last year's popular Deen Family Cookbook has been followed by her latest publication, Paula Deen's Savannah Style, which explores the lush gardens, stately homes, and sprawling plantation of her beloved city. It's all about home and friends, entertaining and hospitality.

Private Events & Highlights

• Onboard value booklet worth over $450 in savings(maximum 2 per cabin)
• Private welcome cocktail party
• Photo session-receive an individual photo with Paula
• FREE CD with photos of the trip shot by O'Neal Bailey
• FREE DVD of the trip shot by Bailey's Photos
• Special dinners including a poolside barbecue hosted by Paula
• Private beach BBQ on Holland America's private island featuring the Deen Family "Olympics", fun, and music
• Cooking demo by the ms Nieuw Amsterdam's executive chef, with Paula doing a "critique" in her inimitable style!
• Q&A and game session with Paula... Prizes too!
• Optional exclusive shore excursions including some hosted by members of the Deen family
• Commemorative "Paula Deen" personalized gift
• Paula Deen Cruise bag filled with surprises
• Private farewell cocktail party
• Gratuities, taxes, government fees, and insurance included
• Optional pre-cruise welcome party in Ft. Lauderdale

*Check back to this site for details about onshore excursions that are being planned with Paula and members of her family.

Aboard the Stunning New ms Nieuw Amsterdam

Holland America's ms Nieuw Amsterdam IV first sets sail in the summer of 2010. Her stunning decor reflects New York City's native American history and early Dutch influences.

The ms Nieuw Amsterdam expands the Holland America Line premium brand with new concepts such as the innovative pan-Asian Tamarind restaurant and Silk Den lounge surrounded by panoramic views overlooking the ocean expanse and the Lido pool. The ship also features the family-style Canaletto's Italian restaurant. Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, a premium wine-tasting lounge, an elegant luxury jewelry boutique, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured The Showroom at Sea, and a new photographic and imaging center.

The ship will continue several much-admired Holland America Line features, including outside-view, glass elevators at midship; the Explorations Cafe - a cyber-coffee house powered by The New York Times; the Pinnacle Grill and Pinnacle Bar; the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, where culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchens; an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon with thermal suites and hydro-pool, and the largest gymnasium ever built for Holland America Line.

See deck plans and cabin descriptions. 

A Message from your photographer, O'Neal Bailey

Heeeey Y'all!!! It's casting off time again! We're joining Paula and her family in the sunny Western Caribbean!

After we get onboard the cruise, you will actually hear a word that I love very much, FREE. We will receive several FREE gifts- including a FREE CD and DVD of the entire trip. Paula is even coming up with a unique gift that she will personalize that us cruisers will have.

As you may know from our previous trips with Paula, we are going to have a totally awesome time. There will be 7 days full of jaw dropping laughter and entertaining events with Paula and her family.

Just look at the Private Events and Extras and see what's included and FREE! Plus, there are many other wonderful surprises in store. So, book soon and pack your sunscreen and sunglasses and leave your worries at home. We're going to have a fun-filled time with Paula and her family!

See y'all in Ft. Lauderdale!

O'Neal Bailey, Bailey's Photos

Pre-Cruise Hotel Option in Ft. Lauderdale

Ft. Lauderdale offers plenty to do. First-class shopping, beautiful beaches, easy access to snorkeling and other water sports, fine restaurants and wonderful museums. You can book your hotel accommodations when you book your cruise.

Courtyard by Marriott Ft. Lauderdale Beach
440 Seabreeze Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal Waterway, each of the   spacious rooms has spectacular water views. Soak in the sun at the gorgeous outdoor pool. Marvel at a sunrise from the 23-mile stretch of golden beaches. Stroll along the beach promenade and explore nearby boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife. Easily accessible from the city and beach, the Courtyard Ft. Lauderdale Beach Hotel will delight even the most discerning traveler with its resort-like setting.

Includes:

• Intercoastal view with living/sitting area
• Breakfast daily
• Free high-speed internet and flat-screen TV
• Taxes and service charges
• Transfer from hotel to pier

Optional Reception January 29:
See old friends and make new ones. Party under the stars (weather permitting). Watch for details.

The hotel has a smoke-free policy. Although smoking is not permitted within hotel buildings,
guests who smoke can do so in designated outside areas.

Cabins and Prices

Prices include Gratuities, Taxes, Government Fees and Insurance.

*These suites have exclusive use of the private Neptune Lounge and concierge service. Priced per person double occupancy.

See deck plans and cabin descriptions.

Important Information

Cancellation With Insurance: If you are canceling any tour or cruise and you have insurance, you must advise us and the Insurance Company immediately, before the cancellation is made. In all cases, if you are canceling due to medical reasons, a doctor's visit will be necessary in order for a claim to be processed. You must advise Alice Travel of your cancellation within 72 hours after the doctor's visit and before the penalty increases to the next level (which ever comes first).

Cancellation: We reserve the right to charge a 15% cancellation fee within 90 days of your departure. If charged, this fee is covered by your cancellation insurance if the cancellation is due to a covered reason.

Cancellation Fees For Paula Deen's January, 2011 Cruise:
July 1-Aug. 31, 2010 - $400 per person
Sept. 1-Oct. 31, 2010 - $600 per person
Nov. 1-30, 2010 - 50% of total invoice
Dec. 1-23, 2010 - 75% of total invoice
Dec. 24-Jan. 30, 2010 - 100% of total invoice

Final Payment: November 1, 2010

Proof of Citizenship:  Proof of citizenship is required for all travel outside the United States. U.S. citizens need a passport valid for 6 months after their return. Some Caribbean destinations only require proof of citizenship and Photo I.D. Some destinations require a travel visa, which you will be advised about.

Air/Sea Transportation Restrictions: When purchasing air transportation for cruise vacations, we recommend purchasing the air from the cruise line. In most cases, the cruise line will make arrangements for you to reach the ship in the event of delays and include airport transfers; however they reserve the right to choose the air carrier and routing unless you pay a deviation fee. If you make other transportation arrangements, the cruise lines assume no responsibility, and transfers would not be included.

Hotel Packages: If you are taking a special Hotel Package, we will include your hotel room, breakfast, taxes and service charges and transfers from the hotel to the pier and from the pier to the hotel. Airport transfers are not included since air schedules are so varied.

Review all Tickets and Documents: Please review your documents as soon as you receive them and notify us immediately if there is anything that does not agree with your travel plans. Do not wait until last minute to check your tickets.

Note: In the event that Paula Deen or members of her family are unable to travel and/or attend scheduled functions for reasons beyond the control of our agency, wel will not be liable, and no refunds for such inability to travel or attend functions and events will be owed by us. Applicable cancellation penalties will apply.