Trip Update
--cruise is paid for
--bus money due 2/11
                Band Students--$90 per student
                Siblings--$90 per sibling
                Chaperones--$29 per chaperone
All band students must pay the $90, even if you're not riding the bus
back.
  Please mail checks to
                                 Apex Band Boosters
                                 P.O. Box 618
                                 Apex, NC  27502
                Bus payments should be mailed by Feb. 9 to reach us on time.

--Any changes in medical and/or dental insurance since the first of the year should be e-mailed to bandtrip@apexhighband.org.   I will make the changes on your forms.

--Reminder—In order for your son/daughter to open an onboard account with your credit card (using the Credit Card Authorization Form) they MUST take your credit card with them.  If you have changed your mind and would rather send traveler's checks, please e-mail bandtrip@apexhighband.org  and I will shred the form you already filled out.  If your son/daughter will be using their own credit card (with their name on it), they don't need to fill out the Credit Card Authorization Form.

New information-- -New itinerary attached with performance schedules, meal stops, etc.

-Chaperones will be collecting student's' ID at the school. We will give it back to them at the port then collect it again after check-in. We'll keep it the remainder of the trip.

-When students get to the school Sunday night, they need to look for their chaperone, who will be holding a sign with the students' room number on it (attached is a rooming list with room numbers and chaperone names -- click here to go to BandOnly to see this private information).  You will check in with them and get instructions on what to do next. NOTE: Some chaperones will be driving down earlier, so look for your room number sign to know who to check in with.

-Students must be in their assigned seat each time we board the bus. Switching seats ON THE SAME BUS is allowed as long as both students agree.

-We will be stopping at a McDonald's on the way down. (Don't worry--they are well prepared for 160 people and have served as many as 300 at one time. They know we're coming.) Eat light--there's a buffet when we get on the ship.

-NO PICTURES at the pier or at check-in--they will take your film (or memory card if the camera is digital)

-Students may not go to their cabins after check-in without their chaperone

-Seats at dinner are assigned by Royal Caribbean--no switching seats

-When we leave the ship at the end of the cruise, everybody is responsible for their own luggage and instrument. If you use a porter, you must tip them yourself.

-We will be stopping for lunch and dinner on the way home.

-When in Nassau, people may "give" you items that you will then be expected to pay for. Don't take them unless you plan on paying.

The following information was sent to me by Music Festivals:

Credit Card companies are now offering Gift Cards that act exactly like a credit card. The parent can apply for it online, or check their local financial institution to see if they carry them. The parent can choose the amount they wish to give their child. The card comes in the student's name.

Visit the following sites for information: www.visa.com,  www.mastercard.com,  www.discover.com. 

Royal Caribbean does NOT accept AMERICAN EXPRESS gift cards. This may be helpful if you don't want to send your credit card with your child or you don't want to send cash or travelers' checks.

In the Band Only Private band website, is a room list with each cabin number and chaperone's name. You can go to www.royalcaribbean.com to see where your room is located. (We're on Sovereign of the Seas.)