ROYAL CARIBBEAN LIBERTY OF THE SEAS :
THE SSQQ 2016 HALLOWEEN DANCE CRUISE
depart 4:30 pm, Sunday, October 30th  -- return 7 am, Sunday, November 6th

Group Travel Agent -- Marla Archer
Email questions to marla@ssqq.com 
Phone questions to 713 862-4428

Email your Registration Form
 to marla@ssqq.com

FINAL PAYMENT DUE BY AUGUST 12TH, 2016
Transaction Rules

Our Halloween Dance Cruise
is a Week Long Nonstop Party!

Rick and Marla Archer invite you to join us for our THIRTY SEVENTH SSQQ Cruise Adventure next October.

 It's amazing that we will have  shared so many adventures together! 
We have taken close to 3000 people sailing over the years!

It seems like only yesterday that Rick and I first met!

I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for your continued support of our trips!  I feel so blessed that you have allowed me the opportunity to live my dream -- TRAVEL!!!

This year's trip is scheduled to depart on Sunday, October 30th and cruise the beautiful Western Caribbean through Sunday, November 6th.

We are sailing on a new ship for us the Liberty of the Seas. 
The Liberty is a Freedom Class ship and  holds 3,600 passengers. 

You can most definitely expect to enjoy seven nights experiencing luxury and grand style while sailing the Caribbean Sea!  The Liberty is an excellent ship.

Slow Dance and Romance

As with all our trips, you can expect plenty of Slow Dance and Romance.  Without a care in the world for seven long days and nights, our guests are free to dance every waking hour and let their heart seek romance wherever they go.  As always on our trips to sea, dance and romance seem to go hand in hand.

Dancing on each SSQQ cruise takes a variety of forms. During our days at sea, we conduct dance workshops in the late morning.

Every evening, there are typically at least two different dance venues with a live band sponsored by the ship.  Recently we have even been able to talk the band into letting us play our own music during band breaks.

There are special dance parties such as the Captain's Reception and Welcome Aboard parties for returning guests.

Best of all, we reserve one of the dance floors for late-night dancing after Midnight.  We have the room to ourselves and we play our own music.

Ladies, Guard your Hearts!

It is important that you know there is all kinds of danger on SSQQ Cruises, especially for women.  It is a well-documented fact from previous trips that the ladies of the group always take the risk of being rendered helpless at sea.

That ocean air is intoxicating and defenses are down.  Any man who can dance and smile is certain to be one heck of a popular guy aboard this trip!  No woman is safe on this trip.  In particular, beware of the man who offers the margarita.  He's the one you have to watch out for.  Just ask me!

But better be careful, guys, you aren't invulnerable either.  We know from experience that Cupid is always lurking just around the corner and he may just have your number!   

You men think you can dance your way out of any trouble, but you could easily fool around and fall in love... after all, we have a long list of couples who connected on our cruises and ended up... well, we aren't allowed to say how anyone "ended up."   Use your imagination.

Itinerary for the 2016 Halloween Dance Cruise

Welcome Aboard Party!

Day One: Sunday - We set sail on Sunday, October 30th at 4:30 pm. 

We start our part on the pool deck for the ship's Sail Away Dance Party wearing or coordinating Halloween Themed Tees.

Immediately following the Sail Away, we continue our partying at our private Welcome Aboard Dance party from
6 - 7:30 p.m. in one of the ship's best lounges.

The Welcome Aboard Dance Party allows everyone the opportunity to say hello and get some dancing in prior to dinner.

We always sit together as a group in the Main Dining Room.  We have the second seating scheduled at 8 p.m.

After dinner, there is dancing to live music in several venues, or take in the shipboard show.

Dancing on Formal Night

Day Two: Monday - We are at sea, so this is the perfect time for dance classes. On last year's Sock Hop cruise, we had both beginning and advanced level East Coast Swing classes. 
It was loads of fun!

This will be the first Formal Night. 
This year, it just happens to be Halloween, so think "Halloween" Formal!

We usually head toward the Promenade Deck for Dancing at the Captain's Reception prior to dinner.

This is your chance to join the rest of the Dance Group to put on a real show.  This is the perfect opportunity to show off all your  dance skills in front of the entire ship.

Expect to Foxtrot, Waltz, Swing and Slow Dance to music played by the ship's band.  "In the Mood" and "Moonlight Serenade" will be your inspiration!

We are always the stars of this evening as the other passengers smile and gaze at our dancing with appreciation. This evening is definitely one of the highlights of the trip!

Expect the ship to have a Halloween Theme Party including a parade.  If the ship doesn't have a parade, we will create our own parades.  Our group really loves strutting our stuff showing off our fabulous costumes!

The Infamous Hot Tub

Day Three: Tuesday - Sleep in after partying hard last night and then enjoy a leisurely breakfast chatting with fellow SSQQ cruisers in the Windjammer.   Since we are still at Sea sailing our way to Roatan, we will have our second dance class today.

After the morning class, enjoy another day at sea relaxing in the sun by the pool or frolicking in the hot tub. Speaking of the Hot Tub, surely someone has warned you about the SSQQ Hot Tub, yes?  We aren't allowed to publicly state what goes on in the Hot Tub, but there must some reason it stays packed all day long.  Use your imagination.

We will have our complimentary Cocktail "70's Dance" Party for the group in the Disco prior to dinner this evening.

This is our way of saying "Thank you" for sailing with us!

Roatan, Honduras (click for pictures)

Day Four: Wednesday - We arrive in Roatan, Honduras on Wednesday at 8:00 am. Our departure time is 5:00 pm. 

Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands, which are a part of Honduras, lying just over 30 miles from the northern coast of the Honduran mainland.  Roatan is surrounded by various cays and smaller islands. It is a true paradise!

The island of Roatan has it all -- blue skies, wonderful turquoise waters that fill  various beaches, distinctive for their quietness, and crystal clear waters that will make you feel like you are in an enormous natural swimming pool

Roatan is known around the world for its scuba diving. The reef surrounding the island attracts beautiful tropical fish and snorkelers alike. Dive attractions include sea walls, shipwrecks, and night diving. Sea turtles, dolphins, and whales swim in the waters of Roatan. The coral reef that surrounds the island of Roatan is the second largest in the world.  Roatan has a mild climate year around with sea temperatures fine for swimming all year.

You will find Roatan not as "touristy" as many of the Caribbean islands, but you will find plenty of activities and things to see and learn about the island and Honduran culture.

The West End is the tourist side of the island, with dive centers, hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops. You can rent snorkel gear here and swim to the nearby reef or just relax on the beach .

If you prefer a nature walk, try Carambala Botanical Gardens. The Gardens are  filled with 30 acres of 100%  pure natural beauty.  There are many jungle trails that offer a perfect place for hiking, wildlife and scenic photography, bird watching and of course, relaxation. Watch the playful Monkey La La scurry along jungle trails as you enjoy flowering plants, orchids, medicinal plants, exotic spices, fruit and nut trees, including the very popular "Chocolate Tree" and the world famous Honduran mahogany tree.

Parrots, iguana, and monkeys live in the wild on this tropical island.

An iguana farm east of French Harbor provides a refuge for thousands of iguanas and is open for tourists.

Plan to make your way to the summit of Carambola Mountain where along the way you will see an area where nature has provided a near sheer cliff, thus protecting natural Iguana species and parrot breeding grounds historically known as "Iguana Wall".  Up on top, sit and relax on the summit deck and enjoy Roatan's most magnificent views.

Another wonderful visit would be Gumbalimba Preservation Park.  This lovely park is located in West Bay area.. It  is  a beachfront park  that offers both water activities and several other diverse attractions on over 20 acres.
You can explore unspoiled trails where flowers and butterflies give way to the shade of a tropical forest canopy.

Cross over Gumbalimba Pond via a scenic rope bridge. Delight in the tranquil sounds of a garden waterfall. Befriend the brilliant winged citizens of the Bird Sanctuary where friendly parrots and macaws bring the colors of the Caribbean alive. Frolick with white face capuchin monkeys in the Monkey Refugio, and roam through the Botanical Garden and learn more about exotic plants indigenous to the region. 

Beautiful Belize (click for pictures)

Day Five: - Thursday  We arrive early in Belize. We have from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. to see the island.  

Have you heard about  Belize's  Barrier Reef?  It is the second longest in the world and is home to more than 100 different kinds of coral and some 500 species of fish.  This alluring underwater world is undoubtedly the top attraction in Belize. Snorkelers swim through translucent seas, gazing at a kaleidoscope of coral, fish and turtles; divers go deeper, investigating underwater caves and walls and the world-renowned Blue Hole.

The turquoise waters are inviting even for those who choose to remain above the surface. Kayakers glide from one sandy, palm-dotted islet to another; windsurfers and sailors skim across the surf by the power of the breeze; sunbathers lounge on the dock, lulled into relaxation by the gentle lapping; and foodies feast on delectable fresh fish, spiny-tailed lobster and other creatures of the sea.

Inland from the coast lies a vast network of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that offer a safe haven for wildlife.  Depending on where you go, you can spot anything from the industrious cutter ants to the tapir, the national animal of Belize.

Birders aim their binoculars at some 570 species, which roost along the rivers and lagoons and in the broadleaf forest. Of course, many of these birds and animals are elusive, but keen-eyed visitors can easily spot both spider monkeys and howler monkeys, peccaries, coatimundis, gibnuts, American and Morelot’s crocodiles, green iguanas and countless species of birds.

Even the showy keel-billed toucan – the national bird of Belize – occasionally makes an appearance in public.If that’s not enough adventure for you, Belize is also home to one of the world’s most mysterious civilizations – the ancient Maya. The country is sprinkled with archaeological sites that date to the Maya heyday, known as the Classic Period (AD 250–1000). Enormous steps lead to the tops of tall stone temples, often yielding 360-degree jungle views.

Curious climbers can explore excavated tombs and examine intricate hieroglyphs, while adventurers can descend deep into natural caves to see where the Maya kings performed rituals and made sacrifices to the gods of their underworld.

The weather in Belize is subtropical and generally similar to that of southern Florida. The average daytime temperature on the coast and cayes is around 80°F, although it can get considerably warmer during the day during the summer months.  The best months for guaranteed sun and fun are March through May.  Isn't it great that we are scheduled to go in April?

Belize is fantastic destination for the active and adventurous traveler. The range of available sport and tour options is wide; the quality of the adventures and local tour operators is high; and the fact that the country is so compact allows you to mix and match. Whether your interests are scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, spelunking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or bird-watching, Belize has some fabulous terrain and opportunities that are perfect for you.

Our Second Formal Night

Formal Night  on a cruise ship is a special time for everyone.  We all get dressed up to look our best.  Then everyone goes around taking each other's picture.  We all look so terrific all dressed up and fancy.  

Not surprisingly, this is the night we choose to take our Group Photo. 

Then we hit the dance floor and feel so elegant as all eyes watch us perform so gracefully. 

The evening seems just like New Year's Eve, except that we are out at sea surrounded by the splendor of the ship.

Even better, we are surrounded by our friends.

Cozumel -  Our Day at the Beach!

Day 6: - Friday  Our final stop is to see our old friend Cozumel. We have from 7:00 am until 5:00 to enjoy this tropical paradise.  Cozumel is wonderful because the ship docks so close to the island you swear you could throw a football to someone on shore.

Cozumel is so much safer than the rest of Mexico because it is easy to defend.  Cozumel is a large island about 12 miles off the coast of Mexico with no bridge.  The water acts as a natural moat to keep the danger away. This allows people to appreciate this beautiful island without any fear.

Historically, this is the day we hit the Beach.  Everyone always seems to find the beach at some point in the day.  Cozumel has several stunning beaches of Cozumel.  Sometimes we go to Chankanaab, other times we go San Francisco Beach.

Cozumel beaches are the best.  The water is crystal blue, there are palm trees everywhere for shade, and there always seems to be the most wonderful breeze keeps things cool. 

As if things were not luxurious enough, there are waiters who come right up to your lounge chair throughout the day to ask if you want a cold beer.  It doesn't matter what brand of Mexican beer you order, the sun makes sure that every swallow of cold beer is delicious.  

After a while you get the nicest buzz.  It is so pleasant out there that a nap is definitely called for.  Besides the many comfortable lounge chairs, maybe you will get lucky and find one of those cosmic hammocks for your nap.   And maybe you will even have some company!

Some of Mexico's greatest beauty is hidden to the naked eye.  Cozumel has an amazing abundance of fish thanks to its protected waters.  Not surprisingly, snorkeling is very popular at all the Cozumel beaches.  Snorkeling is one of the easiest sports imaginable. If you can swim, you should be able to snorkel. Since Cozumel is an island, they are able to protect their waters from any mainland pollution. The water right below our ship is so clear you can almost see the bottom.  Hint - bring some Rice Krispies from the ship.  If you drop some cereal into the water, you will immediately be the best friend of every fish in the sea.  You will be treated to all sorts of marvelous sights!

Cozumel has always been the spot where we have our competitive beach volleyball matchups.  Over the years, we have had many royal battles complete with skinned knees and bruised egos.  We play to win!  Plus there's the show-off factor.  There's nothing like diving in the sand to make a great play, followed by a quick glance to see if all the pretty girls noticed. 

If a day at the beach isn't your thing, Cozumel has a terrific shopping center just a short walk (400 yards) from the ship. You can purchase tee shirts, onyx chess sets, jewelry, liquor, beach towels; you name it. The mall is extensive and ultra-safe.  We saw police everywhere. And there were no panhandlers either. You can bargain with everyone and get some excellent deals.

If shopping isn't your thing and you want to skip the beach, there is a wide selection of excursions available.  You can visit nearby Mayan ruins dating back to 600 AD.  Another popular activity is to take a jeep tour of the island.  Some people rent their own motorbikes and head out in search of adventure.

And of course our notorious troublemakers will surely organize a bar-hopping tour. Cozumel is our favorite watering hole.  Over the years, many a margarita has made getting back to the ship on time a little more difficult than people might imagine.  Our best pictures usually come from the antics of this wild drinking spree.  Maybe we should add our best stories... at least the ones we can tell... come from the Cozumel bacchanalias.  Join at your own risk!

No matter how wild these drinking sprees get, the nice thing about Cozumel is the ship is only a couple hundred yards from the bars.  Not only can you hear the horns calling everyone back to the ship, no matter how much tequila you have had, you can always spot the ship.  Even better, the ship is so close that you can crawl on your knees to the ship and still make it in time.  We know this for a fact because we've seen it happen.    

And that night if you are still standing, we hook up the SSQQ Jukebox and have our own after hours dance party!!

Day 7: Saturday -  Final Sea Day

This is our last day at sea.

We conclude with our final group dance lesson.

After dance class, enjoy the fresh air and mingle with your fellow SSQQ travelers on deck.

There is always fun and dancing to live music on the Poolside Deck throughout the day.

Everyone spends time outdoors in the hot tub laughing their cares away.

There's usually a live band to entertain.  As the spirit hits, people crawl out of the hot tub and dance to the live music on the Poolside Deck throughout the day.  

The highlight of the trip is always our Farewell Masquerade Champagne Party prior to dinner.

So What Haven't We Covered? 

Luxury and Recreation

First and foremost, we are sailing aboard a beautiful cruise ship for seven nights that offers more activities and fun things to do than you could ever imagine!   Our ship is basically an enormous floating hotel that has the facilities for every conceivable type of fun that is legal.  If there is something you desire, they aim to please.  Any amenity you might expect at a four-star hotel is generally there for the asking on a cruise ship as well.

What is interesting is that a Vegas hotel goes for well over $100-$200 a night.  On board a cruise ship, we get to enjoy the life of luxury for less than a $100 per day.... and that includes meals and entertainment!  This curious fact explains why "cruising" is considered one of the best travel bargains of all.
 

Friends

One reason our numbers increase every year is due to an intangible best described as the "Group Experience".  People enjoy seeing their friends so much that they don't want to miss the next adventure... and they haul a couple new people along to join the fun. 

One unique feature of a cruise is the chance to learn first-hand the meaning of the phrase "the more the merrier".   No matter how big our group grows, the energy just grows right along with it. 

If you want to be alone, there are hidden corners everywhere... or your own cabin for that matter.  If you want to be with the group, there's always a party going on somewhere.  If you want to play bingo, go for it.  If you want to go see the show, go for it.  Whatever you want to do, the cruise ship has a spot for you and our group supplies the people to keep you company. 
 

Dinnertime

The best example of the Group Experience is our elaborate Dinner, an event that lasts about two hours each night.  Two hours may seem like a long time, but we are having so much fun we don't even feel the time pass. 

Every cruise ship takes the dining experience seriously.  The dining room is beautiful, the food is excellent, and the waiters very personable.  Our group usually occupies half the upper floor of the dining room.  You cannot help but smile when you see our group spread out from one side of the ship to the other.  Impressive.

It is true a cruise trip is often about romance.  The ship provides hidden restaurants for those kind of evenings and it isn't unusual for our guests to spend one night alone.  However, as a rule, the SSQQ Cruise is more about hanging out with friends for the entire week.

Each guest is assigned to a table of 8 or 10 typically. I put a lot of thought into this process and are usually successful in matching up the guests. Some tables are all singles.  Some tables are all couples.  Some tables are groups of friends who have bonded on previous trips.  Or, if you prefer, you may send me your table request.

The people at your table become your buddies throughout the trip.  You have no idea the stories that people share at dinnertime.  The conversation ranges from the sublime to the silly. This is how people make friendships that become so strong that they carry over right onto shore after the trip is over.  The next thing you know, you are having dinner with the same people back in Houston.

Dinner with the group is one of the highlights of every day on the trip.  Once people get going, the noise level can get pretty high.  The smiles and laughter are infectious.  In fact, we even give out "Rowdiest Table" awards.  When you are sea, misbehavior is always rewarded.  Then you pay the blackmail fee to make sure the stories don't make it back to land; everyone is happy.   

Dancing

Every evening no matter where you go on the ship, wherever there is music, you are sure to see SSQQ dancers putting on a show.  Every cruise ship has a wide variety of music venues.  On any given night, you might hear Salsa music in one room, Western in another, Popular music and Ballroom in yet a third spot... all played by live bands. 

And that doesn't even include the Disco which is always in full swing.  Before dinner, after dinner, late night, it doesn't matter.  There are dancing opportunities all over the ship till the wee hours of the night. 

Throughout the evening, the SSQQ dancers basically take over the dance floors much to the delight of the other passengers. Historically, our dancing is so impressive that other guests often greet us as we return to our seats and thank us for being so much fun to watch.  

When you add up all the great dancers in our group, we definitely put on quite a show.  There have been several times where the guests were surprised to find out we are passengers on the ship just like they are.  They had assumed we were professional dancers hired to be part of the entertainment.  Now that is a compliment!  That said, the attention we receive is much deserved.   These dance cruises are definitely good for the ego.

It is the ultimate form of flattery to look up at the levels above and see the railings lined with people who watch us as if we are the evening's entertainment.   Whether it is a large group or just small pockets of dancers, we take over the ship every night anywhere we hear music.  The rest of the passengers stare in envy and wish they could join us. 

Do you have a child who has been in a dance recital?  A dance cruise is like a recital for adults.  A dance cruise serves as a reward for all those hours of dance lessons.  Good dancing requires a lot of time practicing. Most of the people in our group have taken dance lessons for months getting ready for this cruise... or years for that matter!  It is nice to receive recognition for hard work and time well spent.  Now you finally see your hard work pay off. 

There is a flip side to the attention our group receives.  Sometimes there is a look of wistfulness on those faces.  "Gee, I wish I could do that!"  Our dancers should not feel guilty.   Yes, it is a shame that so few people in America know how to partner dance, but that isn't our fault.  We are out there showing people what they are missing.  Once they see how much fun we are having, don't be surprised if they take dance lessons themselves the next time they book a cruise trip. In a sense, our dancing serves as an inspiration to the entire ship.

We dance from the moment we get on the ship.  Our SSQQ  Dance Party begins the same time the ship departs.  Then we schedule our first dance workshop for the following morning.  Some people "charge" for dance lessons at sea.  That is not our style.  Marla and Rick are just grateful to have you on board.  We take delight in raising the energy with fun dance classes.

We will have Dance Workshops on each of our three days at sea.  Yes, we take requests!  In the past, we have taught Swing, Cha Cha, Salsa, Slow Dance, Rueda, Night Club, you name it. These workshops are well-attended.  Here is the perfect way to get to know your fellow guests in the group!

Rick and Marla aren't the only instructors on board.  There are usually other dance classes taught by instructors who work for the ship.  These ship-sponsored dance classes are usually very well-attended for a couple of reasons. The cruise industry is well aware how popular dancing is at sea.  They are also well aware that most people don't have a clue how to dance, so they provide lessons.  Typically, once the passengers see us in action, they flock to the classes in hope that they might learn enough to join us out on the floor.  No one is mean enough to point out the kind of moves we use cannot be learned in a couple of hours.  Why discourage them? 

Many of these classes are line dances.  Partner dancing classes exist as well.  Although the material is geared towards the non-dancing general audience, our dancers thoroughly enjoy the extended opportunities to dance and dance some more!  Don't tell anyone, but they take the lessons as a way to meet some of the other passengers.  Now isn't that clever?

We save some of our best dancing of the day for Midnight.  Marla secures one of the main dance venues and reserves it for our group.  This makes our late hours dance party a private event.  We set up our own music system and dance the night away.  This after-hours dancing often goes till 1:30 AM.  Of course, that seems pretty late, but people learn to time-shift on a cruise.  Frequently people don't even come to breakfast till 10 AM or so.

Join the Club!

Now that Marla and Rick have organized thirty seven trips, one thing is clear - people love to travel in groups. 

They like knowing they will have company for each activity, they like the safety, and they like having people they care about to share their experiences.  It doesn't matter whether someone is single or in a relationship, once we are at sea, we function as a very tight-knit group.  We all look out for one another.

Typically, the group meets in the Windjammer Restaurant for breakfast and lunch.  It is open seating.  This is where people meet with friends and discuss plans for what they are going to do in port or onboard activities. 

Whether it is a wild afternoon at Senor Frogs in Cozumel, zip-lining through the jungle in Belize, snorkeling in the crystal blue waters of Roatan  playing sand volleyball on the beach, tubing down an underground river cave system, or dancing with the group in a workshop, the SSQQ Cruise is a chance to make firm and lasting friendships that will continue after you have left the ship.  

And you never know, you might find the Love Boat legend is real after all.  Many people come on trips to find love.  With a group our size, the sparks are flying right and left.

The romance angle is well-known, but less advertised are all the neat people you will meet on this trip.  Dancing is just the starting point.  You will find people that you will wish to share adventures with long after you return to land. 

Over the years, our cruise trips have created an entire community.  We invite you to come join the club!

For questions, call Marla Archer at 713 862 4428 or email her at marla@ssqq.com 

Please email your Registration Form directly to her at marla@ssqq.com.