CRUISE TO LOSE '07 - ON OUR WAY TO A SELLOUT!

We are on our way to a sell-out! We no longer have availability for triples and quads (3 & 4 to a cabin) in the Ocean View and Balcony categories at our special lower pricing. They've all been sold. There is still some limited availability for triples and quads, however, these cabins are in higher priced categories. This is for triples and quads only - we STILL have doubles (2 in a cabin) available in all categories, however availability is limited and dwindling, and as I said, I anticipate a sell out! We have been able to secure an excellent rebate program with Royal Caribbean, and unlike other companies, we do not limit our rebates - we guarantee them, and we have made them available to EVERYONE - not just those who spend more money on higher priced cabins. Some agencies offer a "limited" rebate, however their rebate only applies to those who book more expensive cabins. Our rebate applies to every single cruiser who books through Ruby Cruises, whether an inside cabin or suite is purchased. We appreciate ALL of our customers! A price of $526.28 per person, all inclusive (taxes, port fees, all food, resort style accommodations, entertainment etc., and there is LOTS of "ETC.") is EXCELLENT pricing. Where else can you experience luxury, resort style accommodations with all that is included here for under $80 per person per day? In addition to the cruise and all it has to offer, we also have the expertise of the Morton Plant Bariatric Team cruising with us, providing information sessions and support group meetings throughout the cruise! You simply will not find better pricing for all that is offered here. This event has also received the stamp of approval from Obesity Help, who has even sent me literature to hand out to those who will be cruising. So don't miss out! Secure your cabin with a $250 per person deposit while there is still availability! If you haven't seen the Cruise to Lose brochure, check it out online at www.rubycruises.com/ctl. You may also send me a PM with your email address, or if you wish, you can email me directly at [email protected] to receive it or to ask any questions you may have. The brochure details all pertinent information regarding this cruise, including pricing, biographies of the Bariatric Team Members who will be conducting the seminars, information sessions and support group meetings, and ship statistics. If you live in the Tampa Bay area, look for my interview regarding WLS and the Cruise to Lose in the Tampa Tribune's "For You" section. The interview and photo shoot were done last Friday, and it will be in print in one of the upcoming Saturday editions - within the next few weeks. Also locally, the Channel 10 News is doing a spot on our Cruise to Lose tomorrow (Tuesday). Check it out if you can! I believe it will be broadcast beginning on the 4 o'clock News. Deadline for deposits is April 15th - Several OH'ers have already booked, so don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to network and meet your fellow "boardies" in person! ALL are welcome regardless of surgery type, and family members and friends are encouraged to participate too! Come on and join the fun! ~ Terri

Thank you so much. this is so exciting. Liz

It really is exciting for more reasons than you may think! I have cruised a LOT - and it was an issue that was huge for me as I prepared to have my WLS. Prior to my surgery, I was so afraid that food issues would ruin my good time onboard. When I got my surgery date, I had already booked and committed to doing a group approximately 11 weeks after my surgery date. I was scared to death. In fact I even took a carry on type "rolly" suitcase with me PACKED to the hilt with protein shakes, protein bars and beef jerkey because I just KNEW I would have a hard time finding high protein, low carb, low fat food choices. The security people at the port must have thought I was insane - who boards a ship with FOOD of all things? Anyway, if you have ever cruised, you know that usually the first place you are directed once you board is the BUFFET. I told myself not to worry - my better half could eat and I would just go along for the ride. Well, a server handed me a plate and I inadvertently reached for it. Once I touched it of course it was too late to give it back, so I grumpily proceeded to the buffet stations. I thought, "okay - I'll just follow along here and once we're sitting, I'll break out my protein shake!". Well, after about 10 seconds, I noticed a lovely cheese display. CHEESE! Hey! I can have that! So I took some cubes of cheese and placed them on my plate. I took a few more steps when what did I notice behind the pasta salad?? FRUIT! Hey! I can have that too! So I took a strawberry and two grapes. We went a little further in - to a dfiferent station when to my surprise, next to the mashed potatoes and gravy was GRILLED CHICKEN!!! Hey AGAIN!! I can have that! What came next? Broiled filet of tilapia!! HURRAY!!! Needless to say, I enjoyed a healthy meal WITHOUT digging into my suitcase. This is pretty much how it went the entire week. They even have a sugar free dessert station in the buffet area! But whether I ordered breakfast from room service or ate in the dining room, I never ONCE felt hungry or deprived. I easily got all my protein in, and ENJOYED my meals! The zipper on my rolly case stayed shut throughout the entire cruise. I never did have to rely on the backup supply. This was an epiphany of sorts for me. I was in my glory! I COULD cruise and enjoy eating! The thing of it is, I could have done it this way all along - the cheese and fruit and broiled, lean, grilled selections were ALWAYS there - it was what I chose to see - or NOT see before. After that cruise, I was TOTALLY inspired. I know of so many people who, once they've had WLS think they can't possibly enjoy something like this again. SO not true! You CAN, and I am living proof!! So I figured, why not put something together for those of us who have had surgery? I got to talking to Julie, the bariatric coordinator (who is also a WLS success story!) at Morton Plant Hospital where I had my surgery, and she thought it would be a GREAT idea. The Cruise to Lose was born! So all this to say, I do hope that people take advantage of this opportunity. It isn't just a cruise or vacation - it IS both of those things, but so much more! It will enable all of us who have walked this road to see, first hand, that we ARE success stories - and we do not have to be limited or left out because of our WLS!! In a nutshell, this is the reason why.