Face to Facebook in Paradise

Only 20 spots left!!!

2009-11-16T21:00:00.000-05:00

Hurry...only 20 spots left!!!

Join all of your friends, their friends, and their friends’ friends for an unforgettable trip to Paradise Island in December!

This trip is open to anyone who wants to come, but space is VERY limited so don’t hesitate and end up missing what will end up being the most talked about event of 2009!

December 10th – 13th

More events are coming together, but this event is rooms only. You will note on the Atlantis website that you cannot get rooms at the lesser Beach Tower for less than $200 per night so you cannot beat what averages out to be less than $150/night.

Getting There:

The following options are still available for transportation to the Bahamas:

Air

JetBlue

Spirit Airlines

Continental

Bahamas Air

American Airlines

Also, Discovery Cruise Lines offers ferry service for $99 round trip

Rates are per person, Coral Tower and include resort fees.

Single, not sharing room - $485

Double, per person - $267

Triple, per person - $194

Quad, per person - $158

Please pay balance due by Turkey Day or you will MISS the BOAT!

Email me if you have questions.

Please also, after you have completed your payment and registration here then send me the following information:

Name:

Address:

Best Phone Number:

Email Address:

Total guests in room:

Names of guests sharing room:

Now get on the stick!

This will be a trip full of fun and extra surprises!!

Registration Available NOW

2009-10-12T09:49:00.000-04:00

The EventBrite site for room deposits is up and running. One night's deposit is required per room, if you are sharing a room, coordinate that amongst yourselves. Once you have registered be sure to let me know if you are sharing a room, who you are sharing it with, etc. and individual amounts will be calculated for the final amount in November.

http://facetofacebookatlantis.eventbrite.com/

Please email me with any questions.

Here we go!!!

2009-10-07T12:29:00.000-04:00

Some of you may be unaware of the entire process going on behind the scenes. Perhaps some of you might even think I am dragging my butt on it! Basically, a Request for Proposal was submitted to our wonderful sales manager at Atlantis. He came back with numbers and contract clauses, etc. We have gone back and forth until both of us are satisfied and now we can move forward. What does this mean?

This is not a "special". This is a "contract" for a certain number of rooms. It means, they are going to do nice things for us and in return, we will fulfill an obligation to fill a certain number of rooms at a GREAT rate! Our commitment is for 60 rooms, December 10th through the 13th. We're back to three nights as the deal was EITHER 50% off the third night OR the 4th night free. Both ways it is an amazing deal.

I have not been able to offer registration online until all of the particulars were worked out, and now they are so that should be available shortly. With the current room commitment, it will be first registered, first in the gate. Once we hit 60 rooms, I can't guarantee you a spot!

Be sure to follow this blog (think there's a place to do it off to the right) so that you will know as soon as registration becomes available. Of course I am going to have to go into our system and customize certain fields to make this process as streamlined as possible.

Please know, I am working my tail off on this adventure, what started as "Testing the Waters" has turned into a South Florida (and beyond) Facebook phenomenon! In the meantime we have changed software, and the event has shifted and morphed into a basic package that we will alter and improve with time, the key is to just get the room commitments, then we'll have added bonuses, some will cost $$, others won't as we go along.

Many of you have heard about a boat ride over...again, I cannot guarantee that until I have our numbers to provide to the Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Right now, we are focused on the rooms and we'll deal with the rest as it comes!

Be sure to subscribe to updates...it's going to be an amazing trip!

One Optional Activity

2009-10-03T21:17:00.000-04:00

We'll be signing up as the trip approaches...trip is $60 and includes lunch, tropical drinks and snorkeling equipment. This will be Saturday's activity.

On board the 'Bahamian Queen I' prepare to experience the best party time ever cruising along the beautiful turquoise sea of the Bahamas.

Our daily trips start from right in front of your hotel where we provide free transportation to the dock.

During the cruise along Nassau Harbour we provide Unlimited Drinks, A Delicious Lunch and The Rhythmic Island Beats of The Bahamas for your comfort and pleasure.

Along the way feel free to explore. Go snorkeling along the beautiful reefs and tour of the famous Sea Gardens. Afterwards we stop off at one of the many secluded beaches of The Bahamas.

The party is just beginning when we dance to the island music on deck. Meanwhile you can refresh yourself by trying one of our many mixed drinks such as the Yellow Bird, Goombay Smash, The Famous Bahama Mama or your favourite beer and other cocktails.

If you want to get down, you can even enter our limbo contest where you can win a prize for showing everybody how low you can go. Finally you can stop off at our gift shop for souvenirs, like t-shirts, key chains and our party yard filled with your favourite drink.

What a day!

Revised Trip Cost - Rooms Only

2009-10-03T13:32:00.000-04:00

If we take out the food and beverage (we can discuss party plans) here is what the rates look like:

Resort Map to Give You a Better Idea

2009-10-03T12:36:00.000-04:00

Beach Tower vs. Coral Tower

2009-10-03T12:29:00.000-04:00

Beach Tower/Coral Tower Reviews from Tripadvisor:

To those of you considering the Coral Tower, it is almost the same decor (only slightly better) but SO much more convenient. If I were to do this again, I would GLADLY pay a little extra to be that much more centrally located. When you are staying at the Beach Tower, you are constantly going to the Coral Tower for EVERYTHING (check in, guest services, shuttles to outside activities, access to dining, etc).

Hotel – Other writers wrote that they were upgraded to Royal Towers or Coral Towers upon checking into Beach Towers. Unfortunately, we were not upgraded, but Beach Towers was just fine for us and served its intended purpose. I will say though that the Cove and the Reef are AMAZING albeit expensive, but if there were a promotional offer to stay at either, I’d swallow the difference and splurge. Nonetheless, Beach Towers was pleasant and met our needs just fine and at a more affordable price. The rooms are spacious and fully equipped with iron, ironing board, mini-bar, mirrors, plenty of towels, a flat-screen tv, and coffee/tea. The décor does give the rooms a little bit of an outdated flare and a renovation in the next couple of years might spruce up the place some, but overall, they were fine, and more importantly, adequately clean. Worth mentioning is that Beach Towers is one of the hotels on the ‘edge’ of the resort…as remote to one side of the island as the Cove is to the other. Total walking time between the two is about 25 minutes, but walking does everyone good (even during vacation!). If you want to be in the center of it all, book Royal Towers. If you don’t mind a walk through some lobbies, shopping areas, and restaurants, Beach Towers it is. We did not find the distance a problem unlike some other guests who have complained. It’s off to the side, but by no means far away. Couple other items to note – the doors do slam (even for carefully quiet late-nighters) and some one mentioned something about the carpet being grimy and sort of sticky…definitely noticed that. Best to walk around in flip-flops if you can. No problems with water or toilets.

My husband & 6 1/2 month old; traveled to the Bahamas for our first Family Vacation & decided on the Atlantis because it was Child/Baby Friendly. We stayed at the Beach Tower, thinking it would be the easiest with the Baby & closest to the beach, it wasn't, required alot of walking.

The Beach Tower was awesome and when I was there it was as quiet as can be. The beach tower pool is exactly what we were looking for, not crowded and very relaxing.

We stayed at the Beach Towers. Yes this is an older part of the resort, but well maintained all the less. Flat screen TV, individual coffee maker, refrigerator, safe. The room was perfect for us. The people are great, very gracious, eagar to help at all times. The entire resort is just gorgeous.

As far as the room, it was fine, clean, and quiet. We had mentioned that it was our 20th anniversary, and they upgraded us to a beautiful oceanview room on the 8th floor. We couldn't have been happier with that considering we paid for the lowest possible category of room. Great view of the ocean and overlooking the pool at the BT where our nephew could watch stingrays, hammerheads and colorful fish whenever he was out on our terrace.

The walk to the Beach Tower from the Coral Tower is hefty. We received a SUITE on the 9th (top) floor (Rm. 9160) facing the Ocean & the Atlantis grounds as a complimentary upgrade. The decor is outdated and the prints are awful but really, who cares?! You're in the BAHAMAS. The room was clean, the water doesn't taste good but all in all: we were RELIEVED.

As for the walking, again if you do your research, yes the Beach Tower is the farthest away but we wanted that because it was away from the hustle and bustle of all the cruisers which come to visit. The premises are stunning and the architecture was amazing. We really enjoyed walking around the resort. The Dig and marine life were exceptional. We had absolutely no problems with the staff.

The rooms were clean and roomy. The Beach tower room had a view of the roof, the Coral tower room had a view of trees and the pool. I would have imagined the Beach tower overlooked the beach.... Our room was quiet though, which was welcome since the public areas downstairs were so busy and noisy. And we had a great view of the fireworks from our balcony.

Just visited the Atlantis during Spring Break week and stayed in the Beach Tower. This hotel is just fabulous! We reallay lucked out, when we checked into our room we discovered we have a beautiful ocean front room. Wonderful to bring kids, they never get bored with the aquariums and water park area. Beaches and pools are beautiful. The ocean water is so blue and green and crystal clear! The Beach Tower even has a movie theater with free movies at night to entertain the whole family.

We got much more than we expected! We stayed at the Beach Tower, the lowest end hotel and it was still basically a Hilton-caliber hotel room-- great service, very clean and comfortable. Best of all, it was considerably less pricey than some of the other hotels in Atlantis and farther from the casino crowds (which we appreciated).

it was a basic hotel room (Beach Tower) but I guess I knew that going in. I wasn't about to pay double to be in one of the newer buildings. We were there to be outside anyway, enjoying the beach and all the water fun. And that is what we did - every day. The rides were awesome - we spent every day all day enjoying them all.

We stayed the the beach tower, but to get to anything located on the resort, you are going to have to walk a mile or more to get there. All of the restaraunts are located in the coral, royal and cove towers. You can take the shuttle service, but the wait can take up to 20 minutes.

The Beach Tower may be the oldest hotel in Atlantis, but you wouldn't know it. In fact, I think it is nicer than the Coral Tower (and less crowded).

We are not rich, so we stayed at the Beach Tower, which is less expensive -- not sure why, as it was wonderful.

Dining Plans at Atlantis

2009-10-03T12:07:00.000-04:00

One of the issues in pricing is that adding dining plans is $69/day; however, based on reviews I have read, if you opt to purchase your own meals it's a good bit pricier...please answer questions in the poll to the right...

CASUAL DINING PLAN

Price: $69.00 per day per Adult, $35.00 per day per Child (7-11 years old)

PLAN OFFERS:

This plan offers a full American or continental breakfast at Water’s Edge, Murray’s Delicatessen, Plato’s, Coral Lounge, Marketplace or Voyagers and dinner daily in Marketplace, Atlas Bar & Grill, Murray’s Delicatessen, Carmine’s, Chop Stix, Bimini Road or The Pointe Restaurant & Bar. Dinner includes a choice of an appetizer; soup or salad; one entrée; a selection of one dessert; tea and coffee at a la carte restaurants.

Atlantis Video

2009-10-01T14:09:00.000-04:00

Jet Blue offers $29 fares each way to Bahamas!

2009-10-01T01:43:00.000-04:00

JetBlue Continues to offer $29 each way to Nassau from Fort Lauderdale!

To check flights....click here!

The Coral Tower

2009-09-30T04:14:00.001-04:00

I selected the mid-grade option as they are giving us a fabulous deal. The Coral Tower has larger, more updated rooms, as well as suites (one of which will be our hospitality suite).

A little more information about the Coral Tower:
* 300 square feet.
* King bed or two Queen beds.
* Combined shower/bathtub
* Armoire with flat-screen HD TV
* Full balcony with optional terrace or water views.

* 656 recently renovated deluxe rooms with many
amenities decorated in a contemporary, relaxed style.
* Large and welcoming lobby lounge and bar.
* Surrounded by exotic exhibit: Predator Lagoon and the Lagoon Pool.

Oh Yeah! More information here, Registration Coming Soon!

2009-09-30T02:37:00.000-04:00

Americans need a valid passport for travel to the Bahamas

2009-09-30T01:28:00.000-04:00

Don't be left behind, get your passport renewed early!

If you haven't had a passport before, it's relatively painless and inexpensive, if you are renewing, you can print and mail this form or you can apply online

Lessons Learned: DO NOT TRY TO SUBMIT A PHOTO FROM YOUR COMPUTER THAT YOU MADE LOOK REALLY HOT, THEY WILL SEND IT BACK!

go to CVS or UPS or somewhere that says "Passport Pictures Here"

Information for Passport Virgins:

How to Apply In Person

YOU MUST APPLY IN PERSON IF:

You are applying for your first U.S. passport or
You are under age 16 or
Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16 or
Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged or
Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago or
Your name has changed since your U.S. passport was issued and you are unable to legally document your name change

Before You Start, Please Note:

Special Requirements for All Minors Under Age 16
Special Requirements for All Minors Ages 16 & 17
Special Requirements for Diplomatic, Official, & Regular No-Fee Passports

STEPS TO SUBMITTING A U.S. PASSPORT APPLICATION IN PERSON:

Read and understand Steps 1-5 before leaving this page.

STEP 1: Complete and Submit Form DS-11: Application For A U.S. Passport

Complete Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport. To submit Form DS-11, you:

Must apply in person at an Acceptance Facility or Passport Agency

Must include the additional documentation required by Form DS-11 (See Steps 2-5)

Must not sign the application until instructed to do so by the Acceptance Agent

Must provide your SSN in accordance with 26 U.S.C. 6039E

STEP 2: Submit Evidence of U.S. Citizenship

When applying for a U.S. passport in person, evidence of U.S. citizenship must be submitted with Form DS-11. All documentation submitted as citizenship evidence will be returned to you. These documents will be delivered with your newly issued U.S. passport or in a separate mailing.

Primary Evidence of U.S. Citizenship (One of the following):

Previously issued, undamaged U.S. Passport
Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state*
Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
Naturalization Certificate
Certificate of Citizenship

*A certified birth certificate has a registrar's raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal, registrarâ€™s signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office, which must be within 1 year of your birth. Please note, some short (abstract) versions of birth certificates may not be acceptable for passport purposes.

NOTE: If you do not have primary evidence of U.S. citizenship or your U.S. birth certificate does not meet the requirements, please see Secondary Evidence of U.S. Citizenship.

STEP 3: Present Identification

When applying for a U.S. passport in person, acceptable identification must be presented at the time of application.

Primary Identification (One of the following):

Previously issued, undamaged U.S. passport
Naturalization Certificate
Valid Driver's License
Current Government ID (city, state or federal)
Current Military ID (military and dependents)

NOTES:

If you cannot submit primary identification, please see Secondary Identification.

If you apply at an Acceptance Facility and submit out-of-state primary identification, you must present an additional ID document, as well. For example, if you apply in Maryland with a Virginia Driver's License, you must present additional ID.

STEP 4: Submit a Photocopy of the Identification Document Presented (STEP 3)

The photocopy must be of the ID document that you will present when you apply.

Photocopy must be on plain white, 8 1/2 x 11" standard paper stock, showing the front and the back of your ID

Photocopy must contain images on only one-side of each page submitted.
If copies cannot be made on the same side of one page, you may present two separate pages; one displaying the front of the ID and the second displaying the back of the ID.

The paper should be free of other images and/or markings.

The 8 1/2 x 11" paper size cannot be substituted with a larger or smaller size paper, even if the alternative folds down to the 8 1/2 x 11" size.

You may enlarge the image of your ID on the 8 1/2 x 11" page, but you may not decrease the size of the image.

Other situations that require a photocopy of identification, but are less common, include:

If you are presenting Secondary Identification, you must provide a photocopy each document being presented with your application.

If you submit out-of-state primary identification, you must provide a photocopy of each additional identification document submitted with the primary ID.

An assistant to a disable applicant who witnesses the signature or signs on the disabled customer's behalf must present a photocopy of his or her ID

A person acting as an Identifying Witness must present a photocopy of his or her ID

STEP 5: Pay the Applicable Fee

Please see Current Passport Fees and methods of payment.

STEP 6: Provide Two Passport Photos

We can help you submit clear and correctly exposed passport photos the first time - especially when applying for the U.S. Passport Card. See Quality Requirements for Passport Book & Passport Card Photographs to avoid photo processing delays.
Your Photographs Must Be:

Identical

In color

2 x 2 inches in size

Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance

Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background

Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head

Taken in normal street attire:
Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily

Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline

If you normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture

Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons (a medical certificate may be required)

NOTES:

Vending machine photos are not generally acceptable

See Digitized Passport Photos for information on acceptable digital photos

Professional photographers see Guidelines for Producing High Quality Photographs for U.S. Travel Documents

Final Details Coming Soon!

2009-09-28T16:33:00.000-04:00

Gathering together the last details to provide registration information for the trip! Stay tuned for more!