Pickleball-Western Caribbean Cruise

DAY 1 – FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025

FLIGHT TORONTO TO FORT LAUDERDALE

Meet Sarah & Kim, your tour hosts and pickleball coaches, in Toronto, for our Air Canada direct flight to Fort Lauderdale. Upon arrival, we will travel to the Embassy Suites Hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

DAY 2 – SATURDAY, MARC 15, 2025

BOARD HOLLAND AMERICA NIEUW STATENDAM

We will meet for a full breakfast reception, in the morning, where we will review our exciting cruise ahead and give you your custom vacation welcome package. We will then transfer to the cruise port for our 3:00 p.m. departure onboard the MS Nieuw Statendam. Fluid lines and dramatic spaces make the Holland America Nieuw Statendam a modern beauty. The second in the line of our Pinnacle Class ships, her design draws inspiration from the elegant curves of musical instruments. When not relaxing in well-appointed suites or staterooms, guests will have many innovative dining and entertainment options—from Rudi’s Sel de Mer to Nami Sushi to the Rolling Stone Lounge, B.B. King’s Blues Club, and the visually stunning two-level World Stage. (B,D)

Our Pickleball Adventure begins with evening play in a casual round robin.

DAY 3 – SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2025

HALF MOON CAY, BAHAMAS

In a region renowned for tropical wonders, Half Moon Cay is the highest-rated Bahamas private island. It has won Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Best Private Island award consecutively for 20 years. When you feel the sugar-white sand on your toes or kayak its crystal lagoon, you’ll understand why cruise travelers love Half Moon Cay, a highlight of Bahamas cruises.Choose to snorkel, rent ebikes, enjoy nature walks, kayak, and more!

Tender required. At port 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (B,L,D)

Up bright and early for pickleball group lessons and competitive (but social!) round robin.

DAY 4 – MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2025

DAY AT SEA

Today we continue to cruise towards Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Be sure to take advantage of all onboard included activities, or maybe book a treatment at the spa. (B,L,D)

We will play pickleball twice today. Early morning stroke of the day clinic and afternoon group play.

DAY 5 – TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2025

OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA

On his fourth voyage, Columbus was marooned for a year outside of Ocho Rios on Jamaica’s north coast. You may imagine that the explorer gave the town its name after finding eight rivers here, but surprisingly that isn't its origin: It's a corruption of a word for waterfalls, of which there are many—far more than eight. Anyway, if you want to talk like a local, just call it Ochi. The first Bond film, Dr. No, was shot here, while creator Ian Fleming lived near Ochi at his Goldeneye estate. Visitors to Jamaica today are likely to think of reggae first, of course, and Bob Marley was born right here in the St. Ann Parish. The area near Ochi has seen significant upgrades to its ports and roads in recent years, and getting around to check out this part of Jamaica is much easier than it was in the past. The nearby region is one of the island’s finest for nature hikes among all the plants that provide the spices and fruits that go into making Jamaican cooking so outrageously delicious. In port from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (B,L,D)

Get ready for an active day of pickleball featuring live ball and a competitive (but social!) round robin.

DAY 6 - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2025

GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN

A cruise to the Cayman Islands has everything you would want from a Caribbean destination—warm breezes, clear seas and a laid-back attitude—but the archipelago also has something you might not expect: an exciting culinary scene. Between the celebrity chefs who’ve set up shop on Grand Cayman and the 135 or so resident nationalities that have helped season the island’s giant melting pot, this is, hands down, one of the best places to eat in the Caribbean. In and around George Town, the Cayman Islands' capital, you’ll find such an amazing array of culinary offerings, you’ll fear for the future of any buttons, snaps or hooks on your waistband. And that’s where the island’s other chief pleasures come in: There’s enough walking (whether along the fabled Seven Mile Beach, around historic sites or through lush gardens) as well as stunning swimming, snorkeling and diving to be done to counter the effects of . . . So. Much. Good. Food. Oh, and one warning: Should you wind up at Rum Point—Grand Cayman’s castaway beach imago—there’s a good chance your ship is, by your own design, sailing without you. Tender required. At port 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (B,L,D)

Up bright and early for pickleball group lessons and casual group play.

Waterfront shopping area in Georgetown, Grand Cayman

DAY 7 - THURSDAY MARCH 20, 2025

COZUMEL, MEXICO

Cozumel, an island in the Caribbean off of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, draws scuba divers, snorkelers and sun seekers. The island also offers all other manner of on - and around-the-water attractions, many of which are unique, such as underwater sculpture gardens, a submarine excursion and a sailboat-racing experience.

In port 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (B,L,D)

Get ready for an active day of pickleball featuring stroke of the day clinic and competitive (but social!) round robin.

DAY 8 - FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025

AT SEA

Our final day onboard this floating resort. Be sure to enjoy all the amenities included! (B,L,D)

We will play twice today. Early morning group lessons and afternoon mini tournament with prizes.

DAY 9 - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2025

FLIGHT TO TORONTO

All too soon our Tropical adventure has come to end as we arrive back to Fort Lauderale at 7:00 a.m.. Disembark and transer to the airport for our return flight back to Toronto. (B)

COST INCLUDES:

• Roundtrip airline flights from Toronto to Fort Lauderdale and return
• Transfer from Fort Lauderdale airport to hotel
• One night accommodation, including hotel taxes and fees
• Buffet breakfast at hotel
• Transfer from hotel to cruise port
• Chosen cruise category Twin/King Room aboard Holland America MS Nieuw Statendam Western Caribbean 7 night cruise
• Custom vacation welcome package
• Pickleball activities as noted
• Transfer from cruise port to Fort Lauderdale airport
• Cruise gratuity
• GST and Airtax
• Port fees
• BST Professional Fee
• Hosted by Sarah Graham and Kim Hines Toronto to Toronto

COST PER PERSON

(Based on Double/Twin Occupancy)

in Canadian Dollars

Inside J - Twin $3549.00 (includes taxes/fees $848.67 and $67.26 HST)

Inside I - Twin $3569.00 (includes taxes/fees $849.34 and $67.26 HST)

Ocean View C - Twin $3849.00 (includes taxes/fees $856.89 and $67.26 HST)

Ocean View FB - Twin $4039.00 (includes taxes/fees $860.67 and $67.26 HST)

Ocean View FA - Twin $4049.00 (includes taxes/fees $861.34 and $67.26 HST)

Veranda V - Twin $4489.00 (includes taxes/fees $871.64 and $67.26 HST)

Veranda VS - Twin $4539.00 (includes taxes/fees $872.69 and $67.26 HST)

Veranda VQ - Twin $4579.00 (includes taxes/fees $873.72 and $67.26 HST)

*Cruise only pricing available upon request.

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INAUGURAL DATE - December 2018

OCCUPANCY - 2,666

REFURBISH DATE -

Fluid lines and dramatic spaces make the Holland America Nieuw Statendam a modern beauty. The second in the line of our Pinnacle Class ships, her design draws inspiration from the elegant curves of musical instruments. When not relaxing in well-appointed suites or staterooms, guests will have many innovative dining and entertainment options—from Rudi’s Sel de Mer to Nami Sushi to the Rolling Stone Lounge, B.B. King’s Blues Club, and the visually stunning two-level World Stage. Onboard spa, casino, shopping and fitness centre.

Hosted by Sarah Graham and Kim Hines, NCCP Pickleball Coaches and proud owners of Paddles Up and Beaches Pickleball Coaching.

Aboard the cruise ship you will enjoy 2 - 3 hours of private pickleball each day. This will include lessons, stroke of the day, casual and competitive round robins, and more. We have customized our private pickleball time to ensure you get as much play as you like while still being able to enjoy the beautiful ports and all the wonderful amenties and activities on our ship.

Included flights from Toronto, transfers in destination, along with one night accommodation prior to cruise is all included in your price, along with pickleball play!

Canadian citizens require a passport, valid 6 months past return date to travel.

Full terms and conditions, along with waiver will be forwarded at booking.

Register for this amazing cruise here: Registration for Western Caribbean Cruise

BST Escorted Group Terms & Conditions

(These Terms & Conditions do not apply to Charters. Separate T & C apply.)

Please carefully review the Terms & Conditions outlined below. Any reservation made with BST constitutes a binding agreement signifying your acceptance of, and your agreement to follow, these Terms & Conditions, and to be bound by them.

To process your reservation, we will need your personal information including your name, address, telephone number, email address, passport number, date of birth, citizenship, and information you have disclosed regarding health, medical, dietary, mobility and other special requirements. BST will require a copy of your valid passport at time of deposit.

Deposit and Final Payment

Deposit is due at time of booking to secure your reservation. The deposit amount due is $1,000.00 CAD per person.

The final payment deadline is due in our office on or before the date included on your invoice.

All payments once received are non-refundable. Please refer to insurance sections below.

Please make cheques payable to Blowes and Stewart Travel. We also accept in-office cash / debit payments, or Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards. E-transfer also accepted to pgraham@bstvacations.ca

Completion of the electronic credit card authorization form or the PDF credit card authorization form commits you to your reservation and the charges on your credit card.

The Company reserves the right to cancel a reservation if payment has not been received by the specified due date.

Final Travel details will be issued 2 weeks prior to departure.

Not Included in the Trip Cost

All quoted trip costs do not include items of a personal nature such as but not limited to; medical insurance, cancellation/interruption insurance, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, phone calls, airline baggage fees where applicable and meals that are not included or listed in the itinerary.

Escorted Group Cancellation Policy

All escorted groups require a minimum number of passengers to travel. Should minimum numbers not been reached, the Company has the right to cancel the tour with a full refund to the passengers booked. Refund will be processed in manner received. Tours unable to operate due to Travel Advisory, acts of God, Terrorism or any other event and no fault of BST, will be subject to cancellation charges as listed above.

BST highly recommends the purchase of cancellation/interruption insurance for all trips. BST will not be held responsible for loss of monies due to cancellation/changes.

Medical insurance is mandatory for all trips outside of the Province of Ontario. If client has out of province medical insurance with a separate insurance provider, BST must be advised of insurance company name, policy number & company contact information prior to trip commencement.

Persons leaving the tour during operation will not receive a refund of unused services and all costs of returning to the point of embarkation will be borne by the client. For additional information on packages/plans offered, please visit https://www.igoinsured.com/Direct/ManulifeGlobal.aspx? ag=STEWPET&lang=E

Global Pandemic

Customer acknowledges the risks related to the spread of infectious or contagious diseases. It remains the customer's responsibility to take the necessary precautions applicable to any health hazards, including but not limited to a Global Pandemic. To ensure the safety of all guests and employees, suppliers may have mandatory safety protocols in place, and the availability of their services and facilities may be impacted.

Customer agrees to follow all current and future regulations/protocols set forth for safety in compliance with government policies at your own expense.

BST is not responsible for any fees for, or associated with, mandatory government testing in destination or for returning to Canada, quarantine or expenses relating to any Global Pandemic or similar. If additional insurance protection is declined, it remains the customer's responsibility to verify if their travel insurance policy covers a Global Pandemic.

BST will not be held liable should customers be denied boarding due to insufficient proof of a negative Global Pandemic test prior to departure, or displaying symptoms of a Global Pandemic upon check in. No monies will be refunded to customers who have been denied boarding or refunded at port of entry.

Additional Notes

All prices listed are per person in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise noted. Pricing is based on supplier cost, currency exchange rates and conditions in effect at the time of brochure printing. Final payment may fluctuate based on changes to the currency exchange at that time. Should there be a pricing increase, a maximum of 7% of base cost, may be applied, or to the taxes and/or government-imposed fees, fuel surcharges or additional airline fees before final payment, these increased charges will be levied to the customer and applied to the final invoice. No additional surcharges may be applied after the trip is paid in full. All trips may be subject to change in situations beyond our control.

When travelling outside of Canada all Canadian passengers require a valid passport. If travelling with a foreign passport (not Canadian) BST must be advised at time of booking so we can advise accordingly. Most countries require passports to be valid for 6 months beyond the expected return date.

Some countries may also have visa requirements for entry. Any fees to obtain visas or additional travel documentation that may be required are the responsibility of the traveler. Entry into another country cannot be guaranteed and is at the sole discretion of the local authorities. BST takes no responsibility for a customer being denied entry into another country. Cancellation charges and any additional fees will be at the customer’s expense.

It is the passenger's responsibility to obtain information, and to have in their possession, all the required documentation to travel (such as passports, visa where applicable, etc.) required by the relevant governmental authorities, for themselves and passengers in their care. Note that the documents required for the outbound portion of your travel may differ from those required for the return.

BST is not responsible for any missing or inappropriate documents. Failure to have proper travel documents will result in denied boarding and automatic cancellation of your reservation without refund.

BST accepts any passengers that have a disability, intellectual or physical condition providing they are able to care for themselves during the trip which includes boarding the plane/bus on their own; participating in any included tours/sightseeing without assistance; the ability to understand meeting points/times and the ability to care for their own documents. BST will accept any passenger who’s intellectual or physical condition is such as to render him/her incapable of caring for him/herself without assistance, provided that he/she is accompanied by an attendant (at an additional cost) who is responsible for the passenger enroute and with the care of such attendant, he/she will not require attention or assistance beyond that which is usually provided by BST tour escort. Some destinations may not be suitable for physical mobility issues.

Baggage restrictions vary by airline and destination. Specific details will be provided with your final travel documents.

Please ensure that you have secured baggage tags to your luggage prior to arriving at the airport, train station or boarding the coach.

Please note that you are responsible for carrying your own luggage and are responsible for the safety and security of your luggage at all times. BST will not assume liability for loss, theft, or damage due to breakage, fire, water, or theft, during transport on the plane, coach, train or at hotel. Ask your agent for details of Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance coverage.

Airline seating requests are taken into consideration and sent to each airline if applicable. Additional charges apply for premium seating on aircraft. Specific seating on coaches or trains cannot be guaranteed. BST will try to accommodate all requests.

BST reserves the right to decline any person as a member of the trip at any time before or during the trip should such person’s presence be considered detrimental to the interest, comfort, and enjoyment of the other members. Persons leaving the trip after commencement will not receive a refund of unused services and all costs of returning to the point of embarkation will be borne by the client.

When travelling outside of Ontario, please note local customs may differ and conditions of travel may not be the same as home. Clients not travelling on full itinerary as outlined assume full responsibility for any cancellation penalties or fees incurred due to cancellation or alteration to itinerary in any way.

Our Role

In offering travel arrangements for sale, BST acts solely as the organizer of the tours and responsible for making all reservations as outlined. BST cannot be held responsible for supplier errors or omissions. We do not maintain any control over the personnel, equipment or operations of any supplier and we assume no responsibility for, and shall not be expected or required to pay for any financial loss, personal injury, other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity which you may experience either by reason of (1) non-performance by any supplier for whatever reason (2) wrongful causes, negligent or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any supplier or its employees or on the part of any other party not under the control of BST (3) any defect, breakdown or other failure of any aircraft, train, bus, automobile, accommodation, ship or other equipment or instrumentality operated and owned or otherwise used by a supplier or (4) BST is not liable for any loss, damage, injury or death resulting from circumstances beyond its direct control such as unexpected weather conditions, civil unrest, acts of God, force Majeure or any other unforeseen circumstances.

Photos Posted to our website and Social Media

On occasion, your BST Representative will be taking photos of group members participating in various activities. These photos may be posted on our social media outlets. If for any reason you do not wish to have your photo taken and published, please advise your tour manager on Day 1 of your journey. This clause indicates your permission to use photos and eliminates all photo waivers used in the past.

BST prohibits participants from publishing to social media any proprietary documents pertaining to our trips.