posted 07-22-2002 09:10 PM                  

The Prowlin’ the Seas adventure begins in Miami on Saturday, February 22, 2003. Our ship sails from the Port of Miami @ 5:00 PM. On Sunday, we’ll enjoy a full day relaxing @ sea. For the next 3 days we will be stopping at the ports of San Juan, St. Marten, and St. Thomas followed by another enjoyable day @ sea, concluding with a stop at Nassau before returning to Miami Saturday, March 1, 2003. As you can tell, there are lots and lots of things to do and more being planned for y’all’s enjoyment insuring this is a POA National Event you will always remember.

Onboard activities include live stage productions, an ice show, a mini-golf course, a rock-climbing wall, an inline skating rink, a casino, a fitness center and 24-hour buffets to help keep your energy level up to the maximum. Of course there are several pools, lots of lounge chairs, and quality time among fellow Prowler Owners for lots and lots of Prowler stories and exchanging of ideas. If that is not enough, don’t forget the world class shopping on board plus the individual island excursions, tours, international duty free shopping, snorkeling and lots, lots more you may want to participate in.

Oh, I almost forgot, there is the famous Johnny Rocket’s Fifties Diner on board where we can make that special nostalgia rendezvous as we think of the beloved Cats we left behind. This ship really does have everything!!!

Whatever we do individually or as the POA, the Prowlin’ the Seas National Event is an event that you will not want to miss! This is not only a National POA Event… it is an International Vacation, one which can be enjoyed by more than the usual 2 participants when you Cruise in your Cat to an Event.

Our special POA rates for this seven-night cruise are:
Inside Cabin: $ 989 per person
Ocean View Cabin: $ 1269 per person
Ocean View Cabin with Private Balcony: $ 1309 per person
Ocean View Suite with Private Balcony: $ 1699 per person

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and include port charges; taxes/government fees are additional. Third/fourth persons in a cabin pay $499. Air travel can also be arranged.

Your cruise price includes your ship accommodations, planned Prowler activities, ALL your meals (room service, too), shipboard entertainment and activities. You will also receive a one-of-a kind POA Prowlin’ the Seas “Participant” memento. You will pay additional for gratuities, personal expenses (shopping), those casino “donations,” and optional island excursions and spa services.

To confirm your space at our special POA rates for these 7 days in Paradise with lots of other Prowler Owners, all that is needed is a $250 per person deposit by September 20, 2002. (those that make the deposit by September 1 will even have a bottle of wine waiting for them in their cabin). The balance will be due on December 1, 2002… What a GREAT Christmas present! If necessary, after making the initial deposit, you may make monthly payments, as long as you are paid in full by the December 1, 2002 deadline.

Suites are limited and are handled separately—so call Ben or Lynn by August 9, 2002, if a suite is your preference!

Got GENERAL Prowlin’ the Seas questions? Call Nancy & Jay Harris (Yeller Cat), TOLL FREE… 800-669-3540 or email jay@yellercat.com.

For SPECIFIC CRUISE QUESTIONS and to RESERVE your space on this beautiful ship, call the Prowlin’ the Seas Cruise Specialists Ben (Nancy’s brother) or Lynn Catalina and we will see y’all on the Explorer!

Lynn & Ben Catalina, ACC, Cruises Inc.
TOLL FREE… 888-522-7447
email bcatalina@cruisesinc.com
Log on www.cruisesinc.com/bcatalina

An event of this magnitude requires lots of professional planning, organization and experience. For this we recruited Nancy’s brother Ben and his wife Lynn Catalina, who are very experienced Cruise Professionals. We are confident that you will totally enjoy this experience whether this is your first Ocean Cruise or an experienced Ocean Cruiser.

Nancy and I look forward to seeing y’all @ the POA Prowlin’ the Seas National Event.

posted 07-24-2002 11:50 AM                  

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posted 07-27-2002 10:15 AM                  

Question 1: "If I make the $250 down payment, will I lose all of that if I have to cancel?" No, you won't, but there are some time limits. The most you will lose is a $35 administrative fee, as long as you cancel before the final payment date, which is December 1.

#2: "Why do I have to make a down payment now? Why can't I wait until January when I see how much money I have left after Christmas?" We secured "group rates and amenities" for the Prowler family. All cruise lines take back any unsold cabins at final payment date. After that time, we cannot guarantee rates or availability, but also lose all amenities associated with this group. This ship will sell out so don't gamble on space. We suggest you budget this as the big Christmas present for the family... or the winter vacation of 2003.

More Q & A as they occur.

posted 07-30-2002 06:06 PM                  

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posted 07-31-2002 08:24 PM                  

And please give us a call or email on ANY questions or if we can in any way. And the number below is toll free from anywhere in the USA AND CANADA!

Ben Catalina
bcatalina@cruisesinc.com http://www.cruisesbycatalina.com
1-888-522-7447

posted 08-28-2002 08:54 AM                  

Our Prowler "group space" is protected only until September 20. On that date Royal Caribbean pulls back all unsold cabins to their inventory and makes them available to the general public.

This ship WILL sell out for the sailing of February 22 --- our sailing. Please don't procrastinate in calling us if you are even remotely interested in cruising on this special event... and it WILL be special since Jay Harris is the event host!

Give us a call or drop us an email.

Lynn & Ben Catalina
1-888-522-7447
bcatalina@cruisesinc.com

posted 08-29-2002 08:16 AM                  

Prowlin' the Seas has become an INTERNATIONAL EVENT with multiple Canadian reservations.

Also, California has gained the lead with the most reservations replacing Texas as the leader.

Are you ready for a Caribbean vacation with some other Prowler Owners? Your dream is just a phone call away... Lynn or Ben @ 888 522 7447.

posted 08-29-2002 09:41 AM                  

Do you have a breakdown by state / country?

posted 09-03-2002 11:17 AM                    

I found this on the internet last night while looking for a cruise for my family. It can even save you some money now but, will save even more the closer you get to the actual cruise date.

These fares are promoted by: http://www.vacationstogo.com/index.cfm

and will get cheaper the closer you get to the date.

Inside Cabin: $ 979 per person
Ocean View Cabin: $ 1199 per person
Ocean View Cabin with Private Balcony: $ 1359 per person
Ocean View Suite with Private Balcony: $ 1699 per person

While not a considerable savings consider this cruise is still 6 months out. Prices will be less at the 3 month mark and considerably less in January.

To give you an idea, we are thinking of booking a Disney cruise for this month and the savings is about 75% off.

Their number is 1-800-338-4962

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Trey
"Who are you calling chicken? I said I'm YELLOW"

posted 09-03-2002 01:50 PM                  

This Prowlin' the Seas event is similar to a national conference that people or professional organizations attend. To participate in it, you MUST go through the event organizers. This event organizer, Cruises Inc., has negotiated special group rates, higher-graded cabins where possible, and amenities with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. In addition, the Prowler event fee is included in the price of the cruise.

It is not a fair comparison to throw a price on this POA site and say they are cheaper, etc. You must compare apples to apples, and to do that you must know the exact cabin category of the price quoted by other agencies and the category we have reserved for POA. It's like if someone posted: "FOR SALE: Prowler. $20,000." What does that tell the reader? What year, what color, what size engine, how many miles, what mods, how many options, what condition, how used, etc.???

People cannot book with any other agency and then expect to participate in POA paid-for events on the ship. And the price will not get any cheaper as the date nears. This sailing on this ship will sell out. As the sail date nears, the only cabins available will be the ones in the least desirable areas.

If you want to participate in this event, please give me or Jay Harris a ring. And if you need any clarification on anything posted here or elsewhere on this event, PLEASE call us. And please do so by September 20 as our group-protected prices and cabins are guaranteed only until that date. Thanks.

Ben Catalina
1-888-522-7447

posted 09-03-2002 04:35 PM                    

I was merely trying to help out those that might not be able to attend based upon the prices you quoted.

I did check like prices for your cruise and ones I am considering and the place I mentioned had tickets (for the same rooms) up to 80% cheaper. With them, all prices, regardless of cruise line got cheaper the closer it got/gets to cruise date.

Help me understand. What events will be held on the boat that are specific to your group and that anyone that buys a ticket for the cruise that week (from another source) can't attend or do?

Thanks!

posted 09-03-2002 10:05 PM                  

We have a special Prowler cruise event scheduled on the RCCL Explorer of the Seas during peak winter cruise season. We selected this sailing date because of the itinerary and the prices we were able to negotiate with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, and because the hosts recommended this timeframe. Their desire is to have a special FUN event in a warm climate unique to Prowler fans.

In our negotiations with RCCL, our company was able to secure "group" space in several cabin categories. We elected to NOT pick the lowest categories because we could get better category cabins in better locations on the ship for only a few dollars more than "lead-in" rates. We did not want our Prowler folks in the least desirable cabins or locations on the ship. When we listed the cabin prices on our flyers and on this site, we included the cabin overall category (such as balcony), and included the port charges and cruise line fees, plus a small Prowler event fee. Our desire was to keep the pricing simple and understandable for all.

What events are included? It will vary depending on how many people book into our group. We cannot give you an all-inclusive list but there will be meeting sessions, parties, and gifts for all who book into our group. Each cabin booked into our group gives us "credit" with RCCL. The more credit we get, the more events or gifts we get. Jay Harris has already mailed shimmers to all who have booked. More to follow depending again on how many book. We met with the RCCL regional manager just last week and were promised even more "things" if our cabin sales increases.

Now if I can clarify one more thing. You CANNOT cruise on this ship on the same sailing date in the same category cabins "for up to 80% cheaper." You're mixing up your percentages somewhere. For example, our price for an inside cabin, which in our case is the highest category inside cabin you can get on this ship, is 49% cheaper than the brochure price, including the Prowler event fee.

You say that you are sailing on Disney this month at "about 75% off." I don't know what category cabin you are in, or what specific week you are sailing, but I can assure you and all readers that you are probably not really getting 75% off. You are however, getting a great rate because September is one of the cheapest weeks of the year to cruise. Cruise lines drop their rates because kids are returning to school, families have completed their summer vacations, and cruise business is slow. Plus Florida residents sometimes get a special "FL resident rate" during these off periods. You cannot do this in February.

One final note, and as I said in a previous post above, this sailing will sell out, with or without Prowler folks on it. Our protected group space is available until September 20. At that time RCCL will take back all unsold cabins from our group and offer them to the general public. If you want to book into our group, please call us soon.

Ben
1-888-522-7447

posted 09-04-2002 06:44 AM                    

quote:

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Originally posted by Prowlin' the Seas:
But Trey, by making people think they can get a better price elsewhere, you are NOT helping this event succeed. You are placing unnecessary doubt in people's minds, making them wonder if they are getting a deal or not. Let me explain in more detail.

They can get a better price elsewhere and it WILL continue drop (the price) the closer it gets to ANY date in ANY month.

We have a special Prowler cruise event scheduled on the RCCL Explorer of the Seas during peak winter cruise season. We selected this sailing date because of the itinerary and the prices we were able to negotiate with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, and because the hosts recommended this timeframe. Their desire is to have a special FUN event in a warm climate unique to Prowler fans.

I have no doubt it will be alot of fun.

In our negotiations with RCCL, our company was able to secure "group" space in several cabin categories. We elected to NOT pick the lowest categories because we could get better category cabins in better locations on the ship for only a few dollars more than "lead-in" rates. We did not want our Prowler folks in the least desirable cabins or locations on the ship. When we listed the cabin prices on our flyers and on this site, we included the cabin overall category (such as balcony), and included the port charges and cruise line fees, plus a small Prowler event fee. Our desire was to keep the pricing simple and understandable for all.

I quoted the SAME rooms rates. On the SAME boat. For the SAME week. Going to the SAME places.

What events are included? It will vary depending on how many people book into our group. We cannot give you an all-inclusive list but there will be meeting sessions, parties, and gifts for all who book into our group. Each cabin booked into our group gives us "credit" with RCCL. The more credit we get, the more events or gifts we get. Jay Harris has already mailed shimmers to all who have booked. More to follow depending again on how many book. We met with the RCCL regional manager just last week and were promised even more "things" if our cabin sales increases.

You cannot tell people exactly what they are paying for?

Now if I can clarify one more thing. You CANNOT cruise on this ship on the same sailing date in the same category cabins "for up to 80% cheaper." You're mixing up your percentages somewhere. For example, our price for an inside cabin, which in our case is the highest category inside cabin you can get on this ship, is 49% cheaper than the brochure price, including the Prowler event fee.

Right now, you are correct as the cruise date is about 5-6 months away. The prices drop and the percentages increase the CLOSER it gets to the actual cruise date.

You say that you are sailing on Disney this month at "about 75% off." I don't know what category cabin you are in, or what specific week you are sailing, but I can assure you and all readers that you are probably not really getting 75% off. You are however, getting a great rate because September is one of the cheapest weeks of the year to cruise. Cruise lines drop their rates because kids are returning to school, families have completed their summer vacations, and cruise business is slow. Plus Florida residents sometimes get a special "FL resident rate" during these off periods. You cannot do this in February.

Kids are not in school in February? We are getting 75% off for the cruise this next Saturday. Less then 75% for the one the following Saturday (still in September), even less off for the one the following Saturday (still in September).
The rates change weekly getting LOWER the closer it is to the cruise date. This is true for all cruise lines and for all months. Just check out the site and see for yourself.

One final note, and as I said in a previous post above, this sailing will sell out, with or without Prowler folks on it. Our protected group space is available until September 20. At that time RCCL will take back all unsold cabins from our group and offer them to the general public.

I hope it does but, will post a note in February if rooms are still available.

If you want to book into our group, please call us soon.

No thanks!

As I stated in the first post, all I was trying to do was help some save some money and still have a good time. You have made it perfectly clear that ALL sales must come through you in order for them to have that good time and be included in all the unnamed "events". Have a good time!

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posted 09-04-2002 08:10 AM                  

I'm done with this petty banter. If you want to discuss this further, please call me.

posted 09-04-2002 09:50 AM                    

quote:

---

Originally posted by Prowlin' the Seas:
Trey: Enough already! You refuse to call me so we can discuss and compare exact cabin categories and prices to make sure we are talking apples to apples!

Ben, tell the POA audience the exact room types and I will compare.

Quit placing damning posts here on POA.

WOW! Telling someone I know how they can save money is now a damning post? Interesting take on it.

We have a host busting his butt to put on a great, memorable event, and two cruise specialists who specialize in this business making sure our clients get the best deal out there, while getting the quality customer service we demand.

No doubt.

I'm done with this petty banter. If you want to discuss this further, please call me.

So I guess this means you won't be posting the exact room types and prices?????

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posted 09-04-2002 05:49 PM                    

Could you list all the specific "Prowler only" events that will be on this cruise????

I am curious as to what all there is.

posted 09-04-2002 10:21 PM                  

You see we enjoy our car and the people it has allowed us to meet. The common thing we share is the car, but the sincerity of their owners and the humour we share is what really inspires me to want to meet more of you and see Ed, CJ. Mike, Yellow Cat, Larry, Laddie, etc etc.. again and again.

So what if you can get a better price, every flown on a plane where everyone paid the same price?

I always feel that when I make up my mind on something I do it because I am happy with what I am doing. If I ever look back then I can always say ya buttt. like so many others.

Ben and Lynn offered us an opportunity to share in some more good times with friends and we thank them for that.

We both wish that those who are not inspired by the efforts of others to please make the effort on their own behalf to enjoy themselves and their car as they see fit. Don't cast a shadow on US who have already made our plans knowing that the people next to us on the boat or plane may or may not have paid the same price.

Once again Thank You Ben and Lynn

posted 09-05-2002 07:26 AM                    

I read alot of posts on this site and quite a few people are on a limited budget or don't have alot of money. Others might just like a savings on a mod or something.

My intention was to show those people they might have an alternative way to get on the boat and have a good time with all.

Ben took that as an insult and started slamming me. He even sent me emails telling me to pull the post.

I figured, O.K., what exactly is different with their deal then booking your own room. To date, I have not seen them post anything above what anyone on that cruise will get (other then the shimmer).

As far as the prices go, I explained they go down the closer you get to the cruise and while not a significant amount right now, we are still about 5-6 months away from that date.

Here is what I posted last week as far as prices:

Inside Cabin: $ 979 per person
Ocean View Cabin: $ 1199 per person
Ocean View Cabin with Private Balcony: $ 1359 per person
Ocean View Suite with Private Balcony: $ 1699 per person

Here is what the are now (Feb 22 cruise date):

Inside Cabin: $ 929 per person
Ocean View Cabin: $ 1149 per person
Ocean View Cabin with Private Balcony: $ 1299 per person
Ocean View Suite with Private Balcony: $ 1649 per person

As you can see they are going down. Even for prime season.
And this change was just in a weeks time.

The way I see it, when we all shopped for these cars, didn't we try to get the best price? We are always trying to get group purchases on parts. Why? To get the cost down.
All I was trying to do was point out an alternative that could save all some money (perhaps alot by February).

Hey, if people want to pay more for the same thing, knock themselves out.

posted 09-05-2002 11:53 AM                  

I'm sure you understand that when someone tries to put together a large event there is contract to be signed and an estimate of the number of rooms and people you think you will have for the event. Based on the number of rooms and people you negotiate what incentives the cruise line will add for the group booking. They then give you a cut-off day that your group has to make the reservations by and then release any rooms left in your group booking.

I've been to a couple of CAAP events and to the Grand Canyon and Crazy Horse National Events and by having someone plan the event in advance and work with the hotels we were able to book our rooms at a discount, which, I think, everyone who attended the event appreciated that. With these events we also had an event fee that covered some meals, name tags, meeting rooms, and other things. I think including the event fee in with the cruise is one thing less for me to worry or forget about.

I'm sure you also know that group bookings in most of the major hotel chains benefit the group by providing free meeting rooms, suites, and other incentives based on the number of rooms reserved and the skill of the person negotiating the contract.

By not booking this cruise through Cruises Inc. does not help the group receive incentives or credits for those rooms booked and the group might be just 1 booking short of getting that cocktail party, free appetizers, or an additional meeting room.

I feel confident that Cruises Inc. has negotiated reasonable prices and the more rooms booked the more additional benefits the group will receive.