Dear EWMBA Rockstar,

From the people who brought you "Haas Vegas" comes the next legendary celebration...


What better way to say "bon voyage" to business school than on a ship. But not just any tug boat -- we're going on the Royal Caribbean's "Allure of the Seas," the largest, most extravagant passenger ship in the world. (Ship Details)

I spent the summer planning an unforgettable experience for us. We'll sail out of Fort Lauderdale on a 7-night tour of the Caribbean, with stops in Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. On board we'll enjoy everything a world-class ship has to offer: food, drink, entertainment, gambling, spas, excursions, ...the list goes on and on (seriously, it's absolutely ridiculous). Told you I'd take us out in style!

This private web site, designed by SEACruises (the company arranging the details of our trip) contains everything you need to know click on the links at the top or bottom of every page.

But here is a quick run-down of what to expect:

Saturday, May 26, 2012
Fly out of SFO to Fort Lauderdale. Spend our first night partying it up on the beach.

Sunday, May 27 - Sunday, June 3
All aboard the Allure of the Seas Click for our detailed Itinerary

Sunday, June 3
Fly home to SFO

Yes, bring your husbands, wives, and SOs. Absolutely bring your kids - in fact, that's the main reason we're taking this cruise, as they have an unbelievable amount of activities for children of all ages. Also, if you want to bring some of your friends along, I say the more the merrier! This is our trip and we should enjoy it exactly the way we want.

OK bottom line dwellers, you want to know how much this is going to set you back. Fair enough. Depending on the accommodations you'd prefer on board, this whole trip will run approximately $1,500-$2,000 per person, (less than one Haas unit!). That includes:

· Seven nights on board the Allure of the Seas (inc. accommodations, meals, activities and entertainment)
· Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale the evening of May 26
· Transfers to/from airport, hotel, and ship
· Round trip airfare from SFO to Florida*

Click for our detailed pricing and options

I'll also have a few surprises for us along the way, but here's one I can share right now: I'll be hosting a free cocktail reception for us on board, with food and an open bar. Who's your daddy?

So, I know what many of you are thinking: cruises are lame and for old people. First off, shame on you for your rampant ageism. Seriously, Does an ice skating rink, two rock climbing walls, a 200 ft zip line, a twister water slide, two flow-rider surfing venues, full casino, a night club that rocks til 3am, Johnny Rockets, 10 Jacuzzis and a full size basketball court sound like something for old folks?

But more constructively - this is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we all get to share together. We'll make our own party, and fear not - once you see what this boat offers you are going to understand exactly the blast I have in store for you. Consider this your 2012 vacation, and a well-earned one at that.

I'm already signed up (duh, obviously), So and phone lines are now open. Due to Royal Caribbean's schedule we need refundable deposits in by December 14, but final payment is not due until March 2012. See the information provided by SEACruises throughout this website for all the details on the ship, itinerary, and pricing. And by all means get in touch if you have any questions. I'm at brett_conner@mba.berkeley.edu.

Knowing this trip is coming is the only thing getting me through Corporate Financial Management.
I can't wait to share this with you and enjoy one last Haas party. Ahoy!

All the best,

brett_conner@mba.berkeley.edu

*Virgin America is offering Confidence Without Latitude participants a special discounted rate on its nonstop flights from San Francisco to Ft. Lauderdale. See "Prices" page for more details.