March was the month and 2001 was the year as over 500 EMS providers, their family and friends embarked on the largest, and perhaps the only, statewide emergency services vacation event of its kind. The Wisconsin EMS Cruise was by all accounts a huge success. It seemed inevitable that cruise number two would be in the works.

Then came October, November followed, then December and even the turn of a new year – but still no announcement of another EMS cruise. Most people had thought the event would be repeated in the winter of 2003. They also thought that, like the first time, it would be announced prior to the Working Together In EMS annual conference. Surely as someone who went on the first cruise, you would be notified – right? But still, here we were several weeks into the new year and still no word on the EMS Cruise. Perhaps the event would not take place as so many had expected.

Truth be known, it almost didn’t. Like with the first EMS Cruise, upon the direction of the Board of Directors, the Wisconsin EMS Association Executive Director began working to pull the event together nearly 18 months prior to sailing. The destination for cruise number two was an easy choice. Having sailed the Western Caribbean on the first jaunt, we’d move to the Eastern Caribbean for our second EMS Cruise. Which cruise line would we sail? While the first cruise was thoroughly enjoyed by all, as the EMTs, First Responders and Firefighters were burning the midnight oil, the ship seemed to be closing down. Perhaps more of a party ship was in order if we were to sail a second time.

Certainly if we were going to deliver any cruise line 500 or more passengers, the regular sailing rate prices would not do. A discounted rate for the second EMS Cruise was a must. On-board parties, Cruiser’s Newsletters and pre-night stays would also have to be a part of the mix.

In the end it almost didn’t happen. Finally, at the Wisconsin EMS Association Board of Directors meeting, held in early January, final approval was given to book the second Wisconsin EMS Cruise.

The only problem was, by this time, it was too late to notify past cruisers or even put an announcement in the January issue of EMS Professionals. Only a Hot Sheet article and information through e-mail and the Internet were able to kick off the cruise. In fact, many of our past cruisers are only finding out about plans for a second cruise through this edition of the Cruiser’s Newsletter. However, a slow start may turn out to be a strong finish. Even with the limited publicity about the cruise, nearly 100 cabins had already been booked! Late or not, it looks like the Second EMS Cruise will be just as big, or perhaps bigger, than the first one.

The dates are March 9-16, 2003, departing from Miami with stops at San Juan, St. Croix and St. Thomas and an optional excursion to St. John. Plus, a prepackage is being worked on right now which will allow Wisconsin EMS Cruisers to head to Miami a day early, spend the night and then be among the first to board the ship on Sunday. While everyone else is moving through airports, baggage claim and security, we’ll already be pool-side or having a comfortable lunch aboard ship.

Those looking for a party atmosphere should have nothing to worry about on this cruise. For number two, we’ve chosen the mother of all party ships – Carnival. The Carnival Victory is even larger than the Costa Victoria we sailed the first time. At more than 101,000 ton, she is one of the largest vessels at sea. However, large is only part of the story, as shore excursions, food, entertainment, cabins, and quality are all a part of the cruising experience. And, of course, price is in there too, but not to worry, this cruise will actually cost a little bit less than the first one!

As someone who went along on the first EMS Cruise, you’ll be especially appreciative of the larger cabins found on the Carnival Victory, including the many balcony cabins. In fact, more than 60% of the staterooms have ocean views and feature a sitting area. For only a couple hundred dollars more, passengers can enjoy their own private balcony adjoining their room. The dinning room is a multilevel affair. "Awe, they don’t have a slide", was heard several times on the first cruise, but certainly won’t be a complaint this time! Plan on being up late this time? This ship is sure to accommodate you, including late-night lounges (playing American music), and 24-hour pizza and room service.

For about $1,100 per person, including cruise, air from Milwaukee, taxes and port charges, you can enjoy what 74% of passengers on the last cruise called one of the best vacations they have taken in the last ten years.

Our plans were to let all of the cruisers on the first cruise in on number two before anyone else even found out! Unfortunately, sometimes the best-laid plans don’t work out. Please let us apologize for not being able to have you book first! However, your chance has arrived.

The majority of Wisconsin EMS Association members still have no idea cruise number two is set to take place. Our association magazine, EMS Professionals, hasn’t had as much as a peep on the cruise. Although, the March-April issue is set to be released shortly and will contain five pages of cruise information. Since half of our blocked cabins are already sold, many of them to last year’s cruisers, you won’t want to wait to book your cabin. They are sure to sell out fast when everyone else in the state finds out, and we don’t want you to miss out.

More information, including photos of the Carnival Victory, are available on-line at www.WisconsinEMS.com/cruise or by calling Magic Carpet Travel at 800-776-7011. It only takes a $25 nonrefundable deposit to hold your space for the cruise. Once the block of cabins is sold, additional cabins can only be sold on an as available basis from the cruise line. Are you ready for number two? We certainly hope we’ll see you sailing with the Wisconsin EMS Association on our second EMS Cruise.

Forget the pagers, telephones and daily responsibilities. There are no EMS education requirements, CEUs or tests. The Wisconsin EMS Cruise is Just For the Fun of It! A getaway with friends both old and new.

Even though you’re all veterans now, you’ll still be amazed at the amount of things to do and of the value for your dollar a cruise brings. Just like last time, nearly everything is included, from all of your meals, entertainment, 24-hour room service, on-board cocktail parties and much, much more. You’ll never run out of things to do on this cruise. It seems there is always something happening of course you can just take it easy, sip your favorite drink and hang out with your EMS friends.

With our track record of 500 people sailing last year, we were able to negotiate an even lower rate this time around! You may recall that the inside cabin rate on the first cruise was $620. We’ll, we’ve been able to lower that rate to $560! Of course, what we could not negotiate was port charges, taxes and surcharges, but even with these, you’ll find the second Wisconsin EMS Cruise just as affordable as the first.

Cabin Rates
Interior (Category 4a) $560
Ocean View (Category 6a) $710
Balcony (Category 8a) $910
3rd/4th Passengers Interior $460
3rd/4th Passengers Ocean View $490

Wisconsin EMS Association Sets Sail To The Eastern Caribbean

Beauty and variety are two good words to describe our excursion on the Second Wisconsin EMS Cruise. We’ll sail through the Eastern Caribbean, stopping at three ports of call. Not too many port stops take place at night, but that all changes when the ship docks in Puerto Rico. Known for it’s great night-life, cruisers can either head to town for a bite to eat or have dinner aboard ship and then still have plenty of time in town afterwards. You can even throw in some open-market shopping before you party the night away.

Our second port of call, St. Croix, is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Here you can go for a dive among the coral reefs of Buck Island, which happens to be the only underwater park in the U.S. National Park Service. St. Croix is also well known for shopping – especially jewelry. Plan a party on the beach, go snorkeling, go hiking, or just sight see. This port is at one of the most loved islands in the Caribbean.

Our final stop takes us to St. Thomas with an optional tour in St. John. Enjoy the white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters – perfect again for diving, snorkeling or sailing. If you have never snorkeled, this is the place to try.

Each of our stops has a variety of shore excursions just waiting for you. Of course, you can venture out on your own – and we’ll help you. When you sign up for the Wisconsin EMS Cruise, you automatically will get a copy of the Cruiser’s Newsletter. There will be three more newsletters before we sail – one for each port of call. We’ll tell you a bit about the island, give you hints on what to do, and even help you save money.

The Eastern Caribbean involves a little bit more travel time. That’s why we’ll be at sea a total of three and a half days. This will give you more time aboard ship and let you relax a little, but still visit new and exciting destinations.

The ship sails from, and returns to, Miami – a great destination in itself. Plans are underway right now to put together a pre-night stay down in Miami, Florida. Perhaps you will want to leave a few days early – or even stay a few days after the ship returns. The choice is yours. Best of all, you don’t have to make up your mind right now. The next Cruiser’s Newsletter will have the details on how you can expand your vacation and you’ll have until the end of summer to decide.

By the way, just like last year, the Four Points by Sheraton will provide a hotel package, complete with parking, for one low price. So, if you’d like to save some money on air and fly from Milwaukee, you’ll be able to spend the night and park your car for a week for one low price.

Are you excited? We certainly are, and we’ll be even more excited as more and more of last year’s cruisers join us again this time!