Independence of the Seas is set to become the third in the spectacular Freedom class of ships. Upon her May 2008 debut in the United Kingdom, she will be the largest ship ever to be home-ported in Europe. Guests across the globe will have access to the same amazing onboard innovations offered by our other Freedom-family ships, Where else but on the largest ship in the world could you surf FlowRider? Climb a multi-course rock wall or spar in the boxing ring. Have a splash at the outdoor water park or a skate around the indoor ice rink. Catch a game in the sports pool or the full-size volleyball court. Discover the many shops & cafes along the Royal Promenade. Thrill to spectacular productions in the four-story theater, or our own sensational ice show. Dance outdoors on the massive decks. Workout in the sensational fitness center and treat yourself in the largest spa at sea.

Or simply relax in the spectacular hot tubs hanging off the edge of the ship, 112 feet above the ocean.

 Entertainment Everywhere.

On Indpendence  of the Seas you'll find more shows and events  than ever, including one of the largest  theater at sea with four storys.With this country western cruise we will have the most talented group of gay and lesbian performers in the world. Our  shows feature a unique blend of exciting talent -with top Djs from arount the country for the Hoedown at Sea.

Studio B also doubles as a sensational concert space, .In the afternoon this will be a spectalur ice show And it wouldn’t be a cruise without Royal Caribbean’s spectacular production shows, filled with talented performers, glamour, glitz, and amazing special effects.

But we don’t stop there. You’ll find late night comedy and specialty acts in the Ixtapa Lounge. Live music throughout the ship, non-stop action in the Casino Royale. And believe it or not, there’s even a parade or two.

What a Party

Our Country & Western cruise has become a legend in itself, and In 2009, the largest, newest, and most innovative cruise ship ever built is ours for the largest gay country music cruise in history. Again. Royal Caribbean's awesome Independence of the Seas advances the art of cruising to an entirely new level, with more innovations than you ever dreamed of. More fun than you've ever imagined awaits our guests as we fill this floating paradise with Cowboys & Cowgirls everywhere, legendary entertainment, spectacular parties, like the Hoedown so get your boots on and lets go cruising. Be the first to experience the future of cruising on a brand new Ship from Ft Lauderdale Remember we will arrive back in Ft Lauderdale just in time for the Florida Gay Rodeo.

If you will be taking part in the Rodeo and you have entered in past events you can register online before you go on the cruise. We will have  a shuttle available to take you to the Rodeo  you must book transfers in advance  call  877 515 5100 . For more information on registeration please contact Jim Mitchell Rodeo Director FGRA. For new contestants in the Rodeo you will not be able to register on line, you can only register on Friday April 3,2008 in Ft Lauderdale.

From majestic three-story main restaurant to room service on your private balcony, Independence offers a wide choice of dining options. Six incredible venues offer places to dine, relax,  Gay Vacation Travel always creates a spectacularly friendly experience in the  restaurant with Group seating & assigned dining times.

Nothing  can describe the  experience of sailing on the largest ship in the world. Independence of the SeasSM

You must book this cruise with Gay Vacation Travel to attend all group events. If you do not have the tickets  you will not be able to attend. If you have your own travel agent have them call Gay Vacation Travel at 877 515 5100.  We will have our hospitality desk (business services) on Deck 6 just above the promenade to register for all dance work shops and to pick up event tickets.

  Check in on line  www.rccl.com   go to my cruise

 please visit the Shore Excursion

 

	Boarding Day	Day at Sea	Belize	Costa Maya	Cozumel	Day at Sea	Disembark
Date	3-29-09	3-30-09	3-31-09	4-1-09	4-2-09	4-3-09	4-4-09
Afternoon Schedule	Embark 1pm – 3pm	Dance Workshops 10am - 12pm 2pm – 4pm Labyrinth Lounge	Excursion Day	Late Excursion Day (7pm)	Excursion Day	Dance Workshops Labyrinth Lounge 10am - 12pm 2pm – 4pm	disembark
Evening Schedule	Pyramid Lounge Meet–n-Greet  Party   Country Dancing 10pm - 1	Costume Party 10pm - 1am On Air Club	Labyrinth Lounge Country Dancing 10:30pm – 2am	Show Night	Pyramid Lounge Country Dancing  10:30pm – 2am	Pyramid Lounge Hoedown Party and Country Dance 10:30pm – 1am	FGRA RODEO NIGHT

         Gay Vacation Travel   will donat a percentage of all guests cruise fare  to the Florida Gay Rodeo (FGRA)

We can help you with your Rodeo tickets and the host Hotel for the Rodeo  for more information call 877 515 5100

Dance Instructors

Lee Fox is originally from Georgia and moved to Florida in 1986. He is the Director of Dance for the International Association of Gay/Lesbian Country Western Dance Clubs (IAGLCWDC).  He has been teaching Ballroom, Latin, and Disco since 1978, and Country/Western since 1991.  A former ballroom competitor, he has judged several competitions in the United States.  He and his ballroom partner, Scott, competed in ballroom at the Gay Games in Amsterdam in 1998 and the Gay Games in Australia in 2002 making the finals both times.  He is a member of Southern Country South Florida and has served as the choreographer/instructor for the Dream Team for six years and the SunDancers for seven years.  He and his country partner, Chris, were the first Championship winners in the IAGLCWDC Couples Competition in 1998 and have performed at many hoedowns and fund­raisers. He is also one of the original members of Crossfire, overall champions of the 2005 IAGLCWDC Dance Teams Championships.

Shortly after experiencing the 2001 International Gay & Lesbian Country Western Dance Clubs' (IAGLCDWC) Annual Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Tim served as the Marketing Director for Southern Country South Florida. He was an original member of the dance troupe, Crossfire; champions of the 2005 IAGLCWDC Annual Competition. As a founding member of the Outlawz DJz, launched in 2003, Tim's experience includes the End Up, SeaMonster, FRGA Sunshine Rodeo, and the notorious Manhattan South. The Outlawz currently power dance lessons and music at Scandals Saloon in Wilton Manors, Florida. Tim is originally from Columbus, Ohio.

Ship Highlights FlowRider® H2O Zone Cantilevered whirlpools Rock-climbing wall Ice-skating rink Royal Promenade Extensive WiFi capabilities and connectivity for cell phones Full-size, flat-screen TVs in every stateroom Themed bars and lounges Adventure Ocean® youth facilities Fitness Center and Day Spa Full-size Everlast boxing ring Casino RoyaleSM Presidential Family Suite Sports Pool Full-size sports court 9-hole miniature golf course Johnny Rockets® '50s-style restaurant Portofino Italian Restaurant Chops Grille Ben & Jerry's® ice cream

Ship Facts Passenger Capacity: 3,634 double occupancy Gross Tonnage: 160,000 Length: 1,112' Max Beam: 184' Draft: 28' Cruising Speed: 21.6 knots Conference Facilities Dedicated meeting space with breakout rooms and reception area to accommodate up to 400 people High-tech presentation rooms Color touch screens, wireless remote controls, teleconferencing equipment and more

 Main Theatre

Main Dining Room

Portofino Italian Restaurant

Royal Promenade

Royal Promenade

McBeth Dining Room

Ice Show

Rock-climbing wall

Royal Suite

Amenities: Separate bedroom with king-size bed, private balcony, living room with queen-size sofa bed and private bathroom. (1,406 sq. ft., balcony 377 sq. ft.)

Owners Suite

Deck(s):  Deck Ten
Occupancy:  Up to 2 guests.
Amenities: Queen-size bed, private balcony, private bathroom and a separate living area with a queen-size sofa bed. (614 sq. ft., balcony 209 sq. ft.)

GRAND SUITE

Deck(s):  Deck Ten
Occupancy:  Up to 2 guests.
Amenities:  Two twin beds (can convert into queen-size), private balcony, sitting area (some with sofa bed) and private bathroom. (387 sq. ft., balcony 126 sq. ft.)

Junior Suite

Deck(s):  Deck Nine, Ten
Occupancy:  Up to 2 guests.
Amenities: Two twin beds (can convert into queen-size), private balcony, sitting area (some with sofa bed) and private bathroom. (317 sq. ft., balcony 101 sq. ft

D1 Balcony

 Superior Oceanview Stateroom
Deck(s):  Deck Ten
Occupancy:  Up to 2 guests.
Amenities: Two twin beds (can convert into queen-size), sitting area (some with sofa bed), private balcony and private bathroom. Rates vary from deck to deck. (214 sq. ft., balcony 68 sq. ft.)

D2 Balcony

 Superior Oceanview Stateroom
Deck(s):  Deck Eight, Nine
Occupancy:  Up to 2 guests.
Amenities: Two twin beds (can convert into queen-size), sitting area (some with sofa bed), private balcony and private bathroom. Rates vary from deck to deck. (214 sq. ft., balcony 68 sq. ft.)

Large Ocean View Cabin

Oceanview Stateroom
Deck(s):  Deck Six, Nine
Occupancy:  Up to 2 guests.
Amenities: Two twin beds (can convert into queen-size) and private bathroom. (183 sq. ft.)

Inside N Cabin

 Interior Stateroom
Deck(s):  Deck Seven, Eight
Occupancy:  Up to 2 guests.
Amenities: Two twin beds (can convert into queen-size) and private bathroom. (152 sq. ft.)

Host Hotels for the Sunshine Stampede 2009