October 12, 2004

             Wow!  We've had a great response since the last
update.   Over 60,000 people (readers of the Liberator Online,
the emagazine of the Advocates for Self-Government) have
been informed of our cruise.  As a result, many of them have
asked to receive these updates.  One special email I've copied
below.  Welcome to everyone!

             With the election drawing to a close, I hope you
are all looking forward to a relaxing vacation.  Thanks
to everyone who returned their booking forms and made
a reservation.  Our fellow cruisers now include 18
residents of IN, CT, IA, PA, TX, HI and Canada!

             All activities during the Libertarian Cruises are
optional.  The trip is for rest and relaxation - with the
extra benefit of having fun with some fellow Libertarians,
their families and friends.  As has been customary for
most of our recent cruises, we may meet with some friends
who are residents in one or more ports.

Enjoy this exciting message I received from Estonia:

         > Paul Vahur wrote:

         > Hello,

         >   I read from Liberator Online that next year
         > Libertarian Cruise is going to visit Tallinn.

         > I'm a long-time libertarian, Liberator Online
         > subscriber almost since it started and I've
         > lived in Tallinn all my life.  I don't know how
         > much time will you be in Tallinn (cruise ships
         > stay here usually for about 6 hours), but I would
         > love to meet you and other libertarians from the
         > cruise and tell you about Tallinn and Estonia from
         > libertarian perspective.

         > BTW, I will most likely be at ISIL World Convention
         > 2005 in St. Petersburg (June 10-15).

         > Please let me know when will you be in Tallinn and
         > maybe we can arrange something interesting while you
         > are here.

             I've begun corresponding with Paul and plan to
make some optional plans for anyone interested in
touring Tallinn with us.

             Once again, some frequently asked questions, then
"A Day on the MS Westerdam".

What kind of clothing is best for our Baltic cruise?

             It's early summer there in June and much like the
midwest of North America.  Still it's very likely you'll
encounter some cooler temperatures on our cruise.  The
best plan is to be prepared for changing weather by
dressing in layers--a shirt, sweater and light rainjacket
will do--so that you can peel layers off or put them on
as needed.  Aboard ship, dress is casual in the daytime
and most evenings.  There are three "formal" nights where,
during the evening hours, gentlemen are asked to wear
dark suits or tuxedos and women wear fancy dresses
(that's as close to observant about women's wear as I
can be).

Will I need to bring cash with me?

             Holland America cruise ships are "cash free".  That
means personal extras (drinks, shore excursions, or gifts
purchased on board) are charged to your "On Board Account"
with your signature, like staying at a resort hotel.  The
casino is where cash is accepted, and of course, at the
ports of call (as are credit cards).

              One of the nice features of cruising is enjoying
wonderful meals and service without exchanging money for
each item you're enjoying. You've already paid for it!


DAY TWO ON THE MS WESTERDAM

             As the sun rises I sip my morning coffee on deck, so as to
not miss a moment of our first glorious morning aboard.  Later,
in the dining room for breakfast, we are greeted like long lost
relatives by our table attendants, whom we met just last night!
Even though I saw him working the midnight buffet, our waiter
is bright and smiling as if this were a day off.

             Tuesday is one of our days at sea.  This is a great time to
explore the many luxuries of the ship we'll be enjoying for the
next ten days.  For some, the on-board gym and exercise equipment
will look inviting.  Others will take this morning to marvel at
the coastline of the beautiful Baltic.  Days at sea are great
for getting fully relaxed and preparing to enjoy the entire trip.

              I like to participate in some of the extra ship activities
planned just for days at sea.  There are wine tasting classes,
tours of the galley, and backgammon or bridge tournaments.  The
on-board talk about tomorrow's port, Tallinn, is interesting
and informative.  I'm looking forward to meeting our libertarian
friend, Paul Vahur, there.

             Seeing these daily excursion talks live, in the show lounge,
is fun.  They are also taped and rebroadcast continuously on
one channel of your stateroom TV.  Everyone sets their own
schedule during the entire cruise.  This day is without any
rush or fuss and it continues at a perfect pace for an evening
of elegance.  Tonight will be the first of our formal evenings
starting with a complementary "Captain's Welcoming Cocktail
Party" before dinner.  For me, a formal evening at sea, with
a gourmet dinner and evening stage show, is the highlight of
the cruise.  I hope you've decided to join us!

Till next time,

Ken

P.S.  The ship has sold out except for several staterooms
which remain in our group's block.  We have only a few "SS",
"VB" and "VC" staterooms left.  Please make a reservation
now if you have any desire to join next year's cruise.

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