Paula Deen and Family are setting sail again for an exciting and delectable winter- busting cruise. We expect this to be even bigger and better than last year and we've planned all kinds of special events and surprises…

Everything from a cooking critique to private parties (including a barbecue and the first ever Deen Beach Olympics on Half Moon Cay, Holland America's very own private island paradise) … from games to photo sessions and optional hosted excursions.

Paula will be joined by husband Michael and other members of her family. Come share their enthusiasm for great cuisine, good living and good fun.

Holland America's ms Nieuw Amsterdam is the perfect ship for this culinary adventure. It's spanking new (inaugural voyage – July 2010), bright and spacious, beautifully decorated, and has fabulous entertainment and multiple dining options.

Download brochure. 

You must book through Alice Travel to participate in Paula Deen's program.

Jan. 30-Feb. 6, 2011 (7 nights)
Holland America's brand new ms Nieuw Amsterdam Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale

 (see our pre-cruise hotel package and optional welcome party)

About Paula Deen

Georgia native Paula Deen is a real success story, the old-fashioned "bootstraps" kind. She comes from a typically Southern tradition of close family and good food, but her young married life was marked by sudden losses and misfortunes that left her caring for her two babies as a single mom and her teenage brother. Fighting back from hard times, she started a simple lunch-catering business on a $200 budget, using the know-how she learned in her Grandma Paul's kitchen, and from there, the only direction was up. She opened her own acclaimed Savannah restaurant, The Lady & Sons (with sons Jamie and Bobby joining her in the business); then came a best-selling cookbook, awards, more cookbooks, and three phenomenally successful shows of her own on cable TV.

Since 2003, Paula has hosted the popular FoodNetwork show, Paula's Home Cooking and publishes a bi-monthly magazine, "Cooking with Paula Deen". Today Deen has four shows running concurrently on the Food Network, including the latest, "Paula’s Best Dishes", which launched in 2008. She makes frequent appearances at special events and has been a guest on a great many TV shows.

Last year's popular Deen Family Cookbook has been followed by her latest publication, Paula Deen's Savannah Style, which explores the lush gardens, stately homes, and sprawling plantation of her beloved city. It's all about home and friends, entertaining and hospitality.

Private Events & Highlights

• Onboard value coupon worth over $450 each (maximum 2 per cabin). See details.  

• Private welcome cocktail party

• Photo session—receive an individual photo with Paula.

• FREE CD with photos of the trip shot by O’Neal Bailey

• FREE DVD of the trip shot by Bailey’s Photos

• Special dinners including a poolside barbecue hosted by Paula

• Private beach BBQ on Holland America’s private island featuring the Deen Family “Olympics”, fun, and music

• Cooking demo by the ms Nieuw Amsterdam’s executive chef, with Paula doing a “critique” in her inimitable style!

• Q&A and game session with Paula…prizes too!

• Optional exclusive shore excursions including some hosted by members of the Deen family

• Commemorative "Paula Deen" personalized gift

• Paula Deen Cruise bag filled with surprises

• Private farewell cocktail party

• Gratuities, Taxes, Government Fees, and Insurance included!

• Optional pre-cruise welcome party in Ft. Lauderdale
 

*Check back to this site for details about onshore excursions that are being planned with Paula and members of her family.

Aboard the Stunning New ms Nieuw Amsterdam

Holland America’s ms Nieuw Amsterdam IV first sets sail in the summer of 2010. Her stunning decor reflects New York City’s native American history and early Dutch influences.

The ms Nieuw Amsterdam expands the Holland America Line premium brand with new concepts such as the innovative pan-Asian Tamarind restaurant and Silk Den lounge surrounded by panoramic views overlooking the ocean expanse and the Lido pool. The ship also features the family-style Canaletto's Italian restaurant. Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, a premium wine-tasting lounge, an elegant luxury jewelry boutique, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured The Showroom at Sea, and a new photographic and imaging center.

The ship will continue several much-admired Holland America Line features, including outside-view, glass elevators at midship; the Explorations Cafe — a cyber-coffee house powered by The New York Times; the Pinnacle Grill and Pinnacle Bar; the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, where culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchens; an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon with thermal suites and hydro-pool, and the largest gymnasium ever built for Holland America Line.
 

See deck plans and cabin descriptions. 

A Message from your photographer, O'Neal Bailey

Heeeey Y'all!!! It's casting off time again! We're joining Paula and her family in the sunny Western Caribbean!

This will be the second year with our new host Phyllis Loverdi from Alice Travel. I'm so excited to be working with Phyllis and Alice Travel again. Last year was by far the best Paula Deen Cruise yet and we expect 2011 to be even better.  We are going to have a blast!

After we get onboard the cruise, you will actually hear a word that I love very much, FREE. Phyllis is really looking out for us all. We will receive several FREE gifts— including a FREE CD and DVD of the entire trip. Paula is even coming up with a unique gift that she will personalize that us cruisers will have.

As you know from our previous trips with Paula, we are going to have a totally awesome time. There will be 7 days full of jaw dropping laughter and entertaining events with Paula and her family.

Just look at the Private Events and Extras and see what's included and FREE! Not only this, but Phyllis has many other wonderful surprises in store. So, book soon and pack your sunscreen and sunglasses and leave your worries at home. We're going to have a fun-filled time with Paula and her family!

    See y'all in Ft. Lauderdale!
         O'Neal Bailey, Bailey's Photos

Pre-Cruise Hotel Option in Ft. Lauderdale

Ft. Lauderdale offers plenty to do. First-class shopping, beautiful beaches, easy access to snorkeling and other water sports, fine restaurants and wonderful museums. You can book your hotel accommodations when you book your cruise by using our Online Registration Form . Of course, please call us if you have questions or special requests: (800) 229-2542.

Courtyard by Marriott Ft. Lauderdale Beach
440 Seabreeze Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal Waterway, each of the   spacious rooms has spectacular water views. Soak in the sun at the gorgeous outdoor pool. Marvel at a sunrise from the 23-mile stretch of golden beaches. Stroll along the beach promenade and explore nearby boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife. Easily accessible from the city and beach, the Courtyard Ft. Lauderdale Beach Hotel will delight even the most discerning traveler with its resort-like setting.

Includes:
• Intercoastal view with living/sitting area
• Breakfast daily
• Free high-speed internet and flat screen TV
• Taxes and service charges
• Transfer from hotel to pier

Optional Reception January 29: See old friends and make new ones. Party under the stars (weather permitting). Watch for details.

The hotel has a smoke-free policy. Although smoking is not permitted within hotel buildings,
guests who smoke can do so in designated outside areas.

Cabins and Prices

 

Prices include Gratuities, Taxes, Government Fees and Insurance.
Category	Size (sq. ft.): cabin + veranda	Double Occupancy (per person)	Single Occupancy	Third or Fourth Person in cabin
PS Penthouse*	900+418	SOLD OUT		$1010 per person additional
SA Deluxe Veranda Suite*	300+160	$3289	$5709
SB Deluxe Veranda Suite*	335+175	$3189	$5490
#7132 and#7137 (ends)	284+226	on request
SC Deluxe Suite	300+160	SOLD OUT
SS Superior Veranda Suite	261+128	$2549	$4200
V Deluxe Veranda	172+82	$2199	$3389
VA Deluxe Veranda	172+82	$2129	$3269
VB Deluxe Veranda	172+82	$2079	$3179
VC Deluxe Veranda	172+82	$2029	$3079
VE Deluxe Veranda	172+82	SOLD OUT
C Oceanview	185	$1779	$2249
D Outside	185	$1759	$2219
DD Outside	185	$1749	$2209
E Outside	185	$1739	$2189
F Outside	185	$1729	$2179
H Outside (fully obstructed)	185	$1629	$2029
I Inside	170-200	SOLD OUT
J Inside	170-200	$1589	$1969
K Inside	170-200	$1569	$1939
L Inside	170-200	$1549	$1909
MM Inside	170-200	SOLD OUT
*These suites have exclusive use of the private Neptune Lounge and concierge service. Priced per person double occupancy.

  

 

See deck plans and cabin descriptions.

 

Cancellation With Insurance: If you are canceling any tour or cruise and you have insurance, you must advise Alice Travel Inc. and the Insurance Company immediately, before the cancellation is made. In all cases, if you are canceling due to medical reasons, a doctor's visit will be necessary in order for a claim to be processed. You must advise Alice Travel of your cancellation within 72 hours after the doctor's visit and before the penalty increases to the next level (which ever comes first).

Alice Travel Cancellation: Alice Travel reserves the right to charge a 15% cancellation fee within 90 days of your departure. If charged, this fee is covered by your cancellation insurance if the cancellation is due to a covered reason.

Cancellation Fees For Paula Deen's January, 2011 Cruise:
July 1-Aug. 31, 2010- $400 per person
Sept. 1-Oct. 31, 2010 - $600 per person
Nov. 1-30, 2010 - 50% of total invoice
Dec. 1-23, 2010 – 75% of total invoice
Dec. 24-Jan. 30, 2010 - 100% of total invoice

Final Payment: November 1, 2010

Proof of Citizenship:  Proof of citizenship is required for all travel outside the United States. U.S. citizens need a passport valid for 6 months after their return. Some Caribbean destinations only require proof of citizenship and Photo I.D. Some destinations require a travel visa, which you will be advised about.

Air/Sea Transportation Restrictions: When purchasing air transportation for cruise vacations, we recommend purchasing the air from the cruise line. In most cases, the cruise line will make arrangements for you to reach the ship in the event of delays and include airport transfers; however they reserve the right to choose the air carrier and routing unless you pay a deviation fee. If you make other transportation arrangements, the cruise lines assume no responsibility, and transfers would not be included.

Alice Travel Hotel Packages: If you are taking a special Alice Travel Hotel Package, we will include your hotel room, breakfast, taxes and service charges and transfers from the hotel to the pier and from the pier to the hotel. Airport transfers are not included since air schedules are so varied.

Review all Tickets and Documents: Please review your documents as soon as you receive them and notify your Alice Travel agent immediately if there is anything that does not agree with your travel plans. Do not wait until last minute to check your tickets.