The following is a message from Aramco ExPats founder and president, Vicci Turner:
Dear Aramcons and Brats Around the World,
The last couple of years have been tough for all of us. Hafla 2020 had to be canceled after much hard work had been completed by John, Doreen, and their crew. I know we were all looking forward to visiting Colorado and seeing one another.
Fast forward to 2022. We were finding it very hard to obtain someone to organize the venue. Ali Baluchi and I talked about this problem; I finally agreed to take on this project with a lot of help from all my friends! This is where all of you come into the picture.
First, this is not an Aramco ExPats event; this is a Hafla 2022 Cruise. To make this Hafla a success, I will need help and input from all of you.
Second, I chose the cruise option after speaking with numerous former Hafla organizers and attendees. Knowing a cruise is the only way I can pull this off in a year, having the lodging, meals, and many onboard activities already included will make this much easier on all of us. I think we will have a Blast From The Past!
In March, I moved to a 55+ community, The Villages, Florida. This ship, Celebrity Summit, is a ship that caters to large groups, including corporate, reunions, and other large functions. It sails out of Miami.
We will still have a gathering area for coffee, tea, and booths/tables on the ship. The Summitt will have some activities that we haven't had in the past; however, we will be catered to our needs and group.
We are working with a cruise liner and a corporate cruise planner who will guide us all the way. The planner is paid by the cruise line.
Now for some other good news, the following are included in the package.
- Wifi
- Free Well Drinks (yes, FREE wine, beer, gin, liqueurs, rums, tequilas, vodkas, whiskeys, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks.) You'll still have to pay for the expensive stuff!
- Tips
We hope to entice Annuitants, Brats, Aramcons, and Employees from Around the World to join us.
The cruise line has addressed Covid concerns. All people getting on board shall have had a Covid vaccine. I'm not sure what the policy is if you have previously had Covid. We will have more information on the ship's updated Covid practices once we get past the first step and as the year continues.
Cruise Information
Hafla 2022 Cruise will be a five-night cruise leaving Miami on October 31 and returning to Miami on November 5, 2022. Our ship, Celebrity Summit's itinerary is the following:
- Day 1 - Monday, October 31
Departs Miami at 4:00 pm - Day 2 - Tuesday, November 1
At Sea - Day 3 - Wednesday, November 2
Cozumel, Mexico
Docked 7:00 am to 4:00 pm - Day 4 - Thursday, November 3
George Town, Grand Cayman
Tendered 10:00 am to 6:00 pm - Day 5 - Friday, November 4
At Sea - Day 6 - Saturday, November 5
Arrives Miami at 7:00 am
Calling for Volunteers
Who: Aramcons interested in our Hafla 2022 Cruise.
Why: Your input is essential! Your interest might include registration, morale groups, bridge, exhibits, tours, dance, sports available on board, and others.
How: Email your interests to hafla2022cruise@gmail.com.
Hosts: Vicci Turner and ?????
Venue: Summit Cruise Ship
We are looking for Co-Chairs and Helpers for each of the following:
- Registration
- Exhibits/Suq/Games/Coffee
- Gala Banquet Seating
- Group Photo Signup
- Tours (we can arrange our own group tour)
- Brat Coordinator
- UK & Europe Coordinator
- ME Coordinator
- Social Media
- Bridge
- Mahjong
- Casino or Slot Tournament
- Other Ideas
Information regarding costs and stateroom availability will come shortly.
Our cruise will be a wonderful, relaxing time, seeing our friends, making new ones, and getting out to do something fun!
Love to all,
Vicci Turner
hafla2022cruise@gmail.com