Frequently Asked Questions
The Real Estate Guys™ 10th Annual Investor Summit at Sea™
2012 is SOLD OUT!
Get the jump on 2013! Click here to get on the 2013 Summit at Sea™ Advance Notice List!
Here’s the info for our 2012 Summit:
You have questions. We have answers! We’ll cover the most common ones here – plus a few important ones you might not think of. Of course, if we you have a burning question that we miss, send us a note on our Feedback page or give us a call at 1-888-489-7723 x 1
What’s the difference between a Summit and a Cruise?
Okay, no one really asked that. But it’s something we want you to know. A Summit is a gathering of elite leaders and industry experts for the purpose of sharing, learning and connecting. Most Summits (not ours) are in hotel conference centers, so the obvious focus is on the people, not the venue. A cruise is like the hotel conference center. It’s the venue. Without the Summit attendees, it’s just a ship that carries around a bunch of people on vacation. So if you think you’re buying a cruise, you’re missing the whole point. That’s like renting a hotel room a week after the conference is over to save money. You missed the conference! When you invest in attending the Investor Summit at Sea™, you’re buying the Summit experience, which just happens to take place on a cruise ship – which is WAY more fun than a hotel conference center.
I’ve never cruised before. What’s a cruise like?
In a word: AWESOME! A cruise is unlike any other other form of vacation or business conference. It’s like checking into a 4+ star hotel in Las Vegas, except you unpack once and your hotel takes you from destination to destination. There’s gourmet food (and LOTS of it), first class shows and entertainment, a vibrant night life, casinos, swimming pools, group activities, in-room movies, fitness and spa facilities, bars, shops (duty free!) and much more! Plus, a wait staff that is large (actually most are very fit, but there are lots of them) and eager to cater to your every need. You’ll feel like royalty! And of course, there’s sunshine and beautiful ocean views by day, and warm star lit skies at night. Once you go, you’ll be hooked!
Should I bring my children?
This is really a two part question. First, do I want to bring my children? If you decide not to use this as an opportunity to take a break from the kids, then the remaining question is: will the kids enjoy it? Based on our 9 previous Summits, the answer is your children will ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! From toddlers to teenagers, Carnival has a ton to offer young people. There are organized, supervised activities designed especially for the younger children – and lots of age appropriate clubs, gaming facilities and meal choices for the older kids. There are even babysitting services for the little ones, so parents can focus on classes or other adult only activities.
How much time will I spend in class? What will be covered?
That’s entirely up to you, though most people attend every available session. There are no attendance requirements. Every year the content varies according to the faculty and current events. To allow for the creative genius of our super talented faculty, the specific class sessions and schedule won’t be finalized or published until the morning of embarkation – and even then, it’s subject to change. But in 9 years, we’ve never had anyone complain there wasn’t enough education!
What ports are we going to and what is there to do?
Every port is a new and different experience! This year we’re going to the Western Caribbean destinations of Belize, Isla Roatan, Cozumel and Costa Maya. The cruise line will publish a list of optional (additional cost) shore excursions in advance of each port. You may want to do some advance research as well. Every port will offer tours, shopping and a variety of activities. The Real Estate Guys™ plan to have an optional beach party in Cozumel and an optional real estate field trip in Belize. In all cases, every port is full of fun things to do and see from shopping, to water sports, to sight-seeing and specialized activities like zip-lining, hiking, horseback riding and more. You could go on a dozen cruises and never do and see it all! VERY fun.
How soon should I register?
Do yourself (and us) a huge favor and don’t wait until the last minute! Here are some reasons why you want to sign up right away:
- Meeting space on the ship is limited and therefore so is our enrollment. Once we sell out, it isn’t possible to expand. If you want to go, make sure you reserve your spot right away.
- Summit numbers (our priority rankings) are assigned in the order registrations are received. Attendees with low Summit numbers are given priority access to exclusive, limited space optional events and opportunities. Trust us. You want a low Summit number.
- The best pricing and upgrades go to early registrants. As the ship fills up and we exceed our allotment, the pricing is subject to increase. If you’re serious about coming, commit early and sign up right away.
I’m attending by myself. Can you find me a roommate to help lower my cost?
This comes up a lot! So to address the issue, we created the Guaranteed Share program. Simply stated, you sign up alone and add $350 to the Double Occupancy rate. Then we either find you a same sex roommate or you get the cabin to yourself. You get a much lower rate than if you signed up Single Occupancy and you make a new best friend for life. We can’t guarantee you’ll get along, but you won’t spend too much time in the cabin anyway. And odds are, since you’re both real estate addicts and you’ll be in classes together, you’ll have TONS to talks about.
What are my payment options?
Advance registration deposits of $1000 per person and $500 per child will secure your spot (and pricing) until 12/1/11 when full payment will be due. After this date, all registrations must be accompanied by payment in full. Payments can be made by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express; check or money order. You can also wire transfer or deliver a large suitcase full of cash. Not really. Well, we would take it, but a wire is better.
What if I need to cancel?
That would be SO sad. But we know sometimes life happens and gets in the way of the best laid plans. However, we have costs that we need to cover in the event of a cancellation. If you’ve signed up and discover that you’re unable to attend, the following cancellation policy applies:
- On or before November 30, 2011 – cancellation fee is $750 per person
- On or after December 1, 2011 – there is NO refund (sorry!).
An optional Cruise Vacation Protection Plan™ is available, which covers trip cancellation, interruption or delay for specific reasons, as well as additional baggage protection and medical expense coverage. Policies range in price depending on coverage. If you’re interested, please call our Summit Cruise Director, MaryLyn at 1-888-489-7723 x1.
How do I get to the Summit and home again?
You are responsible for making appropriate travel arrangements to arrive at the designated hotel in Orlando, Florida (we’ll let you know once you’re registered) on or before the evening of Thursday, March 29th. Your Summit registration includes your room for the evenings of March 29th and 30th, so if you decide to arrive early and enjoy Orlando, you’ll need to make your own hotel arrangements. But let us know, as we may be able to get you into the Summit hotel at our group rate (no promises!). The Summit officially begins the morning of March 30th. On March 31st, we will get your from Orlando to Port Canaveral, where we will board the ship. PLEASE NOTE: When the ship returns on April 7th, you will be in Port Canaveral. Because we get off the ship at different times and are headed in various directions, it’s up to you to arrange to get from the pier at Port Canaveral to wherever your final destination is. You’ll get information regarding Carnival’s airport transfer service well in advance of sailing. Don’t worry. You won’t be stranded at the pier. There’s about 3,000 other people who all need to get home too – and you don’t even need a smart phone app.
What else do I need to know?
There are a host of logistical details which we will provide to you between your registration and the Summit itself. Among these are hotel details, packing recommendations and how to notify the cruise line of any special needs (diet, medicines, etc.) Please note that all persons sailing, including children, will need a valid passport. These can sometimes take a few weeks to get, so make sure you plan ahead! There is no way the ship will let anyone board without one.
