All of the bike-oriented events on-board the ship were for HSR passengers only and it should be pointed out that the HSR is an adult-only event, although there were some children on the ship that weren't a part of our HSR group. Each day the vendor area was open to HSR guests where they could check out and speak with each company. Among the vendors were Diamond Heads, Billet Eyewear, Nolan Helmets, Big Ear Inc., Condor Products, Hardcore Watches, Custom Engraving Ltd., Razor Custom Paint, Küryakyn, Scott Jacobs Fine Art, The Leather Lady, SK Tools, Shop Main Street, Motor Marc Art, Klock Werks, Delkron Manufacturing, EZ-Up Center Stand, and The Easy Strap. Each vendor also donated prizes to be given away during the contests and raffled off. In total the vendors donated almost $120,000 worth of merchandise. That's a lot of prizes. Each of those contests, raffles, and 50-50s also paid out more than $75,000 in good old American cash. A major highlight was the bike giveaway where one lucky HSR passenger got chosen at random to win a brand-new, custom bagger (worth almost $40,000). If you were part of the HSR, you were eligible to win the bike, no raffle, no extra tickets-just a free custom bike. All in all, the total in giveaway money and prizes added up to roughly $232,000. Among the best news was that the dialysis fund made more than $123,000. That money will help future patients take a cruise of a lifetime.
Our last day on the ship was another spent at sea and it was both an exciting time and sad that we'd all be going our separate ways. Many of the people on board were already booking next year's cruise and reserving blocks of adjoining rooms to make the party even better. Lots of the people were first-timers like me and yet we all left with new friends, connections, and plans for next year. It really was that good and unfortunately it had to end. Luckily I have the memories and the hope of getting back to the Caribbean now that I have some idea how it all works. There is just too much to do and see, people to meet, and stories to tell.
The next HSR cruise is set in the Western Caribbean Cruise October 31 to November 7, 2010. Check it out and register fast as the spots fill up early. In addition, Debbie and Dean have organized HSR trips to Alaska and the Mexican Riviera. Check out the extensive website with a ton of valuable information to make your trip as great as possible. Debbie and Dean have done all the hard work, all you need to do is sign up, show up, and live the dream. Hope to see you there.
Sources
High Seas Rally
(800) 444-8795
highseasrally.com