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Cruise Conference Planning For Your Association

Bells of the Cascades Cruise XV: Panamania! With Cathy Moklebust

10-Night Panama Canal Cruise Conference
Round-trip Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
January 06 - 16, 2019
Holland America's <em> Zuiderdam</em>
Holland America's Zuiderdam

Program Purpose / Objectives

Guest Clinician


Cathy Moklebust

Cathy Moklebust has developed and directed handbell programs since 1983, and has played bells since childhood. She is a nationally known clinician and festival conductor and one of today's most popular handbell music composers, with approximately 250 compositions and arrangements in print. Cathy is an active percussionist and her music has been described as having a uniquely delightful sense of melodic and rhythmic interaction. She has been commissioned to write music for festivals and other events, as well as for many individual handbell ensembles.

Cathy earned both her B.A. (Music/Percussion, 1982) and M.Ed. (Teacher Education/Music, 1988) at South Dakota State University, in her hometown of Brookings, SD. She was encouraged in composition by her music theory professors, and studied instrumental conducting extensively.

She is an active percussionist, and has performed as principal or section percussionist with several professional and community bands and orchestras throughout the upper Midwest. Cathy has played in, conducted, and coached church and community handbell ensembles in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Since 1989, she has worked in the music retail and publishing industry; currently she and her husband David operate Moklebust Music Services, a music preparation service.

Activities Planned

During the days that we are "At Sea" there will be ringing activities, including massed ringing with our guest clinician and classes. There is usually time to help people with bass techniques, treble techniques, special techniques, solo and ensemble ringing or other topics cruisers find interesting. When bell activities are not scheduled, the bells are available for rehearsing, practicing ensembles (formed by those interested on the first day), and more.

The final day at sea, handbell cruisers will present the pieces they have learned. The showcase is open to the ship's passengers, but space is usually limited. Bells of the Cascades will also play a concert at some point during the cruise that is open to all.

People coming on the cruise with us do not need to bring their handbells. We supply all of the bells, music (no need to prepare in advance) and other equipment.

The only things you need to bring are yourself, your luggage, an easel (split-back) binder and gloves in your choice of color.

Conference Sessions generally take place on days at sea (as itinerary allows), giving you plenty of time to enjoy your meals, evenings and ports of call with your companion, family and friends.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All conferees, their families, and guests must book their cruise within the University at Sea® meeting group through University at Sea® at 800-926-3775 or by registering online. This ensures our company can provide conference services and complimentary social amenities to all meeting participants and their guests. Thank you for your cooperation.

Our staff can assist you with all your travel arrangements.

Questions? Call us at 800-422-0711.
We can assist you with all your travel arrangements. We'd be happy to help you plan your flights, hotels or tours before and/or after your cruise conference.

Cruise Itinerary

DATE PORT OF CALL ARRIVE DEPART
Sun Jan 06 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
12:00 am 5:00 pm
Mon Jan 07 Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
8:00 am 3:00 pm
Tue Jan 08 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Wed Jan 09 Oranjestad, Aruba
1:00 am 11:00 pm
Thu Jan 10 Willemstad, Curacao
8:00 am 4:00 pm
Fri Jan 11 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Sat Jan 12 Panama Canal
5:00 am 12:00 am
Sat Jan 12 Panama Canal
12:00 am 12:00 am
Sat Jan 12 Gatun Lake
9:00 am 10:00 am
Sat Jan 12 Gatun Lake
12:00 am 12:00 am
Sat Jan 12 Panama Canal
12:00 am 12:00 am
Sat Jan 12 Colon, Panama
3:00 am 8:00 pm
Sun Jan 13 Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
6:30 am 4:00 pm
Mon Jan 14 *At Sea - Cruising
12:00 am 12:00 am
Tue Jan 15 *At Sea - Cruising
12:00 am 12:00 am
Wed Jan 16 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
7:00 am 12:00 am
*Tentative course schedule, actual class times may differ.
Holland America ms Zuiderman Map

Ports of Call

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - There is an abundance of things to see and do in the Ft. Lauderdale area: visit the newly redesigned Ft. Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard, or adventure to the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas - All Bahama Islands are full of tropical wonders and sun-kissed beaches; but Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island in the Bahamas is an absolute stunner. When you feel the sugar-white sand on your toes or see its brilliant blue lagoon, you’ll understand why cruise travelers love Half Moon Cay. True bucket-list excursions, secluded cabanas, and stunning beaches make it ideal for any type of vacation.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Oranjestad, Aruba - A Dutch jewel with a tropical touch. In Oranjestad, Aruba's capital, explore the colorful floating market and Nassaustraat, brimming with quaint shops. Head for the beach where water sports abound: snorkeling, rides on glass bottom boats and submarines. Or venture into the countryside to see the haunts of the huge green parakeet, the unique rock gardens of Casi Bari, the curious divi divi tree, forever bending in the tradewind breezes.

Willemstad, Curacao - Curaçao is a treasure trove of cultural attractions, rich history, and natural scenery — from desert landscapes and rugged cliffs to 38 spectacular, and mostly secluded, beaches. Sint Anna Bay separates the two sides of the capital of Willemstad. Punda, the original settlement, is a tidy grid filled with shops and unique markets, restaurants and open-air cafes. Not to mention the famous tropicalized Dutch architecture in vibrant hues. Otrobanda (literally, “the other side”) is a maze of narrow streets and even narrower alleyways. And at only 40 miles long, a wide variety of island adventures are within easy reach during your Curaçao cruise.

Panama Canal - Cruising

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica - Come to Puerto Limon ready to meet a raw and beautiful side unlike any other in Costa Rica. Go off-road and through prehistoric forests in places like the famous Veragua Rainforest Park. Jump onboard a Costa Rica cruise and glide on a canoe over the Tortuguero Canal, meet wild creatures at the Costa Rica Wildlife Sanctuary, or get in some of the region's best surfing at the Salsa Brava reef break, just an hour's drive south of the port.

Our staff can assist you with all your travel arrangements.

Questions? Call us at 800-422-0711.
We can assist you with all your travel arrangements. We'd be happy to help you plan your flights, hotels or tours before and/or after your cruise conference.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
Please note that our shore excursions are operated separately and
independently of those offered by the cruise line.
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