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Contents Taking care of all your Travel Needs
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Use the Cybermall
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Touring the Yucatán
8
Coupons
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Your Vacation Checklist
13
Time Out, Spa-Style
14
Make it a Bandstand Night
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Royal Resorts Points
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Airport Transfers
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Keep in Touch
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T i p s B e f o r e y o u Tr a v e l Tips before you Travel is a Royal Resorts publication. Contents may not be reproduced without written permission of Royal Resorts. Information may change after this magazine has gone to press. Advertisements are accepted on the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter.
www.royalresorts.com
Dear Royal Resorts Members & Guests Are you counting the days until your next Royal Resorts vacation? Read on for ideas on ways to plan your Cancún trip before you travel and have more time to spend relaxing on the beach, sightseeing in the area, enjoying water sports and more. You can book your airline tickets to Cancún through Royal Club Vacations and take advantage of special rates from many US gateway cities. Start thinking about what you would like to do during your vacation and select the day trips and activities that interest you. Perhaps this is the moment to try something new like dive classes or a trip to the colonial city of Mérida, capital of the neighboring state of Yucatán. Don't forget that you book some well-deserved Spa time and even stock up your refrigerator before you arrive. Your vacation begins the moment you set foot on the tarmac at Cancún Airport and why not do what thousands of Royal Resorts members already do and book your transport to the resorts through Thomas More Travel. Making a reservation couldn't be easier and Thomas More staff will be waiting for you at the airport. If you would like further information about the services featured here, please contact us. It's also a good idea to visit our website www.royalresorts.com regularly as more activities will be available in the near future. We look forward to seeing you soon in Cancún. Richard Corso Chief Operating Officer, Royal Resorts
Tips before you travel 3
Take a break from the kitchen and really relax With the Royal Resorts Dine-ARound Meal Plan you can dine in style and save money too.
$169 US p/p + tax from all major US gateway cities. If you are bound for the islands of Curacao and St. Maarten in the Caribbean you can also book your flight through the agency. Just call and they'll take care of all the details. If you are thinking about extending your stay at Royal Resorts contact Royal Club Vacations to book your additional nights, spa packages and the Royal Dine-a-Round meal plan.
• Seven breakfasts • Three dinners • $50 US beverage credit.
One child under the age of 12 per paying adult eats for free, additional children pay $69 US + 10% tax (no beverage credit). The Dine-A-Round is available at all Royal Resorts restaurants in Cancún except El Conquistador and The Royal Bandstand. Meal Plans are nonrefundable and non transferable. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Tips are not included.
Interested? Call Royal Club Vacations at 800 221-8090 or email us at info@royalclubvacations.com and check out www.royalclubvacations.com
See the world
Y
ou are counting the days to your next Royal Resorts vacation and have begun to do your homework looking for flights. This can be a timeconsuming and sometimes frustrating process so why not leave the details to the professionals at Royal Club Vacations, the travel agency recommended by Royal Resorts. Wouldn't you rather spend your time dreaming about the beach?
You can also count on Royal Club Vacations to help you with travel arrangements anywhere in the world. Cruises, airline tickets, hotels, car rentals, tours and that once in a lifetime trip you have always dreamed of to somewhere really special. The possibilities are endless.
Royal Resorts Points When you book your vacation with Royal Club Vacations, you'll receive Royal Resorts Points that you can use to pay your Club Service Fee or your Club Bill during your next vacation in Cancún.
Flights to Cancún & the Caribbean Royal Club Vacations offers great rates on scheduled flights to Cancún with airlines such as US Airways, Mexicana and Spirit, not to mention charter flights
4 Tips before you travel
Call Royal Club Vacations at 800 221-8090 or send an email to info@royalresorts.com and check out www.royalclubvacations.com Tips before you travel 5
For someone special… Say it with flowers
Use the Cybermall Shop before you travel and save precious beach time. Visit the Royal Resorts Cybermall at www.royalresorts.com and take a look at the options available.
Kitchen Starter Kit
Did you know that you can stock up your refrigerator before you arrive? That's right, visit the Cybermall, check the items that interest you in our Kitchen Starter Kit and we'll deliver them free of charge on the day you arrive. Imagine opening your fridge and finding that the breakfast goodies, snacks, sandwich fixings, fruit, beers and soft drinks have already been delivered. We'll save you a trip to the supermarket so that you can spend more time on the beach. If you would like something that is not included in our Kitchen Starter Kit just send us an email and we will get it for you. grocerystore@royalresorts.com
Visit the Cybermall & pre-order • Flowers • Fruit baskets • Birthday cakes • Gift certificates for use in the Royal Resorts Boutiques We'll deliver them to the villa for you www.royalresorts.com
Your Boutique Reminder If you haven't had time to complete your vacation shopping, don't worry and come on down. You'll find a complete line of beach and resort wear at the Royal Resorts boutiques; you can even order a made to measure swimsuit. Sun care products are available at the convenience stores and remember that you can do your souvenir shopping at the Royal Resorts boutiques. They stock a great selection of Mexican handicrafts, ethnic jewelry, ceramics and even locally crafted furniture, and of course, Royal Resorts brand name merchandise.
Thinking of getting married in Cancún? Drop us a line at bcenter@royalresorts.com if you are planning to say “I do” or renew your vows and think that the Caribbean would be a perfect setting. We will send you the information you need and can organize an unforgettable day for you. Thinking of having a party during your stay? Birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions and even a get together with friends you haven't seen in years, contact the Business Center if you would like to organize a special event.
Photo & Video Service Royal Channel, the Royal Resorts in-house TV station, offers a convenient photo and video service for weddings, vow renewals and other special events. Or perhaps you would just like some photos of your family and friends enjoying their Cancún vacation, contact Royal Channel at royalchannel@royalresorts.com to book your session or visit the Business Center upon arrival at your club.
6 Tips before you travel
Tips before you travel 7
Take
The city of the black jaguar
Three
If Chichén Itzá and Tulum intrigued you then perhaps a visit to the archaeological site of Ek Balam is in order. The site is currently being excavated and is posing many questions for archaeologists. Even its name: “Ek Balam” or “star jaguar” in Maya (star/black is ek, jaguar is balam) is enigmatic. The city flourished between A.D. 250-1200 and the mix of artistic and architectural styles visible at the site reflects the cultural and trade links it forged with other city-states in the region. Not all of them were peaceful neighbors it seems as the ceremonial heart of the city is walled, probably for defensive purposes. Ek Balam's crowning glory is the Acropolis and its upper facade features hieroglyphics, masks and a mysterious “winged figure” known as “el angel” by local people (see photo, left). To find out more about “the angel,” actually the stucco figure of an ancient ruler, plan a trip with Thomas Moore. Ek Balam is a 30-minute drive north of the colonial city of Valladolid in the neighboring state of Yucatán. The excursion includes a guided tour of the site, lunch in an old hacienda and a sightseeing stop in Valladolid.
Touring the Yucatán with Thomas Moore Travel Thomas Moore Travel has something for everyone whether it's a trip to one of the Yucatan's worldfamous archaeological sites, a day at a nature park, a dolphin swim or a cruise to one of Cancún's sister islands. They'll take you diving, snorkeling and fishing and when it comes to family fun, they have some great ideas. Check www.royalresorts.com for a look at all the options available, prices, what's included, departure days and times. You can book your tours online and here are three very different trips to get you started.
Mérida is a must If you haven't visited Mérida, capital of the neighboring state of Yucatán, why not plan a trip during your next vacation? Take a break from the fast-paced ambiance of Cancún and experience the provincial charm, colorful traditions and warm hospitality of this gracious old city. For Mérida is indeed old, it was founded in 1542 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Montejo, on the ruins of a much earlier Mayan capital called T'ho. Indeed, when you look closely at the huge Cathedral on the main square, you can see ancient Mayan carvings on some of the stones. Colonial churches and 19th-century civic buildings vie for attention in the city center's streets and leafy plazas while the opulent belle époque mansions lining Paseo Montejo boulevard are testimony to the wealth of local estate
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owners during the henequen boom, the age of the plant Yucatecans once called oro verde or green gold. Yet there is more to Mérida than architectural splendor, the city boasts an interesting collection of museums and galleries and its inhabitants are immensely proud of their music, art and cuisine. Guitar-strumming trios stroll through the squares calling in at open-air restaurants to serenade diners with the romantic local ballads called trova and there's a different concert or cultural event every night. To cap it all, the main square and surrounding streets are closed to traffic on Sundays for Mérida en Domingo, an all-day gala of music and dance, handicraft and art exhibitions. Tempted? Thomas Moore Travel offers a 2-day excursion to Mérida, with accommodation at the El
Castellano hotel, a Mérida City Tour, a trip to the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal and a lunch stop in the colonial town of Izamal on the return journey to Cancún. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1996, Uxmal is a Mayan masterpiece. The carvings decorating the Magician's Pyramid, Nun's Quadrangle and Palace of the Governor are testimony to the skill of the city's long-lost artists. After a guided tour of the site, you'll stay on for dinner and the nightly Light & Sound show. Uxmal seen by the light of the moon and stars is unforgettable. Contact Thomas Moore Travel for further details and reservations. Mérida is the gateway to a world of natural and historical attractions and private trips can also be arranged if you would like to stay longer.
Tips before you travel 9
Snorkel heaven Pencil in some snorkeling time during your next Cancún vacation. The water is warm and crystal-clear and it won't be long before you have a close encounter with some very curious and colorful fish. The world's second longest reef hugs the Mexican Caribbean coast, running south into Belize and the Bay of Honduras and luckily for us, many of the coral formations lie in shallow and sheltered waters. Marine life is abundant along the reef, over 400 species of fish have been identified and 70 varieties of coral inhabit this strange and colorful world. You may not find that famous little orange cartoon fish, but you'll see parrot and angelfish, blue tangs, sergeant majors, barracudas and even the occasional sea turtle. Thomas Moore Travel will take you snorkeling to the reefs of Puerto Morelos, the caleta or natural inlet of Xel-Ha and its smaller and much less crowded cousin, Yalku, and you can even charter a boat and escape fellow swimmers on your own snorkeling adventure. If you can swim you can snorkel and you and your family will soon feel right at home in masks and flippers. Once you catch your first glimpse of life on the reef you may well be hooked, and if you are, diving classes are the next step. So, go ahead, take the plunge!
When you purchase two weekly passes for the Fitness Center, get a third pass free. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotions. Reservations: spa@royalresorts.com Ext. 65996, 65997, 65992 at The Royal Sands
your bill when you dine at Isabella's or enjoy the live music in El Patio Bar. Present this coupon when you request the bill. This promotion is not valid for Dinner Shows or Sunset Dinner Specials and cannot be used with other offers. The Royal Bandstand, next to The Royal Sands Reservations: Ext. 65216, 65217 & 65218 bandstand@royalresorts.com
your bill when you visit Captain's Cove for dinner.
For more information on all these tours and more contact: tourdesk@royalresorts.com
Present this coupon when you request the bill. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with other offers. Captain's Cove, the Royal Marina, opposite The Royal Mayan & Omni Tel. 885-0016
Certificate
No 200409
Your van transport from Cancún Airport to Royal Resorts. Round trip. Valid only for Transfers from Cancún International Airport-Royal Resorts-Airport. Mention this coupon when you make your reservation. Valid only for reservations made using airportservice@royalresorts.com or by calling 1-866-733-7715. You must hand in the coupon during the journey from the airport to your club. This promotion is valid only for Cancún airport -Royal Resorts transfers and does not apply to tours or any other activity offered by Thomas More Travel.
Book your next vacation with Royal Club Vacations anywhere in the world and get
$20 US off for every $500 US you spend Mr & Mrs You are invited to share my Royal Experience. Book now and receive a coupon for $100 US 1-877-736-4552 referralprogram@royalresorts.com You can apply the coupon to your Club Bill. Restrictions apply.
10 Tips before you travel
Coupon valid from November 1 to March 31 This coupon cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Other restrictions apply. Reservations: 1-800 221 8090 Tips before you travel 11
Great food & ambiance Live music nightly Dinner Shows Open : 5 p.m. - 1 a.m. Closed Saturday Information subject to change.
Tours & activities for the whole family Diving & Fishing Cruises & Dolphin Swims Private trips, transport & more
Massages Facials & Body wraps Aromatherapy Wet area, Fitness Center & Beauty Salon General Wellness consultations
Waterfront dining at its best. Seafood, steaks & more Tuesday & Friday Night Seafood Buffet & Sunday Brunch Information subject to change.
Call Royal Club Vacations for • Flights to Cancún, the Caribbean and elsewhere • Additional nights at Royal Resorts, spa packages and the Meal Plan • Your global travel arrangements: flights, hotels, cruises and more 800 221-8090 or email us at info@royalclubvacations.com and check out www.royalclubvacations.com
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You can apply your $100 US coupon to your Club Bill. Restrictions apply.
Traveling to Cancun soon? This checklist will help you plan your next Royal Resorts vacation.
Recommended minimum call in advance time
Reserve your plane tickets with Royal Club Vacations Tel: 800-221-8090 for US & Canada; Elsewhere: (954) 736-2200 Fax: (954) 736-2223 Email: airtravel@royalclubvacations.com
6 months before your next trip
Explore the Yucatan. Choose your Thomas More tours today Tel: 1-866-733-7715 (US), 1-866-845-3758 (Canada), 52 (998) 885-0254, Fax: 52 (998) 885-0516 Email: tourdesk@royalresorts.com
3 months before your next trip
Have you invited your family or friends? Just send us their phone number or e-mail and we will offer them some exciting options. Tel: 1-877-736-4552 Email: referralprogram@royalresorts.com
3 months before your next trip
Purchase the Meal Plan for your family Tel: 800-221-8090 for US & Canada; Elsewhere: (954) 736-2200 Fax: (954) 736-2223 Email: info@royalclubvacations.com
1 month before your next trip
Book your Airport Transfer with Thomas More Travel Tel: 1-866-733-7715 (US), 1-866-845-3758 (Canada) 52 (998) 885-0254, Fax: 52 (998) 885-0516 Email: airportservice@royalresorts.com
1 month before your next trip
Sign up for some Spa Time Email: spa@royalresorts.com
2 weeks before your next trip
Purchase your Kitchen Starter Kit Email: grocerystore@royalresorts.com
1 week before your next trip Tips before you travel 13
Time Out Spa-style
You come to Cancun to relax so spend some time giving your body the care it needs. Click on www.royalresorts.com for a look at the exciting Spa treatments and packages available.
See you at the gym The Spa has a Fitness Center so you can continue with your daily workout during your stay. A trainer is on hand throughout the day to advise you on exercise programs and to show you how to use the weight and cardiovascular equipment. When you purchase a facial or body treatment the daily fee for the use of the gym is included.
New tan, new look, new you
Start the day with a massage Relaxing, sports and soothing aromatherapy treatments are definitely on the massage menu. For maximum relaxation try a Rise & Shine Massage and end the day with a Moon & Stars Massage. Both sessions take place on a private terrace overlooking the Caribbean. Lose yourself in the view and let the sound of the waves lull you, it's time to change gear. Restore harmony with a Hot stone massage, a treatment based on an ancient Native American remedy that balances and releases your energy and helps you relax. If you are feeling tense, the DreamWorld Zone Massage Capsule provides relief. It combines the benefits of heat from carbon plane heaters and jade stone with aromatherapy and feet reflexology.
A blend of exotic essences, essential oils and aromatherapy extracts soothe, moisturize and soften your skin. The Aromatherapy Salt Glow cleanses and boosts circulation while the Seaweed Body Wrap softens your skin and improves elasticity. Other treatments include Natural Moor Cellulite Firming and the Anti-Stress therapy.
You are relaxed, tanned and radiant, say hello to the new you! Book your appointment at the beauty salon for a style make-over. Services include haircuts, styling and treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing and tips on make up. Time to recharge at the Spa, for reservations: spa@royalresorts.com
Indulge yourself The Spa recipe for relaxation goes far beyond massages. For some regal pampering sign up for a facial or body treatment. Deep cleansing, eye lifting, aromatherapy and high performance cellular treatments are designed to rejuvenate your skin and give it a firm, youthful look.
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Tips before you travel 15
Mexican Night Don't miss our celebration of Mexican music, dance and cuisine in a splendid hacienda setting. Caribbean Night Take a tour through the islands, their cuisine, rhythms and dances with our Dinner Show.
Make it a Bandstand Night Looking for a fun-filled night out. Let us Bandstand you! Dine on Mexican cuisine, the finest seafood and steaks at Isabella's Restaurant and then dance the night away to the best live music. There is something different every evening and our Dinner Shows in El Patio Bar are very popular so book early. E-mail for reservations: bandstand@royalresorts.com Make a date with The Royal Bandstand for weddings, anniversary dinners and other social events. E-mail bandstand@royalresorts.com for information on menu, montage and music options and more.
The Bandstand Bill of Fare Tango Night Argentina is calling you! Watch our dancers perform the tango, the elegant and yet melancholy dance that originated in the bars of Buenos Aires. Flamenco Night The music and dance of Spain; enjoy the grace and passion of Flamenco with our popular Dinner Show.
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Live music every night Enjoy soft jazz, golden oldies, dance favorites, the tropical beat of salsa and merengue and the latest hits, not to mention the lively rhythms of jarocho, music from the Mexican state of Veracruz. Don't know what jarocho is? Imagine the rock and roll classic, La Bamba, played on guitars and a harp, it's very catchy. The Royal Bandstand, next to The Royal Sands. Entertainment schedule is subject to change.
Classically Caribbean On your next trip why not pencil in a visit to Captain's Cove. Enjoy your seafood, steaks, pastas and more in a romantic waterfront setting with a ringside view of CancĂşn's famous sunsets. Come for a cocktail during Happy Hour and stay on for dinner under the stars. Captain's Cove, at the Royal Marina on the shores of the lagoon, opposite The Royal Mayan.
Dining at Royal Resorts Check www.royalresorts.com for a gastronomic tour and information on the theme nights we offer at our different restaurants during the week. You can try something different every night. If you would like to book a table at your favorite restaurant for your first night in CancĂşn, the Restaurant Reservations Center can take care of it for you at publicrelations@royalresorts.com
Tips before you travel 17
Last Chance to purchase a piece of Cancún at
The Royal Sands
F
ind out how you can get more out of your vacation. Through the Royal Resorts Points program members can earn points that may be redeemed for vacation packages and much more. You can use your points to pay your Club Service Fee or your Club Bill during your next Cancún visit. To join the Royal Resorts Points Program, simply fill out the Enrollment Form. Upon receipt of your request, you will immediately be enrolled in Royal Resorts Points and will automatically receive free points just for signing up!
How do I earn Royal Resorts Points? • Just for enrolling in the program. • For each qualified referral/couple you send us (See eligibility information) • When one of your referrals purchases a Friends & Family package at Royal Resorts. • When one of your referrals purchases a new Royal Resorts membership. • For customer service suggestions (a maximum of 10 suggestions per year). • When you book designated travel services through Royal Club Vacations (Royal Club Vacations is operated by CIT, L.L.C.). • For renting a Royal Resorts unit through Royal Club Vacations (Royal Club Vacations is operated by CIT, L.L.C.).
Royal Resorts Points Referral Program Earn Royal Resorts Points by referring friends and family. To participate in the program, fill out the
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Referral Form. You may also email Referrals to us at: pointsprogram@rrpoints.com In order for a Royal Resorts Points member to receive points for a referral, the individual/couple referred must satisfy the following criteria: • Referrals must have a prior association with the member. • Referrals may be single, married or cohabiting couples. • Referrals must be registered with RRP, L.L.C., prior to participating in the sales presentation. Notification of a referral less than 24 hours prior to the sales presentation renders it ineligible for Royal Resorts Points. In the event that an identical referral name is submitted from two different sources, only the first source to submit the name is eligible to receive Royal Resorts Points. • Individuals who have toured any of the Royal Resorts or their sales centers within the last 12 months and employees of Royal Resorts and their affiliates are not eligible for this offer. • Referrals cannot be current Royal Resorts members or guests.
This Five Star club will soon be sold out Don’t miss out Prices at The Royal Sands start from $9,900 US With guaranteed financing available. Land values in Cancún continue to rise and a villa at The Royal Sands is a great investment opportunity. Tell your family and friends about The Royal Sands and the benefits of Royal Resorts membership. For further details, please call: 1 888 452 7695 membershipinfo@royalresorts.com www.royalresorts.com
If you have any questions or would like additional Referral Forms, please feel free to call Toll Free at (877) 736-4552 or email us at pointsprogram@rrpoints.com The Royal Resorts Points program new point system will be available only after December 15, 2004. Tips before you travel 19
Book your Airport Transfer with Thomas More Travel
Why not do what thousands of Royal Resorts members already do, enjoy the comfort and simplicity of Thomas More's airport transfer service. Call Thomas More Travel toll-free or send an e-mail and reserve your airport transfer to one of the Royal Resorts. Please book at least 48 hours prior to travel and if you make an online reservation be sure to include your phone number in the e-mail. You will receive a pre-booked voucher from Thomas More; please keep it handy and give to one of the uniformed Thomas More Travel representatives who will be waiting for Royal Resorts members and guests outside the arrivals area at Cancún International Airport. Look out for the colorful Royal Resorts vans like the one you can see here.
Why pre-book? New airport regulations strictly prohibit Thomas More from transporting any guests unless they have a pre-booked voucher in their possession when they arrive.
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Members or Guests of Royal Resorts who arrive at the airport without a pre-booked voucher will have to fend for themselves.
It's quicker Thomas More vans go straight to the Royal Resorts and even though you may be sharing your van with other people, they are all Royal Resorts members and guests and therefore going to the same clubs. This is not the case with external services contracted at the airport that often make many stops at other hotels, and take much longer.
This ground transfer service is only available for the Royal Resorts in Cancún. For your convenience the fares will be added to your club bill to be paid at the end of your vacation. Call Thomas More Travel From USA toll-free: 1-866-733-7715 Canada: 1-866-845-3758 Elsewhere: 52-988-885-0254 airportservice@royalresorts.com
Ground transfer rates Between Cancún's International Airport and the Resorts: One-way collective fare: $8.50 per person Round-trip collective fare: $17 per person Private transfers can also be arranged All prices are in U.S. dollars and are subject to change without prior notification
Tips before you travel 21
Keep in touch with Royal Resorts For updates on Royal Resorts, tour and activity ideas, special offers and travel promotions, sign up for our monthly ebulletin called Notes from Paradise. Why dream about the Caribbean when you could see it on your computer screen every day? Download the Royalinks Desktop Network from the Royal Resorts website www.royalresorts.com for photos of Royal Resorts, Cancún and sites of interest in the area, the weather forecast, links and information on the clubs, the Yucatán Peninsula and Mexico in general.
The Royal Gallery Do you have a Cancún vacation photo you are especially proud of, if so, we would like to see it? It could be a picture of your family, a sunset, somewhere you visited, a
Sometimes the unexpected does happen when you are away from home and due to sickness or injury you may have to pay for an emergency air evacuation. Airlifts cost thousands of dollars and must be paid in advance, something that often
22 Tips before you travel
colorful flower or even a village fiesta.We will be publishing a selection of the best photos we receive on the Royal Resorts website and Royalinks. E-mail us your photos in JPEG format, RGB mode, 1600 x 1200 pixels at 72 dpi to photocontest@royalresorts.com Please include your name and a brief photo caption. By sending us your photos you give Royal Resorts the right to use and publish them. Avid photographers should start snapping for the Royal Resorts Photo Contest in 2005.
Register online Have you recently moved, changed your phone number or email? Take ten minutes to update your information by filling in the online registration form at http://www.royalresorts.com/ news_sub_w_survey.php You could win up to three weeks of additional vacation time at The Royal Sands! www.royalresorts.com
causes families financial hardship. A SkyMed membership is the answer. For a small annual fee, members have access to an air repatriation service in the event of critical illness while on vacation. There are short-term programs of 4, 8 and 15 days, annual and 5-year programs for families and individual travelers. Visit royalresorts.com/skymed.stm or call 1-800475-9633 for information on the different membership programs and rates. You receive Royal Resorts Points when you enroll in SkyMed.