Events
Welcome to the Thunder Cruise!
We’ve got a jam-packed schedule of exciting events designed to provide something for everyone! Whether you’re a Vayniac looking for that up-close-and-personal wine-tasting experience with Gary or you simply want the greatest wine-lovers vacation in history, you will not be disappointed. The following represents the events that are currently scheduled…we will post additional events as information becomes available. Please note that events and times are subject to change. Get ready for the time of your life!
Day 1
PT. EVERGLADES (FT. LAUDERDALE), FLORIDA
Saturday, April 18, 2009
5:30 – 6:00 pm
Poolside
Thunder Cruise Sail-Away
– Join Gary at the pool bar as we sail for Cayo Levantado, DR. Get ready for 7 incredible days and nights!
6:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Covent Garden Theater
Thunder Cruise Welcome Aboard Celebration
– Meet Gary and new friends for a complimentary champagne toast to kick off the cruise. Gary will tell you all about the week’s events…Grab a photo op with Gary before you go!
8:00 pm
L'lbiscus Ristorante
Thunder Cruise Private Dining
– Enjoy a fabulous welcome dinner to start your first evening aboard!
11:00 pm
R32 Disco
Thunder Cruise Singles Get-Together – Looking for new friends? Meet single Vayniacs at this special networking party. Who knows, you might meet that “special someone”!
Day 2
AT SEA
Sunday, April 19, 2009
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Covent Garden Theater
Thunder Cruise Q&A
– Have a burning question for Gary? Now is the time to ask. Whether it's about wine or about Gary, the Questions & Answers should be very interesting entertainment!
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Dining Room
Thunder Cruise Wine Fest Grand Tasting
– Join Gary, and some of his wine industry friends, in this huge wine tasting extravaganza. Comparable to some of the largest wine evens held shore-side, this floating wine exravaganza would cost $100s, but, it's included in the Thunder Cruise price.
8:00 pm
Villa Borghese & L'Ibiscus Ristorante
Thunder Cruise Formal Dinner
– Join Gary in the first of two gala dining experiences.
10:30 pm
Shaker Lounge
Thunder Cruise Karaoke
– Bring out the Superstar in you with Karaoke, Vayniac style! Maybe we can get Gary to treat us to one of his infamous song stylings?
Day 3
Cayo Levantado (Samana - D.R.)
Monday, April 20, 2009
11:00 am
On the Beach
Thunder Cruise Wine Treasure Hunt
– Get your treasure map and begin the search for "Gary's Treasure", a personally selected case of red wine. Only one will prevail in this crazy event on the beautiful sands of the Caribbean.
7:00 pm
La Cantinella Wine Bar
Thunder Cruise Informal Wine Get Together – Meet Gary and new friends at the most elegant wine bar at sea. This may become your favorite waterting-hole!
8:00 pmL’lbiscus Ristorante
Thunder Cruise Private Dining – (Nightly)
9:30 pm – 11:00 pm
La Cubana Cigar Room
Thunder Cruise Cigar & Port Night
– Do you enjoy a good cigar? Join us tonight for a "civilized" smoke with a complimentary Port especially selected for the Thunder Cruise.
11:30pm – Late
Poolside
Thunder Cruise Deck Party – Enjoy the warm Caribbean night with Gary & Friends. Music, dancing, games and more!
Day 4
philipsburg, st. maarten
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Covent Garden Theatre
Thunder Cruise "Wine 101" with Gary – Learn the basics from the best! Gary makes it simple and lots of fun as you learn the basics and more. Gary will be glad to answer your questions at the end of the presentation.
7:00 pm
La Cantinella Wine Bar
Thunder Cruise Informal Wine Get Together
– You just can't keep Gary away from this lounge! Have a pre-dinner drink with fellow Vayniacs to start off another great evening aboard the Thunder Cruise.
8:30 pm
L’lbiscus Ristorante
Thunder Cruise Private Dining - (Nightly)
10:30pm – wee hours!
R32 Disco
Thunder Cruise Disco Pajama Party
– Wear your favorite PJs in this evening of wild Vayniac fun. Should be an "interesting" evening!
Day 5
st. john's, antigua
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Covent Garden Theatre
Thunder Cruise "Train Your Palate" Tasting – The art of wine tasting is an acquired skill that takes practice. Enjoy this complimentary "educational" tasting of several "Gary" wine selections designed to "train your palate."
7:00 pm La Cantinella Wine Bar
Thunder Cruise Informal Wine Get Together – Join Gary at everyone's favorite bar for another evening of wine enjoyment and a pre-dinner social hour.
8:00 pm
L’lbiscus Ristorante
Thunder Cruise Private Dining - (Nightly)
10:30 pm
Shaker Lounge
Thunder Cruise Vayniac Trivia Game & Karaoke
– Join Gary and your fellow Vayniacs for this evening's social featuring a special Vayniac Trivia Competition to test your Vayniac IQ! In addition, you get one more chance to showcase your talent in session #2 of Vayniac Karaoke.
Day 6
AT SEA
Thursday, April 23, 2009
2:00 - 4:00 pm
Covent Garden Theater
Thunder Cruise Food & Wine Pairing – Join Gary and the Executive Chef of the MSC Orchestra for this wonderful culinary & wine event designed especially for you. Complimentary wine tasting as Gary pairs each selection with the appropriate cuisine. Educational and scrumptious!
5:00 pm - 6:00 pmCovent Garden Theater
Thunder Cruise Autograph Session
– Fun with your host Gary in his "on stage" performance. This is your opportunity to get that special cruise keepsake autographed by Gary.
8:00 pm
L’lbiscus Ristorante
Thunder Cruise Formal "Wine Sampler" Farewell Dinner
– Enjoy a special menu with complimentary wine provided by your host, Gary. This will be the culinary highlight of the cruise!
Day 7
Nassau, bahamas
Friday, April 24, 2009
7:30 pm
Covent Garden Theater
Thunder Cruise Farwell Cocktail Party
– Join Gary in this opportunity for him to say "thank you" to his fans onboard. Enjoy music, conversation and a one-hour complimentary open bar in this final pre-dinner event.
10:30 pm
Shaker Lounge
Thunder Cruise Champagne Toast
– Join Gary for a toast to good times and new friends plus a "sneak preview" of next year's cruise event!
Day 8
Pt. Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale), Florida
Saturday, April 25, 2009
8:00 am
Arrive Ft. Lauderdale, Florida & Debarkation begins