2009 VSCPA Centennial Celebration Cruise
100 Years and Counting!
May 30 – June 4, 2009
Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas to Bermuda
Departing from Norfolk, Va.
Register Now (Reservations must be made by January 1, 2009.)
If you like the warm sun on your shoulders, the ocean breeze through your hair, the cool blue ocean as far as the eye can see and 100 years of VSCPA success, come aboard as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the VSCPA with the Centennial Celebration Cruise to Bermuda, May 30 – June 4, 2009.
Chart a course for business and pleasure with a variety of CPE, networking opportunities and entertainment. Plus, the VSCPA will hold its annual meeting onboard.
CPE instruction crew includes CPAs Don Farmer, Walter J. Haig, Rebecca E. McCoy, Ernest A. Almonte and more! Up to 12.5 CPE credits are available, including Ethics 2009 — Your License Depends On It! to satisfy your annual ethics requirement.
Cabin packages start at $1,999 for you and one guest — that's $1,999 for both, not for each! Considering how much we spend on a normal vacation and how much 12.5 CPE credits cost, that's a pretty good deal. $1,999 includes accommodations, food, networking activities and CPE for you and one guest. Register online now or contact the VSCPA Education Team at cpe@vscpa.com or (800) 341-8189.
Don’t miss this monumental occasion for CPAs in Virginia! Make your reservations today for the VSCPA Centennial Celebration Cruise — your next chance won’t come until 2109!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
4 p.m. Depart from Half Moone Cruise Pier in Norfolk, Va.
6 – 8 p.m. 1. Welcome reception
Sunday, May 31, 2009
8 – 9:40 a.m. 2. Don Farmer’s Tax Update
9:40 – 9:50 a.m. Break
9:50 – 11:30 a.m. 3. Don Farmer’s Tax Update (continued)
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
1 – 2:40 p.m. 4. Accounting & Auditing Update by Walter J. Haig
2:40 – 2:50 p.m. Break
2:50 – 4:30 p.m. 5. Accounting & Auditing Update by Walter J. Haig (continued)
Monday, June 1, 2009
8 – 9:40 a.m. 6. Ethics 2009 — Your License Depends On It!
9 a.m. Dock in Bermuda
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
All Day Free Day
4 p.m. Depart from Bermuda
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
8 – 9:15 a.m. 7. AICPA Professional Issues Update
9:15 – 10:05 a.m. 8. VSCPA Update
10:05 – 10:20 a.m. Break
10:20 – 11:30 a.m. 9. VSCPA Annual Meeting
11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. 10. Outside the Box: Stand-Up Comedy From a Former CPA
12:20 – 12:30 p.m. Closing Remarks
12:30 – 8 p.m. Free Time
8 – 10 p.m. 11. Karaoke Night
Thursday, June 4, 2009
7 a.m. Dock in Norfolk
Saturday, May 30, 2009
4 p.m. Depart from Norfolk, Va.
Please note that departure time is subject to change. You will receive a final confirmation e-mail one week prior to the cruise with the official departure time. Royal Caribbean requires all guests to be checked in no later than 90 minutes prior to the scheduled sailing time. Guests arriving late will not be permitted to sail.
6 – 8 p.m. 1. Welcome reception
Get to know the Grandeur of the Seas and your fellow Virginia CPAs as you enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks. As the ship sets sail, the Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA) welcomes attendees to a fun reception to kick off the Centennial Celebration Cruise. We’ll see you there to get your sea legs and start the cruise off right with food, drink and entertainment!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
8 – 9:40 a.m. 2. Don Farmer’s Tax Update
Using a combination of humor and examples, this informative session presents a summary of important 2009 Federal income tax developments and related planning ideas.
Discussion Leader
Don Farmer, CPA, is president of Don Farmer, CPA, PA. Each year, Mr. Farmer writes and delivers CPE programs across the U.S., presenting seminars in more than 40 states.
9:40 – 9:50 a.m. Break
9:50 – 11:30 a.m. 3. Don Farmer’s Tax Update (continued)
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
1 – 2:40 p.m. 4. Accounting & Auditing Update by Walter J. Haig
Find out the latest changes that have occurred in both the reporting and accounting standards that apply to non public entities.
Discussion Leader
Walter J. Haig II, CPA, owns his own CPA firm in Creston, Wash.
2:40 – 2:50 p.m. Break
2:50 – 4:30 p.m. 5. Accounting & Auditing Update (continued)
Monday, June 1, 2009
8 – 9:40 a.m. 6. Ethics 2009 — Your License Depends On It!
Based on the Virginia Board of Accountancy's (BOA) required outline for 2009, this course updates you on current ethical and regulatory developments, including current BOA disciplinary cases and no violation enforcement cases. Explore practical solutions to ethical dilemmas through case study analysis of everyday professional and social situations encountered by CPAs.
Highlights
- Satisfies the annual, two-hour BOA ethics requirement for 2009
- Suitable for Virginia CPAs working in public accounting, industry, government and/or nonprofit
- Using the ethical decision model to resolve issues with clients
- Actual BOA disciplinary cases, including those where there was no violation
- Case study analysis of everyday professional and social situations encountered by CPAs
- The latest proposed and actual changes made by the AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC) to the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct
Discussion Leader
Rebecca E. McCoy, CPA, is a sole practitioner in Mathews, Va., and author of Ethics 2008 — Your License Depends On It!
9 a.m. Dock in Bermuda
Nearly 600 nautical miles off the coast of North Carolina, this island is known for its pastel painted houses, brilliantly colored gardens, scenic golf courses, cricket matches and charming shorts. Its pink-sand beaches, excellent shopping and proximity to the U.S. make it an ideal destination for a getaway cruise vacation.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
All Day Free Day
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen to enjoy Bermuda:
- Play a round of golf on one of six world-class golf courses
Lounge on pink-sand beaches
Shop for bargains and sample local cuisine in King's Wharf
- Bike the Bermuda Railway Trail in Hamilton
- Kayak through the Paradise Lakes
Visit Royal Caribbean's website to learn more about the possibilities in Bermuda.
4 p.m. Depart from Bermuda
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
8 – 9:15 a.m. 7. AICPA Professional Issues Update
Get this American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) presentation directly from the 2008–2009 chair of the AICPA. The update includes a discussion of the key forces that are shaping the CPA profession and the issues of importance to the profession. The discussion covers important issues where the profession has made progress in the past year and those ahead of us. Several issues are discussed within the general topics of public and professional accountability, public relations and outreach, financial literacy, resources for success, people and advocacy.
Discussion Leader
Ernest A. Almonte is vice chairman of the AICPA for 2007–2008 and will serve as chairman in 2008–2009. He is also the auditor general of the State of Rhode Island.
9:15 – 10:05 a.m. 8. VSCPA Update
The president and CEO of the Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA) delivers an overview of the goals of the VSCPA, including what programs and activities the VSCPA has accomplished over the last year. This session also includes an overview of new goals and plans for the upcoming year.
Discussion Leader
Stephanie R. Peters, CAE, is president and CEO of the VSCPA. She is also a member of the VSCPA Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
10:05 – 10:20 a.m. Break
10:20 – 11:30 a.m. 9. VSCPA Annual Meeting
The Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA) Annual Meeting will take place on the cruise. Join us for the annual meeting as we honor the outstanding state VSCPA chapters, review our accomplishments of the past year, set goals for the coming year and pass the gavel to the newly elected chair of the board.
11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. 10. Outside the Box: Stand-up Comedy from a Former CPA
Audiences across the country find that Mr. Garrett is the adorably obnoxious guy they wish they had in their boring office. His unmatched facial expressions and uniquely clean observations of the people around him have left audiences in hysterics while looking at everyday things with a disturbingly new perspective. Topics include being an accountant in everyday life but do not focus only on corporate America. Laugh and participate in this interactive session.
Performer
John Garrett has been heard on The Bob & Tom Radio Network, seen in concert with Train, opened for Louie Anderson at resort casinos and participated in The Boston Comedy Festival. Tracks from his debut comedy album, “Outside the Box,” can be heard on both XM and Sirius Satellite Radio.
12:20 – 12:30 p.m. Closing Remarks
12:30 – 9 p.m. Free Time
9 – 11 p.m. 11. Karaoke Night
It has been said that the term “rock and roll” was originally a nautical term used by sailors to refer to the rocking motion (fore and aft) and the rolling motion (sideways) of a ship. Since we’ve been rocking and rolling for five days, it is only right that we get together for a fun night of karaoke to close out the Centennial Celebration Cruise. Choose from thousands of songs and enjoy food and drinks as you take this final opportunity to network with your fellow Virginia CPAs. Don’t miss this fun farewell!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
7 a.m. Dock in Norfolk
Registration is filled on a first come, first serve basis. Cabin packages start at $1,999 for you and one guest — that's $1,999 for both, not for each! Cabin packages include accommodations, food, networking activities and CPE for you and one guest.
Full payment or government voucher must accompany all registrations before the VSCPA can reserve a place on the cruise for you. Checks should be made payable to the Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA) and mailed to VSCPA, P.O. Box 758988, Baltimore, MD 21275-8988. Credit card payments (American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa) can be sent through our Web site at www.vscpa.com, faxed to (804) 273-1741 or phoned in at (800) 341-8189. Government vouchers are accepted.
Accommodations
The VSCPA must receive all registrations by Thursday, January 1, 2009. We cannot accept registrations after this date.
Royal Caribbean Cabin Categories:**
- Interior Cabin (M) — two twin beds, vanity area and private bathroom (140 sq. ft.); these rooms are on Deck Two or Deck Three. Rate is $1,999 for you and one guest and includes accommodations, food, networking activities and CPE.
Ocean View Cabin (H) — two twin beds, sitting area with sofa, vanity area and private bathroom (154 sq. ft.); these rooms have either a window or two portholes and are on Deck Three. Rate is $2,499 for you and one guest and includes accommodations, food, networking activities and CPE.
- Superior Ocean View Cabin with Balcony (D1) — two twin beds, private balcony, sitting area with sofa and private bathroom (190 sq. ft., balcony 36 sq. ft.); these rooms are on Deck Seven. Rate is $3,599 for you and one guest and includes accommodations, food, networking activities and CPE.
- Visit the "Staterooms” page of Royal Caribbean's website to learn more about these cabins
**Please contact VSCPA Event Planner Lauren Moore at lmoore@vscpa.com or (800) 733-8272 if you would like to learn more about your options for accommodations on this cruise.
Cancellations, Substitutions & Refunds Policy
Cancellation Fees & Refunds
All cancellations must be made in writing and submitted to the VSCPA via e-mail at cpe@vscpa.com by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2009. No refunds will be granted after this date.
If you need to cancel your cabin and registration, the following fees apply:
-
Prior to January 1, 2009, the cancellation fee is 10% of the total cost of your cabin (including additional guest fee(s), if applicable).
-
Between January 2 and March 13, 2009, the cancellation fee is 25% of the total cost of your cabin (including additional guest fee(s), if applicable).
-
After 4 p.m. on March 13, 2009, you will forfeit the entire cabin fee.
-
Substitutions & Name Changes
For the purpose of this cruise, a guest substitution is defined as replacing one guest with another guest, not to include the primary cruise registrant. A name change is defined as changing your name to match your passport.
If you need to cancel or substitute your guest, or change your name with us due to a name change on your passport, the following terms and fees apply:
- From January 1 through March 13, 2009, there is no fee for cancelling or substituting your guest, or for changing your name.
- From March 14 through May 14, 2009, there is a $125 fee for cancelling or substituting your guest, or for changing your name. Please be aware that each cabin rate is a double occupancy rate, and your cabin cost will not change if your guest cancels.
- After May 14, 2009, we cannot accommodate cancellations or substitutions of guests, or name changes.
Complete Registration Policies
For a complete list of the VSCPA’s registration policies, please visit the “CPE & Networking” section of www.vscpa.com.
Cruise Attendance Verification
The VSCPA will e-mail your cruise attendance verification three weeks after the event. It is your responsibility to maintain a current e-mail address with the VSCPA. If you do not have an e-mail address, the VSCPA will mail your cruise attendance verification to you.
Departure Details & Directions
- Departure date is Saturday, May 30, 2009. Departure time is subject to change. You will receive a final confirmation e-mail one week prior to the cruise with the official departure time.
- Royal Caribbean requires all guests to be checked in no later than 90 minutes prior to the scheduled sailing time. Guests arriving late will not be permitted to sail.
- Point of Departure: Half Moone Cruise Pier in Norfolk, Va.
Directions to Half Moone Cruise Pier & Cedar Grove Parking Lot:
- The Half Moone Cruise Pier is located at One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510.
- Complimentary shuttles run regularly from the Cedar Grove Parking Lot to the Half Moone Cruise Pier.
- Parking is $10/day (rates are subject to change).
- The Cedar Grove parking lot (1000 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk, Va.) is located on Monticello Avenue between Virginia Beach Boulevard and Princess Anne Road in downtown Norfolk
.
o From the North: Take I-95 South. Exit onto I-295 South to Williamsburg/Norfolk, Va. (Exit 84). Take I-64 East towards Williamsburg/Norfolk, Va. (Exit 200). Proceed through the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel into Norfolk. Turn right onto I-264 West to Downtown Norfolk. Take City Hall Exit (Exit 10). At the end of the ramp, make a right onto St. Paul's Boulevard. Continue straight until St. Paul's Boulevard turns into Monticello Avenue. Cedar Grove Parking is located on the right off of Monticello Avenue.
o From the West: Take I-64 East towards Williamsburg/Norfolk, Va. Proceed through the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel into Norfolk. Turn right onto I-264 West to Downtown Norfolk. Take City Hall Exit (Exit 10). At the end of the ramp, make a right onto St. Paul's Boulevard. Continue straight until St. Paul's Boulevard turns into Monticello Avenue. Cedar Grove Parking is located on the right off of Monticello Avenue.
o From the South: Take US-58 East (Exit 11) towards Suffolk/Norfolk/Virginia Beach. In Suffolk, US-58 will merge with US-13; continue east. Follow US-58/US-13 onto I-264 West towards Downtown Norfolk. Proceed through the Downtown Tunnel into Norfolk. Take Waterside Drive/St. Paul's Boulevard Exit (Exit 9); follow St. Paul's Boulevard signs. At the end of the ramp, make a right onto St. Paul's Boulevard. Continue straight until St. Paul's Boulevard turns into Monticello Avenue. Cedar Grove Parking is located on the right off of Monticello Avenue.
Visit www.cruisenorfolk.org for more information, parking FAQ or a map to cruise parking. You can also visit www.norfolk.gov/parking for additional parking options.
Documents & Check-In (You may begin online check-in in May 2009.)
A cruise document package from Royal Caribbean will be mailed to you 3 – 4 weeks before departure. This includes your booking identification number, luggage tags, itinerary, etc. When you receive the document package, we strongly encourage you to check-in online at www.royalcaribbean.com/onlinecheckin.
You may begin online check-in in May 2009, or once you have received your reservation number. If this is not possible, your boarding forms will be included with your cruise documents package. Please fill out these forms before you leave home.
If you have completed online check-in, bring your signed SeaPass and identification documents with you to the cruise terminal. Proceed to the SeaPass area where a guest assistance agent will verify your identification documents and issue your SeaPass card to board the ship. If you have not checked in online, bring your completed Guest Information Forms, Charge Account and Cruise Ticket Form and identification documents to the cruise terminal where a guest agent will process your cruise documents, verify identification documents, check you in for the cruise and direct you to the ship.
Educational Credit
This conference qualifies for up to 12.5 CPE credits.
The Virginia Society of CPAs is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN 37219-2417. Website: www.nasba.org.
How to Register
: Visit the “CPE & Networking” section of www.vscpa.com
( Call the VSCPA Education Team at (800) 341-8189
7 Fax the enclosed registration form to (804) 273-1741
+ Mail the enclosed registration form and your check payment to:
Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA)
P.O. Box 758988
Baltimore, MD 21275-8988
+ Mail the enclosed registration form and your credit card payment to:
Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA)
P.O. Box 4620
Glen Allen, VA 23058-4620
Meals
You may eat formally or casually in a restaurant or in your stateroom any time of the night or day. Restaurant choices include the Windjammer Café, Latte-tudes, the Schooner Bar and the Great Gatsby Dining Room. If you choose to eat dinner in the dining room, you must eat at the second seating at 8:30 p.m.
Onboard Purchases
You will be given a SeaPass card to use for all purchases you make on the ship. At the end of the cruise, the balance will be billed to your credit card or you may use cash or a travelers check.
Passport Information
- Land, sea and air travel: passports are now required for all U.S. citizens traveling to or from any international destination (including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean)
- Passports must be valid through December 4, 2009, six months after the return date
- Visit www.travel.state.gov for more details on obtaining a passport or for more about passport information. The U.S. Department of State reports that passports are currently being processed in roughly four weeks, but this timeframe is subject to change. Please allow plenty of time to obtain your passport, especially if you have never had one in the past.
Travel Insurance
The Royal Caribbean CruiseCare Vacation Protection Plan is designed to give you peace of mind with cancellation and interruption protection, medical coverage, baggage protection and more.
Cost for the CruiseCare Vacation Protection Plan:
- Interior Cabin (M) Travel Insurance — $59 per person
Ocean View Cabin (H) Travel Insurance — $79 per person
Superior Cabin (D1) Travel Insurance — $109 per person
- If you purchase travel insurance, please note that the VSCPA cannot refund the cost of travel insurance after March 13, 2009.
What should I pack?
Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day. A jacket is encouraged for the Captain’s Dinner. Bermuda’s average temperature is in the mid-70s.
What does the cruise price include?
The price of your cruise includes networking events, CPE, ship accommodations, ocean transportation, meals, room service and most entertainment on board, gratuities, surcharges, fuel charges, port taxes and government fees. It does not include optional shore and land excursions, meals and accommodations on shore, beverages, casino gaming, photographs, telephone calls, purchases from the ship stores, medical services, laundry or spa treatments.
Are there medical services on board?
While cruise ships are not comprehensive medical facilities, cruises offer first response and emergency care to guests until they can be transferred to a shore-side medical facility. The cruise offers a 24-hour medical service and staff operating under guidelines developed in conjunction | 
My Membership
