ABOUT

Join us as we bring ALL HANDS ON DECK in the field of speech pathology. We are thrilled to bring you the 2nd Annual Bjorem Speech Cruise. You will join over 400 SLPs for fun in the sun, professional development, networking, and service. We have a stacked line-up with some amazing SLP speakers from all over the US and Australia that you won't want to miss. Registration Opens Wednesday October 25th at 12pm EST.

Royal Caribbean Ship Registry The Liberty of The Seas: Nassau Bahamas

Proposed Schedule

Monday April 7

1:00pm Be on Board the Ship

4:00-5:30pm Phuong Lien Palafox (Keynote Session) in Theater

4:30pm Cruise Departs from Ft. Lauderdale, FL

6:30-7:30pm Welcome Aboard Bjorem Speech Cruise Party in the Star Lounge

7:45pm Dinner

Tuesday April 8

Dock in Nassau

7:00-8:00am OPEN

8:00-9:00am Breanna Waldrup- Apraxia

9:00-4:00pm Enjoy Nassau Service Project with Brighter Bahamas

7:45pm Dinner

Wednesday April 9

DAY AT SEA

8:00-9:00am Sam Walker- Authenticity

9:00-10:00am Lindsey Hockel- R

10:00-11:00am Rebecca Reinking- Trials with a Twist

11:00-11:45am Panel Q&A with Lindsey, Rebecca, and Jennie!

11:45am-2:00pm Lunch

2:00-3:00pm OPEN

3:00-4:00pm Dr. Lou Rossetti- Enhancing Caregiver Interaction

4:00-5:00pm Andi Putt- Autism

7:45pm Dinner

Thursday April 10

Dock at Cococay

7:00-8:00am- Dr. Stefanie Martelle- Idioms

8:00-9:00am - Laura Brown- Early Intervention

9:00-4:00pm Perfect Day @ Cococay

6:30-7:30pm Closing Party

7:45pm Dinner

Friday April 11 - Disembark 

  • Phuong Lien Palafox

    @phuonglienpalafox

  • Jennie Bjorem

    Jennie Bjorem

    @bjoremspeech

  • Laura Brown

    @earlyandbrightslp

  • Lindsey Hockel Author

    Lindsey Hockel

    @speechythings

  • Stefanie Martelle Author

    Dr. Stefanie Martelle

    @tunedintospeech

  • Andi Putt

    @mrsspeechiep

  • Rebecca Reinking

    @adventuresinspeechpathology

  • Dr. Lou Rossetti, Ph.D

  • Breanna Waldrup

    @breannawaldrup.slp

  • Sam Walker

    @speakingofsamantics

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CRUISE FAQ

When can we register? We will have the website open for registration Wednesday October 25, 2023 at 12pm EST. Follow us on Instagram @bjoremspeech for registration announcements or check back here. We will be updating this section frequently.

Cabins will be available for reservation on a first come first serve basis once registration site opens.

What and how many rooms will you have available to reserve? (we have reserved 260 cabins)

5 Grand Suite

2 Junior Suite- Triple/Quad Occupancy

3 Junior Suite- Double Occupancy

10 Balcony - Triple/Quad Occupancy

180 Balcony - Double occupancy

5 Ocean View - Triple/Quad Occupancy

25 Ocean View - double occupancy

5 Interior - Triple/Quad Occupancy

25 Interior - Triple/Quad Occupancy

Is it a REAL cruise? YES, on a real ship in the big ocean! 

What is the payment schedule for the cruise?
A. There are three payment plan options available for this event:


*Pay In Full - attendees will pay in full at time of booking


* Four Payment Plan - attendees who choose this payment option will be required to pay a $200 per person initial deposit ($400 deposit for single occupants) at the time of booking, a second deposit equal to 33% of the remaining reservation balance is due by April 1, 2024, another 33% is due by August 1, 2024, and the final payment is due by January 15, 2025. Note: deposits are retroactive, bookings made on or after April 1, 2024, or August 1, 2024, will be required to pay all the previous deposits combined, etc.


*Monthly Payment Plan - attendees who choose this payment option will be required to pay a $200 per person initial deposit ($400 deposit for single occupants) at the time of booking. The remaining reservation balance due will be equally divided by the number of months between the booking date and January 15, 2025. These payments will be due on the 1st of each month with the final payment being due no later than January 15, 2025.


Please note:
All payments are in U.S. dollars. Accepted forms of payment are American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa. The charge on your credit card statement will appear as LANDRY & KLING, INC.
*Payments will be automatically charged to the credit card on file for the guest’s selected payment plan from the options outlined above. It is your sole responsibility to know your applicable payment due dates and to verify payment has been successfully processed by the scheduled due date. Payment reminders will not be sent.

*Reservations not deposited at the time of booking or with scheduled payments not kept up to date are subject to cancellation.


*Full payment is required at the time of booking for any reservations made on January 15, 2025, or later.

What are RCI’s COVID-19 Requirements and Protocols?

While RCI is no longer requiring pre-cruise COVID-19 testing or proof of vaccination to sail, please note that requirements to meet any destination regulations and/or safety protocols that provide for the continued safety of all guests, crew, and the communities in the ports of call are subject to change at any time.

May I bring other family members and/or friends? Can our rooms be near each other on the ship?
Yes, we welcome family and friends! There is plenty of fun to be had on board the Liberty of the Seas and the cruise ports for guests not attending the Bjorem Speech sessions and activities.


Passengers who wish to book staterooms near other passengers may make their request in the Notes field on the reservation or send an email to 2025bjoremspeech@landrykling.com

We’ll do our very best to accommodate the request, however it depends on whether the passengers have booked within the same stateroom category and the availability of rooms at time of request.

What if I have to cancel after registering?
Due to the unique nature of this event, all reservations will be subject to the following cancellation policy
related to the cruise portion of your booking:

Due to the unique nature of this event, all reservations will be subject to the following cancellation policy related to the cruise portion of your booking:

Between the date of booking and June 24, 2024: $75 per person cancellation fee ($150 for single occupants) 

Between June 25 and August 26, 2024: $150 per person cancellation fee ($300 for single occupants)

Between August 27 and October 28, 2024: $225 per person cancellation fee ($450 for single occupants)

Between October 29 and December 26, 2024: 50% of the total reservation cost

Between December 27, 2024, and February 24, 2025: 75% of the total reservation cost

On or after February 25, 2025: no refunds will be issued

On or after February 25, 2025: no refunds will be issued


Please note:
 Cancellation dates are based on Eastern Standard Time.
 Notice of cancellation must be submitted via email to 2025bjoremspeech@landrykling.com.
 No refunds will be made in the event of interruption or cancellation by any passenger after the commencement of the cruise. No refunds will be given for cruise no-shows.
 Any adjustment to the above policy is at the sole discretion of Bjorem Speech.
 Cancellation fees for airline tickets and/or other reservations made by attendees are subject to the cancellation policy of the specific airline/supplier.


May I purchase insurance for my cruise through the website?
You will have the option to obtain a quote and purchase trip insurance on the reservation site after payment is made (deposit or full payment) on your reservation. This travel insurance is offered by Travel Guard.


When registering do I need to use my legal name and gender?
Yes, your legal name as shown on your proof of citizenship and gender as shown on your identification is required.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the cruise? For questions about the ship or the registration process, email us at 2025cruise@bjoremspeech or 2025bjoremspeech@landrykling.com.

Do I need a passport? YES, Travelers are strongly recommended to be in possession of a valid passport with an expiration date ofno less than six (6) months following the conclusion of the cruise.

Can I bring my baby? Infants sailing on a cruise must be at least 6 months old as of the first day of the cruise and/or CruiseTour. HOWEVER: For transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, select South American and other selected cruises and/or CruiseTours, the infant must be at least 12 months old as of the first day of the cruise/CruiseTour. For the purposes of this policy, any cruise that has 3 or more days consecutive at sea will require infants to be 12 months old on the first day of the cruise/CruiseTour.

What cruise line and ship will we be on? Royal Caribbean -  The Liberty of the Seas

What kind of rooms will we have to choose from? Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, Junior Suite, or Grand Suite

How many SLPs are allowed at the convention? Over 400!. We are expecting to sell out quickly so be prepared to grab your spot. Every person will be able to attend every presentation. 

Can SLPAs attend? Yes absolutely!

What is the conference rate? $125.00

Are flights included? No, you will need to book your flights independently, we suggest you arrive the day before the cruise departs so that there is no chance you miss the sail time. 

Can I get a room by myself? Sure, but you have to pay the cruise cabin fare accordingly!

Can we get handicap accessible rooms? When you make your reservation, talk to our cruise representative and they can help you book this room.

What if I am bringing a non-SLP guest? The non-SLP guest does not need to register for the conference, however they will pay a required social fee of $25.

Can I book my cabin through Royal Caribbean directly or a 3rd party? No, you must book through our site in order to attend. 

What is included in the price: the cruise, WiFi, all inclusive drink package (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages), taxes, fees, gratuities, conference/professional development, swag bag...not to mention a mental health break! 

How do I get my CEUs? At this time the cruise has not been approved for ASHA CEUs. We are working to obtain approval and will provide more information as it becomes available. 

How many professional development hours are offered? 13.75 hours of professional development.

Can I make a name change on my reservation?

Name changes are permitted at the discretion of the cruise line, but at least one of the original and/or primary financially responsible guest’s names must remain on the reservation. If all original guests cancel, this is considered a full cancellation without refund, and name changes will not be allowed. 

In all cases of name changes, the “new” guest must make the full payment amount due as of the date of the name replacement in order for the guest being replaced to receive a refund of payment amounts previously made.


Can I change the number of guests in my room reservation?
Yes, you can - subject to availability. Rates are based on the number of guests in your reserved stateroom.
Changes in occupancy will result in a rate increase or decrease, depending on the type of change. No refunds will be issued for any decrease of rate change until the stateroom has been paid for in full.
While many staterooms can accommodate more than two people with a sofa bed or upper berths stored in the stateroom ceiling, etc., not all rooms can; and such accommodations are subject to availability at the time of reservation. Due to Coast Guard safety regulations, there cannot be more guests accommodated in a stateroom than the designated occupancy for that room. Also, please be advised that each guest must be registered and
paid for in full in order to be allowed to board the ship.


Can I change my stateroom after I make my reservation?
Stateroom changes to another room within the same room category or higher can be made up to 60 days prior to sailing and require authorization by all parties named on the reservation. Stateroom changes to a room category lower than the room category of the original reservation would be considered a room cancellation and rebooking, and cancellation fees would be applied.


How do I check-in for my cruise and receive my cruise documents?
Approximately 3 to 4 weeks prior to the sailing date, guests who have booked and paid in full will receive an email with their cruise line booking number for the cruise. The email will also contain instructions on how to check-in online via RCI’s website - where guests can sign up for shore excursions, make specialty dining reservations and pre-register a credit card for onboard purchases. All passengers are required to complete this online registration at least 4 days prior to cruising. Cruise documents will be available for printing through the cruise line’s online check-in approximately 3 weeks prior to sailing.

What is the Customs procedure upon arriving at Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale Port)?
Detailed instructions about clearing customs will be provided onboard the ship near the end of your cruise. Some general guidelines/suggestions to keep in mind as you shop in foreign ports include keeping receipts for gifts and purchases. U.S. residents visiting foreign ports have a duty-free allowance of $400 and those 21 years or older may include one liter of liquor.

Can the ship accommodate special dietary needs? RCI can accommodate special diets that have been created in consultation with a dietary specialist. Selections
offered are for lunch and dinner in the main dining room only. Sample diets include vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, low fat, low sodium, low cholesterol, kosher meals, gluten free and lactose free. Please note any special dietary needs in the Notes section of your reservation.


Is room service available on board?
Room service is available any time of the day or night - simply order from the room service menu located in your stateroom (a service fee applies for all room service orders).


What types of accessibility options are available in staterooms?
There are a limited number of wheelchair accessible staterooms available onboard the ship. For people that do not use a wheelchair but still need minimal assistance, bars and raised toilet seats can be accommodated in most staterooms. In addition, disposal units for needles, and refrigerators for medication can be put into most
staterooms upon request. All of these items are available on a limited basis and should be requested in the
Notes section of your reservation. If you have an accessibility need, please send an email to
bjoremspeech@landrykling.com.


How do I book shore excursions?
You can pre-purchase shore excursions on RCI’s website once you receive your booking number and online check-in instructions for the cruise (approximately 3 to 4 weeks prior to the sailing date) or once you are onboard ship. We will also have private tours for our group which will be available for purchase closer to sailing.


Can I take pictures and video onboard?
Yes, you can take personal photos and videos of yourself and family/friends on board. However, video will not be allowed during the classroom instruction. Note: Bjorem Speech sessions and activities will be photographed and our attendees and guests may appear in future promotional or educational material.
Please be courteous and not include other ship guests or crew members in your photos or videos without their
permission.

Can I be contacted while onboard?
Guests can be contacted onboard of the Liberty of the Seas by calling 1-888-724-7447 (from the U.S.) or 1-321-953-9003 (from outside the U.S.) Please note that rates apply and are billed at $7.95 per minute (subject to change). Forms of payment accepted are Visa and MasterCard only and calls are limited to 10 minutes per call. Callers should have the ship name and the stateroom number or name of the party they are contacting before calling. Callers using the above numbers will be transferred directly to the guest’s stateroom. If the guest is not in the stateroom at the time of the call, the caller may leave a voicemail message.

Is there Internet access onboard?
Yes, to keep you connected while at sea, all RCI ships provide VOOM Internet access facilitated through the Internet Café and through the ship-wide Wi-Fi network. RCI’s Surf & Stream internet package is included for one device for the 1 st & 2 nd guests in each stateroom. Packages for additional devices and/or guests are available for purchase. Further details regarding availability and cost will be available on the cruise line’s website after you
complete your online check-in and onboard ship.


Will my cell phone work while at sea or in ports of call during the cruise?
RCI offers an advanced roaming network on board all ships, allowing you to make and receive calls while at sea using compatible mobile phones that are set to roaming. International roaming charges will be conveniently billed to you by your home mobile carrier. Mobile phone service will be available for use while the ship is at sea. Rates for usage of your cellular phone are determined by your home mobile carrier. Please note that calls to 800, 888, 866 and 877 numbers are not toll free while onboard or in foreign ports. You will be billed by your home mobile carrier for your international roaming usage on your regular mobile phone bill. It can take up to 6 days for charges acquired while using your cellular phone at these times to appear on your phone bill. For more information, please contact your home mobile carrier customer service.


Are there hairdryers available in the staterooms?
Yes.

Are there irons and ironing boards available in the staterooms?Staterooms do not have irons or ironing boards; however, the ship offers washing, pressing, and dry-cleaning services for a reasonable rate. Please also note that irons and clothes steamers are strictly prohibited onboard the ship for safety reasons. If you choose to bring one with you, it will be confiscated from your luggage before sailing.

Do staterooms have safes?
Yes.


What if I have special medical needs?
Any special needs, including allergies, must be indicated in the Special Requests/Notes section of the online reservation, and will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. While there is no guarantee that all special needs/requests can be accommodated, we will make best efforts to accommodate the need or provide an alternative if possible.


Is there a doctor on the ship?
The ship has a minimum of one fully licensed doctor and 2 licensed nurses onboard, who are available in the ship’s medical facility during scheduled hours or on call 24 hours a day through the Guest Services desk.

Are wheelchairs available onboard?
The Liberty of the Seas does NOT provide wheelchairs for onboard use. Guests can, however, rent a wheelchair, motorized wheelchair or scooter from one of RCI’s recommended providers:
 Scootaround - 1-888-441-7575 or 1-204-982-0657
 Special Needs At Sea - 1-800-513-4515 or 1-954-585-0575

I’m bringing my own wheelchair, is the entire ship wheelchair accessible?
Not every area of the ship is wheelchair accessible; however, RCI has made substantial modifications to enhance your ability to move about the ship. The Liberty of the Seas features accessible elevators at each elevator bank with tactile controls within reach of passengers who use wheelchairs. Accessible routes are available throughout most areas of the ship, and signs are posted to assist you in locating these pathways. There is also accessible seating within your ship's restaurants and lounges, and in designated
accessible public restrooms.

How do I make purchases onboard?
The cruise ship operates on a cashless system. Passengers can validate their onboard account with a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express card, or by making payment by cash or traveler's check. Passengers can then sign all on-board services and purchases to their shipboard account. At the end of the cruise, passengers will receive a completely itemized statement of charges. RCI does not accept personal checks, and only U.S. currency is accepted aboard the ships. There is an ATM located onboard the ship, though a transaction fee will apply.


Does the ship have a fitness center?
Yes, there is a fitness center (see ship’s daily newsletter for scheduled hours) and a jogging track, which is open 24 hours a day and complimentary to all passengers.

What is the address for Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale Port)?
The address for the port is:
1850 Eller Drive
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316

Is there parking in Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale Port)?
Parking is available at the port at a cost of $15 per day (subject to change), including day of arrival and departure. Parking facilities are patrolled by local security, but neither the port nor Royal Caribbean is responsible for any damages or losses occasioned from the use of the facilities. For more information regarding parking at the port,
go to: https://www.porteverglades.net/cruise/parking/

What time should I arrive at the pier?
Guests are required to check-in at least one hour prior to departure. Guest will be asked to choose an Arrival Time Slot during the online check-in prior to sailing. It is important that you arrive during your designated time slot. If you arrive earlier, you will NOT be able to able to begin boarding process until your designated time and will have to wait. Those who arrive late will have to wait till they can be placed in another arrival group.


How early can I board the ship?
The ship must be cleared by local customs authorities before guests can begin boarding, which can be as early as 11:30am or noon but varies. Please note, however, that staterooms will not be available until approximately 1:00pm and guests will be asked to adhere to their chosen Arrival Time Slot.