Learning Made Better 2025

January 19 - 26, 2025

Join us for Learning Made Better 2025, a vacation event designed specifically for Realty Professionals! (sponsored by Travel Made Better in partnership with MN Realty School)

For 2025, we're returning to Norwegian Cruise Line sailing to both the British and US Virgin Islands, the D.R. and a private island beach day!  And once again, with our tradition of showcasing new and innovative ships, Learning Made Better 2025 will be sailing on the NORWEGIAN ENCORE (debuted in 2019).  This ship features fun everywhere you look with unique options such as the Encore Speedway (go karts!), the wrap-around Observation Lounge, and Aqua Park featuring both a tandem racing slide and the multi-deck Ocean Loops.  Dine together at multiple excellent options and be entertained in the modern theater.  Of course, don't forget the Spa, Fitness Center and Encore Casino.  Come enjoy the camaraderie of fellow realtors, visit tropical destinations [in the middle of winter] and experience all that is Learning Made Better 2025!

GROUP ITINERARY

Date Location Arrive Depart
Sunday, January 19 Port of MIAMI - Embarkation Day, Group Meet & Greet 3:00 PM
Monday, January 20 At Sea - CE Sessions I, II (Cagney's Steakhouse) 9:00 AM 3:00 PM
Tuesday, January 21 Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic - see the colorful city sights or test your wild side on the Damajagua Falls Adventure 7:00 AM 4:00 PM
Wednesday, January 22 St Thomas, US Virgin Islands - catamaran to amazing St John or take advantage of one of the Caribbean's best shopping ports 11:00 AM 7:00 PM
Thursday, January 23 Tortola, British Virgin Islands - go sailing in the world famous trade winds or simply chill in the laid-back shoreside atmosphere 6:00 AM 1:00 PM
Friday, January 24 At Sea - CE Sessions III, IV (Cagney's Steakhouse) 9:00 AM 3:00 PM
Saturday, January 25 Great Stirrup Cay, The Islands of the Bahamas - private island (basically a free beach day!) 10:00 AM 7:00 PM
Sunday, January 26 Miami - debarkation and flights back home 9:00 AM

Per Person Group pricing INCLUDES taxes, premium beverage package, cruise gratuities and bonus $100 per cabin onboard credit courtesy of Travel Made Better. IMPORTANT NOTE: Onboard CE is an ADDED COST as noted in the trip details section.
(Based on double occupancy)

Accommodation Category Type Per Person
CLUB BALCONY SUITE (SOLD OUT) - includes drink package, internet package, shore excursion credit and 2 specialty meals, dbl/tpl/quad occy available with 3rd/4th guests at lower rate MA N/A
OCEAN VIEW BALCONY - includes drink package, internet package, shore excursion credit and 2 specialty meals, dbl/tpl/quad occy available with 3rd/4th guests at lower rate BA $1539
INTERIOR STATEROOM - includes drink package but DOES NOT INCLUDE internet package or the shore excursion credit, and only 1 specialty dining meal, max. double occupancy IA $1270
STUDIO INSIDE ROOMS (one guest only!) - includes drink package but DOES NOT INCLUDE internet package or the shore excursion credit, and only 1 specialty dining meal. Small, 100 sq ft rooms in dedicated area with private studio lounge including continental breakfast and light snacks. T1 Current rate - ask Nathan
NOTE: Onboard CE is added $300 pp (our past guests will receive a $100 discount as a thank you for your continued support)

DEADLINES, DETAILS & DEPOSIT

EARLY REGISTRATION WINDOW:  March 1 - June 1, 2024 

You can register by clicking on the 'REGISTER TODAY' button at the bottom of this section.

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Norwegian Encore at sea

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GROUP PACKAGE TO ENHANCE YOUR CRUISE:

All Balconies and above will receive the following group amenities package:

  1. DRINKS - Premium Beverage Package/Service Charges for guests 1, 2 in stateroom - value of $1200+ per stateroom

  2. WIFI - Internet Package for Guests 1, 2 - value of $150 per stateroom 

  3. TIPS - Prepaid Cruise Gratuities for Guests 1, 2 - value of $280 per stateroom (based on $20.00 per person per day)

  4. SPECIALTY DINING - 2 upgraded meals for Guests 1, 2
  5. SHORE EXCURSION CREDIT - $50 per stateroom per port when booking through Norwegian
  6. $100 onboard credit per stateroom

TOTAL Balcony and above package value - over $2000 per stateroom

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All Interior Staterooms will receive the following group amenities package:

  1. DRINKS - Premium Beverage Package/Service Charges for guests 1, 2 in stateroom - value of $1200+ per stateroom 

  2. TIPS - Prepaid Cruise Gratuities for Guests 1, 2 - value of $280 per stateroom (based on $20.00 per person per day)

  3. SPECIALTY DINING - 1 upgraded meal for Guests 1, 2
  4. $100 onboard credit per stateroom

TOTAL Interior Stateroom package value - over $1600 per stateroom

Norwegian Encore The Manhattan Room

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WHAT IS INCLUDED THIS YEAR?

  • Excellent opportunity to network with other real estate professionals

  • CE classroom instruction from a leading instructor in the business ($300/person added cost)

  • 7 nights deluxe accommodations on one of Norwegian's newest ships (debuted in 2019)

  • Nightly fine dining opportunity as well as many alternative specialty restaurants (added cost) and buffets throughout your cruise

  • Complimentary beverages also include coffee, teas, juices (breakfast) and fruit punch/lemonade (buffet).  Guests will receive the 'Premium Beverage Package' as part of our group package.

  • Prepaid Gratuities
  • Internet Package (Balcony and above only)
  • Numerous onboard daily activities/entertainment

  • Evening entertainment in the main theater as well as in many smaller venues throughout the ship

  • Full gym with many of the latest fitness machines plus exercise/nutrition classes

  • Full spa services available, but these are all at an additional cost (look for discounts onboard!).  

The Observation Lounge, Norwegian Encore

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AWESOME EASTERN CARIBBEAN ITINERARY WITH THESE PORT STOPS...

Puerto Plata - located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.  Excellent adventure port and great sightseeing opportunites.  

St Thomas, US Virgin Islands - one of the most popular ports in the Caribbean.  Take in the spectacular views in the protected bay with numerous sailing vessels surrounded by hilly landscapes.  Opportunity to visit idyllic St John or experience Magen's Bay and its amazing beach area.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands - largest island in the BVIs and known for its beaches with clear water, coral reefs and panoramic views.  You might consider an excursion to Virgin Gorda and its unique attraction of The Baths, a collection of large and scattered granite boulders hugging the pristine coastline.

Great Stirrup Cay - this is Norwegian's Private Island in The Bahamas.  Basically a complimentary beach day/bbq with additional purchase options and activities available.  IMHO, the perfect way to end a Caribbean cruise!

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GENERAL NOTES ABOUT THE PRICING

  • Most all rates are based upon double occupancy, meaning 2 guests sharing the same stateroom.

  • 3rd/4th guest pricing is available upon request.
  • Gov't taxes/port fees of $272.37 per person are INCLUDED in the rates shown.

  • As mentioned, cruise gratuities are INCLUDED as part of your group package. These go toward your room stewards, plus bar and dining room staff. Value is $20 per person per day or $140 per person.

  • Cruise protection can also be added to your booking and is strongly encouraged for peace of mind. Cost is based upon category chosen.

  • Group rooms are limited and subject to availability at time of booking.  We expect to sell out of some categories offered this year.

  • All guests must place their bookings through Travel Made Better in order to take the CE onboard sessions and/or participate in the bonus inclusions.

Want a more exclusive experience in one of the fantastic Haven Suites? Or perhaps another category not shown in our group allotment?  Simply let us know - we will offer you the absolute best available rates and include your booking in the group.  Some suites also include butler service.  This is the place to be if you want a more luxurious experience with private pool/sun deck, restaurant, bar and lounge!

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IMPORTANT NOTES SPECIFIC TO THE REALTOR C.E. PRICING

As noted above, this year's rates DO NOT INCLUDE the cost of the Continuing Education classes:

$300 for the standard rate - includes your annual certification from MN Realty School

$200 for past guests of our CE cruises

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ANY SPECIALS FOR PAST GUESTS?

Absolutely - we love our return guests!  Your enthusiasm is what makes Learning Made Better such a special event.

If you are a past guest of our previous cruises (Norwegian Bliss 2019, Symphony of the Seas 2020, Celebrity Apex 2022 or Celebrity Beyond 2023, Odyssey of the Seas 2024), MN Realty School is offering $100 OFF the CE portion of this cruise.

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WHAT ABOUT A TEAM/GROUP THAT WANTS TO COME TOGETHER?

Perfect - that's what this is all about.  We have several offices that have multiple team members on our cruise events.  If you are a broker/owner/manager that is interested in bringing a team, you may qualify for a special offer with 4+ rooms booked.  Reach out to Nathan Harvey at (614) 402-1586 for more details.

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DEPOSIT AMOUNT

At time of initial booking, you will be charged the following in 2 separate payments:

  1. Cruise deposit of $500 total per stateroom (payable to Norwegian) --PLUS--

  2. Applicable cost for each person taking the onboard CE instruction (payable to MN Realty School)

Example #1:  If there are 2 guests sharing a stateroom and only 1 is taking the CE sessions, then your total deposit will be $800 ($500 to Norwegian + $300 to MN Realty School).

Example #2:  If there are 2 guests sharing a stateroom and both are taking the CE sessions, then your total deposit will be $1100 ($500 to Norwegian + $600 to MN Realty School).

Major credit cards only as inputted directly into your reservation form.  Payments are applied by Nathan Harvey, Owner/Travel Agent with Travel Made Better LLC and made directly to Norwegian and MN Realty School (CE portion). 

You will be emailed a receipt of both transactions upon booking, as well as an official cruise-only confirmation from Norwegian Cruise Line.

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WHEN IS THE FINAL PAYMENT DUE AND HOW IS IT PAID?

Final payment is officially due anytime before September 21, 2024.

You would receive emailed notice of final payment in late August.

After payment is completed, you will be emailed an official Norwegian PAID confirmation from Travel Made Better.

Norwegian Bliss; Norwegian Joy; AquaLoop; Aqua Loops; Waterslide; PoolDeck

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HOW DO I REGISTER?

All guests must pre-register for Learning Made Better 2025  through this form.  Simply click on the 'RESERVE TODAY' button at the very bottom of this website.  Your information will be sent directly to the travel agent. 

This is the best way to get complete and accurate information needed to make your cruise reservation.  Nathan Harvey (owner of Travel Made Better) is the only person that will receive or have access to this information!  It is safe on a military-grade security platform built into the technology.  If you have questions, feel free to email (nathan@travelmadebetter.com) or call/text (614) 402-1586.

Laser Tag, Norwegian Encore

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STATEROOM DESCRIPTIONS

All staterooms and suites come complete with private bathroom, vanity area, interactive TV, safe, phone, and hairdryer.

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(MA) Club Balcony Suite (aka Mini Suite) 

Up to four guests can stay in these Club Balcony Suites that include two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, with some featuring additional bedding to accommodate one or two more, plus a balcony to marvel at the ever-changing views. 

  • Accommodates: 2 - 4
  • Total Approx. Size: 249 sq. ft.
  • Balcony Size: 42 sq. ft.
  • Larger Bathroom with 2 sinks and walk-in shower
  • Upgraded amenities

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(BA) Ocean View Balcony Stateroom 

Balcony staterooms come with two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, and some have additional bedding to accommodate one or two more guests. Also includes a sitting area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto a private balcony. 

  • Accommodates: 2 - 4
  • Total Approx. Size: 214
  • Balcony Size: 38

Club Balcony Suite floor plan

 

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(IA) Interior Stateroom

Double Occupancy only

These Inside Staterooms are the most affordable way to cruise. They include two lower beds that convert into a queen-size.

  • Accommodates: 2
  • Total Approx. Size: 135-201 sq. ft.

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HOW ABOUT ADDITIONAL ROOMS FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY?

Yes - absolutely. 

Our group rates are available on a very limited basis for any guests of realtors taking the CE courses.  If you have friends and family interested in joining you for this cruise, please feel free to send them this website for info/registration.  We would be glad to service them as well at no additional fee!

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AIRFARE TO/FROM MIAMI (or perhaps Fort Lauderdale)

Roundtrip flights are NOT INCLUDED in the cruise package.  Please see below for important notes regarding allowable flight times. 

Airport Code for Miami:  MIA (10 miles from cruise port)

Airport Code for Fort Lauderdale:  FLL (30 miles from cruise port)

Flights must arrive no later than 12:00 Noon on Sunday, January 19.

Flights must depart no earlier than 12:00 Noon on Sunday, January 26.

IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you arrive the day prior to embarkation due to potential winter conditions and/or unexpected flight delays.

NOTE:  Unlike in Fort Lauderdale, the Miami International Airport and Port of Miami ARE NOT located nearby each other.  However, you are still much closer than if flying in/out of FLL/Fort Lauderdale.  There are also numerous hotels located in the airport/downtown and Miami Beach areas.

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DOCUMENTATION NEEDED

Passport books are recommended for all guests regardless of age.  If you do not have a passport, these can be obtained through your local post office (please allow up to 12 weeks for process completion).  Information is available online at travel.state.gov.  Passports must not expire within 6 months of our dates of travel (26 JUL 2025).

If you are not using a passport, you must provide BOTH an original birth certificate AND your government-issued drivers license. 

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CANCELLATION GUIDELINES

(per Norwegian Cruise Line)

From time of booking until September 21, 2024 ... space may be cancelled without a charge.

From September 22, 2024 - October 20, 2024 ... there is a 25% penalty per guest charged by the cruise line for cancellation.

From October 21, 2024 - November 19, 2024 ... there is a 50% penalty per guest charged by the cruise line for cancellation.

From November 20, 2024 - December 19, 2024 ... there is a 75% penalty per guest charged by the cruise line for cancellation.

From December 20, 2024 to sailing ... the cruise is non-refundable (100% penalty).

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TRIP PROTECTION COSTS

It is highly recommended that you include Norwegian's Platinum Vacation Protection to help in case of cancellation and/or emergency medical needs during your trip.

MA Mini Suite guests:  $199 per person

BA Balcony guests:  $179 per person

IA Interior guests:  $169 per person

(trip protection costs are based upon double occupancy i.e. 2 guests sharing a room).

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CE SESSIONS INSTRUCTOR

Mike Brennan​, MN Realty School

Mike was licensed from May 1995 until February 2012. Mike taught at Kaplan for 11 years. He has taught pre-license and continuing education classes since 2003 in Minnesota, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, Florida and Wisconsin. Mike's energy and enthusiasm keeps students engaged and alert. Mike became an investment property owner in 1993, which sparked his interest in real estate. Since then, Mike has worked in restoring/reselling houses, rentals and sales. Mike is involved with the Minnesota Board of REALTORS® and has volunteered for many committees, including Professional Standards, Nominating, Executive and the Board of Directors for the State Association of REALTORS®. Mike lives in St. Paul in an older Victorian house with his wife, their children, and two dogs.  

Mike Brennan was a finalist for "Most Influential Real Estate Voices in the US" by Inman News. 

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YOUR TRAVEL AGENT PARTNERS

Travel Made Better LLC  has been in partnership with MN Realty School since 2017.  We have grown to know many of you personally and are excited to be joining you on the Encore again this year.  We strive to be both professional and personal in all we do, so please feel free to contact us at any time with your questions.  We will do our very best to respond within 24-48 hours.