Conference Fun in Ft. Lauderdale

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Here I am two months after the event, finally posting about my super fun time attending this conference!  The 10th annual Cruise3sixty was loaded with a lot of surprises, great speakers,  a huge trade show and beautiful ships to tour.

My days were packed with seminars keeping me up-to-date in the social media world to destination workshops and product updates from the cruise line execs themselves.

Then of course there were the ship tours.  Easily, one of the best parts of the conference, in my opinion.   I toured four different ships, each impressing me in one way or another.   While the tours were fast paced, I did manage to get a few pics to share.  The one thing I did NOT enjoy was having to get off the ship after the tour was over 😉

The first tour was on the MSC Divina.  I had never been on board a MSC ship, so this first time was really anticipated.  While I really enjoyed most things about the ship, one particular feature stood out to me:  the four Swarovski staircases.  Wow!!  They have the lighting just right and it sparkles like diamonds in the special lighting all over the atrium.   Beautiful!

Next up was the Celebrity Equinox.  Loved everything about her.  Gorgeous ship, phenomenal food.   The main dining room (called the Silhouette), has a two story wine tower that is just stunning!  The Martini Bar even had a frosted bar top.   The staterooms were chic and spacious.

My third tour was on the Norwegian Getaway.  Again, just a lovely ship.  Waterslides like I have never seen on a cruise ship.   There is even a Carlo’s Bakery on board (you know, from the Cake Boss)!

The final ship tour was on the new Royal Princess.  Wow.  I really just wanted to stay on board instead of heading to the airport.  A couple of things really stood out to me.  The size of the inside staterooms were the biggest I have seen on any Princess ship.  I always feel a bit claustrophoic when I am in an inside stateroom.  Maybe it was just the different layout, but it sure seemed more roomy.   The Piazza/Atrium was enlarged on this new ship and it is beautiful!  I would love to hang out here for an afternoon at sea or in the morning over a mocha.

The highlight and most exciting part of the week was my opportunity to meet Gavin MacLeod –  Captain Stubing from the “Love Boat”.   What a fun surprise!!   Had the chance to chat for a minute and have my photo taken with him.  I was a “Love Boat” watcher when I was a kid and fell in love with the idea of cruising even back then.  Little did I know that one day cruising would be such a big part of my world!

Attending Cruise3sixty is always such a great time.  I love interacting with other agents, hearing their stories, bouncing ideas around.  I truly enjoy the event and am looking forward to the next one in 2015!

Happy Sailing 🙂

 

 

World’s Largest Cruise Night, 2010

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The single biggest cruise promotion of the year is almost here. Sponsored by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA,) the date to save on your calendar is October 13, 2010.

On this day, you will find savings and special offers from just about every cruise line in the industry. Offers may include reduced deposits, ship board credits or dollars off. It’s a great time for consumers to book to take advantage of the savings. Keep in mind in most cases your cruise deposit is refundable, so you risk nothing in locking in the prices.

Here’s a sampling of special offers and incentives cruise lines have already announced.

  • Carnival Cruise Line  is offering upgrades on virtually all departures through December 2011.  To sweeten the deal, Carnival will offer not only best available upgrades, but up to a $200 onboard credit per stateroom for all Carnival Magic Europe voyages booked on October 13.  The WLCN best available upgrade offer applies to new individual bookings. The Carnival Magic Europe offer includes best available upgrades and a $100 onboard credit per stateroom for seven-day Europe sailings and a $200 onboard credit per stateroom for nine- and 12-day sailings.
  • Celebrity Cruises will have a 3 sale (Oct 13-16th,) for cruises sailing April through December 2011.  For new bookings receive – onboard credits of $50 per stateroom for oceanview accommodations; $100 per stateroom for veranda accommodations; and $150 per stateroom forAquaClass (only on Solstice-class ships), suites, and Concierge Class.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line is offering: up to 4 category upgrade plus reduced deposit plus up to $250 onboard credit per stateroom.
  • Disney Cruise Line is offering $100 onboard credit for 14-night transatlantic cruise sailings May 14, 2011 and Sept. 10, 2011,  $75 onboard credit for 7-night, 10-night and 11-night Mediterranean cruises sailing May 28 through Sept. 3, 2011 and a $50 onboard credit for 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises sailing Sept. 25 through Dec. 11, 2011.
  • Royal Caribbean International is presenting a two-part offer to travel agents for World’s Largest Cruise Night on Oct. 13. New bookings in ocean-view or higher category staterooms on select sailings made between Oct. 11 and Oct. 15 get an onboard credit of $25 per stateroom for three- to five-night sailings, $50 onboard credit per stateroom for six- to nine-night sailings, and $100 for 10 nights or longer. In addition, Royal Caribbean is offering two extra Groups Amenities Plus (GAP) points on new group bookings to redeem for additional onboard incentives, such as complimentary welcoming bottle of wine and other additional value items.

If you are thinking of cruising, now is the time to book with all of these special promotions going on.  I’d be happy to help you plan your dream cruise vacation!

Happy Sailing!!  🙂

Food Network at Sea

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Okay, it doesn’t get much better than this for food AND cruise lovers…..

Celebrity Solstice will sail on August 22, 2010 roundtrip out of Ft. Lauderdale with the Food Network At Sea Featuring Iron Chef Cat Cora and Chef Aarón Sánchez from Chefs vs. City.

MIAMI, June 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Celebrity Cruises has long been recognized for offering award-winning cuisine, and in August, the brand will pair the top-rated megaship, Celebrity Solstice, with invitation-only events sponsored by Food Network and designed for culinary enthusiasts, through the first “Food Network at Sea” program.

The Solstice will sail to San Juan, St. Thomas and St. Maarten.  I personally have been aboard this ship, it’s beautiful!!  Guests who purchase the special cruise package also will have the opportunity to enjoy the following:

  • VIP pierside check-in
  • Red carpet “welcome aboard” reception
  • “Battle of the Celebrity Solstice Chefs” competition event
  • “Dine-around” experience featuring samplings of favorite Food Network recipes
  • Access to the Food Network VIP Lounge and screening room
  • Caribbean cocktails on Celebrity Solstice’s Lawn Club
  • Pre-paid gratuities and special turndown gifts

Let’s hope this is a hit, I would LOVE to do this someday!

Foodies, Fun News from Celebrity Cruise Lines

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Celebrity Cruise Line is offering a way to visit behind the scenes with the master chefs.  Introducing the Savor series, designed by award-winning chef, and Celebrity’s Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden. It’s your chance team up with master chefs on the cutting boards, explore the “Art of Food and Wine Pairing” or expand your palate during the “Riedel Comparative Wine Workshop” designed in partnership with Riedel® Crystal.  Here is a peek at what they offer on board, how much fun does this sound??  I found all of this great info on www.celebritycruises.com .  Some of these classes are complimentary and some have a fee.  Enjoy browsing 🙂

FOOD AS ART

The Heartbeat of the Operation: Meet our chefs, and learn how they prepare your favorite dishes in this behind-the-scenes look at our culinary playground

A Taste of Equinox:  Join our Specialty Restaurant chefs as they demonstrate their interpretations of world cuisine

Star Chefs Cooking Competition:  Watch 2 of our chefs battle it out for shipboard supremacy – at least for the day

Global Flavors:  Our Executive Chef prepares some of his favorite dishes in a light-hearted cooking demonstration

Signature Series

Mixology 101:  Watch and learn the secrets to a perfect Mojito and other popular Celebrity cocktails

Molecular Mixology with the Liquid Chef:  Experience the new trend of “chef-inspired” bartending

Jameson Whiskey Tasting: Join our Whiskey Professor in learning about and tasting the nuances of Irish whiskey

Master of Malts from the Macallan:  Learn the fine art of Scotch production, flavor profiles, aromas and styles from Macallan Master Blenders

Small Batch Bourbon Tasting:  Taste our exclusive collection of Kentucky bourbons, and learn the history behind this classic American whiskey

Celebrity Vineyards

Celebrity’s Wine Appreciation 101: Join our Cellarmaster and Foodie to learn, taste and compare several wine varietals and styles

Celebrity’s World Wine Tour & Silent Auction:  Treat your palate to a global wine tour, and place a bid in our wine auction, hosted by our ships’ Sommeliers

Riedel Comparative Wine Crystal Workshop:  Discover the difference the shape and quality a Riedel glass makes to the enjoyment of fine wine

The Art of Food and Wine Pairing:  Learn the answers to your food and wine pairing questions in this educational workshop hosted by our Cellarmaster