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“What do you think happens to the soap and shampoo at a hotel after the guest uses it?” That’s the question frequent traveler Shawn Seipler posed to his good friend Paul Till one day after another business trip. They immediately conducted a 30-hotel survey asking this very question and discovered that all of the hotels surveyed throw it away – what a waste! Now Shawn and Paul were on a mission. During the weeks that followed, Paul researched and found countless studies showing how recycled soap could save lives. At the same time, Shawn discovered a recycling process that could be applied to soap. From there, Clean the World was born.

Last week we met with the co-founders of the Orlando-based charitable organization and were impressed by both men’s passion and commitment to their mission. Shawn shared a staggering statistic: 3.5 million children under the age of 5 will die this year to two deadly diseases (acute respiratory infection and diarrheal disease) – that’s the equivalent of 9,000 children every day! Even more tragic is that up to 65% of these deaths could be prevented through simple hand washing with bar soap. Now think about your last hotel stay – how many small bars of hotel soap did you “slightly” use and discard?

Since Clean the World was founded in February 2009, the accomplishments have been nothing short of stunning:

• Over 230 tons of soap, shampoo, and other amenities collected and distributed
• 100 hotels representing 22,000 hotel rooms in 12 states participating in Clean the World’s soap recycling program
• Over 230 tons of landfill waste eliminated
• Numerous trips to Haiti (both prior to and after last month’s devastating earthquake)
• Partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruises to move hygiene products and medical supplies into Haiti Relief Efforts

Clean the World is a step closer to reaching their goal of preventing the millions of lives lost each year – and they’re doing it one bar of soap at a time.

To find out more about Clean the World Foundation, and to get a list of participating hotels go to www.cleantheworld.org. Currently, Crystal Cruises is onboard with Clean the World, and we hope that other cruise lines will follow.

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You might have heard about the last-minute cancellation of NCL’s Norwegian Star  in Vancouver – just four days before the beginning of the charter period for the Winter Olympics.

After meeting with executives from NCL, we want to assure our readers that NCL was not at fault and the cruise line will not take a financial hit. Landry & Kling’s CEO, Joyce Landry, told Seatrade Insider:

“We’ve been successfully operating dockside charters for more than 20 years without any default and we’re hoping this doesn’t put a blemish on the otherwise very positive concept of floating hotels.”

Read the entire story:  Seatrade Insider (please note: complimentary registration required)

By the way, we’re sure the Government of Trinidad and Tobago would agree that a dockside charter is a vital solution when faced with a scarcity of hotel rooms.  Two recent global events would not have been so successful without the chartered ships that provided supplemental housing and meeting facilities on the tiny island of Trinidad.

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Think those low hotel rates are too good to be true? Lately I’ve been hearing about clever “hidden” hotel fees. Seems that some properties are  tacking on miscellaneous surcharges at checkout – surprise! Here are 10 reported hotel fees that are sneaky, surprising, or just plain annoying.

1)      Resort Fees – These are daily “catch-all” charges added to your bill for things you might think are complimentary – like access to the fitness center, swimming pool or business center; or extra amenities like beach towels, high-speed Internet service and the “free” newspaper slipped under your door. Resort fees can range from $15 to $40 per day. So what if you don’t use the pool or gym – or read the newspaper? Some meeting planners are requesting a “no resort fee” clause in their hotel contracts.

2)      Supplemental Room Charges – Most common complaint – a surcharge of $1 – $3 a night for use of the in-room safe. Or an extra charge of up to $10 a night for an additional amenity like refrigerator, or a charge for the coffee maker or roll-away bed.

3)      Concierge, bellhop and housekeeping fees –  Don’t stiff the staff – tip appropriately, but watch for additional fees at checkout. Some hotels add an additional $10 – $30 or supplemental daily charge to your bill for these services.

4)      Fitness Center - Want to work out during your meeting or business trip? It will cost you. If not included in the “resort fee” expect to pay anywhere from $10 – $40 a visit.

5)      Grounds keeping – Make sure to stroll the grounds –fees upwards of $3 a night for upkeep of lushly landscaped grounds at some resort properties have been reported.

6)      Towels – Again, use of towels might be included in your resort fee, or you might be expected to fork over a buck or two for one. Remember to return it, or you will be charged $5 or more.

7)       AV Blues – AV fees can really add up. Meeting planners who want to bring in their own AV company are complaining about hotels that charge a fee for not using that property’s in-house service (much like a restaurant charging a corkage fee).

8)      Valet Parking – Some hotels offer self parking (for a fee), but many downtown hotels charge up to $25 a day for mandatory valet parking – and don’t forget to tip!

9)      Room Service – Figure on a charge of up to $30 for a simple American Breakfast (pastries, coffee, juice) from room service. Delivery charges and 18% gratuity usually added on as well.

10)  Mini-bar – Got the late-night munchies? That little snack will cost you, oh, about $5 for a candy bar. Better to run out to a local convenience store. And if you open the door to sneak a peek, don’t touch – sensors might add a restocking charge to your account.

And, a few reports from our own staff:

• A hotel that added 22% service to F&B charges – and then taxed the service charge! Thank goodness meals are included on a cruise.
• Group luggage pull – $2 per bag. No charge for baggage sweep on a ship – it’s standard practice.
• Box or luggage hold fee. Many hotels now charge to store boxes before your meeting or to hold luggage for a few hours after check-out; again, not an issue on a ship.
• My favorite: A “5-star” Miami hotel that charges $30 service fee to fill the hot tub in your guest room – don’t worry, you won’t find a hot tub charge on your cruise account.

Not all hotels are guilty of these sneaky “hidden fees”, but be aware and check your hotel bill or group contract carefully for miscellaneous charges. Demand transparency, especially in regard to resort fees. Many of these items can be negotiated in advance or disputed at checkout.

Want to avoid the whole “hidden fees” issue? Book a cruise! Save big with these budget items included in your cruise rate: Meals in main dining room as well as casual dining and room service, entertainment and shipboard activities, meeting space and AV equipment.

Of course, additional “onboard revenue” charges may appear on your shipboard account, but these are transparent and optional – such as surcharges in specialty restaurants, spa services, alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, Internet access, and casino gaming.

Have you encountered any hidden fees – either at checkout or in group contracts? We would love to read your comments.

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No place on earth is as awe-inspiring as the “Last Frontier” of Alaska, and there’s no better way to experience this magnificent destination than by cruise ship. Spectacular scenery unfolds as your ship sails peacefully past walls of blue ice, cascading waterfalls, and pristine forests. As you stand on your private veranda, you might spot a humpback whale. Eagles soar overhead. A calving glacier cracks and plunges into the sea. A cruise in Alaska is an unforgettable adventure and the ultimate travel incentive – close to home but a world apart.

Amazing Experiences – Your group can do things in Alaska they can’t do anywhere else in the world – stand on a glacier, watch pods of whales, and step back in time to history’s biggest gold rush. Go dog sledding on Mendenhall Glacier, take a seaplane tour over Misty Fjords, bike along wilderness trails, hike through glacial valleys. For the ultimate Alaska adventure, try a canopy expedition that combines ziplines, a suspended bridge, an off-road vehicle, a high-speed watercraft and a gold mine – WOW!

Group Options: In the February issue of Meetings West Magazine, Maria Lenhart explores the possibilities in her article “Cruising Alaska”. Landry & Kling CEO Joyce Landry reminds Meetings West readers that an Alaska cruise is a great value option for meetings and incentive programs, and offered some excellent  advice for planners:

“Alaska is a tremendous value right now—you can negotiate much better than in the past,” says Joyce Landry, CEO of Landry & Kling Cruise Event Services, a Miami-based company that specializes in cruise meetings. “I recommend taking advantage of the situation because you are not likely to see these prices again.”

You can read the entire article at www.meetingsfocus.com.

There are ships of every size and style sailing in Alaska – from intimate expedition vessels and luxury all-suite ships to world-class floating resorts. So if you want the allure of an exotic destination without the international travel expenses, book an Alaska cruise and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

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This week NCL invited a group of Miami travel professionals together for a sneak preview of the Norwegian Epic’s Ice Bar. Several members of the L&K and Seasite teams stopped by to check it out and chill.

Our group donned faux fur coats and gloves before entering the chilly frozen fantasyland, where the bar, tables and stools were all made of solid ice. The coats (along with a little vodka) helped keep them warm and cozy.

Inspired by the Scandinavian ice hotels, the Epic’s Ice Bar will be one of 14 in the world and the the only true ice bar at sea. Up to 25 guests can enjoy the ship’s  glistening venue at one time. Changing hues of blue, green and purple LED lighting will simulate the Northern Lights and create a distinctive arctic atmosphere.

The Ice Bar is just one of many exciting “first at sea” experiences featured on Norwegian Epic, which sets sail in late May 2010.

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Much has already been written about the Oasis of the Seas, the largest and most innovative ship in the world. But what does it all mean to meeting and event planners? Seasite gives you 11 reasons (we couldn’t stop at 10!) why you should consider the amazing Oasis or sister ship Allure of the Seas for your next group event.

1)      Most Innovative Ship Afloat is the Ultimate Incentive Reward – Soaring 16 stories, Oasis of the Seas’ groundbreaking design breaks all the rules – a floating park with over 12,000 trees, plants and flowers. A bustling, hip urban environment on a ship. Ultra-chic Loft suites. An exhilarating zip line at sea. All this and more on the world’s biggest ship will inspire your most jaded/been there-done that meeting attendee or incentive qualifier and give them something to talk about for years to come. Trust us; we thought we had seen it all until we stepped aboard the Oasis of the Seas!

The Boardwalk

2)      Welcome to the Neighborhood – All 7 of Them! Oasis is a floating city with parks and trees and a boardwalk with a carousel in the middle of the ocean. Other neighborhoods: Solarium, Entertainment Place, Vitality Spa, Royal Promenade, Sports Deck/Pool – great venues for a pre-dinner reception.

Common Concerns – Lost at Sea & Crowd Control: You might be concerned about finding your way around  a ship this large.  Not to worry – it’s easy to find your way around the Oasis  due to smart, intuitive ship design. Even our own “directionally challenged” CEO Jo Kling found the ship “easier to navigate than smaller ships because of the abundant fast elevators and touch screens showing your path to where you want to go”.  Architect, design, and engineering teams have created an innovative ship that  seamlessly manages the flow of passengers and minimize lines for dining, entertainment, embarkation and debarkation.

3)      Multiple Dining Choices –Oasis has an impressive 24 dining options including nine specialty restaurants. Palate-pleasing choices include a trendy and upscale restaurant with tasting menu and paired wines, signature steak house with views of Central Park, casual indoor/outdoor Seafood Shack on the Boardwalk, and health-conscious Solarium Bistro Lots of options for easy-to-plan dine-around events or corporate buy-outs – a great way to entertain your top performers.

Solarium Bistro

4)      Entertainment – In a word -WOW! Here are just a few of the impressive entertainment choices onboard the Oasis: Aqua Theater, an amazing amphitheater-style space with professional diving and theatrical performances; state-of-the-art Theater featuring three spectacular shows including the Broadway sensation Hairspray; Studio B with magical ice shows; Rockin’ Rhythm Nation Street Party – a celebration on the Royal Promenade. Want more evening diversions? How about cool jazz in the sophisticated lounge, live comedy improv, a trendy dance club, or spirited sing-alongs in the Irish Pub?

5)      Amazing Onboard Facilities – Oasis is more than a ship; it’s a collection of experiences that your attendees will remember long after their cruise. Here’s a sampling: 21 pools including a “Beach Pool” with gently sloped sandy shore (vibrant beach party held here); first at-sea zip line that whizzes your thrill-seeking attendees 9 decks high across the ship; the Solarium, an adult-dedicated haven of relaxation; 2-deck high Asian-inspired Spa and Fitness Center; Rising Tide Bar that glides between three decks from Central Park to the Royal Promenade with impressive views; and Sports Deck with two FlowRiders, two Rock Climbing Walls, a full basketball court, miniature golf and more.

6)      Dedicated Conference & Meeting Space – There’s plenty of meeting space with built-in AV and connectivity onboard Oasis. The ship boasts a dedicated conference center that can be divided into four flexible rooms; Studio B Ice Rink with 11,441 square feet of exhibit space; a multi-purpose show lounge with a capacity of 1,394 guests; and a variety of themed lounges and public areas that can be utilized for meetings and group events. Consult the Oasis Planner’s Guide on Seasite.com for grids and a list of meeting/function/dining room capacities (click Planners Guide tab, then Meeting Space Grid button).

7)      State-of-the-Art A/V, Onboard Technology, and Connectivity Options – You’ll find the latest A/V technology onboard to support your meetings and events including: Plasma Screen TV’s, AMX touch panels, overhead projectors, monitors and VCR’s, screens and LCD projectors.

Wi-Fi and mobile phone service is available throughout the ship and in staterooms. In addition, “Royal Connect” smart phones, available for rent, allow attendees to text each other, locate their stateroom-mates, and track their kids in real time.

Digital signage will give your attendees up-to-the-minute information about dining and entertainment onboard the ship and interactive touch screens map the way. Even the Oasis’ photo gallery is high-tech – attendees can view professional photographs at interactive digital kiosks.

Royal Loft Suite

8)     Unique Accommodations for Large Groups of up to 5,400– Finally! If you have a large group of up to 5,400 persons, you can all cruise together on the Oasis of the Seas.  With 2,700 staterooms and 37 different categories (including 10 types of suites) meeting planners have more choice of accommodations. The 27 Loft Suites are chic and super-functional, resembling floating city apartments with incredible views from double-height windows and private balconies. Other unique accommodations range from family suites that sleep six to balcony staterooms that overlook the Boardwalk, Central Park, or the seven seas – all with premium bedding and flat-screen interactive HDTV’s.

9)      Customization & Teambuilding – Here are just a few of the ways you can make your Oasis of the Seas program a unique experience: customized menu covers and desserts, a private ice show, customized shore excursions, pre-paid beverage packages, and personalized door plaques with program logo. Onboard teambuilding options include rock climbing, FlowRider surfing, scavenger hunts and team trivia. Challenge your team with Beach Olympics on one of Royal Caribbean’s private island destinations.

10)  New Port Terminal in Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) – Oasis of the Seas’ new state-of-the-art cruise terminal features a play area for kids, free Wi-Fi access, and 90 check-in counters. Most importantly, your attendees will enjoy seamless embarkation on sailing day as well as a smooth debarkation experience at the end of their cruise.

11)  Lots of Included Stuff Means Great Value – As amazing as Oasis of the Seas is, what’s even more incredible is all that’s included with your cruise program. Onboard the ship: meals in main restaurant and several other dining venues plus room service and ‘round-the-clock snacks, nightly entertainment, activities for all ages, expansive fitness facilities and sports deck. For meetings: function space and AV equipment plus coffee breaks (all you pay is $1 per person service fee)

Oh, and one more reason to celebrate – Oasis of the Seas’ sparkling new sister ship, Allure of the Seas, will be setting sail December 2010.

More Information:

• Click here to view the Oasis Planner’s Guide on Seasite.com and learn more about Royal Caribbean’s spectacular Oasis of the Seas.
• Request a Group Quote for Oasis or call 888-713-1371 today to speak with one of our expert Cruise Advisors (int’l callers: 305-403-3002).

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Up-to-the-minute technology is increasingly important to meeting and event planners, especially when it comes to on-site audio visual support. One of the benefits of a meeting at sea is that meeting space and standard AV is included on a cruise. But once in a while the complexities of a meeting demand more equipment than a cruise line or hotel can ordinarily provide. For these extraordinary events, you need a company to partner with your venue to provide out-of-the-ordinary equipment…like translation booths and headsets, media sound boxes, high resolution projection systems and teleprompters.

Seasite is pleased to recommend AVW TELAV. This innovative technology company, based in Montreal, has extensive experience providing supplemental AV support on cruise ships. In 2009, sister company Landry & Kling worked directly with the company in Trinidad during two prestigious global events: V-SOA (Fifth Summit of the Americas) and CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting).

During the Summit of the Americas, AVW TELAV provided simultaneous interpretation and audio visual for media feeds and coverage in 10 rooms in four languages. In addition, they outfitted the ships’ dining rooms and specialty restaurants – not normally used for meetings – with built-in AV, including large format presentation monitors. AVW TELAV once again provided critical AV and technical support for the CHOGM event on two cruise ships that were docked in Trinidad as “floating hotels” and meeting venues. The company supplemented the cruise lines’ existing equipment with additional conferencing systems in a variety of locations onboard both vessels.

You can read more about AVW TELAV and their corporate meeting services at www.avwtelav.com, or contact us for references.

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When Karyn Altman, our VP of Business Development, booked a cruise on Celebrity Solstice for a well-deserved vacation, she had no idea she would be part of a humanitarian voyage to an  earthquake-ravaged country. Here is Karyn’s first-hand report from Labadee, along with her compelling photos of relief supplies bound for Haiti.

Report from Haiti by Karyn Altman, Seasite VP of Business Development:

This is one of three photos of water and other humanitarian supplies being delivered on Celebrity Solstice to help with relief efforts in Haiti.

It is so surreal to watch the devastation on CNN from the comfort of my stateroom and then to arrive at this beautiful beach playground on the other side of the very same country. Before we docked at Labadee, I was happy to receive the special notice from Celebrity Cruise Line that 100% of all net revenue from the port would be donated to the relief efforts. Also, the cruise line made it very easy for passengers to donate directly to the Food for the Poor’s Haiti Relief Fund via a charge to their onboard accounts.  That helped tremendously, in spite of the bittersweet experience.

I wandered through the crafts market knowing just how much our dollars mean now to those who are working and living here on Labadee. As I compared two hand crafted bowls, a young man asked if he could help. I looked into his eyes for a minute and asked where he was from (knowing of course that chances were it was Port a Prince) which it was. I took a breath and asked quietly ” and your family?”
“All are dead ” he responded. It was difficult to hold back the tears.

One lady asked the shopkeeper if she could pay with a credit card.
“No, I’m sorry” said the lady behind the counter surrounded by hand woven bags and painted souvenir shirts that say I was in Haiti.  “We cannot take your credit card because we have no banks.”

Overall, it was very gratifying to see how many passengers were returning to the ship with their arms filled with purchases and shopping bags from the local vendors and artisans. I was also happy that most people appeared to be tipping generously when the local staff graciously helped with beach chairs and offered assistance with directions. Although the total amount of our contributions and purchases are a small drop in the bucket needed to help this devastated country, every drop counts and we could see that our being there did in fact, make a difference.

Yesterday I returned home and unfolded the beautiful painting I had purchased on Labadee, and held it up on the wall of my bedroom. I knew that the memory of that bittersweet day and the warm, grateful smile on the face of the artist when I agreed to the purchase, would remain with me forever.

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At Seasite, we know the value of a cruise vs. hotel, especially for meetings and group events. It’s easy to talk about the fabulous meals, spectacular entertainment, and wide variety of activities and sports facilities found on ships. Not to mention the flexible meeting space and cutting edge AV. Oh, and did we mention – all this is included?

But unlike a hotel, cruise lines charge a premium for single occupancy – up to 200% – because of all the great inclusions. If spouses/guests are factored into your program budget or attendees are doubling up – terrific! But what about singles – is there an affordable solution?

Single Solution: NCL has heard the cries of planners (and solo travelers)  and is offering an innovative cabin option on their newest and most exciting ship to date – Norwegian Epic. The 128 Studio Staterooms are the first cruise accommodations designed and priced for the single market – with no single supplement.

Cozy but Nice: With 100 square feet of living space, the contemporary-styled Studio staterooms are thoughtfully outfitted with a full-size bed, creative bathroom design for more personal space, unique storage areas, flat-screen TV and a desk. And, unlike most inside staterooms, the Studios will feature a window. Really? OK, they look out to the corridor, but guests can see out while others can’t see in – cool, huh?

Exclusivity: Another great thing (besides the affordable price) is that Studio guests will enjoy private key card access to their own exclusive lounge. In this private 2-story spot your single occupancy attendees can enjoy morning coffee, meet up with friends, book dinner reservations or shore excursions with the concierge, or relax with a pre-dinner drink at the Studio Lounge bar.

More about Norwegian Epic: Thoughtfully designed single staterooms, a private lounge, no single occupancy – what more could planners and their solo guests ask for? How about world-class entertainment including the famous Blue Man Group, the first Ice Bar at sea, 20 dining choices, and the first-ever rappelling wall on a cruise ship? NCL Epic begins sailing in July with alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.

More information:

• Click here to view the Epic Planner’s Guide on Seasite.com and learn more about the incredible Norwegian Epic.
• Request a Group Quote for Epic or call 888-713-1371 today to speak with one of our expert Cruise Advisors (int’l callers: 305-403-3002).

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As global corporate citizens, cruise lines are quick to offer support in times of crisis. We’ve already shared news about Royal Caribbean’s humanitarian efforts in Haiti; now Carnival Corporation and its affiliated cruise lines have announced their commitment to help the devastated island. Here’s the press release:

Carnival Corp and its Cruise Brands to Donate $5,000,000 Toward Haiti Relief Efforts
1/18/10

Carnival Corporation & plc and its affiliated cruise brands are donating at least $5 million toward relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

The funds will be forwarded to several different international organizations coordinating relief efforts within the country.

“We are saddened by this tragedy, one of the worst natural disasters of our lifetime and we are deeply concerned for the people of Haiti and hope that this donation will help provide much-needed assistance,” said Micky Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc.  “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by this catastrophe,” he added.
Carnival Corporation & plc’s donation has been earmarked for the following relief organizations: UNICEF, the University of Miami’s Project Medishare, American Red Cross, and Save the Children.

The $5 million donation includes a large corporate contribution along with monies raised from a variety of fundraising efforts coordinated by Carnival Corporation & plc’s cruise brands, both in their offices in North America, Europe and Australia and throughout the fleet.

The company is also working with the Miami HEAT on a coordinated relief effort for collecting various emergency supplies that are being shipped and distributed to Haiti by the University of Miami’s Project Medishare.

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