If you plan meetings, incentives, or group events, we feel your pain. You’re expected to motivate attendees, produce memorable meetings and orchestrate spectacular events…and these days, do even more with less. Entertainment budgets are usually the first to feel the cut, but you don’t have to take the sizzle out of your event to stretch your program dollars. There’s a way to include jaw-dropping entertainment every night of your program – without spending a penny!

KEEP THE WOW AND DROP YOUR COSTS

Imagine the world-famous Blue Man Group attending your reception following your private performance. Picture legendary star look-alikes like Elvis Presley and Madonna mingling with your guests. How about reserving your own “big top” tent in the middle of the ocean for a thrilling acrobatic dinner show? Say goodbye to transfer costs, pricey entertainers, costly décor, and outrageous ticket prices for splashy shows. Not to mention all the planning headaches – gone, baby, gone. And trust us – your attendees will be talking about these amazing group events long after their program ends.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE RAISES THE BAR…AGAIN!

This summer, when Norwegian Cruise Line introduces their largest, most innovative “Freestyle Cruising” ship, Norwegian Epic, cruise line entertainment will never be the same. Unprecedented, world-class onboard entertainment is included with your cruise – exciting news for your program attendees and great news for your bottom line budget. Acts like Blue Man Group, The Second City Comedy Troupe, and a Las Vegas favorite – Legends in Concert…free! And for a small cover fee, your attendees can experience Cirque Dreams & Dinner, a spectacular entertainment and dining sensation that takes place in the first big-top at sea.

Guests will have many entertainment options to choose from on board Norwegian Epic during their 7-night Caribbean or Mediterranean cruise, including:

BLUE MAN GROUP: If you think your group has seen it all, we guarantee they haven’t seen this – Norwegian Cruise Line is delighted to introduce Blue Man Group at sea. For years, corporate groups have been drawn to Blue Man’s unique form of entertainment that blends modern day Vaudevillian elements, comedy and music with multimedia theatrics.

Although it’s impossible to describe, people of all ages agree that Blue Man Group’s show is an intensely exciting and wildly outrageous experience that leaves the entire audience in a blissful, euphoric state. Corporate groups have left theaters feeling connected and energized by their shared Blue Man experience. This unique theatrical experience is a form of entertainment like nothing else, guaranteed to be a program highlight for your attendees. The show can be customized to include references to your group (like spray painting your logo or pulling a CEO from the audience). Oh, and did we mention….no charge for this unforgettable evening event?

Enjoy a special performance of Blue Man Group and arrange a private reception with the famous performers after the show – complimentary.

CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER: What do you get when you combine European cirque-style of performance artistry with American circus acts and Broadway theatrics? Cirque Dreams and Dinner, a one of a kind entertainment dining experience – and your group is cordially invited. Book the entire Spiegel Tent or just one level and enjoy an opulent entertainment extravaganza. You and your group will enter a surreal world to experience world class talent, acrobatics, a touch of whimsy and tasteful audience participation. This is an extraordinary dining event that your attendees will not soon forget.

Cirque Dreams is also available for group buyout at three levels: The entire tent, the bottom deck, or top deck of the tent. There is a nominal charge for Cirque Dreams & Dinner, but when you factor in the caliber of entertainment, unique experience and dinner…a true bargain for an exclusive group event!

LEGENDS IN CONCERT: The longest running tribute show in entertainment history also joins Norwegian Epic. Your attendees will see the world’s greatest celebrity impersonators live, as they pay homage to such legendary stars as Elvis Presley, Tina Turner, and Madonna, and many more. There are six dazzling performances of this acclaimed musical extravaganza, so everyone has a chance to experience Legends – free of charge.

HOWL AT THE MOON: The World’s Greatest Rock N’ Roll Dueling Piano Bar, Howl at the Moon has been rocking cities from Hollywood to Chicago for years and now they’re bringing their world famous entertainment to Norwegian Epic’s star-studded Headliners nightclub. Epic entertainers encourage audience participation and will have your group singing, dancing, and howling all night long.

SECOND CITY: The Second City has been delighting audiences with their unique form of sketch comedy and improv for over 50 years. Spend an evening with Second City and get ready for lots of spontaneous entertainment and audience involvement. And once again, no cover charge for this headlining comedy troupe.

MORE ABOUT NORWEGIAN EPIC

In addition to world-class entertainment, the 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic features many innovations ideal for meeting and incentive groups including: the largest Villas suite complex at sea, with 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; a 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea (great for team-building!); and a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities. Norwegian Epic also boasts the largest spa at sea – a world-class health spa and fitness center totaling 31,000 square feet.

Norwegian Epic also offers your attendees 20 dining choices, including 11 complimentary venues – the most diverse on any ship; and 20 bars and lounges, featuring another Norwegian Cruise Line original – the first ice bar at sea. Most venues can be reserved for group functions and meetings. Planners, you’ll be happy to know that Norwegian Epic offers complimentary meeting space and A/V equipment to support your business needs.

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION

Norwegian Epic will sail alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami beginning July 10, 2010 through April 2011. Norwegian Epic’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. The ship’s Western Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico.

From May through October 2011, Norwegian Epic will sail a seven-day Western Mediterranean itinerary from Barcelona, Spain with ports of call including: Florence/Pisa (Livorno); Rome (Civitavecchia); Naples, Italy; and Palma, Majorca, Spain.

For more information about this ship, check out the Norwegian Epics Planner Guide on Seasite.com, then find your Norwegian Epic cruise at www.seasite.com.

Filed under: Cruise News, Meeting & Incentive News, Miscellaneous