Planning a Conference and Making a Difference

If you plan corporate meetings and events, you’re well aware that employee reward programs – especially travel incentives – continue to be unfairly vilified by the media.

Last April, Texas Roadhouse CEO G.J. Hart appeared on NBC News to defend his company’s decision to sponsor a 5-day event in San Francisco for 1,000 restaurant managers and their guests. Yes, there were plenty of fun activities and team building events at the conference, but Texas Roadhouse also dedicated an entire day to community charity work – and invested 1 million dollars in labor and materials to help the people of their host city.

In the article “All Fired Up” on MeetingsNet, senior writer Rachel Eccles interviewed Mr. Hart to find out why incentive programs are so vital to this public company’s corporate strategy. According to Mr. Hart:

This conference is a way to recognize and reward our people and it is a once-a-year event. Our culture is [based on the premise that] if we take care of our employees, they will take care of our customers, and we believe in putting our money where our mouth is. So we invest in our people just as you would invest in anythings else. That is the only way to get returns. During times like these when everyone is feeling the pinch, it is even more important to recognize and reward folks.

More than a year has passed since Mr. Hart’s appearance on NBC News, but his message has never been more timely. Read the entire interview in All Fired Up. Then, watch the video and hear the Texas Roadhouse CEO explain the importance of recognition programs and community service – and why they work so beautifully together.

4 and 5-night Mediterranean cruises, with balcony staterooms starting at $599* per person

LIBERTY OF THE SEAS – 4-Night Sailings – May 5, 2011 and May 19,2011
Balcony Stateroom starting at $599* per person
Barcelona – Nice (Villefranche) – Palma de Mallorca, Spain – Barcelona

LIBERTY OF THE SEAS – 5-Night Sailings – April 25, 2011 and April 30, 2011
Balcony staterooms staring from $699* per person
Barcelona – Monte Carlo- Florence (Livorno) – Rome (Civitavecchia) – Barcelona
Barcelona – NIce (Villefranche) – Rome (Civitavecchia) – Cagliari, Sardinia – Barcelona

*taxes/fees and gratuities additional

The Best of Europe: Inspiring Experiences and Unbeatable Value

For less than $150 per person, per night, your group can experience the romance and grandeur of Europe and the Rivieras. Every morning, they’ll step out onto their private balcony to discover an alluring new destination. Imagine your attendees:

• Strolling the promenade de la Croisette in Cannes and drinking in the stunning seaside views, or trying their luck in the grand Monte Carlo Casino.
• Exploring the most beautiful cities in Italy, including Pisa, and Florence – the birthplace of the Renaissance.
• Discovering the magnificence of the ancient city of Rome – home to historical, architectural and spiritual treasures.
• Driving along the dramatic coastline of Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and visiting ancient villages along the way.
• Enjoying the gorgeous blue waters and unspoiled sandy-white beaches of Cagliari, Sardinia.

And the best part…they only have to unpack once!

Amazing, right? Now picture…

A resort-style, 3,634-passenger ship featuring:

• Incredible onboard sports and recreational facilities, including a surf park at sea, ice skating rink, rock-climbing wall, Everlast boxing ring, and cantilevered whirlpools extending 12 feet beyond the sides of the ship.
• Multiple dining venues – from an elegant 3-deck dining room to casual grill on deck.
• A variety of entertainment choices, including dancing under the stars in an open-air nightclub.
• All staterooms with flat-screen TV’s and luxurious bedding.

All included in the price of your cruise!

Need to conduct business while at sea?

Liberty of the Seas offers extensive Wi-Fi capabilities and mobile phone connectivity, dedicated conference space, and an array of lounges plus a main theater that can accommodate up to 1,280 for meeting and group events. Meeting space and A/V are also included with your cruise fare.

But wait, there’s more!

UPGRADE OFFER: You’ll receive 1 Junior Suite at the special balcony rates for every 20 staterooms (maximum of 6 upgrades).

So why not plan your next meeting or incentive on a dazzling ship cruising the Mediterranean Sea? These phenomenal rates are too good to pass up, and trust us – they won’t last long! You can learn more about Liberty of the Seas and check out the ship’s planner guide at Liberty of the Seas Ship Details.

To take advantage of these special group opportunities, call us today at 888-713-1317 /International: 1 -305- 403-3002 . Or, send us an email: CruiseAdvisors@seasite.com

Let’s get the bad news out of the way

Employee Engagement is Going Down the Tubes. According to a recent survey of 300 full-time financial services employees, only about half said they intend to stay with their employer for the long term or believe they have a promising future with their company, and only about half of those surveyed would recommend their company as a great place to work.

The results from Modern Survey’s Employee Engagement Index indicate that within the financial services industry, the engagement declines are much more dramatic than the overall U.S. workforce. Fully 62% of financial services employees are now disengaged or under-engaged.

Why should industry executives be concerned with these numbers? Greater employee engagement results in higher retention, higher productivity, and higher profitability. Do you really want your top performers jumping ship?

Now for the good news.

You can help boost employee engagement – face-to-face meetings and events are part of the solution.This morning’s MeetingsNet article “The New Crisis in Financial Services: Disengaged Employees” by Alison Hall quotes Don MacPherson, president of Modern Survey:

Senior leaders should focus on communicating the future of the organization. Meetings and events can be extremely helpful in accomplishing this, especially for large organizations. Anytime a CEO or executive team can get together in person to communicate the future of the organization, it’s a good thing.

Read the full article: Disengaged Employees Is Looming Crisis for Financial Services Industry

Cruising through the years

Before we look at Carnival Magic, let’s put things in perspective. Back in the day (circa 1990’s), cruise ship recreation meant days lounging languidly on deck with a good book. Perhaps a lively round of bingo on sea days, followed by an energetic game of shuffleboard or ping pong.

Fast forward to the new millennium

Royal Caribbean breaks the mold with the first rock climbing wall at sea (gasp!), an ice skating rink (with real ice!) and an indoor promenade soaring 4 decks high. What will they think of next? How about “flowrider” surf simulators, zip-line at sea, and a variety of  ship “neighborhoods” including Central Park (with real trees).

Not to be outdone, Norwegian Cruise Lines (formerly known as NCL), adds to their roster of “firsts at sea” with shipboard bowling  alleys, an Ice Bar, exclusive “villa” complexes, and entertainment straight from Vegas.

Other cruise lines get in the act as Princess unveils “movies under the stars”, Celebrity boasts the first “Lawn Club” with real grass, and NCL, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival sail neck-to-neck in the race to build the biggest, baddest aqua park at sea.

Now, back to Carnival Magic…

Carnival Magic RedFrog Pub

Here’s what’s on tap: the first indoor/outdoor pub at sea with a private-label beer brewed especially for the ship. The fist-ever cruise ship ropes course where thrill-seeking guests can traverse nets with views of the ocean 150 feet below. An outdoor weight-lifting area (a la Venice Beach) – another first at sea.

Oh, still curious about “getting dumped at sea”? You’ll have to climb into Carnival Magic’s gigantic, 500-gallon “dump bucket” to experience that for yourself. Don’t worry, you’ll be dropped in the pool – not the ocean!

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic will set sail May 2011 with a series of 7 to 12-night Mediterranean cruises. In November, Carnival Magic will reposition to Galveston, Texas to become the port’s largest year-round cruise ship, offering 7-night Caribbean cruises.

To learn more about mixing fun and business at sea, click on About Carnival Cruise Lines.

It’s the classic Goldilocks syndrome – for meeting planners. You’re planning an elite meeting or incentive program and need 99 rooms. You want an enticing destination that will motivate and inspire, but group privacy is a must. An event at sea is the best solution, but… a yacht’s too small and most cruise ships are too big. Now what?

A full ship charter of a smaller vessel might fit the bill (if you only had the budget), but your attendees also crave the variety of dazzling entertainment options, multiple dining venues, and exciting sports and recreational facilities offered on the big resort-style ships. This is no fairy tale, but there is a happy ending to the story.

A Dream Come True

Now imagine an elegant Italian “yacht” nestled within a state-of-the-art mega-ship. Ninety-nine sumptuous suites, 24-hour VIP butler and concierge services, a private pool and lounge – all reserved just for your group as they sail in extraordinary comfort and style to exotic Mediterranean ports.

Picture a haven of peace and refinement with an exclusive private club ambiance that also offers privileged access to a beautiful cruise ship with 13 bars and lounges, multiple dining venues, 4 outdoor pools, a casino, shops, multiple sports facilities and exotic spa (with a private elevator to whisk you back to your sophisticated enclave). And…it’s affordable.

No, you’re not dreaming – this is MSC Yacht Club and it can be yours – exclusively.

The MSC Yacht Club, available on MSC Cruises’ new ships, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, offers an upscale Mediterranean cruise experience with the personal attention and amenities found on luxury yachts, but at a value-packed price.  When you “charter” the MSC Yacht Club for your group, the per person rate is comparable to what you would pay for a 5-star hotel room, but it includes so much more!

MSC Yacht Club 24-hr Concierge Lobby

Included in your fare when you “charter” the MSC Yacht Club:

• 99 Italian designer ocean view suites in the most desirable section of the ship, all with private balcony or panoramic windows
• Exclusive private lounge with stunning views and plasma screen monitors to follow the ship’s course or view star constellations
• Private solarium pool and bar
• 24-hour Concierge lobby and 24-hour white-glove Butler service
• Multiple venues suitable for meetings and receptions with complimentary AV
• Library reserved exclusively for your attendees
• Beverages served in your private lounge, pool and bar area including select wines, spirits, beer, soft drinks, mineral water and specialty coffee
• Reserved VIP area in the main dining room, specialty restaurants, and 24-hour room service
• Priority check-in and check-out
• Visits to multiple Mediterranean ports with the convenience of unpacking only once
• Plus all the onboard facilities, entertainment venues and amenities of a large resort-style ship

Your MSC Yacht Club Private Lounge

VIP amenities in your MSC Yacht Club suites include:

• Samsung LCD TV screens
• Egyptian cotton bed sheets &  top quality ergonomic mattresses
• Full bath featuring spa tub and marble fixtures
• Free equipment available to access the internet
• Nintendo WII consoles
• Dorelan pillow menu for personalized comfort
• Full complimentary mini-bar
• Aromatherapy toiletries
• Luxury courtesy bathrobes and slippers

MSC Yacht Club Library exclusively yours

The Royal Treatment

The MSC Yacht Club offers much more than deluxe accommodation. What makes it such an unforgettable experience is the way guests are treated like royalty, thanks to the discreet, personal attention of a concierge and team of butlers.

Following priority check-in, your attendees are welcomed on board with champagne and canapés and introduced to their personal butlers, who then escort them to their suites and offer to unpack their suitcases. Throughout their voyage, the simple touch of a pager will summon their butlers for attentive personal services such as complimentary shoe shine and laundry, newspaper delivery, and traditional English afternoon tea.

The butlers can also make priority bookings for tender access and shore excursions, make spa or restaurant reservations, reserve front row seats in the theatre for evening performances, and even arrange private after-hours shopping in the onboard boutiques.

More Options for Larger Groups and Family Programs

If you’re planning a meeting or incentive for a larger group, or prefer to sail in the Caribbean or other destination, MSC Cruises has you covered. Nine other modern vessels offer a multitude of big-ship amenities and Italian hospitality in the Caribbean, New England/Canada, Northern Europe or South America.

Planning a family program? You and your attendees will appreciate MSC Cruises’ supervised programs for children and teens. And, MSC’s “kids sail free” policy for children 11 years old and younger will make your budget planning even easier.

About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is the fastest-growing cruise line in the world. A family-run company, MSC Cruises’ Italian heritage is evident in the design, style and warm hospitality onboard their contemporary vessels. MSC Cruises not only cares for their cruise guests, they are committed to protecting and preserving the environment. MSC Fantasia is the first “Eco-Friendly” cruise ship to receive the Six Golden Pearls Award for achieving the highest environmental standards.

To book the MSC Yacht Club for your exclusive group, click on MSC Cruise Search.

Let’s imagine you’re planning a meeting or incentive program for a top-tier group that’s well-traveled and sophisticated. Each attendee has demonstrated stellar performance to qualify for this trip, and you want to wow them with an event that will exceed their expectations. They expect – and deserve – the best accommodations, service, and amenities.

A 5-star resort is bound to be too expensive and too extravagant, especially when you cost in meals, receptions, A/V equipment, special events, entertainment and transportation to off-site dinners. It’s the most daunting challenge meeting planners face today: how to top last year’s program and increase ROI with less time and a tightened budget.

There is a solution…

You don’t have to choose between premium quality and extraordinary value. You can have both when you meet at sea on a Silversea ship. Whether you need a limited number of suites for an exclusive incentive, or a full ship charter for a private and highly customized experience, Silversea can accommodate all your business needs. Their intimate, 5-star ships are truly all-inclusive, simplifying your planning and saving you money. In fact…

A Silversea Full-Ship Charter Can Save You up to $600,000

You read it right – we’re talking dollar-to-dollar savings of over half a million dollars for a group of 540 sailing in the Mediterranean, when compared to a 5-star hotel program. It may seem too good to be true, but we have the numbers to prove it. To see a line-item comparison chart, click on How a Silversea cruise compares to a 5-star hotel.

When it comes to pricing your all-inclusive Silversea program, there are no surprises. At the end of your voyage, you’ll never be blindsided by unplanned expenses.

All-Inclusive Value. Your Silversea cruise program includes:

• All Ocean-View Suite Accommodation —most with private veranda
• Butler Service in All Suites -Pampering butler service for all
• Chilled bottle of champagne and cabinet stocked with preferred beverages in every suite
• Gourmet Dining in a variety of dining venues, all with open seating and no assigned dining time
• Complimentary In-Suite Dining and 24-hour room service
• Complimentary Beverages – selection of fine wines, champagne, spirits, bottled water and soft drinks
• All Onboard Gratuities included — none are ever expected.
• Variety of entertainment options and enrichment classes
• Fitness Classes led by the onboard fitness trainer
• Complimentary A/V Equipment and Meeeting Space - Conference rooms, theaters and lounges for meetings and receptions
• Complimentary transportation from the pier to the heart of town in most ports of call

Ships Built for Charters and Incentive Groups

Silversea understands your business needs. Whether you’re planning a small meeting with fewer than 75 people or need an exclusive charter for an incentive group of 100 to 540, your cruise event will be a tailor-made experience.

Silversea’s public rooms and facilities are available for presentations, receptions, meetings and breakouts. Each ship features a conference room with audio visual equipment and a large multi-tiered Show Lounge, as well as lounges offering stunning panoramic ocean views to inspire fresh thinking. Your attendees will enjoy six-star dining a choice of beautifully appointed restaurants – one of which can accommodate all guests in one seating.

Internet services are available on all Silversea ships. Guests may use their own laptop with wireless card in their suite or at WiFi locations throughout the ship, and computers are available in the Internet Café. Your attendees can also use their mobile phones and PDA devices while at sea (roaming rates apply).

Oceans of Options

When your attendees aren’t in meetings or exploring fascinating ports of call, they’ll be glad to know their ship offers a variety of onboard activities and diversions. Ship facilities include a world-class spa, well-equipped fitness center, a well-stocked book and video/DVD library, and spacious pool deck. There are also plenty of opportunities to expand their knowledge and learn new skills through Silversea’s enrichment program.

The Crowning Touch – Butler Service for Everyone

The dedicated services of a professional butler are the crowning touch to Silversea’s renowned, personalized service. Every one of your attendees will experience delightful surprises that go beyond the expected.

Upon arrival, your attendees will be welcomed with chilled champagne in their suite, and given a selection of toiletries and choice of goosedown, hypoallergenic, or therapeutic pillows. Their butler will explain the in-suite entertainment controls, unpack their luggage, hang clothing and set out personal items. And the pampering treatment continues throughout their voyage.

A Ship of Your Own

When a Silversea ship is chartered, total exclusivity in a secure and confidential environment is assured. You set the schedule, you choose the itinerary. The maximum capacity on Silver Cloud and Silver Wind is 294, and 388 on Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper (based on double occupancy). The newest addition to the fleet, Silver Spirit, accommodates 540 persons in 270 sumptuous suites.

Worldwide Destinations, Experiential Voyages

Small ship cruising allows you to visit exotic, less-visited ports not accessible to larger cruise ships. Silversea ships sail to 400 ports in seven continents – imagine the possibilities! Whether you choose to sail in the Caribbean, South America, Mediterranean, Alaska, or the Baltic, your Silversea program will be a journey of discovery your group will never forget.

Learn more about Silversea Cruises and discover what sets them apart.  To charter a Silversea ship or book a group, click on Silversea Cruise Search.

In the magazine’s “Publisher’s Message”, Mr. Grotsky agrees with Seasite.com CEO Jo Kling’s suggestion to shake things up: “Move your event to a ship to transform a dull meeting into a much richer, active experience.”

In our cover story “Meetings At Sea”, Kling noted, “Planners are thinking that they are not going to be able to do their normal event, and that’s true – that’s why it is so successful. You don’t do the same thing in the same way on a ship that you do in a hotel, and it’s that difference that excites you. What brings forth innovative thinking is not having people in the same old, same old environment.” (editor’s emphasis)

We couldn’t agree more! In the cover story “The Cruising Difference: Setting a New High-Water Mark” by Susan Gregg, Jo Kling explores planner hesitations, shares success stories, talks about the all-inclusive benefits of cruise ship events, suggests customization options, and shares insider tips for planning successful meetings at sea.

Read the article and find out how Microsoft Corporation doubled their international conference attendance by using cruise ships. And, how the shipboard environment helped create a sense of community and led to unique shared experiences.

Ready to shake up your meetings and “chart new horizons”? It just might be time to take your group to sea.

Because of some 4 and 5 night charters that were sold in the Caribbean, SeaDream Yacht Club has given us dibs on a few rare charter opportunities that we can’t wait to share with you:

2 and 3 night remnant voyages at an excellent value.

These unique short yacht charters can accommodate 112 guests and are perfect for weddings, birthdays, family reunions, company meetings or incentives.  If your group has more time, you can combine two consecutive voyages, or add a resort stay to create an exciting “surf and turf” event.

February 18 – 20, 2011 – 2 nights – Roundtrip St. Martin

April 7 – 10, 2011 – 3 nights – Roundtrip St. Thomas

April 10 – 13, 2011 – 3 nights – St. Thomas to San Juan

April 21 – 23, 2011 – 2 nights – Roundtrip San Juan

YOUR ALL-INCLUSIVE YACHT CHARTER INCLUDES:

• 56 elegantly appointed, ocean view staterooms
• Gourmet meals (in the dining salon or al fresco)
• Wine with lunch and dinner
• Open bar
• Gratuities
• Use of water toys and mountain bikes
• SeaDream’s signature “Champagne and Caviar Splash” deluxe beach event
• Evening entertainment including piano bar, dancing “under the stars” and Starlit Movies
• Fitness center and Thai-certified Spa (spa treatments additional)
• Outdoor pool, whirlpool, and water sports marina
• An attentive crew of 95 to “splendidly spoil” your attendees with 5-star service

Word to the Wise: If you’re short on time and looking for some amazing charter prices, please act quickly – these all-inclusive “gems” won’t last long!

To take advantage of these rare charter opportunities, call us today at 888-713-1317 /International: 1 -305- 403-3002 . Or, send us an email: CruiseAdvisors@seasite.com

SeaDreamYacht charter space is also available for longer voyages in 2011 and 2012. For more information about the SeaDream Yacht experience, click on About SeaDream Yacht Club.

They just heard the good news -  Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s first and second-largest cruise companies, have switched to cage-free eggs!  Both cruise lines worked with the Humane Society of the United States to develop the new hen-friendly policies.

So why are the hens so happy?
Royal Caribbean will switch to 3.2 million cage-free eggs immediately, and have promised to increase to 6.8 million within a year – sparing nearly 30,000 hens each year from being held inside tiny cages. Carnival Cruise Lines has made similar progress, converting more than 2 million eggs to cage-free. These cage-free hens will have two to three times more space per bird than their less fortunate caged sisters.

We applaud Royal Caribbean and Carnival – the first cruise lines to join the growing national cage-free eggs movement already adopted by many major restaurant and fast-food chains including Subway, Wendy’s, Quiznos, and Burger King.

And thanks to Karyn Altman, our VP Business Development, for sharing the photo of her sister’s two adorable pet chickens, Superfly and Fluffy!

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