Last year, a US News & World report proclaimed “Meeting Planner” one of the best careers for 2011. The report also noted “stress levels can be high”. No kidding!

Now, a new study from CareerCast lists “Event Coordinator” as one of the top 10 most stressful jobs. Number six, to be exact – right after Police Officer. The company’s 2012 Job Stress Report surveyed 200 different professions measuring work environment, job competitiveness and risk. (In case you’re wondering, Enlisted Soldier was #1 most stressful, followed by Firefighter, Airline Pilot and Military General.)

A Meeting Planner’s Life: Grace Under Pressure

If you’re a professional meeting or event planner, your qualifications summary probably looks like this: excellent juggler, negotiator, diplomat, communicator and quick-change artist. Not to mention: possess nerves of steel and make split-second decisions when faced with last-minute changes or unexpected challenges.

According to Wikipedia: “Event planners’ work is considered either stressful or energizing…fast-paced and demanding.” Your life as a meeting planner is also creative, inspiring, and immensely rewarding. And that’s why you love it, right? The most successful pros have a passion for their work!

But there’s still that issue of meeting planner stress.

Along with the pressure of making sure your events run smoothly and attendees are happy, you probably eat on the run, and have little time for exercise or relaxation – let alone sleep – while on site. And there’s no such thing as “planner’s hours” – your hours vary and are likely to include evenings and weekends. It all adds up to unhealthy stress levels, which deplete your energy and rob you of your joy.

The late neuropsychologist Dr. Paul Pearsall was one of the most requested speakers in the world; he was also the author of over 200 professional articles and 18 books. His fascinating article, “The Causes & Cures of MPS (Meeting Planner Stress)” was published in 2005, but still rings true today.

After interviewing a group of 28 meeting professionals for a clinical research study, Dr. Pearsall concluded that “Only meeting planners seem to know what a meeting planner does. Meeting planners fully understood the complex and time-consuming nature of their work, but few others in their organization seemed to really get it…”

Are you nodding in agreement right about now?

Here are five stress-control tips you can begin implementing today:

1) Make contingency plans. Accept that you can’t control everything, and take charge of the things you can – have a backup plan to your “Plan B”.

2) Get your 40 winks! Studies show a strong link between insomnia and chronic stress. Experts recommend going to bed at a regular time each night, striving for at least seven to eight hours of sleep and eliminating distractions such as television and computers from the bedroom.

3) Get active. Physical activity increases your body’s production of feel-good endorphins, a type of neurotransmitter in the brain. Better yet, get out in the fresh air – a brisk walk will do the trick.

4) Be prepared. Don’t leave details to the last minute, and secure all agreements in writing.

5) Breathe deep. Take a relaxation break and practice some deep breathing or mindfulness meditation. It will calm your nerves, refresh your mind, and help you stay present and focused.

And here’s a bonus tip: Check out “Yoga for Meeting Planners – Stress Management & Team-Building with a Twist”

This Kindle book by Darrin Zeer might be the best $4.99 investment you can make. Try a few yoga stretches in the book – they can be done anywhere, anytime, whether you’re in the office, on the phone, in meetings – even in bed!

And finally, we leave you with these wise words from the late, great Dr. Pearsall:

Remember why you do what you do. Business meetings serve as a major avenue for learning, connecting, rewarding, and celebrating the work that we do. Meeting planners are the deans of this unique corporate curriculum, and their stress can be reduced by taking more moments to stop, take a deep breath, and just watch as attendees learn something new, connect in the ways they so dearly need but too seldom do, and enjoy the wonderful opportunity you have created for them.”

Now it’s your turn: Planners, how do you cope with job-related stress? What tips do you have to share?

As a meeting planner, your ultimate goal is make sure your participants are happy – which translates to a successful event and healthy ROI for your organization. Do you want to know one of the best ways to boost the happiness levels for your meeting attendees or incentive winners? Help them to give back.

It’s good to give – and there’s evidence to prove it. Recent neuroscience research suggests that we’re hardwired to feel good when we give. Even a small act of kindness can make a world of difference to someone else; but can also boost happiness in the person doing the good deed.

CSR – The Business of Altruism

Adding a community project or charity element to your program agenda also makes good business sense – it helps your company’s public image. More socially aware consumers are choosing to do business with organizations that have a strong Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy. In fact, according to a recent survey, 61 percent of Americans have a better opinion of corporations that integrate good causes into their business.

So now you’re convinced that giving your attendees a means to “give back” to a destination in need is a great idea, but the tricky part is… how? Determining a worthy cause, identifying specific needs in the community, tackling planning logistics, overcoming cost constraints, and finding time in your agenda are all valid concerns.

Here’s a great organization that’s done all the footwork for you:

Pack for a Purpose. The goal of this not-for-profit organization is to assist travelers who want to make meaningful contributions and help the communities they visit.

A life-changing event during an African safari trip inspired former teacher Rebecca Rothney to found Pack for a Purpose. When she and her husband Scott realized they still had space in their suitcases, they got their hands on a local school’s supply “wish list”, packed up the goodies, and delivered them directly to the school.  Since then, Rebecca, Scott, and fellow travelers have made several trips to other countries, carrying more than 1,000 pounds of clothing, school and medical supplies.

But the Rothneys knew that carrying large amounts of supplies required a great deal of time and logistical cooperation, so they came up with a simpler and more direct way. By creating a website with an up-to-date list of needed supplies in different destinations and asking travelers to deliver just 5 pounds directly to their participating hotel, everyone can make a big difference.

How does it work? All it takes is 5 pounds of suitcase space. As they prepare to travel to their meeting or incentive destination, your program participants are invited to collect and pack school supplies, medical supplies, and other small items (such as soccer balls) listed on the website. Just by making a small effort, everyone can participate in the project and feel good about making a huge impact in the lives of the people in the community they are visiting.

Don’t think 5 pounds is a big deal?

Here’s what five pounds in one suitcase looks like:

• 400 pencils, or
• 5 deflated soccer balls and inflation device, or
• Stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and 500 band-aids

Five pounds can touch countless lives, and when you add up the number of participants in your meeting or incentive program…that’s a ton of good!

So whether you’re planning an event in Africa or anywhere else in the world (including the Caribbean, Mexico, Asia, Central America, or Europe), simply go the Pack for a Purpose website, select your destination, and find a participating hotel. Click on the property, and you’ll find a list of local projects and needed supplies. Drop off the supplies at your hotel when you check in, and they’ll be delivered for you.

That’s all it takes – just 5 pounds and a small effort to make a huge impact – in the lives of the givers as well as the receivers! To learn more about Pack for a Purpose and the projects they support, check out their website.

This canceled yacht charter Sept 15-22, 2012 to Southern Italy and Malta can be your gain.

Special charter price is now 25% off!

Take advantage of this rare opportunity:

• Brand new vessel, debuting in May 2012
• 36 cabins accommodate up to 72 guests (all cabins have WiFi Internet access)
• 7 night sailing to Southern Italy & Malta, or design a custom itinerary
• A high ratio of 28 staff to 72 guests ensures the highest quality in service
• All cabin classes at the same minimum rate – a discount of 25% off the standard published price

Highlights of the Variety Voyager include a restaurant seating 64 guests with floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor restaurant seating 50, a lounge area seating 64 passengers and an adjoining reception area and bar, an outdoor lounge with late-night entertainment, a wellness zone with a Balinese Spa, a marina zone to launch Zodiacs and watersports equipment, an Internet corner and a library. Download a Variety Voyager brochure (PDF).

To charter Variety Voyager at this special price:

Contact Stephanie Deaton at 305-661-1880 x134 or sdeaton@landrykling.com.

If you’re accustomed to planning hotel-based programs, you have a few tricks up your sleeve – themed event venues, exclusive off-site tours, special entertainment, personalized room gifts. But if you are new to cruising, you might be wondering how to translate a ship into a customized venue. Don’t worry – there are many ways to give your event at sea a personalized touch so your attendees or qualifiers feel extra special.

Here are just a few creative ideas:

• Customized pier decor including balloons and banner, designated group check-in area
• Private sail-away festivities onboard with champagne and streamers
• Custom logo ice sculpture displayed at private receptions
• Welcome letter in each stateroom, signed by the ship’s Captain
• Reserved area, beach olympic event, or scavenger hunt at the cruise line’s private island
• Magnetized door plaques, presonalized with participant’s name and program logo
• Private Captain’s Reception with special remarks for the company
• Customized company logo on menu covers, desserts, cocktail napkins, and daily activity programs
• Onboard “dine-around” or “buy-out” of specialty restaurants onboard
• Private concerts or productions shows in the ship’s show lounge
• Commemorative voyage DVD
• Exclusive shore excursions, customized for your group

Full-Ship Charter: The Ultimate Customization

A charter or buy-out of an entire ship gives you the ultimate freedom to customize. Some of the special touches might include:

• Flag-raising sail-away ceremony on deck – a flag with your company or program logo will fly from the ship’s mast during the cruise
• Hosted dinners with the ship’s officers; bridge reception hosted by the Captain
• Designated TV channel to display your agenda, new product information, or video of the day’s activities
• Daily onboard activities, itinerary, port and meal times adjusted to meet your business objectives
• Custom entertainment, and performers available to interact with company executives and guests during award presentations

Cruise lines have their own unique ways to customize your group event or charter, including:

On Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway, and Jewel-class ships: The Haven, an exclusive “boutique within a ship” – a private access complex of suites, concierge lounge, courtyard, pool, and dining facilities that can be “bought out” for small groups.

On Norwegian Epic: A private Blue Man Group performance, and an opportunity for your group to mingle with the performers at a post-show reception; buy out of Spiegel Tent for a private, interactive Cirque Dinner Show.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis or Allure of the Seas: Neighborhood “buy out” – choose from Central Park with its speciality restaurants and cafes, or the Boardwalk with AquaTheater and old-fashioned wooden carousel.

Carnival Cruise Lines – Exclusive Chef’s Table multi-course private dinner and gallery tour for 12 guests; Carnival Corporate University – lively and creative team-building, communication and leadership training sessions can be customized to meet the needs of your group.

And these customization ideas are just the beginning!

For more ways to personalize your cruise event, including pre-cruise promotion, what you can negotiate with the cruise lines, plus half-ship and full-ship charter customization ideas, check out the full list in Seasite.com’s Knowledge Center: Customizing Your Cruise Event.

Prime Season Savings

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic ships travel year round in this remarkable destination, and now offer seasonal pricing that is just as amazing. Savvy meeting and group event planners can save between 20 – 25% on select “Prime Season” Galápagos departures from September through early December 2012, based on a full ship charter.

Up Close and Personal Wildlife Encounters

The islands are extraordinary during Prime months, when fewer people choose to travel.  And the experiences are life-changing. Whether it’s swimming among migrating sea turtles, snapping photos of the blue-footed boobies mating dance or seeing the first flight of a waved albatross chick, your group will never forget their visit to enchanting Galápagos.

Count on rare, close encounters with marvelous animals every day, no matter when you choose to go. And with a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Certified Photo Instructor aboard every voyage, everyone in your group will capture fantastic images of their Galápagos experience.

Immersive Adventures – Exclusively Yours

Charter your own premium expedition ship in Galápagos and take advantage of tremendous savings during Prime Season. Both the 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour and 48-passenger National Geographic Islander are equipped with cool tools for exploration, and kayaks and Zodiacs carry you even closer to worlds of pure natural wonder.

The all-inclusive nature of your Lindblad Expeditions voyage adds to the value of your Prime Season savings. All meals, shore excursions, Zodiak and kayak exploration, daily lectures and presentations by expert Expedition Leaders and Naturalists, as well as photography tips from a Lindblad/National Geographic-certified Photo Instructor are included during your expedition.

Don’t miss out on your “Prime” opportunity to experience one of the most magical destinations on earth – with savings that are out of this world!

To search itineraries and request a quote for a Lindblad Expeditions ship, click here.

To take advantage of special Galápagos charter rates, contact Karen Kuttner-Dimitry: 212.261.9030 / 800.783.6656 ext 1030, or email: Lindblad Expeditions.

A few of the new venues include Food Network’s Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint, George Lopez ‘Punchliner” Comedy Club and the EA Sports Bar. Other enhancements include RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, a new Serenity adults-only relaxation area, and much more!

Do you want to know how a team of 1,500 crew and 500 contractors upgraded a ship in just under two weeks? Here’s a peak behind the scenes:

1. Super-Sized Ship Upgrades

Cruise lines are forging ahead with ambitious renovation projects, adding the most popular and innovative new-ship features across the fleet, and enhancing the onboard experience with exciting new venues. The most massive initiatives include:

Royal Caribbean International – Royal Advantage. Launched in 2011, this $300 million revitalization project will bring more Oasis-class dining & entertainment options across the entire fleet. The upgrades include more restaurants and dining experience, 3D movies, oversized LED video screens on the pool deck, new cabin design, and advanced onboard technology (including WiFi throughout the ships and digital wayfinding systems).

Carnival Cruise Lines – Fun Ship 2.0. Carnival’s $500 million project features celebrity partnerships, new casual dining venues, and more entertainment options – rolling out on 16 ships. Food Network star Guy Fieri introduced Guy’s Burger Joint; comedian George Lopez now oversees the cruise line’s comedy club lineup; and Carnival has also joined forces with Hasbro, DJ IRIE, and AE Sports to create high-caliber, interactive entertainment.

Celebrity Cruises –“Solsticize” Project – Celebrity continues to add the best of Solstice-class features to the fleet in 2012 with a $120 million upgrade to four Millennium-class ships. Guests can expect to find the quirky, interactive specialty restaurant, Qsine; an iLounge computer center; new suites; refreshed accommodations and more.

2. Ships Plug In to Save the Environment

Cruise ships typically berth for up to 11 hours, and an increasing number of cruise ports are now allowing ships to “plug in” to shoreside power while at the dock. Several cruise lines have already made the green switch by retrofitting their ships to take advantage of this option. When these vessels connect to the city’s electrical grid instead of running onboard engines powered by high-sulfur diesel fuel, the result is zero air emissions and a healthier environment.

Juneau was the first port to offer this first-of-its-kind technology in 2001, followed by Seattle, Vancouver, San Francisco and San Diego. Los Angeles got onboard in 2011. This year, New York City’s Brooklyn Cruise Terminal will invest $15 million to provide shore power,  making it the first east coast port to use shoreside power. Expect more East Coast and Gulf ports to adapt the technology, followed by ports in Europe.

3. Private-Access Suites Create a “Ship Within a Ship”

As ships are expanding in size, the concept of a private ship, yacht, or boutique hotel “within a ship” is also growing. This is the perfect “buy out” option for small, upscale groups that require exclusivity and privacy, but still want access to all the amenities of a big ship. Here are some great examples:

MSC Cruises – MSC Yacht Club – MSC Cruises was the first to introduce the private-access, “yacht within a ship” concept, and will extend the MSC Yacht Club to a third ship sailing in Europe, MSC Divina, in 2012. A self-contained private club area includes deluxe suites with 24-hour European Butler service; an exclusive lounge, bar, restaurant, and pool deck; complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks; 24-hour concierge service; and private elevator to Aurea Spa.

Norwegian Cruise Line – The Haven by Norwegian – This private keycard-access suite complex is located on the top of select ships, including Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Breakaway (launching in 2013). The Haven features deluxe suites and a private courtyard complex with dining, concierge lounge, and 24-hour butler service; and VIP amenities including priority reservations in the ship’s specialty restaurants and entertainment venues.

Celebrity Cruises – New Signature Suites – When Celebrity Reflection sets sail in Fall 2012, five new “Signature Suites” will offer spacious accommodations for four, a large veranda, and floor-to-ceiling windows designed to maximize the stunning ocean views. In addition, the 2-bedroom, 1,636 sq foot Reflections Suite will be Celebrity’s largest suite at sea, accommodating six. The elite suite enclave will be located in a private area on the top deck of the ship, accessible only by private keycard for groups of up to 26. Butler service will be available 24/7.

4. River Cruising Comes of Age

River cruising is an increasingly popular option for meeting and event planners as a new generation of river vessels continue generate buzz. Of the 15 new ships that set sail in 2011, seven – nearly half – were river vessels!  These small vessels plying the rivers of Europe, Asia and theU.S. are the perfect size for charter. They also offer more relaxed and immersive cultural experiences, dock in the heart of towns, and many itineraries include overnight stays.

In 2012, Viking River Cruises will launch four new river vessels as part of a $250 million expansion program. Closer to home, Mississippi River cruises are making a comeback, with The Great American Steamboat Company re-launching the classic paddlewheeler American Queen in April 2012, and American Cruise Line’s new paddlewheeler -Mississippi Queen – launching in August.

New riverboats in Europe and Asia feature more deluxe and contemporary amenities, including: butler service in spacious suites, suites with balconies that convert to glass-enclosed conservatories with the touch of a switch, wall-to-wall panoramic windows that open, al fresco dining areas, elevators, expanded fitness centers, glass-enclosed heated pools, ship-wide wireless access, hybrid engines for a quieter, green ride.

5. Entertainment Experiences – Wow!

There’s no other word but “wow” to describe new developments in cruise ship entertainment. With more diverse choices, interactive experiences, celebrity partnerships and world-class acts, there’s no question that cruise ships have become destinations in themselves.

Over-the-top Entertainment Included – Jaw-dropping entertainment attractions include the latest 3-D movies, lavish “Ice Capades” style shows with Olympic-class skaters, and breath-taking water acrobats and high-diving aerial performances in AquaTheatres.

With Broadway shows like “Hairspray”, “Chicago”, and “Saturday Night Fever” appearing on ship marquees, along with acts like Blue Man Group and “Legends in Concert”, planners are discovering that cruise ships rival entertainment capitals like New York andLas Vegas – minus the pricey theater tickets.

6. Cruise Ship Dining: More Choices, More Surprises

Cruise lines continue to raise the culinary bar with more dining choices & cuisines (there are a whopping 25 options on Oasis and Allure of the Seas). But it’s not only fine dining – Norwegian’s popular 24/7 pizza delivery service is expanding fleetwide, and Guy Fieri has just launched “Guy’s Burger Joint” on Carnival ships (with no additional fee).

Along with more casual venues and specialty restaurants, cruise lines are offering more unique, interactive culinary experiences – like Celebrity’s playful Qsine, with menus and wine lists on iPads and interactive cocktail menus. Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines now offer “Chef’s Table” culinary events for groups of up to 12, and Disney’s Animator Palate Restaurant on new ships feature Disney animation and guests’ drawings that magically come to life during a visually stunning dinner experience.

In 2011, Oceania Cruises introduced Marina, the first “Epicurean Ship” designed for lovers of fine dining (Riviera follows in 2012). Six of the ten dining venues are open-seating gourmet restaurants with no surcharge, and the ships boast a new Bon Appetit Culinary Center- the only hands-on cooking school at sea.

Several cruise lines including Oceania, Silversea Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club, and Lindblad Expeditions also offer special “culinary adventures” ashore with local market tours, and shopping excursions with the chef.

7.  Cool Technology Features

With WiFi access in public areas or bow to stern the standard on today’s ships, staying connected no longer a worry for meeting planners. But cruise lines are also using technology to enhance the shipboard experience. A few high-tech features you will see more of in 2012:

• Celebrity iLounge computer centers (first Apple store at sea)
• Celebrity iPad art tours, iPad menus in Qsine specialty restaurant
• Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas will feature multi-lingual iPads in every cabin – can be used throughout the ship to monitor personal accounts, access ship’s daily newsletter, view restaurant menus, access the internet  (will be expanded to 5 other ships)
• Digital Wayfinder systems on more Royal Caribbean ships
• Disney Cruises “magical porthole” in inside cabins –monitors with real-time video views outside the ship
• Disney Enchanted Art that magically comes alive when guests stop to view it
• Giant LCD screens on deck.

And perhaps the most luxurious high-touch, high-tech amenity of 2012:

Guests booked in Celebrity’s Reflection Suite, Signature Suites and Penthouse Suite will experience a breakthrough bedding experience, thanks to Celebrity Cruise Line’s partnership with Reverie.

Reverie’s exclusive technology enables the iPod Touch, iPhone  iPad and Reverie Remote app to act as a remote control for the Reverie Sleep System, allowing guests to easily operate massage features and adjust the elevation of the mattress. (Pressing “zero gravity” will create the ultimate sensation of “weightlessness,” similar to the sensation felt in a zero-gravity chamber.)

Guests can enjoy this innovative technology through an iPad provided in each of the new suites.

Professional speaker Donald Cooper’s website is chock-full of free management tools, sample video clips, and hundreds of informative articles that cover a range of topics including “Attract, Lead and Keep a Top-Performing Team” and “World Issues that Could Affect Your Business”. You’ll even find such light-hearted gems as “The Famous Cooper Chowder Recipe”. (All articles are available to download or republish – free of charge.)

This recent article “Create more cost-effective events…40 ways to save big money on your next conference” caught our attention – the title says it all! From Donald’s article:

To help you keep your next conference “on budget”, here are 40 cost-saving ideas that work. Some are from the good folks at Meetings & Incentive Travel Magazine (www.meetingscanada.com)… and some are from my own experiences in speaking at over 1500 conferences around the world.

Click here to read the entire article, but we’ll get you started with:

1. Timing is everything: If you have some flexibility in the timing of your conference, there is big money to be saved by picking “off-peak” times. Ask your venue what their off peak or “hot” dates are to save on meals, accommodations, and meeting room rates.

How to Shrink the List

As we read over the list of cost-saving ideas, we couldn’t help but think that booking a cruise ship venue for your event could cut the list down to 25. For example, you can disregard Ideas #13, 14, & 15: Breakfast money-saving tips. Why? Meals are included. Oh, and the meeting room rates mentioned in #1? Included on a ship – as is A/V equipment,  decor, and entertainment.

Having just spoken at two corporate events held on cruise ships in November, Donald Cooper knows the value of meeting at sea. Here’s what he told us:

Whether it’s a reward trip, a Sales Meeting or Management Retreat, being on a ship creates an extra feeling of adventure, pampering and camaraderie that doesn’t exist on dry land. It’s wonderfully cost-effective, it generates significant good will, contributes to building a world-class business culture. The secret is in choosing a ship that will deliver all of that to the standard of your specific group.

Thanks, Donald, we couldn’t agree more! As far as choosing the right ship, it’s no “secret”. Seasite.com has all the resources you need to find the perfect “floating hotel” for your group event!

About Donald Cooper: Donald Cooper, MBA, has been in the corporate trenches as a world-class manufacturer and an award-winning retailer. These days, Donald helps businesses throughout the world create clear and compelling value, clarity of purpose and long-term profitability through his keynote speeches, interactive workshops, transformational management “Boot Camps” and management coaching.

Donald can be reached at donald@donaldcooper.com in Toronto, Canada.  To read more of his articles, go to www.donaldcooper.com and click on “Free Articles”.

During that time, I missed important milestones in the evolution of the cruise industry. And it was only by virtue of taking a group of our strategic partners on a familiarization cruise in December that I was able to familiarize myself at the same time – and discover what  had been missing in my cruise repertoire!

I had never seen or sailed on any of the four jewels of Royal Caribbean’s “Radiance Class” sister-ships: Radiance of the Seas which debuted in 2001, Brilliance of the Seas (2002), Serenade of the Seas (2003) and Jewel of the Seas (2004)—which I just experienced on a Caribbean cruise December 5-10.

I felt like a new cruiser entering a glamorous ship for the first time…and on the Jewel of the Seas, I was! This stunning “ship of glass” has a distinctive profile with stunning vertical glass walls that seem to create a hollowed-out indentation on the sides of the vessel. As I stepped on board, I was dazzled by a wide expanse of light pouring through tall walls of glass into the nine decks of the central atrium, which Royal Caribbean calls the “Centrum” because it’s like the town square. Nearby, glass elevators extended out over the waves, offering panoramic ocean scenes that mesmerized the Jewel’s guests.

The Jewel of the Seas debuted in 2004, and was the last of the Radiance Class ships. These sister-ships carry roughly 2,100 people (based on double occupancy); the Royal Caribbean vessels that followed were built to accommodate over 3,000 passengers.  The Jewel of the Seas provides a more intimate ambiance than the newer, larger vessels, and is a perfect choice for first time cruisers and smaller groups who want to stay together onboard – I frequently ran into my people throughout the ship.

This sense of intimacy is most apparent in the Centrum, with the Lobby bar on deck 4, the Internet Cafe on deck 5, and the Champagne Bar on deck 6. The Library, Business Services, and other charming small spaces are found on ascending decks, and provide comfortable seating for whatever activities are scheduled in the Centrum each day and evening during the cruise.

Emails from my Jewel of the Seas group members are recapping favorite memories. Here are some of them …

Our Liberty of the Seas fam group

Sailing under the remarkable Sunshine Skyway Bridge across TampaBay.”

Being surprised by all the sports and games: the rock climbing wall, the pool tables (wow-self-leveling!), tranquil solarium for adults only, water park with kids’ slide, golf simulator and mini-golf, basketball and volleyball… .

Learning why we throw streamers on a ship and how to throw or blow them with the best technique at the welcome reception.

Making an entrance into Jewel’s main dining room by descending the elegant stairs between the upper and lower level to our specially-reserved tables, and having 3 desserts each night.

Fun day at Playa Mia Beach in Cozumel, the silence of the parasailing experience, having endless guacamole and Coronas, swimming out to the raft and barely making it there!

Dining in Chops steak restaurant one evening with the wine poured through that aerator bulb thing making it even more delicious.

Closing down Vortex Disco on night 4 after we all had such a ball with the glow in the dark beer glasses.

Celebrating the birthday of Clem Galindo, our Royal Caribbean Account Manager who hosted our program, with a special cake at dinner on the last night of the cruise.

Laughing uproariously at “The Quest” and being relieved we didn’t get there in time to have our own team out there.

Feeling the truth of my favorite toast: “Friendships made at sea are said to last a lifetime”.

These memories are all “jewels” I will treasure from this catching-up experience aboard the Jewel of the Seas.

PS  Jewel of the Seas operates 4 and 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Tampa. To access the ship’s Planner Guide and to search itineraries, click here.

There should be a moment in childhood when a door opens and a brighter tomorrow comes rushing in.

For many troubled youths in Miami facing a life on the streets, Miami Bridge is that door.

Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services

For 20 years, Miami Bridge’s two facilities in Dade County have sheltered up to 700 abandoned, abused, or runaway children who have no where else to go. The Bridge provides 24/7 refuge, offering these at-risk adolescents a stable, nurturing environment; schooling and activities; and just as importantly – counseling for the youngsters and their families.

All of us at Landry & Kling and Seasite.com are honored to support Miami Bridge. When we first visited the facility in 2004, we were humbled and inspired by the dedicated staff, the services they provide, and of course – the “Bridge Kids”. Since that time, our company has made an annual donation to this not-for-profit organization on behalf of our partners, friends, and clients during the holiday season.

Jo Kling, Karyn Altman, Joyce Landry, Maureen McKeon ready to serve lunch

The Landry & Kling and Seasite.com staff continue to collect Miami Bridge “wish list” items for Christmas; we know that these donations will bring smiles to Miami Bridge kids throughout the year. And once again, we delivered the goodies and served lunch to the youths and staff during the Miami Bridge Holiday Lunch Event.

All of us who participated agreed: this simple act of service represents the true spirit of the holidays. What inspires you to make a difference this year?

To learn more about Miami Bridge, visit their website: www.miamibridge.org.