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With security concerns on the rise, meeting planners are asking “Are cruise ships safe?” The answer is YES – in fact, cruise ships are safer than hotels. With more than 12 million people cruising every year, the cruise industry goes to great lengths to ensure the safety of its passengers; and according to the U.S. Coast Guard, cruising is one of the safest modes of transportation. You’ll be relieved to know that cruise lines, along with the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs & Border Protection, have set up many stringent security measures since 9/11 to keep cruise passengers safe. Here are just a few:

• Screening of all passenger baggage and carry-on luggage
• Screening of passenger lists and identification
• Restricted access to sensitive ship areas, such as the bridge and engine room
• Stepped-up onboard security measures including surveillance cameras – security personnel and crew can monitor virtually every area of the ship
• Maintaining a 100-yard security zone around cruise ships
• Cruise ships get an armed U.S. Coast Guard escort in and out of ports
• Requiring all commercial vessels to give 96 hours before entering U.S. ports (previously, ships had to give 24 hours’ notice.)

Controlled Access: A cruise ship is a controlled environment, comparable to a secure building with a 24-hour security guard. When a ship is in port, there are only one or two ways passengers and crew can enter the vessel, and these entry points are manned by highly trained security personnel. Passengers and crew may embark or disembark the ship only after passing through security. In addition, all packages and belongings go through an X-ray machine while passengers and crew pass through metal detectors. If a port is determined to be unsafe, the ship’s itinerary is altered to ensure the safety of all onboard.

Safety Onboard: When planners consider safety issues, they want to ensure that their hotel or meeting venue has hard-wired smoke detectors and automatic sprinkler systems, as well as Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) and staff trained in CPR. If you’re planning a meeting at sea, rest assured all ships are required to have a medical center with 24-hour access to medical staff as well as a defibrillator. Click to read more about cruise ship medical facilities.

So now you have two less things to worry about during your cruise event. You can read a report from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) for even more information about safety and security aboard cruise ships.

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As meeting planners are asked to do more for less,  food and beverage budgets are being drastically cut to save costs. And your attendees are paying the culinary price.

Take a moment to engage your senses as you recall your last group dining event. Was the venue just another ho-hum hotel room? What about the menu – was it fresh and creative? Did you attendees find the dining experience fun and memorable – did it have that wow factor? Or – be honest – was it just another dressed up rubber chicken in a thinly disguised hotel ballroom?

Now envision this scenario during you next group event:  A stunningly designed venue that’s a showplace for culinary art and design. Where wait staff are considered chefs, offering guests a highly interactive and personalized dining experience. Unique, globally inspired dishes playfully presented to engage your attendees.

You won’t find this contemporary dining venue in any hotel or city guide. To experience this fabulous restaurant, you have to go to sea, because Qsine can only be found on Celebrity Cruises’ newest Solstice class ship, Celebrity Eclipse (and on all future Solstice-class ships).

Qsine’s menu design – a large, backlit square filled with words and phrases designed to engage guests in the experience – is just a hint of what’s to come. Wines can be ordered through an iTouch device. Here’s a sneak peak of some of the whimsically named menu items:

Sushi lollipops

Lobster Escargot

Chitini’s (combination of Chinese food displayed in martini glasses)

Disco Shrimp

Slider Party (mini-grilled Kobe beef patties)

Lava crab (Alaskan Kig crab service in glasses over heated stones)

M’s Delight (12 different meze displayed on a custom-built vertical plate)

For a nominal per person charge, Qsine offers 88 meeting attendees a unique and memorable dining experience, and permission to play with their food – how cool is that?  The 2,724 passenger Celebrity Eclipse will launch in April and spend the summer and early fall cruising through Europe and the Mediterranean. In November, the ship will begin 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami.

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When it comes to choosing an event venue, technology and internet access is a top priority for meeting planners. The question we often hear is “can we stay connected at sea?”. Most cruise ships today have Wi-Fi hot spots, mobile phone service and Internet Cafes onboard, but Celebrity Cruises is about to raise the high-tech bar.

When the third stunning Solstice Class ship – 2,850-passenger Celebrity Eclipse – sets sail in April, guests will have the opportunity to check out the first “Celebrity iLounge”. Based on survey “wish lists” of past guests, Celebrity designed this hip and stylish space to take the Internet Café experience to a new level. The iLounge will feature three elements: a series of 26 contemporary workstations where your attendees can check their email or keep up with social media, an enrichment center with certified staff to offer usage tips, and a retail space where guests can try out the latest MacBooks, iPods, and accessories.

Celebrity iLounge will offer cool new classes including do-it-yourself photo books, movie editing, and web design; through programs including iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD and iWeb. After completing more than 125 hours of training in operating systems, applications and products, Celebrity’s certified staff will be available in the iLounge to assist your attendees – whether they’re Apple novices or Mac pros.

You gadget-loving attendees eager to expand their collection of high-tech toys won’t be disappointed. As an authorized Apple Reseller, Celebrity will have all the latest products and accessories available for purchase, including iPods and MacBooks.

In addition to the 26 MacBook Pro’s, the Celebrity iLounge will have classroom and retail areas, display pods, a 56-inch flat-screen TV for enrichment classes, and an accessible workstation. The iLounge will also be found on Celebrity Silhouette which lauches in 2011, and the fifth ship in the Solstice Class to set sail in 2012.

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CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES: SERIOUS BUSINESS. SERIOUS FUN.

Is it still work if you’re having fun? 2009 was a tough year for corporate America, with employees working longer hours and meeting planners struggling to do more for less. With hopeful signs of economic recovery on the horizon, now’s the time to reward your hard working employees, recognize your top achievers, give yourself a break, and at the same time – get down to serious business.

A Carnival cruise mixes serious business and serious fun. Imagine achieving your business goals – while sailing to exciting destinations. Poring over important presentations, then stepping outside to make a splash on the waterslide. With your choice of 22 ships, meeting facilities to accommodate up to 1,350 persons, itineraries as short as 3 days, and 15 convenient U.S. departure ports, Carnival makes planning a successful meeting at sea easier than ever.

Carnival has taken the “fun ship” concept to the next level by adding new elements to help corporate groups get down to serious business. A Carnival cruise accommodates your meeting, incentive, and bottom line with serious savings and value. And don’t worry about staying connected during your Carnival cruise  – Wi-Fi access, Cellular at Sea and onboard Internet Cafés are available at minimal fees.

Here are the top 10 ways your Carnival “meetcation” will engage your attendees and help increase your ROI:

1. All meals and a variety of dining venues are included, making group dining and dine-around’s easy to plan and easy on your budget. Another elegant option is a group buyout of the Steak House offering Manhattan chic dinner & dancing for a nominal per person charge. Attendees will also appreciate the complimentary 24-hour stateroom service.
2. Carnival’s Las Vegas and Broadway-style entertainment offer cross-generational appeal without the costly ticket prices. In addition to high-energy production shows, your group can enjoy a “night on the town” in the jazz lounge, disco, comedy club, casino, or karaoke bar.
3. Purpose-built conference facilities include The Chamber on Carnival
   Dream and Carnival Magic that can be used as a single large meeting room or converted into three separate rooms through the use of air walls.

   

4. Themed public rooms and show lounges with high-tech sound and lighting can be booked for meetings and group events at no extra charge.



5. A variety of complimentary state-of-the-art A/V equipment is available for your meetings and presentations.
6. Carnival ships feature lots of complimentary amenities to boost productivity and morale between meetings – a fitness center and sports facilities with inspiring ocean views; an expansive open deck area with tropical, resort-style pool, waterslide, and Seaside Theater;  two-level adults-only Serenity relaxation area. Carnival Dream’s 40,000 square foot Cloud 9 Spa is one of the largest afloat. With  the money they save on out-of-pocket expenses, attendees can splurge on a rejuvenating treatment or global-influenced massage.

   

7. Team-building opportunities include beach Olympics at Mahogany Beach, Carnival’s new 10-acre private island paradise.
8. Planners can choose from a wide variety of accommodations (all with Carnival’s signature plush bedding and linens), including Cloud 9 Spa staterooms with private spa access, family suites with full bathroom and separate washroom, and “cove” balcony staterooms offering sea views and exceptional value.



9. A Carnival cruise program gives attendees the excitement of multiple destinations with the ease of unpacking once. For convenience and travel savings, ships depart from 22 ports (including 15 “drive-to” port cities in the continental U.S.) to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Alaska and Europe.
10. Want to help your attendees balance work and family? Planning a family program is a budget-saving breeze, with Carnival’s expansive children and teen programs included on every cruise.

To find out more about Carnival including ship itineraries, deck plans, meeting space grids and planning essentials, go to About Carnival on Seasite.com.

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Azamara Club Cruises, the cruise line formerly known as Azamara Cruises, has unveiled some exciting features along with their new name. Last week, Jo Kling, CEO of Seasite.com and Joyce Landry, CEO of Landry & Kling, were among the 40 seasoned cruise and travel professionals invited to tour the Azamara Journey in Miami.

Recognizing that the 684-passenger Azamara Journey and sister ship Azamara Quest are ideal for full-ship charters, Azamara President and CEO Larry Pimentel told the group “We’re going to be one of the most charter-friendly companies to deal with.”

In an effort to meet the demands of  meeting and group event planners, shorter 7-day itineraries and a quicker quote process are in the works. Jo Kling was pleased with the news, commenting “There were some very positive messages for our sector of the business – wanting to be the most charter friendly, turning quotes around quickly. They really get it: that these groups need custom services.”

Joyce Landry remarked, “The ship reminded me of the original Royal Viking ships… smaller, deluxe vessels. They’re also adding more overnight stays in port, so you can see St. Tropez at night, for example, which is how it should be seen. I would like to cruise on this ship myself – and that says a lot for someone who has been on as many ships as I have.  It reminded me of the type of cruising that lured me into this industry 30 years ago.”

Beginning in early April, 2010, guests sailing on the casually sophisticated, country-club style ships will enjoy these enhanced amenities:

• Complimentary bottled water, sodas, and specialty coffees
• Select wines included with lunch and dinner
• Gratuities for housekeeping and dining included
• Shuttle bus service to/from port communities, where available
• Specialty dining in Prime C and Aqualina Restaurants complimentary for suite guests, ($15 cover for other guests)
• True butler service for suite guests
• Destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programs
• Complimentary self-service laundry

Azamara Club cruises are destination-focused to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The ships will visit 140 ports in 50 countries; and with more overnight stays in cities like Nice, Venice, and Dubrovnik, Croatia; your attendees can immerse themselves in local culture and nightlife.

More active excursions will tie in with the onboard food and wellness themes, such as hiking and visiting local markets. A few of the specialty tours sure to wow your group include: a Ferrari driving tour in Civitavecchia, Italy; a visit to Liverpool “In the Steps of the Beatles”; Croatian liqueur tasting in Zadar; an Imperial Russian Court evening in St. Petersburg; and an evening gondola serenade in Venice.

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Take a trip down memory lane to the early days of cruising (we’re talking ‘70’s and ‘80’s). You might recall that envious friends and family were allowed on board to see you off on embarkation day. You proudly showed them around your cruise ship, stopped by the buffet and sipped cocktails with cheery little umbrellas before ushering the poor unfortunate land lubbers off the ship and waving farewell from the deck. Ah, the good old days! Don’t laugh, all you post-Boomers – you’ve probably seen it in the movies – or maybe your parents were the happy cruisers.

Well the good old days of Bon Voyage festivities are coming back – at least on Princess ships. The cruise line is introducing an new program that gives passengers the opportunity to invite their friends and family on their ship to get a taste on the onboard experience and wish them Bon Voyage before sailing. The unique concept called the “Bon Voyage Experience” includes a four-course dining room lunch with wine, a ship tour and souvenir photograph.

After priority embarkation, cruise passengers and their guests will have about four hours to spend together on the ship before it sets sail. The cost of the program is $39, but here’s the best part – the money can be applied towards a future Princess cruise – what a deal! We’re betting that many Bon Voyage Experience guests will want to take advantage of this offer after this cruise ship “teaser”.

Cruise passengers will be notified about the program through pre-cruise emails from Princess as their embarkation day approaches. In port guests can be booked through a travel agent or by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, beginning 120 days prior to the cruise and up to six days before the sailing date. But don’t delay – the number of guests allowed to participate in the Bon Voyage Experience on any given embarkation day is 50.

The program will debut in March in the ports of Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale, before being rolled out in New York, San Francisco and Seattle.

We’re hoping that other cruise lines follow suit – Bon Voyage!

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Another dramatic rescue at sea this week – a humpback whale was saved by one of Holland America Line’s tour operators based in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico.  Read more in the press release issued by the cruise line:

Seattle, February 9, 2010 – Vallarta Adventures, an operator of shore tours for Holland America Line, recently participated along with the Mexican navy in the rescue of an entangled humpback whale. The whale was ensnarled in fishing nets and staff of the tour company came alongside to free the creature.

“Our tour operators regularly become involved in these sorts of wildlife rescues,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. “We applaud Vallarta Adventures dedication to wildlife and are proud to work with them. We share their commitment to the environment and nature.”

Based in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Vallarta Adventures provides safe learning experiences for those who like to explore nature and culture. For Holland America Line, they operate several tours in Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, including interactive ecological dolphin encounters, eco safaris, horseback rides to secluded beaches, canopy adventures and America’s Cup sailing regattas. Vallarta Adventures also works locally with ecological programs and regularly provides sea mammal rescue assistance.

About Holland America Line
Holland America Line’s fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 320 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, is scheduled to join the fleet in 2010.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine – a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes – Explorations Café powered by The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream Beds

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Recenty I stumbled upon SmartWomenTravelers.com, an interactive website loaded with helpful travel tips, tools and strategies dedicated to women who travel – whether for business or for pleasure. The community addresses the unique challenges we face in balancing dual lives at home and on the road.

The SmartWomenTravelers website and blog, PearlsofTravelWisdom.com, were created by Carol Margolis, a well-traveled businesswoman, wife and mom. Carol shares countless pearls of travel wisdom collected over many millions of miles (and you men out there – check it out, there are plenty of tips you can use, too!).

In a recent blog post, Carol posed the question “Do Business and a Cruise Really Mix?” Here’s what she had to say after a recent meeting at sea:

I just wrapped up a 5-day cruise with CEOSpace.  It’s the first time I have ever cruised with a business purpose and it was great! We had meetings planned in the mornings so we still had the majority of each day for getting off the ship and doing our own thing. ”

Read the entire article: Do Business and a Cruise Really Mix

Carol discovered another Pearl of Travel Wisdom – a meeting on a cruise ship is “just the right mix of business, networking and fun!”

I encourage all you Smart Women Travelers to join the SWT community, connect with other women travelers, and share your own “Pearls of Travel Wisdom”. And by the way, here at Seasite, we’d also love to read your comments – how do you maintain balance on the road?

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Four grateful boaters owe their lives to the passengers and crew of the premium cruise ship, MSC Poesia. The cruise passengers spotted the boaters and alerted the ship’s captain, who contacted the US Coast Guard. Read about the dramatic rescue at sea in this press release from MSC:

MSC Poesia Crew Assists in Rescue of Four Passengers
of Capsized Boat in Miami Over the Weekend

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (February 10, 2010) – MSC Poesia was the first point of contact in assisting the US Coast Guard with the rescue of four passengers from a small, capsized boat over the weekend off the coast of Miami, Fla.

MSC Poesia was headed for the Western Caribbean after departing Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. at 7 p.m. on February 6. A few hours later at 9 p.m. a small boat was spotted by the MSC Poesia.

Captain Giacomo Romano notified the US Coast Guard, and for the next 30-minutes, rescue efforts were underway. All four people survived 12-hours in the choppy and cold waters, and were safely taken onboard the US Coast Guard vessel.

Then, MSC Poesia continued her voyage without any delays to Key West, her next port-of- call on the 7-night cruise.

One of the survivors expressed his gratitude for the rescue. “It was challenging to stay positive. The MSC Poesia was one of our last chances for survival. Our families owe you our lives,” said Michael Colon.

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