News from Buy The Sea for August '11
NEWS FLASH – For the FIRST time, there is a charter/group opportunity on the Allure of the Seas (5400 passengers) – February 14-17, 2013 r/t Fort Lauderdale. There are two days at sea and a one day stop in Nassau. If you have interest, please let us know asap and we will provide pricing and details.
The Oasis of the Seas performs above and beyond our wildest expectations!
Buy The Sea just completed the operation of a 1100-passenger incentive program for a large well-known financial and insurance company. The client was looking for something unique when they booked the program – something that would be a “wow”, an out-of the-box experience – something that they had not done before. With elaborate land programs as their norm, and with the understanding that they would be 1100 guests on a ship that carries over 5400 – their meeting planning team in conjunction with our operations staff spent months and several visits to the ship to create a program that was completely over the top.
They used identifiable branding – brightly-colored cabin key lanyards, hats, watches, ladies scarves, cabin door magnets - all logoed so that the group members could easily identify each other both on and off the ship. They created a fun-filled opening night event – taking over the ship’s Boardwalk – complete with open bar, food stations, face-painting, pinwheels, balloons, custom banners and lots of networking. The closing event was an exclusive dessert party in Studio B complete with blinking neon drink cups, glowing necklaces and flashing rings There were high-tech business/award sessions, alternative dining buy-outs, cocktail events, VIP shore events, outrageous cabin deliveries and so much more. Even the waiters in the dining room wore logoed ties and pins to show recognition to this special company.
Many clients have asked, “How can we make our group feel special when we don’t charter the ship?” A few things. First – creativity – because if you can dream it, it very well can happen. Second – work with a cruise line who is willing to help you materialize your dream. There is a fine balance between keeping an incentive group happy – and making sure the other paying passengers don’t feel slighted. On this cruise – I am 100% certain the balance was achieved.
I will add that the Oasis over-delivered on every level. The service onboard the ship in every single department was stellar. The staff made everyone onboard feel like a VIP. The entertainment was perhaps the best I have seen EVER onboard any cruise ship – and the variety was enough to keep you from finding time to sleep! The shows were electric, exciting and fresh. From live musical performances in the show lounge (including the Broadway version of Hairspray to the mind-blowing “Come Fly With Me” to outrageous concerts, diving/water ballet and gymnastics exhibitions, 3D movies, comedy, an ice spectacular, parades, dance parties – the ship offered everything for everyone!
Thank you to our client for taking this leap of faith and trying something totally different. Thank you to my team for endless hours it took to make the dream come alive. And thank you so very much to Royal Caribbean – for allowing this program to push you beyond the limits of incredible creativity.
Bravo!
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the sales team at Buy The Sea by calling 954 424-8649 or e-mailing us at:
Shari Wallack
shari@buy-the-sea.com
Caryn Rosenthal
caryn@buy-the-sea.com
Sandy Cohen
sandy@buy-the-sea.com
