News from Buy The Sea for February '09
A belated healthy and happy New Year to you and your families.
There is so much news to share with you both on the cruise and resort sides.
We thought you might like to see what one of our happy clients had to say about the services we provided on a recent cruise program. Read their comments here.
News from Cancun and the Rivera Maya
With so many new all-inclusive resorts opening in this destination, it might be difficult to select the right one for your incentive program. Having recently had the opportunity to experience many of these properties, here is some very useful information:
The Riviera Maya is the stretch of beach south of the Cancun airport all the way down to the border of Belize. It encompasses Puerto Morales, Maroma, Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Calica, Tulum, etc. The beaches and water color are different depending on where you land along this long strip of the Yucatan.
By far the prettiest beaches are found in the Maroma area, where the sand is like talcum powder and the water is practically Tahitian blue. One of the newest adult-only properties here is Secrets Maroma – a lovely “village” of 412 suites. With six restaurants and six bars, there is plenty of variety at this resort. One of the most tantalizing features is the beautiful spa and garden – unlike any I have seen. Truly magnificent. Just down the road with 433 suites and eight dining venues is the ultra-modern Secrets Silver Sands. The beach isn’t nearly as wide or pretty as Maroma– but the restaurants have more interesting and more elegant décor. Since this pair just opened, we need to give them a few months to “mature”. Food was “okay” but not at the level they wish it to eventually be. Service was good and the staff was friendly and accommodating.
Minutes from Playa del Carmen you will find the ultimate in all-inclusive luxury – the brand new Grand Velas Rivera Maya. With 493 spacious and elegant suites offering either “jungle” or ocean view – this resort tops them all! The conference center boasts over 90,000 square feet of meeting space. With seven gourmet restaurants and multiple bars, 24-hour complimentary suite service – your group will be in for a culinary experience uncommon at other all-inclusive resorts. The ultra-deluxe spa is over 70,000 square feet with the most unique and state of the art treatment offered anywhere! An escape to paradise! Visit www.grandvelas.com to look at this resort as well as the 267-suite Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit (Puerto Vallarta). This pair is unmatched in the industry!
In the heart of Playa del Carmen is a lovely boutique property called PlayaCar Palace. With just 208 rooms, this hotel is perfect for group of 90 rooms or less – which is basically the size the meeting space will accommodate for a banquet dinner. Accommodations are spacious and elegantly furnished. As in all Palace Resort rooms, each guest is treated to an oversized Jacuzzi bathtub for two! The hotel features three restaurants and beautiful views of the ocean. Due to the tides, there is a very small stretch of beach. However, the instant access to the shopping and nightlife of Playa del Carmen has some groups choosing this resort over those along the Maya Riviera.
In the hear t of the Cancun strip are two gems called Cancun Palace (600 rooms) and Beach Palace (200 rooms) – both brand new and immaculate. Each offer excellent function space for private events and sit on a beautiful stretch of beach. Palace does an excellent job with groups and should certainly be considered when looking for a property in the Yucatan.
Paradisus (also located in Riviera Maya) is a terrific buy. If you have seen Paradisus Punta Cana, then the Mexican version will look very familiar. The entrance is very “Indonesian” with lily ponds and a tranquil ambiance. Sleeping rooms are not quite the level of Secrets, but certainly adequate in both space and design. This is a wonderful resort with good food and excellent service.
And if you want to check out something OVER THE TOP, then run to Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita! This 90-suite all oceanfront resort includes the unthinkable….check out this list of some of the inclusions. It’s truly AMAZING – and the prices are absolutely affordable!
Personalized, private chauffeured roundtrip airport transportationNo check-in or check-out time
Luxurious accommodations with Bvlgari bath amenities, espresso machine and daily stocked minibar with premium beverages, deli snacks, wine and champagne by the bottle; aromatherapy pillow and linen scents, premium Italian Frette linens and bathrobes, a complimentary handmade beach bag and oceanfront suites featuring terraces providing direct access to the private beach
Maid service three times each day
Fresh bottle of champagne and basket of fruit daily
Welcome bottle of Tequila
A relaxing 20-minute Massage per Guest (per Stay)
Daily exercise and fitness activities such as Yoga, Pilates and salt water aqua gym
Computers with complementary Internet access in The Library
Daily shopping excursions by boat
Complimentary cell phone with unlimited worldwide calls and concierge service
Complimentary 24-hour laundry service
Temazcal ceremony (every other day) recognized as a ritual that improves both spiritual and emotional health
Complimentary anti-aging medical diagnostic to identify your health characteristics, risk factors, goals and expectations
Complimentary Visia® analysis, a digital complexion analysis that uses a multi spectral imaging system to identify problem areas of your complexion anti age
Daily afternoon tea time featuring real live plants for tea infusions
Aromatherapy with essential oils offering both psychological and physical benefits
Complimentary golf at Playa Mujeres Golf Club
These properties just scratch the surface of the many options on the Yucatan Peninsula. We will be happy to help you choose the property that is right for your program.
News from Celebrity Cruises
As you have heard, the Solstice arrived. If you have not had a chance to read the review, please do so. This ship is a crowd pleaser with fabulous food, service and amenities. Seven night Caribbean cruises are a terrific value and the product is perfect for a high end incentive that might be experiencing a budget cut, yet still looking for luxury.
Additionally, Celebrity announced that in 2010 they are returning to the seven night Bermuda market, sailing on seven night cruises out of Bayonne, New Jersey. The Celebrity Summit is a beautiful vessel, delivering an upscale experience. Now loyal Celebrity fans have another itinerary to add to the mix!
News from Disney
In addition to all of the great onboard shows and entertainment Disney Cruise Line currently offers, they will be revolutionizing movie entertainment at sea with the debut of Disney Digital 3-D, a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience premiering exclusively onboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder in both the Walt Disney Theatre and Buena Vista Theatre.
Disney is the first cruise line to introduce 3-D entertainment onboard its ships. Disney Digital 3-D premiered onboard the Disney Wonder in November and on the Disney Magic in December 2008.
Guests sailing with Disney Cruise Line in 2009 will enjoy an exciting lineup of first-run Disney Digital 3-D films, including: Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience (Feb. 2009), Disney Pixar’s Up (May 2009), G-Force (July 2009), Disney Pixar’s Toy Story in 3-D (Oct. 2009) and Disney’s Christmas Carol (Nov. 2009).
Also early in 2009, Disney Cruise Line will take 3-D into uncharted waters with the debut of a theatrical experience that combines Disney Digital 3-D with vibrant in-theatre effects. 3-D images will combine with lasers, fog, streamers, and special lighting effects to put guests in the center of the action - creating a truly immersive experience like no other at sea.
News from Sea Cloud
Okay…so it isn’t news…but don’t forget some of our lesser known partners. They may have the perfect product for a small group wanting to charter an elegant ship. Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud 2, River Cloud and River Cloud 2 are waiting to hear from you. With capacities of under 100 passengers – you don’t need a large group to do something exotic, exclusive and fun! And the Hassar (136 passenger sailing yacht) is on her way in 2010. Imagine discovering intimate ports in the Med and Caribbean on your own floating boutique hotel! It’s the experience of a lifetime.
News from Regent Seven Seas Cruises
We had the pleasure of visiting the newly renovated Seven Seas Mariner. The ship looks GORGEOUS from top to bottom. You would think she was brand new out of the yard! One of our favorite additions to this ship is the café/coffee bar where all specialty coffees are complimentary. There is a nice selection of food throughout the day to snack on. Also, Prime Seven has taken the place of the Asian-inspired Latitudes Restaurant. A much better choice. We never thought Latitudes worked, but Prime Seven (for steaks and chops) definitely does! The new plush lounge chairs and towels are a welcomed addition out on deck. The colors throughout the ship are just lovely and inviting. Bravo! Job well done. Same renovation has been done to the Voyager and will be done to the Navigator next spring. If you have a group that would fit as a group or a full ship charter on these vessels that accommodate 490 and 700 passengers, please let us know asap. We can carve out itineraries of any length for charter clients in the Med, the Baltic, the Aegean, the Caribbean and the Pacific Northwest.
News from the Dominican Republic
With so much construction going on…you will be hearing a great deal about Moon Palace Punta Cana. But that is not the only incentive quality resort in the area. Consider the Paradisus pair….Paradisus Punta Cana and Palma Real. GREAT resorts. And the newly opened Dreams Palm Beach has started welcoming guests just last month. There are many to choose from at all different price points. Additionally, it bears mentioning our DMC partner, Amstar. Let us hook you up with one of the finest DMCs in the Caribbean.
So much to tell, so little space…however we are here to guide and advise you. Don’t wait…give us a call. Our sales team wishes you a wonderful day!
News from Holland America
The 2100-passenger Eurodam is a mix of the traditional Dutch Holland America style coupled with some nouveau South Beach elements making this ship very much appropriate for the incentive market. Yes, there are a few things I would change like the drab colors in the main dining room and some of the orange carpet so often found in the hallways on HAL’s vessels, however, I applaud them for some very pleasing additions.
The new Pan-Asian inspired Tamarind alternative restaurant servicing complimentary dim sum for lunch daily and exquisite Asian cuisine nightly ($15 surcharge) is terrific. The Silk Den lounge just across the way decorated in beautiful shades of green, purple and platinum is the perfect tranquil hideaway for drinks before or after dinner. Don’t miss an opportunity to dine in the Pinnacle Grill for sumptuous steaks and many other specialties. Surcharge is $20.00 but well worth a visit!
The Lido Café is bright and airy, with an excellent selection of food, both premade and cooked to order. The potted orchids on each table make for a cheerful atmosphere. And lest I not forget to mention the fresh flowers throughout this vessel. What a change from most mass/premium market lines where there are either no flowers or the plastic variety. Well done.
Canaletto comes to life for dinner when a section of the Lido restaurant is transformed each evening into the Italian restaurant. Although reservations are encouraged for this casual dining venue, walk-ups will be accepted. No surcharge.
My favorite feature onboard this, and every HAL ship is the retractable dome (magradome glass) covering that completely shields the main pool area from the elements. Why others have not followed suit is a mystery particularly for companies cruising in Alaska. On HAL ships, you can enjoy the pool and outdoor dining regardless of the weather. Truly a fantastic point that should not be overlooked. The Eurodam is the first HAL ship to rent private cabanas by the pool. Rates differ based on location, day (more expensive on a sea day) and type of services requested. Great idea!
Staterooms onboard the ship are spacious and well appointed. Far and away they are the most comfortable at sea. Plush, thick mattresses make for a delicious night’s sleep… I only hope that someday HAL will join the ranks of the other cruise lines in attempting to make the bathrooms prettier. White, white and more white…with a speckled gray countertop. Oh well. How much time do you spend in the bathroom anyway?
Don’t miss an opportunity to visit the Queen’s Lounge for some entertainment or enjoy one of the many onboard culinary demonstrations or hands-on classes. Face it..not everyone is a fan of ice skating or rock climbing – so here’s a product that appeals to a different crowd, and HAL does it well!
The public lounges on the Eurodam are lovely and much more upbeat that others in the fleet. I applaud HAL for joining the new millennium! Bon voyage!
Shari Wallack, President
shari@buy-the-sea.com
Caryn Rosenthal, Vice President, Corporate Sales
caryn@buy-the-sea.com
Sandy Cohen, Vice President, Incentive Sales
sandy@buy-the-sea.com
