News from Buy The Sea for September '09
PLEASE VISIT WITH US AT ITME IN THE CRUISE SECTION, BOOTH NUMBER 3828. WE’VE GOT LOTS TO SHARE!
Now that summer is over let’s take a quick trip and explore the activity at the cruise lines and resorts. Buckle your seat belts…and enjoy the ride!
Carnival Cruises
Need the fun factor in your incentive program? You’re in luck! The 130,000-ton, 3,646 passenger Carnival Dream - the largest, most elaborate “Fun Ship ever constructed is coming to deliver to WOW to your next event. Along with the traditional Carnival features, the Dream debuts the cruise line’s first-ever 4,700 square-foot conference center. With the capacity to accommodate up to 232 guests, The Chamber can be used as a single large meeting room or convert into three separate rooms, fitting the needs of any meeting and incentive travel group. Among the highlights of Carnival Dream are Ocean Plaza, an indoor/outdoor café and live music venue featuring a large circular dance floor. A massive floor-to-ceiling curved glass wall will separate the room, creating comfortable seating areas offering magnificent ocean views, as well as full Wi-Fi access. Guests at Ocean Plaza can also enjoy coffees and sweets, and a full bar service. The Carnival Dream will sail on year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Dec. 12, 2009. Go to www.carnival.com.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity has made a decision to keep the 2800-passenger Solstice in the Caribbean year ‘round, with sailings out of Fort Lauderdale. She will be the most upscale product plying the waters on a continual basis in this destination. Truly a lovely ship with elegant décor, gourmet dining, eclectic and unique entertainment and the only glass blowing facility at sea!
Additionally, Celebrity decided NOT to have the Century sail year ‘round on four and five night cruises. Those itineraries are now limited to December through April each year. During the summer, the ship will sail on longer itineraries in Europe. Go to www.celebritycruises.com.
Royal Caribbean
The 5400-passenger Oasis of the Seas arrives this November. This mega ship features 24 eateries, an aqua theater for diving and synchronized swimming presentations, zip lining, rock climbing, ice skating, a full scale production of the musical HairSpray, 37 categories of cabins, the first-ever Loft Suites, surf simulators, a full-size carousel, and so much more! RCCL is in the process of completely overhauling their private island at Labadee – the perfect stop for this incredible ship. A tropical playground exclusively for RCCL’s privileged guests.
Don’t forget that RCCL is the only cruise line regularly offering four and five night cruises in the Med on their Voyager-class product. This is a TERRIFIC value for those wanting to test the waters in the Med on a limited budget. Sail r/t Barcelona and experience Europe RCCL-style! Visit www.rccl.com.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Looking for a tremendous value in the Med? Try the Norwegian Gem or Jade – r/t seven night cruises from Venice to the Greek Isles or r/t Barcelona to the Western Med. NCL tends to have the BEST pricing in the region by a long shot. NCL delivers a solid product with lots of bells and whistles. Their Free-style concept allows you to dine and explore as you wish. No set seating times, no rules, no dress codes, no kidding! Incentive groups can pre-arrange group dining on certain nights upon request.
And coming in 2010, look for the 4200-passenger Norwegian Epic, slated to sail r/t Miami year ‘round. So many unique features including multiple dining venues, a dinner theater in the round, Blue Man Group performances, the most number of connecting cabins at sea, Cirque Dreams, Second City Comedy Troupe, bowling, a two-story high Wii wall, a thrilling drop through a 200 foot drop tube – the Epic Plunge Shoot in Norwegian’s Aqua Park, and so much more! Check it out at www.ncl.com.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
By the end of the spring 2010, Regent will have redone their three all-suite vessels, Mariner, Voyager and Navigator. With capacities of 494 and 700 passengers, these high end, all-inclusive vessels offer the best in cruising – in the Caribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean and the Baltic. Mariner and Voyager offer all-veranda suites. Navigator features balconies in 90% of her staterooms. Regent has been a solid and well-priced product for many years. Lately, what has set this company apart in the bid process is the introduction of the FUSE (free unlimited shore excursions) on all of their itineraries, ranging in price from $360-$540 per person. It’s simple….pay one price per person, and you can embark on unlimited shore excursions. Certain trips do have a surcharge. For example, Taku Glacier Lodge in Juneau is normally priced at $349 pp. Although it is not free with FUSE, the passenger need only pay $109 to take this incredible trip. The only catch? You must book FUSE for all guests in your group. This feature has helped Buy The Sea close four new pieces of corporate business in the past 30 days! For more information, go to www.rssc.com.
But Wait…There’s More…
Don’t forget about Silversea’s new Spirit (540 pax) and Seabourn’s new Odyssey (450 pax) – bringing the finest in the luxury cruise market to the incentive industry. These ships are perfect for upscale groups and full ship charters. Additionally, Ponant Cruises will be introducing Le Boreal next spring – 264 passengers – followed by L’Austral in 2011. And if it’s European rivership cruising that interests you – we say a sad farewell to our long-time partner Peter Deilmann Cruises. They are exiting the market at the end of this year. Happily – we can recommend (with pleasure) AMA Waterways, River Cloud and Avalon – all fine choices to ply the inland waterways of Europe. These products are excellent alternatives to land packages. And for adult and family fun….stay tuned for the new Disney Dream and Fantasy – with 1250 staterooms each. There’s so much to be excited about!
Continue to keep in mind our strong relationships with an incredible array of all-inclusive resorts throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and beyond.
Jamaica
Opening in March 2010, look for the new Secrets Montego Bay “pair” of Wild Orchid and St. James. Both ultra-deluxe properties, located minutes from Sangster Airport will offer the finest in ambiance, décor, cuisine and accommodations. These adult-only sanctuaries will be the latest and greatest offered on the island. Currently, they are offering significant pre-opening discounts. So, if your plans call for Jamaica, now would be the time to book. Visit www.secretsresorts.com.
Mexico
Opened last November – the DAZZLING Grand Velas Riviera Maya. With 495 gorgeous suites, this all-inclusive is the best there is. Eight gourmet restaurants, concierge service in all suites, a one-of-a-kind spa, an over the top conference center, impeccable service and a glorious location on Maroma Beach – this resort is perfect for any high level incentive program. Visit www.grandvelas.com and check out this spectacular resort and her beautiful Puerto Vallarta sister property.
New to Cabo is Barcelo Los Cabos Palace. Located ten minutes from San Jose del Cabo at the tip of the corridor sits a brand new all-inclusive resort opening December 2010. The hotel will feature 626 suites with 35,000 square feet of meeting space. The property will offer five a la carte restaurants, the mega Spa Azatlan, inviting pools, nighttime entertainment and much more. Looking for a real value in this wonderful destination, this resort is a must see. PLUS, if you book a group between now and October 31, 2009 Barcelo is offering many competitive incentives. For more info go to www.barcelo.com.
- One upgrade to Club Premium for every 25 paid rooms (cumulative)
- One complimentary room for every 25 paid rooms (cumulative)
- Complimentary meeting space in proportion to group size .
- Services of an on-site meeting concierge
- Two hour Complimentary "Welcome Reception" with open bar and chef's selection of hors d'oeuvres
- Farewell Reception/Dinner in private venue at no surcharge for set-up (minimum group size of 25 people)
- 20% Spa Discount for all attendees and one complimentary massage or facial for the meeting planner
- 10% off the lowest group rate if the contract is signed and deposit is received by October 31, 2009
Puerto Rico
Looking for an all-inclusive option in Puerto Rico? Look no further and consider the Gran Melia Puerto Rico. Located on Puerto Rico’s northeastern coast in Coco Beach, this resort is a bold utopia of tropical flora and fauna swallowed by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic. This unique 486 all-suite hotel is draped in the tropics of the El Yunque rain forest. With twenty two-story bungalows, four delicious gourmet restaurants, a world-renowned YHI Spa and two 18-hole championship golf courses, this Gran Melia resort is one of the few in this tax-deductible destination offering true all-inclusive pricing. Visit www.gran-melia-puerto-rico.com.
Punta Cana
We have had excellent success with the new Dreams Palm Beach. This resort lies on the sun drenched east coast of the Dominican Republic and is an idyllic haven for singles, couples and families. Dreams Palm Beach invites you to be an honored guest with all the privileges of Unlimited-Luxury® — where everything is included.
- Enjoy amenity-filled luxury rooms and suites offer stunning ocean views, shimmering pools or manicured gardens.
- A spectacular array of day and evening activities for every age and interest.
- Three beautiful sun basked pools including a children’s pool.
- Eight international restaurants serving gourmet fare, a beachside snack bar, coffee, tea and pastry café and five very friendly bars and lounges serving unlimited premium brand beverages.
- 24-hour room and concierge services.
- Supervised Explorer's Club for kids, and Core Zone for teens so everyone enjoys their own time in their own way.
Dreams Palm Beach — where everything is included, exquisite and perfect. Visit www.dreamsresorts.com.
Our dynamic sales team is here to assist you. We look forward to hearing from you and exceeding your expectations!
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
