Ahoy, mateys! This week will be a highly informative departure from our ‘destination deep dive,’ and instead, we’ll taking a ‘dive’ into an ocean of issues, trends, and questions concerning the cruise industry. There has never been a time cruise lines have been more challenged to prove themselves and this week, we’ll explore, from a buyer’s perspective the myths, the realities and next steps of cruising.
In keeping with our ‘Debunking the Myth’ theme this week, we’re wondering about your favorite myths and legends, especially those that relate to the sea. OR, come tell us about a time you debunked something that was thought to be true!
Some myths and legends that come to mind for us are Bigfoot (of course), the Loch Ness Monster, Merlin, Medusa, and all those ancient Gods and Goddesses who populate Greek and Roman history. So be the hero of your own story, bring a tall tale, or channel the god or goddess who speaks to who you REALLY are! We look forward to your interpretations of myths and legends this week, whether in costume or story!
Of course, our own sunglass legend, Kelly McAlister of Maui Jim, will also be on hand to reward one of you who is ‘most legendary’ with a new pair of sunglasses!
We also award the first five at 3:55 to log into the call (no earlier, please!) with a special gift so be sure to be on time!
Karen Devine, CITP
IRF (Incentive Research Foundation) Board of Trustees (2021-2023)
C: 847.226.0307
E:
S: karen.devine3d
W: 3dcruisepartners.com
Connect on LinkedIn
Karen and her team have sailed the seven seas to ensure product knowledge is vast and detailed whenever a cruise may be of interest. 3D is truly a ‘one stop resource for all things cruise.’
Karen often replies when asked, “What cruise lines do you represent?”
“WELL, TRULY ANYTHING THAT FLOATS.”
Beginning in the incentive travel industry almost 40 years ago, Karen brings a wealth of knowledge with combined buyer and supplier experience to the meeting and incentive marketplace. After 10 years working for incentive companies such as Carlson Marketing Group and S&H Motivation, Karen began her supplier career in the Worldwide Sales Office in Chicago for Four Seasons/Regent Hotels & Resorts.
After representing a well-known European DMC as Director of Marketing for the U.S., she joined Rosewood Hotels and Resorts where she became the Regional Director of Sales in Chicago representing the entire collection of luxury hotels and resorts. Joining Radisson Seven Seas (now Regent Seven Seas) in 2000, Karen became the Director of Charter & Incentive Sales representing this luxury cruise line to the incentive market nationwide.
Her love of cruises led her to open 3D Cruise Partners in 2004, allowing Karen and her team to bring instant cruise ‘insider’ expertise to incentive customers by providing immediate access and complete details for all cruise lines. Karen’s combined buyer/supplier (hotel, DMC, cruise) experience is unique in the industry, benefiting 3D’s clients with a diverse background to provide cruise and geographical expertise.
Debunking the Myths About Cruising!
“Land was created to provide a place for boats to visit.”
If you love luxury at sea like we do, you’ll enjoy this in-depth look at the current and future state of cruises. Karen will debunk the myths about cruising perpetuated in the mass media since early 2020; outlining what ‘was’ and why; what has happened since, where we are now, and most important where the industry is headed next!
OPPORTUNITIES FOR INCENTIVE CRUISES
Come with us as we rediscover the opportunities for incentive cruising, highlighting the enhanced safety and security measures that the pandemic has brought on.
BUILDING ON THE FUTURE
Karen will highlight exciting new products (read: cool boats, darlings) delivered last year, this year and going forward, supporting the continued interest, financial stability and future of the cruise industry.
PINEAPPLE BREEZE
A chilly Pineapple Breeze cocktail is all you need to make your afternoon cruising tour a soothing one.
If you have Malibu Rum, pineapple juice and Sprite aboard, you are good to go. And making this cocktail is a breeze, too.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounce Malibu Rum
- ¼ cup (2 oz) pineapple juice
- ¼ cup (2 oz) orange juice
- ½ cans (12 oz) Sprite
- 1 cup of ice cubes
Method
Put the ice into a 16-oz glass and then pour in the rum, sprite, pineapple juice and orange juice. Gently stir for a few seconds. Garnish with pineapple wedge and lime slice.
MYTHICAL CHARACTERS
If you’re into podcasts, you’ll love this exploration of Myths & Legends from across the globe. From dragons to Nordic gods, fairy tales to witches. Beware - this podcast is extremely addicting.
What are the types of myths? Historically, we thought there were 3. However, these Aussies claim that are 4 types. And yet, another site claims there are 5. So perhaps the biggest myth of all is how many types of myths there really are
We loved this veteran cruiser’s ideas of 25 weird things to pack for a cruise. She’s got some pretty great ideas!
And finally, as spring sets in, what’s better than songs about boats?!
Kelly McAlister, Maui Jim
Kelly McAlister of Maui Jim will be with us on the calls each week as judge and jury to see which planner really goes all-in with the theme. So engage, be creative, and have fun... and you may be the winner!
She’ll be doing some gifting that will surely lift your shelter-in-place spirits!