Prevue May/June 2016 - (Page 28)

sea shores New Luxury Cruise Options Debut Ocean and rivercruising vessels bring planners more choices debuting in 2018. "Crystal Endeavor will set a new bar for expedition luxury travel," says Edie Rodriguez, president and CEO of Crystal Cruises. Accommodating 200 guests at a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, the ship will come loaded with a range of toys including two helicopters, 7-person submarines, eight electric amphibious zodiacs, ATVs and SEABOBs, ethically advanced underwater scooters. The Endeavor will also offer 270-degree views for whale watching, a fullservice spa and wellness center, plus six dining options and a 200seat theatre. Combining Endeavor with Crystal Air charter options, which will be expanding with a Boeing 777 in 2017 and a 787 Dreamliner in 2018, makes a total Crystal luxury experience possible. REGENT SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER The Retreat, Seabourn's Encore A t Seatrade Cruise Global 2016, cruise industry leaders delved into an array of hot topics like never before-from new ships and voluntourism to combating cybercrime. The message: Cruising is serious business. Here's a roundup of some of the latest ships heading for the river and the high seas. The newest member of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet, which bills itself as the world's most inclusive luxury cruise line, is the Seven Seas Explorer, debuting this summer. "The all-suite vessel, is the most luxurious ship ever built," says Freddy Muller, director, charter meetings and incentives for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., parent company of Regent. "And, with a capacity of 750, we can charter up to half the ship for groups." Expect 5 to 8 shore excursions in every port of call. Onboard, the ship will debut four new shows inspired by a team of writers, directors and choreographers with extensive Broadway experience. "It is important that we provide our Seven Seas Explorer guests with the highest quality entertainment available, so that the feeling of excellence transcends the entire shipboard experience," adds Jason Montague, president and COO for Regent Seven Sea Cruises. SEABOURN'S ENCORE AND OVATION: Debuting this December is the Odyssey Class ship Encore, a 300-suite vessel that will feature the culinary offerings of renowned American chef Thomas Keller at his new classic chophouse restaurant, the Grill. Mixologist Brian Van Flandern will also offer a new cocktail program that should please the most discriminating expectations. Encore will enable personalized service with close to one staff member for each person on board. Additional amenities include two meeting rooms, WiFi and cell phone access throughout the ship and 24-hour room service. Sister ship, Seabourn Ovation will join the fleet in 2018. "Not only do we visit many of the most desirable and exotic cities around the world," says John Delaney, Seabourn's senior VP of marketing and sales, "but we also provide onboard and culturally-rich offerings-from regional wines and cuisines to expert destination speakers and entertainment." AMASTELLA AND AMAVIOLA AmaWaterways' two most advanced river cruising vessels to date debuted this spring in the 158-passenger AmaStella and sister ship AmaViola. These innovative ships offer connecting cabins and new luxurious room configurations and amenities with a higher percentage of balconies, perfect for family-friendly incentive groups. Food and wine is a hallmark of Ama Waterways, the only river cruise line member of the invitation-only La Chaine des Rotisseurs, one of the world's most prestigious culinary organizations. Regional wines and locally sourced foods are featured on European ships. "For incentive groups of up to 40 people, we can offer the Chef's Table," says Kristin Karst, executive VP and co-owner. "We pride ourselves in food wellness as well, offering gluten-free cookies and breads, lower sodium foods, only fresh fish, a selection of detox waters, cage-free eggs, crate free pork and local produce... always fresh."-Laurel Herman CRYSTAL CRUISES' ENDEAVOR For young and "young at heart" incentive groups that yearn for an active expedition adventure should look no further than Endeavor, 22 | prevuemeetings.com amawaterways.com; crystalcruises.com; rssc.com; seabourncruises.com http://www.amawaterways.com http://www.crystalcruises.com http://www.rssc.com http://www.seabourncruises.com http://www.prevuemeetings.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue May/June 2016

Planner’s Pick: Milwaukee
Fresh Meets: Marriott’s Big Plans for 2016
Bureau Buzz: Quebec City Business Destination
Good Business: Carbon Conscience
Sea Shores: New Luxury Cruise Options Debut
The New VIP
LUXE IN VEGAS [ON LOCATION
EUROPE LIKE A LOCAL
EPIC MOUNTAIN MEETINGS
FLORIDA LUXURY
On Location: Miami Beach Visionary Summit
On Location: South Africa
THE ART OF GIFTING
On Location: Branson
NY STATE
On Location: Alberta
On Location: Atlantis Paradise Island
Checkout: Hilton West Palm Beach

Prevue May/June 2016