Worldwide's News & Other items

Latest Ship Review - HAL's Ryndam

Leon Banossian's recent cruise on HAL's Ryndam took in the West Coast of Mexico etc.

Read his informative report here:  Ryndam Review

Jim Castle recently complete a site inspection to Hamburg, Germany and then went on to the IMEX Show in Frankfurt.

My host for the inspection was the Deputy Director of the Hamburg Convention Bureau - Ms. Annett Graff who had set a tight schedule which took me to numerous places and areas in the city I was not at all familiar with.  The stand-out for me was the warehouse district in the old port area.  This has been completely renovated and restored to become a unique cultural icon with boutique's and bistro style restaurants as well as upscale accommodation etc.

I and my travelling companions where hosted by several outstanding hotels and we where able to meet with a number of suppliers and DMC's who proved to be both knowledgable and easy to work with. 

It would be amiss of me not to say that this city deserves a good look at as a destination for Incentives and the like. Anyone requiring a personal reference for Hamburg should call me as I now feel like quite the expert.

The IMEX Show was a busy affair very similar in make up to the EIBTM Show held in Barcelona in late November. Unfortunately due to my busy schedule I was not able to see much of Frankfurt other than to and from the exhibition halls.

During the course of my numerous meetings at the show I did come across several interesting products which we will be announcing in future newsletters.  One of which is now listed on our web-site and is an amazing product.. the newest addition to the Sonesta Nile River cruise fleet - "St. George" check it out on our web-site.

Whilst I have not at this stage had the opportunity to do a personal inspection of the St. George, the brochure and other marketing material certainly appear to show this vessel as being a genuine 5 star product and with the well known brand of Sonesta behind it, I feel sure it's worth serious consideration for a unique program experience.

A number of the interesting boutique hotel and resort properties I met with are prime material for the upper end incentive and meetings such as corporate retreats or directors meetings.  More on these products will follow in a later edition.

Attention Buyers - There has never been a better time to buy (contributed by Steve Bloss)

ATTENTION INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS
There has never been a better time to buy a cruise than NOW! Worldwide can sell you many of the international cruise lines in USD! The cruise doesn’t have to be in just the Caribbean but we can provide you with cruises in Alaska, Hawaii, Tahiti, the Far East, South American and Europe all in USD pricing. While pricing in pounds versus the Euro are down Dollars versus the pound are still at record highs as is the Euro compared to the Dollar.

Here are a few examples:
5 Night Caribbean Cruise balcony staterooms
6 Night Caribbean Cruise balcony staterooms
7 Night Caribbean Cruise balcony staterooms
7 Night Med Cruise on a true 5 Star ship in all balcony suites
7 Night Alaska Cruise balcony staterooms
5 Night Far East balcony staterooms

Need a fourth quarter last minute incentive idea? Try this a 4 or 5 night cruise out of Miami with 2 nights in a hotel so the participants can do their Christmas shopping at out standing bargain prices from designer malls to outlet malls and of course we also have great deals on golf at this time of year as well. We can help you make all of the arrangements in one easy call.

FOR OUR US CLIENTS
Have your clients gotten over sticker shock for this summers European land program and are they ready for more? Oops haven’t told them yet? None of ours have since we only sell cruises in USD. They are a great deal now and will be a great deal next year as well so don’t back of selling Europe but think instead of selling a cruise in Europe. You have more options than ever. Did you know that you can now purchase a 4 or 5 night cruise in May and June on a fantastic Mega Ship? How about a special short British Isle Cruise? Of course you still have the options of Eastern and Western Med, the Baltic and more but now with more choices of ships than ever all in USD. Want to get up close and personal with Europe try a river cruise.

Keep in mind on many ships all drinks, cocktail receptions, duty free purchases, tours, casinos while on board are also in USD and can be pre-purchased and locked in. Prices will roll you over when compared to a land program PLUS you get to see many great places and only have to unpack once.

CAUTION!!!!
Many consumers have figured this out as well ahead of you. Bookings for 2008 and 2009 are already off the charts! Many of the cruise lines have discovered that 7 nights is just not enough for the consumers going to Europe and have cut back on 7 night cruises to offer more longer sailings. Hence 2009 inventory is going very fast already.

A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO OUR CANADIAN CLIENTS
Having been in Toronto just weeks ago I now really under the word parity! Just kidding but we also understand that the Canadian Dollar is taking a hit, while not as large, as the USD against the pound and the Euro. We can help you as well, as we are dealing with more and more Canadian Clients, in selecting the right cruise in Europe and other destinations as well.

Don’t forget with most programs, if you desire, our ops people will assist you in actually attending the pre-con meeting on the ships in South Florida on the day of sailing. We are with you from the presentation until the actual ending of the cruise. Your success is directly tied into our mutual success. Want a personal visit with Worldwide just call Steve Bloss 954 452 8800 ext 226.