Cruise Agent "Jazzes it Up" with Cruise Industry Representatives

Sharon R. Viotto travels to Cruise Planners’ Convention in Florida

Rockville Centre, NY (PRWEB) July 9, 2006 -- Cruising has become one of the fastest growing methods of travel. Last month local Cruise Planners agent Sharon R. Viotto got a first hand look at the latest trends in the industry at the Cruise Planners’ convention with the theme of "Jazzing It Up in 2006" at Club Med in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Hearing from representatives of all the major cruise lines, Sharon R. Viotto joined over 300 Cruise Planner agents for four days of intensive training and cruise-specific orientation.

The convention keynote speaker Lisa Bauer, Senior Vice President, Sales, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, spoke about why travel on cruise ships can be such a plus for families. Using the title "Family Freedom" she talked about all the amenities on ships that make such travel so easy and a real value.

Other key cruise line personnel at the meeting included Dondra Ritzenthaler, Vice-President of Sales for Celebrity Cruises, Charlie Ball, President of Princess Cruise Tours with Princess Cruises, Jeff Drew, Senior Vice-President of Sales for Oceania Cruises and Vicki Freed, Senior Vice-President, Sales and Marketing for Carnival Cruise Lines.

As an added perk, all convention attendees sailed aboard the all-new Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas for two nights prior to the convention at Club Med. The experience was not only exciting, but also allowed Sharon first hand knowledge of the biggest cruise ship afloat to date. The Freedom of the Seas, at 160,000 gross tonnage, has unique features such as the all-new FlowRider® (surfing onboard!), a rock-climbing wall, 9-hole miniature golf, ice-skating rink and so much more!

"While other forms of travel have slowed, more and more people are taking cruises every year," said Sharon R. Viotto. "Many people think of cruises for honeymoons or only for couples, but we're finding many more families going also. It's become one of the best values in travel."

In addition, Viotto attended sessions hosted by American Express. At this event, Sam Combs from American Express spoke about "Selling Land Vacations Worldwide."

Cruise Planners is now an American Express Travel Services Representative agency. As a result, Cruise Planners agents have access to AMEX Mariners Club benefits such as additional special fares, Mariner's Club Hosted Sailings, exclusive pre and post cruise tours, free shore side events and elegant dining, additional shipboard credits, and more.

As an experienced travel professional, Viotto independently books cruises and other associated travel. Cruise Planners provides its members with preferential cruise pricing, superior booking opportunities, and advanced training.

Anyone interested in booking a cruise this fall or winter should contact Sharon R. Viotto for "the best prices and service afloat" by calling toll free 888-799-7447 or logging onto www.DesignACruise.com.

Licensed, bonded, and insured, Cruise Planners is a member of CLIA (Cruise Line International Association), NACOA (National Association of Cruise Only Agencies), and the BBB (Better Business Bureau).

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