October 2022 newsletter
View this email in your browser

Cruising America's Last Frontier

This summer we had the opportunity to cruise in Alaska with our charter client on Holland America’s Koningsdam.  This is not a ship review on the Koningsdam, as we have done that before. Instead, this is a discussion about cruising in Alaska.
Most people don’t know the history about cruising in Alaska which has to include Holland America Line.  This is the 75th year that HAL has been cruising in Alaska.  75 years ago HAL realized they had a huge problem!  It was the Boeing 707 and the end of cruise ships being used as Trans-Atlantic transportation. So what do we do with these cruise ships? The obvious answer was cruises to the Caribbean from NYC.  No different than today, that market filled up real quick.  HAL made a big gamble and sold a cruise to the undiscovered area we now call Alaska.  It turned out the guests really loved it, however it presented many challenges.   
HAL had to develop the itineraries and resources to operate these cruises.  Over the years HAL has built and developed ports, tours, lodging, and trains for both tourist and employees, and had to get seasonal employees to want to come to Alaska. Needless to say, the other cruise line found out about Alaska as well.
Still today you will always find HAL ships with prime dock locations at most ports of call.  This means the other cruise lines might be at anchor, docked a long way away and needing shuttles.  They also seem to have the most permits to be in Glacier Bay, which is one of the most dramatic areas in Alaska.  It also seems that they own the most land transportation in Alaska meaning they have an advantage for many tours.
Today Alaska is one of the most popular cruising areas, but only available due to weather May to October with the heart of the season (also the highest priced) June to August. With departures available from Seattle, Vancouver and Seward (Anchorage) there are several different itinerary options. The round-trip Seattle and Vancouver cruises are very similar while the cruises Vancouver to Seward (or reverse) offer a different view plus the option of extending to Denali National Park (a must see if you have the time).
The sights are spectacular both on land and at sea.  Yes, you can see whales, seals and otters from your balcony and eagles, beavers and bears while on a land tour.  The Glaciers and wild rivers are mind blowing, while a train ride that the gold seekers rode is still there for you today.  The scenery wherever you go, on sea or land, is mind boggling and makes this one of the best “must do” cruises in the world. -Steve
 

IMEX IS BACK!

In my opinion IMEX was back bigger and stronger than ever before. Total floor space was the same as 2019, if not larger.  Many booths where bigger (ours was 50% larger) and many with more bells and whistles.

From a suppliers side, we had more pre-scheduled appointments than 2019 and of course 2021. Many of our friends and peers where also reporting the same. Another true sign of business in the air, a very marked increase in the number of actual pieces of business people came to the booth with versus general inquiries. Beyond a doubt, IMEX was a winner for all parties this year.
 
In a further sign that business is increasing, at least in the cruise World, is Worldwide will be having our largest booth ever at IBTM World in Barcelona. With over 10 cruise lines participating, Worldwide’s booth will be the ONLY place to be for Ocean and River Cruises of all types this year!
 

SHIP REVIEWS 
Scenic Eclipse 
For years now people have been using “Yacht Like” and other such terms to make people feel like their vessel was a yacht or as close to a yacht as possible. Having started servicing, chartering and actually being guests on real yachts before starting Worldwide Cruise Associates I can honestly say that finally there really is a yacht  [...]
Read Review
NCL Prima
Wow, what an upgrade for NCL. That was the first impression one gets when they board this new 142,500 gross ton vessel which has a double occupancy for 3,215 passengers. The Prima has great flow and many open spaces that was done in an extremely creative way. You can see the upgraded elements and
 [...]
Read Review
Disney Wish
In September I had a scheduled family vacation on the Disney Wish. Being a new ship, I was very curious about her and how/if we could sell her. Being a Disney ship there is the initial reaction of this doesn’t fit into the C&I world. So I scheduled a meeting before setting foot onboard with the newly appointed head of C&I at Disney Cruise Line.  [...]
Read Review
Group vs Charter
Which option is best for you?

When doing a cruise program there are two options: group versus charter. Both have their pros and cons and different options will fit different clients. A group is essentially a part of a regular cruise, you get the traditional cruise experience and you can add in private events, parties, education, etc as needed. With a charter, YOU are the cruise. The entire cruise can be customized to your liking from the itinerary, events, branding, etc. One of the misconceptions with charters is that you need a few thousand people to charter a ship but this is a viable option for anywhere from 100 passengers and up. We live by the motto “Charter is Best!” and we truly stand behind that. Having the opportunity to fully customize every aspect of your event can create such a unique experience your guests will never forget.
 

FIRE SALE!!!

Get it while it lasts! Mistake at the shipyard makes for a TREMENDOUS deal in late March 2023. 2,100 passenger ship sailing out of Fort Lauderdale. Call or email Steve for this amazing opportunity. 
(954)663-8806 sbloss@cruiseco.com
 

Visit us at booth L22
This year is extra special for us at Worldwide as our booth is the sole representation for the cruise line industry. Visit us and our partners to find out how to place your next event at sea!
Featuring: Atlas, Avalon, Azamara, Celebrity, Holland America, Ponant, Private Jet Services, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, and Silversea
Check out more reviews and news at www.cruiseco.com
Dont forget to follow us on social media for the latest up to date news and events
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
9715 W Broward Blvd, #314
Plantation, FL 33324
Contact: (954)452-8800

sbloss@cruiseco.com 
sales@cruiseco.com

Copyright © *2017 Worldwide Cruise Associates, All rights reserved.

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can
update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list