Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1039775
B M & T ••• September/October 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 18 Bar-B-Que Smokehouse (Guy Fieri was there for the ceremony too!) and Guy's Burger Joint. I figured after my "exercise" walking around the ship, I deserved some of Guy's seasoned fries. They reminded me of 5 Guys Fries…5 stars from me! It was a perfect night with perfect weather, so I found the perfect lawn chair (deck bed?) and kicked my feet up as I waited for the after party to start. The moment I sat down, some- one brought me a rum punch, which was a nice touch. Then, the DJ got the party started and everyone poured on to the deck, turned dance floor, but the real star was Mike Pack, the Horizon Cruise director. He could make a lot of money as a hype man… his energy was high octane and every- one loved it. Some of the women took off their shoes, so you know the vibes were flowing. The grand finale was the fireworks show to top off a fun night debuting the amazing new Carnival Ship. I'd definitely recommend the Carnival Horizon for anyone planning a small to medium sized convention or even a large family reunion. There are plenty of activities for everyone (including children), several dining options (fancier and casual), with the capacity for 3,954 passengers and a maximum capacity of 4,683 guests. With 25 lounges and bars, 10 restaurants/food bars, and 16 elevators, there is some- thing easily accessible for everyone. Holland America Line, a Carnival Corporation. "In my new position, nothing is more satisfying than being able to empower meeting planners and travel agents to get all they can to grow their businesses, explains Ri'chard. Be they individual businesses, group businesses or meeting planners, my department is responsible for developing deep and broad relationships through innovative technologies, trade commu- nications, marketing, social media and training." "The greatest part of my job at Holland America Line is the people," exclaims Ri'chard. "I so love working with the travel agents and meeting planners. It is so wonderful to be able to teach them new ways to enhance their businesses and then seeing them a year or two down the line and hearing how their businesses are growing into the successful companies they'd only dreamed of. Meeting planners are so surprised to learn how having their meetings on a cruise ship, vs. in a hotel can be so much cheaper. Planners can book for 200 or charter the vessel for 2000." Ri'chard goes on to explain "this may not be a large annual convention, but perhaps a biannual or regional event; a meet- ing via cruise is such an exciting change and is very cost effec- tive. On a ship, audio, video, meeting rooms, coffee, tea and water set-ups are all included in your cruise price. The staff can work with agents and planners to have their company logo positioned around the ships walls, on cocktail napkins, etc. The ships charter, meetings and incentive teams are available to help customize the event." Ri'chard's most memorable cruise ventures include her trips to Europe including Greece, Venice, Rome, Athens and Croatia. She also cruised the Panama Canal; next year she plans to go to Asia. Also at the top of her list is cruising any- where with Holland America Line when Oprah Winfrey is onboard. Yes, Holland America Line and O, The Oprah Magazine have united and won the 2017 Seatrade Cruise Award for Marketing Initiative of the Year. Even for those guests who may not get to book a Holland America Line cruise with Oprah onboard, you should be glad to know that because of their partnership, the award winning, customized experience will still be there for your enjoyment. The next Oprah Magazine Group cruise is scheduled for October, 2018: http//www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/oprah- syear-of-adventure.html Denelle Ri'chard will be speaking at CruiseWorld, November 7th-9th in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Travel Weekly's CruiseWorld is a live event bringing together travel profes- sionals and supplier partners through educational work- shops, networking events and a trademark Exhibitor Showcase. In the meanwhile, interested agents and planners can go to GoHal.com and register their business for no charge to receive access to the site along with a wealth of information to begin growing their business; travel agents and meeting planners interested in selling Holland America Line can also call 1-800-445-3731. continue from page 16