Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/910090
B M & T ••• September/October 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 32 building activities and entertainment aboard Ovation of the Seas are endless. Take the plunge on the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator or check out 360-degree views 300 feet above sea level in the North Star! Want to keep your feet on the ground? Play basketball, roller-skate, or ride bumper cars at the Seaplex. With a variety of sizes and configura- tions of meeting spaces, we'll help you choose the perfect venue for your event, and with cutting-edge technology like digital touchscreen signage throughout the ship – plus the fastest Internet at sea – you'll always be connected. Disney Cruise Ship From conventions to conferences to company parties, a Disney Cruise Line venue delivers an amazing "return on experience." The Disney Difference - from innovative networking events designed to engage, inspire and maximize team productivity, to imaginative ways to convey your meeting's content—it only takes a little Disney magic to deliver a big impression. Disney Cruise Line offers outstanding meeting facilities aboard the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. Impressive and novel venues include the Buena Vista and Walt Disney Theatres, as well as Disney's Castaway Cay. Disney's dedicated shoreside and onboard teams will work closely with you to arrange a successful business function of any size, so that your event is not only a massive success, but a truly memorable one. Included among the resources at your disposal are: • A full-time group services manager • Catering team • Full Broadway-quality lighting and laser system • Digital surround sound with film and video support for presentations • Flat-screen TVs • Individual computer stations • Refreshment bars Planners, when you set sail with Disney, you can be sure an unfor- gettable experience is always on the horizon. Overflowing with unique recreational offerings for your delegates, and imaginative fun for the kids and thrilling entertainment for the entire family traveling with attendees, every Disney ship in the fleet provides fun for one and all, so that no one ever has to compromise. Discover the excitement and magic that awaits you on board. Behold true Disney magic, where original musicals and award-win- ning live productions are performed every night of the week. Top offer- ings include "Disney's Aladdin" – A Mus ical Spectacular, "Disney Dreams" – An Enchanted Classic, "Tangled The Musical," "The Golden Mickeys," "Wishes," and "Disney's Believe." On Disney you can also include a private party on Castaway Cay and combine your meeting activities with a trip to Disney World. Approximately 35 percent of all cruises take place in the Caribbean with just under 22 percent in the rapidly growing Mediterranean market. Matching the lifestyle of your members with the right ship is essenti al. For example, you would hate to book your fam- ily-oriented meeting or vacation on a ship with- out accommodations for the kids, although most ships today have kid-friendly amenities, some are just better than others. Also, pay particular attention to the desti- nations. Some Alaskan or Mediterranean itin- eraries are family-friendly with lots of kids onboard. More exotic locales like Asia, Australia or South America will attract a more mature audience leading to a laid back voy- age. To plan meetings at sea give yourself at least 12 to 18 months lead-time and even more if you plan to charter the entire ship. In fact, if you plan to charter an entire ship, it's best to lock down the char- ter before the cruise line announces their schedules. If a cruise line has to change itineraries for already booked passengers, you or your organ- ization will pay a fee to change their sailings. And finally, when planning your itinerary it's important to plan meet- ings for those days when this ship is out to sea. Once in port, your mem- bers will most surely become distracted and miss the advantage of cruise ship travel in the first place – different ports of call. Conference Center Theater Style onboard Royal Caribbean Disney Fantasy