Prevue January/February 2012 - (Page 16)

sea shores SET SAIL WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN “OASIS CLASS” SHIPS ARE EASILY CUSTOMIZED FOR GROUPS Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas are sister ships in Royal Caribbean International's "Oasis Class." We spoke with Lori Cassidy, director of corporate, incentive & charter sales, to learn a little more about the features and benefits that make these ships particularly well suited for groups. Sailing from Fort Lauderdale year-round on alternate 7-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries, these ships have been especially appealing to meeting professionals who are considering a program at sea. Royal Caribbean built these large vessels around the "neighborhood" concept, which provides for an intimate atmosphere even though you may be sharing the ship with 5,000+ fellow passengers. Whether you're thinking about a full ship charter of 2,700 cabins or a smaller program, Royal Caribbean prides itself on customizing a unique experience for your group. Seven neighborhoods, each with their own flavor and distinct style, provide something for everyone when it comes to creating unforgettable events. “The Allure of the Seas and the Oasis of the Seas are unlike any other ships that are in the industry today from an innovation and customization standpoint,” says Cassidy. Even veteran cruisers will enjoy the novelty and excitement of strolling through the various neighborhoods. A horticultural team aboard the ship ensures that the 15,000 live trees, flowers and plants in the Central Park neighborhood are beautifully manicured. This open-air venue, complete with specialty shops and restaurants, is ideal for a pre-dinner group reception. Think Coney Island and you can imagine an event at the Boardwalk neighborhood, complete with Johnny Rockets and a true vintage carousel—the only one at sea. Another unique option is ice skating. Studio B offers dazzling productions surrounded by stadium seating. When the ice is covered by a hard surface, it transforms into a private venue for general sessions, a tradeshow or anything else you can imagine. JAMES BEARD F+B If you're a foodie, then you probably know about chef Michael Schwartz of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink in Miami, winner of the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the South in 2010. In October, he launched new tasting menus at the ships' 150 Central Park restaurants, highlighting seasonal and sustainable cuisine. “More and more restaurants are opening around the country that are all about organic and sustainable foods, while trying to incorporate the local presence of what they have to offer," says Cassidy. "This is what Michael brings to the table, because this is the concept in his South Florida restaurant. Because these two ships sail from Port Everglades, we are able to build relationships with the local agricultural community in the South Florida area.... We do the same thing in a lot of the islands where we pick up provisions, depending on what their specialty is and where we can find high quality items.” For a truly personalized VIP experience, groups up to 16 pax can reserve the Chef’s Table for a supplemental dining fee. Two seatings each evening offer a 5-course tasting menu selected by the executive chef and accompanied by wines paired to each course. The executive chef and sommelier will enhance the intimate dining experience by personally describing their motivation behind the food and wine selections. If a high-tech dining experience is more your style, then settle into a comfortable chair at the wine and tapas bar, Vintages. You’ll be provided with an iPad to review the food and wine selections. The digital menu app is your own personal sommelier, assisting you in reviewing and selecting the perfect wine. Pressing the order button sends your selection directly to your server’s iPod. As planners, we're always looking for these types of innovation. See you onboard.—Victoria Ascione, CMP/CMM royalcaribbeanincentives.com 18 | prevue magazine http://www.royalcaribbeanincentives.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue January/February 2012

Fiesta Americana Hotels
Bermuda
Fort Worth/San Diego/Montreal
Corporate Responsibility
Royal Caribbean International
The Value of Collaboration
Leathership Summit, Panama
The Ritz-Carlton/JW Marriott L.A.
Florida Means Business
W Austin
No Wallet, No Worries
Intercontinental Argentina
Site/MGM Resorts Las Vegas
Philadelphia
River Terrace Inn, Napa

Prevue January/February 2012