What our client asked for:

This group leader wanted a new agency to take over a successful group cruise program that was going into its 10th year with commitment and energy to take his vision further and improve the members’ experience.  The project included aggressive shipboard and port programming that would be packed with events from which participants could choose to enjoy. 

 

What we booked for them:

As an event planner by profession, Chumley had the creative vision and needed us to execute his plans. He’s not interested in how something gets accomplished, only that we can think outside the box if necessary to accomplish what he wants to make a great program. “No” and “impossible” weren’t words to be used unless every possible avenue had been tried.

 

We worked to find ship options with public venues capable of accommodating parties and dances. We negotiated large group contracts and worked closely with multiple departments at the cruise line including mid and upper managements to find creative solutions to get to a “yes” when we’d been met with “no’s.”  We set up a specific and detailed registration system for the group and handled all aspects of the cruise bookings. In addition to the direct communications with guests that we provided, we are were active in their private Facebook group.  Additionally, we provided agency escorts to assist with the pre-cruise event at the embarkation city the night before the sailing and during the cruise to continually organize and monitor ship and port programs as well as to handle any matters that may arise during the trip. 

 

To date, we have now worked with Chumley on two different annual programs which have involved 12 cruises with from 60 to over 500 guests on Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises and MSC. 

 

Their testimonial:

“After nine years of producing a large-group annual cruise, I was seeking a new agency that could take us further in improving and expanding our program. Getting someone new up-to-speed on the complexity of details involved in orchestrating 500+ guests on a cruise that includes a tradition of private dining, many shipboard events and private shore excursions was scary and something I had put off for as long as possible.  

 

“Not only did Connie George Travel Associates meet the challenge, but Connie and her team tackle every challenge which I present them with and are tenacious about producing results. The thing I appreciate the most is how all of the comments regarding our group trips are now positive and in some cases nothing less than loving. The personal attention they receive from booking through disembarkation is something I can heartily recommend to anyone seeking a professional and personable team – something that is unfortunately no longer always the norm these days!”

 

Mark Chumley Singer
Chumley’s BearCruises

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