posted by admin on Jul 26
At the Helm: Bob Dickinson, Carnival Cruise Line's CEO
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
Often hailed as the most popular and the largest cruise line, Carnival didn’t make it to number one on its own. It’s had a lot of direction from CEO Bob Dickinson. Who is this man and what measures has he taken to make sure every passenger has a blast when sailing on a Fun Ship ?
A former employee of both Ford Motor Company and RCA, Dickinson achieved the position of executive vice president of Carnival in 1972. In 1993, he was promoted to president and a short time later added CEO to that title.
With a strong marketing and operational vision for the cruise line, Dickinson has brought this once fledgling company to superstar status through his unique innovations. In fact, he is so admired in the industry that Dickinson was named “1999 Travel Executive of the Year” by Travel Trade magazine. He was also awarded a position in Advertising Age magazine’s 100 Best Marketers in the Nation.
Part of his management savvy is due to his willingness to participate in programs such as PBS’s Back to the Floor where six top bosses were taken from the top floor of their high-rise office buildings and demoted to blue-collar workers within their own companies. From cleaning cabins to waiting tables to sweating it out as a poolside bar server, Dickinson hung with the other employees during a weeklong cruise aboard the Carnival Imagination.
He took the time to listen and learn about employee complaints firsthand, such as the pink shirts poolside staff must wear. Joking about the “polyester-lead blend” material, Dickinson discovered just how personal management decisions about every aspect of the employee work environment can be.
An avid wine collector, Dickinson has pressed hard to create a truly impressive and virtually unmatched collection within the Carnival fleet. With over 18,000 bottles in his personal wine cellar, Dickinson says wine is more than a hobby, naming it as interesting, complex and a living thing. And his favorite bottle of wine on the Carnival wine list? A 1998 Legacy California Cabernet that sells for $50.
Often giving countless bottles of wine away for charity, the Carnival CEO quotes a net figure for one year of $800,000 raised for philanthropic purposes primarily due to wine. Dickinson’s passion has recently extended to his business life as well. Carnival launched its first ever Wine Cruise aboard Liberty in December 2005. It was such a hit - being hailed by some as “the most outstanding wine-related event” - that the cruise line has scheduled a sequel for December 3, 2006.
This seven-day itinerary sails to Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. During the voyage, passengers can take part in numerous wine-related activities, including seminars and lectures about every aspect of wine from its history to the science behind creating different varieties. And, of course, wine tastings are a focal point of the week.
While guests are not required to be members of Carnival’s wine club to participate, they do need to pre-register for the special functions prior to boarding. Your travel agent will have details on all the events and registration procedures.
Dickinson will undoubtedly influence Carnival’s efforts as well as those of its sister companies (including Holland America Line and Windstar Cruises) continuing the success of each. What’s the key? How has he been able to build and hold fast to the number one position for so long? When asked, Dickinson replied that it was all about taking the mystery out of cruising, making it affordable to the average person and putting the customers’ experiences first. Truly, Carnival has achieved the status as the cruise line for every man.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> offering the best deals including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/hawaii_cruises.htm"> Hawaii cruises</a> from <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/carnival_cruise_line.htm">Carnival Cruise Line</a> and others.
How to Book a Cruise Online
CRUISE BOOKING ” HOW TO BOOK A CRUISE Discount cruise vacations continue to be an excellent option for a relaxing and worry-free vacation. More and more people book a cruise online or take advantage of the numerous cruise vacation packages available. People of all ages enjoy visits to beautiful and exotic destinations, meet great new people, and participate in a wide variety of activities while they enjoy cheap cruise vacations. You need to determine which type of cruise is best for you in order to fully enjoy the benefits of cruising. You should analyze what aspects of a cruise interest you most. Once you identify your interests, you can search for cruise vacation packages that will meet your criteria. Many people become confused when it comes to cruise booking because there are so many cheap cruise vacations available. However, you can follow a few simple steps to ensure that you choose a cruise booking that is just right for you! Step One: The first step of cruise booking involves deciding on your desired holiday destination. Search the internet and read reviews about the various cruise vacation packages and discount cruise vacations. The internet remains one of the most helpful resources when determining which cruise booking to choose. You can visit many sites that will provide detailed information on all aspects of cruise vacation packages. Many sites feature cruise reviews, cruise pictures, and additional information about particular destinations. You also have the option of contacting an online travel agent or cruise booking agent to gather as many cruise brochures as possible. Once you have found several suitable cruise ships, compare them and select the cruise line and destination best for you. Step Two: Once you decide on the cruise ship, you can now determine the duration of your cruise vacation. Many cruise vacation packages last only a weekend and you may enjoy other vacation packages for two luxurious, fun-filled weeks or more. If you have a little more money and time to spend, you can even pick a cruise package that will last for nearly three full months! Step Three: You need to analyze the budget of your cruise vacation. The price of discount cruise vacations can really vary depending on the particular cruise company, time of year, and your preferred destination. Many cruise packages allow you to pick the features you want to include. By choosing not to participate in some of the available activities or excursions, you can experience substantial savings during discount cruise vacations. Your vacation budget has a profound influence on your cruise booking. The amount you are willing to spend will determine the activities, duration, and destination for your particular cruise vacation. Step Four: Once you decide on a cruise vacation package, you need to complete the actual cruise booking. However, before you actually book a cruise online, you should contact the cruise booking agents or cruise travel agent and obtain all the necessary information you require. You need to decide on several factors before you complete the final cruise booking. These include the availability of the cruise package, point of departure, size and location of your preferred cabin, cancellation fees, and any activities you wish to include with your cruise vacation package. Step Five: Once you have gathered all the relevant information, you feel you need regarding the cruise package; you can complete the final step. This involves the actual cruise booking for the date, company and destination you choose. You have the option of using cruise booking agents or you can complete an online cruise booking from the convenience of your own home. If you are able to travel any time of the year, the best option is to book a cruise online or choose cruise vacation packages that occur during the off-peak season. Most cruise liners sail year round. You can often find amazing deals by performing a cruise booking during the off-peak season. Many more discount cruise vacations and inexpensive cruise vacation packages are available during off-peak season. The peak season for cruise booking occurs during the summer months and during school holidays. You will find that it is more expensive to take a cruise during these busy times. If you plan your cruise, you are certain to find a cheap cruise vacation package that fits within your budget.
Jay is a well known author, who writes for online cruise booking, online vacation packages and many other important topics related to online cruise booking and travels. For more details please visit the site <a href="http://www.elite-cruises.net">www.elite-cruises.net</a>
Resolving to Get Fit for the New Year? Cruising Is the Way to Go!
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
Countless people make New Year’s resolutions to get into shape and lose weight. Many of them fail reportedly due to lack of motivation, support or a viable plan. There is a new trend developing among fitness enthusiasts, however, that overcomes these three obstacles while delivering luxury, scrumptious food and fun. What’s the trend? Cruising into shape.
Cruise ships have offered well-equipped fitness centers on their vessels for years. However, with fitness and nutrition experiencing an increase in popularity, many ships have taken great strides to create an atmosphere that nurtures a healthy lifestyle without compromising the lavish cruise experience. With onboard fitness instructors, innovative and fun exercise opportunities and healthy gourmet meals, a cruise ship has become the perfect starting point for your New Year’s resolution.
Fun Is the Key to Exercise
If you don’t enjoy exercise, chances are you won’t keep up any fitness routine you establish. But with exciting activities available to you 24/7, you can quickly discover new ways to keep moving while having a blast.
For example, instructor-led aerobics, stretch and cardio classes are available on most cruise ships as are jogging tracks, volleyball (on deck or in the pool) and dancing. With professionally created fitness sessions designed to be fun, it doesn’t seem like exercise at all. Royal Caribbean offers ice skating, rock climbing, trampolines and even boxing. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) provides a bowling alley and basketball while Holland America offers personal trainers plus yoga and Pilates classes.
Each cruise line has its own key fitness features, so check for the one(s) that pique your interest.
Exceptional Dining for Those on a Diet
But what about the food? One of the greatest pleasures of cruising is indulging in gourmet meals prepared by world-class chefs. Fitness buffs are often nervous about entering a den of food sin and blowing everything they have worked for. The question that is often asked is, “Can I indulge and not regret it later”? The answer is a resounding yes!
The cruise lines constantly have their pulse on public opinion. That includes requests for amazingly delicious meals that offer less fat, sugar and other undesirable carbs. These flavorful meals are just as luxurious, just as tempting and will have you feeling just as spoiled. All without any guilt.
You can even make special dietary requests before you embark on your voyage. Check with your cruise line for details.
What better way to get into shape than while surrounded by a staff that can pamper and spoil you 24/7? Would you rather suffer through the beginning stages of shaping up or be counseled and aided by personal trainers? Would you rather starve yourself with rabbit food or dine on scrumptious meals prepared by professional chefs? Would you rather pound out mile after mile on a gym treadmill or take part in activities that get you moving while having the time of your life?
If you’re serious about shaping up, then you won’t find any better place to begin (or to maintain!) than a voyage at sea.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> offering the best deals including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/european_cruises.htm"> European cruises</a> and <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/mediterranean_cruises.htm">Mediterranean cruises</a>.
