Press Release
Affordable Luxury Vacations
50 & Better. April, 2007 by Gloria Cherafat
I’ve been sending people on cruises for more than 15 years. For those who enjoy this unforgettable yet affordable luxury, a themed cruise is one of the most unique styles. A personal opinion of mine confirmed by my new passengers—frequent cruisers Ben and Mary Ruth Pecora.
Ben and Mary have been on 14 cruises to destinations all over the world. After their first experience with us, they wrote to me saying, "This is the first time we ever received a complimentary cocktail party and a great entertainer exclusively for our group." Considering how many nautical miles the two have covered, their words run deep.
For those who enjoy this unforgettable yet affordable luxury, a themed cruise is one of the most unique styles.
On March 19, 2006, the Costa Magica departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, bound for the Eastern Caribbean on a 7-night cruise. Onboard with the Pecoras were 165 Global Connections’ guests, two Global escorts and our entertainer, Tony Antonucci.
The cruise itself was a dynamic experience for all who came aboard. They were instantly transformed from the shores of Florida to the opulence of Italy, on one of the largest ships to ever fly the Italian flag, the Costa Magica. From the Portofino restaurant, Capri lounge, Bellagio buffet deck, and Club Vicenza (a specialty dining venue supervised by Italy’s renowned chef Zeffirino), to the Positano Sun Deck and Grado disco, each of the ship’s restaurants and public rooms took our guests on a magical voyage to some of the most beautiful locales in Italy while they sailed to the aqua blue waters of the Caribbean.
What’s more, for two incredible nights our cruisers enjoyed exclusive parties. The first was our "Meet and Greet" cocktail party, giving all our guests the chance to mingle with our group cruisers. And perhaps the most exciting night on the ship was our "Evening of Entertainment" featuring Tony.
A popular Kansas City entertainer, Tony performs the hits of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Neil Diamond and a host of many other memorable artists. His performance and showmanship are so dynamic I’m often asked if he’s lip-syncing. Absolutely not, it’s all Tony’s talent! And when I look around at my passengers, you can see how much fun they are having as they sing-a-long and interact with Tony during his show.
In fact, he’s so popular we have another group cruise scheduled with Tony. This 7-day sailing departs June 24, 2007, from Seattle, Washington, bound for Alaska on Holland America’s new msNoordam. This 82,500 ton ship entered the fleet in 2006 and offers passengers Signature of Excellence enhancements including the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, Explorations Café powered by the New York Times, and new stateroom amenities including flat-panel TVs and plush-top Mariner’s Dream Beds.
Plus Ben and Mary will be there. They have already reserved their cabin on Tony’s next cruise. After experiencing a Global Connections’ themed group cruise, this couple can’t wait for more. And I can’t wait for them to experience the sites and sounds of Alaska.
Gloria Cherafat is the Manager of Global Connections Travel, a full–service agency offering cruises for groups and individuals, domestic and international tour packages, hotel reservations, car reservations and more.
She and her staff can customize tours for new and seasoned travelers. With the office based in Overland Park, Kansas, you can contact Gloria or her staff of travel consultants by calling 913.498.0960 or Toll-Free 800.299.9617