Rockville Centre, NY – May 21 2007 – Cruising has become one of the fastest growing methods of travel. Last week, local Cruise Planners agent Sharon Viotto got a firsthand look at the latest trends in the industry at the Cruise Planners’ convention.

Hearing from representatives of all the major cruise lines, Viotto joined over 300 Cruise Planner agents for four days of intensive training and cruise-specific orientation.

The convention keynote speaker Tracey Kelly, Senior Vice President of Sales, Holland America Line, spoke about marketing to Generations. He explained how various generations have different expectations from their vacations and knowing their aspirations will help agents target their marketing efforts.

Other key cruise line personnel at the meeting included Dondra Ritzenthaler, Senior Vice-President of Sales for Celebrity Cruises, Scott Rogers, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Sales for Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Maurice Zarmati, Vice President of Sales for Carnival Cruise Line.

A special panel session on Luxury cruising was given by Phil Devillier of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Peter Adamowich of Silversea, Gene Shulman of Crystal Cruises and Richard Hickey of Oceania Cruises highlighting the wants and needs of the luxury traveler.

As an added perk, all convention attendees sailed aboard the all-new Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas for two nights prior to the convention in Orlando. The experience was not only exciting, but also allowed Sharon Viotto firsthand knowledge of the newest and largest cruise ship afloat to date. The Liberty of the Seas, at 160,000 gross tonnage, has unique features such as the amazing FlowRider® (surfing onboard!), a rock-climbing wall, 9-hole miniature golf, ice-skating rink, cantilevered whirlpools, an H2O Zone waterpark,and so much more!

            “While other forms of travel have slowed, more and more people are taking cruises every year,” said Viotto. “Many people think of cruises for honeymoons or only for couples, but we're finding many more families going also. It's become one of the best values in travel.”

In addition, Viotto attended sessions hosted by Disney Cruise Line and were their guests at the Epcot Illumination Show and signature fireworks display.

Cruise Planners also announced their new acquisition of International Conferences, a unique company exclusive to Cruise Planners, which provides excellent accredited programs of continuing Medical, Legal, Nursing and Dental educations seminars at sea. “We are very excited to offer our professional clients a venue for exceptional continuing education while on vacation with their colleagues and family members,” states Viotto.

Cruise Planners is an American Express Travel Services Representative agency. As a result, Cruise Planners agents have access to AMEX Mariners Club benefits such as additional special fares, Mariner's Hosts, exclusive pre and post cruise tours, free shore side events and elegant dining, additional shipboard credits, and more.

            As an experienced travel professional, Viotto independently books cruises and other associated travel. Cruise Planners provides its members with preferential cruise pricing, superior booking opportunities, and advanced training.

Licensed, bonded, and insured, Cruise Planners is a member of CLIA (Cruise Line International Association), NACOA (National Association of Cruise Only Agencies), and the BBB (Better Business Bureau).