Exciting new spaces and new experiences designed for guests of all ages are coming to the Disney Magic in March 2018. From family dining in an enchanted kingdom, to a transformed teen club, to a sophisticated café exclusively for adults, the ship’s newest highlights include…

An Enchanting Dining Experience for Families

At Rapunzel’s Royal Table, families will delight in an all-new dining experience inspired by the beloved story of Disney’s “Tangled.” The first table service restaurant themed to “Tangled” that features characters and live entertainment will transport Disney Magic guests to the kingdom of Corona for an evening of music and interactive fun featuring Rapunzel and the mischievous Snuggly Duckling Thugs.

Guests will step inside a regal ballroom in the royal castle, lit by glowing wish lanterns and adorned with colorful drawings that reflect Rapunzel’s artistic talents. Here, the King and Queen of Corona invite everyone to take part in a festive celebration of Rapunzel’s birthday and the anniversary of her return to the kingdom.

Throughout dinner, there is live entertainment, spirited singing and dancing led by the maître d’, a merry band of musicians, the mischievous Snuggly Duckling Thugs and of course, Princess Rapunzel.

A lively parade caps off the evening in Corona. The charm and enchantment of “Tangled” in Rapunzel’s Royal Table is the perfect pairing to “Tangled: The Musical” during each Disney Magic sailing.

Redesigned Retreat Just for Teens

Vibe, the space on the ship reserved for teens ages 14-17, is being transformed into a trendy urban loft environment. At Vibe, teens can enjoy a new coffee and smoothie bar, play video and virtual reality games, and check out other cool activities like a DJ spin-off and movie making. Activities at Vibe are organized and hosted by trained Disney counselors who facilitate the fun and interaction among teen guests.

Refined Escape Exclusively for Adults

Adults can relax at Cove Café, an adult-exclusive retreat that will be redesigned in a sophisticated tropical style. It’s the perfect place to sip a specialty coffee or tea throughout the day, or indulge in wine or a cocktail and light bites during the evening hours.

In this serene setting by the Quiet Cove Pool, adult beverage tastings are also available at select times for an additional fee. Just steps away, the adjacent Signals Bar will also be transformed with a similar look.

Elsewhere around the Disney Magic, other enhancement highlights include the addition of Club Disney Junior in Disney’s Oceaneer Club for children and a redesigned Rainforest Room with steam and hydrotherapy in Senses Spa for adults.

The new enhancements debut on Disney Magic starting March 9, 2018, on sailings from Miami, Fla. The four- and five-night Disney Magic sailings from Miami visit Key West, Fla.; Nassau, Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Beginning on May 14, 2018, the Disney Magic repositions to Europe for the summer season.

 

Truly Adult Wellness Escapes on Seabourn

Seabourn is sharpening its focus on mindful living with two new content rich Wellness Cruises with Dr. Andrew Weil in the year ahead. Bound for Alaska and Greece, each voyage will feature engaging experts in the field of integrative medicine and Dr. Weil, a celebrated physician and best-selling author who partnered with Seabourn to introduce Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, an exclusive mindful living program at sea.

“When you travel, exciting things happen to your mind, your body and your spirit. Your mind opens, your imagination and curiosity are aroused,” said Dr. Andrew Weil.

Both itineraries will feature panel discussions, a number of complimentary wellness seminars, and interactive sessions led by Dr. Weil and his team, which also includes the onboard Mindful Living coach. A selection of optional, for-charge shore excursions will also be offered, taking the wellness mindset to enriching destinations ashore.

The first dedicated Wellness Cruise with Dr. Andrew Weil will explore Alaska on the Wellness in the Wilderness with Dr. Weil sailing aboard Seabourn Sojourn, June 16-28, 2018. As the vessel makes its way north from Vancouver, British Columbia en route to Seward, Alaska, the Wellness Cruise program will unfold with more than 20 complimentary lectures and demonstrations to guide guests in living a life that is healthy, satisfying and well.

In the Mediterranean, Dr. Weil will sail the region where integrative medicine is rooted on the Origins of Wellness with Dr. Weil sailing, October 6-20, 2018. Headed round-trip from Piraeus (Athens), Seabourn Odyssey will take in sights and scenes along and off the southern coast of Greece including Mykonos, Crete, Naxos, and Rhodes, as well as Syracuse, Italy; and Valletta, Malta. The onboard Wellness Cruise program will include more than 25 complementary workshops and discussions from authorities on integrative medicine.

Guests can always find Dr. Weil’s integrative approach at Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, which will be available onboard every Seabourn cruise by the end of 2017. Created via partnership between Seabourn and The Onboard Spa by Steiner, the program is led by an onboard Mindful Living coach, a certified yoga and meditation practitioner whose role is to inspire and educate guests throughout the voyage. Complimentary Mind and Body seminars adapted from Dr. Weil’s best-selling books and research are offered to educate on philosophies and practices aligned with the program’s mission, while individualized one-on-one wellness sessions and other spa & wellness services are also available for a fee.

 

Travel Agents: How to Match and Maximize Sails and Sales

With the 2018 Wave Season in site, Avoya’s most successful Independent Agencies share their top tips for travel professionals on how to prepare for selling cruises in the year ahead.

Of the surveyed Independent Agencies in the Network that produce over $1 million in annual sales, 95% revealed they have plans to or are already preparing for the March Wave, the travel industry’ busiest sales period of the year.

Set a goal.
 Beth Leonardt of Vacations by Beth LLC believes “Knowing what drives you and setting a goal are necessary for Wave. For me, it’s providing for my kids, and my family reaps the rewards when I put in the long hours to reach my goal.”

Get organized with the right systems to maximize bookings.
 “Shared best practices in the company Mastermind Program have helped me get the systems in place, including effective automated scripts and calendar follow-ups to keep me organized when I am claiming and working so many Live Leads,” shared Bobbi Wagner, Destined to Travel, LLC.

Keep your scripts updated – and use them. 
”Have your scripts in place so you can easily stay in touch with your customers and prospects. This is vital for time-management and not missing deadlines,” advises Sue Peterson, Peterson Global Travel, Inc.

Use an automated calendar. “Wave is busy and to handle increases in customer Live Leads, I manage my calendar with reminders and automate scripted follow-ups to keep me organized,” said Phyllis Murray, Phyllis Murray Travel LTD.

Reach out often to past clients.
 “Update client lists, then reach out by phone, a scripted note or holiday cards,” shares Cheryl Myerson, Unforgettable Cruises & Tours, LLC. “Sending new promotions that I think both customers and prospects would like is a great way to stay top of mind with customers,” adds Carol Howell of Bloom and Howell LLC.

Brush up with supplier education. 
”You’ll earn bookings when you’re an expert in your product specialties, the latest itineraries, policies, and developments from suppliers,” advises Lydia Santiago of Luxury Bound Travel LLC.

Know the promos. 
Experience Results Inc. owner Christine Schwartz adds, “Having full understanding of promotions and exclusives that give me a competitive advantage is the most important preparation I do.”

Prepare to work long hours.

“Clearing personal calendars and getting small tasks done before January help me be available for more clients,” recommends Sheri Mruz, Directions Luxury Travel LLC.

A bonus tip from Tammie Richie, Senior Director of Avoya’s exclusive Mastermind Program, is a timely reminder for all agents: “Get ready now to capitalize on the increase in customer leads. Pre-wave is starting and the clients that will book the first couple of weeks of January are already looking. Travel professionals who wait until the first of January, may already have missed out on two weeks of Wave.”