The Air Canada Vacations & Celebrity Cruises Seminar at Sea was a true familiarization trip.
With 24 hours in Athens and seven days of sunny splendour aboard the cruise line’s newest flagship Celebrity Ascent, there was ample time for the two dozen agents to get to know the vessel, the brand, the destinations visited, ACV’s cruise offerings – and each other.
The group had one thing in common off the bat – for the first time, ACV’s annual Seminar at Sea consisted exclusively of independent advisors who work with the operator’s ACV@Home support team. A range of host agencies was represented throughout the group.
The ACV host was Tina Kensett, the Western Canada-based Area Sales Manager for Independent Agents. She joined the industry with The Bay Travel in Calgary in 1997, and brings a deep well of varied experience to her role supporting advisors to sell ACV product.
Celebrity's Brenda Yeomans with TTAND advisor Cathy McKinnon. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
Our cruise host was Brenda Yeomans, who has spent close to 40 years with the Royal Caribbean Group. A former cruise director who has been a sales leader with Celebrity Cruises for nearly 14 years, she still has the energy of a 30-year-old. As we got to know each other, we learned -- in the middle of the Mediterranean – that we had attended the same Regina high school in Grades 9 and 10. Small world indeed
Air Canada Vacations & Celebrity Cruises Seminar at Sea participants Maizey Alexander and Gail Donovan. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
The advisors hand-picked for the Seminar at Sea represented a wide range of experience and product knowledge and target audience. There were veterans like TTAND’s Maizey Alexander and avid cruiser and traveller Ange Fuller of Go Travel. There were first-time cruisers, like Red Deer’s Falin Dilts, and social media influencers like TTAND member Gail Donovan of Beyond The Beach Travel. There were even a couple of excited first-time Europe visitors.
On arrival in Athens, we kept a long day going by visiting the Acropolis and Parthenon in searing heat. It was well worth the effort. After a leisurely morning exploring the Classic City, our group headed to Piraeus and boarded Ascent with ease.
For the next three days, the only assignments for the group were exploring the beautiful Ascent and the on-shore attractions of Mykonos, Santorini and Kusadasi. The classroom-learning portion of the Seminar at Sea was held on the mornings of two successive sea days, before another excursion day in Naples and disembarkation in Rome.
Kensett and Yeomans each headlined a morning of learning, with Yeomans offering in-depth knowledge, tips and techniques for selling Celebrity, and Kensett detailing ACV’s Cruise Promise, appeal to Aeroplan members, and extensive add-on products. We’ll talk more about the seminar content in a future story.
Celebrity Ascent viewed from Santorini. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
When Yeomans booked the group, occupancy wasn’t high, so our entire group enjoyed the perks and privileges of Concierge Class Staterooms. In the meantime, Ascent filled up and then some, with over 3,600 passengers on the 3,260 double occupancy ship.
The guests were a pleasant mix of Americans, UK citizens, Irish, Australians, Italians and more. The crew represented dozens more nationalities, and their exceptional smiling service was a highlight of the journey.
Sunrise at the Sunset Bar on Celebrity Ascent. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
As a first-time Celebrity cruiser, Yeomans promised I would enjoy an “elevated” experience. Celebrity delivered from the start, with the ease of embarkation and the first views of the spacious, spotless stateroom with its innovative Infinite Veranda. Exploring the ship, the stylish décor and furnishings, sense of space and thoughtful spaces added to the sense of elevation.
Ascent’s dining experience was another highlight. There are four main dining rooms, each offering unique and elegant décor. The Oceanview Café offers a three-times daily smorgasbord of international delights which requires a full exploration before decisions are made. Up top, the Mast Grill offers burgers and salads.
The beautiful three-level Eden on Celebrity Ascent. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
We sampled two of Ascent’s specialty restaurants, the American BBQ-themed Rooftop Garden Grill, and the Fine Cut Steakhouse. Both served high-end urban restaurant meals, along with custom cocktails and a wide assortment of wines. Ascent’s other dining jewels include the beautiful Blu, exclusive to Aqua Class guests, the whimsical three-level Eden and the next-level gastronomy of Daniel Boloud’s Le Voyage
The mainstage entertainment on Ascent was definitely elevated. I’m not usually one for musical stage productions, but Yeomans made us all promise to attend at least one of the three shows currently offered. I ended up seeing two, the second without coercion!
The amazing cast of Bridges on Celebrity Ascent. (Photo Credit: Karen Searle)
The first show, ‘Bridges,’ celebrated human connection through famous cities and their iconic river crossings. It started in the UK capital, and my spirits perked up when I heard the Clash’s ‘London Calling’ for the first time in a cruise ship setting.
The singers, dancers and acrobats in the show were next-level, performing iconic, crowd-pleasing songs of the past few decades, both in Bridges and the second show I attended, the mesmerizingly surreal Awaken. The theatre on Ascent is a big, comfortable space that features a massive LED screen with so much resolution it blurs the line between digital and reality.
The ACV/Celebrity Cruises Seminar at Sea group on 'Shimmer Night' aboard Celebrity Ascent. (Photo Credit: Karen Searle)
Our group, dubbed the ‘Celebrity Ascent Rockstars,’ but also known as ‘Ladies and Norman Seidler’ (and me), bonded closely during the trip and there’s no doubt they’ll be a support network for each other going forward – which is exactly what Yeomans and Kensett hoped.
“It truly is so invaluable to actually experience these FAM trips as we can speak so much better about companies, suppliers and especially destinations when we have been there personally,” said Go Travel Alberta-based advisor Shera Scott, who visited Europe for the first time. “I truly am grateful for this experience and I know that I have clients who will be a great fit for both Celebrity and ACV.”
Centre Holidays advisor Marlene Tull on the bridge of Celebrity Ascent. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
Mississauga-based Centre Holidays advisor Marlene Tull shared Scott’s enthusiasm.
“The training and sharing of knowledge was amazing. I am so motivated to start putting my groups together and to sell Celebrity cruises. Also to all the amazing agents, it was so nice connecting with you and learning from you.”
Consuela Lewis, Personal Travel Agent with Gravitate, says she “gained a lot” from the training and experience of being on the ship. “This opportunity has equipped me with the knowledge I need to offer my clients elevated service.”
TTAND member Cathy McKinnon, who runs Cathy’s Travel in St. Catharines, came off Celebrity Ascent running. “My mind is swirling with ideas and excitement! Thanks to all of you for all of the fun and laughter, support and encouragement this week! It has been truly inspiring.”
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