Ensemble Travel Group announced details of its hosted world cruise program for 2012, including a “Leaving Your Legacy” component—an enhanced Ensemble Experience shore excursion that allows consortium members’ clients to connect with the local cultures and people of the area.
“We introduced the ‘giving back’ program this year with six exclusive world cruise events and have been pleased with the feedback from the hosts and guests so far,” said Ensemble Travel Group’s Susan Gannon, senior director, marketing and development, cruise products.
Although details are currently being finalized for the 2012 Leaving Your Legacy series, Gannon said that the program will closely mirror the 2011 personal encounters, which included a visit to a school for young painters in the village of Kamasan in Bali, Indonesia, while on the Queen Elizabeth world cruise. As part of the Leaving Your Legacy program, Ensemble Travel Group made a special donation of painting materials on guests’ behalf.
Coming up on April 24, as part of the Regent Seven Seas Voyager world cruise, guests will visit a local school in Boralesgamuwa located outside of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The school welcomes children regardless of their means and opens their eyes to the world through education. Guests will meet the children and enjoy a special performance. Ensemble Travel Group will make a donation to the school on participants’ behalf.
According to Ensemble Travel Group member Pamela Montgomery of White Rock Travel, who served as the Ensemble Host on the Crystal Serenity world cruise, these special encounters were very humbling experiences.
“For the first time in my life, I really felt that I made a difference in someone’s life – and that’s pretty powerful stuff. Judging by guests’ feedback, I know they felt the same way I did,” said Montgomery.
“Leaving Your Legacy allows our members the chance to give their customers something so special,” Gannon added. “And, it has the ability to really elevate the agent-client relationship to a whole new level. The client walks away thinking ‘my agent cares enough to connect me with something very meaningful—something where I can make a difference.”
Departure details for the 2012 Ensemble Travel Group Hosted World Cruise Program are as follows:
• Seabourn Quest: Jan. 5 – Fort Lauderdale to Venice; 109 days
• Silver Whisper: Jan. 6 – Fort Lauderdale to Monte Carlo; 115 days
• Niew Amsterdam: Jan. 6 – Fort Lauderdale roundtrip; 112 days
• Queen Elizabeth: Jan. 10 – New York to Southampton (London); 99 days
• Crystal Serenity: Jan. 18 – Los Angeles roundtrip; 94 days
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