Why take a Cool Jazz Cruise?

 It is very likely that you have seen an advertisement on television or online for a cruise sometime in the past year or so.  What may have caught your eye in that ad was the extremely fair price that was placed on cruising with this particular ship.  Of course you fell in love with the different ports that you imagined yourself sailing to like Cozumel, Mexico or even the Bahamas.  According to the advertisement,  it's easy to understand why anyone would want to embrace the opportunity to cruise for 4 days for only 199.99.

However, If you have never been on a cruise, there is a wealth of information that this advertisement is not telling you.  The best advice for choosing your ship, is to shop around and do some research before you lock yourself in.

Have you ever heard the saying "It's too good to be true?"  What the ad is not telling you, is that once you have selected your cruise package, what is not apparent are all the different port charges, taxes, and hidden fees.  At the end, you are now paying significantly more than what you expected. What happened to your $199 trip to the Bahamas? That's an ad for you, the idea is to immediately grab your attention, bring you back to their website, and let you down easily.

Empower yourself beyond the catchy ads and explore your dream vacation.  Before you make up your mind, consider cruising with a company that can offer you a new perspective on what the ideal cruise could be.  To prevent the ads from selecting your vacation for you, here's how you can take control of the situation:


Write down everything you want out of your dream vacation.  If you need help coming up with a list, copy this one, and compare the different cruises to what you need out of an awesome affordable experience.

1. Entertainment
2. Relaxation
3. Beautiful destinations
4. Fun, and Networking
5. Personalization
6. Affordability
7. Cruising with an Impact 

There are a few different types of affordable cruises that you should consider.  The typical cruise that you would see in a television ad is pretty generic, but it depends on your taste.  There are also themed cruises, which are packed with activities and concerts.  If your personality is the type that needs more bang for your buck, more intimacy, and personalization you should consider a Cool Jazz Cruise.  As mentioned before, don't allow the television to sell you because there is much more out there.  Take a look at what the differences are between your generic cruise vacation, themed cruises, and the custom cruise vacation and it will help you decide what best suits your personality.  Take a look at the list below and find out which cruise best matches your list:

How to Network (Professionally) on a Cruise

Yes indeed, you deserve a vacation away from it all.  You are in desperate need of some and R&R and you are absolutely looking forward to taking a cruise to get your head back in gear.  Blue skies, crystal waters, nightly parties, all you can eat buffets, and the incredible ports are enough to shock your system back into living, rather than just surviving day after day.  The problem is that being the hardworking professional you are, it's not always easy to completely turn away the opportunity to grow professionally.  We know the rule of thumb for growing in your profession is to network constantly and allow your network to bring you profit;  well that does not always have to be the full time job that it sounds like.  Amazingly, there is an incredible balance between work and play and taking your cruise is the ideal vacation to make new and valuable connections. 
 Here are a few tips on how to use your vacation to leverage your career:

1. Bring your business cards:

Keep in mind that you are going on a vacation, not a staycation so you will meet quite a few hard working professionals like yourself on the ship.  Your cruise was not the cheapest vacation, so the people you are rubbing elbows with, are people with expendable income.  A cruise is a very social place with all the different parties and activities you will take advantage of; you'll miss out big time when you go to a black tie event and meet the Senior VP of some awesome company and didn't bring any cards to mark your presence.  You're going to meet so many awesome people so make sure that you make your presence count by handing them a reminder of whom you are.  

2.  Be the life of the party:

As mentioned before, you are going to meet some pretty interesting people with great jobs.  For this reason, you have got to resist the urge to become a wallflower (if you an introvert at heart).  If you're going to go to any of the parties or maybe you will take advantage of the dance lessons, be enthusiastic!  Remember that people will remember you, or are more likely to approach you if they like what they see from a distance.  How many times have you gone through your archives of business cards and couldn't put a face to the name?  Our mental Rolodex often times are stimulated by a memory that stands out.  If you can be as charismatic as you can, when your cruise is over and everyone is back in their home city and state, they will associate your name and card with a pleasant memory.  There is no better competitive advantage than to share a pleasant memory with your next potential client or customer.  

3. Pass compliments and exchange information:

So maybe you are an introvert, maybe it's hard for you to get the ball the rolling when it comes to starting conversations. How do you get in the door to grab someone's attention and get them to engage and converse with you? Be conscious of the fact that you are on vacation, which means that people went shopping for new clothes to wear to go along with the new scenery.  It is safe to assume that some may have new luggage, new bathing suit, new clothes, or accessories.  A simple compliment is the best way to trigger a conversation with someone that you do not know with the attempt to find out if the two of you can mutually benefit one another.  They are going to shop on the ports for souvenirs, so all you have to do is pass them a compliment.  Tell them how nice the gift is that they are buying, they will tell you who they bought it for and then next thing you know, they have now become a prospect!  You know the key to sales, let people talk about themselves and use the information to qualify them for your product or service.  Compliments are an awesome way to gain an entrance to the information that you need.  

4.  Take advantage of the activities:

You have an itinerary full of destinations and interesting activities.  You could go to a ball or take ballroom dance lessons.  You could attend a red carpet event, or even meet people at a spiritual devotion.  In anything that you decide to do, you will cross individuals from different walks of life and interests and have a great opportunity to exchange information.  There are so many wonderful events to be a part of on your cruise vacation, the wisest thing you can do is connect to new wonderful people that can make enhance your experience.  Even though the vacation may come to an end, you could have many wonderful connections that never have to.  

5.  Stay as sober as you can:

You may think that this goes without saying, but if you plan to meet new people on your cruise with the intent to leverage yourself at work, you need to make the best impression possible.  Yes, you are on vacation and deserve to let loose.  Just resist the urge to be too loose.  You never know who you will meet and where your next business deal or job interview may come from.  We all know that first impressions are everything, so be sure that the imprint you leave is a positive one that will benefit you in the long run.  

Business professionals understand the importance of networking and how it will impact their career.  Cruise vacations can be just as powerful as social networking if you are open to meeting people from all over the world.  You may attend conferences and conventions, but the people you met on your cruise can impact your career in a positive way because you met them under such wonderful circumstances.  Always keep an open mind when you get there and enjoy yourself as you enjoy the company of others.  You can have an awesome time, that can benefit your future as well as the present if you play your cards right.  

Cool Jazz Cruise

http://www.cooljazzcruise.com/

First Time Cruising FAQS

You did it, you booked  your cruise and you're getting ready to go.  It sure feels like time is moving slowly when you are awaiting your ideal vacation.  Focusing at work right now is almost impossible when you are daydreaming about the exciting parties, the grand feasts, and the live music.  Not to mention the scenic view that you will enjoy when you look out upon arrival at the luxurious ports you will be traveling to.  There's so much to think about and so much to do in preparation for your big trip.  Being sure that you are ready for your first cruise requires a pretty extensive checklist that you absolutely need to keep handy.  Not to worry, here is an awesome list that will get you good to go on your first Cool Jazz Cruise:

What to know Before you go:

• Bring all Cool Jazz Cruise printed materials via email along with ID, CERTIFIED BIRTH CERTIFICATE WITH SEAL
• Double check your flight times or rental car times..
• Ask your Dr. for RX Dramamine for motion sickness (if applicable)
• Make Sure Cool Jazz Cruise has updated Information on you, address, phone, and emergency contact numbers
• Be sure to book your Hotel with Patrice Vance 909-706-7154 for the pre-cruise party

What to know Before you pack:

• Have enough cash for ground transportation, and gratuities (tipping your steward, and transportation person)
• Don't pack sharp object when going through security, such as tweezers, small scissors (must be packed in your checked bags not carry on)
• No toothpaste, lotion, liquid or water bottles (check the airport tea regulations) 
• No Irons, curling irons, flat irons are good

• Carry a sewing kit
• Bring a hat, glasses, and flip flops
•  If you roll your clothes neatly in the suitcase you can fit more pieces in your luggage
• Snacks, and Water can be brought on from Miami
• Pack saltine crackers as this helps settle the stomach
• Bring chewing gum for the airplane climbing high altitudes can cause your ears to pop
• Bring small neck  pillow for comfortable air flight
• Keep in mind if you bring a small travel iron it may or may not be confiscated... At your own risk. Do keep in mind there will be tons of people waiting to iron on the same floor as you. So either Iron your clothes early before the crowd or later when everyone is parting for the evening.

What to know when you arrive:

• Gamble responsibly on the ship
• Be prepared to leave a credit card on file for any incidentals such a soda, gaming, gift shop, specialty steak house, excursions off the ship like horseback riding etc...
• Ladies always be careful not to roam the halls without a friend, we will be on the ship with other people that is not in our group...

Now that you have a list handle, be sure to keep it close.  You will absolutely need it; we like to be sure that you are equipped with everything you need to enjoy cruising with us.  This is an exciting time in your life and you will never forget it.  With all the options of fun and entertainment, you will be a pro when you return for the next Cool Jazz Cruise.  Don't spend too much time daydreaming at work because in October, your vacation will become a reality very soon!

Cool Jazz Cruises
http://www.cooljazzcruise.com/

Top 5 Benefits of Cruising

It is about that time of year again, the time when you are trying to choose the right vacation.  You may find yourself sitting in the office and glaring out the window, imagining the sound of the ocean and beautiful white sands.  It becomes very hard to focus on mundane tasks at work when you are in desperate need of a week or two of excitement and relaxation.  You may be considering taking a cruise with friends or family, but maybe a few suggestive benefits could help you to decide why you need to go in this direction.  

1.  Entertainment

No matter where you decide to go on vacation, you will be in need of something to do when you get there.  There is nothing worse than going on vacation and being bored.  Choosing to go on a cruise is packed with an unforgettable and entertaining itinerary that is packaged with your vacation.  Escape your headphones at your desk for a while and enjoy the live music.  If you have never been to a party on a cruise you are missing out.  Or maybe the party scene is not for you, take advantage of the many classes that are offered.  Stop delaying the ballroom dancing lessons you said you would take with your spouse one day and enjoy learning from top-notch performing artists on your dream vacation.  Whether you are formal or casual, there is something awesome for you to be entertained by on oceanic cruise line.  

2.  Travel

Why limit yourself to one of the many great states when you can visit some of the most beautiful ports in the world? Fall in love with the incredible waterfalls of La Romana, Dominican Republic or you can enjoy the ideal 85 degrees F temperatures in Grand Turk.  There is so much in the world for you to delight in, there’s no need to stop at one beach when Aruba is a cruise line away.  Travel in the lap of luxury with a front row seat to the most scenic views on the planet.  

3.  Stress Relief

There is a point in the year where it becomes hard to think outside of the box when you have the same routine day after day.  With all the phones ringing, the morning traffic, email alerts, it is very easy to fall into a stressful lifestyle.  Taking a cruise is the best way to relax yourself by escaping from your regular routine.  Watch the sunset behind the beautiful waters in the evening and clear your mind by the poolside.  Taking a long-deserved vacation is the best way to relieve stress and undo the creativity blocks that are keeping you from performing your best at work.  Why not choose a vacation that offers the variety of recreation?

4.  Romance

Whether you are vacating single or married, a cruise was designed for lovers.  You will be surrounded by absolute beauty and fun every day of your vacation, which makes this the best opportunity to rekindle or start a romance.  It’s really hard not to visit the Venezuelan Coast and feel the warm breeze and think about anything other than who you would love to be sharing that moment with.  If you are having issues expressing your romantic side, take your loved one on a cruise and allow the vacation to be romantic for you.  

5.  Networking

For the sake of your inner workaholic, take advantage of the ship’s massive variety of business class networking.  This is an awesome place to meet new people and pass along your business cards.  This vacation provides you with access to people from all over the world that are in the greatest mood to interact.  You all are already having so much fun together, there is no reason why the interaction needs to end on your vacation.  Build a network of wonderful people that you have shared an awesome experience with and capitalize on the opportunity to expand your business relationships. 

There are many more reasons why cruising is one of the best vacations that you will ever experience.  With all the singing, dancing, sightseeing, and networking you will be doing; it’s very likely that you will return next year.  Now that your job has renewed your PTO, cash it in on an elegant and sophisticated cruise line.  If you need help deciding where to go, and you love a variety of entertainment and travel, visit our website for questions on how to have the best vacation possible.  Your affordable dream vacation is a click away!