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Become a Home Based Travel Agent
Introducing Voyages of Antiquity
A New Niche Cruise Line
By Mitchell J. Schlesinger
Introducing VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY,
featuring unique cultural destination experiences to the
Mediterranean’s Cradle of Civilizations and Included Shore
Excursions
Gerry Herrod, founder of Ocean Cruise Line and Orient Lines, has
announced a new destination cruise venture, Voyages To
Antiquity. The new venture is designed in the same spirit that
Mr. Herrod created the Ocean Pearl’s unique Far East program and
Orient Lines itineraries aboard the Marco Polo & Crown Odyssey,
the only product providing guest experiences ashore on all seven
continents, featuring seldom visited destinations, and
pioneering soft adventures.
Inspired by the book, “The Middle Sea”, by Lord John Julius
Norwich, Voyages To Antiquity, beginning in May of 2010, will
offer a unique approach that provides an experience where guests
can learn about the cultures and people who created the “cradle
of civilizations” of the Mediterranean. Lord Norwich’s book
traces the development and impact of the three prominent ancient
cultures in Rome, Egypt and Greece.
The Voyages To Antiquity brochure features nine (9) itineraries
and sixteen (16) departures where only a small ship can take
guests to a myriad of fascinating destinations. The product
combines the best in cultural travel, enrichment with expert
lecturers and special destination-based events including a
private evening in St. Mark’s in Venice and cocktail reception
at the Palazzo Gangi in Palermo, Sicily. And in 2010,
complimentary shore experiences are offered in each port of
call.
In Mr. Herrod’s own words; “I yearned to do something more
destination intensive in my favorite part of the world, the
Mediterranean. And this time, it was to create a different
product approach in the shadows of the mega ships that can only
visit larger more congested ports. Voyages To Antiquity was
designed to provide guests with a very up close and personal
experience learning about the cultures of the “cradle of
civilizations”.”
Onboard, the Aegean Odyssey will carry only 380 guests in a
relaxed “smart casual” environment with no formal nights. The
dining experience will feature continental cuisine augmented by
regional foods obtained during each voyage and the relaxed
atmosphere is enhanced by open seating dining in the main
restaurant and wine included with dinner each evening. There
will also be alternative dining venues at the Terrace Café and
Tapas on the Terrace. Gratuities for stateroom stewards and
restaurant staff are also included.
Extensive refurbishment to the vessel will feature brand new
suites, and 42 balcony and deluxe staterooms on expanded upper
decks, plus enhancements to the spa area and Terrace dining
venues.
Extreme value, as always, is a hallmark at Voyages To Antiquity.
In 2010, in addition to included shore experiences in each port
of call, wine at dinner and gratuities, free air will be offered
from select east coast gateways and low air add-ons ($99, $199,
$299, etc.) from additional gateways throughout the US.
The expanded product website is currently in final stages of
development. In the interim timeframe, brochures can be
requested at
info@voyagestoantiquity.com.
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Mitchell J.
Schlesinger
President
MJS Consultants
mjschlesinger@bellsouth.net
Mitchell Schlesinger has an extremely distinguished and
diverse career in the travel industry, which began with learning to "Try
Harder" at Avis Rent A Car.
He is very well known for his innovative and creative
approaches in prominent roles as a marketing and sales executive in the
cruise industry at NCL, Orient Lines and Costa Cruises. This is
highlighted by the industry's first ever network television advertising
for the SS Norway, the brand development of "Cruising Italian Style" for
Costa Cruises and a myriad of enhancements that positioned Orient Lines
as the industry's "Destination Cruise Specialist".
As one of a select few cruise executives with in-depth
experience in both the upscale worldwide destination and contemporary
segments, Mitch brings unique perspectives to his analysis of industry
trends and developments. And throughout his career in the cruise
industry, he has been an aggressive supporter of the travel agency
distribution community, pioneering educational programs at each
individual line at which he worked, through his involvement in marketing
with CLIA, and participation roles at key industry learning programs
including Cruise-A-Thon.
Mitch is currently President of MJS Consulting, providing
a variety of strategic marketing and sales consulting services to
clientele including cruise lines, travel agents, travel agent
organizations and investment capital firms. He also provides sales and
marketing education to the travel agency community through his articles
published in various trade publications.
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