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NEWS PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
PAUL CUNNINGHAM COMPLETES PhD @ SEA PROGRAM
Norwegian Cruise Line University’s new program at sea promotes continuing education for its star students.
Seaside Park, NJ, June 12, 2009
As the next generation of Freestyle Cruising® continues to evolve, NCL University – NCL’s CLIA-accredited online travel agent “college” – expands the higher education program for its travel partners from the computer to a real-life Freestyle Cruising experience at sea. This in-depth, on-board, weeklong event includes an NCL executive host, a 15-credit CLIA seminar, behind-the-scenes ship tours, panel discussions and group activities. To qualify for this enhanced at-sea experience, travel partners must have completed, at a minimum, the Freestyle Specialist level at NCL U.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s online university opened its virtual doors in 2008 and is one of the most innovative and successful programs available to travel agents today. With thousands of registered students and growing, NCL U has enhanced its training from the interactive experience of its online program to a continuing educational experience that includes the PhD @ Sea program aboard its ships.
“At NCL, we highly recommend the use of a travel professional when booking an NCL cruise,” says Andy Stuart, Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Passenger Services. “With NCL U, we are investing in our travel partners' product knowledge, marketing and sales skills so our guests will know they are relying on an expert who knows our product inside and out."
By earning NCL U’s PhD @ Sea certification, Paul Cunningham is considered among the most qualified and expert representatives for NCL’s cruise product. To reach Paul please contact him at 732-854-7137 or paulc@cruiseformycharity.com.
Seaside Park Travel, America’s Charitable Travel Agency™ is now
Offering  Mid Atlantic Travel Products & Prices.
Seaside Park, NJ, May 1, 2009
Seaside Park Travel is now able to offer AAA Mid Atlantic Travel Products & Prices to its customers living within the States of Maryland and Delaware and the portions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Virginia that are serviced by AAA Mid-Atlantic Inc. This also includes clients living in Washington, D.C. This affiliation gives Seaside Park Travel the ability to offer an even broader array of leisure travel products to its clients and to offer the lowest possible prices. "You can be confident that you are getting the best deal for your vacation or cruise when you book with our agency," said Paul Cunningham, the owner of Seaside Park Travel.
Seaside Park Travel will continue to make a donation to each client's charity for every trip taken. The donation ranges from 30% to 50% of the agency's income for the trip. Please contact Seaside Park Travel for additional information.
PAUL CUNNINGHAM EARNS TOP HONORS AT NCL UNIVERSITY
Award-winning cruise line graduates its first class of
Freestyle Certified agents
Seaside Park, NJ, February 20, 2009
Norwegian Cruise Line is proud to announce that Paul Cunningham is among the first to graduate from its new online travel agent university, NCL University. This progressive, state-of-the art online school is geared to deliver an enhanced level of knowledge and insight into Freestyle Cruising - NCL’s popular style of cruising, as well as NCL destinations, NCL ship programs and operations, and many other “behind-the-scenes” elements not available anywhere else. Each graduate is required, within one year, to earn a minimum number of credits through a choice of accredited courses and electives. The rigorous curriculum includes testing at every level in order to move forward.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s online university opened its virtual doors in 2008 and is one of the most innovative and successful programs available to travel agents today. With thousands of registered students and growing, NCL U plans to expand its training from the interactive experience of its online program to a continuing educational experience that includes a Ph.D. @ Sea™ program aboard its ships.
“At NCL, we highly recommend the use of a travel professional when booking an NCL cruise,” says Andy Stuart, Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Passenger Services. “With NCL U, we are investing in our travel partners' product knowledge, marketing and sales skills so our guests will know they are relying on an expert who knows our product inside and out."
By earning NCL U’s Freestyle Certification, Paul is considered among the most qualified and expert representatives for NCL’s cruise product. To reach Paul, please contact him at 732-854-7137 or paulc@cruiseformycharity.com.
Paul Cunningham designated as a Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Cruise Counsellor
Seaside Park, NJ, January 12, 2009 – Travel professional, Paul Cunningham, from Seaside Park Travel has recently completed the Accredited Cruise Counsellor program with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the official trade organization of the North American cruise industry.
This comprehensive program provides agents with essential cruise product knowledge and sales skills. They earn credits upon completion of course exams, ship inspections and cruise experience.
“In addition to learning how to manage our business more effectively,” said Paul of Seaside Park Travel, “training programs such as those offered by CLIA, bring us up to date with the cruise industry which, in turn, allows us to serve our clients better. After all, our customers are our most valuable asset, and with so many choices available, we want to be sure to match vacationers with the right cruise.”
“This involves understanding the customer’s needs, being knowledgeable of cruise products and being able to convey the exceptional value of cruise vacations.” Paul added, “We want travelers to feel confident – and excited – about the choices they make, particularly if they are first-time cruisers or simply seeking a new adventure.”
CLIA, the official trade organization of the North American cruise industry, provides high-quality cruise sales and marketing educational programs to its affiliates and keeps travel agents informed of the latest information about the cruise industry.
For more information about cruise lines, ships, itineraries and worldwide cruise destinations, contact Paul Cunningham at 732-854-7137 or by email at paulc@cruiseformycharity.com.
Capture the Brass-Ring by Paul E. Cunningham
On June 18, 2008, Royal Caribbean International announced that its newest ship, Oasis of the SeasSM, would not only have a Central ParkSM but a BoardwalkSM with a carousel. This exciting announcement presents me with the opportunity to tell this true story.
From the late 1800s until World War II, many carousels had dispensers that presented brass and iron rings to be grabbed by the carousel riders. If you were lucky enough to grab the brass-ring, you were rewarded with a free ride and the envy of your friends. The brass-ring has come to signify the ultimate prize, having it all.
I recently met two gentlemen while walking the boardwalk near my home in Seaside Park, NJ. Bob is a collector and a bestower of carousel brass-rings. He has them blessed by a priest to add special significance. Bob was pleased that I understood the meaning and origin of the ring and gave me one as a token of our budding friendship. Bob was hooked on the carousel from his very first ride as a four year old in New York City’s Central Park. Phil, an accomplished and thoughtful man, had been friends with Bob for many years and I was immediately drawn by the charm of their friendship, wisdom and exuberance for life.
Father Charles Hudson was also enchanted with the carousel and often used the symbolism of the brass-ring in his sermons. As a young lad growing up in Jersey City, NJ, he was frustrated by his inability to capture the ring, but never stopped striving to be the best person he could be, to have it all. Father Hudson was held in high esteem by those who knew him and was co-founder of the Center for Hope Hospice among his more public accomplishments. On January 21, 1997, shortly after being named Grand Marshall of the first Union County, NJ Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, Father Hudson died of a heart attack. Phil and his wife learned about his untimely death at mass on Sunday. Bob had given both of them brass-rings in a double-ring ceremony as he calls it. But he also gave Phil an extra ring to give someone who needed the goodwill that it represents. Phil’s wife, Rose, knew immediately where the ring belonged.
On Monday morning, Phil was sent to Saint Helen’s church in Westfield, NJ where the viewing and funeral for Father Hudson were to be held. He was approached by a priest and asked if assistance was needed. Phil explained that he was there to give Father Hudson the brass-ring. The priest, having heard Father Hudson’s sermons many times, nearly overwhelmed Phil with his enthusiastic response. They placed the brass-ring on Father Hudson’s thumb while he lay in the casket and Phil quickly left, having accomplished his appointed task. Father Hudson, in death, finally captured his brass-ring.
Like wildfire, word of the young man who bestowed the brass-ring upon Father Hudson spread throughout the diocese. Who was this man? Where did he come from? Who sent him? This act of kindness evolved from the bond of friendship between Bob and Phil and the wisdom of Rose. I am proud to have these new friends.
When she launches in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons (GRT), carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk and the Royal Promenade. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Additional information is available at www.oasisoftheseas.com.
Paul Cunningham is the owner of Seaside Park Travel, America’s Charitable Travel Agency™. To ride the carousel on the Oasis of the Seas, or arrange other leisure travel while helping your favorite charity, please contact paulc@cruiseformycharity.com or call 732-854-7137.
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