NEW GIRL ON THE BLOG (Blog#1)

[BBMacLaird]

My first blog is now on the ACC website. You can find it there under "Community / Share" > "Blog", or read it here!

 

 

The New Girl on the Blog

 

By Azamara Club Cruises on Friday, March 21, 2014

 

"Life is funny, isn’t it? I’ve never thought of myself as a writer per se and yet here I am, the new Chief Blogging Officer for Azamara Club Cruises. I’ve always been more of a numbers person. I used to say I’d like to live in an Ivory Tower and crunch numbers for a living. In fact, I did that for many years, while setting up marketing analysis systems and revenue management departments for cruise lines of my past. But since you’re just meeting me, let me tell you a bit about my cruise history…

 

Here’s a recap in 7 words: my cruise line career spanned 20 years.

 

Here I am, crunching numbers in 1989

Here’s the long version: I was lucky. Really lucky. Sure, some would say determined, but I’m going to stick with lucky. I graduated with an MBA from Thunderbird in 1983 and on my first day job hunting, in a tough job market, I walked into a cruise line and asked to speak to the president. I wanted to work for a cruise line. And not just any cruise line; one that was flagged American. There weren’t too many of those back then (none now, are there?) Said president, David Stollmeyer, hired me based on the fact that I’d written a paper in grad school on the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886 and I knew that American Hawaii Cruises was flagged American, sailing the Hawaiian Islands, and happened to be headquartered in San Francisco, where my then husband ( H1) and I called home.

 

Mr. Stollmeyer hired me conditionally, for 90 days, to analyze his line’s passengers’ profiles and booking trends. (I told you I was a numbers geek!) If I did a good job, Mr. Stollmeyer said he’d hire me on a permanent basis. I did, he did, and the rest was history. I loved working in the cruise industry. And I loved working for small cruise lines where everyone had to wear multiple hats and be available 24/7, as they say nowadays.

 

From American Hawaii Cruises I moved on to Seabourn Cruise Line. The legendary Warren Titus hired me even before SCL had a ship in the water, again conditionally. And again my first assignment was to crunch numbers. He wanted me to identify and contact the most likely travel agents who could sell an all-suite exclusive cruise product, meaning who had this rarified clientele. The price point (that’s jargon for retail price per person) was astronomical, and inelastic…there were few deals back then. I was ecstatic. Not because it was expensive, but because it meant marketing a product based on its merits and features, not its price. Over the years my responsibilities morphed beyond marketing to include the Seabourn Club, on-board sales, and revenue management.

 

My boss at Seabourn was Bill Leiber, not coincidentally the past Chief Blogging Officer of Azamara Club Cruises. And let me say before I ramble off on another tangent, I am so pleased and proud to be following in his footsteps again. Bill was great; not only was he smart and devoted, but also extremely kind and funny. You couldn’t ask for a better boss. We sat down every morning at 8am to discuss the day ahead…me with my first cup of coffee. But not Bill; he’d already been at his desk for at least two hours. He just never slept; never was tired. The original 'Energizer Bunny’.

 

The SCL Marketing Team in December 1995: Kim, Mark, Bill, and me

 

 

Between the two of us we brainstormed and analyzed every marketing program, every special offer, every pricing change, and of course the annual marketing plans. We strategized with the sales teams and with our lifeblood, the travel agent community, on how to sell to the rarified cruiser who was looking for an all-suite, all-inclusive, exclusive cruise experience. It was not easy. This is a finite market, and people no matter their income want value for their dollar, which in hindsight meant Seabourn had to change to stay alive.

 

So fast forward a couple years and it’s the mid- to late-1990’s. Cruise lines are growing, merging and some are disappearing. Carnival Cruise Line is on a buying spree like there is no tomorrow. First they bought 25% of SCL and remained silent partners, or so it seemed to me down in the ranks. Then, a few years later, they bought another 25%. Suddenly they were not-so-silent. Things started changing in our little 3-ship enclave in San Francisco. Meanwhile CCL had also bought the formidable Cunard Line and before any of us knew it they were merging our two dissimilar lines under one roof in Miami. SAY WHAT?? Where were the similarities? Suddenly I was the transitional Director of Marketing and Revenue Management for a fleet of seven disparate ships (the Seabourn triplets, the Sea Goddess twins, the RVL Sun, and the Cunard QEII) and headquartered on the far side of our continent.

Bill Leiber, me and Jeff Drew at a Christmas party

 

 

Right about then life threw me another lucky break. I married H2* and we bought a house with a view on the hillside of Sausalito. So things changed in my life as well. I left Miami and went home to H2 and the new house on the hill. (*I’ve obviously skipped over some of my biography. Maybe I’ll circle back in a future blog?)

 

It was a sad day when I left Seabourn and all my friends and co-workers in Miami, including our beloved Bill Leiber. After a very short stint at the San Francisco Zoo (don’t ask!), soon enough I was Vice President of Marketing and Revenue Management for a small – really small – cruise line based in San Francisco called World Explorer Cruises. This one-ship operation ran only during the summer months, in only one destination – Alaska. But was it loved by a loyal following, and was a fun job. A few years later this cruise line owner sold its ship out from under me, again…third time’s the charm. I consulted in the industry for a couple years, including at SeaDream Yacht Club, another small cruise line with a loyal following, but I knew it was time to do something else. I have had a wonderful ride. I’ve opened a book store, started a non-profit, taught at USF and SFSU, and many other jobs and life adventures with H2, including building vacation homes in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

 

Now, 30 years after I brashly walked into a cruise line without an interview, I’m dipping my toes into the world of cruises again. Life is funny, isn’t it?

 

I couldn’t be more excited to share my thoughts with you about cruising on Azamara Club Cruises, about travel and trends in travel, and about life in general. I’ll tell stories and I want to hear your stories too. I look forward to getting to know you because, believe it or not, over the years I’ve moved away from numbers and become a people person! You’ll hear from me regularly, and I’ll also be joining you on the Cruise Critic forum covering Azamara Club Cruises. As I follow in Bill’s footsteps I hope to apply all that he taught me…how to listen with an open heart & mind, and how to be proactive and keep the ball rolling …“don’t get bogged down; get the answers and move on!” Hopefully I’ll be able to answer all your queries and questions on the forums, and what I’m hoping for from you in return is good feedback and plenty of engagement.

 

So here’s to a Bon Voyage!

Bonnie

 

P.S. Enough about me! Next week I’ll be reporting live from the Azamara headquarters located in the center of the cruise universe, Dodge Island, aka The Port of Miami.

[riandei]

Omg

 

Had glasses just like that in circa 1989

[BBMacLaird]

Omg

 

Had glasses just like that in circa 1989

 

And that frame is back in style. Wish I still had them!

[DaytonGirl]

Omg

 

Had glasses just like that in circa 1989

 

LMAO! I did too and I was quite horrified by the picture until I saw the caption stating the year it was taken in. :D

 

Welcome Bonnie. :) I see you have two threads wanting info from you before any welcomes so I truly wish you the best of luck.

[DaytonGirl]

And that frame is back in style. Wish I still had them!

 

:D:D Shows how out of style I am

 

 

I also retract my statement about no welcomes. I haven't been around in a bit and didn't see the lower thread where you were introduced. My bad. :p

Edited March 22, 2014 by DaytonGirl

[librarylady19]

Welcome Bonnie! I'm sure we are in good hands with a protege of Bill leiber's . You have some big shoes to fill, but somehow I think you know that more than we do.

Edited March 22, 2014 by librarylady19

[sunnydaygirl]

Hi Bonnie, if you can, convince my husband and I to choose your cruise line for our booking of a Med cruise. We've cruised RCCL, Princess, Carnival, Norwegian and a few that no longer exist. Our TA recommended you. We know nothing about this cruise line. We're in our early 60's, semi-retired professionals. We like the idea of an all inclusive ship. I'm sure there will be others who will chime in with their likes, have at it everyone!!

 

 

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[dln929]

Bonnie, I hope your new job includes sailing on the Journey and/or Quest. We'd love to have you as a fellow passenger one day!

[Robb]

Welcome aboard and best of luck............:)

a super cruise fan here..........:D

[piscean]

Welcome from border Wales UK

We hope to sail with Azamara again.We love the onboard experience and enjoy the activity on the Azamara boards.

[midwestchick]

And that frame is back in style. Wish I still had them!

 

I had to laugh a little at the frames too...my first pair of glasses were at least that large and red...(think Sally Jesse Raphael) and I still have them. I was cleaning out drawers, came across the glasses and remembered that I'd saved them. :o :p :D

I saw your blog on facebook...enjoyed reading it and also hoping only the best for you.

[midwestchick]

Hi Bonnie, if you can, convince my husband and I to choose your cruise line for our booking of a Med cruise. We've cruised RCCL, Princess, Carnival, Norwegian and a few that no longer exist. Our TA recommended you. We know nothing about this cruise line. We're in our early 60's, semi-retired professionals. We like the idea of an all inclusive ship. I'm sure there will be others who will chime in with their likes, have at it everyone!!

 

 

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I'm sure I could convince your DH to do a Med cruise on Azamara. ;) We did our first Med cruise on Azamara and then one on X....I would choose Azamara any day. That's why we have our B2B booked. Your husband should not only consider it, but just DO IT! :cool: I'm sure he and you would love it.

[English Tim]

Hi Bonnie, if you can, convince my husband and I to choose your cruise line for our booking of a Med cruise. We've cruised RCCL, Princess, Carnival, Norwegian and a few that no longer exist. Our TA recommended you. We know nothing about this cruise line. We're in our early 60's, semi-retired professionals. We like the idea of an all inclusive ship. I'm sure there will be others who will chime in with their likes, have at it everyone!!

 

 

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I would post this a separate thread with a FAO 'Bonnie' in the title, so it's more likely to be seen.

[sunnydaygirl]

I would post this a separate thread with a FAO 'Bonnie' in the title, so it's more likely to be seen.

 

 

Ok. Thanks.

 

 

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[sunnydaygirl]

I'm sure I could convince your DH to do a Med cruise on Azamara. ;) We did our first Med cruise on Azamara and then one on X....I would choose Azamara any day. That's why we have our B2B booked. Your husband should not only consider it, but just DO IT! :cool: I'm sure he and you would love it.

 

 

We're a little ways off from booking, but I enjoy the early process of exploring options and getting other peoples options. Have two shorter cruise trips planned and a family vacation in Disney world

He's holding out for an alumni cruise, but non are scheduled as of yet. I'm more adventurous!!

 

 

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[shemansl]

Hi Bonnie! Just wondering what the office said about including a cava, prosecco or cremant in the complimentary wine list? I sail in 2 months and need to know if I'm shipping a case over! :D Thanks.

Edited April 1, 2014 by shemansl

[BBMacLaird]

Hi Shemansl ~ At this time there are no plans to change the beverages offered on the Inclusive Beverages program served on-board.

The beverages and brands offered in the Inclusive program are based on relationships we have with various suppliers.

The list of complimentary beverages was created with the goal of pleasing the vast majority of our customers. Those who want something different, or a higher grade beverage, have the option to purchase one of our beverage packages that offer very good value for the price. This also applies to the purchase of wine packages that include something 'bubbly'!

 

[shemansl]

Thanks for inquiring for us Bonnie! I do wish they'd put a cava on the purchase menu, champagne actually gives me a headache!

[BBMacLaird]

Thanks for inquiring for us Bonnie! I do wish they'd put a cava on the purchase menu, champagne actually gives me a headache!

 

Hi Laura & Joe,

I'll pass that along.

Bonnie

[English Tim]

Hi Shemansl ~ At this time there are no plans to change the beverages offered on the Inclusive Beverages program served on-board.

The beverages and brands offered in the Inclusive program are based on relationships we have with various suppliers.

The list of complimentary beverages was created with the goal of pleasing the vast majority of our customers. Those who want something different, or a higher grade beverage, have the option to purchase one of our beverage packages that offer very good value for the price. This also applies to the purchase of wine packages that include something 'bubbly'!

 

 

Now where I have I read that before? I know, our dear friend Bill posted it this time last year!

 

Intransigence at it's best!

 

We shall not be moved.:)

 

The cynics among us might think that the list was prepared to offer a taster, but to encourage punters to pay for an upgrade.

 

A revenue management officer on a recent cruise, openly admitted how much cruise-lines depend on sales of alcohol, onboard shopping and the casino.

 

I don't drink much other than wine, at home and find the wines perfectly acceptable. I love Champagne, but am happy to drink what's included, so I'm not a 'valued' customer. We always try to disembark with a zero balance on our account.

Edited April 3, 2014 by English Tim
Amendment

[uktog]

A zero balance - I hope you are joking? Even on Azamara there are treats to be had. Even with obc we will have a small bill to pay but then I adore the chefs table experience

 

Of course I'd like bubbles included but even if they were I'd probably treat myself to my fav glass some nights as I would expect they would only include cava and I prefer piper (or Krug if my sugar daddy is paying ;) )

Edited April 3, 2014 by uktog

[English Tim]

A zero balance - I hope you are joking? Even on Azamara there are treats to be had. Even with obc we will have a small bill to pay but then I adore the chefs table experience

 

Of course I'd like bubbles included but even if they were I'd probably treat myself to my fav glass some nights as I would expect they would only include cava and I prefer piper (or Krug if my sugar daddy is paying ;) )

 

Sad, but pretty much our intention. This time we have no OBC, but had we had some we'd have used it for shore ex. We almost always do our own 'thing' in ports, usually involving wildlife and walking. We have never felt the need to eat in speciality restaurants as the food is always excellent in the standard venues.

 

We have experienced 'fine' dining, with paired wines, on other ships but are more than happy with the included stuff on Azamara.

 

A cruise in itself is a real treat and we try and choose a ship, where most of what we desire is included.

[Eloise4Ever]

Hi Shemansl ~ At this time there are no plans to change the beverages offered on the Inclusive Beverages program served on-board.

The beverages and brands offered in the Inclusive program are based on relationships we have with various suppliers.

The list of complimentary beverages was created with the goal of pleasing the vast majority of our customers. Those who want something different, or a higher grade beverage, have the option to purchase one of our beverage packages that offer very good value for the price. This also applies to the purchase of wine packages that include something 'bubbly'!

 

 

Hi Bonnie, as Azamara are not prepared to offer prosecco or champagne in the inclusive program, could you please ask the powers that be to consider adding them to the list of beverages included in the pay-for packages? For example, prosecco by the glass could be included in the Premium package and champagne in the Top Shelf package.

 

I have no idea how many guests purchase beverage packages but I suspect that more would do so if champagne and possibly higher grade wines by the glass were included. Result: more profits for Azamara! As things stand I will not be purchasing a package on my first Azamara cruise as I am ok with the spirits and wines on the included program. I don't intend to purchase champagne by the glass on this trip either but plan to bring some onboard for pre-dinner drinks in our cabin.However, I would always purchase the premium beverage package on Celebrity and would also do so on Azamara if champagne were included.

[BBMacLaird]

Laura & Joe ~ Here's a bit of good news I heard this morning from someone who knows...Cava will be on the new wine list sometime this Summer! No not inclusive, but at least it will be available.

And a side note to English Tim, you see, things do change per your requests, just slowly. Have patience and keep sending us your suggestions.

[dln929]

Laura & Joe ~ Here's a bit of good news I heard this morning from someone who knows...Cava will be on the new wine list sometime this Summer! No not inclusive, but at least it will be available.

And a side note to English Tim, you see, things do change per your requests, just slowly. Have patience and keep sending us your suggestions.

 

Bonnie, that's good news! We'll be floating around Spain on the Journey this September so it will be apropos (at least to me :D) to drink Spanish bubbly as we admire the Spanish view from our table at the Sunset Bar. Now that you've settled the wine question will you ask about getting us a decent IPA on the beer list? (and sorry for turning your thread into a drinking thread but it's kind of irresistible when you're right here :) ).