N.Y. Planners Cruise Through Meetings On The Hudson

<B>N.Y. Planners Cruise Through Meetings On The Hudson</B>

By Robert Selwitz

Planners looking to chart a different course for their Manhattan meetings should check out the ebb and flow of the Hudson River's maritime offerings. With unique and crowd-pleasing cruises, World Yacht and Spirit Cruises feature various-length sailings to meet your company's timing, dining, meeting and entertainment needs. Both cruise lines sail virtually every day and evening, are well-regarded for the quality of their food and service and provide a genuine change of pace.

"A well-run river cruise lets planners continue the theme of the day's business, while encouraging networking and additional discussions," said Patrick Sullivan, president of the meeting planning firm PRA New York. "Furthermore, everyone loves being out of a formal conference room setting, and participants aren't likely to drift offsite!"

World Yacht vessels, varying from 160 to 180 feet in length, accommodate up to 500 attendees for a cocktail party or 425 for a sit-down dinner. "We can do whatever the customer needs," said general manager Cavrell Peter. "Name your format and objectives and we'll put it together." World Yacht's boats are particularly popular with groups seeking security along with relaxation, Peter said and noted that "when you charter an entire vessel, you don't have to worry about anyone overhearing your discussions." World Yacht also accommodates gatherings of virtually any size on its regularly scheduled sailings.

<B>Crafting Unique Meetings</B>

Several World Yacht users recently endorsed their experiences aboard. For example, Vincent Madlinger, regional sales manager of GE Financial Assurance Co. of New York, said, "it's especially impressive for out-of-towners. People love seeing New York's skyline, and they're really pleased by the ability to walk indoors and out, and the chance to mingle, dance, eat or just relax. It's a terrific thing to blend into your business conference/meeting schedule."

Dianne Razzano, event planner at Atlantic Express, a public transportation company, agreed: "Planning was easy," she said. "We knew what we wanted and they made it happen."

"A Hudson cruise is a great idea for a large group," said Frank Perrotta, N.Y.-based travel coordinator for meetings and groups at HBO. "On World Yacht, the food is great and everything happens within a comfortable yet controlled atmosphere. In feedback from participants in events we've held aboard, we've only heard rave reviews."

Meanwhile, Spirit Cruises operates three vessels--with 553-, 376- and 290-ft. capacities. Spirit also runs a 200-ft.-long, 300-seat bateaux, similar to the famous glass-covered boats that ply the Seine River in Paris.

According to Spirit's tour and travel account manager Marsha Aks, her vessels feature fine dining, jazz bands and plenty of room to simply take in the views. For these reasons, and "just the chance to let your group really experience something special," she encouraged planners to bring their meetings on board.