Carnival Cruise Line’s most recent Executive Partner Advisory Board meeting gave KHM Travel Group’s President Rick Zimmerman a glimpse at what is on the travel industry’s horizon. In fact, he had the chance to see the Horizon being built!
Carnival whisked the Executive Partner Advisory Board members off to Venice, September 6 – 9. During their stay, they visited the Fincantieri shipyard, the current home of the Carnival Horizon.
Due to set sail in spring 2018, the Horizon is currently a shell of a ship, with no interior furnishings. When completed, the Horizon will accommodate 3,974 guests, plus 1,450 crew, and will feature unique spaces like the Dr. Seuss-themed WaterWorks aqua park and a 270-square-foot Seaside Theatre poolside LED screen.
They also got to hear from a long-time engineer at Fincatieri, who Rick found fascinating.
“It was cool to see that point of view, and feel the excitement for the ship,” Rick adds. “It gives us insight into who they are in the industry.”
In addition to ship-building, Carnival also emphasized building stronger relationships with their industry partners. Along with the creation of five new territories with separate Business Development Managers, Carnival has also added two new regional Vice Presidents.
“Carnival continues to work hard to earn our trust and support,” says Rick. “They are investing in support, engagement, commission, rewards, and technology for us.”
Aside from touring the ship, the Advisory Board navigated the canals and cobblestone alleys of Venice. They visited one of the city’s main landmarks, Doge’s Palace, formerly the residence of the ruler of Venice and the headquarters of the Venetian government. This architectural gem exemplifies the Venetian Gothic style, and the power and opulence that the city once boasted.
A classic gondola ride led them to their next sightseeing stop, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Housed within the heiress’s massive canalside home, this museum of modern art features nearly 200 artists.
Couple these enchanting sights with delicious Italian cuisine, and the welcome company of other industry executives and members of Carnival’s U.S. and European teams…and it was a very memorable few days in Venice!
“It was a great setting for our meeting,” Rick adds. “I was very well taken with the place.”
Check out more photos from Rick’s trip in our Flickr album.
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