The world seems to be split into two main groups at the moment – Tweeters and Non-Tweeters. For those in the latter category, it is difficult to see what all the fuss is about, but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.
Those who do tweet will be pleased to hear that Norwegian Cruise Line are hosting their second annual #SeaTweetup cruise from 12th – 15th October 2012 on board Norwegian Sky. This weekend getaway will depart Miami for Nassau, Bahamas and if the tweeters can tear themselves away from their screens, the chance to be some of the first cruisers to visit Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay.
This one-of-a-kind three day event is the opportunity to take social media to another level, with the chance for networking and sharing experiences between tweeters and their followers and meeting the real person involved. At the first #SeaTweetup which was held on 18th-21st November 2011, over 45 media devotees came together to reveal their own social media tricks, tips and to discuss best practices. Since then the collaboration has continued with many finding lasting business and even personal relationships.
The planning committee that includes Soul of Miami (@SoulofMiami), Social Buzz TV (@socailbuzztv), Aubrey Swanson (@AUBOOMmedia), Cruise Source (@CruiseSource), Jeff Cohen (@iamJeffCohen) and Socail Esquire (@socialesquire), who are all members of South Florida social media community, are planning plenty of events during the cruise including social media marketing panels, giveaways and discussions. Norwegian Sky has an Internet Café and wi-fi network to allow participants to blog and tweet during the weekend to #SeaTweetup sharing their experiences on-board and at the in-port events.
In addition to enjoying these extra social media events, attendees can also take advantage of the usual facilities on-board Norwegian Sky. The ship offers 2000 people per cruise the use of their 10 different dining options, bars, lounges, retail shops, casino and full fitness centre with spa. Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the type of cruise they want from relaxing to active on each of their contemporary cruise ships.
Norwegian Cruise Line has been at the forefront of technology in its bid to prove that cruising is not just for the retired and sedentary members of the community. They have been using social media for their “Cruise like a Norwegian” campaign to reach a whole new audience, increasing their Facebook base by over 159%. This recently won them the Social Media in Travel and Tourism Award (SMITTY) from Travel and Leisure magazine for the Best Use of a Social Media Platform by a Cruise Line.
“Early on, we recognized the power of Social Media and how it helps us to engage our guests and welcome them into our community of Norwegians”
– Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Chief Executive Officer.
If you want more information or to get to know the people who will be coming on the cruise, follow @SeaTweetup and Norwegian Cruises @CruiseNorwegian on Twitter, including the #SeaTweetup.
