I began my studies at the Norwegian Cruise Lines University (NCLU) on the 03rd Dec2008. Every couple of months a new course would be launched and all students received25,000 points for passing each course plus 5,000 point for each of the Electives(mini training courses with the fun factor). All course points allowed you to claim 5points under your ACE membership. The goal to reach was 250,000 points and other points could be gained from blogging and asking the dean questions along with games and competitions. A few months ago all students were contacted by the Dean to advise that the first top 15 students with the highest points would be invited to London to The Jamie Oliver inspired restaurant “fifteen” www.fifteen.net for the University’s 1st Birthday party. I am delighted to say I was one of the 15 and on the 01st December I, along with another Northern Ireland Travel Agent boarded our 6.30 am Ryanair flight to Stansted. Once here we took the Stansted express to Liverpool Street and then a tube to Old Street, the address of the restaurant. Dress code for the day was smart casual.
Upon arrival we meet Jill and James from the Marketing department at NCL. Steve Dunlop was there to take the photographs (www.stevedunlop.com) and before long we had a nice chilled glass of champagne in our hands. We were asked outside to partake in the photo ceremony and the 1st birthday cake made an appearance in these photos along with the other students and props! Natalie from ACE was in attendance too, as was Debbee Dale. Lunch was a grand affair with lots of menu choices and plenty of wine. I was sat next to Nick Wilkinson (Director of Sales for NCL) and NCL’s General Manager Stephen Park thanked everyone and gave a great speech.
The icing on the cake (so to speak!) was a complimentary 2 night cruise aboard the new Norwegian Epic for all students prior to the ACE Cruise Convention in June 2010 in Southampton. We were all delighted. Check out the epic website www.epic.ncl.com for more information on this fantastic new NCL project.
It was time to say our goodbyes, so we hot footed it back to Stansted and flew back to Belfast City. A great day was had by all and I would like to thank everyone at NCL for their generosity and company on the day. I can now claim that I am truly “freestyle certified” (…and I have the badge to prove it!!!)
Warm Regards
Brendan O’Connor
Cruise Specialist – Bryan Somers Travel, Northern Ireland.
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