23 Oct 2014
Emerald Waterways Names Travel Industry Veteran Joanie Ogg As Godmother For Emerald Star
Boston, MA, October, 2014 -- Emerald Waterways has named travel industry veteran Joanie Ogg as the godmother of its newest “Star-Ship” Emerald Star. A Master Cruise Counselor and a Certified Travel Counselor, and recognized by all facets of the travel industry, Joanie Ogg's lists of accomplishments makes her an ideal godmother for Europe's newest river cruise line. In asking Ms. Ogg, Emerald Waterways founder and owner, Glen Moroney, offers these words of praise, “It is an honor for us to have such an accomplished industry leader as Joanie Ogg as godmother of the Emerald Star. As someone who has dedicated her career to helping so many succeed in this industry, it is only fitting that she help welcome in the next generation of river ships.” The christening is schedule for October 15 in Vienna.
Ms. Ogg has been voted “Travel Agent of the Year” by her peers, is the recipient of two “Lifetime Achievement Awards” from Travel Trade Magazine, and has been named as one of the “Most Powerful Women in Travel” by Travel Agent Magazine, three years running. She was recently inducted into the CLIA “Hall of Fame” an honor only given to the most influential executives in the industry. Between authoring hundreds of articles and co-authoring several travel industry books, she serves as the principal of Joanie Ogg Marketing Group, which specializes in consulting and speaking on the topic of Home-Based Travel, as well as operating with her husband, Tom Ogg, www.TravelProfessionalCommunity.com with more than 12,600 travel professional participants.
“The privilege of being asked to serve as the godmother of the Emerald Star is not mine alone, but belongs to the thousands and thousands of hard working cruise selling agents in the travel professional community whom I will have the joy of representing as I christen her and wish her safe passage,” states Ms. Ogg. “Emerald's next generation of river cruising vessels offers a perfect step-up for travel agents cruise customers looking for a more immersive cultural experience.”
The new 'Star Ship' carries 182 guests in 72 suites and 20 staterooms, including two specifically built for solo occupancy. Unique items include an onboard heated swimming pool with a retractable roof, which transforms into a movie theater in the evening; two restaurants – Reflections, the main dining room, and The Terrace, which serves breakfast and lunch; and a new type of cabin design that replaces the run-of-the-mill French balcony, common to most ships, with an indoor balcony complete with decked area and an ingenious open-air system. With the simple push of a button, the upper half of the floor-to-ceiling panoramic window drops down to allow an open-air opportunity; top suites separate the balcony from the cabin with sliding doors. In addition, there's an onboard hairdresser, massage therapy room and fitness area.
Strong value continues with the fare inclusions: all transfers to and from the ships; all onboard (and some on-shore) meals; unlimited tea and coffee; wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; bottled water in the cabins; continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in the top suites; WiFi onboard the ship, most shore excursions; and more – including all gratuities.
As part of the Scenic Tours Group, Emerald Waterways is backed by the award-winning expertise of the world's leading luxury river cruise operator, Scenic Cruises. Additional information can be found by contacting your local travel agent or on Emerald Waterways' website, www.emeraldwaterways.com; US consumer/travel agent reservations line: 855-222-3214; Canada consumer reservations line: 855-444-0161; Canada travel agent reservations line: 855-265-2899. Brochure orders may be placed on the website or a digital downloadable version is available.
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Gillies and Zaiser
EW-09-October 2014
