It’s been almost two weeks since we set foot on board Norwegian Sky for a weekend cruise full of networking, learning, engaging, events, and parties. I have to admit, I will play favors and state that SeaTweetup II > SeaTweetup I. Maybe it was the awesome attendees, amazing sponsors, or perhaps the strengthened relationships from the first SeaTweetup, but regardless, this year’s cruise was a complete success!
Our schedule of SeaTweetup events was jam-packed from the get-go. When we boarded Norwegian Sky, we were welcomed by MillerCoors with a tasty food and beer pairing as we all introduced ourselves to each other. I feel like the first day was more so jam-packed with FOOD. After the beer and food pairing, the Sky has a poolside BBQ. Then, we enjoyed a cocktail party sponsored by CruiseDeals where we received our SeaTweetup t-shirts which everyone got to sign with their Twitter handles 🙂 Yeah, that’s how we roll! Err… Sail? THEN, that party was followed by dinner (of course, all-you-can-order). I think I gained 10lbs in the first day 😦
Saturday promised to be an amazing day full of excursions on Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas. Little did we know, we were surrounded by huge waves all day and night which prohibited us from taking the tenders to the island. If anyone remembers last year’s SeaTweetup, we had a massive storm which also prohibited us from visiting the island. Crazy ironic. This little agenda detour gave us the day to just relax poolside and enjoy everything the ship had to offer. The SeaTweetup clan claimed ownership to the ship’s top deck, and we got to learn more about our fellow SeaTweetup-ers and soak in some warm rays.
Saturday evening marked our first Social Media Roundtable Presentations. We had a slew of talented social media speakers who all gave insightful speeches and presentations on fine-tuning our trade. Our SeaTweetup group was a mix of beginners and advanced professionals, but I think everyone ended up with tons of new tips and tricks! Of course following the presentations, we had another cocktail networker sponsored by Bacardi (you all know how much I love my rum)! Then, like clock-work, it was time for another all-you-can-order group dinner. Later on, we dressed in white and broke it down Gangnam Style at the White Hot Party (oh, we also got drenched as a mini-hurricane hit us – what fun would life be without these wild unplanned adventures?). I have to say I love the mix of presentations + networking mixers + group dinners + parties. This is how you really get to know new people 🙂
We made it to Nassau’s port of call on Sunday morning. Unlike last year’s cruise where we had most of the day to do as we please, we were honored to be welcomed by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and treated to a traditional BAHAMIAN breakfast. Yes, I typed BAHAMIAN in all caps because I idiotically kept instagramming and tweeting photos referencing them as “Bohemian.” *oopsies* I cannot begin to describe how delicious this breakfast was. Although I don’t eat seafood, I know everyone enjoyed their traditional fish breakfast dishes. Meanwhile, I indulged in (4 helpings of) yellow grits and corned beef hash *yummmmmm* We also enjoyed fresh coconut water and BAHAMIAN pastries. Seriously, one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Oh, and I almost forgot, they served us the most flavorful, sweet, plump fruit jams we’ve ever had in our lives (Bahamas – if you’re reading this and want to mail us some of those jams, please contact me for my mailing address) 🙂 After breakfast, we got to learn a lot more about the different islands the Bahamas has to offer. I eagerly await the day I can explore the other islands and go scuba diving and cliff diving!
To finish up our day in the Bahamas, we were given the unique opportunity to explore three BAHAMIAN art galleries on the island. If you ever visit the Bahamas, I highly encourage you to go off the beaten path and experience the real Bahamas culture.
And we obviously couldn’t leave Nassau without enjoying a little beach R&R…
Upon re-boarding Sky, we re-grouped for another Roundtable session where we had an intriguing Q&A sessions with @FashionWeekNYC, individual presentations, and a very informed discussion among the group. Of course, followed by another deliciously fattening dinner, some strip tease challenges (?), and partying (extra Washington Apple shots, please)!
I really want to thank all the amazing SeaTweetup committee members for pulling together an outstanding SeaTweetup II! Moreover, I want to thank all the SeaTweetup attendees who made this the best cruise evahhhh! Another thanks to our terrific sponsors for providing us with awesome entertainment and for making this cruise a real possibility. I can only cross my fingers for a future SeaTweetup III 🙂
The Aublog 