VANCOUVER — Earlier this fall Expedia Cruises celebrated its top-performing franchisees with a special reward trip: a seven-night journey down the Nile River.
The Presidents Circle Diamond Reward Trip is an annual event and this year it brought together more than 70 guests, including high-achieving franchisees as well as the Expedia Cruises leadership team, plus senior executives from leading travel suppliers, for the special cruise.
The sailing aboard the luxurious AmaLilia was hosted by AmaWaterways founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst.
WARM HOSPITALITY IN ANCIENT LANDS
The adventure began before the cruise even set sail, with the legendary warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality. Many attendees opted for a pre-cruise land tour through Jordan. The four-night extension included visits to the ancient Roman ruins of Jerash, a float in the Dead Sea and an exploration of the rock-carved city of Petra. The experience was capped with a Jeep tour through Wadi Rum.
From there the group boarded AmaLilia and embarked on the Nile River cruise from Luxor.
“What really stood out to me was how AmaWaterways made the entire experience feel seamless,” said Andrea Devisser, an Expedia Cruises franchisee from Chilliwack, B.C.
“The way they managed the logistics, the care, and all the little details went far beyond ordinary. I felt safe and cared for every step of the way. I feel confident encouraging others to step out and take these journeys for themselves,” she added.
Highlights of AmaLiliaʻs itinerary included …
- Valley of the Kings: A visit to the legendary necropolis of pharaohs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun
- Historic Temples: Explorations of the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, and the Philae Temple
- Abu Simbel: An excursion to the colossal rock-cut temples of Ramesses II
- Cultural Immersion: Guests enjoyed a motorboat visit to a traditional Nubian village, sailed on a classic felucca around Elephantine Island, and took high tea at sunset at the legendary Cataract Hotel
- Cairo and the Pyramids: The journey ended with a flight to Cairo for a final, unforgettable visit to the 4,500-year-old Great Pyramids of Giza and the recently opened Grand Egyptian Museum
FORGING CONNECTIONS
This year’s Presidents Circle group included 15 Presidents Circle Diamond franchisees and eight Presidents Circle Platinum franchisees, representing the highest levels of achievement.
They were joined by 13 suppliers: AmaWaterways, Azamara, Carnival, Globus family of brands, Holland America Line, MSC, NCL, Oceania, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn and Sunwing.
Eric Tan, Director of Communications & Incentives at an Expedia Cruises Franchisee in Vancouver, said: “It is almost unfathomable to think about the real intelligence that had to exist 4,500 years ago that had built the Pyramids of Giza. Perhaps our world today may need the same ʻStronger, Togetherʻ focus, if humanity hopes to be here for another 4,500 years, for them to look back at us, in the same light.”
Participants shared insights during their excursions, networked over cocktails, and forged relationships at dinner – plus gained invaluable face time with key decision-makers.
“This journey was a powerful reminder that when passionate, driven individuals unite with a common purpose, the possibilities are limitless,” said Erin Douglas, MSCʻs SVP, Trade Sales.
Shawn Tubman, SVP, Sales and Trade Marketing, North America, said the event created a deeper level of relationship between franchisees and our preferred suppliers. “Ours is a relationship-based business, and the key to our mutual success is knowing as much as possible about each other’s organizations, objectives, challenges and opportunities. Being a part of such an intimate event allows each of us to really get to know each other on a professional level, but more so, on a very personal level, spending quality time together and sharing amazing experiences. I appreciate Matthew, Aeleen, John, Mike and Lyndsay as well as Kristin and Rudy and the whole Amadeus Waterways team for hosting such a unique and rewarding event.”
Matthew Eichhorst, President, Expedia Cruises, said: “Our President’s Circle rewards trip to Jordan and Egypt with AmaWaterways was a powerful embodiment of everything we stand for. It brought our ʻStronger. Togetherʻ philosophy to life, allowing our top franchisees, partners and corporate leadership team to connect in a truly meaningful way. I was thrilled to be there myself, experiencing the incredible sights, history and hospitality of the region, the magnificent ship and the genuine camaraderie of the group firsthand.”
