Cruise Buzz

Edited 2019

In 2010 I joined a FAM trip sponsored by Europe Express. The group of travel agents and social media savvy travel partners set out to discover Paris and London. This post is now an archive of a great itinerary as well as an example of a social media influencer marketing trip

I will be joining a collection of outstanding Europe Express travel partners for a journey to London and Paris.  As I have posted in the past, Europe is the hot-spot for North American cruise travelers.  The value of a cruise vacation combined with a pre or post cruise stay in a popular European city is essential to maximize the full vacation potential.

Thank you Europe Express, a leading travel partner for proving seamless products I can sell to my cruise clients, for inviting me on this trip. And (compulsory disclaimer) this trip is comped but my insights are never compromised.

I am looking forward to the many site visits with Europe Express VIP vendors and hotel properties. Each day we will begin with site inspections of carefully selected hotels in London and Paris.

• Forum Tel has provided us with cell phones so we can experience the cellular communications service that most of our clients are looking for when traveling abroad.
• Visit Britain is our official provider of destination knowledge.  We have been gifted with the fantastic Oyster Card, which provides visitors to London with easy and flexible options for travel on all London tube trains, buses, and trams.
• Suite Arrival – what a concept! This company provides deluxe toiletry kits to our hotel. This could mean the difference between checking a bag and bringing a small roller onto my flight.  Just imagine having organic products, moisturizer, a razor, body butter, light snacks, toothpaste & toothbrush waiting for you at your hotel.
• Shaka Zulu – the talk of the town, a Zulu inspired restaurant and nightclub in Camden. This unique restaurant is based over two floors, Shaka Zulu has a Cape Town inspired Seafood & Oyster Bar and authentic South African Braai restaurant.
• Luxury Vacations UK – a private guide service providing driving-guided tours of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, and Wales).

Site inspections and special venues

Staying at:

• Riverbank Park Plaza Hotel, London
• K&K Hotels, Paris

October 17, 2010

• Four Seasons
• The Savoy Hotel

October 18, 2010

• Flemings Mayfair Hotel
• County Hall Park Plaza Hotel
• Westminster Park Plaza Hotel, thank you for lunch
• Sightseeing: Tower of London and Shakespeare’s Globe
• Dinner and site inspections at  The Gore Hotel & The Pelham Hotel

October 19, 2010

• Lodging provided by Riverbank Park Plaza Hotel
• K West Hotel
• Landmark Hotel
• The Lancaster Hotel, thank you for lunch!
• Sightseeing: London Eye and Hop On & Hop Off
• Dinner and site inspections at  Radisson Hampshire Hotel

October 20, 2010, depart London en route via Eurostar to Paris

• London to Paris via the Chunnel on the Eurostar train @raileurope
• K&K Hotels, Paris

October 21, 2010

• K&K Hotels, Paris
• Hotels de Paris
• Le Patio Saint Antoine Hotel
• Les Jardins du Marais Hotel
• Victoria Palace Hotel
• Entertainment for the night: Paradis Latin Cabaret – I will enjoy wine and champagne paired with a dinner show and a behind the scenes tour – yay.

October 22, 2010

• K&K Hotels, Paris
• Victoria Palace Hotel
• Le Royal Hotel & Jardin Le Brea Hotel
• Tour de Montparnasse
• Sights to behold in Paris:  Eiffel Tower,  a Tweetup with @ParisBuff, and going to the many museums available for entry with my pass. With a Metro pass, I am all set.