How did you first become interested in the Cruise Industry?
I
first became interested in cruising when I watched the "Love Boat" on TV in the 70's. When I was 14, my
mother took me on a 2 night cruise out of New York City and I was officially hooked! I just knew my future career had
to involve travel, and hopefully cruising. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Niagara University with a BS in Travel and
Tourism. In 1993 I started working as a cruise agent in Orlando, FL and then relocated back to NY and shortly after,
made a permanent move to the Atlanta area. I've been an Accredited Cruise Specialist since 1997 and look forward
to many more exciting years! I received the Top Sales Agent of the Year Award in 1997, 1998, 2004, 2005, and 2006,
and 2007.
How many cruises have you taken?
I've cruised 34 times and have inspected 9 additional ships. This number will soon
increase as I have plans to sail to Alaska this summer. I have also toured all inclusive resorts. I
will be staying at El Dorado Royale in the Riviera Maya in the near future.
What do you like most about cruising?
It is a combination
of factors which makes me a huge fan of cruising. I love being at sea and traveling to exotic ports of call. As
a busy mom, I appreciate the opportunity to relax and have someone else do the cooking. Cruising is a great
way to travel as an extended family. Also, I love the ammenities that the new ships offer such as great workout facilities,
supper clubs, and enhanced children's programs.
Please list
your areas of expertise.
Since I've been involved in the Cruise Industry
since 1993, I have a lot of experience dealing with families, couples, corporate clients, seniors, and those seeking a luxury
cruise or more exotic locations. I have extensive group experience also.
Please list all cruise ships you've been on.
I've sailed on
the following Carnival ships: Holiday, Fantasy, Fascination, Imagination, Victory, Elation, Paradise, Sensation, Spirit,
Glory, Liberty and Miracle. In addition, I've cruised on the Norwegian Dream and Sun, the Star and Ruby Princess,
Holland America's Oosterdam and Zuiderdam, Celebrity's Century and Mercury, and the Disney Wonder. In 2006,
I sailed aboard the Costa Mediterranea and Costa Magica. I've experienced the Royal Caribbean's "Voyager
Class" and "Freedom Class" by sailing aboard the Navigator of the Seas and the Freedom on the Seas. I've
cruised on the following ships that are no longer in service: Galileo, Oceanic, Atlantic, Regent Rainbow, Tropicale and the
Song of America.
Please list all of the desinations you
have visited by land or sea.
I have cruised to Freeport, Nassau, Half
Moon Cay, Castaway Cay, Bermuda, St. Thomas, St. Croix, San Juan, Grand Turk, St. John, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Ocho Rios,
Costa Maya, Calica, Roatan, Belize, Key West, and the Dominican Republic, Barcelona, Cannes, Monaco, Florence, Pisa, and Rome.
I've done an Alaska Land Tour which included Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, and Alyeska. I have also experienced
Sandal's resort in Nassau. Other trips have included Taiwan, Poland, and Latvia.
What is your favorite cruise desination and why?
My
favorite cruise destination used to be Bermuda. I loved the pink sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Also, I like that the ship spent a few days there so we could truly explore the island. A lot of people forget about
Bermuda as it's seasonal and not in the Caribbean. I also enjoyed the new port of Grand Turk. My new favorite
cruise destination is Europe! A cruise allows you to experience several cities with only having to pack and unpack once.
Also, it's a better deal when compared to a land based vacation due to the strong Euro.
What is your favorite cruise line and why?
I
like different cruise lines for various reasons. I like Carnival for fun, value, and families. They've improved
so much over the years. For a more sophisticated experience, I'm a big fan of Princess and Celebrity. Princess
has one of the best restaurants at sea, Sabatini's. Also, their new ships are quite innovative. I had a great
time aboard the Costa Magica. I loved the Mediterranean food and lively entertainment at night. Royal Caribbean
has all the "bells and whistles" at sea!
What
is your best cruise memory and why?
I have so many great cruise memories
which revolve around traveling with those I love. I really enjoyed our honeymoon cruise to Bermuda. I've
introduced my kids to cruising and we have fond memories of taking the Grandmas with us too! In 2007, I had the opportunity
to escort a fantastic group, Four Seasons, aboard the Carnival Liberty. In recent years, I've participated in 2
"music charter" cruises. Also, I've experienced a lot of fun at sea with my associates.
Please tell me a little about yourself, your family, and your interests.
I am originally from upstate NY and have been in the Atlanta area since 1996. My husband and I have been
married for 14 years. We have a boy and a girl ages 11 and 10. My hobbies
include travel, fine dining, reading, working out, and socializing with friends and family.
I am fortunate to love what I do for a living. Also, I enjoy working from home and have flexible
hours. It's not unusual to catch me at my desk after 7PM or on the weekends. I like to get to really know
my clients so I can find the cruise that best suits their needs.
Kim Weakland
Call (770) 942-0840 (800)
715-9966
E-Mail icruise@bellsouth.net