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 32 times and have inspected 9 additional ships. This number will soon
increase as I have the opportunity to sail on the Ruby Princess for the inaugural and will be aboard the Carnival Imagination
in Decmeber for American Discount Cruises Seminar at Sea.
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 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. 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 12 years. We have a 9 year
old daughter Maddy and recently added to our family through adoption. Oskar is from Latvia and is 10 years old.
He is now a big fan of cruising too! 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