World’s Largest Cruise Night

National Cruise Vacation Month 2005; The World's Largest Cruies Night; CLIAOn October 19th, Hundreds of cruisers turned out for the Valley's celebration of the World’s Largest Cruise Night, sponsored by Arizona ASTA and NACTA in conjunction with CLIA.

The Windemere Hotel & Conference Center provided a venue for travel agents, cruise lines, and other suppliers to exhibit the latest information to help make future cruising a success. In addition to prize drawings, sessions on packing, purchasing travel insurance, cruise lines and destinations, and even a cruisewear fashion show entertained and informed attendees.

Photo Album

The following images are of the evening’s events. To view a larger image, click on the thumbnail.

AZASTA Legislative Liaison Pat Fulton, of Departures Cruz 'n Tours, standing beside a large life preserver designed for the event, welcomes attendees. Consumers register prior to entering the exhibition hall; many ready obtain valuable information, possibly make a cruise booking, and hopefully win a door prize. Excited cruisers visit a table staffed by Pam Stewart and Bobbi Hoeck of Stewart Travel. "Captain" Jack Fulton, of Departures Cruz 'n Tours, discusses cruise plans with interested clients. AZASTA President Hope Wallace, of ADA Travel, helps Lynn Langley at the Disney Cruise Lines table. The Verbera Family, of Marina Tours & Travel, talk with prospective cruisers. Michael Jauregui, of NCL, enjoys conversing with attendees. Paulette Pyrick, of Princess Cruise Lines, helps clients choose their right ship and destination. Anne Mickey, of Carnival Cruise Lines, recounts tales of past cruises on one of their fun ships. AZASTA Vice President Helen Wirschemm of Sisters Three Travel, offers her skills and experience to one of the consumers in attendance. The latest in cruise attire were presented in a fashion show hosted by Dillards. AZASTA Allied Co-Chair and Communications Director Mark Torpey, of M. H. Ross Travel Protection, explains the finer points of insuring cruise vacations during a detailed seminar. AAA Travel Arizona demonstrates the proper way to pack your bags for a "wrinkle-free" cruise. Every half-hour throughout the evening, AZASTA's NACTA Representative Terri Maldonado, of CruiseGal, drew the names of lucky door prize winners. Excited winners step forward to claim their door prizes. Gloria Dean, of Puerto Rico Tourism Company, presents a prize to a lucky winner. AZASTA Allied Co-Chair and Communications Director Mark Torpey, of M. H. Ross Travel Protection, presents a beautiful gift basket to a door prize winner.

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