All-Star Salsa Cruise

[naturallove]

Okay...all of the DF'ers that are going...let's exchange contact info now and figure out how we'll meet up on that big ol' boat. I'm starting my training now-how in the world am I going to survive with parties starting at 1 am???? :raisebro:

[anam]

See you there! Can't wait! Ana :)

[mayanempire]

Only nine days left...

[naturallove]

Only nine days left...
Only 2 days left! I still can't figure out what to pack!

[mayanempire]

I still can't figure out what to pack!

Tell me about it...I do NOT want to check a bag, but one can only fit so much in a carry-on... :)

[mayanempire]

For those that went, what are your thoughts?
Overall, I had a fantastic time. While things didn't go entirely according to plan, this was a fantastic social event. I met so many interesting personalities and had time to get to know them. And drink with them. And drink with them some more...oh, and dance! hehe

As for the dancing: first of all, kudos to all the performers who managed showstopping routines while the ship was a-rocking (literally). We danced by the pool. We danced on the sand. We danced on the ship. We danced on land. I think you get the picture. :) While, at times, dancing on the ship provided a bit of an extra challenge, there were so many great dancers onboard that it really was a non-issue. Honestly, I didn't have one bad dance.


NL, it was nice to meet you. You did your thing, girl--I was watching you tearing up that floor with Leon Rose! Your assessment?

[Salcero]

I'd be interested in hearing feedback from you folks. I got two e-mails, thus far, from people that went and both were kinda negative. Here is one:

"Just got back from the Salsa Cruise. Unfortunately, due to a highly disorganized effort and an extreme lack of communication- stemming from the disorganized planning- it wasn't even half the bomb time I spoke about last year. And my opinion seemed to be multiplied exponentially by other participants. Let's just say, be happy you didn't go. It wasn't worth the blah feeling that infected the whole experience!"

I looked at the pics posted so far and didn't see much. Perhaps you folks have a different story to tell.

[naturallove]

I'd be interested in hearing feedback from you folks. I got two e-mails, thus far, from people that went and both were kinda negative. Here is one:

"Just got back from the Salsa Cruise. Unfortunately, due to a highly disorganized effort and an extreme lack of communication- stemming from the disorganized planning- it wasn't even half the bomb time I spoke about last year. And my opinion seemed to be multiplied exponentially by other participants. Let's just say, be happy you didn't go. It wasn't worth the blah feeling that infected the whole experience!"

I looked at the pics posted so far and didn't see much. Perhaps you folks have a different story to tell.
Hi Salcero-
I had a blast! As an aside, the funny thing is, mayanempire and I have seen each other so many times before. I've seen her dancing her butt off in different cities, but I thought she was from D.C. (which is why I didn't know who she was!) LOL
I'll post a more extensive report later, but I would agree that there were some definite organizational issues that should be addressed for next year. I think that information should always be put in writing in advance so that folks can know what is going on. Also, I think that some of the issues were out of the hands of the organizers and so what appeared to be their fault was something that in actuality wasn't. For example, I know that at least one instructor missed his flight and so the schedule had to be rearranged. Also, the cruise ship left much earlier than planned, which cut our beach concert short. That said, I had the BEST time meeting and greeting salseros from all over the country. The energy was amazing--we brought a smile to the cruise ship staff and other guests (I think they shoulda paid us!) Dancing on the beach to the spanish harlem orchestra was....I can't even describe it. The workshops and performances were WONDERFUL--I got lots of new moves and tried new things on the dance floor I didn't know I knew how to do! It's something else to dance and rock the boat (literally--the boat was rocking and rolling!) I made some great new friends and danced with some FABULOUS leads. Mayanempire, I don't know if I was ready for Leon's London style, but I tried my best. LOL Okay, salcero, hopefully this satisfies your curiosity in part. I'll try to post more details (ad nauseum) later.

[KiwiMambo]

Was there a lot of On2 or mostly On1?

[anam]

Hey Guys! Back from the cruise :( Time flies when you're having fun.

Joel and I and the company had a really great time on the cruise. Yes, there were some organizational issues, but most of it was out of the organizers' hands. Due to obstacles out of their control, they also had to spend time covering others' mistakes, causing some organizational issues on the salsa activities. This cruise is something different from the ordinary. So, it takes some time to perfect it. It's all a learning process, and I've been told there will be many changes next year.

You get so much more out of this than you would at any congress. Buffets, 4 course meals, lodging, beach concerts, workshops, performances, pool parties, vacation experiences, and more......All included in the package. I even got to go rock climbing!!!!!!!!! My arms are dead, by the way.

Maya, it was great to see you again! Too bad we didn't really get to sit down to chat though or anything. Can't wait to see you at Flava Invasion II.

NL, it was great to meet you (again lol)! I knew you looked familiar when I saw you! Look forward to running in to you again at another event.

Well, we had a blast, although we're exhausted now. We joke that we need a vacation from the vacation. lol By the last night, I was literally dragging my feet. All worth it!!!

BTW, anyone going to come see Joel play with the band live in Toronto this Sunday? Sam and I will be performing as well to Masacote. Gayle, you're from Toronto, right?

Ana :)

[Salcero]

Hi Salcero, hopefully this satisfies your curiosity in part. I'll try to post more details (ad nauseum) later.

Thanks for the information and I'm glad you had a good time. I understand that Juan Matos did not make it, which was really too bad because people told me he was a big part of last year's sucess ... with his ability to MC and his character, wit and charm.

I also think I heard that Sekou did not make it either? Were there other advertised instructors that were not there? BTW, I heard Atlanta was well represented at the event.

One major complaint I heard, which may have been the fault of the organizers was that there was no welcome kit for participants. People didn't know where to get basic things like their wrist bands and some people missed as much as an entire day of events because the organizers didn't get the participants the necessary information. Some people also had major problems with their room assignments and didn't get what they paid for. What was your experience?

I've gotten other information that I can't post, but let's just say things could have been a lot worse. I think there are some growing pains and lessons to be learned. When you add up all the costs, I'm not clear on whether the cruise is much more cost effective than a congress. I do, however, like the cruise concept if organize professionally.

I guess the down side is that people that went both years said last year was better. On the positive, things can improve next year with better planning.

Interestingly enough, next year, Piel Canala from NYC is having a Mambo Cruise Congress to Miami and Cozumel in October 2007 http://www.pielcaneladancers.com/salsacruiseitinerary.html . You may have heard of Piel Canela because they have a presence in Atlanta as well. This means that the stuck on salsa cruise may have direct competition next year. Choco is doing the NY Congress next year and the MC at his socials is now doing a congress cruise so that camp is making a strong bid in terms of the East Coast market.

I know there are several people that post in this forum that have a working relationship with the organizers of the cruise you went on. With so many options these days, I like to hear from regular attendees because they have no vested interest in the event and word of mouth is the best advertiser.

[mayanempire]

Wow, it's interesting that word got out about how many Atlanta people were on the cruise. At this rate, maybe people will stop asking if there is salsa in Atlanta. :)

NL, looks like you made up for missing the congress, eh? You looked great on the dancefloor with Leon and with anyone else I saw you dance! I'll be looking for a repeat in Feb!

Ana, it is always wonderful to see you (twice in one month--I'm getting spoiled!). Yes, we must definitely make time to hang out when you return to Atlanta for Flava Invasion.

A few more general comments: there were certainly more than a few organizational hiccups on the cruise, yet I would venture to guess that the majority of attendees would echo the sentiments of those of us here on DF that participated. I think, for me, it really boiled down to having realistic expectations. I read an article prior to leaving (it was my first cruise, so I did a fair share of "research"), that focused on that very subject, pertaining specifically to the general cruise experience. This salsa cruise was such a large undertaking that I didn't expect perfection. However, I did expect to have a great time, and in that regard, was not disappointed.

[Salcero]

Mayanempire, glad you had a good time and welcome back!! Most of the information conveyed to me was from people that went last year and didn't encounter the myriad of problems that presented them last week.

I think you indicated previously that you have a business relationship with the organizers of this particular cruise. http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=11153&page=3&highlight=resolution

Did you come across any information that might explain why there were oversights on basic issues like wrist bands that did not occur last year?

BTW, I plan to be at the Flava Invasion. I see many of the usual suspects, including the organizers of this cruise will be part of that event as well.

[naturallove]

Was there a lot of On2 or mostly On1?
Definitely mostly on two. Edie the Salsa Freak, Leon Rose and Liz Lira taught on one (as far as I know), but all of the classes I took (Gildred Ribaut, Ana and Joel Massicot, Griselle Ponce and Burju Hurtuk) were on two.

[GayleR]

Hi Ana,
Thanks for thinking of me! I never miss a Sunday social, but my husband and I are leaving for our Christmas vacation and we're being picked up for the airport on Sunday at 4:00 A.M. so we'll unfortunately be missing what promises to be a great evening. Have a blast! Bring your woolies. It's cold here!

I am so freaked out. No salsa for 17 days. I don't know what I'll do!!! I am bringing a few DVDs to practice isolations and shines but I can't even begin to imagine NO SALSA FOR 17 DAYS!!!!!! AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!
G.

[Salcero]

Definitely mostly on two. Edie the Salsa Freak, Leon Rose and Liz Lira taught on one (as far as I know), but all of the classes I took (Gildred Ribaut, Ana and Joel Massicot, Griselle Ponce and Burju Hurtuk) were on two.

NL, I also was told that Edie danced with many of the good dancers On2 and did shines On2 when she social danced. This gives me hope as I will see her and Liz Lira later this month.

[naturallove]

NL, I also was told that Edie danced with many of the good dancers On2 and did shines On2 when she social danced. This gives me hope as I will see her and Liz Lira later this month.
Dang salcero....are you sure you weren't there???:) Edie does dance on two (from what I noticed) as well as one, but she taught the on 1 boot camp, which was quite well regarded.

[Beto]

Dang salcero....are you sure you weren't there???:) Edie does dance on two (from what I noticed) as well as one, but she taught the on 1 boot camp, which was quite well regarded.
I remember reading an article from a couple of years ago (when Al and Edie were still married) where, in preparation for their roles in "Latin Madness", they had to learn how to dance on2. So hearing that she follows it pretty well isn't a surprise.

[mayanempire]

Mayanempire, glad you had a good time and welcome back!! Most of the information conveyed to me was from people that went last year and didn't encounter the myriad of problems that presented them last week.

I think you indicated previously that you have a business relationship with the organizers of this particular cruise. http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=11153&page=3&highlight=resolution

Did you come across any information that might explain why there were oversights on basic issues like wrist bands that did not occur last year?

BTW, I plan to be at the Flava Invasion. I see many of the usual suspects, including the organizers of this cruise will be part of that event as well.


Hi Salsero,

You've got quite a memory! First, I'm glad to hear that you plan to come check out Flava Invasion II. As one of the original organizers, I am helping out with the planning of the event this year, though I am no longer directly affiliated with the group that is organizing it.

Regardless, while our local group and SOS do enjoy a partnership of sorts, respectively, they function as completely separate entities.
Personally, I am not privy to any inside information pertaining to the reasons behind the challenges that some of the cruise participants faced, but as Ana mentioned previously, I am sure it is a combination of several factors, including some that were out of the salsa cruise directors' control.

I didn't go on the cruise last year, but I'd be interested in hearing a compare/contrast.

By the way, looks like I will be in NYC for the first time ever in Jan, for sure.

[anam]

Hi Ana,
Thanks for thinking of me! I never miss a Sunday social, but my husband and I are leaving for our Christmas vacation and we're being picked up for the airport on Sunday at 4:00 A.M. so we'll unfortunately be missing what promises to be a great evening. Have a blast! Bring your woolies. It's cold here!

I am so freaked out. No salsa for 17 days. I don't know what I'll do!!! I am bringing a few DVDs to practice isolations and shines but I can't even begin to imagine NO SALSA FOR 17 DAYS!!!!!! AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!
G.

Too bad! Sorry we'll miss you. Look forward to meeting you another time then. Meanwhile, have a great vacation! Ana :)

[NZ Dancer]

I'd be interested in hearing feedback from you folks. I got two e-mails, thus far, from people that went and both were kinda negative. Here is one:

"Just got back from the Salsa Cruise. Unfortunately, due to a highly disorganized effort and an extreme lack of communication- stemming from the disorganized planning- it wasn't even half the bomb time I spoke about last year. And my opinion seemed to be multiplied exponentially by other participants. Let's just say, be happy you didn't go. It wasn't worth the blah feeling that infected the whole experience!"

I looked at the pics posted so far and didn't see much. Perhaps you folks have a different story to tell.

Down Under we can have great salsa holidays too. Currently building up to my 15 posts to link directly to tell you more about how Kiwis (New Zealanders) are up all night. Care to join us? Check dancetours dot co dot nz

[Salcero]

Down Under we can have great salsa holidays too. Currently building up to my 15 posts to link directly to tell you more about how Kiwis (New Zealanders) are up all night. Care to join us? Check dancetours dot co dot nz

NZ did you go to this? I heard 25% of the advertised instructors didn't even show up. What's your take?

[naturallove]

NZ did you go to this? I heard 25% of the advertised instructors didn't even show up. What's your take?
Salcero...are you sure you don't work for a secret government salsa agency?:raisebro:

[Salcero]

Salcero...are you sure you don't work for a secret government salsa agency?:raisebro:

NL, I'm getting flack about considering the Flava now. Peeps are saying its going to basically be the usual suspects with more of the usual Imambo than normal. Plus, the word is that they are relying on the website to advertise and that they may not draw a big crowd. What's your take?

I'm wondering cause the Chicago Salsa Congress is the week b4 and perhaps people will not want to travel to both events. Also, the Chicago event is more established, with live bands and also has top notch talent.

BTW, I didn't even mention the advertised performers that didn't show on the cruise, LOL.

[naturallove]

NL, I'm getting flack about considering the Flava now. Peeps are saying its going to basically be the usual suspects with more of the usual Imambo than normal. Plus, the word is that they are relying on the website to advertise and that they may not draw a big crowd. What's your take?

I'm wondering cause the Chicago Salsa Congress is the week b4 and perhaps people will not want to travel to both events. Also, the Chicago event is more established, with live bands and also has top notch talent.

BTW, I didn't even mention the advertised performers that didn't show on the cruise, LOL.
I'm not sure about the extent to which the organizers are relying on the website, but I've gotten handed flyers at several salsa events about the flava invasion, as well as received several emails about the event. Several friends from the cruise (and on the scene here) had planned on attending the Flava Invasion and I am personally looking forward to taking classes from Tropical Gem (and of course, my usual faves like Ana and Griselle!).
The Flava Invasion sounds like a smaller event than a congress, which actually increases its appeal for me. At a congress, it's harder to get to know people and get in dances, IMO.
And who is giving you grief about attending the Invasion? You have to come so I can dance with you! (Especially after reading all of your posts.)

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