Norwegian to Host @SeaTweetup Cruise

Although the concept of a Tweetup at sea is interesting, we are often unimpressed with the very buggy Twitter website, which doesn’t appear to always have adequate bandwidth for its traffic. As I began typing this, the Twitter site wouldn’t load on my computer’s browser (or my BlackBerry) and I was unable to fact check the following announcement until it finally loaded after about 15 minutes. So, here goes...

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sky will be the site of its first ever Tweetup at sea dubbed the SeaTweetup Cruise (@SeaTweetup) coordinated by members of the South Florida social media community. The cruise departs from Miami on Friday, Nov 18, 2011 for a 3-day weekend getaway to the Bahamas and returns on Monday, Nov 21. The social-savvy sailing will allow social media enthusiasts to interact onboard where they can participate in exclusive networking events including social media marketing panels and discussions. Participants will also have access to the ship’s Wi-Fi network, as well as invitations to exclusive in-port events to post, tweet, and blog throughout the weekend.

The unique cruise takes networking to the next level allowing Twitter users to share their experiences with followers, as they build and strengthen relationships and create new ones. In addition to planned group activities, tweeters can enjoy the perks of Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising. The 2,002-passenger Norwegian Sky has 10 dining options; more than 10 bars and lounges; spa and fitness center; casino; and duty-free retail shops. Also, after a long day of tweeting, guests can dance the night away at the White Hot Party, the line’s signature dance party.

For more information on the first SeaTweetup cruise on board Norwegian Sky follow @SeaTweetup and Norwegian @NCLFreestyle on Twitter and include hashtag #SeaTweetup. Before deciding on this group cruise, or any other, you might want to read Cruises, the Social Network Way to Travel, to determine if it is right for you. If it is, go to the Twitter site and search for @SeaTweetup to get the details.

Caveat Emptor: Before you get excited about tweeting heavily from sea, take into consideration the charges involved for the onboard WiFi and any international roaming costs charged by your mobile phone carrier. Take it from me (and AT-and-T), those minutes can quickly add up to big bucks on your mobile phone bill.