7 Reasons Cruising & Creativity Are Perfect Mates

For five glorious days April 2-7, 2011, I invite you to leave the cold of winter behind and converge with other creatives on a tropical and scenic Caribbean cruise aboard the Celebrity Century from Miami to ports of call, Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Georgetown, Grand Cayman.

The theme of the cruise will be the creative life. Here are seven succinct reasons I believe cruising and creativity are a marriage made in heaven.

1. Community — So many people have commented on the sacramental community we have in Franklin “on campus.” Here is an opportunity for you to join members of the “campus” as we expand our community to a “cruise” ship. And what a ship! One of the most beautiful afloat.

2. Conversation — The jacuzzis, swimming pools, decks, dining tables, Aqua spa (one of the grandest afloat), and private meeting rooms make for ideal conversation areas. It seems everywhere you go, there is an opportunity for stimulating discussion with a different group of creatives. I was so completely engrossed in a stimulating dialogue beside the pool in Alaska this past week, I forgot to apply sunblock and got a fierce sunburn. But, it was SO worth it.

3. Collaboration — There is something about the freedom of expression and camaraderie on a boat that enhances teamwork. Ideas and sharing go hand in hand while on the high seas. And collaboration is the quintessential standard for seafaring creatives.

4. Cuisine — Ah, yes, the cuisine. From the high quality of the the spa menu and sushi bar to the extraordinary dining room, a cruise means all the delectable food you can possibly dream of — and all of it is included in the price of the cruise. Of course, if you want to splurge a little on a high-end dinner at the Murano, you are free to indulge there as well. In cooperation with the Celebrity wine steward, I will lead an optional “wine for novices” tasting as well as  a “fine and rare” wine tasting. There is something about the sacrament of great food and dink that lends an exponential quality to the creative process, and no one does it better than a Celebrity Cruise.

5. Cart Blanche — Imagine a mobile all-inclusive resort that wanders the exotic beauty of the Caribbean, where everything is included and you have the freedom to choose the firmness of your pillow to the timing and type of each evening entree. Don’t like your choice? Simply choose another. A blank slate is literally waiting for your command. Freedom equals creativity.

6. Calm — The sights and sounds of an open sea have the power to soothe the savage beast within. To calm the troubled soul. To soothe the overworked body. And the calmness that settles over the soul on a cruise results in extraordinary insight and foresight.

7. Cost — The amazing fact is that you can enjoy this all-inclusive cruise (food, lodging, ports of call, and all taxes and tips) and the extraordinary cre:ate conference for as little as $140. per person per night. You can’t stay at home for much less than that!

Watch the short four minute Celebrity Cruise video below and you will be sure to consider the community, conversation, collaboration, cuisine, cart blanche and calm of the cre:ate 2011 Caribbean Cruise with myself, Michael Hyatt, Pete Wilson, Ken Davis and a very special musical guest. To register now, simply go HERE.

13 responses to “7 Reasons Cruising & Creativity Are Perfect Mates”

  1. Stephanie Avatar

    I have a rather painful sunburn right now too…from staying out in the pool too long, chatting w/ a friend about creative things. ;) Fortunately, our kids were all decked out in sunscreen and hats so only the mums got burned!

    The cruise sounds wonderful. Relaxing. Productive. I hope it’s even better than you expect it to be.

  2. Kyle Reed Avatar

    Honestly I would be there in a heartbeat. But unfortunately I do not have a full time job right now, and all the money I make goes to health care insurance.
    But if I have a full time job by then I will definitely try to get there.

    Reading the part about community and conversation is worth the price of admission. I am always jealous of that Franklin Campus. I would definitely love to live there and be apart of the community and the mentoring that you all would provide.

  3. Toby Sturgill Avatar

    Um, you had me at “martini bar.” WOW!

  4. Kyle Reed Avatar

    Honestly I would be there in a heartbeat. But unfortunately I do not have a full time job right now, and all the money I make goes to health care insurance.
    But if I have a full time job by then I will definitely try to get there.

    Reading the part about community and conversation is worth the price of admission. I am always jealous of that Franklin Campus. I would definitely love to live there and be apart of the community and the mentoring that you all would provide.

    1. Randy Elrod Avatar

      @Kyle Reed, Awesome. I’ll let everyone know when I found out the deadline. In the meantime, I will pray for you to get a job, not so you can go on the cruise (which would be great!) but for your own well-being.

      Thanks again, Kyle.

  5. Ani Avatar
    Ani

    That sounds great.
    That Ken Davis. I’ve seen some videos. Man, he is hilarious! You will have some fun there.

    1. Randy Elrod Avatar

      @Ani, Ani, Go with us!!

      1. Ani Avatar
        Ani

        @Randy Elrod, Umm, well I did think about it. I haven’t decided yet. Is there a closing time? I also have to think about the money, I know it’s cheap but I have to buy the flight ticket too. Also I’m studying a medical course now (don’t know if you call it that way) and am looking for a job right now. There is still time to think about it. The theme, the thought of being there at sea, the wind blowing through my hair, that I could just share my thoughts and ideas with others and not being looked at as I’m weird that just wants me to get at a plane and join in.

        1. Randy Elrod Avatar

          @Ani, Yes. You know if is is best at this time or not. We probably won’t close until early next year.

  6. Harris, III Avatar

    Need a master illusionist as an additional, creative entertainer? I know someone who might go for free! ;-)

  7. Kyle Reed Avatar

    You had me at a chance to get out of the cold and into the sun.
    But the other reasons sound great as well. Sounds like a lot of fun.

    1. Randy Elrod Avatar

      @Kyle Reed, Awesome, Kyle. Does that mean you are signing up?