Waterways Cruises Welcomes Adrienne Baerny as Senior Account Manager for Private and Group Events; Promotes Colleen Guay to Operations Manager

          

         Colleen Guay                                     Adrienne Baerny

SEATTLE, Wash.—(August 25, 2011)— Waterways Cruises is pleased to announce the hiring of Adrienne Baerny as Senior Account Manager for Private and Group Events and the promotion of Colleen Guay to Operations Manager.

Guay started her career with Waterways Cruises in September 2007 while a student at the University of Washington, where she worked as a steward for private events and public cruises. Guay was later promoted to Cruise Director, managing Waterways’ events. As Operations Manager, Guay will oversee crew scheduling and management, event coordination and internal operations.

“An increase in business has given us the opportunity to build our team from within, while also allowing us to bring in new talent to help us meet demand,” says Hilton Smith, CEO and Founder of Waterways Cruises and Events.

Baerny comes to Waterways Cruises with 16 years of experience working in sales and marketing, with her focus being in tourism and event management. Prior to Waterways Cruises, she held a Group Sales Manager position at Clipper Vacations, managing events for customers and creating familiarization trips for travel agents and tour operators. She also co-owns a tour operator company, organizing and promoting land tours in the United States and Canada.

As Senior Account Manager for Private and Group Events, Baerny’s primary focus will be on private charter sales to Waterways Cruises’ corporate, tour and travel, and wedding markets.

Waterways Cruises was founded in 1994 by Hilton Smith and grew from a small family operation into Seattle’s most upscale cruise and event company.  Originally starting with a single yacht for private charters, Waterways successfully expanded its operations to three luxury vessels (Emerald Star, Olympic Star, and Destiny), accommodating upwards of 40,000 guests per year for weddings, corporate events, special celebrations, and dining cruises.

In 2010 Waterways Cruises launched Lake Washington Dining Cruises, departing from the Southport Pier & Promenade in Renton and from the Waterways’ HomePort in Seattle.  Featuring seasonal menus, scenic cruise routes and exciting entertainment options, Lake Washington Dining Cruises brings fine dining experience and sightseeing opportunities to Seattle’s lakes.

Follow Waterways Cruises and Events Online
Website: http://www.waterwayscruises.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/waterwayscruise
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/waterwayscruises

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Waterways Cruises Enhances Operations with New HomePort on North Lake Union

Dinner Cruise Company Focuses on Enriched Guest Experience; Executes Major Reuse and Revitalization of North Lake Union Property

SEATTLE, Wash.—(August 22, 2011)—Waterways Cruises and Events (http://www.waterwayscruises.com) has a new Seattle home. In a recently completed move the preeminent dining cruise and private yacht charter company signed a 15-year lease with Seattle Marina for 27,000 square feet of Lake Union waterfront at 2441 N. Northlake Way, transforming a former industrial site into their spacious new HomePort.

A functioning boat yard for 50 years, the property includes four separate buildings and 200 linear feet of waterfront, in addition to almost 500 feet of moorage. The new location offers on-site guest parking, a new commissary, a spacious outdoor patio with a striking view of the Seattle skyline and a covered tent area for guests waiting to board their cruises in inclement weather.

As part of an ecologically friendly refurbishment project, Waterways undertook a thorough clean-up of the site, repaired and repainted the structures and added 300 feet of landscaping along N. Northlake Way, while still honoring the maritime legacy of the Wallingford and Lake Union surroundings.

Founded in 1994 by Hilton Smith, Waterways Cruises began with a single yacht designated for private charters exclusively, and presently operates a fleet of three luxury dining and entertainment yachts (http://www.waterwayscruises.com/pages/waterways_cruises/fleet)—M/V Emerald Star, M/V Olympic Star, and M/V Destiny. Waterways Cruises hosts upwards of 40,000 guests per year for private events, dinner cruises and specialized on-the-water tours.

In 2010, Waterways Cruises launched Lake Washington Dining Cruises, which depart from both the Lake Union HomePort and Southport Pier in Renton, offering new menus, scenic routes and entertainment options. Over 7,000 passengers enjoyed happy hour, dinner, brunch and special event cruises in 2010.

Thanks in large part to the Southport cruise offerings, Waterways more than doubled their dining cruise business in 2010, a highly successful year by any measure. “Bookings for dining cruises in 2011, at the end of June, are again 100 percent ahead of those for the same period in 2010. Private yacht charters have also increased significantly, fueled by the return of the corporate entertainment market from Microsoft, Boeing, Google, Amazon and many other Seattle and Eastside companies. All-in-all our advance bookings for 2011 are 48 percent ahead of 2010,” says Waterways Cruises’ founder and CEO Hilton Smith.

Continuing, Smith said, “We’re very excited about this new location because it reemphasizes what Waterways is all about—an enriched Seattle experience of being out on the water enjoying good food and drink on beautifully appointed yachts. Locating in a former boat yard brings us closer than ever to Seattle’s century old maritime tradition on Lake Union and Lake Washington.”

Waterways Cruises and Events currently maintain a staff of 20 to 25 in the off-season and 50 during peak summer season.

Follow Waterways Cruises and Events Online
Website: http://www.waterwayscruises.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/waterwayscruise
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Waterways-Cruises/82709613073

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Waterways Cruises Invites Guests to Experience Weekly Lake Tours Showcasing the Space Needle, Mt. Rainier and Waterfront Mansions

Sweepstakes to Win Two Tickets for a Two Lakes Cruise Tour from August 18 through August 25

SEATTLE, Wash.—(August 19, 2011)— A relaxing lake cruise aboard Waterways Cruises (http://www.waterwayscruises.com) is the perfect way to see Seattle’s wonderful sights. From August 18 through August 25, visit Waterways’ Facebook page for a chance to win two tickets for a Two Lakes Cruise Tour. Winners will be drawn every day. For additional information about how to enter, visit http://www.waterwayscruises.com/pages/company/specials/contest/.
The newest Waterways’ cruise was designed with sightseeing in mind. Featuring the highlights of Lake Union and Lake Washington, the Two Lakes Cruise Tour (http://www.waterwayscruises.com/pages/public_cruises/cruise_tours/lakes_cruise_tours/ ) offers views of the iconic Space Needle, downtown skyline, floating homes on Lake Union and the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium.

Lake Washington attractions include Bill Gates’s legendary home and other grand waterfront mansions, as well as picture-postcard views of Mt. Rainier. Snacks are available for purchase. During every tour, Waterways’ captain educates and entertains guests by pointing out sites and providing facts about Seattle’s culture and rich maritime history.

Waterways Cruises also offers a variety of dining cruises to fit different schedules and budgets. For a romantic evening, the two-and-a-half-hour Sunset Dinner Cruise (http://www.waterwayscruises.com/pages/public_cruises/dining_cruises/dinner_cruises/) tenders a four-course, Northwest-inspired gourmet meal with optional cocktails and paired wine.

The best Weekend Brunch Cruise in Seattle (http://www.waterwayscruises.com/pages/public_cruises/dining_cruises/brunch_cruises/) offers an array of mouthwatering buffet selections, accompanied by Lake Washington views and the captain’s witty narration.

With its youthful, end-of-the-week vibe, the Friday afternoon Happy Hour Cruise(http://www.waterwayscruises.com/pages/public_cruises/dining_cruises/cocktail_cruises/) lets guests enjoy a lavish Chef’s Taco Bar while taking in all the sights.

Says Hilton Smith, founder and owner of Waterways Cruises, “Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a local looking for ways to entertain visiting family or friends, there’s really no better way to experience Seattle than on the water. We invite people of all ages not only to relax and view the sights in comfort, but to enjoy excellent food, outstanding service and the informative storytelling of our ships’ captains. Each cruise is an unforgettable trip.”

For more information about Waterways Cruises, visit www.waterwayscruises.com.

Waterways Cruises was founded in 1994 by Hilton Smith and grew from a small family operation into Seattle’s most upscale cruise and event company.  Originally starting with a single yacht for private charters, Waterways successfully expanded its operations to three luxurious vessels (Emerald Star, Olympic Star, and Destiny), accommodating upwards of 40,000 guests per year for weddings, corporate events, special celebrations and dining cruises.

In 2010 Waterways Cruises launched Lake Washington Dining Cruises, departing from the Southport Pier & Promenade in Renton and from the Waterways’ HomePort in Seattle.  Featuring seasonal menus, scenic cruise routes and exciting entertainment options, Lake Washington Dining Cruises brings fine dining experience and sightseeing opportunities to Lake Union and Lake Washington.

Follow Waterways Cruises and Events Online
Website: http://www.waterwayscruises.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/waterwayscruise
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Waterways-Cruises/82709613073

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Olive Crest Hosts Annual Golf Tournament on September 26 to Benefit Foster Children

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(August 11, 2011)— Olive Crest will host its annual golf tournament at the Overlake Golf and Country Club on September 26. All proceeds from Olive Crest’s 10^th Annual Golf Tournament directly benefit Olive Crest’s mission of preventing child abuse, treating and educating at-risk children, and preserving the family. Last year 120 people attended the golf tournament and Olive Crest raised $45,000.

WHO: Olive Crest

WHAT: Olive Crest’s 10^th Annual Golf Tournament

Golf package
· Includes a continental breakfast, lunch, a round of golf, a special gift, and a cocktail and appetizer awards reception
· Cost is $250 per person
· Golf tournament winners receive a glass etched trophy

Golf Ball Drawing
· $20 per golf ball
· $2,500 prize for winner

Virtual Golfing
· Virtual golfing gives people who are unable to attend the event the opportunity to help raise funds for Olive Crest by creating a First Giving fundraising page

WHEN: Monday, September 26, 2011
            Register by September 21, 2011
            Golf tournament registration starts at 9:30 a.m.
            Golf tournament starts at 11 a.m.

WHERE: Overlake Golf and Country Club
             8000 Northweast 16th Street Medina, WA

For those who cannot attend the event but wish to make a contribution, donations can be made online at any time, or mailed to Olive Crest, 515 116^th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Since 1973, Olive Crest has transformed the lives of over 50,000 abused, neglected, and at-risk children and their families. We work tirelessly to meet the individual needs of kids in crisis by providing safe homes, counseling, and education for both youth and parents. Our many innovative programs reflect our conviction that strengthening the family is one of the most powerful ways to help heal children. With unwavering compassion, the Olive Crest family maintains a lifelong commitment to the youth and families we serve even after they have graduated from our programs. Olive Crest serves nearly 1,000 children and families each day throughout California, Nevada, and the Pacific Northwest. For more information call 1-800-550-CHILD (2445) or visit www.olivecrest.org.

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Down Under Answers Offers Spectacular Savings to Australia

Australia Travel Specialist Features 24 Packages Including 11-Night Australian Treasures Vacation Priced From $1,799 Per Person

BELLEVUE, WA — (August 10, 2011) — Down Under Answers, the leading wholesaler for Australia and New Zealand vacation packages, is launching a series of 24 competitively priced Southern Splendors packages which will highlight the southern regions of Australia with special emphasis on Tasmania, Adelaide, and Melbourne.  The company's lead travel deal is an 11-night Australian Treasures package priced from $1,799 per person including round-trip airfare on Qantas Airways from Los Angeles, 11-night hotel accommodation, and fuel surcharges.

According to Kirk Demeter, President of Down Under Answers, "The southern region of Australia is truly unmatched in its beauty and provides such varying and spectacular experiences." Mr. Demeter adds that this destination is perfect for a wide range of travelers including repeat vacationers who want to experience another side of Australia; vacationers who love to participate in adventure activities; price-conscious families who are looking for the best value for their travel dollar; and the upscale market who seek touring via private aircraft, five-star hotel accommodations, and more.

Down Under Answers' first package in the Southern Splendors series is the 11-night Australian Treasures package which includes the following:

• Round-trip airfare on Qantas Airways from Los Angeles to Melbourne, Hobart, and Adelaide
• 3 nights hotel in Melbourne
• 3 nights hotel in Hobart
• 3 nights hotel in Adelaide
• 2 nights hotel in Sydney
• Applicable fuel surcharges

This package is priced from $1,799 per person, based on double occupancy for travel from Los Angeles from August 10 to September 10, 2011.  Package is available for travel through March 31, 2012 at higher rates due to seasonal surcharges. Add-on fares available from other US cities. Advertised pricing reflects lowest season pricing. Seats/Rooms are limited and subject to availability at time of booking. A higher class of service may be offered as an alternative. US/foreign taxes/fees, including September 11th Security fee, are not included, and are approximately US $205-$230/person.  Amendment fees & cancellation penalties apply. For additional information on this great package and more, visit http://www.duatravel.com/southtz\.

About Down Under Answers|
Down Under Answers, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2012, is the recognized industry leader in vacation packages to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, and Dubai. The Bellevue, Washington-based tour operator offers a wide variety of travel package options ranging from escorted tours to self-drive vacations, adventure travel, island escapes, groups and special interest travel, as well as customized independent arrangements. The company has repeatedly been voted the "Best Travel Wholesaler" by Tourism Australia's Aussie Specialists and Tourism New Zealand's Kiwi Specialists as well as "Best Travel Wholesaler" by Australian Supplier Partners.  For additional information, visit www.duatravel.com or call 800-889-1464.

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Two Lakes Cruise Tours Feature Waterways Cruises’ Best Views of Seattle

Sailing from the Waterways’ Homeport in Seattle Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through September 25

SEATTLE, Wash. —(August 5, 2011) — Waterways Cruises’ Two Lakes Cruise Tours explore Lake Union’s wonderful history, offering views of the Space Needle, Seattle’s skyline and charming houseboat communities. Waterways Cruises takes guests under Seattle’s scenic bridges, past the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium and into Lake Washington for spectacular views of the lake, Mount Rainier, the historic floating bridges and exclusive waterfront estates.

WHO: Waterways Cruises www.waterwayscruises.com

WHAT: Two Lakes Cruise Tours

· Two-hour cruise on Lake Union and Lake Washington
· Captain’s narration of interesting sites and facts about the history and culture of Seattle
· Snacks, along with handcrafted cocktails, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase during the cruise
· Cost is $33 per person; $30 for military and seniors; $15 for children (ages 5-12); no charge for children 4 and younger

Two Lakes Cruise Menu
Available for sale onboard

All beef kosher franks
Fresh Kaiser buns
Condiment station with everything from braised cabbage to onions to create your own hot dog
Chips
Cookies
Ice cream bars

WHERE: Waterways’ Homeport in Seattle- 2441 N. Northlake Way

WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. through September 25

Reservations can be made online at http://websales.waterwayscruises.com. For groups of 8 or more guests or for further assistance, please call (206) 223-2060.

Waterways Cruises was founded in 1994 by Hilton Smith and grew from a small family operation into Seattle’s most upscale cruise and event company.  Originally starting with a single yacht for private charters, Waterways successfully expanded its operations to three luxurious vessels (Emerald Star, Olympic Star, and Destiny), accommodating upwards of 40,000 guests per year for weddings, corporate events, special celebrations and dining cruises.

In 2010 Waterways Cruises launched Lake Washington Dining Cruises, departing from the Southport Pier & Promenade in Renton and from the Waterways’ HomePort in Seattle.  Featuring seasonal menus, scenic cruise routes and exciting entertainment options, Lake Washington Dining Cruises brings fine dining experience and sightseeing opportunities to Lake Union and Lake Washington.

Follow Waterways Cruises and Events Online

Website: http://www.waterwayscruises.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/waterwayscruise
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/waterwayscruises

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Huffington Post Writes About Down Under Answers’ Vacation Package to Fiji with Jason and Molly Mesnick. $2999 for 10 day trip!

 

Want to hang out with the former "Bachelor" and his wife in Fiji? Well you can -- it's just $2,999 for a 10-day package.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/02/former-bachelor-bachelorettes_n_916346.html?ref=fb&src=sp#s320445&title=Jason__Molly

425 Magazine Shares Best Place to View Blue Angels Air Show is Aboard Waterways Cruises

http://425magazine.com/2011/08/02/Bob-on-Lake-Washington-as-Blue-Angels-Take-to-the-Sky-?only_path=false&anchor=

August Events

August Events

Waterways Cruises August Events

Seafair Meet the Fleet Cruise for Seniors

August 3

11:30 a.m. from Shilshole Marina in Ballard

A 3-hour cruise to Elliott Bay to greet the incoming fleet of U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Canadian Navy vessels arriving for the annual Seafair celebration. Includes a three-course lunch. From $54.

Blue Angels BBQ Cruises

August 6 & August 7

11:30 a.m. from HomePort in Seattle; Sunday only at 11:30 a.m. from Southport Pier in Renton. 4 hours.

View unique landmarks, learn about Seafair traditions and experience the magnificent thrill and roar of the Blue Angels while savoring an authentic Tennessee BBQ buffet. Cost is $89 per person, $81 senior/military, $39 children (ages 5-12); no charge for children 4 and younger.

Suquamish Casino Cruise for Seniors

August 17

10:30 am from Shilshole Marina in Ballard

A full day of adventure begins with a three-course lunch on the trip to Kiana Lodge on Agate Pass. Spend three hours at Suquamish Casino, stroll Kiana’s gardens, and savor desserts and coffee on the return. From $59.

See Seattle Lunch Cruise for Seniors

August 31

11:30 a.m. from Kirkland City Dock

For 2½ hours, journey between Kirkland and Lake Union, viewing famous waterfront homes, Seattle’s skyline, and more. Includes a three-course lunch. From $45.

For reservations and more information visit Waterways Cruises online. To view the complete cruise calendar, click here.

 

Patterson Cellars August Events

2011 Gig Harbor Wine Food Festival

August 6

Noon to 4 p.m.

On the grounds of the Harbor History Museum

http://www.harborwineandfoodfest.com

Find More Patterson Cellars Events on Facebook

Patterson Cellars is always pouring wine or attending a wine event somewhere. Check out Patterson Cellars’ Facebook page to see where they will be tonight.

For more information visit Patterson Cellars online.

CoCA Presents Acclaimed Haris Purnomo Installation at plume21 Exhibition Space in Seattle August 4 – 26, 2011

SEATTLE, Wash. – (July 26, 2011) – The public is invited to the Seattle’s Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA)’s unveiling of “Visitation” by the acclaimed Indonesian artist, Haris Purnomo, on August 4, 2011, 8:10 pm at plume21 exhibition space (2211 Fifth Avenue, Seattle). This will be the only U.S. exhibition of the installation before it travels to its London destination at the regarded Saatchi Gallery. Entry is free and the doors open at 6pm.

Purnomo is a graduate of Sekolah Tinggi Seni Rupa College of Fine Art, Yogyakarta, and one of the grandfathers of the rebellious Kepribadian Apa (“Pipa”) art movement that shook up the Jakarta art scene more than 30 years ago. Purnomo’s work may be viewed by appointment through August 26, 2011 by contacting CoCA at (206) 728-1980. A live webcast of the unveiling will be broadcast at cocaseattle.org.

“Visitation” is a large installation of 100 larger-than-life-size babies that was first exhibited in 2009 at Bentara Budaya in Jakarta, and, later that year, was split for partial installations in CoCA’s Ballard and Belltown (Seattle) locations. Thanks to the generous collaboration with plume21, this is the first time that all 100 babies will have been exhibited in a single location in the U.S. The present installation was co-organized by plume21’s Thomas Lamprecht and CoCA's Joseph C. Roberts.

When CoCA first presented these works at its Belltown Gallery in 2009, Lamprecht wrote in Singapore’s C-Art magazine, “When it works, the overall strength of Purnomo’s artwork resides in creating a platform for unresolved whimsy. It falls short of being a punch line, a conclusion, and keeps the question hanging. In the end, the wondering travels the viewer tends to go through are not deeply visceral or profound. They do, however, aspire to intellectual intensity. It is about how close to those intensities Purnomo is able to get himself and then pitch it to the viewer. However politely.” http://www.c-artsmag.com/betac-artsmag/index.php/articles/view/107

Tattooed babies pervade the content of Purmono’s work. “Each Indonesian child, newly born, carries the burden and debts of our past deeds,” Purnomo says. “...A baby, regardless of his or her parents, is a new human being. We can invest our hopes in children. I am perhaps too pessimistic to expect­ anything from ‘old human beings.’ There is something good in thinking an apprehended thief is sent to jail, but it is more significant to ensure that children will not become thieves.”

In his essay for the catalogue that accompanied the 2009 shows in Jakarta and Seattle, CoCA Curator Joseph Roberts admits, “I was totally unprepared for what I saw. I had neither the benefit nor curse of context. A series of life-size babies floating like cocoons in a spider web if viewed from afar; more like sublime spirits viewed at closer range...I don’t know whether I should be afraid of or in love with Haris Purmono’s work – and I am afraid to ask; but I do, over and over again.”

CoCA serves the Pacific Northwest as a catalyst and forum for the advancement, development and understanding of contemporary art. To learn more, visit www.cocaseattle.org.

plume21 was founded in 2009 by Thomas Lamprecht and Kristina Müller-Eberhard. Plume21 is an independent creative firm specializing in brand development, advertising, digital communications and design. Recent client work includes Restaurants Unlimited Inc., United Airlines, T-Mobile and AT&T. Plume21 also runs an exhibition space and is committed to showcasing the highest quality of visionary artistic projects. To learn more, visit www.plume21.com.

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