How to create 100 new relationships from SCRATCH in 8 days on a CRUISE!

Let me tell you how I built 100 new FRIENDSHIPS and business RELATIONSHIPS over 8 days on a cruise ship in the HOT sunny caribbean sea!

The Marketer's Cruise 2025 Recap By Joe Apfelbaum, CEO of evyAI

The Marketer's Cruise 2025 was an extraordinary experience—one that left me energized, inspired, and deeply grateful.

This annual event brings together entrepreneurs, authors, speakers, and marketers from across the globe, and the 2025 edition exceeded all my expectations.

Here’s my recap of the highlights, moments, and takeaways that made this cruise an unforgettable adventure.

A High-Energy Vibe and Authentic Connections

The vibe on the cruise was incredible. It wasn’t just the luxury of the ship or the stunning destinations—it was the people.

Most attendees had online businesses and were willing to share their secrets, collaborate, and connect authentically. I made it my mission to show up fully and contribute wherever I could.

I organized five events myself, including a high-speed networking session with 50 attendees, a LinkedIn training session, and a networking improv event. The participation and enthusiasm from everyone made these events hugely successful.

Even though there were two people who felt I was “too much,” the positivity from the other 398 participants more than made up for it!

Through these interactions, I built relationships with over 100 people and gained a dozen new customers. These new connections are projected to generate $100,000 in profits for them this year—and I’m thrilled to play a role in their growth.

Memorable Moments: From Pizza to Pitch Sessions

One of my favorite parts of the cruise was the 30-second elevator pitch sessions.

Watching people share their stories and expertise over several hours was invigorating, not exhausting.

I even recorded many of these pitches and used AI to organize and transcribe them, creating a valuable resource I can revisit.

Beyond the formal sessions, the impromptu moments stood out:

• Pizza and Profits under the stars, brainstorming ideas late into the night.
• Random yet meaningful conversations—whether over breakfast, at the gym, or in the jacuzzi.
• Playing mini-golf, running with new friends, and exploring the ship’s activities.

These small moments added up to big connections and a deep sense of community.

Exploring Puerto Rico and Building Bridges

Among the ports of call, Puerto Rico was my favorite. Stepping into Old San Juan felt like coming home.

I connected with the local San Juan social group and was warmly welcomed by Tevia and other group leaders.

The generosity and hospitality of the entrepreneurs there made a lasting impression.

Networking Opportunities Beyond Expectation

I went into this cruise expecting great networking opportunities, but the reality blew me away. Having daily dinners with entrepreneurs and their families gave me a chance to connect on a deeper level. For example, spending time with Molly Mahoney and her family was incredibly impactful.

The eight-day journey felt like a fast-track to trust and meaningful relationships, allowing me to align with like-minded individuals who share my energy and vision.

The Power of Vulnerability and Community

One of the most powerful aspects of this event was witnessing the vulnerability and generosity of the attendees. From impromptu roundtable discussions to post-cruise gatherings at a hotel, people leaned into the conversations and shared their stories openly.

One unexpected highlight was meeting a man in the jacuzzi who plans to walk across Africa to dig wells for communities without water. Conversations like these made me realize how aligned our stories are and left me deeply inspired.

Leadership and Organization: A Testament to 18 Years of Excellence

After 18 years, Captain Lou, Mike Filsaime, and Tom Beal have created a finely tuned event that feels like a family reunion for marketers. Sure, there were a few hiccups (like a microphone issue caused by the captain’s announcements), but the way the team rallied to resolve challenges was beautiful.

One heartwarming moment was when a guest got injured, and the community immediately started a GoFundMe campaign to support them. This culture of camaraderie and care is a testament to the leadership and values of the organizers.

Why You Should Attend Next Year

If you’re serious about online marketing, relationship-building, and business growth, the Marketer's Cruise is an event you can’t miss. It’s a rare opportunity to combine vacation and business networking in a meaningful way.

THIS IS BY INVITE ONLY! So please reach out to me Joe Apfelbaum if you want to learn more about attending and do it soon BECAUSE IT SELLS OUT FAST.

Whether you’re looking to generate revenue, find trusted partners, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, this event offers unmatched opportunities.

I joined the cruise on an invitation from Virginia Muzquiz , and I’m so glad I did—it was worth every moment.

The Marketer's Cruise 2025 was more than a trip; it was a transformative experience. I can’t wait to return next year, deepen these connections, and create new ones. See you in 2026!

The Marketer’s Cruise 2025: FAQ

General Information

1. What is the Marketer’s Cruise? The Marketer's Cruise is an annual mastermind event that brings together online marketers, entrepreneurs, authors, and business owners from across the globe for a unique mix of networking, learning, and fun aboard a luxury cruise ship.

It features no-pitch sessions, impromptu gatherings, and exclusive networking events, all within a relaxed vacation setting.

2. Who attends the cruise? Participants include entrepreneurs, authors, coaches, marketers, and business professionals across various industries, from beginners to seasoned experts. Many attendees run online businesses, making this a hotspot for learning and collaboration.

3. Who organizes the event? The event is hosted by Captain "Captain Lou" Edwards , Michael Filsaime , and Tom Beal , who have been running this annual cruise for 18 years. Their leadership ensures a seamless blend of work and play.

Networking Opportunities

4. What networking opportunities are available? The cruise offers countless networking events, including:

• 30-second elevator pitch sessions: Share your story and learn about others’ businesses.
• Casual dining and evening events: Spend eight nights dining and mingling with entrepreneurs and their families.
• Impromptu gatherings: From “Pizza and Profits” under the stars to Jacuzzi masterminds, organic networking opportunities are everywhere.
• Post-cruise gatherings: Many participants continue networking after the cruise at nearby hotels or private events.

5. How can I make the most of the networking?

• Be authentic and open to sharing your expertise.
• Attend as many events and sessions as possible, including casual ones like meals and onboard activities.
• Follow up post-cruise to nurture the relationships you’ve built.

Workshops and Events

6. Are there workshops or speaking opportunities? Yes, there are several workshops and opportunities to learn:

• Group Leaders Showcase: Selected leaders present 15-30 minute pure-content sessions.
• Burning Questions & Business Breakthroughs Panel: A chance to ask top experts your burning business questions.
• Specialized training: Participants like Joe Apfelbaum often host sessions for his relationships, such as LinkedIn training or networking roundtables. Ill be doing this again for those interested!

7. What’s the Group Leaders Showcase? This is a featured event where top group leaders who refer 10+ cabins earn stage time to present on their area of expertise. It's a mix of inspirational talks and practical advice, with no pitches allowed.

Onboard Activities

8. Is the cruise all business? Not at all! The cruise strikes a balance between work and play. While there are structured networking events and sessions, there are also opportunities for:

• Dancing and evening entertainment.
• Poolside lounging, mini-golf, slides, and other onboard activities.
• Fun moments like themed karaoke nights and elegant dinners.

9. What’s the “Pizza and Profits” event? This is an unofficial, late-night networking event where participants gather under the stars to brainstorm, eat pizza, and bond. It’s one of the most cherished moments for many attendees.

Excursions and Ports of Call

10. What destinations are typically included? The 2025 cruise stopped at amazing destinations like Amber Cove, San Juan (Puerto Rico), St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.

2026 we are doing the WEST COAST! Leaving out of Long Beach and going down to Cabo with a few ports on the way!

But does it really matter where we will be going?

11. Are there private excursions? Yes! The Marketer’s Cruise often organizes private group excursions separate from the ones offered by Carnival. These are curated specifically for attendees.

Preparation and Logistics

12. How do I prepare for the cruise?

• Upload your profile: Add your information to the digital directory before the cruise to help others connect with you.
• Join the Facebook group: Engage with attendees in the private Marketers Cruise Friends group to start building connections early.
• Pack for business and fun: Bring attire for formal dinners, casual networking, and excursions.

13. How do I check in?

• Check-in details and boarding times are available on Carnival’s website. Ensure you upload your ID, provide emergency contact information, and print your boarding passes and luggage tags in advance.

14. What’s the group dinner schedule? Group dinners are scheduled every evening at 7:45 PM in the Reflections Dining Room. You’re encouraged to sit with different people each night to expand your network.

Tips for First-Time Attendees

15. What should first-timers know?

• Be ready to connect: Attend as many events as possible to maximize networking.
• Stay organized: Bring a notepad or use a device to track contacts and ideas.
• Take care of yourself: Balance networking with self-care—eat well, stay hydrated, and take breaks when needed.

16. How do I stand out? Wear your Marketers Cruise T-shirt on designated days to connect with fellow attendees. Also, consider offering value by hosting a small session or sharing expertise during conversations.

Post-Cruise Opportunities

17. How can I continue the relationships I build?

• Follow up with contacts immediately after the cruise via LinkedIn, email, or social media.
• Look for collaboration opportunities, like webinar swaps, joint ventures, or referrals.
• Stay active in the Marketers Cruise community to maintain your connections year-round.

18. Can I get involved as a Group Leader next year? Yes! Group leaders are invited to refer attendees to the cruise. Those who refer 10+ cabins earn a cash prize and the chance to speak at the Group Leaders Showcase.

Why Attend?

19. What makes the Marketer’s Cruise unique? It’s not just a networking event—it’s a blend of vacation, business-building, and personal growth. The relaxed setting allows for deep connections and trust-building, which can lead to long-lasting partnerships and opportunities.

20. Should I attend next year? If you’re serious about building meaningful relationships, scaling your business, and learning from some of the brightest minds in marketing, the Marketer’s Cruise is a must-attend event.

The Marketers Cruise Directory: Your Ultimate Networking Tool

The Marketers Cruise Directory is an invaluable resource designed to connect participants and maximize their networking potential. Every attendee receives a printed copy of this comprehensive guide, complete with individual profiles, page numbers, and details about each guest’s business, expertise, and goals. Whether you’re looking for joint venture partners, mentors, or simply like-minded professionals, the directory is your go-to tool for building meaningful connections.

In addition to the printed version, a digital directory is also available, offering easy access to profiles anytime, anywhere.

To take things even further, Joe Apfelbaum has developed an innovative AI-powered matching system that uses the directory to help participants connect based on shared goals, complementary skills, and potential opportunities. You can learn more about this groundbreaking tool and how it’s making networking smarter and more effective by visiting HighEnergyCruise.com. Joe’s AI is a game-changer for anyone looking to foster meaningful partnerships and collaborations during and after the cruise!

So, what do you say, want to join me next year?