Silly Sammy by Jana Pierce

If you want to get away from it all, you should check out http://www.hungrysuitcase.com/ . Here you will find a site full of fun and great design. The main part of the site is their "Vacation Fun-A-Lyzer"where you pack different items into "the hungry suitcase." Based on the items you choose to pack, the program will come up with a destination the Carnival Cruise Line offers as a vacation. The artistry is excellent. Everything is top notch as far as design and functionality. As you are deciding what to pack, you go from room to room. There is a neat effect of the room spinning to the next. If you are idle in one room, the suitcase will prompt you to keep packing. Once you have chosen 10 items, you will click on "show my vacation" and then it will analyze your choices. You will have a somewhat personalized song at the end inviting you on your dream cruise. As an added touch, you receive a little fortune at the end that says what type of suitcase you are and why. Each of the items you pack have a value related to them such as relaxin', action, and culture. This site is very interactive and really leads the player through the process. Sometimes it does take awhile to load each stage of the game but the humor and interactivity makes it well worth the wait. I kept wanting to see what Sammy the suitcase would say next! While you are browsing the room, as you hover over an object, it will get bigger and a little dialogue will appear with a witty little comment. Sammy will usually pipe in, too. Of course, you can mute it but then you would miss half the fun.

Another fun part of the site is "Make A Date" where you can make up a suitcase for Sammy. You choose the color style, accessories, etc and then, you are off to whatever romantic scene awaits! (we got to go skinny dipping in Bermuda!-) Try it ! it's funny! Of course there is a tab on the site to fill out an email form but they make that fun, too and say "lets be pen pals. I'll send you my news." The whole site is geared toward a younger crowd of cruisers. It is put together to keep you on the site and ultimately get your info so that they can target advertise to you. They know your interests and see a slice of what people are most interested in for vacation. it is a really fun way to get free marketing census information.

By Jana Pierce final post