Cruising has evolved from the days of shuffleboard and
midnight buffets. Today's vessels are built business friendly. Cruises are
used for meetings, incentive or recognition programs—even docked to serve as
"floating hotels" when cities require more room space!
Want to put your
people into an entirely new environment, where even the most "predictable"
business portion of the trip will be absorbed from a fresh new perspective?
Then put your attendees at sea, aboard a floating resort where there are a
number of opportunities for creativity and customization. This is especially
true when you choose to charter a ship of your own.
In much the same way a
resort venue is used for meetings and incentives, a cruise generally
includes all that a resort does—and then some! Overall, a cruise program is
almost always more cost effective than a land program.
All-inclusive
pricing provides better budget control
Today's cruise prices are lower than we've seen in years. And, now more than
ever, planners are watching their bottom line and looking to get the best
return on their corporate investment. Because the price of a cruise includes
accommodations, virtually all food/beverage, nightly entertainment, meeting
facilities, audio-visual equipment, plus activities, planners have the
ability to forecast all their expenses up front—no last-minute surprises!
Cruising combines the
pleasures of a resort hotel with the adventure of foreign travel. A cruise
program allows attendees to experience multiple destinations, cultures and
climates with minimal travel hassle (unpack just once). In fact, West Coast
ports are becoming increasingly popular for cruise departures. Ships leave
from cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Seattle, to reach
ports in Mexico, Alaska and British Columbia. Some longer voyages even sail
to Hawaii.
In addition to the
ports-of-call, the ship is a destination in itself. Outfitted with discos,
Internet cafes, full-service spas, basketball courts, golf simulators, movie
theatres, and even rock-climbing walls, today's vessels offer something for
everyone. Also, most ships provide multiple dining venues and some
restaurants can accommodate up to 1,700 people at once. There are ample menu
choices and unlimited servings (no limitations as with banquet meals in a
hotel).
Because there already
is a built-in program of daily activities and entertainment onboard, a
cruise program offers a wide variety of options for companions (at no
additional cost or planning) while employees are in business sessions.
A new, exciting
travel experience
Corporate executives often spend much of their time in hotels for meetings
and business events, but only 11 percent of the population has ever cruised.
Cruising is a great motivator because it offers a new and exciting travel
experience and venue. Doesn't a hotel ballroom look the same whether you are
in New Jersey or Hawaii? For this reason, attendance for business events at
sea is almost always higher than on land.
Participants perceive
cruises as having a high value and the opportunity for a cruise gives people
the feeling of importance. Their organization is doing something nice for
them.
Enhanced
camaraderie from sharing a new experience
Cruising creates a bond with your organization. By holding your event on a
ship, you are sending the message that your organization is unique and
thinks "out of the box."
Planning a new product
launch? Nothing stimulates creativity like a cruise ship atmosphere. Let the
ideas flow!
Also, highly
personalized service is traditional aboard ship. Such attention nourishes
the egos of participants more than other types of travel.
Networking among the
ranks often occurs on a cruise. Nothing is more relaxing than feeling the
fresh, ocean breeze as you chitchat by the rail sailing to your next exotic
destination.
Self-contained
environment
A cruise provides organizations with a "captive audience," convenient for
meetings, award presentations and maximum interaction.
Unlike a land-based
hotel or resort, while at sea attendees cannot break off on their own and
miss the business session altogether.
Conference and
meeting facilities
Today's ships can easily accommodate meetings and breakout sessions. While
it's true that the ship's hierarchy is much different from that of a hotel,
an experienced cruise professional can make the necessary recommendations to
fit your group's needs. Meetings can be accommodated in smaller boardrooms;
awards ceremonies can be staged in multi-level theatres holding more than
1,300 people at once. Some ships even feature purpose-built exhibition halls
(that convert from full-size skating rinks!) to hold a tabletop trade show.
All too often, we hear
our clients say that they never would have imagined a cruise program could
be so successful. Even after their program is over, our meeting planner
clients continue to tell us about the positive feedback they received from
attendees and from senior management.
Business is as easily
accomplished on land as it is at sea, and it's a sure way to top last year's
program! Today's ships and the cruise pricing that is available right now
are unprecedented. So what are you waiting for? Don't miss the boat!
