|
How a cruise retreat or conference
differs from a land based event.
Following is an
example of a 3-night hotel event
compared with a PhilanthroTourism event.
It is easy to see why more organizations
are taking their events to
SEA...STEWARDSHIP!
Even the
most experienced planner may find that
when it comes to planning an event
aboard ship, it's quite different from
a land-based trip. Below are some
things to consider before you choose a
cruise.
1.) What kind of
ship is best for my needs?
Be careful to choose a ship whose image
appeals to the people in your group. If
a conservative bunch looking for quiet
and relaxation gets booked on a ship
full of disco-type party people, your
guests will be unhappy. Also
consider the nationality of your
passengers and how they will fit with
the nationality of the passengers and
crew of the ship you are considering.
The average age, economic status, prior
travel experience, etc. of your guests
should all play a role in the final ship
choice.
2.) Booking
passage
In general, cruise bookings require more
lead-time than resort bookings on land.
Some destinations--such as the
Caribbean--have so many sailings that
late bookings may not be an issue.
But, any group over 500 people should be
committed at least a year in advance.
Charters may require more lead-time
because ships must be removed from
inventory before vacation passengers
begin booking.
3.) To charter or
not to charter? That is the
question…
Basically there are two options: you can
book your group on one ship with other
passengers, or charter a ship just for
your group. A number of factors
will enter into your decision such as
how many people, how large of a budget
you have, and where to sail. Both
options offer distinct advantages.
4.) What's
included?
Cruising is an outstanding value when
you consider all of the amenities that
are included in a cruise price versus a
hotel.
|
Pricing for a cruise program
generally includes many more
meals, services, entertainment
and activities than a land-based
program. Most cruise lines
promise the following:
|
|
What's included:
|
Cruise
|
Hotel/Resort
|
|
Sleeping rooms (some
with robes, mini-bar,
VCR and more)
|
yes
|
yes
|
|
Complimentary private
receptions/parties
|
yes
|
no
|
|
Transportation to
multiple destinations
|
yes
|
no
|
|
Seated
breakfast/lunch/dinner
with ample menu choices
|
yes
|
no
|
|
Daily snacks/midnight
buffets/room service
|
yes
|
no
|
|
Use of beautiful public
rooms for private events
(no décor budget needed)
|
yes
|
no
|
|
Meeting break coffee
service
|
yes
|
no
|
|
Meeting room/AV
equipment
|
yes
|
rental fees
|
|
Variety of complimentary
activities for
spouses/children
|
yes
|
no
|
|
Nightly
entertainment--floor
shows/cabaret/dancing
|
yes
|
no
|
|
Photographer's services
free--photo purchase
extra
|
yes
|
no
|
|
Health & fitness club
free
|
yes
|
no
|
|
First-run movies free
|
yes
|
no
|
|
Enrichment lectures,
sports and deck games
|
yes
|
no
|
|
Duty-free shopping on
premises
|
yes
|
maybe
|
|
24-hr medical services
|
yes
|
no
|
|
24-hr security on-site
(fee for service)
|
yes
|
no
|
|
Printed schedule of
daily activities
delivered daily
|
yes
|
no
|
|
Cruise line's document
wallet, bag tags, port
info/tips brochure
|
yes
|
no
|
|
City/State and occupancy
taxes
|
yes
|
no
|
|
5.) Negotiating
rates
Negotiating rates for a cruise is
somewhat different than negotiating
rates for a resort. The planner
must consider such variables as season,
ports of call, and arrival / departure
dates. Prices will vary depending
on the cruise line and level of luxury
you want, as well as the accommodations
you choose. However, cruise lines
tend to be more restrictive than hotels
in giving out free rooms for your
planning staff.
6.) Obtaining
expert help
Planners should know that if they book
their cruise direct from the cruise
line, they will be working with the
cruise line's corporate office--which is
not aboard ship. The staff that
coordinates the program planning is not
the same staff who will implement it
once you sail. For this reason, planners
often seek help from specialists.
It is
important to work with a company that has a
background in the industry or specializes in
cruises. It is important to be familiar with
what can and cannot be done onboard ship.
Being familiar with how a cruise line
operates makes it possible to come up with
alternatives that might not have otherwise
been thought possible. PhilanthroTourism has relationships
with the cruise line executives. PhilanthroTourism knows
all facets of the cruise industry and its
suppliers including cruise ship staff,
ground operators, and air providers.
Contact us about hosting your own Cruise
Retreat or Conference 888-518-7571.
|
