Think cruises are all fun and games? Think again!
There’s some serious business being conducted at sea!
More meeting and event planning pros are discovering that cruise ships are terrific venues for corporate meetings, incentive travel programs, and group events of all types and sizes.
The Landry & Kling Cruise Event Specialists have been helping organizations plan and operate successful cruise programs for over 30 years. Here is their list of the most popular types of events at sea – including a few you probably never thought of.
Top 10 Most Popular Types of Cruise Events
1. Incentive / Employee Recognition Cruises
Nothing motivates performance like a cruise! Only 24% of the U.S. population has been on a cruise, and the all-inclusive nature of a ship, plus the allure of traveling to multiple ports, make an incentive at sea especially appealing. Read a few incentive cruise success stories.
2. Customer Appreciation Cruise
A ship’s self-contained environment makes cruising ideal for relationship-building. With a variety of on board dining venues, bars, lounges and theaters, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for entertaining your customers.
3. Business Meetings
Today’s cruise ships offer meeting planners complimentary use of dedicated conference centers, flexible meeting space and built-in A/V. Unique spaces and new destinations also lead to creative thinking and increased camaraderie. Read a few meeting at sea success stories.
4. Conferences, Conventions and Trade Shows
Increase attendance, simplify planning and control expenses by booking your conference at sea. With capacities of up to 5,000 people, cruise ships are convenient, self-contained venues. Read a few case studies of successful trade shows on cruise ships.
5. Continuing Education at Sea
Planners of medical, legal and other professional continuing education programs are using cruise ships to increase attendance and boost satisfaction ratings. And they’re perfect for family-friendly programs! Here are two continuing education at sea success stories.
6. Executive Retreats
For the ultimate in security and privacy, consider a small ship or yacht charter. If a full-ship charter isn’t feasible, take a look at the “ship within a ship” private cruise ship enclaves, offering the best of both worlds.
7. Theme or Special Interest Cruises
An affinity, themed or special interest cruise is the best way to bring like-minded people together to share and celebrate their common interest. Ships provide a budget-friendly alternative to land-based venues – if feasible, consider a private charter to fully customize the cruise experience. Read about a few successful theme cruises.
8. Fund Raisers at Sea
Universities, hospitals and other organizations motivate donations through travel programs that earmark a portion of the cruise price for a worthy cause. Rock Legends Cruise 3 is a successful example - it’s a sell-out!
9. Full-Ship Charters
For the ultimate security and prestige, charter a vessel for your organization’s exclusive use. The opportunities for customization are limitless – daily activities, menus, even ports of call can be adjusted to support your needs. Read a few cruise ship charter success stories.
10. Dockside Charters or “Floating Hotels”
If there’s a shortage of hotel space for a city-wide convention, sporting event or global gathering in a port city, consider a dockside ship charter to accommodate the overflow. A unique solution that is sure to create buzz! Read about successful Dockside Charter events.
Read more about Top 10 Types of Cruise Events.
