01 Apr 11 10 great options for your next special event or corporate meeting
- SeaDream II—SeaDream Yacht Club
- Liberty of the Seas—Royal Caribbean
- Celebrity Millennium—Celebrity Cruises
- Silver Spirit—Silversea Cruises
- Pride of America—Norwegian Cruise Line
- Seven Seas Navigator—Regent Seven Seas
- MSC Splendida—MSC Cruises
- Allure of the Seas—Royal Caribbean International
- Carnival Dream—Carnival Cruise Lines
- National Geographic Endeavour—Lindblad Expeditions
Tags: Art Facilities, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Millennium, Club Liberty, Entertainment Options, Incentive Travel, Lindblad Expeditions, Mdash, Meeting Planner, Msc Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Pride Of America, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean International, Seadream Yacht Club, Service Adventure, Silver Spirit, Silversea Cruises, Specialist Company
27 Oct 10 The Value of Meetings at Sea for Participants
When many people start planning meetings at sea they forget to remember that the meetings are as much for the company as they are for the participants. The participants are usually the main focus of the meetings at sea, so they should certainly never be forgotten in the shuffle. Here is how participants might view the value of a meeting at sea:
- It is a chance to get out of the office and away from the normal office routine – This is both good and bad, but it can be turned to the advantage of the host with proper planning. Do not simply hold meetings as normal aboard ship, hold exciting meetings with fresh coffee and fruit. Consider alternative meetings such as the spinning room, or one of the pools onboard the cruise liner. Keep business moving forward but strive to do so in a more relaxed manner.
- Time to see the world – The world is truly an amazing place and cruise ships get to see some of the best views ever. Scheduling a sunrise or sunset meeting while amazing views are available via the windows is a poor idea at best.
Tags: Advantage, Amazing Place, Cruise Liner, Cruise Ships, Focus, Fresh Coffee, Many People, Meeting At Sea, Nbsp, Office Routine, Participants, Pools, Poor Idea, Sea People, Shuffle, Spinning Room, Sunrise, Sunset
20 Oct 10 Cruise Meetings vs Hotels From a Meeting Planning Perspective
Planning meetings is a tried and true practice that evolves in large jumps more often than it does in small increments. The cruise meeting is a great example of this as it is an entirely new format that is barely a few decades old. Despite that many meeting planners do not truly understand the difference in planning cruise meetings, such as:
- Cruise meetings general come with a planning partner, the concierge – The concierge will help take care of a lot of the more basic tasks but they do need a head’s up. Your boss might drop last minute requests on you left and right, but it may not be something that you can pass on to the concierge. It never hurts to ask.
- Cruises are all inclusive, but space is limited – Space on a cruise liner is certainly limited, but it can generally be made available to those that ask. Try asking for restaurants to be booked during the cruise and disappointment will probably ensue. Ask for the same two or three weeks before departure (and before booking!) and you might be amazed at the results.
- There are plenty of things to do on a cruise, so ask for a schedule for your group – Cruise ships have activity directors that will be more than happy to handle creating mixers or other events appropriate for the meeting participants. This could include custom personal training the gym, massages for the top brass and special clients, or nearly anything else. Remember to just ask and you might be surprised at the answer.
Tags: Activity Directors, Boss, Concierge, Cruise Liner, Cruise Ships, Cruises, Decades, Disappointment, Group Cruise, Increments, Massages, Meeting Planners, Meeting Planning, Minute Requests, Mixers, Participants, Personal Training, Perspective, Restaurants, Top Brass
11 Oct 10 What Meeting Planners Need to Know About Cabins and Meeting Options on Cruise Ships
Most people liken planning a cruise to planning to regular event planning with a few twists. One of those twists occurs when it comes time to figure out who is sleeping where. There are a few things that many people might not know about cabins on cruise ships, and some questions people may not ever think to ask when planning meetings at sea:
• Less expensive cabins are usually priced on a per-bed basis and assume that two people are sharing a cabin. This pricing system might seem a little deceptive to people that do not do their homework, but it is often possible to upgrade to a single passenger cabin for a small fee.
• Similarly, it is often possible to lock out the second passenger by paying a modest fee. This can be done at nearly any time prior to departure and sometimes even post departure if there is room remaining.
• Meeting rooms are typically available around the clock but larger conference rooms might have time restrictions that can only be removed by booking in advance. Some cruise companies have a 2 or 4 week policy regarding booking these larger rooms so book as early as possible.
• Remember that catering options and preferences also need to be handled well in advance so figure out menus for special events early on if possible.
Tags: Catering, Clock, Cruise Companies, Cruise Ships, Event Planning, Homework, Many People, Meeting People, Meeting Planners, Meeting Rooms, Menus, Options, Passenger Cabin, Time Restrictions, Twists
04 Oct 10 Cruise Destinations Worth Contemplating
Cruise ships span the globe and tour nearly every major waterway. Some are large, some are small, and many are tied to cultures and their unique traditions. For example, there are ancient Chinese-looking ships of modern design cruising the Yellow River and similarly antique-looking modern ships cruising the mighty Mississippi disguised as traditional steamboats.
Some of the cruise ships are tied specifically to certain destinations, but other destinations are open to almost all kinds of cruise vessels. This creates a situation where a company not interested in a specific theme needs to know what different kinds of group cruises are available.
Here are just a few and what they say about the host company or organization:
- Hawaii – Hawaii’s lovely islands are a safe bet for a cruise, but they do not show much imagination. Some people appreciate this, while others do not. Be certain to evaluate customer/company image before choosing the islands of Hawaii.
- Mexico – Parties and drinking are still a big deal for certain crowds, and companies with a youthful and slightly rebellious image might want to consider options south of the border.
- Alaska – Alaska is gorgeous, but it is cold and not necessarily inviting. Companies need to consider cruise meetings to Alaska carefully because the message that the crumbling icebergs offer might be inappropriate.
- The Caribbean – The northern sections of the Caribbean offer plenty of very safe and well-known destinations while the West Indies chain offers great and lesser known destinations.
- Africa and Asia – These simply scream exotic but need to be carefully considered for a few obvious reasons, not the least of which is the travel cost.
Tags: Company Image, Crowds, Cruise Alaska, Cruise Destinations, Cruise Ships, Cruise Vessels, Cultures, Customer Company, Different Kinds, Group Cruises, Host Company, Imagination, Islands Of Hawaii, Mighty Mississippi, Northern Sections, Rsquo, Safe Bet, Waterway, West Indies, Yellow River
20 Sep 10 Save Money On Incentive Meeting Events
One of the greatest problems that incentive meetings have is a loss of control over attendees who would rather be at home cleaning their bathrooms. Even participants who enter a business meeting with the best intentions can become bored and restless if equipment is malfunctioning or there are lengthy pauses in the presentation due to an agenda that isn’t working out as planned.
A great way to guarantee quick results at an incentive meeting is to hold your meeting in a venue that offers desirable after-meeting entertainment options that is not available until all work is completed. When your meeting is composed of busy individuals who have other things to do, they will settle down and do their best to complete the work-at-hand in a fast and productive manner.
Combining a structured incentive trip with fun participant activities requires some creative thinking and a calculator. In reality, a business incentive meeting can be held in any appropriately setup conference room that comes complete with reasonably priced comfortable accommodations, food and beverage choices, and an easy-access location that allows for all transportation concerns.
Cruise ships have luxury accommodations, free food, no transportation needs after reaching the point of departure, and conference room facilities that are available with state-of-the-art equipment for passengers to use. These floating hotels also offer quality entertainment options, health spas, room service and activities for traveling family members to enjoy themselves too.
A few quick clicks on the calculator will show you how the price of a cruise meeting will beat the traditional lodging, restaurant, and transportation costs of a business incentive meeting from many locations inside of the United States today. Even with airfares involved to get to the port-of-departure, with many of the vacation industry discounts being offered today, a cruise can be the most economical way to conduct your next business meeting. In fact, a cruise can save you as much as 40 percent over the price of a land based venue, due to the fact that it is all inclusive.
An all inclusive cruise event can save you up to 40% compared to hotel venues since so much is included. Meals, meeting rooms, A/V, coffee breaks, activities, entertainment and even room service are part of the all-inclusive cruise fare.
Tags: Art Equipment, Best Intentions, Beverage Choices, Business Incentive, Cruise Ships, Free Food, Health Spas, Incentive Meetings, Incentive Trip, Industry Discounts, Luxury Accommodations, Participant Activities, Point Of Departure, Productive Manner, Quality Entertainment Options, Reaching The Point, Traditional Lodging, Transportation Concerns, Transportation Costs, Vacation Industry
25 Aug 10 Could a Cruise Meeting be In Your Organization’s Future?
Cruise meetings are a time honored and tested alternative to holding meetings in more traditional locations, yet they strangely remain a secret. The tendency of cruise meetings as an alternative to land-bound meetings is puzzling, especially with the amazing incentives and tantalizing prices being offered by cruise lines. Could a cruise meeting be right for your next event? Maybe, but ask yourself these questions first:
• Are you and your guests looking to see amazing views? Some people just like the same old boring office interiors all day, but they won’t get that on a cruise ship. On the other hand, many people will actually benefit from the creative art designs on most cruise ships as it can get the mind working in new ways.
• Are you ready for 5 star meals and entertainment? Cruise ships have an amazing assortment of top-quality restaurants and amazing night clubs. Add to this gyms, pools, and other activities, and you really have two choices: schedule some downtime or run the risk of people being a little late to meetings because of all the entertainment. The good news is that alternative meetings are available as are group-specific mixers or bar nights.
• Are you ready to be pampered? This is more of a trick question because just about everyone says yes! That is what you and your guests will get when you plan cruise meetings. It sure beats hotel service at the same price by an unbelievable margin.
Tags: Art Designs, Assortment, Creative Art, Cruise Lines, Cruise Ship, Cruise Ships, Downtime, Gyms, Hotel Service, Incentives, Lines Cruise, Mixers, New Ways, Night Clubs, Office Interiors, Pools, Quality Restaurants, Star Meals, Trick Question, Two Choices
18 Aug 10 Planning Meetings Abroad
Planning large scale international gatherings/meetings is complicated, but the fact that they are held abroad makes them even more complex. Here are some tips for planning the perfect meeting abroad:
- Start planning early – Planning early is the best way to get everything ready and prepared properly. Be sure to look around online forums and search engines to see if the venue(s) and/or hotel(s) being considered are reputable. Remember that reputable might mean different things to different people, and some countries allow establishments to rate themselves in terms of stars. Consider an all inclusive cruise meeting. Cruising to foreign ports is a great way to save money and still offer a fabulous itinerary.
- Passports and visas – Some countries have very laid back standards for entry, while others have very strict rules that are dutifully enforced. Know the rules of the country you plan on visiting and follow them fastidiously.
- Start slow – Jet lag is unpredictable, and thus it is best not to put critical meetings at the break of dawn on the very first day. Instead, schedule mixers and other light events on the first day and let the second day start a little slow.
- Book early – Let participants know what to expect in terms of jet lag, and suggest that people be on the ground and ready a day early. A few early bird cocktail mixers or other events could be held for these people, but remember the previous tip.
- Guides – A good host will prepare guides for their guests. Include basic language and custom tips when appropriate as well as a list of important numbers.
Tags: Basic Language, Break Of Dawn, Cocktail Mixers, Different Things, Early Bird, Establishments, Important Numbers, International Gatherings, Itinerary, Jet Lag, Laid Back, Online Forums, Participants, Passports, Ports, Search Engines, Strict Rules, Tip Guides, Venue, Visas
09 Aug 10 Keeping Group Cruise Planning Simple
Planning a group cruise can seem like a logistical nightmare at first, but is not actually a complex as it might seem on the surface. Follow these three basic tips to keep your sanity and composure while simultaneously planning a great group cruise:
- Create lockdown dates – If last minute changes drive you crazy, then eliminate them simply by letting everyone know that the cruise line has a lockdown date for final planning. This works even when cruise lines do not have such a date, or if you put your lockdown date a little bit ahead of theirs. Remember to stick to whatever date you provide participants via e-mail or memo.
- Get help – Most cruise lines have concierge services that can take a fair portion of the planning and logistics off of your shoulders, but they need to know what you want. It might be a good idea to contact the concierge service/planner and make a point of contact that can provide you with options and details that can be passed on to participants/decision makers.
- Have alternatives ready – If you suspect that Bob Jones from sales is going to request something that is unavailable, having an alternative that is acceptable is better than a no. Be sure to explore alternatives before using those terrible two little letters: N and O.
Tags: Bob Jones, Composure, Concierge Service, Concierge Services, Cruise Line, Cruise Lines, Decision Makers, E Mail, Group Cruise, Little Bit, Logistical Nightmare, Logistics, Minute Changes, Participants, Point Of Contact, Sanity, Service Planner, Shoulders, Terrible Two
21 Jun 10 Great Reasons to Hold Cruise Events
The truth is that just about everyone wants to go on a cruise at one point in time, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to do that with the mounting pressures of work and family. Luckily there are cruise events that can be held for nearly any reason, and those events could prove to be irresistible to anyone who has ever wanted to sail away from their problems. Here are *** great reasons to hold a your next even on a cruise ship:
Everything is included – No more trying to coordinate rooms, catering, and events; cruise ships have this taken care of. In fact, many cruise ships have a helpful planning staff that can handle everything from travel to special needs and requests.
Complete and total care – No other event venue is as self-contained yet complete as a cruise ship. A world-class gym, spa, restaurants, casinos, theaters, places for the children to play and more are all included.
Accessible to everyone – It would be harder to find a venue that was as friendly to those who are differently-abled as a cruise ship.
Elevators and ramps are everywhere, making a cruise liner very accessible.
No need to worry – Unlike destinations on land, everyone on a ship is a tourist. No more thieves or pickpockets to worry about.
Tags: Casinos, Catering, Class Gym, Cruise Events, Cruise Liner, Cruise Ship, Cruise Ships, Cruise World, Elevators, Pickpockets, Point In Time, Ramps, Restaurants, Spa, Special Needs, Theaters, Thieves, Travel Special, Truth, Venue
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