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
16 Jun 10 Cruise Meetings are Affordable
When many people think of cruises, they do not think about work. While everyone is free to have their own mental images to do with as they wish, the fact is that cruises are actually cost effective solutions for holding meetings in many cases. In fact, there are entire industries where few options for hosting meetings or events make as much sense as cruise meetings do.
Consider the alternatives for a moment, and a better picture will emerge. Renting hotel suites and a banquet hall can be expensive and somewhat bland. Add to this expenses related to catering and entertainment, and even basic meetings hosted at a hotel and/or conference center can become very expensive indeed. All of these facilities are available on a single cruise liner at prices that cannot be matched; it is like putting all of the resources under one roof, managed by a single business.
Anyone who knows a good deal about businesses and pricing can probably appreciate the value of allowing a single company to leverage its size and buying power to return the lowest cost possible. This not only makes cruise meetings a very practical alternative to hotels and/or conference centers, it makes cruise ships significantly more fun. Add to this the incentive value of bringing top talent, partners, and clients on the trip, and it is clear why many organizations host their meetings and events at sea.
Tags: Banquet Hall, Cost Effective, Cruise Liner, Cruise Prices, Cruise Ships, Cruises, Effective Solutions, Few Options, Hosting, Hotel Suites, Hotels, Many People, Meetings And Events, Mental Images, Single Company, Talent Partners
24 May 10 Spa Packages as Incentives
Meetings at luxurious resorts and hotels are the type of travel incentives many employers use to motivate their employees. While staying at a top-quality resort is an excellent incentive in itself, employers may want to consider adding a spa package as an additional motivational factor. Spa treatments are truly an indulgence that most people cannot afford on a regular basis.
Spa packages are usually relegated to special holidays or events. Therefore, providing employees the opportunity to earn unique travel incentives that include a spa package is an excellent idea. Employers may be surprised at the response of employees to this type of incentive.
Spa packages as an addition to incentive travel do not have to break the bank. Employers may even want to consider simply adding a spa package as an option. This may be the best route for employers to take as all employees will not utilize the spa incentive. Spa packages may includes things such as facials, massages, or signature spa treatments.
Purchasing optional spa packages for employees is just another way employers can show their gratitude for the employee's dedication and hard work. When incentive travel is memorable, employees will be inclined to increase productivity levels in order to again be eligible for these special rewards.
Tags: Best Route, Dedication, Facials, Gratitude, Holidays, Incentive Travel, Indulgence, Luxurious Resorts, Massages, Motivational Factor, Productivity Levels, Quality Resort, Rewards, Signature, Spa Package, Spa Packages, Spa Treatments, Top Quality, Travel Incentives, Unique Travel
17 May 10 Increase Productivity with an Incentive Cruise Event!
In this day and time when the economy is uncertain and resources are scarce, event planning can be difficult. However, it is important for organizations and corporations to offer their employees some incentive to motivate them and encourage them to continue to increase their productivity levels. An incentive cruise is a great way to do just that. An incentive cruise rewards top-notch employees and provides organizations with the opportunity to further increase their productivity and profitability. An incentive cruise is not just about fun-in-the-sun, but it is also about personal and professional growth.
While incentive cruises do provide employees with the chance to visit exotic destinations and enjoy various types of entertainment, cruise meetings are also an important component. Meetings at sea are an excellent way to encourage new ideas and fresh ways of thinking. Outside of the office and away from the pressures of the daily grind, employees may find the space to be more creative and think more clearly. Meetings at sea are low pressure as everything the organization needs will be provided. Meetings at sea may also cost less than traditional land meetings usually held in big cities at expensive locations. When event planning, organizations should seriously consider cruise meetings.
Tags: Corporations, Economy, Event Planning, Exotic Destinations, Fun In The Sun, Incentive Cruise, Incentive Cruises, Increase Productivity, Notch Employees, Opportunity, Productivity Levels, Professional Growth, Profitability, Top Notch
14 May 10 Doing More with Less
One of the obstacles that planners with corporations and organizations face with event planning is being asked to do more with less. That is a common phrase heard among meeting planners, and many times these individuals feel that their hands are tied. They have to be creative within a budget, and sometimes they are unsure of how to plan a memorable meeting while saving the company money. An incentive cruise may be an excellent option when event planning requires a strict budget. Cruise meetings are an ideal way to motivate and reward top-quality employees without breaking the bank.
Meetings at sea provide employees and customers with a break from the norm. Instead of the hustle and bustle of big cities, groups can enjoy the quiet and beauty of the seas. They can experience exotic locations, enjoy the sun and breezes, and refresh their senses. Cruise meetings provide much needed relaxation, which often helps employees think outside the box and come up with fresh, innovative ideas. Cruise meetings are not simply about fun and entertainment. From meeting space to entertainment, everything is inclusive with meetings at sea. A meeting planner will find that meetings at sea will come in below budget and provide the company or organization with all its meeting needs and more.
Tags: Break, Breaking The Bank, Breezes, Budget Cruise, Bustle, Common Phrase, Company Money, Corporations, Event Planning, Incentive Cruise, Innovative Ideas, Meeting Planner, Meeting Planners, Norm, Obstacles, Quality Employees, Relaxation, Senses, Strict Budget, Top Quality
21 Apr 10 7 Day Incentive Cruise on the Carnival Conquest
An all-inclusive, 7-day cruise meeting makes a great incentive for a team shaking off the winter blues. The Carnival Conquest leaves Galveston every Sunday traveling one week to the eastern Caribbean, the next week to the western Caribbean.
The eastern cruise leaves Galveston and travels to Key West, Florida; Freeport, Bahamas; Nassau, Bahamas; then returns to Galveston. If you prefer to travel west, the Carnival Conquest moves from Galveston to Montego Bay, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; and returns to Galveston. The hardest choice to make is which direction to travel.
One of the “fun ships” in the Carnival line, the Conquest is equipped with a 270 square foot television screen. This allows passengers to enjoy movies, sporting events, and special programming on the Lido deck. The sound system uses special technology that results in concert quality sound.
Families are a big part of the Carnival Conquest and are sure to enjoy the swimming pool, basketball and volleyball courts, and water slide. Teenagers will enjoy the video arcade and 24-hour pizzeria. The cruise ship also has a 3,300 square foot children’s play area.
Try an all-inclusive, 7-day incentive cruise on the Carnival Conquest. It will be the most relaxing vacation your team has ever had.
Tags: Bahamas Nassau, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Line, Concert Quality Sound, Cozumel Mexico, Cruise Carnival, Cruise Galveston, Cruise Ship, Freeport Bahamas, Incentive Cruise, Lido Deck, Montego Bay Jamaica, Nassau Bahamas, Relaxing Vacation, Special Technology, Travel One, Video Arcade, Volleyball Courts, Western Caribbean, Winter Blues
19 Apr 10 Meeting Destinations without Passports: St. Croix
It can be a challenge to plan a last minute meeting in an exotic location. Not every convention member has a current passport, which makes St. Croix, one of the US Virgin Islands, an ideal location for your next impromptu meeting.
The Buccaneer Hotel has four separate meetings rooms that are perfect for corporate groups. Small groups of up to 40 people find the Beach Meeting Room just the right size. The Brass Parrot room is popular for banquets and presentations and can seat 90 guests theater style. If an open air, beachfront area is more appealing, reserve The Mermaid. The casual atmosphere makes this room, which can seat 125 guests, a favorite for incentive dinners.
No Caribbean experience would be complete without a visit to the spa. The Hideaway offers reflexology, deep tissue massage, and therapeutic massage. Soothing wraps hydrate and exfoliate the skin after a long day of meetings.
There are plenty of activities available for after hours fun. The Buccaneer Resort has an 18 hole golf course, with views so beautiful it may be difficult to leave the course. Water sports including ocean kayaking and snorkeling are a favorite with resort guests.
Think outside the box and inside US territory – book your next meeting in St. Croix.
Tags: Banquets, Buccaneer Hotel, Buccaneer Resort, Caribbean Experience, Casual Atmosphere, Corporate Groups, Course Water, Deep Tissue Massage, Hideaway, Hole Golf Course, Kayaking, Meeting Room, Passports, Resort Guests, Small Groups, St Croix, Theater Style, Therapeutic Massage, Us Virgin Islands, Water Sports
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