Business Events on Cruise Ships

Consider conducting your next business or association meeting, conference or workshop at sea on a cruise ship. Your participants will love it and your finance department will be thrilled! 

For more information, call us at 877 836-1949, option 2 for a free event consultation or submit our request for information form.

 

Cruise Ships Can be a Great Venue for Events

Conducting meetings, conferences and workshops at sea on a cruise ship is an economical and efficient way to stage your event. You will be amazed at how easy and affordable it is to conduct an event on a ship compared to a land-based venue. Many things you pay extra for on land are all included in the price shipboard. Cruises are highly popular with attendees and help make your event a roaring success. Select the length of cruise that is best for your business needs from 3, 4 ,5, 7 or 10 days and longer. Choose great itineraries such as Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexican Riviera that are sure to be a hit with conference attendees who experience a perfect blend of interesting, enjoyable ports of call with days at sea to conduct important business functions. For longer, more impressive events, Europe and the South Pacific offer outstanding opportunities. For large groups a partial or full ship charter gives you options that will make your event very special. As you explore our site, you will learn about the advantages of having your next meeting or conference at sea. Visit our Meeting Planning Section for detailed information.  If you are concerned about tax issues associated with doing an event on a cruise ship, be sure to review our Tax section.   

Create Exciting Education Vacations

Do you love to teach and people tell you you're good at it? If that describes you, think about creating an "Education Vacation." It is a very popular way to provide required or optional training to people who need CEU credits or other documented training that combines the training with a trip that creates fun, relaxation, a chance to get away and take the family and learn important information at the same time. 

 Important Considerations for Events on Ships

Cruise lines tout the advantages of conducting meetings, workshops and conferences on board cruise ships. While there are many compelling reasons to do so, it is very important to understand that some events and some ships may not be appropriate for your event. The reality is that not all cruise ships are created equal when it comes to their suitability for meetings and conferences. In fact, some are woefully inadequate and absolutely not suited for many types of events. Knowing the right ships to choose is a product of knowledge and experience which is a key to the success of your program. That's our specialty.

It is very important to recognize several things as you consider holding your event on a cruise ship. First and foremost, booking a cruise to do a meeting or event is totally different than booking a cruise for a vacation. Many travel agents who have no experience or understanding of meetings on ships often times overpromise and underdeliver to clients and the results are not pretty. It is important to find an agency that specializes in meetings on ships to ensure the success of your event. Second, cruise lines would love to work with you directly as it increases their profitability. Unfortunately, the big black hole that exist between cruise line headquarters in south Florida and the ship often leads to miscommunication, lack of follow through and changes that are never communicated to you.  Having an independent advocate working on your behalf ensures things are taken care of properly and you don't have upset participants or you find yourself frustrated and angry onboard the ship because things are not going as intended. It does not cost you anymore for a professional planner like us than if you are booking with the cruise line directly.

Perhaps the most critical issue is ensuring the selection of the right ship with the right facilities, equipment and itinerary that allows you to achieve your event objectives. Knowing the ins and outs of the cruise industry is essential to that. Planning a shipboard event is labor-intensive endeavor and we can make it very easy for you. If you want to do it yourself to save money, ask yourself the key question, "how cheap does a bad event have to be to be okay?"