As you plan your next organizational meeting or event, consider the unique advantages of a cruise ship as your venue. Not only can it save you up to 30% compared to a comparable hotel property, but it also simplifies your planning process, offering a distinct and memorable experience for your attendees.
So, you’re intrigued by the idea of a cruise ship as a meeting venue, but you’re facing a challenge: how do you convince your executive decision-makers, who are used to traditional land-based venues? The answer lies in providing them with compelling reasons to consider a cruise ship as a viable option.
25 Smart Reasons to Meet on a Cruise Ship
1.Let’s Talk Numbers
The average per-person cost for a cruise event on a contemporary ship is a mere $160 per day, based on double occupancy. In contrast, a resort meeting can set you back up to $500 per person per day. The choice is clear. Cruise programs offer more for less.
2. Better Budget Control
With meals, meeting space, AV equipment, recreational activities, and evening entertainment included in the cruise fare, a ship-based program can save your organization up to 30% compared to land-based venues.
3. Planning Made Easy
Say goodbye to negotiating menus, arranging decor, planning off-site activities, renting A/V equipment, and booking entertainment. It’s all included, making your planning process a breeze.
4. Creative Meeting Spaces Lead to Creative Thinking and New Ideas
Most ships have dedicated conference space plus various beautiful venues and theaters for general sessions, break-out meetings, and awards presentations. Outdoor venues are also available for group events and receptions. Sterile hotel meeting room or brainstorming sessions in comfortable lounges with ocean views – which space is more inspiring?
5. Super Savings on A/V
There’s never a charge for meeting space on ships, and the use of audio/visual equipment is also complimentary, including AMX touch panels, monitors, DVD Players, microphones, LCD projectors, video walls, teleconferencing, and plasma TVs. (Tech service fees may apply.)
6 More Bang for Your Buck
Theaters and lounges feature state-of-the-art sound, light, and projection systems with built-in décor, saving you considerable time and money and giving your presentations a more significant “wow” factor.
7. Don’t Skip Meals or Have Attendees Pay on Their Own
Meals and snacks are included. Unlike hotel banquet meals, guests order “off the menu” in the dining room or other complimentary dining venues and enjoy unlimited servings.
8. Abundant Dining Options and Ever-changing Menus Make Meals Memorable
From elegant dining rooms to intimate specialty restaurants and casual poolside grills (surcharges in specialty restaurants may apply).
Special dietary needs? No problem! Cruise ships can accommodate most special dietary needs – including vegan, plant-based, and gluten-free – at no additional cost.
9. Welcome Reception Included
Most cruise lines offer groups a complimentary one-hour cocktail reception with hot and cold canapes and an open bar in a comfortable lounge. Stunning views and decor are included, and live entertainment can also be negotiated.
10. More Networking Opportunities
A ship is a self-contained environment that fosters relationship-building and encourages greater meeting attendance. A ship has fewer outside distractions, so your attendees can focus more on the program agenda.
11. Easy to Stay Connected
New satellite technology makes cruise ship Internet access faster, more reliable, and more accessible than ever, and the costs are steadily declining. Many premium and luxury ocean and river lines offer free Wi-Fi to guests in select suites or to all passengers.
12. Cruises Offer Multi-generational Appeal
With a choice of entertainment, dining options, and shore excursions to appeal to all generations and interests, your cruise program will motivate and reward everyone and simplify your planning.
13. Included Activities and Entertainment
Create a built-in guest/spouse program and a variety of options for your group when they’re not in meetings. Kids and teens even have their own activities and lounges on ships, making family program planning a breeze.
14. Less Expense for Attendees
They’ll appreciate not having to pay out-of-pocket for meals, snacks, valet parking, taxis, and show tickets.
15. Superior Service
With a staff-to-guest ratio of three times that of most resorts, your group will receive attentive and personalized service, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.
16. International Programs Purchased in U.S. Dollars
Cruises allow you to offer international programs without the financial risk of currency fluctuations.
17. Adventure and Convenience Included
Your group can easily visit multiple destinations on a cruise ship—no extra packing and unpacking. Each day in a new port brings exploration, discovery, and shared adventures. Cruise lines now offer authentic, active, and immersive excursions. Many luxury ships and river cruises offer more extended stays and overnight port calls.
18. A Secure Ship Environment
Protects company privacy and reduces risk, particularly on a full ship charter. Cruise ships are tightly controlled environments, and a comprehensive security system protects passengers.
19. Blockbuster Entertainment Options – Without Spending a Dime.
You don’t need to leave the ship for spectacular entertainment, including Broadway shows, cirque-style aerial performers, live music, dance and comedy clubs, deck parties, movies under the stars, high-tech immersive experiences, and more!
20. Unique Bonding Experiences
Create lasting memories and build company/brand identity with the unique experiences a cruise ship can offer, delivering a solid return on investment and fostering lasting relationships.
21. Sports for Fitness, Fun, and Team-building Events
Ships feature AquaParks, rock-climbing walls, sports decks with basketball/volleyball/soccer courts, mini-golf, and even ice skating, zip lines, and challenging ropes courses on many large ships. Nearly all are complimentary, by the way.
22. Wellness Activities
Complimentary use of Health and Fitness Centers with state-of-the-art cardiovascular and workout equipment -some are open 24 hours, and nearly all offer stunning ocean views. Many cruise lines are adding wellness initiatives onboard and ashore.
23. Close to Home
Ships sail from more than two dozen departure ports in North America and rivers and waterways, so chances are good there’s a port within driving distance, saving you flight expenses and stress.
24. More Short Itineraries
Cruise Lines are adding more 4- and 5-night sailings to appealing destinations, including exclusive private island experiences. So you can schedule your meetings and still give attendees time to connect and explore new ports of call.
25. Don’t Worry About Sneaky “Hidden Fees.”
Hidden hotel fees, such as resort charges, mini-bar restocking fees, and valet parking rates, can cause many planners to experience sticker shock. Your cruise pricing is transparent: Your group quote outlines the room rate, gratuities, and port fees.
Why Partner With Landry & Kling for Your Next Corporate Meeting or Event
Landry & Kling has more than 40 years of experience in planning successful meetings and events at sea and organizing incentive cruises on ships of all sizes around the world. We provide a wide range of services that can be customized to fit your budget and ensure maximum success.
Our extensive knowledge of ship operations, a comprehensive database of vessels, global partnerships, and long-standing relationships with cruise lines all contribute to your advantage. This expertise saves you time and minimizes risks.
Need More Reasons to Meet on a Cruise Ship?
For a complimentary cruise event consultation, request a proposal, call us at +1 786-594-0732, or email inquiry@landrykling.com.
FAQs
What types of businesses typically hold meetings on cruise ships?
A cruise ship is a unique, cost-effective venue for any type of corporate meeting or event. These include executive retreats, board meetings, sales conferences, employee incentive trips, client appreciation trips, product launches, trade shows, conventions, and team-building cruises.
Can we customize the meeting spaces and event setups?
Most cruise ships have meeting rooms, theaters, lounges, and outdoor areas that can be adapted to meet specific business needs. Conference room setups include theater-style, classroom, u-shape, or boardroom. Some cruise lines permit the display of company logos, signage, and branding during private meetings and group events. For the ultimate freedom to customize your meeting at sea, consider a full-ship charter.
What happens if we need to cancel or reschedule?
As with hotel contracts, there are attrition/cancellation provisions. You will have the opportunity to drop rooms or cancel the cruise outright within the parameters outlined in the contract. Depending on when you cancel, it will determine if there are any cancellation penalties.
