When it comes to corporate gatherings, meetings, or retreats, cruises offer the best overall value for businesses. Whether simply organizing an annual meeting, offsite retreat, building an incentive for the sales team, or designing a special event for the staff, partners, or clients you simply cannot overlook the nearly all-inclusive nature of cruises.
Modern mega-ships provide so much! They offer the perfect social environment for professional groups to mix and mingle; opportunities for your group to dine together in a gourmet restaurant; gather by the pool for sun and fun or other recreational activities; enjoy a Broadway-style show; comedy clubs and so much more. Additionally, cruise ships provide those participants looking to break away from the official company action for a while can find solace on a secluded balcony, retreat to the spa, or enjoy a book in a well-appointed alcove. And it doesn’t have to just be the employee either – many companies encourage their employees' families to come along too, especially since there are plenty of activities to entertain the spouse and kids on board, including extensive youth programs run by trained counselors.
When it comes to booking, groups often get the best overall value, when planned well enough in advance, particularly when you factor in special group amenities like complimentary wine or champagne, shipboard credits, cocktail parties, chocolates, casino credits, spa services, and private gatherings. Cruise lines will also work to brand your company's event at every opportunity with items such as ice sculptures of your corporate logo. For full charters, cruise lines will even let you set your own itinerary!
So what’s included in a group booking? Typically, your group will receive:
- Stateroom accommodations
- Access to business facilities and meeting rooms
- Transportation to interesting ports
- Gourmet dining
- Vegas- or Broadway-style shows
- Discos, clubs, bars
- Pool, water sports
- Fitness center, exercise classes, spa
- Youth programs
- Movies (theater and in-room)
- Business Facilities Onboard
- Large and small conference rooms with variable lighting and food & beverage services
- High-speed internet access
- Digital projectors
- Audio systems
- Showrooms for group presentations
- Informal gathering venues
- The planning process for all details
Every corporate and incentive group must sign a contract with the cruise line that covers the prices, amenities, terms, and conditions for their group booking. Cruise Planners’ industry standing provides you with strong buying power and access to competitive rates on every ship which enables us to negotiate the best contract on your behalf. We succeed when you succeed and are here to make sure that your corporate group function comes together as easily as possible. But know that all successful corporate and incentive groups require the involvement of a dedicated travel manager within the company working together with your Cruise Planners travel consultant. This professional is responsible for designing the meetings and events the company desires onboard and communicating booking details like the payment process, documentation requirements, and dining requests to all participants. Together we’ll make your event a knockout success!
