| Cruise ships are the easiest and most enjoyable
way for groups to travel together. They are ideal for family reunions,
church or affinity groups and alumni associations. They are being used
increasingly for business meetings, conferences and sales seminars.
Companies of all sizes offer cruise vacations as incentives to sales people
and others--a high-powered motivational tool that generates excitement and
results.
Onboard you'll find all the facilities, services
and amenities needed to reunite and revitalize your group, as well as the
flexibility for your members to do their own thing on their own time.
We offer the leading cruise lines and are prepared
to meet and exceed the needs of your group. I can meet with your group
prior to the cruise to discuss specifics, show films, and more. If you are a group leader,
you can take advantage of our Pied-Piper
Program and cruise for free or get a substantial upgrade on your
cabin.
Church Groups, Affinity Groups & Alumni
Associations
Large or small, active or passive, your group will
find all of its needs met onboard today's cruise ships. You'll find a
wide array of comfortable, well-appointed public areas and secluded private
rooms that can be reserved for your group's functions, such as chapels for
worship, theaters for guest lecturers, card rooms for small discussion
groups and lounges for cocktail parties. With enough advance notice,
most ships will allow your group to customize their seating arrangements in
the main dining rooms or even move breakfast, lunch or dinner to another
onboard venue, such as a conference room. Private events such as group
photos, sail away parties, bingo night and more can also be organized
through our Group Specialist.
Family Reunions
On today's cruises, families can reunite over a
gourmet meal or on an action-packed excursion, yet still find private time
onboard or in port. Amenity-rich vessels typically offer baby-sitting,
youth programs and great entertainment for adults, such as Broadway-style
musicals, magic and comedy acts. Family members of all ages can enjoy
a cruise while they rekindle old ties. If you have ever hosted a
reunion, you'll love the fact that most everything is taken care of.
No cooking or logistics to worry about!
Our Group Specialists can help you plan private
onboard events and arrange special amenities such as door decorations, gift
sets and family photos.
Meetings, Conferences & Incentive Groups
Whether you are planning an exclusive executive
retreat, corporate sales seminar or international conference, cruise lines
are the ideal venue because they combine the facilities of a complete
conference center with the services and amenities of a floating, luxury
resort.
The cinema, show lounges and theaters are ideal for
presentations, meetings, break-out sessions or award ceremonies.
State-of-the-art audio and video equipment is available, along with the
ship's professional audiovisual staff.
Meetings and meals may be combined for your
convenience. Cocktail buffets and continental breakfasts can be made
available in many locations on the ship and formal dining can be arranged in
many of the private rooms and conference areas. For events not held in
the main dining room, meeting planners can choose from menus designed by the
executive chef. It's also possible to arrange for a group to sit
together in a section of the main dining area and order from the wide range
of fare offered on the regular menu. Meals in the main dining room are
also typically included in the cruise fare, which is another way cruise
lines help minimize event costs.
Spouses and kids will love attending corporate
events onboard a ship. Between the spas and enrichment programs for adults,
and the teen centers, pools, games and planned youth activities for kids,
the rest of the family will have a ball while mom or dad attends the group
function.
Weddings
Getting married on a cruise ship is a wonderful
experience, but one which can be rather complicated. We recommend that
you read more about the requirements before making your final decision.
Our Group Specialists can help you secure a great rate and arrange all the
services and amenities offered to large groups onboard. We can also
arrange for you to be married on one of the islands. Invite all your
family and friends and have a destination wedding! We
have also used a gift registry service where friends and guest
can purchase parts of your cruise or shore excursions instead of getting 4
toasters!
Discounted Group Rates
If you book far enough in advance, our Group
Specialists can frequently offer a group rate that is lower than the
early-bird discounts available to individuals. To qualify for a group
rate, you must book at least 8 double-occupancy cabins, unless you sail on
Princess, in which case you may need as few as 5 double-occupancy cabins.
You will need to make a deposit on each cabin at the time of booking, a
second deposit at a later date, and full payment 60-120 days prior to
departure.
Start your search for a group cruise 6-12 months in
advance of sailing if possible, and give our Group Specialists time to
negotiate a deep discount and handle all of the logistical issues and
details involved.
Unless your group is very small, you probably will
not be able to book at the last minute. Last-minute specials are
typically very limited in number and sell out very quickly. |