Challenged with getting your decision makers onboard with a cruise ship meeting?

Here are the top 10 misconceptions about conducting business at sea – it’s time to expose them and set the record straight!

1. PERCEPTION.  Sensitivity to program extravagance remains high.

TRUTH: Cruises are an affordable option now available to everyone – not just the elite. With nearly 300 ships plying the seas  in every price point (and more ships on the way), rates are more competitive than ever. Today’s image of cruising is one of unequaled value. Which leads us to…

2. TOO EXPENSIVE. Really?

TRUTH: In fact, it’s just the opposite! The all-inclusive nature of cruising saves an average of 20- 40% when compared to a hotel program.  In addition to accommodations and meals (served a al carte in a variety of dining venues), the fare also includes nightly entertainment, daily activities and sports facilities, as well as transportation to different ports. The ship’s meeting space and A/V equipment are also complimentary.  It all comes down to…

3. ROI. Not sure a cruise will deliver return on investment.

TRUTH: A cruise is a sure-fire way to provide the ultimate return on your company’s investment. You need to achieve greater results with a tightened budget, and a cruise delivers – and motivates. In a May 2010 Meetings & Conventions Magazine report, 74% of planners surveyed rated their cruise incentive “Much More/Somewhat More Desirable than land-based”. More value-added savings means you can do way more with less, without sacrificing quality. And, the extraordinary camaraderie and group networking encouraged by being “all in the same boat” is priceless.

4. TOO CONFINED / NOT ENOUGH TO DO. This falls  in the “Are you kidding me?” category.

TRUTH: Totally unfounded! If your decision makers haven’t cruised recently, they have no idea how much there is to do at sea. From ice-skating rinks to rock climbing walls, zip-lines to bowling, cruise ships offer an endless array of facilities, classes, world-class entertainment and recreational activities for every taste and generation.

Most days are spent in port with plenty of excursion options, and days are sea in a self-contained environment are ideal for meeting and sharing ideas.

5. NOT ENOUGH SECURITY  / LACK OF PRIVACY. Valid concern, especially for high-profile clients.

TRUTH:. A cruise ship is comparable to a secure building with a 24-hour security guard. Since a ship is a “controlled environment”, access is strictly enforced, making it safer and more secure than a hotel. No walk-ins, no lobby board listing meetings – you can be as discreet as you wish.

Ships come in every size, and with so many public spaces and different activities, you can share time with attendees and still maintain as much privacy as you want. For ultimate security and privacy, consider a full-ship charter.

6. CRUISE SHIPS AREN’T APPROPRIATE FOR BUSINESS. There’s not enough meeting space.

TRUTH: This might have been true years ago, but today’s ships are well prepared for meetings.  Most new ships have business centers; dedicated meeting rooms; and conference centers with air walls, wireless capabilities, and built in multi-media and A/V equipment. Theaters seat up to 1,600, and many have revolving stages, professional lighting and other theatrical effects. Other public areas are designed to be convertible and can easily accommodate private meetings, breakout sessions, or special events. And did we mention, meeting space and standard AV equipment are included with your cruise?

7. INADEQUATE WIRELESS ACCESS. I’ll be lost at sea without my laptop / iPhone / blackberry.

TRUTH: Whether you want to stay connected at sea or truly get away from it all, it’s your choice. From Wi-Fi hot spots and bow-to-stern coverage to cabin data ports, from cell phone service to Apple lounges and computer classes, cruise lines have responded to increasing connectivity demands.

8. I’LL GET SEASICK. A cruise virgin’s greatest fear.

TRUTH: Rare these days. Most popular cruise destinations feature some of the calmest waters on earth. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, advanced weather-tracking technology, and effective “patch” medication have virtually eliminated motion discomfort. And if someone does get sick during your cruise?  Cruise ships sail with trained medical personnel who are on call 24/7.

9. WHAT ABOUT HURRICANES? How safe am I on a cruise ship during a storm?

TRUTH: Most likely you’ll never have to find out. Cruise lines have been operating in the Caribbean for years and have emergency response plans in effect for hurricanes and tropical storms.  Outfitted with state-of-the-art weather satellites , ships can maneuver out of the path of a storm – unlike your Caribbean resort. The hurricane season is from June through November – so if you’re concerned about possible itineraries alterations, plan your cruise accordingly.

And finally, the most insidious barrier to meeting at sea:

10. UNFAMILIAR. “We’ve always held our meetings at hotels/conference centers/resorts”. Translation: “I’m afraid of the unknown and I’d rather stick to what I know.”

TRUTH: Cruise meetings simplify your life – no menus to plan, no entertainment to book, activities/spouse programs are already built in.  Seasite.com makes sourcing a ship for your event easier than ever, and offers all the planning tools and support you need.

Filed under: Cruise News, Meeting & Incentive News, Miscellaneous