Business at Sea

BUSINESS AT SEA

BY PENELOPE BLAIR

There is a reason that the cruise industry is a multi-billion dollar business. Bringing together world-class entertainment, gourmet cuisine, and exotic locales, cruising is touted as one of the most economic ways to travel, and becoming the preferred choice for African-Americans. The Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), headquartered in New York City, continues to report rapid growth in the cruising industry, with more than 11 million people sailing the seas in 2005. This trade organization that represents 98 percent of the industry’s major cruise lines, forecasts even larger numbers for 2006.

Terry L. Dale, President and CEO of CLIA reports that “feature-rich ships” are driving this unprecedented growth, surpassing what land resorts are offering. In addition, a cruise is no longer exclusively an older person’s paradise. According to Dale, the cruise demographic is getting younger and more affluent, with the median age being 44.

For the meeting and event planner, cruising can be the perfect blend of business and pleasure. Mitch Cox, Manager of Group and Incentive Sales for Cruise Only, states that group meetings are becoming a significant business segment for all major cruise lines.

Today, there are a lot of cruise options and locales available. But few destinations surpass the unspoiled and breath-taking beauty of an Alaska cruise, especially aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

AN INDUSTRY LEADER

Royal Caribbean has a reputation of being an innovator in the industry, and was the first to offer the concept of megaships, the equivalent of a large floating hotel with a dazzling array of amenities. Founded in 1969, they still lead the industry in onboard activities and amenities. In addition, over the years the cruise line has received a number of awards from publications such as Parents Magazine, Conde’ Nast Traveler, Executive Travel Magazine, and Meeting Planners Magazine. Some of the awards include: best cruise line, best computer facilities, achievement of culinary excellence and agents’ choice award.

Royal Caribbean’s forward thinking was prevalent years ago, as one of the first to value the spending power of the African-American dollar. Royal Caribbean continues to take the lead, being one of the only cruise lines with a multi-cultural marketing program.

One of its newest innovations is the Scholar Ship. Described as a 16 week global campus offering a compelling itinerary to eight ports, spanning five continents, and providing students an enriching experience through their participation in field programs, excursions and independent travel. Royal Caribbean reports students are being recruited worldwide to ensure an intercultural learning environment.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Royal Caribbean has a long-standing reputation for providing excellent customer service and a wonderful cruise experience. The group sales department is among the best. Whether you are booking a small group, (they require a minimum of eight rooms double occupancy) or chartering the entire vessel, Royal Caribbean prides itself on doing whatever they can, to help make your event a hit!

Royal Caribbean offers state-of-the art, multimedia technology. Their incentive programs and conference facilities have received accolades from publications such as the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. The cruise line boasts, “that their meeting rooms and audiovisual equipment meets or exceeds those that are found at land resorts.”

The incentive service team offers many customized options to give your event that special touch such as, a magnificent ice sculpture of your company’s logo, personalized gifts or a scavenger hunt.

ALASKA – THE PERFECT BACKDROP

Most of the Alaskan coastline is comprised of wilderness, a picturesque postcard of lush green rainforests, snow-capped mountains and mammoth glaciers, some tinted with hints of blue. Add to that image, majestic soaring eagles, playful seals, spouting whales and a host of other animals and you will begin to understand why approximately 700,000 passengers visit this destination each year. And contrary to popular belief, Alaska is not bitter cold year round. Temperatures can range from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit for the warmer months of June, July and August.

Presently, three Royal Caribbean ships sail to Alaska’s wonderland oasis: Serenade of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Vision of the Seas, offering 7 night itineraries. The Alaskan cruise season is generally May through September. The ships, depending on their itinerary, will embark from Seattle or Vancouver roundtrip, cruising the Inside Passage or headed one-way northbound or southbound through Seattle, Vancouver or Seward/Anchorage, cruising the Gulf of Alaska. However, keep in mind that roundtrip airfare is usually more of a value. Paying for one-way airline tickets can be quite expensive.

“Alaska’s magic can be an ideal setting, especially when talking about motivating less than productive performers,” states Attorney Michael Hollingsworth, member of the Black Insurance Professionals Association. Hollingsworth recently returned from an Alaskan cruise and sees using cruises as a business platform, a provocative concept. “General Motors had their best performers from around the country onboard. That was a great opportunity for others to brainstorm with these top performers over the seven days on how they do what they do. It can also be a great way to get to know someone better, like a potential business partner.”

THE BENEFITS OF A CRUISE

The comfort and convenience of the attendees is always a competent planner’s first concern. A cruise makes this task easy; here are just a few ways:

All-inclusive pricing. Meet, dine, visit several exotic ports and enjoy live entertainment for one price. More importantly, the ship’s staff works to ensure that guests are having a good time, so by default, planners automatically get a staff of hundreds, attending to their groups’ needs as well.
Ease of booking. Royal Caribbean prides itself on taking care of your needs. One person takes care of everything, saving you time.
A controlled environment. No need to worry, if your keynote speaker or crucial staff members are going to make it. Everyone is in one locale for the duration of the trip.
No menus to plan. Often times a planner is faced with the daunting task of trying to pick a satisfying menu at an affordable price, resulting in the typical chicken or beef with a baked potato or rice pilaf! From sit down meals with china and crystal to casual buffet styled dining, even the pickiest eater will be pleased with the available food choices onboard. Not to mention lavish midnight buffets and 24-hour room service.
Ongoing entertainment and activities. Attendees will exhaust themselves trying to keep up with the onboard entertainment and activities. All before they arrive at the first port.
Convenience. Where else can an attendee get the opportunity to visit several exciting destinations, but only unpack once?
A “Have it your way” environment. When not in sessions, attendees can have it their way. Whether that’s partying or hanging out in the casino, reading, lounging on the lido deck, learning how to salsa or taking a ride in a helicopter.

Why consider an Alaskan cruise for business? Hollingsworth sums it up best. “The sheer majesty of Alaska’s natural beauty, the [cruise] service is usually excellent, the ships are beautiful, the pace can be as fast or as slow as you want it to be, and there’s an opportunity to explore new places and create memories you will cherish for a lifetime.”