Compass - Winter 2008 - (Page 6)

feature Cruise Control Meeting on the High Seas By Victor Goodpasture Photograph by Victor Goodpasture THE POPULARITY of meetings and incentive trips on cruise ships has grown 8 percent annually for the past 20 years, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Those reasons include the cost effectiveness of allinclusive travel, the variety of shipboard activities and the assortment of exotic stops cruise ships make. “You get to visit three to ﬁve different places without having to unpack,” said one travel industry specialist. The pros For every planner, the most daunting challenge is the budget. Everyone wants more for less—or at least the most value for their money. The cruise industry is quick to point out that it can compete with land-based meetings. Since most cruises are all-inclusive, the budgeting is simpliﬁed because most ships include entertainment and meeting space in their cost per passenger. Need an A/V projector and screen? That’s going to cost you extra at a hotel. On most ships, it’s all included. Want to have snacks or something special during meeting breaks? On a ship, it’s available for a nominal fee or sometimes even included, depending on what was negotiated. “So going in, you know all your costs up front,” says Kim Lams, director of events for Dynamic Events Worldwide Inc., based in La Jolla. “Compared to meetings in New York City, Hawaii or other expensive places, cruises are very cost effective. And the expensive land-based sites have high amenities fees, particularly when it comes to audio-visual equipment, entertainment and such things as coffee breaks and cocktail parties.” Some additional advantages, according to the cruise industry, include: • A new and exciting travel experience motivates people to action. • Sharing a new travel adventure enhances camaraderie within your organization. • It’s a self-contained environment with a variety of function rooms for private events. • Your captive audience can’t get lost and is more likely to attend functions. • Gorgeous ocean-view dining rooms, ample menu choices and unlimited servings. (No limitations as with banquet meals.) • Highly personalized service, traditional aboard ships, nourishes egos of participants more than other types of travel. • Multiple destinations with minimal hassle. Virtually allinclusive pricing provides better budget control. • Combines the pleasures of a resort hotel with the adventure of foreign travel. • Built-in activities offer variety for participants, spouses, and kids without extra planning or cost. • Perceived as having a high value by attendees, while costing less overall than a comparable land-based program. The cons But for every ying, there is a yang. Here are a few limits, according to Lams, who has been planning meetings on cruise ships for more than 10 years: 6 compass • Winter 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Compass - Winter 2008

Compass - Winter 2008 Contents Message from our President Networking- After the Event Holiday Party Cruise Control San Diego Firestorm 2007 Good Manners Is Good Business Planner Profile Supplier Profile News Briefs New Members Calendar at a Glance Advertisers’ Index

Compass - Winter 2008

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