This one's for anybody who thinks that cruising is not becoming a way of life…in other words, a part of the fabric of society at large.
Until now, conventions on cruise ships were an occasional event. Raise your hand if you've ever seen a business convention while cruising. In all the cruising we've done, we can't recall anything that resembled a business meeting of any size.
That's about to change, if not for us, perhaps for you.
When the Certified Meeting Professional manual rolls off the press (or onto the Internet) in a couple of months, it will for the first time include a chapter on planning meetings and incentive programs on cruise ships. That means meeting planners will be trained — and certified — in this area, which can only mean more organizations and business will become aware of the advantages of meeting at sea.
What they will likely discover is this:
1. They have a captive audience in a contained area (unless it's a convention of long-distance swimmers who aren't afraid of sharks).
2. It will be cheaper than going to an all-inclusive resort.
3. Their participants don't leave the venue for an evening of entertainment.
4. Spouses won't be bored.
5. Cruise lines can adapt their ships to deal with all meeting facilities required.
6. Upscale restaurants are available for $30 to $40 per person.
7. Cruise lines will be willing partners, providing many incentives to get their business.
So be prepared. You may find yourself on a cruise ship generously populated by corporate clients. How this will impact cruise prices for people like us is TBA.
Norwegian Star
12 nights
October 1, 2013
Copenhagen, Ponta Delgada, Miami
Inside: $449
Cost per day: $37
www.ncl.com