5 Event Cruises That Will Draw a Crowd

There are so many popular reasons to host an event cruise that I’m going to break this into two blogs, starting with five popular reasons and adding more in the next installment.

1. Family Reunion Cruises

The all-inclusive nature of cruising and the number of different activities, something for all ages from 3 years old to 93 years old, makes this the perfect family reunion option.  And there’s no worry about who is going to accommodate who in their guest bedroom, whether you need to bring an air mattress, who is cooking what on which night, where should to go for a picnic, etc.  It’s all there for you!

2. Wedding Cruises

Similar to family reunions, weddings on board ships have become increasing popular … look at any

wedding forum and you’ll see thousands of posts.  Carnival Cruise Lines alone has over 1200 weddings booked for 2013.  That’s a lot of happy couples! Some cruise ships have wedding chapels on board, others have numerous venues in which a wedding ceremony may be held.  You may even choose to be married on a beach or in another venue in one of the ports If you’re inviting people to attend you wedding, why not invite them to join you in the Caribbean, Europe, even the South Pacific – what a great excuse to attend a wedding!  (Click here for a true story.)

3. Business Meetings

There is no board meeting, sales conference or business planning meeting that isn’t more creative and more fun on a cruise ship.  Not to mention more affordable.  Remember, on land you pay separately for hotel rooms, meeting rooms, coffee break service, meals, equipment rental and entertainment.  On a cruise ship that’s ALL included!  Today’s cruise ships offer meeting planners complimentary use of dedicated conference centers, flexible meeting space and built-in A/V. Creative spaces, fresh sea air and the limitless possibilities of the ocean will lead to “out of the box” thinking and increased camaraderie. 

4. Continuing Education at Sea

Many professions require CEU (Continuing Education Units) in order that an individual remain licensed in their field.  Legal, medical and finance professionals, realtors, teachers, engineers … etc.   For providers of continuing education a seminar-at-sea will increase attendance while boosting satisfaction ratings.  Many professionals use this as a business deduction and bring their families along for the vacation portion, families love ships and required courses can be held during days at sea to maximize time that professionals have to explore various ports.  Continuing education at sea also builds great networks and repeat business for providers.

5. Workshops at Sea

Here the possibilities are endless.  From workshops on search engine optimization, small business accounting, training on computer platforms such as Microsoft Office or Adobe Dreamweaver.  “How to” workshops are also popular: how to improve customer management skills, digital photography abilities, interior design skills, needlework know how, woodworking tips & tricks, financial knowledge for non-financial professionals, dancing workshops, dieting workshops (YES, you can diet on a cruise ship!), yoga & meditation, cake decorating … the list goes on. 

What kind of an event cruise can you come up with?  How can YOU sail for free by developing your own special event group … contact me … or stay tuned!!

Dorothy Flannery is president of Top Sail Journeys If you would like to learn more about event cruises contact her at dorothy@topsailjourneys.com, to learn about river cruise information please see http://cruisethedanube.com and http://cruisetherhine.com.