Arizona Sunbelt Chapter

Smart meeting planners know that they can save 20-40% when using a “floating” venue versus a hotel.  Premium ships, yachts and specialty ships are perfect for motivating and inspiring your client…and still stay within budget.  Here are ten valid reasons to choose a ship for your next group event:

1. Control over your budget. All-inclusive pricing gives you better control over costs.  In addition to lodging all of the following are included in the base price: meals, meeting space, basic AV, recreational activities, fitness center and evening entertainment. Theaters and lounges already have sound, light and projection systems and the built-in décor saves you considerable time and money.
2. Provide the WOW!  You can host receptions, meetings and presentations in exciting on-board venues, such as breakouts in an observation lounge with wrap-around sea views; a general session in an elegant Broadway-style theater; or host a welcome reception “country club-style” on the top deck. 
3. Luxurious staterooms that rival the finest hotel accommodations. Today’s staterooms feature flat-screen TVs, European-style bedding, private verandas, and upgraded amenities. Plus the variety of cabin categories enables you to provide enhanced services to multiple tiers of executives.
4. State-of-the-art A/V facilities. Dedicated conference and meeting space is always complimentary and comes with state-of-art audio/visual equipment included. Everything you need to run an incredible presentation is there: LCD projectors, DVD players, wireless microphone, multiple wall-mounted screens, professional stage lighting and sound boards. 
5. Clients stay connected. High-tech features can be found throughout the ship, not just at the new internet cafés, but Wi-Fi hot spots in lounges as well as staterooms.  Advanced roaming networks also allow attendees to use their cell phones while at sea. 
6. No menus to plan.  Award-winning dining offers unforgettable culinary experiences with ample menu choices, unlimited servings and multiple restaurant options.  You can host your group in the main dining room or choose from unique specialty dining venues.  There are always casual eateries throughout the ships for breaks and free time. 
7. Long/short, large/small, domestic/exotic.  There are as many types of ships and itineraries as there are hotels:  Luxury ships, premium ships, mainstream ships, tall-mast ships, river ships, expedition ships, and yachts. You can find 3- or 4-night itineraries sailing out of domestic ports or choose exciting exotic destinations for some real pizzazz!
8. The ultimate in privacy.  A secure ship environment protects company privacy and reduces risk.  Nothing offers more privacy than meeting on a yacht in the middle of the ocean!  The self-contained environment not only assures attendance to functions, but the captive audience fosters relationship-building and camaraderie.
9. Do more with less. The average per person cost for a premium cruise is $150-$200 per person, per day (double occupancy) or $300-$400 single, while the average cost for a sales meeting held at a resort is $500/person, per day.  Consider the following example of a meeting of 200 people (100 rooms) at a 4-star hotel in Florida:

10.  International Destinations. An added bonus is that you can offer an international program, but pay in US dollars without the risk of currency fluctuations!  Think outside the resort box and consider moving your meeting to the water.