When group cruise planning, a bigger cruise ship is not always better. While larger ships can be extremely advantageous, for some groups a more intimate setting on a smaller charter ship is preferable. Even though some charter ships may be smaller, these ships still feel spacious and very accommodating. By choosing a smaller ship for an incentive cruise, businesses can create a more personalized experience for cruise event participants. Smaller charter ships still offer amenities such as sizable conference rooms, fitness facilities, lounges, panoramic ocean views, and spas. By choosing a smaller ship for an incentive cruise, participants will not miss a thing.

One of the most significant advantages of smaller charter ships is their ability to dock in destinations that are not oft-visited. In many cases, these ships can dock in exotic destinations not available to larger cruise ships. Cruise event participants may be greatly motivated by corporate travel that is out of the ordinary. Visiting exotic destinations on a ship charter that feels intimate but roomy will likely be high on the list of participants' preferences. While this type of cruise may seem like it would be more expensive than a larger cruise ship or land venue, businesses may be surprised at their affordability.

Whether your corporate event lasts for two days or two weeks, there are bound to be certain points where participants begin to get edgy, stress begins to take its toll, or energy and attention begin to wane. Even in the most interesting meetings this can happen, which can lead to lower productivity and decreased satisfaction among attendees. This is why savvy corporate meeting and event planners have begun to include spa treatments in their event schedules. These luxury extras are an excellent addition to meetings and a great way to perk up attendees, relieve stress and prepare them for a few more hours at the table.

This growing trend is particularly popular at resort hotels that house spas on the premises, which also makes the inclusion of spa treatments much easier to organize. When the equipment and staff necessary to conduct spa treatments is already in place, only minimal planning is required to provide this added luxury to your event. Popular options for spa treatments during meeting breaks include chair massages, foot massages, head massages and mini, instructor-led yoga sessions and stretching breaks.

If your venue does not have an in-house spa, you can still incorporate spa treatments into your event with ease by finding a local, mobile team of spa service providers or contracting with a local spa that can send over staff and equipment.

Cruising can provide an excellent travel perspective to incentive winners.  An incentive cruise offers a variety of ships from which to choose, and luxury amenities such as spas, gourmet dining and sports facilities, in addition to meeting rooms.  

Planners will appreciate the pricing structure, as well.  Cruise meetings typically offer a savings of as much as 40 percent over land based hotel venues, since everything is included in one price.

Incentive travel buyers may choose one of three cruising options:

1. Full-ship charter – customization options are virtually unlimited with a full-ship charter.  Incentive buyers may charter a ship for groups of 50 to 1,000 or more people.  They can have the ship fly the company flag, select the itinerary (within certain limits), create their own shipboard agenda, and much more.
2. Half-ship charter – usually incentive planners will charter by deck or by cabin category.  They may also reserve a dining room or one seating exclusively for their group.
3. Groups – no customization options, a group cruise experience is similar to that of a hotel or resort incentive experience, but at as much as 40 percent less.

All inclusive pricing allows incentive buyers to get more for their budget on sea than on land, thanks to the all inclusive aspect of cruising. 

Seasite.com, the first online group cruise planning portal, allows planners capitalize on the value of cruise meetings and incentives. Cruising can slash the cost of land based venues by 25-40%, allowing planners to persevere with today’s shrinking budgets. Why not make your next corporate incentive event a meeting-at-sea ? Take a look at Seasite.com today!

Like any other business, spas have been hit by financial concerns. They have responded by lowering prices, offering half-time treatments, and better deals for groups. All these actions benefit you, the business meeting planner, in lots of different ways.

Booking Groups

Spas have lost a lot of their group business. Meetings have been canceled or rebooked on the internet and luxuries have been cut. Public perception has interfered in spa bookings as well–what blue collar worker wants to bust her tail all day for a failing company while her CEO is very busy being surrounded by candles, small fountains, and new age music as he gets a massage?

This makes it a perfect time to use spa visits as part of your business incentive travel packages. Prices are down and availability is high. Read the rest of this entry »