Courtesy Avalon Waterways
It’s no secret that travelers can take cruises on their own, booking through a travel agent or even directly with a cruise line. So what benefit can you offer them by taking a cruise with your group? Our experts weigh in on that question.
Russ Rosenberry, Islands in the Sun: “People cruise with their banks so that someone there handles the details, and all they have to do is show up. We do custom tours in ports of call, arrange onboard cocktail parties and include all shipboard gratuities. We also plan pre- and post-tours for them. That’s quite a bit different than buying a cabin off of the Web.”
Patrick Clark, Avalon Waterways: “We have a club lounge in the rear of the ship with an espresso machine, fruit and cookies that groups can use for exclusive meetings and cocktail parties. We can also provide a private motorcoach on shore excursions.”
AnneMarie Mathews, Norwegian Cruise Lines: “Our travel partners will assist groups with onboard group events such as prearranged group dining, a group beverage package, customized tours, a hospitality desk, cocktail parties and more. We offer a group services coordinator who assists the group leader with all their onboard requests. They are the point of contact through the entire voyage.”
