Last week, I took a vacation. It was the first vacation I have had in years that had nothing whatsoever to do with the travel industry. It was strange...very strange. I didn't even check my email until the last day when I printed my boarding pass to fly home.
I went to a convention where I saw old friends that I hadn't seen in 25 years. I played a game the first few days called "Do you remember me?" Most did, I'm relieved to say. Some people needed a little coaching (after all, it had been 25-30 years and 60 pounds ago) but they did eventually know who I was, and then it was like we'd seen each other yesterday. It was an incredible week of renewing old friendships and making new friends.
So what does that have to do with a Cruise Blog? Everything. Cruising is the perfect way to connect with friends, family, and co-workers. Think about a family reunion. Family can come from all over the states to meet the ship. Meals are provided free of charge. There are activities scheduled for all children ages 3-17, complimentary. There is no charge for meeting rooms so you can spend time visiting. We can arrange a group excursion so everyone can go together to see Mayan Ruins, sail thru the canopy on a zip line, or lounge on a beach. No one has to cook, clean or entertain everyone. Why not let me help you plan your next family reunion on a ship?
Along the same lines, think about a school reunion. Cruising is a great way to reconnect with classmates, and still have time to do your own thing.
Incentive cruising has become very popular. Reward your top sales people with a cruise. There are special rates for companies who choose this type of reward. You could also hold your next meeting on a cruise ship. No charge for AV equipment or meeting room. Meals and entertainment are included. Your employees could bring their families who will be entertained while the employee is in meetings. In some instances the cost of the cruise/meeting could be tax deductable (check with your tax accountant).
Another form of group cruising is an affinity group. Any group of people with the same interests qualifies as an affinity group. Golfers, photography buffs, botonists, and networking groups are just a few of the incentive groups I've done. Think about organizations you are involved with like Rotary, Kiwana's, and Toastmasters. Give me an idea and I'll help you organize it. You might even be able to sail free! Now that's an incentive!!
We at Bentley Hedges Travel offer travel certificates as well. If you have a 'hard to please' person on your Christmas List, give them a certifcate for future travel. It will be valid for a year and they can choose when they want to go, where they want to go, and how long they want to be gone. We'll customize it just for them.
Hopefully, I've sparked your creativity. October to mid November is the least expensive time to cruise, as well as January and February. If you want to plan a group for holiday travel, please book early to secure the best rates. Plan at least 9 months out to be able to make multiple payments. Booking early not only gets you the best rates, but also the best choice of staterooms (so everyone will be in the same general area of the ship).
Start planning now for your group cruise (or maybe just your family to get away from the rest of the family!!)
I'll SEA ya!
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