Meeting Planner Careers

One of the most important aspects of an incentive cruise is choosing the right ship. There are several types of ships from which a business may choose when planning meetings at sea. The type of sailing vessel chosen for this type of corporate travel will depend in large part upon the number participants. There are 4 basic ship types from which a business may choose: mega ships, mid-size ships, small ships, and yacht-like ships. Each of these ship types can offer many advantages to those embarking on incentive travel and gives businesses the opportunity to customize the cruise event for their participants.

Mega ships typically offer 3-day, 4-day, and 7-day cruises. These ships can accommodate up to 4300 passengers comfortably. They offer many entertainment venues, dining options, and are equipped with the latest in audio visual equipment. Mid-size ships can accommodate up to 1600 passengers. Incentive cruises on ships of this size can be customized and personalized to meet participants needs and desires. Small ships can accommodate up to 1000 passengers. Participants will enjoy a high level of services, and these ships often visit more exotic destinations. Yacht-like ships can accommodate up to 400 passengers. These ships are ideal when luxury accommodations and services are desired.

There are several types of ships from which a meeting planner can choose when group cruise planning for a company or organization. While all types of cruise ships offers great accommodations, dining, and entertainment, some ships are better equipped to handle meetings as sea. Companies that are considering a ship charter may want to choose a premium ship for their incentive cruise. There are numerous benefits to cruising on a premium ship. When event planning, a meeting planner should highly recommend that organizations choose a premium ship for their incentive cruise.

A premium ship charter will have dedicated spaces in which the organization can hold their meetings and presentations. These room are spacious, inviting, and equipped with the latest conference technology. Best of all, these rooms are always complimentary. Not only do the meeting rooms offer attendees plenty of space, but the staterooms are also larger on premium ships. A premium ship's stateroom are comparable to fine hotel accommodations. In the stateroom and throughout the ship, attendees can stay connected with Wi-Fi hot spots. Cell phones may also be used while attending meetings at sea when using a premium ship. Furthermore, premium ships also have unique on board venues, exceptional entertainment, and the best in award-winning dining.

Cruise ships are best known for their luxurious amenities and travel to exotic locations. Although sometimes criticized for their actions by the media, the cruise industry continues to help people affected by natural disasters. The Celebrity Eclipse is the latest case in point.

This solstice class cruise ship canceled at least the first part of her launch festivities in order to help travelers stranded due to the effects of recent volcano activity in Iceland. Celebrity Cruises are working with UK tour operators to arrange passage back to England for travelers who have not been able to return due to flight cancelations and airport closings. At least 2000 people, some of whom have been stranded for seven days, will sail back to England and enjoy the amenities of this ship.

Cruise ships have a history of offering aid in times of crisis. In January 2009, the Royal Caribbean delivered desperately needed food and supplies to earthquake victims in Haiti. Carnival Cruise ships rented out three of their vessels to shelter victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Ecstasy, Holiday, and Sensation provided shelter for seven thousand weary people who lost everything to the hurricane. In 2009 when Typhoon Ketsana hit Manila, Star Cruises, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises of Australia, and others committed resources and money to help victims of this natural disaster and the subsequent tsunami.