07/09/08
BEST ITINERARIES FOR MIXING BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE
Part of creating a sucessful incentive or meeting at sea is the right combination of days in port and days at sea. While cruise lines have always filled days at sea with activity, today the variety extends way beyond the traditional diversions of art auctions, bingo, casino gambling and "bad hair day" seminars. How about near-college-level courses in subjects ranging from fashion to economics? Long, lazy lunches or brunches at an alternative restaurant? Visiting a planetarium or cinema with first-run flicks? There is a sea day to fit any traveler's style and before we launch into our selection of the best ships for days at sea here are a couple of helpful hints: Just about every itinerary incorporates at least one sea day (keeping passengers captive onboard is a big revenue boon for cruise lines because folks spend their money on the ship rather than on shore). There are notable exceptions: NCL's Honolulu-based Pride of America, for example, visits a port a day-though it does incorporate some daytime sailing into its weekly trips. As well, river cruises seldom emphasize full days at sea; the ships are so small they can't offer a big variety of enrichment or entertainment.
On the other hand, some cruises are more about sea than land. Falling into that category, of course, is Cunard's mighty Queen Mary 2, which was designed as an ocean liner. Pathfinder ships (those vessels in cruise line fleets that specialize in the most exotic cruises) typically need a lot of time at sea because destinations are often spread far apart.
While the average seven-night cruise offers one to three days at sea (perfect for accomplishing all your business goals), there are ways to increase the percentage. Here are some tips if sea days are your favorite part of a cruise:
- The best itineraries for sea days-if you want lots-include ocean crossings (Atlantic and Pacific) and repositioning cruises (which often involve ocean crossings). Regions like Asia, the South Pacific, Hawaii (from U.S. or Canadian departure points), South America (around Cape Horn), Australia/New Zealand, and the Panama Canal typically involve more sea days than the average cruise.
- Consider upgrading your cabin category for a trip during which you'll spend more time at sea than not; there's nothing more claustrophobic than a tiny, dark cabin when you're spending a lot of time onboard. And conversely there's nothing lovelier than a suite, with indulgent bath and a spacious balcony, as a place in which to retreat. As well, the low-key pace means there's plenty of time for downtime-long tub soaks, reading novels on the balcony, and catching up on movies on the in-cabin TV.
- What is the rhythm of your itinerary? Some cruises involve ports-of-call one right after the other ... then three straight days or more of sea time. You may prefer the sea days tucked in between destination stops. Bottom line: A handful of sea days tucked in between frenzied days in port may be the ultimate in relaxation for some. Five in a row could seem tedious (or heavenly).
Call 866.377.2228 or e-mail info@SevenSeasvents.com for more information.
