Bucket-list destinations and customizable experiences make cruise lines a top pick for elevated incentives.
“When it comes to top incentive experiences for groups with Atlas Ocean Voyages, we pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled wow factors both on board and ashore,” says Robert Cao, VP, Charters & MICE, Atlas Ocean Voyages. “Imagine exclusive access to private islands for unforgettable beach parties under the stars, personalized culinary journeys with world-renowned chefs and thrilling wildlife encounters in some of the most remote corners of the globe. Our onboard amenities, such as the Josper Grill Dining Experience and immersive culinary presentations, ensure every moment is filled with excitement and luxury. Antarctica remains a bucket list destination, and our smaller ship size appeals to many clients seeking an intimate and exclusive voyage.”
Atlas Ocean Voyages is set to unveil new programming in 2024 that will elevate the group charter experience, such as state-of-the-art technology access via Starlink, innovative new spa offerings at the L’Occitane SeaSpa, and enhanced onboard amenities such as 24-hour bar service. One of the cruise line’s newest offerings is the Fly the Drake expedition, providing a shorter itinerary option for a bucket-list experience that bypasses the infamous Drake Passage via private charter air flight.
“What sets Atlas Ocean Voyages apart from other cruise lines is our unwavering commitment to personalized service, flexibility, and authenticity,” says Cao. “Unlike larger cruise ships, we offer intimate voyages with fewer passengers, allowing for more tailored experiences and closer connections with fellow travelers. Our focus on expedition-style travel means that every journey is an adventure, with opportunities for exploration and discovery at every turn. Our value lies not just in the experience itself, but in our quick response to clients, ability to customize itineraries, and redeploy and customize opportunities on short notice. From itinerary planning to programming, our dedicated team ensures that every aspect of the voyage is meticulously crafted to exceed expectations.”
“Our fleet of 28 ships [including the soon-to-debut Utopia of the Seas], allows us to become a solution to so many different meetings, incentives and now even associations,” Freddy Muller, Associate VP of Global Corporate, Incentive & Charter Sales for Royal Caribbean International, tells Prevue. Muller points to Royal Caribbean’s ships being able to host a variety of group sizes, from the most intimate—as small as eight—to those so large they need to charter two ships, which, Muller says, the cruise line can accomplish.
“For groups that are larger than our 5,000 to 6,000 [capacity], we’ll do two ships side-by-side and we are able to simulcast from ship to ship,” he notes. “What we would do,” he adds, “is we would actually then land on our private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and have the entire group on the island.”
Muller says that sometimes proposing a large ship to a group is overwhelming to the group, but he notes, they can use as little or as much of the space as they want. He says groups approach him and say, “‘I can’t see myself on a larger ship,’ and I can respect that, but I ask them, ‘Where have you done programs in the past?’ They’ll start off mentioning some resorts in the Caribbean, some destinations here and there, and then they’ll maybe mention Las Vegas. I say, ‘Okay, let me get this straight. So, you’re okay going to a hotel that has 5,000 rooms, that’s almost 10,000 people, with zero control of who walks in and out of that door, but you won’t go on a ship that’s 2,500 staterooms, with full control on who comes on board. Additionally, you call on multiple destinations and most of the offerings that you would see in Las Vegas we offer them on board complimentary.
“So, when we start pricing really apples to apples, experience to experience, we still offer almost a 30 to 40 percent savings or added value on board a cruise ship versus land.” When it comes to entertainment, he says, “these are shows that you will be spending between $90 to $135 per person to attend, so the entertainment alone is one of the biggest added values that we offer in the meetings and incentives world.”
He adds that the shows can be customized and tailored to fit the group’s needs, including buying out the Boardwalk area on board Oasis-class ships for 400 to 800 people. “We’re able then to offer a private show while they still have that Boardwalk, Coney Island kind of feeling with the carousels, the carnival games, casual eateries. So, smaller groups are able to offer some kind of exclusivity, without necessarily chartering the ship.”
Muller points to associations as “something we’re starting to get involved in. Associations tend to be a little bit larger programs. They tend to book further out, maybe three to four years out, and they have the ability to fully customize. Whether they create their own trade show, whether they create their own product launches. In terms of security, they have full control of who’s on board, but also should they be offering or sharing anything that’s proprietary, there are no concerns about anyone sliding into a boardroom or conference room [and getting access to that information].”
He notes no matter the size of the group, the ships offer dedicated conference centers as well as lounges and other venues that can all be used for welcome or farewell receptions and anything in-between. There are also opportunities for wellness programs as well as dine-arounds and the like. Plus he reminds planners that the onboard built-in technology is another cost savings and all the ships offer Starlink. And, he adds, there are many sailing options—from three to seven nights.
“Virgin Voyages is the destination to celebrate anything as a group,” says Julia Glick, Director of Sales—South, Virgin Voyages. “We are a top choice for incentive groups because of all of our inclusions (worth $1,000 per Sailor) and the entire experience. Every sailing includes dining at 20+ eateries (all made-to-order and with menus by Michelin-starred chefs), basic WiFi, essential beverages, all gratuities and group fitness classes. No nickel-and-diming and no surprise bills mean your group can celebrate the way they deserve to. We are also able to customize events aboard, such as a welcome cocktail party or awards ceremony for your incentive group.”
Glick says the number one reason groups choose Virgin Voyages is because the cruise line is exclusively adult. Another selling point is the replacement of buffets or main dining rooms with six specialty restaurants that are all included. Virgin has recently added new entertainment on Resilient Lady, and in 2024 will be added more customizable vacation lengths, starting at three, and lasting up to 14 nights, at sea. Virgin will also be adding more places to sail from, whether it’s the southern end of the UK or a new homeport in the historic city of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“We saw a niche in the cruise industry and did years and years of research to determine what was missing and how to disrupt the cruise industry,” says Glick. “Attendees don’t want to sit in a ballroom all day or stay in one place. They want to explore different destinations in a modern way with Virgin’s signature premium service. Incentive planners want their attendees to feel awarded and relaxed. Virgin Voyages has everything an incentive planner would want, all bundled up on our beautiful ‘Lady Ships.’ Virgin Voyages incentive groups also offer a complimentary group Sailor loot dedicated operations manager for all on-board programming.”
atlasoceanvoyages.com/meetings-incentives-charters-events; virginvoyages.com/charters-incentives; royalcaribbeanincentives.com