So you’re a smart, savvy business person who has decided to use incentive travel as a motivational tool for employees (good on you since non-cash rewards like travel are 2-3x more effective than cash AND for every dollar spent on incentive travel, there is a $12.50 increase in revenue!).  Now you need to determine what type of trip is best for your company. How about a cruise? Two-thirds of Americans have never been on a cruise so simply the novelty of the experience is an exciting and motivating factor. Other key advantages of an incentive cruise include:

Ease of Travel

During a cruise travelers get to visit multiple ports and destinations but don’t have to worry about the logistics of getting from place to place. (Hello unpacking only once!) And travelers are realizing the benefit of cruising – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reported in 2016 that cruise travel is outpacing land-based travel by 22% in the US.

Destination Possibilities

While many people only think of the Caribbean or Alaska, you can visit just about any destination that’s on or near the coast via cruise. Italy, Iceland, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, Thailand – the options are endless.

Ship Options

If a massive vessel packed to the brim with thousands of travelers comes to mind when you think of cruising, you’re not alone. But replace that image with one of you relaxing on a small, 100-passenger yacht as you cruise through the Greek Isles or hopping off an expedition vessel to snorkel among the tropical fish and sea turtles in the Galapagos. Sounds pretty great, right? There are many different sizes and types of ships today that even the most pro-land travelers are being converted to cruisers after experiencing one that fits their preferences.

Multi-Generation Appeal

From activities on board the ship to shore excursions, cruise lines have options that fit your employees’ preferences, no matter their age or ability. Whether some want to relax in the spa, embark on an adventurous excursion in port, or learn something new in a seminar, travelers can find an activity they will enjoy. And if your trip is family-friendly, most every line has programs, activities, and lounges for children and teens.

Natural Camaraderie

While a cruise allows travelers to do different activities, the nature of being together in one place facilitates bonding and relationship building. At the end of the day, employees can come together at dinner and talk about their adventures of the day (conversations made easy!). These shared experiences, whether a cruise or another type of travel, naturally create high-quality relationships that yield loyalty and lasting ties to the company.

Budget Management

Cruising is priced per person and includes not only accommodations but also meals, evening entertainment, activities, and more depending on the cruise line. That means you can get more bang for your buck and employees don’t have extensive out of pocket costs.

Variety of Cuisine

Speaking of meals, a cruise has many different dining options. From the traditional dining room to specialty restaurants to private spaces to causal poolside spots, you can host dinners in different locations throughout the trip. And cruise lines have really stepped up their culinary offerings. Menus change daily and chefs can cater to different dietary restrictions and preferences. Some lines, like Seabourn, have even partnered with renowned chefs – ahem, Thomas Keller – to take their culinary program to a new level.

Planning Made Simple

Just like the cruise itself allows you – and the participants – to avoid stressing over endless travel logistics, the planning process does as well. Brownell Incentive Travel has experienced planning incentive cruises and extensive knowledge of the different lines so our team can help you determine which cruise is best for you and your team.

Contact us to start planning your incentive cruise or for more information about our incentive travel programs.