Full Ship Charter vs Group Option
No matter what group size or type of program your client is planning, an event at sea is a unique and budget-friendly venue option. While a group cruise offers many benefits, an exclusive ship buy-out (ship charter) offers unique advantages including absolute privacy and freedom to customize. To help you determine whether a group cruise or a cruise ship charter is the best fit for your client’s event, here are some benefits and considerations of each option.
FULL SHIP CHARTER (SHIP BUY-OUT)
Benefits
- Exclusivity: Exclusive use of the entire ship– all accommodations, lounges, restaurants, and ship services just for your group
- Flexibility & Control: Total control of daily program and shipboard events, option to customize itinerary, entertainment and activities. Control of on-board venues for program events.
- Customization: Company/Association logo can be used freely throughout the ship – on cocktail napkins, menus, photograph covers, banners, flag to fly from the ship’s mast – even pool liners. Ship’s daily program can be customized to reflect your program events.
- Personalized Service: With just your group onboard, staff can devote all attention and resources to your guests and program needs
- Camaraderie: A ship is a self-contained environment, fostering camaraderie and friendships
Considerations
- Irrevocable Letter of Credit required – charter rate is non-refundable
- Onboard Revenue Guarantees must be met
- Depending on the size of the ship venues the entire group may not be accommodated in one venue at one time.
GROUP OPTION
Benefits
- Flexible Numbers: Groups can range from a minimum of 8 cabins to 500 cabins or more
- Flexible Contract Terms including Payment Schedule and Attrition Policy
- Less Financial Risk – no onboard revenue considerations
Considerations
- Shared use of ship’s facilities.
- General program planning subject to ship’s schedule and itinerary arrival and departure times
- Group Signage permitted at hospitality desk and during private functions
- Groups must adhere to ship’s published schedule and itinerary