KEY POINTS:
Cruises are not for everyone, but most agree they're not just for the blue rinse brigade anymore. The average age of cruise passengers is now about 40, making them an attractive option as a staff incentive or conference venue for big companies.
Corporate cruise travel is definitely growing in New Zealand, albeit slowly, says Shannon Currie, P&O Cruises' New Zealand manager.
"A cruise can work well for company events. Companies have the ability to entertain their group all in one space, which is great for team building," he says.
The fastest growing area in corporate cruise travel is staff incentives. Companies can motivate staff beyond just the cruise prize, Currie says. "For example, if a staff member reaches a certain target, they earn a cruise holiday in an inside cabin; if they reach the next level they earn an outside cabin with ocean views and at the top level, they might earn an outside cabin with a balcony." For those who don't like the idea of being "trapped" on a ship for more than a week, there's always the relief of regular stops on cruises.
Steve Parker, manager of cruising online travel agency www.icruise.co.nz, says ships typically make about four port calls, offering plenty of opportunity to explore new places and get away from on-board routines. The beauty of cruising is that partners and children can also be included on the trip as added staff incentives, and P&O Cruise ships have dedicated kids' centres with appealing activities.
Service standards on cruise ships are extremely high, adds Parker - another reason they are suitable for entertaining valued clients.
When contemplating a cruising conference the key thing to remember is shorter trips work best - think the Pacific Islands, or New Caledonia. After all, it is possible to spend too long in the company of colleagues and clients.
- Detours, HoS
