8
Common Misconceptions about Cruising
Cruising is one of the best things you can
spend your hard-earned money on – it's
exciting, flexible, and more affordable than some may think!
However, there are several misconceptions that may have you hesitant to hop on board this incentive trip. Let's look at – and dispense with – 8 of them:
Wish you were here xxx!
… I have to dress up! Dressing up on a cruise ship is completely optional. Although there are formal events that you can choose to participate in, you don't have to dress up unless you want to. Casual wear is perfectly
!
p Casual or Dress U
acceptable throughout the day and night for the majority of venues on board.
… I have to dine with strangers! Although this may have been the case in the past, guests now dine whenever and with whomever they choose. Other than being far
wo T r o f r e n n i D
more exciting and memorable, it's no different from visiting a restaurant on land.
… Cruise ships are crowded!
The eternal frustration of queues at the bars and throngs of people swarming around the pools can put the most adventurous traveller off – but when it comes to cruise ships, you will find yourself pleasantly surprised. Even though some cruise ships can hold upward of 4,200 guests, it never feels crowded, since passengers spread out across all of the different onboard venues. If you feel like avoiding the crowds even further, certain larger vessels also have areas that are exclusively for the use of private area guests.
Private A rea
s
‌ Only grandparents cruise! With the average age of a cruise guest being 49, it is clear that not just those in their golden years cruise. With today's innovative dining opportunities, entertainment, and youth programmes, you are sure to find a diverse group of fellow passengers on board your ship.
Fun for All ‌ Food is sub-par on a cruise ship! In a world filled with distinctive culinary opportunities, cruise liners especially take pride in offering exciting menus that will satisfy any mouth – they are, after all, in the business of hospitality, relaxation, and pleasing passengers! Over and above the delicious nightly selections available in the main restaurants, there are award-winning speciality restaurants on board, including top-notch steakhouses and those offering fine French dining. You will also have an array of seafood, sushi, and teppanyaki delights to choose from, and there are pizzerias, bakeries, and gelato shops to indulge in. If you have any specific dietary requirements, most mainstream cruise liners will be more than happy to accommodate your needs.
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‌ How much fun can it be to stay on a ship night and day? How this concern came about is uncertain, as cruise ships are actually one of the most dynamic incentive destinations available. Most nightly entertainment, including stage productions, variety acts, comedians, and live musicians, forms part of your cruise fare. If you are finding it difficult to decide on your daily adventures, you can make use of the complementary daily programme, including daily news and activities.
Activities
In the unlikely event that you still haven't decided to book a cruise straight away, we've laid out some additional benefits to take on board: Cruise ships take rest and relaxation seriously - twice-daily housekeeping with nightly turndown is provided. If you would like to earn your margherita, or simply enjoy keeping fit, a well-equipped health and fitness centre is included in the rate.
nt e m n i a t r e t n E Safety of guests is of the utmost importance to those offering cruising as a destination. Vessel areas are only available to documented guests, and there is 24-hour security – think of them as your ship's personal body guards. If you have your eye set on conducting meetings at sea, most liners can offer an exclusive on-board venue for corporate meetings, which would include complimentary audio and visual equipment. It is clear that incentives at sea are not only more cost effective than similar land-based options, but are also more dynamic, adventure-filled, amenity-rich, and memorable incentive program options.
s e m a G & n Fu
‌ Cruising is more expensive! Cruising is one of the best value-for-money incentive programmes available today. Most mainstream cruise liners offer full board, breakfast, lunch, and dinner as part of their cruise fare. Certain basic drinks, such as sodas, drip coffees, and teas, are typically included in the rate. If something 'harder' is required, drink packages for the
Affordab le
entire group can be budgeted for and purchased ahead of time. Depending on how you structure your deal, gratuities for
Luxury
housekeeping, restaurants, and bar staff can be included. Certain packages include Wi-Fi, and some cruise liners even offer one complementary shore excursion per port. Whatever your budget, the flexibility and wide variety of cruise offers means that there is an option perfect for you and your requirements.
‌ I'll get seasick! Once you've indulged in some of the delectable food on offer, one might worry about the dreaded seasickness that can sour even the most pleasant of voyages. However, nowadays, it should not even factor into the cruise decision-making process. With state-of-the-art stabilisers keeping the ship on an even
s t e s n u S l Beautifu
keel at all times, it is unlikely that you will experience seasickness while on your cruise. Choosing a cabin in the centre of the ship can also help to minimise any motion you may feel.
If you'd like to know more about the benefits of Cruise Incentives, contact the IASAB team on info@iatsea.co.za
Postnet Suite 024 | Private Bag X3 Woodhill, 0076 Tel: +27 82 335 6531 / +27 72 290 6882 www.incentivesatsea.co.za