Knowledge Center
CLIA's Knowledge Center is jam-packed with educational guidelines and useful tips to help cruise travel agents become better group cruise buyers. We give you the tools you need to produce successful shipboard events.
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Choosing Your Cruise
With so many ships and destinations, how do you find the perfect fit for your group? Here are some helpful guides:
Choosing the Right Size and Type
An overview of ship categories based on size and typical cruise experienceGroup Cruise Destinations
Highlights of the best incentive cruise destinations -
Charter a Ship
Chartering a "ship of your own" gives you the ultimate flexibility and freedom to customize your program. But is it the right fit for your group? Here's what you need to know when considering a full-ship charter:
Advantages of a Full Ship Charter
Booking a Charter - Things to Know
Full Ship Charter Considerations
Considerations to explore before booking your charterWhen Not to Charter
Learn when a ship charter is not the right fit. -
Cruise Advantages
Wondering how a cruise program compares to a land-based event? Learn the planning differences, compare land and cruise inclusions and discover how a meeting at sea can slash your budget.
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Cruise Event Planning
If you are accustomed to planning land-based programs, a cruise event might seem daunting. Most new ships are built with meetings and incentive groups in mind, but translating your event to a cruise environment often requires flexibility and creativity.
Booking Lead Time
Here's what you need to know to become a savvy cruise planner:
Meeting Facilities at Sea
Pre-Cruise Registration
Shore Excursions -
Cruise Event & Sample Agendas
Whether you're planning a business event, corporate meeting, special interest charter, or sales incentive program, a cruise ship is a great venue. Here are the top 10 types of events at sea (including some that might surprise you), plus sample day-by-day cruise program agendas.
Top 10 Types of Events
Here are the 10 most successful meetings and events held on cruise ships
Sample Event at Sea Agendas
If you're wondering how a hotel program will translate to a cruise ship, here are a few day-by-day charts to help you visualize the possibilities.
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Events Ashore
For an extraordinary cruise program, consider a customized tour or exclusive evening event in one of your ports of call. Whether it's a private reception in a 12th century Italian abbey, a gala dinner in a Russian palace, a private classical concert in the ancient ruins of Ephesus or a thrilling sailing regatta in the Caribbean, nothing adds more excitement than an event created exclusively for your group.
Some ultra-premium cruise lines, including Windstar Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises, include a complimentary "Exclusive Event" on every voyage. If you're sailing as a group on a larger ship, you might consider planning your own private event in port. -
Environmental Issues
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Glossary
Glossaries of cruise line terminology and nautical lingo meeting planners might need to know.
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Life Onboard
Curious about life onboard a cruise ship? Wondering how to keep your attendees happy when they're not in meetings? Check out sample daily schedules from large, mid-size, and small ships. You'll be amazed by the broad range of choices for cruise ship dining, activities, sports, and entertainment - and most are included in your cruise fare!
Money Matters, Cashless Cruising
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Pricing and Contracts
If you are wondering how to improve your bottom line, you might be surprised to find out how much you can save by planning your event on a ship. But knowing the ropes when it comes to the cruise contract is key.
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Planning a Golf Event
If golf is a crucial element to your program, here's what you need to know to plan the perfect golf event. Cruise ships sail to ports with the most spectacular ocean-view golf courses in the world; discover a few of them here.
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Safety & Security at Sea
Are cruise ships safe?
Absolutely! According to recent maritime research, cruising is still one of the safest forms of travel in the world. Here are a few good-to-know facts:
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As ships have grown larger, cruises have become safer than at any time in history.
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According to CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), a typical cruise ship has more than 60 safety, environmental and health inspections each year.
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Ships provide firefighting teams, life jackets, and enough survival craft to accommodate at least 125% of passengers and crew.
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Cruise ships are regularly sanitized, from door handles to poker chips
How Secure are Cruise Ships?
Virtually no other segment of the travel and hospitality industry does more to make sure their guests are safe and secure. Major cruise lines have sophisticated security departments run by former federal, state or military law enforcement officials and staffed by professional security personnel – 0n call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Cruise ships are tightly controlled environments. U.S.-based cruise lines share passenger manifests with U.S. authorities who check against official databases. Proof of identity is required to access a cruise ship terminal; only crew, ticketed passengers, and those on a pre-approved list may enter. All passengers, crew, and baggage must pass through screening checkpoints before boarding.
Cruise Ship Health Concerns
Cruise lines continuously focus on providing clean and sanitary environments aboard their ships for the health of all on board. Should the need arise, cruise lines are equipped with medical facilities for guests and crew members. Cruise ships go to great lengths to keep passengers healthy and well.
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Cruises regularly clean and sanitize the facilities on board, from door handles and gym equipment to Scrabble tiles and poker chips.
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Cabins are cleaned and sanitized at least once daily, restaurants and snack areas are cleaned regularly, and common areas like pools and elevators are cleaned throughout the day.
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Health screenings help to identify ill passengers or crewmembers prior to boarding. Passengers and crewmembers who may be ill are assessed by medical staff before they may interact with other guests.
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At the end of every cruise, crewmembers are to clean the ship from top to bottom using designated cleaning supplies and sanitation procedures.
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CLIA members collaborate with the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) to develop and implement guidelines on cruise ship medical facilities.
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Tax Deductibility
Confused about tax issues? Your corporate meeting or incentive at sea may be tax-deductible. Shed light on this subject and find out if you are eligible.
Incentive and Recognition Cruises
Luxury Water Transportation
Deduct up to $762 per person, per day as "transportation to a land based meeting" according to IRS.