Monday, September 10, 2012

Where do cruise group leaders come from and What is the #1 & #2 & #3 reason that cruisers travel in groups ?

(I am a day early posting this on my blog, because I will physically away from desk till noon on Monday, September 17, yet you can most certainly call me & I will be paged immediately (434) 237-3832).


Where do group leaders come from ?



Group Leaders are regular people …

(1) Just like you and me.

(2) Who are looked up to and admired for insight and more.

(3) Who most often find that others surround around them.

(4) Where folks tend to enjoy doing the same as them.

(5) And others tend to follow choices presented to them



Are group cruise leaders the same folks as just group leaders ?

Most certainly yes !

Friends and family who enjoy the “follow the leader” concept, are the same folks that will follow a group leader right onboard their upcoming cruise !



95% of cruisers love cruising.

Did you know, 80% of those who have never cruised >>> Want to !

So what could be more delightful for group leader, than to present a cruise to a group who will have an opportunity of a life time for … Fun … Relaxation … Adventure … Seeing the World … And a chance to get up from the dinner table without a “food bill” !


It’s an opportunity for group leaders to make it an event where it might be all girls (or guys) … all couples … or simply, WHY NOT, bring the whole family along … And even then, open the group to include friends of friends !


Above describes why groups may Choose to Cruise … But WHY do folks like to travel in groups, for a cruise ? To (name a few)…

(See 1, 2,& 3 below)

(4) Not miss out on an experience that another may experience

(5) Share a common experience

(6) Plan experiences as a team

(7) Have memory pictures which will include friends/family

(8) Often receive amenities that you would not had you cruised as an individual cabin





The # 1 reason … To not have to travel alone.

Did you know, 60% of folk do not ant to vacation alone !

Did you know, 40% of these are waiting for you to ask them to join you !








And the #2 reason … GROUPS JUST HAVE MORE FUN !


It’s a WIN-WIN …






Group Leaders just find out from their group (1 year to 15 months prior to vacation) …

* What month they could possibly go ?

* Will kids be included ?

* Maximum length of time folks can be away ?

* General destination to travel, like Caribbean or Bahamas ?

* Is the group willing to fly ?



Next (an others can too), looks at options on line 24/7.
You want to do your homework !  You don't want anyone making a suggestion to you, and later find out, there were other options your group may have enjoyed more !
Just go up on the cruise lines website ... DO NOT waste your time searching for some deal you think may be found out on the internet (it's not what you think; ask a cruise expert) ! 






Next, the group leader alone, contacts a "cruise specialist"to work with ... Someone they can entrust with their group (of family/friends) ... Who knows the ins-and-outs of the cruise business ! 

And if the group leader has done their homework online, they will be ready with their questions.  AND TRUST ME, don't do this online; care enough about your vacation and simply pick the phone up and speak to a human being !




Your Cruise Specialist then …

* Reserves space at the cruise line
* Makes you a link of information to send to family/friends
* Calls your guest and reserves their space
* Sends your group information, to include cruising tips and more
* Ask for group tour suggestions; flights; pre-hotel; transfers.






All that’s left for ALL … PACK !


And once onboard …. Leave it to the cruise line to entertain your guest !

You just plan to meet for DINNER (and possibly optional group tours) !








It’s as simple as that ! Which is reason # 3 … SIMPLICITY !

               

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