When on a 'group' cruise... Groups (long)

When on a 'group' cruise... Groups (long)

When on a 'group' cruise... Groups


Complied and presented by...
John Sisker - SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY (sm)
(714) 536-3850 or toll-free at (800) 724-6644 & (Agency ID: 714.536.3850)
www .shiptoshorecruise,com



So far, everything in this "When on a cruise..." series has been about a
particular place and/or destination; one my wife Deborah and I have actually
been to. This particular circulation is a little bit different, simply
talking about "Groups" in general. It is not meant to be a technical
breakdown on "Groups," just a general background of some of the different
type groups available and how they can benefit the average traveler. A good
travel agent should already know about all this, so that is not where this
is directed. Nor is it intended to be a detailed guide on how and where to
get the best "Groups" rates, even though, generally, that is one of the
governing factors of "Groups," whether on a cruise or other types of travel.
However, since our general subject is mainly cruises, we'll emphasize that
premise.

As a travel agent, specializing in just cruises, I have been involved in
many type groups... from setting up specific ones, to sailing on them, to
finding group space for individual clients, and to organizing them myself
and/or working with designated coordinators.



Main Contents:
* Group Ideas...
* Ways To Book Groups...
* Some Easy Steps For Groups...
* Examples Of "Group" Selling...
* Block Space...
* Theme Cruises...
* References...
* Past Groups...
-- FIT Passengers
-- Existing Groups
-- Individual vs. Group Rates
-- Defined Groups
-- Group Leaders
-- Developing Own Group
-- Escorted Groups



Just some general group travel/destination ideas...
* Business
* Corporate
* Expedition Cruises
* Family Vacations
* Fitness & Recreation
* Friends Getaways
* Gatherings and Celebrations
* Gourmet
* Hobbies
* Holidays
* Incentives
* Luxury Groups
* Movie Fans
* Music Lovers
* Ocean Crossings
* River & Canal
* Religious Retreats
* Reunions
* Romance
* Senior Travel
* Single
* Sports Themes
* Spring Break
* Student Group Trips
* Theme Cruises
* Weddings
* World Cruises


As you can see, the possibilities seems almost endless to put some type of
group together for those of a like mind... that is, for travelers who have
the same interests. This naturally allows for a special familiarity among
passengers, and of course special package deals normally not available to
the individual traveler. However, "Groups" can and do mean a lot more than
simply getting those with the same interest on the same cruise at the same
time.



There are a number of ways to book your group's cruise.

* If you are the leader for this event yourself, you can be the group's
gatekeeper and coordinate the bookings, payments and other details with the
assistance of a travel agent. Pricing and stateroom availability are subject
to change. By booking each of your group's staterooms at the same time, you
lock in the rate and give your group a wider selection of accommodations,
including staterooms in close proximity to each other.

* Once your group has agreed to a particular sailing, you can supply them
with a travel agent's contact information so that each guest can make their
own bookings on an individual basis. Make sure to provide your guests with
your booking number to assure dining assignments and other arrangements.

* With their permission, you can supply your travel agent with your group's
contact information and the agent will contact them. Additionally, you can
include your travel agent's name and contact information in your cruise
event community and invitation.

* Please keep in mind that if a member of your group waits too long to book,
the cruise price may change, staterooms in close proximity to each other may
not be available or the cruise may sell out. Encourage members of your group
to book right away.

* Some travel agencies/companies look for special groups leaders by offering
incentives to them, such as earning a free cruise and/or other amenities,
some of which can be shared with the group if so desired and deemed
feasible.

* Agencies and/or agents themselves can become the so-called group leader,
coordinating all the details for the booking with individuals, then becoming
the onboard events or activities planner. They can benefit from individual
commissions, to a free cruise, and/or other available gap points that may
not necessarily be shared with the group as a whole.



Below are some of the easier steps needed to put a group cruise together.

* Develop the theme or reason for the group cruise
* Work early with your travel agent
* Pick a ship and itinerary
* Select a month to travel
* Contact your cruise travel agent for more details
* Promote your group cruise
* Group members to send in deposits
* Consider airfare with cruise line or separate
* Purchase travel insurance (optional)
* Arrange some fun activities for the group
* Order any prizes, "T"-shirts, gear, etc
* Collect final payments



The following are only examples of select "Group" selling's...


A typical group promotion from a cruise line - (Carnival Cruise Line's Fun
Points):

Whether you are planning a family reunion, a shipboard wedding or a
corporate seminar, you don't need to look any further than Carnival. Contact
a Group Representative. Booking a group with Carnival definitely has its
advantages. Whether it's complimentary champagne and chocolates, or a
private cocktail party onboard, you can choose from special amenities just
by using fun points for your group. All it takes to qualify is a group
traveling together in 8 or more staterooms. Carnival's expert Group Travel
department can turn your event planning into smooth sailing. Have a Groups
Representative contact you. No matter what the occasion, we know how
important it is to put on a first-class event. Our representatives can help
you prepare for everything, down to the smallest details, when planning your
group cruise. A Carnival cruise is a fabulous way to make any business
event, bachelorette party or family reunion an unforgettable occasion.



Group Block Space Programs:

Inventory in our group space program includes thousands of cabins. Our Group
Block Space Program currently has 10 cruise lines. Others partner along with
sailing dates will be added throughout the year, and this key information
will be communicated to our member agents as changes take place.

Option Date: This is the date cruise lines can re-call all unsold space in
the group and/or adjust rates within the group.

Amenities: These special features of our program are only guaranteed if a
minimum of 8 cabins are sold.

Group Name: If the group name is [Host Agency], our members can free sell
into this space. If the group has any other name, please contact us before
adding space or selling any cabins as it may be an affinity group owned by
another member/agent.

As a member agent, you may call any cruise line group department and inquire
about space, availability, and prices and block your group space, or you may
book your individual cabins and smaller groups into our pre-blocked cruise
group space.

Agents can access most of the group information that the cruise lines offer
via their websites. They usually always offer a 1 free berth for 16 paying
passengers, and gap points vary depending on the sailing date. Gap points
are points that can be used towards different things for their group. Agents
can check with the cruise lines and get a cruise only rate, and they can
also get the rate that includes the air and transfers. Then they should
check the airfares out with the airlines directly too, and decide which is
the best option. As far as insurance goes, agents can offer then the cruise
lines insurance (that is in the brochure and in their website) or one
through one of the Travel Insurance companies.



Some questions about Selling Theme Groups:


Question: I've been thinking about putting together a theme group but don't
think I can get enough people.

Answer: A good cruise travel agent, with appropriate affiliations, will be
happy to discuss the possibility of making your group become a reality.
Remember, if you thought of the idea, there's a good chance several thousand
other agents may be thinking the same thing, if associate with a host or
consortium. Remember, there's power in numbers!


Question: What's the commission scale for these theme groups?

Answer: Commission on our theme groups are the same as what the cruise line
pays us. Meaning if we are on a 16% commission scale, you get 16% on the
entire package. (Minus port charges and taxes) This means you are making 16%
on even the mark up to cover the onboard cost of performers, speakers,
counselors and such.


Question: I can get the same ship/same date at a cheaper rate. Why should I
book into select groups with some agencies?

Answer: Their groups may be closed to the general population of the ship.
While you may be able to book on the same cruise/same date, even at a lower
price, you may not be a part of the group. No-doubt, they are selling a
unique and marketable onboard theme experience, which obviously comes with a
price tag. This price difference is reflected in their mark up of each
group.



Reference, background and/or source materials:

http :// www .shiptoshorecruise,com /Inventory.htm;
http :// www .shiptoshorecruise.joystar,com /Cruise.aspx?AgentID011545;
http :// www .shiptoshorecruise.joystar,com /GroupCruises.aspx?AgentID011545

http :// www .carnival,com /CMS/Static Templates/Group Travel.aspx;
http :// www .carnival,com /Search/Default.aspx?q=groups&x&y=8;

http :// www .advantagetravelpartners,com /;

For reference, and with the exception of specific requirements, the above
was source material only as the basic for information for this series, and
yet, is still in connection with the "fair use" exemption to copyright law,
when and where appropriate, which was created to allow things such as
commentary, parody, news reporting, research and education about copyrighted
works without the permission of the author.



A few of my past groups:

The following are just some what I have personally been involved with, or
know about, in the way of group cruises, whether as a past passenger myself
or as a coordinator. However, this and the source materials above, are only
intended as a general guideline in presenting select group information, and
nothing in this series is intended to advertise or to procure any related
business.

As already stated, this particular circulation is not meant to be a
technical breakdown on "Groups," just a general background of some of the
different type groups available and how they can benefit the average
traveler.

* As an FIT passenger... [i.e. not connected with groups or cruises, but
needed for definition]
- This means "Flexible Independent Travel". While not used in connection to
groups, or cruises for that matter, it is referred to when a traveler has an
itinerary that is customized for them and is not a part of a tour package.
It is beneficial to give this definition here, for the FIT category may come
up, and basically is misunderstood by some travelers and/or some
agencies/agents alike.

* Booking into an existing group... [i.e. thousands in our inventory to
choose from]
- Many of the bigger agencies has already established groups, of which
individuals can take advantage of, for the extra special discounted group
prices. They do not have to participate in any so-called group activities,
but will have access to group pricing normally not available on an
individual basis.

* Individual vs. Group rates... [i.e. the lowest prices for individuals
around, with extra savings for groups, on all major cruise lines]
- Normally, establishing a group means better overall prices - that's the
nature and reason for a group. But, not always. For example, an upcoming
group cruise from a competitive company is $559.00 per person for an
specific category, but is actually only $447.00 for individuals through our
normal discounting, which includes all governmental fees, port and other
appropriate taxes. In other words, you need to be aware of what agent/agency
is giving you so-called group rates.

* Coordinating a defined group... [i.e. various cruise lines; defining new
groups and themes]
- In my interpretation, defined groups can be any existing group, one made
up of specific interests, the gather of those sharing the same already
established theme cruise, and/or developing one for a class reunion as for
example. Normally, there are also people that stand out as specific leaders
in these defined groups, to help coordinate activities once on the ship.
Depending on the goals of the group, meeting rooms can be arranged. Even
specific games and other events can be included, just for those wanting to
participate of these special defined cruises.

* Working with group leaders... [i.e. Carnival, RCCL: coordinating existing
groups]
- Most, but not all, of my groups have been working with defined group
leaders of specific organizations and church groups. The group wants a
cruise, and what better way to coordinate and communicate with the group
than through their group leaders. The trust, commitment and camaraderie has
already been established, so other than working as the agent to bring this
group to a cruise at the most attractive group rates, already defined
leaders of a particular organization is the best way to handle the
situation. I communicate with the group leaders, they communicate with their
group. I handle the technical stuff, they built the incentive with their
group. At this point, there is no reason to re-invent the wheel.

* Developing my own group... [i.e. RCCL: large group of growing friends]
- As already listed in the section... "Just some general group
travel/destination ideas..." a group can be developed around just about any
specific theme, or just about anything or any subject for that matter. It
can even be developed around something of interest to just a specific
gathering of people; for example, a class reunion, an annual family
vacation, a wedding, a group of friends just wanting to get away together,
etc. A group can be established for any basic reason, for the group cruise
of like interests in the governing factor here, not so much just the cruise
itself.

* Escorted Groups... [i.e. NCL: 87 family members]
- This is one where I would be the actual escort or coordinator for the
group while on the ship itself. Some agencies/agents like to make all these
arrangements themselves; actually booking the cruise themselves through
their agency, then trying to be the so-called actual leader of the group
itself while onboard. If done right, and up-front, this can be a streamline
and effective why to handle everything from the paper-work to the onboard
activities, for a very specific group of friend who have trust in the
escort. Unfortunately, I have seen some agents/escorts arrange specific
groups are rates actually higher that the public could obtained on their
own, plus kept the free cruise and most of the other "Gap"points for
themselves, as extra commissions and bonuses, instead of sharing amongst
their group in the way of shipboard credit, prizes, cocktail parties, free
cruise for those
deserving, etc.


As I said, I have personally been involved, in one way other another, in all
there type group cruises, including being an escort. However, maybe it is my
background and/or upbringing, but on a personal basis, other than earning
the basis commission, I believed in sharing any and all available amenities
and/or "Gap" points with my group