Corporate Travel Destinations

According to the American Society of Travel Agents, the top corporate travel destinations include states such as Florida, Nevada, and California. Cities such as Orlando, Las Vegas, and San Francisco are popular destination sites, and trips to cities such as these can ideal for corporate incentive travel. However, when incentive planning for employees that perform over and above par, corporations may want to consider offering an incentive cruise for these top-notch employees. A cruise event is a break from the norm of land-based venues, and the lure of exotic destinations may be more motivating for many employees.

Top incentive cruise destinations for meetings at sea include the Bahamas, Aruba, the Virgin Islands, and Barbados. These Caribbean destinations are perfect getaways, and can help employees relax and unwind. Because the Caribbean is within close proximity of the U.S., 3-4 days cruises can be easily arranged. Corporate meetings held at sea can be very productive as employees are given the opportunity and venue to think creatively without the limitations of office walls. This time away from the office may be when some a corporations employees are the most innovative and imaginative. Other popular cruise destinations include Vancouver and Whistler, Australia, and Croatia.

The Caribbean is generally one of the first places that come to mind when people think of cruising and most folks who have been on cruises have cruised the Caribbean at least once. With so much emphasis placed on cruising the Caribbean, does this take away from its appeal as an incentive travel or corporate travel destination?

Some well-traveled cruisers may not find a Caribbean cruise event particularly motivating, but the ongoing popularity of the exotic beaches, intriguing cultures, fantastic weather and crystal clear waters that the Caribbean offers continues to make this region one of the most visited areas in the world year after year. With the sheer number of travelers partaking in Caribbean cruises and resort vacations, it is clear that the distinct allure of the Caribbean has not waned over the years. This continues to be one of the most popular cruise destinations for both business and leisure travel, and also continues to be a region that offers great deals for corporate travel planners.

If your company has offered an incentive cruise to the Caribbean as your incentive travel package for the last 20 years, then perhaps your staff would appreciate seeing another option available and might find a change to be more motivating. However, aside from this particular situation, cruising to the Caribbean has maintained its popularity over the decades for a reason. Sure, it is one of the most common cruise destinations, but that is simply more evidence of its allure.

When it comes to corporate group cruise planning, the Caribbean is and always will be a popular option that will likely never lose its appeal.

The first step in planning a group cruise is to determine either the time of year that the cruise needs to take place, or the preferred destination. This is because some destinations are available – and a viable option – throughout the year, while others are not. Therefore, if you want a group cruise to Alaska, but were hoping for a winter departure, you may want to rethink either the timing or the location.

Here are the most popular cruise destinations and the months that group cruises to these destinations should be planned:

• Alaska – April through September
• Bahamas – January through December
• Baltic/Scandinavia – January through December
• Bermuda – April through October
• Caribbean – January through December
• Costa Rica – January through May
• Dubai – January through December
• Hawaii – January through December
• Mediterranean/Greek Isles/Riviera – January through December
• Mexican Riviera – January through December
• Pacific Northwest – March through June or September through November
• Rivers of Europe – March through December
• Rivers of North America – January through December
• South Africa – September through April
• South America – November through March
• Tahiti – January through December

If you would like to learn more about the best time to cruise to different destinations or to take advantage of group cruise planning tools that make cruise sourcing and planning simple and convenient, visit Seasite.com, where you will find helpful information, ideas for planning cruise events and group cruise planning tips and tools.