Corporate Cruise FAQ
Answers to the questions meeting planners and business owners ask most about corporate cruise programs, incentive trips and events on cruise ships.
Do attendees need passports for a corporate cruise?
For foreign ports, plan on valid passports for everyone. Closed-loop cruises from US ports have their own rules for US citizens, but a passport avoids problems if someone has to fly home from a foreign port.
Can attendees bring family members?
Many programs allow a guest in the cabin, and some allow children. Decide the policy, who pays for extra guests and whether they can attend events.
Will attendees have internet on board?
Most ships offer internet packages, and some lines promote fast satellite service. Decide whether the company covers it and confirm the speed your work requires.
What happens if the ship skips a port?
Lines can change itineraries for weather or safety. Build your program so that sessions and events do not depend on one port, and read the contract terms on itinerary changes.
Can we bring our own speakers or entertainers?
Usually, with the line’s approval. Outside speakers normally book a cabin, and the line may have rules about performances and equipment.
Is a cruise more affordable than a land conference?
It can be, because rooms, meals and entertainment are bundled, but it depends on the program. Compare full proposals rather than headline prices.
How do we handle dietary and accessibility needs?
Collect them at registration and pass them to the line early. Accessible cabins are limited, so book them first.
Talk It Through With an Advisor
Every program is different, and the details that matter most, space, terms and timing, change by ship and sailing. Send us a short brief and we will reply with options. For an overview of the business side of travel, Best of the USA and the Official Travel Directory list more of our network’s resources.
What to Put in a Corporate Cruise Brief
A one-page brief is all an advisor needs to start. The more of these points you can answer, the more precise the first proposals will be.
| Item | Example answer |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Sales incentive for the top performers of the year |
| Attendees | About 60 winners plus guests |
| Timing | Any 4 or 5 nights in late spring |
| Departure | A Florida port with good flights from the Midwest |
| Program | Welcome reception, one awards dinner, one private shore day |
| Meeting needs | One 90-minute session on a sea day |
| Company covers | Fare, taxes, gratuities, the events and drinks at events |
| Special needs | Two accessible cabins, several dietary requests |
Send what you know; we will help you fill in the rest.
Duty of Care at Sea
Companies owe attendees a duty of care on any business trip, and a cruise is no exception. Share the ship’s medical center details and emergency procedures with your team, keep an up-to-date list of attendees and their emergency contacts, and make sure someone from the company is the point of contact on board. Ask attendees to carry any medication in their hand luggage and to tell you, privately, about health needs you should plan for. On port days, set a clear meeting point and remind everyone of the all-aboard time.
Send Us Your Program Brief
Ask about a meeting, an incentive trip, an event or a charter. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will answer and send free proposals.
Ask an Advisor