CHARTER CASE 1
CHARTER CASE 1
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
• 4-Night Owners Operators Conference aboard Allure of the Seas
• Annual convention typically done on land. This was the first conference at sea.
• Sailed with approximately 3,500 guests (operator and spouse).
• 3 full days of meetings: (2) general sessions for 3,500 people & 22 simultaneous daily break outs.
• Several themed parties and a “Red” Parade where all of the top regional store operators were publicly
acknowledged and celebrated by all of their peers.
• Conservative corporate culture. Company requested for lounges and casino be closed for duration of
their program.
CHALLENGES:
• Main focus and expense directed towards Production on past programs. Limited space and main show
lounge could not accommodate everyone at once.
• Since this was the client’s first meeting at sea, there was concern for how their typical land based event
would translate to a shipboard environment.
• Client could only charter for a maximum of 4-nights to remain consistent with previous events and stay
within budget.
• Special 4-night sailing allowed for minimal time for attendees to experience most of the ship’s typical
activities due to heavy meeting content.
• Company’s culture to engage their host property’s team by serving their food products to all prior to the
first day of the conference. Due to agricultural regulations, food sourced from outside vendors could not
be brought onboard.
SOLUTIONS:
• General session was simulated from Theater to Studio B, Aqua Theater, & all other public areas.
• Client made history by conducting 14 separate site inspection from May 2021 when the program was
contracted until February 2023 (combination of sailing sites and day visits).
• A special 4-night sailing was carved from our standard 7 night schedule to accommodate this program.
• Allure of the Seas has state-of-the-art production equipment, handled by a professional onboard Stage
& Production team which saved the client thousands.
• Customized the onboard programming around client’s business agenda.
• Due to the conservative corporate culture of this client, special acts & comedians were hired specifically
for this charter at no additional costs.
• Due to the difficulty with bringing food items on the ship and scheduling 2500+ crew members time
to participate on embarkation day, an alternative “complimentary sandwich card” was created and
distributed to every crew member and pier staff to experience on their own.
BENEFITS OF CHARTERING:
• Phenomenal networking opportunities. Guests can openly discuss sensitive information without fear
of leakage.
• Endless customization options: logos, specially desserts, menu alternations, changes with onboard
programming, and choosing the ports of call.
• Ability to engage the onboard team: Use the Cruise Director to emcee the event, Cruise Staff to
assist with meet & greet or orchestrate other activities at no (or minimal) costs, which can not be
done on land.
• Variety of meal and entertainment options available for when attendees are not in meetings.
• Built in spouse program & children’s program. Ship environment regularly features numerous onboard
activities. No need to plan anything else or pay additional fees (some onboard activities may require a
nominal fee).