< PreviousAmy Conover, director, charter & incentive sales for Windstar Cruises, a small-ship cruise line based in Miami, says cruises can be a really streamlined option for meetings and events. You have essentially a single location, lodging and meals basically decided, and you have a captive audience. “But sometimes with that ease, you don’t get a lot of flex- ibility in your choices. That’s where the benefit of small-ship cruising comes in,” Conover says. You can book an exclusive full-ship charter for 148 to 342 attendees, or small groups from 20 to 140 attendees. Windstar Cruises offers customizable itineraries and shore excursions, and their culinary team can pivot to even the most restrictive or specific of dining requests. “Our entire fleet pro- vides many different options for incen- tive trips, full-ship charters and groups with up to 170 state- rooms, paired with an endless choice of destinations. We’re also able to charter multiple ships at once, accommodat- ing larger corporate groups,” Conover says. “In addition to our Star Plus Class ships — which are roomier and lavish with design elements like walk-in closets — our three sailing ships with actual tall, billowing sails have been known to elicit ‘oohs and ahhs’ from clients when they first step aboard.” Safety First The cruise industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but based on Carnival’s restart of guest cruise operations, for example, it is clear from new bookings that there is tremendous confidence in the company’s health and safety protocols and the return of cruising. “While there have been some changes onboard in our enhanced health and safety protocols, they have been designed to serve the best interests of public health while preserving a great cruise experience for our guests,” Frizzell says. For example, Carnival is operating cruises with enhanced protocols developed in conjunction with global government and health authorities, and informed by guidance from pub- lic health, epidemiological and policy experts. This includes cross-industry learnings and best practices based on the proven health and safety record of industry-wide sailings. In fact, Carnival’s enhanced COVID-19 protocols have made cruising among the safest forms of socializing and travel, with far lower incidence rates than on land. “We just announced a fleet- wide rollout of com- prehensive upgrades to each ship’s hotel HVAC systems, while indoor air quality is also con- tinuously monitored and maintained to the highest stan- dards at sea, using an industry-leading air filtration and ultraviolet-C treat- ment throughout the ship,” Frizzell says. “As health protocols around the world continue to evolve, we will be well-prepared to comply and adjust to changing cir- cumstances while serving the best interest of public health.” Carnival has also introduced more touchless interactions, which has been accelerated to a degree since the pandemic, and will help make the experience even more frictionless for meeting and event attendees. “At its core, cruising continues to be what it has always been — a convenient way to travel, meet people, experience new things and see the world, all at a tremendous value. And we are thrilled to once again be providing millions of guests with much-needed vaca- tions,” Frizzell says. Celebrity Ascent, the fourth ship in the award-winning Edge Series, is expected to make her highly anticipated maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale late next year. Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises 40 August/September 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com [Cruise lines are] embracing the meetings at sea segment and making their conference space more adjustable in sizes and amenities. KRISTI KINCAID, Meeting Planner and Owner, Curated TravelsImagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice. For complete details on our safety protocols on board, visit healthyatsea.com. * Visit celebrity.com for full terms and conditions. All Included Pricing Packages apply to inside, ocean view, veranda, Concierge Class, or AquaClass® stateroom (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests in an Eligible Booking who choose the “All Included” pricing package will receive a Classic Beverage Package, Gratuities (“Tips”) Included, and an unlimited Surf Internet package. All guests with an Eligible Booking in The Retreat will receive the Indulge Package at no additional charge including Premium Beverage Package, Tips Included, OBC and an unlimited Stream Internet package, for all guests in the stateroom. OBC amount varies by length of sailing. ©2022 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. CALL | VISIT CELEBRITYCORPORATEKIT COM OR CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL PARTNER There are so many reasons to choose Celebrity Cruises including destinations, customized private group shore excursions, and stunning ships that represent the ultimate in luxury travel with drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips Always Included SM . Whether you want to host a meeting, offer incentive trips, or hold any other corporate event on board one of our revolutionary ships, our Corporate Sales Managers will make it easy to create a fully customized package on the right ship with event spaces and AV equipment included along with sailing dates and to -night itineraries that best suit your company’s specific needs. Contact us today to learn why planners trust Celebrity Cruises to organize their sales incentive trips and company gatherings. ELEVATE YOUR INCENTIVES AND REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR RETREATSMurphy advises meeting planners that the biggest differ- ence between cruising today versus cruising pre-pandemic is paying attention to the ever-changing protocols at embarka- tions, ports, destinations, etc. “The protocols differ between cruise lines, between embarkation ports and destinations, and based on whether guests are vaccinated,” Murphy says. “Overall, continuing changes seem to be heading in the right direction toward fewer requirements, but it’s still a major factor in the planning.” Meeting planners will want to make sure they understand, for their attendees, what the protocols will be for both vac- cinated and unvaccinated attendees, as well as any children, as protocols can differ for them. In some cases, unvaccinated guests still cannot leave the ship at a few ports, so you’ll want to be careful about which countries you choose if you have some attendees who are unvaccinated. “You will also see even more cleanliness protocols on ships than in the past with more hand washing and sanitizer stations, as well as lots of cleaning going on at all times,” Murphy says. “Buffets look different now, with staff serving guests rather than self-serve, or with items in single-serving dishes so that you can touch only what you are taking. I think some of those changes are here to stay.” And as far as conference amenities specifically, Kincaid has seen one particular cruise line doing away with conference space, while another cruise line is gearing their Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises Photo by Adrian Wlodarczyk Above, Small-ship cruises are gaining in popularity as they are more available for buyouts and customized itineraries. Right, cruise meetings offer the benefit of visiting multiple ports, and sightseeing activities as well as excursions that are already planned. 42 August/September 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comRoyal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas took its maiden voyage earlier this year. It’s one of five Oasis Class ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. conference at sea toward more of an intimate gathering — making it comfortable and easier to charter the whole ship. “Then, there is another cruise line that is embracing the meetings at sea segment and making their conference space more adjustable in sizes and amenities,” Kincaid says. Amenities Aplenty Aside from the convenience of having rooms, dining, entertainment, spas, fitness centers and multiple activities readily available while not having to worry about details and logistics, cruising is also a great consumer value, especially when compared to comparable land-based alternatives. “For many of our brands, the larger costs of a meeting, such as accommodations, meals, meeting facilities, support services and A/V equipment, are already included in the price of a cruise,” Frizzell says. “Our brands also have teams who can help plan for private events or meetings on board. We also offer advanced connectivity solutions on board, including mobile apps and Wi-Fi capabilities to support staying well- connected at sea.” The Carnival brands have departments to help specifi- cally with group travel or event planning, including private events, meetings and seminars, which can include compli- mentary equipment available on the ship to facilitate events, along with additional options to consider such as photogra- phy and videography. The cruise industry also partners closely with travel agents around the world who specialize in helping pair the wants and needs of meeting planners with unique brand offerings and experiences. “Many travel agents have exper- tise on cruises, so they are a valuable resource to meeting organizers looking to plan an event onboard one of our ships,” Frizzell says. What’s more, cruise ship venues such as the theaters and nightclubs, for instance, have great décor and high-tech lighting and sound systems, which can turn a ho-hum meet- ing into something pretty fun and enjoyable if you want to get creative. “In addition, groups can qualify for additional amenities based on group size and sailing date, such as a free cocktail party, wine delivered to rooms, or onboard spending money for guests,” Murphy says. “Food and beverages can be brought into the meeting space if needed for a reasonable charge. Compared to a hotel or resort meeting, planners will find that hosting a meeting aboard a ship is much more eco- nomical, without losing any pizzazz.” At Royal Caribbean International, many ships in the fleet are home to a number of customizable venues to suit every group size and meeting objective, which makes it easy to find the perfect venue. The cruise line’s theaters, lounges and out- door spaces accommodate groups as small as 25 to as large as 1,400. What’s more, each venue is equipped with state- of-the-art technology and complimentary A/V services. For a true ‘wow’ experience, each ship in the Oasis class has a distinct Neighborhood available, as well as the Boardwalk or an awe-inspiring “evening reception under the stars” in the Solarium. When it’s time for business, each Conference Center room can accommodate as few as 18 attendees up to 400 attendees, and can be configured to meet the needs of any meeting setup. Celebrity Cruises also offers a variety of theaters, con- ference rooms, bars and lounges, rooftop terraces and more available for meetings and events. The line’s theaters are per- fect for larger conferences, presentations and ceremonies. These modern, multifunctional rooms are fully customizable for audiences from 200 to more than 1,000. Several adaptable conference rooms can also accommodate events of various sizes, such as intimate gatherings, meetings for 60 attendees, banquets for 100 diners and conferences for 220 attendees. For truly memorable experiences, Millennium Class ships Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | August/September 2022 43in the fleet also offer Rooftop Terraces, the exclusive Magic Carpet, Sky Observation Lounges, the Lawn Club and Solar- ium. The Rooftop Terrace offers a movie screen and sound- scape perfectly suited for inspiring outdoor events. All Aboard The cruise industry is recovering quickly, and cruise companies continue to see strength in demand for travel. As such, meeting and event experts have some advice for fellow meeting professionals as it relates to organizing a meeting or event on a ship or boat. “If your guests need to fly to get to the cruise port, have them arrive a day early. Even before the pandemic, this was the conventional wisdom, but post pandemic, it’s imperative given the current airline industry struggles to keep up with demand,” Murphy says. “Flight changes and cancellations are very common now, and you need a window of time to deal with possible issues. This means you’ll also need pre-cruise hotel arrangements for your guests, so plan on that.” If you do use a travel adviser, make sure that person puts you in touch with the meeting planning staff for that ship directly. It will just make it easier for you to work with them to make sure your event goes off without a hitch. “Also, arrive early at the port so you can board early and maybe even have a little time with the meeting staff to go over any last-minute details. Put together an itinerary for your attendees of any group meeting events, as well as when their free time is,” Murphy says. “Make use of the travel adviser to help guests with any additional needs, such as helping them with excur- sions or general questions about the cruise. That is what they are there for, and it takes some of that burden off your plate.” Bosnic’s advice to meeting planners is to heavily rely on the in-house cruise staff to arrange the event details. Don’t be afraid to communicate your needs and ideas, then leave it up to the planning team to make it all come together. “On full- ship charters, clients can privatize the experience, enabling them to add company branding or personal touches, make changes to cruise schedules and programming, organize spe- cial events on board and more,” Bosnic says. “These benefits are great for all groups, no matter the size.” And Conover advises planners to become familiar with the ship. Ideally, they need to at least walk on the vessel while in port, but better still is to do a few days sailing on it. “They need to be familiar with all the public space on a ship and the capacities and function availability in each, in order to properly place the client’s events in the best possible loca- tions,” Conover says. “They need to understand the goals, and important factors, their client has in order to deliver a successful program. Meeting the client’s goals is key.” Looking ahead, industry experts see a bright future for cruising. “Our near-term bookings are outpacing even where we were before the pandemic,” Frizzell says. “With people’s natural desire to travel and connect, and the pent-up demand we are experiencing for cruising, the outlook for the cruise industry is very bright moving forward. As the industry con- tinues to grow, the cruise experience will only gain strength as a great way to bring people together, enjoy a customizable vacation experience and create new memories, which is the perfect backdrop for organizing a highly successful onboard meeting or event.” Murphy adds that the overall travel industry is bullish on cruising. “More than 10 new ships on various lines are sched- uled to debut in 2023 alone. Cruise lines need to fill those ships, so they will continue to make it appealing for groups to sail, offering group pricing, amenities and continuing to offer things like free meeting space,” Murphy says. “Enticing groups to sail will continue to be a key sales strategy as more and more ships are deployed in the coming years.” Conover agrees that cruising is definitely back, but it will probably take until 2024 to reach pre-pandemic levels. “Our leisure clients are definitely booking into the future; while the corporate client is still hesitant,” Conover says. “Programs are returning, but in smaller numbers, under 350 passengers is what we are hearing across the industry at the moment, which is great news for small-ship lines.” C&IT Pictured, Freedom of the Seas visits Royal Caribbean’s top-rated private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International 44 August/September 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comGET ONBOARD WITH YOUR BOLDEST EVENT YET Anticipation is an incredible feeling — and that’s what your attendees will be full of when you plan your next event with Royal Caribbean ® . Our 26-ship fleet uniquely blends work, play and an incredible place to stay on global itineraries ranging from short, productive 3-night events to full throttle 7-night programs. Host your gatherings from big to small in visionary venues that meet any need. Offer record-breaking thrills that deliver unparalleled team building. Savor dining to impress even the most demanding foodie. Experience entertainment straight from the Broadway stage. And enjoy customization and personalization options at every turn to make your event identifiably you. Contact our Corporate Sales Managers today and let’s make your event the event of the season. Wonder of the Seas SM Social EventsReceptions & Meetings at Studio B Awards & Events at Main Theater Features vary by ship. All itineraries are subject to change without notice. ©2022 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas. 22004904 • 8/23/2022 Contact us today and learn more 800-258-5111 (select 2, then 1) • RoyalCaribbeanIncentives.com BEST CRUISE LINE OVERALL CARIBBEAN 19 YEARS RUNNING Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards AND IN THEAlways an Intriguing Mix of Activities BY DAVID SWANSON DepositPhotos.com Las Vegas S itting at the top of the list as the most popular meeting and convention des- tination in the U.S., Las Vegas caters to groups both large and small, with some of the world’s biggest and most prominent meetings, trade shows and business con- ferences returning annually. The unrivaled amount of meeting space in casino resorts and convention centers, the solid air accessibil- ity from points across North America and beyond, and sizzling entertainment options, make Las Vegas a desti- nation that drives attendance. Lauren Andrews, vice president of Atlanta-based Meeting Expectations, says Las Vegas has two key ele- ments that always make it a top contender in site selec- tion: A wealth of event facilities and the destination’s draw for attendees. “They want to go to events there,” Andrews says. “The glitz and glam of this city encourages attendees to come in early or stay late to enjoy gambling, sportsbooks, shopping, dining, shows, trips to the Grand Canyon and more.” Additionally, Andrews notes that the cost of hosting in Las Vegas is advanta- geous. “Typically, sleeping room rates Sunday through Thursday are below other major first-tier cities. The hotels Las Vegas offers unparalleled experiences for meeting attendees. 46 August/September 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com DESTINATION REPORT offer substantial meeting space, including exhibit halls that accommodate groups of 3,000 people, avoiding the need to secure a standalone convention center like you would need in many other major cities.” For her clients, such as Inspire Brands, the holding com- pany behind the Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins brands, this means the majority of the time rental is waived with a cer- tain food and beverage commitment, reducing overall costs. The 2022 Dunkin’ Brands Global Convention is projected to draw 3,000 attendees later this year to the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and Delano Las Vegas resorts, both part of MGM Resorts. Mandalay Bay offers the fifth-largest con- vention center in the U.S., with 2.1 million sf of meeting and exhibit space. The client had already chosen the location for the Dunkin’ event when Meeting Expectations was brought in to handle meeting management services. “Along with our other Etherio Group brands, Meeting- Advice and GMI, we have managed dozens of events at Mandalay Bay, so we have established close working relationships with their inter- nal events team,” Andrews says. “Our events manage- ment team knows we can always count on them to be strong partners in the execu- tion of our clients’ events. Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins showcase more than 100 culi- nary items, which requires extensive flexibility from the venue. We’ve partnered with the hotel to identify and secure the needed kitchen space, wet and cold storage, dock space, custom-built freezers for the show floor and other related items to ensure our culinary showcase is a major success.” She adds, “Mandalay Bay and Delano are a great package for a variety of reasons. The sleeping rooms, meeting space and unique evening event space are all located on-site. This makes a planner’s job easier since he or she coordinates details with one venue, rather than multiple. Also, the overall cost of host- ing an event in Las Vegas is advantageous. For an event of our size outside of Las Vegas, we could spend over $50,000 just for meeting room rental. At Mandalay Bay, the rental is waived due to our F&B spend.” Plus, Andrews is counting on MGM Resorts Events to help develop, or bring to life, the creative solutions needed for her client. Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins will bring in a considerable amount of their own food and beverage, and more than 100 custom-made items will be served in the pre- function space, on the show floor during culinary showcases and within exhibitor’s booths. The chefs will need access to loading docks, custom-build kitchens on the show floor, and they’ll bring in water filtration for the coffee. “This is not a small undertaking,” Andrews says. “We appreciate the flexibility and partnership Mandalay Bay offers each of our clients.” Andrews also notes that Mandalay Bay has a variety of “wow” experiences to leverage during an event, including The LIGHT Vegas Nightclub, which has massive LED screens to offer guests differing experiences; the House of Blues Las Vegas concert venue; the show Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil; Shark Reef Aquarium and more. Andrews suggests a few considerations to take into account when planning a Las Vegas event: “Factor in 10 to 15 minutes to walk from your sleeping room to the meeting space,” she says. “Send email reminders or push notifications to attendees in the morning to not forget their badge or other important items in their sleeping room — cell phone, laptop, etc. — unless they want to get their steps in for the day. Also, in Las Vegas, the sleeping room rates change daily, with rates higher on Fridays and Saturdays due to the large leisure demand. Rates are lower traditionally on Sun- days, but may increase during the week, pending groups in- house or other events in the city that particular week. And don’t forget about the high resort fees that will be added on your group rate. Some are over $40 per day, so this is important to factor in when comparing rates city to city.” Something New Las Vegas ceaselessly rein- vents itself with fortitude, and never more than during the months following the worst of the pandemic. Planners who haven’t been to the city since 2019 will find a destination revitalized. The $989 million, 1.4 million-sf West Hall expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) has been open a year now, featuring a more contemporary design, with ample natural light and 600,000 sf of exhibition space, including 328,000 sf of column-free space — the largest such exhibi- tion space in North America. An open-air atrium features a 10,000-sf digital screen, the largest digital experience in a convention center in the U.S., and West Hall’s 14,000-sf ter- race can hold receptions with up to 2,000 attendees, with views toward the Las Vegas Strip. Last year also saw the debut of the long-planned, $4.3 bil- lion Resorts World Las Vegas complex, located within walk- ing distance of the West Hall. Resorts World represents the first ground-up resort development on the Las Vegas Strip Courtesy of Caesars Entertainment CAESARS FORUM offers 300,000 sf of meeting space and a 100,000- sf outdoor plaza. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | August/September 2022 47in more than a decade, and the largest multibrand deal in Hilton’s history. The Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World has 1,774 rooms; the Conrad Las Vegas offers 1,496 contemporary rooms and suites; and Crockfords Las Vegas, LXR Hotels & Resorts, has a collection of 236 “ultra-luxury” guest rooms. The Resorts World complex includes 250,000 sf of flexible meeting and banquet space, including a 23,000-sf, Strip-fac- ing ballroom and terrace with floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the hotel entrance to the LVCC, making it the closest Strip property to the West Hall for now. Resorts World recently unveiled its Las Vegas Convention Center Loop passenger station, providing direct underground access to the LVCC’s North and South halls within minutes in all-electric Teslas. Additional stations are planned by the Bor- ing Company, “when development efforts move forward” on the proposed transportation system, with 55 stops anticipated to eventually form the Vegas Loop through the resort corridor. Looking ahead to late 2023, probably the biggest project set to open its doors will be the long-awaited, 67-story Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The project, on prized property neighboring the West Hall expansion, had its groundbreaking in 2007. But in 2009, when the building was about 75% complete, the global downturn shut down construction. Last year, Fontainebleau Development and Koch Real Estate Investments returned to complete the idled project. Tony Yousfi, senior vice president of sales, catering and events, says the resort will take full advantage of its loca- tion and upward-thinking design. “Our position on the Strip allows seamless access between Fontainebleau Las Vegas and the expanded LVCC, and we are able to accommodate con- ventions and conferences with multiple levels and multiple, customizable, indoor and outdoor spaces,” Yousfisays. “Our design makes it easier to navigate to the Fontainebleau Conference Center — mul- tiple levels help ensure that events don’t overlap, and guest elevators take guests directly to the meeting floors. Critically important to planners, we have an in- house team that handles every aspect of the planning and booking process. This means organizers do not have to go through multiple venues or contacts when booking their experience.” With more than 550,000 sf of custom- izable indoor and outdoor space across five levels, Fontainebleau Las Vegas will offer infinite configurations and the most advanced digital amenities in the market. “We have put tremendous focus on design features that allow for multiple interior and exterior branding opportunities, touchscreen technologies, and next-level audio and visual tools supported by dedicated and experienced in- house experts,” Yousfisays. “Fontainebleau Las Vegas will introduce a new brand of hospitality to the Las Vegas Strip, built upon more than five decades of classic beauty and unpar- alleled service. While we have not yet announced specifics with regard to our offerings — dining, retail, etc. — we are developing a balance of features that takes full advantage of our one-of-a-kind vertical design, our indoor-outdoor flexibil- ity and our reputation for unrivaled luxury.” Undeniably, Las Vegas sets the standard in hospitality and entertainment, says Patty Kindness, regional director of sales, Las Vegas and Southern California region at PRA. Rendering courtesy of Fontainebleau Las Vegas Pictured, a rendering the Fontainebleau Las Vegas Pool District. The resort, expected to open in late 2023, will offer more than 550,000 sf of event space. 48 August/September 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com The glitz and glam of this city encourages attendees to come in early or stay late to enjoy gambling, sportsbooks, shopping, dining, shows, trips to the Grand Canyon and more. LAUREN ANDREWS, Vice President, Meeting ExpectationsA LEGACY OF MODERN LUXURY COMING TO LAS VEGAS Q4 2023 70 YEARS OF WORLD-CLASS EVENT PLANNING FOREVER FONTAINEBLEAU FONTAINEBLEAULASVEGASMEETINGS.COM | FBLVSALES@FBDEV.COM Next >