Land or Sea?

So yesterday I had a really interesting conversation with one of my customers about the reasons for taking a cruise.

They were a family of four, two adults and two children, and having only cruised once on a mini cruise, they were essentially an open book!

Now the first bit of info I need to ascertain from a new customer is where they want to go, and what kind of cruise is going to suit them best.

After asking this question it became clear that the destination didnt really matter to the customers, they were more interested in the ship itself.

That gave me the inspiration for this little discussion topic today!

So what is more important? The ship or the itinerary?

With ships evolving into these behemoth vessels with bionic barmen, zip lines, ice rinks and more eateries  than you can shake a stick at, is the destination all that important?

My parents, whom I use as a great example of this, tend to go for the cruise itself rather than the itinerary – they have sailed the Med and Canaries so many times I almost find it annoying…………………. but they just love the actual cruise itself. They love the sea air, sitting on the balcony with the sunset behind them, coastline on one side, vast deep blue sea on the other! It’s not so much about the places it visits for them, and many folks have exactly the same attitude.

But by contrast, I talk to hundreds people who really couldn’t give a monkeys what ship they are on, providing they visit certain places.

Italy tends to be a favourite amongst British cruisers. I frequently get asked, ‘Freddie can you get me a cruise that takes in Florence, Rome, Venice & Naples all in the same cruise?’

Not an easy feat, but yes it can be done. To get a preview of these places is enough for some. I think I am more on the side of these people, who are destination focused. Indeed, I would not choose a holiday where I had been before if it were on land (unless the price was right), so why would I do it on a cruise? Let’s be honest, cruising is not the cheapest holiday in the world.

So which type of cruiser are you?

Are you me, or are you my parents?

It’s an interesting topic I think, and any feedback would be much appreciated!

Thanks for reading & as always, until next time…………………