How to cruise to the biggest sports events of 2014
Looking for a new way to sell cruise? We run through the year’s sports events and pair cruises with them. Use our ideas to plan your own amazing packages…
How confident are you at selling cruise? How do you package the product against a similar land-based holiday? If industry analysis is correct, the key to a customer’s wallet is customisation. On that basis, we’ve paired up some of 2014’s most tantalising sporting events with cruises before, after or even during.
The guide isn’t designed to be followed meticulously (we start with the Super Bowl which has now passed) – but is there to give entrepreneurial agents that little bit of inspiration.
The potential for both single and group bookings is enormous.
Can you imagine selling a cruise that calls in at Monaco during the Grand Prix? How about the cricket in Barbados? Sports fan are some of the most dedicated in the world and these experiences are the kind they will pay big money for.
Use the guide to make a customer for life – and let us know any obvious ones that we’ve missed!
Super Bowl XLVIII
New Jersey, 2 February 2014
Norwegian Cruise Line 2-day New York mini cruise, 31 January – 2 February
Norwegian Breakaway
To start us off, here’s one that you’ve already missed the boat on. The Super Bowl is the annual culmination of America’s National Football League season. It is a supreme spectacle that is broadcast right around the world – with half time entertainment that competes with Glastonbury headliners. Norwegian Cruise Line ran a mini cruise that started and left from New York – a short distance away from this year’s New Jersey venue. It got back into port the morning of the game.
Cruise prices from £249
Miami Heat Vs New York Knicks
Miami, 27 February
Carnival 3-day Miami to Bahamas mini cruise, 28 February – 3 March
Carnival Ecstasy
Carnival Corporation chairman Micky Arison seems to have two joys in life: cruising and basketball. So how about a break to combine the two? On a Carnival Cruise Line voyage of course. Arison’s Miami Heat are the current US champions and this grudge match against the New York Knicks will certainly not be one to be missed. Then, when the excitement’s over, board your cruise!
Cruise price from US$229
West Indies Vs England
Barbados, 13 March
P&O 11-night Caribbean & Madeira fly-cruise, 15-26 March
Ventura
Given the dreadful performance of England in the recent Ashes cricket series, this may be one for the thick-skinned supporter. However, what England cricket fan doesn’t dream of seeing the team play out in the West Indies? The short March series opens up possibilities with a couple of cruise lines – we chose the P&O fly cruise which starts in Barbados and sails through to Madeira.
Cruise prices from £1,029
The Masters
Georgia, 7-13 April
American Cruise Line 8-day Mississippi (Memphis-New Orleans) river cruise, 29 March – 5 April
The Queen of Mississippi
Now this really is something. A Mississippi River cruise on American Cruise Lines’ paddle steamer Queen of the Mississippi. Travelling from Memphis to New Orleans and arriving on 5 April. From New Orleans, book clients onto a flight to nearby Atlanta and they will be coming back year after year.
Cruise price from US$4,195
FIFA World Cup
Brazil, 12 June – 13 July
Lindblad, 10-day Amazon River cruise, 28 June – 7 July
Delfin II
Arguably the biggest sporting event of the year in what many people would declare the adopted home of football (although not if you’re from England). Lindblad Expeditions is running a once in a lifetime expedition cruises on the Upper Amazon. The intimate vessels can only take 28 guests with an itinerary that includes extensive exploration of the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve.
Cruise price from US$5,990
The Open
UK, 13-20 July
Azamara Club Cruises 14-night British Open Golf Voyage, 4 July – 18 July
Azamara Quest
This is one of two pre-arranged packages we’re throwing into the mix. Royal Caribbean’s luxury line, Azamara Club Cruises, is offering a cruise dedicated to golf lovers. The itinerary includes options to play at several renowned British and Irish courses as well as a two-day ticket to the Open itself. A golf holiday that offers the best 19th hole of all: the Azamara Quest.
Cruise price from £3,389
Monaco Grand Prix
Monaco, 25 May
Crystal Cruises 12-day Venice to Barcelona, 18-30 May
Crystal Serenity
Now this is something very special. Ultra luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises has a voyage which calls in at Monte Carlo during the Monaco Grand Prix. The company offers shore excursion packages to both the race itself and a VIP nightclub experience in an exclusive Monaco venue. Undoubtedly the most ostentatious sporting event of the year and strictly for those who can afford such a luxury.
Cruise price from £3,338