Patti and I met with one of her groups at the Lincoln Inn in Essex Junction, Vermont, on Saturday, Feb 2. We answered questions, gave away some door prizes, and had lots of fun and fellowship. We even answered a few questions that the group forgot to ask. It was a great pre Superbowl party, without the surprises of the big game. They put on a great feed, and we made sure that the friends and family members would only have positive surprises on their cruise to the Southern Caribbean on the Carnival Destiny. Putting faces and personalities with telephone impressions of customers really makes serving them easier.
When you cruise with a group, make sure your group members have a face-to-face meeting, preferably a social gathering, with your travel agent before you sail. With everyone's very busy schedules, communications between agent and cruisers can become difficult. Often people tend to assume what another thinks or likes. Their actual wants can be very different. And getting together provides an excellent opportunity to discuss common concerns and answer last minute questions.
Getting everybody in the same room while discussing the cruise makes it a shared experience, where each can recognize things that they might want to do differently. The group may change the plan, or that party can just re-align their personal schedule. Remember that only in the military do we have to march in step. On your cruise, you can do your own thing without having to apologize for being different. Meet later, and share the different experiences.
When you travel with a group of people that you know or that share interests gives the highest satisfaction. Discovering the world with people "just like you" helps you better experience and understand new and different cultures. Answering as many questions as possible before you go is also a big factor. A Bon Voyage party is a great way to get in the cruising mood!
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