Take a Cruise Day, presents a unique opportunity for DMOs to showcase their destinations as ideal cruise starting points or exciting stopover ports.
Here are some AI-generated tips on how to maximise the potential of Take a Cruise Day in your marketing calendar.
Highlight Your Advantages as a Cruise Destination:
- Organise "Open Ship" Events: Partner with cruise lines to offer open house events onboard docked ships at your port. Allow locals and potential passengers to explore the ship, experience onboard amenities and learn about cruise itineraries departing from your destination.
- Showcase Unique Shore Excursions: Promote your destination's diverse shore excursion options beyond the usual. Highlight exclusive experiences like culinary tours, off-the-beaten-path nature adventures, cultural immersions or behind-the-scenes visits to hidden gems.
- Develop "Pre-Cruise Getaway Packages": Design enticing travel packages featuring accommodation in charming city hotels or nearby resorts, curated experiences highlighting your city's cultural attractions and pre-cruise logistics assistance. Make your destination an attractive starting point for cruise journeys.
- Organise "Welcome Back" Events for Returning Cruisers: Partner with local businesses to host special events, discounts or cultural performances for returning cruise passengers during Take a Cruise Day. Show your appreciation and encourage them to explore your city further on future visits.
Go Beyond Traditional Marketing:
- Host Virtual Cruise Ship Tours: Offer immersive virtual tours of cruise ships docked at your port, showcasing onboard amenities, deck views and glimpses of interesting shore excursions. Cater to potential passengers who may not be able to attend open house events in person.
- Launch Social Media Contests: Organise Instagram photo contests or TikTok challenges with the hashtag #TakeACruiseFrom encouraging travellers to share their cruise memories or dream cruise scenarios. Generate buzz and attract potential visitors.
- Partner with Travel Bloggers and Influencers: Collaborate with travel bloggers or social media influencers specialising in cruises to host live Q&A sessions, share their experiences cruising from your destination and reach a broader audience interested in cruise travel.
- Create Interactive Quizzes and Travel Guides: Develop online quizzes or downloadable travel guides matching individual preferences to ideal cruise itineraries departing from your city, incorporating highlights of your destination and unique shore excursions. Offer personalised recommendations and inspire potential cruisers.
Remember:
- Collaborate with Cruise Lines and Stakeholders: Build strong relationships with cruise lines and local businesses to offer seamless pre- and post-cruise experiences and develop joint marketing campaigns promoting your destination as a preferred cruise starting point or stopover port.
- Focus on Authentic Experiences: Showcase your destination's unique cultural offerings, vibrant local scene and hidden gems beyond mass tourism. Highlight authenticity and immersive experiences that differentiate your city from other cruise destinations.
- Prioritise Accessibility and Inclusivity: Ensure your pre-cruise packages, shore excursions and events are accessible to people with different needs and abilities. Offer diverse options catering to various interests and travel styles.
- Extend the Reach Beyond the Day: Leverage the momentum of Take a Cruise Day to promote cruise options and shore excursions throughout the year. Feature cruise-themed events, partner with travel agencies for special promotions and continuously showcase your destination's appeal for cruise enthusiasts.
By creatively highlighting your advantages, diversifying your marketing approach and prioritising collaboration and accessibility, DMOs can turn Take a Cruise Day into a springboard for attracting cruise enthusiasts, generating buzz and establishing your destination as a premier cruise hub offering unforgettable experiences. So, set sail for success, cast your marketing nets wide and welcome everyone on a journey to discover the charm, adventure and excitement that awaits them when they Take a Cruise from your destination!
