FORT LAUDERDALE -- A big selling point for small-ship cruise lines is the ability to explore destinations that the large cruise ships simply cannot. But a small ship is a destination, too, and that should not be glossed over with clients.
This was one of topics covered during the Conversation with Cruise Leadership session at Travel Weekly's CruiseWorld on Friday.
"We must never forget how stunningly beautiful our ships are," said Chris Austin, Explora Journeys' president for North America. "They are the destination, as well. How many of you sell iconic hotels around the world as a destination?
"For us at Explora Journeys, it's a balance," he said. "When I talk to guests on the ship who are new to cruise, and I ask them about the favorite part of their journey, they always say the sea days. They love that we've got five swimming pools and that we've got more open-deck area than any other brand. They love the ship. It shouldn't be forgotten in the storytelling."
Explora is a luxury line, but lines that aren't in the traditional luxury category also have a story to tell about their ships.
Windstar president Chris Prelog pointed out that among the brands on stage, Windstar is the only one that offers ships with masts and sails -- a big selling point for romance at sea.
Prelog also talked about how the service on a small ship will be a memory that will stay with guests.
"By the second day of the cruise, the crew gets to know you on a level not possible on a large ship," Prelog said.
"There is a feeling of coming home and connection with guests on small ships. That should not be underestimated."
The Conversation with Cruise Leadership session also featured Azamara CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler and Scenic Group USA managing director Ken Muskat.
The Azamara Onward. Photo Credit: Azamara
On expedition vessels, the ship is "designed more to be looking out than looking in," making the destination the star, said Steve Smotrys, HX's managing director and senior vice president of commercial operations for the Americas.
But the comfort of the ship makes the Arctic and Antarctica accessible to more travelers.
"You're going to have incredible restaurants to choose from every night, a lot to do onboard, everything that a great hotel would offer. You're able to explore these places that don't have a lot of infrastructure. This is your hotel in Antarctica."
The panel was moderated by Mary Pat Sullivan, Northstar Travel Group's executive vice president of marketing and partnerships, and Ken Shapiro, the editorial director of TravelPulse and TravelAge West, both sister brands to Travel Weekly.