Leading cruise operator Complete Cruise Solution says enquiries about meetings on its ships have doubled following the launch of its Events at Sea program earlier this year.

Complete Cruise Solution Business Development Manager Rebecca Mutanen said the new program had attracted strong interest, with organisers keen to learn more about the many cruise ships available under the operator’s umbrella.

Complete Cruise Solution is the trade arm of Australia’s largest cruise company Carnival Australia, which represents P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, and P&O Cruises World Cruising as well as Carnival Spirit’s Australasian deployment.

In response to the heightened interest, Complete Cruise Solution has embarked on a program of lunches and ship inspections for corporate event and incentive planners onboard its locally based P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises ships, coinciding with the summer cruise season.

The first lunch was held on Princess Cruises’ Sea Princess in Sydney yesterday, with more than 20 corporate clients taking the opportunity to tour the ship and inspect its facilities firsthand before sampling the cuisine onboard.

Similar events will be held in Sydney and Melbourne throughout summer.

“Clients always like to maximise their budgets and are continually on the look-out for something different to offer, which is why the interest in cruise options is growing significantly within the MICE market,” Ms Mutanen said.

“Since we produced our dedicated Events at Sea brochure we’ve seen a surge in enquiries – so there’s no question the concept of a meeting at sea has appeal.

“One of the main reasons cruising is the fastest growing sector within the travel industry is the value it offers, and for the same reason it’s getting a good reception in the events market, particularly with incentive organisers,”  Ms Mutanen said.

Ms Mutanen said corporate bookings received this year ranged from a major car manufacturer to a beauty product group.