When you think “corporate retreat,” you probably picture a cozy retreat venue countryside villa, a sunny beach resort, or maybe a scenic mountain lodge.
But here’s one you might not have considered: a cruise ship.
Yep, cruises—those floating cities usually associated with retirees and family holidays—are quietly becoming an awesome, affordable, and totally memorable option for company offsites.
Here's why swapping hotel lobbies for ocean views might be your team's next big move.
🚢 Everything’s Included
Let’s talk money first. Cruises actually give you a lot of bang for your buck. We’re talking a few hundred euros per person for a few nights, with everything included—rooms, food, entertainment, and even meeting spaces with AV gear.
That means no extra spending on restaurants, no separate bill for transportation, and no last-minute budget surprises. Everything’s bundled into one price, and your finance team will thank you for making their job easier.
🧑🤝🧑 Group Vibes, Without the Group Claustrophobia
One of the best things about cruises? You get the best of both worlds. You can book private lounges, meeting rooms, and event spaces just for your group—whether that’s 30 people or 3000—but everyone still has the freedom to do their own thing too.
It’s a relaxed way to connect with colleagues without feeling stuck in a non-stop, back-to-back team agenda. And if you want to make it extra special, you can throw in fun touches like custom room keys, concierge service, or team swag to help your crew stand out on board.
🌍 See More, Stress Less
Let’s be honest—staying at the same resort for days can get old fast. Cruises fix that. Imagine hitting up Spain, France, and Italy in one trip—without ever unpacking more than once. No buses to catch, no hotel hopping, no complicated logistics.
You get new places to explore every day, while still having your own comfy cabin, go-to meeting room, and pre-paid meals waiting for you when you’re back on board.
🎉 Plenty of onsite activities
Cruise ships are basically adult playgrounds. Ice skating, live shows, casinos, karaoke, pool decks, you name it—it’s all there. You can plan a few team dinners or activities if you want, but honestly? The spontaneous moments are where the magic happens.
Think coworkers singing their hearts out at karaoke, chatting over cocktails at sunset, or teaming up for a game night in the lounge. It’s fun that doesn’t feel forced.
🧠 Great Fit for Certain Teams
Okay, maybe a cruise isn’t for every team. If you’re looking for something super quiet and remote, a cabin in the mountains might still be your best bet.
But for bigger companies, remote teams, or groups wanting to try something totally different, cruises are a win.
They work especially well for:
- U.S.-based teams who already know and love cruise culture
- Global teams looking for a central meeting point
- Larger groups who want simple logistics and everything in one place
And if you're a serious planner? You can even charter a part—or all—of the ship for something truly epic.
🏁 So, Should You Consider It?
Cruises aren’t just for honeymooners and grandparents. They’re actually a super practical, fun, and unique way to bring your team together. If you’re planning a retreat and want something different (but still super easy to organize), cruising might just be your perfect match.
Want to chat more about making it happen? Reach out—we’ll help you figure it all out, no sunscreen needed.
