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Cruise 22 JAN-FEB 2020 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS MCMAG-ASIA.COM Event agencies, cruise experts outline unique appeal of these giant floating cities for experiential events at CruiseWorld Asia 2019 WORDS NAOMI NEOH Why event planners should not overlook cruises W ith high-tech facilities and trendy entertainment offerings, the cruise ships of today are giant floating cities which offer experiences that rival those on land. Despite their sprawling size and vibrant offerings, cruises have often been overlooked as unique venues for meetings and events. Event planners and representatives from cruise giants Royal Caribbean Cruises and Genting Cruise Lines who spoke on a panel session at cruise industry conference CruiseWorld Asia 2019 in Singapore on Nov 28 outlined the unique appeal of cruises as well looking for a more different and elevated experience, and we felt that cruise ships have the necessary facilities for that experience," explained Iqbal Ameer, group CEO of Livescape Group and organiser of It's The Ship. Also, it certainly doesn't hurt to have an endlessly photogenic backdrop of the sea. Perfect for its younger target market whose form of social currency are Instagram-worthy experiences. Its floating music festival It's The Ship has since garnered success since its launch in 2014 and has already been expanded to China, Korea and Japan, with Australia a likely candidate. Event planners and cruise executives spoke on the opportunities to bring more events on board cruises during a panel session at CruiseWorld Asia 2019. as challenges involved in organising business and leisure events at sea. For event management company Livescape Group, the decision to launch a music festival on board a cruise ship six years ago proved to be highly successful. Having built a portfolio of events and festivals on land that attracted more than 55,000 people, the company viewed cruise ships as a novel way to lure repeat festival attendees. "People are looking for something more that provides a 360-degree experience. Those who have gone for four- to five festivals on land are