Life Is Short – Go Cruising!

by Ming Tappin

How many times have you heard your clients (or maybe even
yourself) say: "I'll save that trip until I am older/retired/have more
time? The common reaction is always to agree, but perhaps we should be
rebutting with the question, "Why wait?"

Naturally, big trips involving multi-destinations and
extended stays do require one to have sufficient time and budget which comes
along with retirement. However, many people are still putting off the easily
achievable trips until they are "older". Alaska and river cruising
are 2 good examples. Perhaps it is because these trips are more laid back and
therefore more suitable for elderly guests - people always associate these
trips with older clientele. That might be another reason they choose to wait –
and that can become a vicious circle! But for someone who wants go to Alaska
(or wherever), we should tell them to
go now.

From my own experience, I have seen ageing parents,
relatives and friends who made the decision to put off travel until they were
older, but could no longer do it due to health issues or other unforeseen
circumstances. It's heartbreaking to know that their bucket list will not be
fulfilled because they had put it off "until later". 

It's important as a travel advisor to have this conversation
not just with your clients, but also family and friends. It's not about making
a sale here, but passing on the message that life's too short to wait until an
opportune time. The world is continuously changing, and we never know where we
will be and what will happen next year, next month or even next week. And now
more than ever, volatile political climate and world issues can make travel
even more difficult and complicated.  When you hear someone expressing an
interest in a destination but then follows with, "I'll wait until (insert
reason here)", take the initiative to ask why and present the reasons they
should be traveling now. Not a hard sell but planting the seed. The relationship
you have built with your clients and friends will allow you to discuss this in
a lighthearted manner and perhaps end with a sale which is always a bonus.

Cruising is one of the most effortless ways to see the
world, with amazing quality and customer satisfaction, at a fraction of the
cost and trouble of doing it FIT. Ships sail to all 7 continents, and as the
world is mostly covered in water, there are few unreachable places – and those
that are not ship accessible can most likely be done as a pre/post cruise stay!

For seniors or travellers with mobility issues or medical
concerns, cruise lines can handle their needs more easily than a land resort or
coach tour. Wheelchair accessible staterooms (and wheelchair rentals) are on
all new ships, a medical team and infirmary is onboard, and dedicated crew
looks after every need. Cruise lines offer escorted excursions, enabling guests
to tick off the bucket list in comfort and safety. So let's all do our part in
bringing enlightenment and wonder through travel - and hopefully cruising - to
everyone we come in contact with.

Speaking of cruising, I’ll be setting sail on my 1^st
Oceania cruise as you read this article, it will be my 1^st premium
deluxe cruise and I absolutely cannot wait. I will be sure to report back on
Open Jaw.

I wish you a safe and happy holiday season and wonderful
travels in 2016!

Ming Tappin is a cruise veteran with over 20 years’ experience in
the industry and has sailed on 36 cruises and counting. Based in Vancouver,
Ming is Owner of 
www.yourcruisecoach.com.