Let’s just say I’m a woman of a certain age – and one that fits squarely in Oceania Cruises’ demographic.
While many of the line’s well-heeled guests are retired or semi-retired, that doesn’t mean they don’t want to continue learning, and the same can be said for me.
During a panel discussion onboard Ocean Allura’s shakedown cruise last month, the line’s officials that 50% of its demographic is between the ages of 65 and 75, with 25% of guests older and 25% younger.
“We’re immersing guests in different ways and giving them different options of what to learn, how to experience the world, and how to feel rejuvenated,” said Jason Montague, chief luxury officer for Oceania and its sister line, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises.
“They’re very accomplished, and they can afford these cruises – playing shuffleboard is just not who they are,” he added.
Oceania clearly delivers on that front, with immersive onboard programs including the LYNC Digital Center, which features technology-focused classes for all skill levels; and the Culinary Center, which offers hands-on cooking classes, demonstrations and immersive culinary tours.
The LYNC Digital Center classes cover the basics of social media, smartphone photography, videography, photo editing, and more – all taught by Digital Concierges. The center is also unveiling classes on Artificial Intelligence and privacy settings.
“A lot of times, guests come to the LYNC Digital Center with a desire to connect with this technology, feeling like maybe it has passed them by a little bit, and they don’t want to be left behind,” said Eric Rivera, Oceania’s social media manager.
If my scheduled onboard had permitted, I would have taken all of the LYNC classes offered.
I did, however, have the opportunity to participate in one of Allura’s Culinary Center classes, which serves as a cornerstone of the line’s focus on all things culinary.
The experience was one that many of your clients won’t want to miss. Not only was it incredibly fun, but I also learned not only how to create the recipes featured in the class, but also about a range of cooking techniques.
The class I participated in was conducted chef Kathryn Kelly, Oceania Cruises’ executive chef and director and founder of the culinary program.
Kelly, who oversees upward of 10 chef instructors, has, over the years, developed more than 100 culinary classes – and is well aware of what Oceania guests are looking for when to comes to immersive experiences. “
“I’m 70 years old,” she said. “I was born in 1955. I am Oceania’s demographic.”
The culinary program also includes excursions for groups of no more than 18 guests, focusing on local markets and culinary traditions in a wide range of destinations spanning the globe.
The bottom line? If your client roster includes older customers – or for that matter, those of any age – who are looking for substantive onboard programs, recommend that they seriously consider booking an Oceania cruise.
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