Mallorca (sometimes spelled Majorca) is an island that is an “autonomous region” of Spain – since 1983.
Mallorca lies off the eastern coast of Spain
The capital is Palma. It’s a favorite destination for cruise ships in the Mediterranean.
Because of its history, many – I mean many – people have it on their list of places to visit. Unfortunately, too many are coming. Mallorca was hit with 10 million visitors last year. With over 1,000 flights to the island A DAY, most come via airplane. But cruises can bring 17,000 people a day!
Like Venice, Barcelona and Dubrovnik, Mallorca residents are seeing their quaint town turned into an “amusement” area. While ports love the revenue visitors bring, the quality of life is deteriorating for residents. Many cannot go to the bank or market without hordes of lookie-loos wandering around.
Catch up this problem Read about Dubrovnik
Recently, protestors stood in the terminal of Palma de Mallorca International Airport, hoisting signs bearing slogans saying: “One Airline Every Minute is Not Sustainable.” Another read: “Tourism Kills the City!”
Protestors are running a “Summer of Action” to counter the flood of tourists.
My friends, there are just too many people on earth – nearly 8 billion. Favorable economies mean the middle class are able to travel. What we need to get used to is a deterioration of favorite places. How can you help? Don’t go. Well, that isn’t happening, so I say go NOW before it gets worse…..and it will.
Stay tuned to this channel for Monday blogs to help you navigate the press stories on cruising.
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Cruise lines are no longer targeting older passengers
With the passage of time, the older cruise passengers are starting to fade from taking cruise trips. While they were the staple of the lines, many are getting burned out and have “been there, done that.” Baby boomers are a strong segment (10,000 boomers retiring every day), but they are beginning to stay near their grandkids and live on fixed incomes.
The ships need to feed the pipeline and the logical target are those 18-35 . . . the so called Millennial Generation. You know them – they say “like” every 5th word and are glued to their iPhones.
The cruise lines got the message and are rolling out activities targeted to them. Royal Caribbean dry docked the Mariner of the Seas for a $120M make over. RC is spending nearly a billion — no typo) to modify ten of their ships.
The toys for millennial tastes? A bungee trampoline, a bike that is suspended in the air, live bands and sports bars that live stream events.
READ THIS: Topics YOU can lecture about
Another tactic is shorter duration trips. The millennials have short attention spans and shorter tips provide that instant gratification. They are not interested in a 2-week jaunt around the Mediterranean reading books.
This is a blog targeted to those that want to sail for free. The message for us that that you better begin to tailor your talks to that younger audience. They won’t get your jokes about Groucho Marx or Jimi Hendrix or your talk on the impact of the Cold War. Sorry – they just don’t know!
Give us a shout. We’re pretty good at helping people live the dream – we do. My next trip is through the Panama Canal – my 4th time, but the Mrs. has not been. F R E E.
Most assignments to lecture on ships do not include airfare. Some do, but most have you get there on your own.
Work with your agent on this insider tip. Inquire about “marine rates.” Crews get decent discounts for travel to/from their ships. Think about it. There are thousands of cruises that go out annually. The parent Cruise Line books a heck of a lot of passengers AND crew on airlines.
They get discounts. If they concur, have your cruise line book your travel and request marine rates. Don’t bug your agency – they have enough to do.
Don’t miss your flight to ship connection. They will leave without you.
Also ask about getting transfers through them. This is critical. If you try to get from the air terminal to the berth – you are at risk of not getting here. New cabbies may not know where to go. Buses can take forever. If you miss the departure – YOU need to get to the next port on your own. Ugh.
If you under the cruise line’s umbrella, you will be met after Customs with a name sign. Whew, what a relief after a LONNG flight. They will guide you to your luggage – even get it and move it to a bus for you. If that bus is late – it’s on the ship to get you to your ship.
Keep the port contact info if you do have travel problems. Tell them your situation and they will work with you. They often have workarounds. BUT they will not hold the ship full of 2,000+++ guests just for you.
We share these kind of tips on this blog and MORE in our seminar. See the HIREUS page for the process. Make the move. Sail for free.
