Greeting advice
Cruise ship passengers are travellers like any others, but the nature of their stay in Québec comes replete with certain restrictions. In this section, you will find tips and advice on how to reap maximum benefits from the influx of cruise ship passengers.
Why adapt certain services?
- Passengers are in port for between 7 and 8 hours. You need to attract their attention.
- Some passengers may choose to extend their stay in Québec by about 2 days either before or after their cruise.
- Passengers arrive and return home by air, train and sometimes by car.
- Crew members have different needs and are more interested in having fun or purchasing drugstore items at reduced cost.
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discovery
Tourist attractions
- Inquire with your local port of call organization for details of visiting ships schedules and itineraries, as well as the expected numer of passengers.
- Provide English versions of materiels and, if possible, translations in other languages (German, italian). For example, if your exhibition is in French only, you may wish to provide visitors with tablets to follow along in other languages.
- If you are interested is welcoming indepent travellers, indicate clearly that you are open fo business by displaying the Bienvenue logo.
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imagination
Shops and businesses
- Products on offer can range from the readily affordable to upscale luxury items. Passengers generally tend to seek out items that speak to them.
- To the extent possible, market local, made in Québec products.
- If you sell food products (jam, maple products, etc.), inquire about container sizes acceptable for travel by air.
- If you market heavy, larger sized items, provide shipping services as appropriate. Keep a shipping rate chart at hand to facilitate completing transactions with passengers present.
- Small, passenger-oriented gestures are always highly appreciated: Display the Bienvenue logo, be certain to be able to serve passengers in English, leave your shop door open. Each of these gestures contributes handsomely to elevating the customer experience.
- Mode of payment: If customers have foreign currency, make arrangements to accept it at par if your shop or business allows. Passengers often prefer to pay cash.
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flavours
Restaurants
- Depending upon the time of a ship’s arrival into port, some passengers may be interested in a snack or full meal at a local eatery. Identify and display a selection of specialties certain to attract passenger attention.
- If municipal regulations allow, use a sandwich board to display menu items and welcome ship passengers ashore.
- Small, passenger-oriented gestures are always highly appreciated: Display the Bienvenue logo, be certain to be able to serve passengers in English, leave your shop door open and provide English menus. Each of these gestures contributes handsomely to elevating the customer experience.
- Individuals from some countries are not in the habit to leave tips for restaurants meals. Indicate on your menu that prices do not include service.
- Crew members are often keen to use local WiFi services to contact family members. If your WiFi service is free, be certain to have the password at hand.
And above all
Be proud of your town, city and region! Visitors are always eager to learn more about life in Québec.
Suggest a menu favourite or two, place to visit or location in which to get a great photo. Information of the like can make all the difference to a passenger’s stay ashore!