It is quite an interesting idea for a cruise line to conduct an on-line survey.

1) Which do the cruisetalkers like best and why? (This was the size that was provided!)

2) It got me thinking what type of Brochures are Cruisetalkers turned-on by or turned off by?

[ 05-27-2004: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

I pick #3 and #4. In fact #3 looks like it was taken directly from a recent Silversea brochure. I know Celebrity doesn't have any curved aft decks on their ships like the one pictured... it's from Silversea.

Both #3 and #4 evoke feelings of ocean going glamour, elegance, and sophistication the way ocean travel once was. Whether it's true or not is irrevelent, so long as the "dream" sells cruises!

I like #3 because first I have a thing for BL/W pictures and second it is a powerful image showing the wake of the ship as a synonym for the power/technology of the ship and the power of the ocean. And yet it shows the relaxing human atmosphere as a nice contrast. (now I only hope the small picture is indeed a stern picture overlooking the wake)

Like you Ernie it reminded me of Silversea brochure.

I like #2 because of the abstract look (and if you want it to be something then I would say a close-up of a class of Champaign) The colour has a festive atmospere and I think it shows potential for their brand style.

# 1 is too sterile and would fit well with a catalogue for medical equipment.

# 2 in my opinion is don to dead and could be associated with rich life (though I heard on the BBC news that Champaign is becoming less and less a special occasion drink in the UK) The picture also looks like a cheap picture from a stock book!

Well here are my thoughts Malcolm.

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Originally posted by PamM:
They are all current brochures... the question asked was "These three brochure covers are current travel brochures that you would find in a travel agent.

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Thanks for explaining that Pam. I thought they were brochure covers that Celebrity was considering for a future brochure. That is why the Silversea cover surprised me.

We don't have the other three brochures here in the US, as I have never seen them. They must be specific to the UK or Europe in general.

I still like the champagne brochure cover, but I'm a sucker for good champagne!

The blue of the sea, with a little ship in it.

The first one looks OK and give the same feel but not a strong feel of this.

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Originally posted by Ðraikar:
looks more like the Arabian Desert.

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The image on number three also cuaght my eye becase it is Black & White, which gives it a classic and classy feel. (Needs more 'colour' Pam?)

My number one pick would be the B&W design of # 3, which of course can also be in colour. Not much to comment on this image since it is straight to the point.

# 4 ranks second. It is a nice image, but without railing or ocean in the image or something else relating to a cruise ship, it could easily be construed as a brochure for a resort or a hotel. But the base idea is there and can be expanded.

# 2 is a nice design if the background image was a ghosted nautical map with a few small images of Celebrity’s product, it could turn out to be a winner.

# 1 is cold as is, and should be put in the hands of a capable designer, incorporate a nautical theme as a background, add several images with a warmer appearance that compliment (not overpower) the background and presto.

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I'm not sure what one and two have to do with cruising? Are they both from the Tate-Modern? Maybe the bubbles of No.2 are from someone drowning.[/QB]

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I think it is an action shot of someone in the swimming pool that just couldn’t make it out of the pool quick enough to relieve him/her self (why else that colour???)

The last image is manipulated, I just corrected it!

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Originally posted by Barryboat:
The fourth image was not altered...the photographer tilted the camera to make that uniquely angled shot. I too am a photographer, and have used that tilting technique.

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That was a joke,

The cover must be attractive and it must attract the consumers' eyes. It should stand out and be evocative, perhaps even provacative; heighten the senses and stir emotions.

The interior must be clean, airy and deviod of too much clutter. Fewer and larger images. Simple, elegant fonts and 'sexy' text. Itinerary pages should have maps that are easy to read and fare charts that are easy to decipher.

And while the older HAL and Royal Caribbean brochures were pure crap (Sorry Barry), RCI and HAL have turned their brochures around dramatically.

IMO, the best new cruise brochures are the latest 2005 Holland America brochures from this perspective. The covers draw your eye, there is very little text in the 'lifestyle' sections. It's filled with large, evocative images that tell the story, the text is merely complimentary.

And as much as I love brochures that are brimming with photos of the ships and interiors, these present a marketing quandry. While the photos are lovely, they do nothing more than present an empty public space; thus appearing cold and uninviting. Sprinkle a few faux passengers in for window dressing and they look ridiculous.

I have dozens of ealry (1990-1992) Celebrity and Majesty (19902-1995) brochures that showcase each and every public space aboard the ships, but the rooms are empty and cold due to the fact they are devoid of life.

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Tim wrote:
It's filled with large, evocative images that tell the story, the text is merely complimentary.

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A picture equals a thousand words. I like that. Thanks Tim.