Mississippi Cruise/Tour Questions
All right crew! I need some feedback to see if I'm on the right track.I sense that a riverboat (or barge) cruise on the Mississippi with secure parking each night for our motorcycles is what most people would be interested in at this time!
If that were to be the case, then I need your ideas, suggestions and thoughts on the following:
1) How long should the cruise be? (1 week), (2 weeks) (something else)
2) What part of the Mississippi would be best? (The North) (The Middle) (The South)
3) Should we be going up or down the river?
4) Should breakfast and dinner be provided on board?
5) I'm going to try and get the lowest price I can for the inaugural cruise but what is reasonable? ($1,000 - $2,000) or ($2,000 - $3,000) per week (including 2 meals)
6) Would a small (12 - 20 people) group be better or (100 - 200)?
7) For day trips on the motorcycles, is it sufficient to provide people with maps and let them go on their own or do people need "tour guides" for their small groups?
8) What's the best month to do this? (August, September or October)? Does it depend on what part of the river we're riding?
9) If you're from the U.K. or Europe, would you travel all the way to the U.S. for something like this or would you sooner wait until we arrange something similar on your side of the pond?
10) What other questions should I be asking?
Thanks for your help. Don't forget to check out the other posts on here (bottom right). You can comment on any of those as well and click on the pictures of the boats in the last post.
Cheers,
Darry
posted by Darry @ 8:18 p.m.
18 comments
18 Comments:
1. I think one week is good. I have been on many two week vacation where I just want to go home.
2. The south is great. Many more plantation areas to visit in Miss and LA
3. I would have thought that we would go both up and Down. The problem is it may require a larger expence for some to fly into one area then fly home from another. And the bike shipping may be tough too. But, if it could only be one way, my personal choice would be to travel up the river because then it would be closer for me to ride my bike home.
4. Yes
5. I don't think you would be able to get it for 1, 000 but at 3,000, I would not be interested. I would consider it at 2
6. The more the merrier but then you have a problem with loading and unloading at each port. Keeping it around 100 would probably be best
7. Tour guides would be a nice option. Have someone from each port available to take the passengers on a scenic ride would lend a nice touch. You can usually find local HOG members that would be willing to do that. I have on other fly and ride vacations.
8. depends on location the further south I would not want to go in the middle of summer.
9. N/A
10. Sorry I have not been around for a while. I will try to go back and answer some of your other questions as time permits.
Regards,
John Leavy
1) A 1 week cruise time would be ideal.
2) If summertime, then northern route. If the timeframe is more in the fall, then the middle to southern area would be good.
3) Downriver. The boat will go farther per day.
4) Yes.
5) The lower the price, the larger the group.
6) You will get a better rate for a larger group. However, motorcycle storage may become a problem with a larger group.
7) I think you should have both options.
8) If these are the only choices, then August would be preferred. October is getting too late for the weather to be dependable for the northern river, and may even be a problem in the middle Mississippi area. The most preferred time would be June or July.
9) N/A
10) You seem to have covered it.
Mike Noble
1) 1 week is great since most people might have to travel from home to where cruise starts. Few people can take more than 10 days off from work.
2) Southern part is very nice, but ideally North and South should be offered to accomodate people who live too far from a southern route.
3) The best cruises should be round trips but that is a minor detail
4)Yes
5) I am not a rich man, so those prices are out of my league. I guess the more customers, the less expensive.
6) Too many riders would be a very stressful situation at all levels. A motorcycle breakdown without cell phone service and the barge is stranded and so and so on. 100 riders riding together is a parade and I would not interested in that. So if small groups go ride on their own and they know where they are going..life is good.
7) Tour guides: almost necessary
8) Just remember: It can rain (read downpour) a lot in the South in the summer. These rains are heavy and sudden. Some riders cannot or do not want to ride in the rain.
Philippe Mille
catdocteur@sbcglobal.net
1. One week is probably the best bet, seems like two or three vacations are things of the past.
2. I'd say North, more open rodes, less traffic.
3. I would choose St. Louis as a starting point. Easy to get to, then travel up river North.
4. Meals should be included, lunches should be part of the ride. You could have a few dinners in selected locations to mix things up. A Dinner Ride comes to mind.
5. Price depends on options. Room, board, great rides, plus a rental motorcycle would be in the $2k to $3k range. Less if you bring your own bike.
6. Small group are better. That way folks can interact.
7. A tour guide is a must.
8. Month depends on location, pick the best weather months for the North, Middle, and South.
9. I'd like a tour to one of the big motorcycle events would draw overseas riders. Sturgis, MotoGP in California, Daytona Bike Week. If you could arrange a combo of both the cruise and a event you might get folks to be interested. I know there are such items for the Isle of Mann.
10. I'd try and tap into local clubs for assistance. Almost every make has a club, they'd know the area (tour guides).
Jeffrey Potter
dgtalmn@cox.net
I think 1 week is just right. 2 Midwest to south is my vote. 3 I would be riding to the river so I would like either direction but then back to the starting point. 4 Yes 5 1,000-2,000 is probably the most people could spend. 6 Small groups are easier and more fun. 7 Let us go for it or offer 2 or 3 mapped rides that small groups could go on. 8 July. Thanks, Kevin
1 I agree with everyone one week would be good
2. I like the south Great riding
3. I would rather go upstream.More fun as the boat pulls the current
4.Yes I like to eat!
5.It would be great if you could get it for 1,000 but if it get too expensive a lot of people will lose intrest quickly
6. For a first time trip I would not have more tha 50.
7. Tour guides would be great. We have used other HOG chapters for this before.
8. I like June or July
9.?
10. You are getting better! Keep it up.
BOB
1. 1 week
2. The South
3. up the river
4. Yes, on the food, we love to eat
5. I agree, under $1,000.00 or people will just not do it.
6. I would think that it probably wouldn't be priced as good unless you had at least 100 or more people
7. I think some places maps would be great, but there also should be some guided tours. If there is a HOG chapter at each stop, they would be of help.
8. October, just cause it gets cold up north and nice down south
9. n/a
10. What type of entertainment on the boat?
Thanks, Robin
This is from Brian B.
1. I think a two week cruise from north to south starting 3rd week in September would be fine. That would allow for one week timeshare at the end and get back home to Vernon B.C. before the mountain passes get too dicey.
2. I think to keep costs around $2K would suit most and with 100 max riders split into groups of ten that change each day.
3. There are hog groups and GWRRA members that could assist with local stop tours.
4. Tours could be themed to appeal to peoples varied interests ie. - flatland agricultural tours...historical tours...twisty more aggressive riding tour...casual shopping tours...riding instruction and safety courses could be set up with local chapters of GWRRA at a predetermined stop along the way...feature attraction tour(prebooked from a selection of sports,live theatre, live entertainment(varied)...casual make up as you go tours with maps provided.
5. Breakfast would be necessary for me and gets things off to a riding start. Lunches and evening meals should be left to experience local hospitality!
6. I could help in formatting these plans as I'm retired and would do it if the benefit was a free tour.
7. I think it very important that groups be organized on signup sheets ahead of time for planning sake but leave an option for those wishing a casual day. The plan would be to mix the riders so that new friendships are encouraged. Autonomous groups wouldn't add a great deal to this idea.
This is from Erik.
Darry,
Your questions regarding the riverboat excursions.After reading the 5 responders inputs,I would agree with the majority that 2 k would be a reasonable price for a week of riding with a group of 25 to 30 individuals. Being from New Jersey I would prefer to ship south and then finish the trip riding east from a more northern end of boat travel. Warm weather is nice.Local expert guidence sounds great and increases the oppurtunity to meet the locals.Could help to keep the overall cost down.Options for dining should be at the descretion of the individuals,but talking about the daily ride onboard the boat sounds like fun as long as the menu is as exciting as the ride !
What has been the general age of responders . I'm 56.
Hi Darry,
Yes I am still interested in helping you out if I can. I looked over the
questions on your blog but couldn't figure out how to answer them on the
blog. So I'll answer them here.
1, A one week cruise is usually enough time but if one can afford two weeks
vacation, why not do two weeks.
2, no opinion, north or south both sound interesting
3, again, no opinion
4, Every cruise line I worked for included meals in the price of the cruise.
I would be nice to experience some of the local cooking while touring.
5, The companies that I worked for charged $1500 per person up. My personal
budget would be around $1500.
6, In my experience that small groups are better. it's easier to get to
know the other people in your group. It is also easier and safer to ride in
smaller groups.
7, I would prefer to be lead on a trip so that I can enjoy the scenery
without worrying about getting lost.
8, I prefer to tour later in the year after the kids have gone back to
school.
9, n/a
10, When people sign up for the cruise/ ride, it would be good to know about
their riding experience. Have they done much riding in a group? How long
have they been riding? Do they have any endorsements from a safe riders
course? Not all riders are comfortable in a group and I'm not always
comfortable riding with inexperienced people.
I hope this helps you. If you can make it easier or clearer how to answer
questions on your blog I'd be happy to respond on that site.
Thanks for keeping me on your list Darry.
I did not respond to the last set of questions because my thoughts had been captured by someone ells, and I was getting ready to go to Key west. (just got back last night)
I am still interested in helping with your idea, but it seems as though you are just asking the same questions in a different form or about a different area.
As I have read some of the comments from people that have responded it looks like the idea would work. The question is would it work for a large enough group to make it cost effective, and be flexible enough to allow people to have the freedom to be on vacation and enjoy their own style. (some would take their own bike and some would rent) (some would like to ride every day and some would like to sight see some days)
At one time I tried to put together a Fly And Ride trip to Mexico, I spent a lot of time with the travel agent (a friend of mine) to work out all the necessary arrangements, called in personal favors to get a real great price. We made Flyers and did some limited advertising because I thought this would be a no brainer, but I only got ONE response when all was said and done.
What I found out is talking about doing something or going somewhere is one thing and getting people to commit is totally different.
I also planed a trip to the Lobster Festival in Maine a few years back with the same kind of results. (5 or 6 couples said it was a great idea but only one could go)
I think you should start contacting the cruse lines and put together some prices and packages to see just how many people are really interested in a trip like this, and to get a feel for the cost.
I also have found that most people have to plan vacation time early in the year, (those of us still working) so starting to look into a trip of this magnitude might not be an option for some this year, but it would be good for next year.
Hope some of this helps.
I will be checking the web site.
Good Luck,
Mike Lane
1) How long should the cruise be? (1 week), (2 weeks) (something else) 1 Week
2) What part of the Mississippi would be best? (The North) (The Middle) (September ) September
3) Should we be going up or down the river?
Down
4) Should breakfast and dinner be provided on board?
NO
5) I'm going to try and get the lowest price I can for the inaugural cruise but what is reasonable? ($1,000 - $2,000) or ($2,000 - $3,000) per week (including 2 meals)
$1,000 - $2,000
6) Would a small (12 - 20 people) group be better or (100 - 200)?12 - 20 people
7) For day trips on the motorcycles, is it sufficient to provide people with maps and let them go on their own or do people need "tour guides" for their small groups? I think you will need both.
8) What's the best month to do this? (August, September or October)? Does it depend on what part of the river we're riding? September
9) If you're from the U.K. or Europe, would you travel all the way to the U.S. for something like this or would you sooner wait until we arrange something similar on your side of the pond? I'm from USA
10) What other questions should I be asking?
Mileage per day? 200-300
I hope this helps,
Tedd Lash
Hi Darry,
I think the Mississippi Cruise is the best idea. I have this problem: When you sent e-mails at the beginning I had no problem answering because I knew how to type the answers on the e-mail program. I have been busy with work but each time I open the BLOG I get so lost and waste so much time ..., can never find the place where I can start typing the answers under the questions -- just doesn't seem to work so quite frustrated when I have something to say and can't. I just finished filling in the e-mail blanks and put a friend's e-mail in and thought now I can answer the questions at the bottom -- wrong -- my page disappeared and I can't get back to it .. so try again to type the answers. Sorry, Darry, but I can't figure these BLOGs out.
My answers would be:
1. Trip 1 week;
2. The South - New Orleans and cruise north.
3. See #10.
4. Breakfast only - dinner you want to experience at different spots along the way;
5. 1-2 (1 week)
6. 20 people.
7. Maps - keep group personally motivated; keep costs down;
8. Sept.;
9. Not Applicable;
10. In conjunction with #3 it would be nice for the group of 20 to be in groups of 5 and work ahead and do some homework and pass on their suggestions of what that day trip or area has to offer so you have your people personally motiviated!!
I will try once more to answer the BLOG somehow ... BLOGGED ... Jaromey
This is from Marie.
1) How long should the cruise be? (1 week), (2 weeks) (something else) 1 week
2) What part of the Mississippi would be best? (The North) (The Middle) (The South) Any of them, but the South is where the history is
3) Should we be going up or down the river? Down the river
4) Should breakfast and dinner be provided on board? Yes
5) I'm going to try and get the lowest price I can for the inaugural cruise but what is reasonable? ($1,000 - $2,000) or ($2,000 - $3,000) per week (including 2 meals) $1,000-$2000
6) Would a small (12 - 20 people) group be better or (100 - 200)?
Small Group
7) For day trips on the motorcycles, is it sufficient to provide people with maps and let them go on their own or do people need "tour guides" for their small groups? Tour Guides
8) What's the best month to do this? (August, September or October)? Does it depend on what part of the river we're riding?
September in the South
9) If you're from the U.K. or Europe, would you travel all the way to the U.S. for something like this or would you sooner wait until we arrange something similar on your side of the pond?
N/A
10) What other questions should I be asking?
Maybe you should ask what people would like to see at places you schedule to stop at. Ex: Historic places along the Mississippi
Thanks, Darry, I'm not BLOGGED any more. Finally found "Comments" at the very, very bottom after reading through some of the comments of the group. "Leave your comment" box easy to find and I see "Login and Publish" right below the box I'm typing this message in.
Lots of good ideas I see. I like the one about "rider experience." That is an important consideration for a lot of riders.
I have only ridden for 4 years and try and take a refresher safety course each season but it will take awhile before I ride like my husband. By the way, each riding season just keeps getting better and better!
one week
doesnt matter
up and down
yes
Dont know, lets see the final price
100
maybe some planned routs
dont know
no comment
This is by Mike Cutler:
$1,000-$1,500 is probably reasonable. Smaller groups is probably a better idea [20-30 people] What would you do with the bikes? Maybe even less! One week would probably work for most people. I think a Southern route for me would be more appealing, maybe starting from the North and working South. How about a theme? A BLUES cruise? Check out www.delbert.com. This is a cruise my wife and I have been making for three years and next year will be our fourth.
I think the riverboat idea is the best option. The bikes could probably just be driven off and away you go! AND I have never been up and down the river and stayed for any length of time. The only time I've seen the river was to go across it. I would definitely consider going on something like this.
Mike Cutler
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