beach party

Bedeck staff in grass skirts and leis, get or make cardboard palm trees and parrots. Play calypso music and party tune album compilations and serve a mildly alcoholic rum punch to capture the flavour of cruise partying. If you're feeling adventurous and want some serious coverage (and if it's possible to do so) put a layer of sand down (not builders sand or sand from a beach please - your local b&q will advise and provide).

the cruise week golf challenge

Can you putt a golf ball 10 yards and land it smack in the middle of a £20 note? If you can, it's yours! Whilst they're trying, you can tell them all about the wonderful cruise opportunities and exotic golfing (and shopping) destinations that await...

the big cruise quiz

Offer up the mother of all cruise quizzes, keep it light and cruise related and it should be great fun - remember to draft in enough chairs to cope with the expected numbers. Offer prizes of cabin upgrades and money off vouchers as prizes - you don't need to compete with Chris Tarrant - but it's nice to win something.

cruise idol

Recreate classic formula TV with a good old sing song in your agency. For maximum effect, source a local karaoke compere (check em out for references first) and become Simon Cowell for a night! Encourage people to enter and offer prizes as above.

treasure hunt

Cryptic clues and hidden treasure - the perfect combination to entice prospective customers! Hide clues in cruise brochures and keep them intrigued as you ask them to tell you their dream cruise experience.

spa night

Chances are, there is an Avon rep near you who would delight in working a room full of eager cruise virgins! Call them and ask them to create a Spa Night in your agency - exfoliate them, moisturise them, buff them and wax them - and remind them just how relaxing a cruise might be - see a wealth of destinations and unpack only once...

captain's dinner

Candlelight, soft music, fine wine and a good caterers is all you need to create an intimate dinner with the Captain (the boss). Buffet style or tables, it gives you an opportunity to produce a cruise menu for visitors to select from... Or you could do a seafood and salad buffet.

poker school

Sell the American Dream (and the strong pound / dollar exchange) in a rootin' tootin' American style poker night. Use chips as onboard credit vouchers and get someone involved who understands that the river is not just a cruise option...

some other ideas:

If possible also approach a local catering company who may be willing to reduce the cost in exchange for some publicity?

How about talking to a local radio station to see if they would be happy to do a short phone-in for their listeners on what a cruise is like / recommended destinations and top tips, with you as the cruise expert?

How about talking to a local health club to see if you can have a small promotional stand or event there, allowing you to emphasise the health and spa treatments available onboard a ship?

Maybe contact a local group or association that is holding a meeting that week, to see if you can come and give a short talk on cruising and cruising for groups?

What about organising a short fun run or sponsored walk, with proceeds going to a sea / wildlife related charity during that week, ensuring that on the publicity you clearly state your business and that it is to take place during National Cruise Week?

How about working with a local paper to see if they would cover National Cruise Week, and offer them quotes and testimonials from your past cruise guests by way of content?