In 1963, Cunard cruise line decided to try and target their business travelers. However, I’d be surprised if they attracted anyone with this mundane ad. Just because your audience may wear stuffy suits, doesn’t mean your ad needs to be stuffy too. If mixing business with pleasure is your selling point, you need to show your audience how to do so. Sadly, this ad misses the mark. The image gives no insight as to what fun activities the ship has to offer. At least, place the boat on top of some crystal blue water or paint a sunset in the background, something that shows your business patrons that it’s possible to have the best of both worlds.
Cunard had the first liner with lights powered by electricity, in 1881. (Source: CruiseAbout.com)