Perks of Group Cruises and Occasions Perfect for Cruising – Like Family Reunions!
If you’re looking for a vacation that will cater to a large group for your family reunion or other occasion, you likely want one that ticks many boxes: variety of food, activities for different interests and ages, accommodations that are close together, fun nightlife, and large spaces in which to meet. Guess what can easily and conveniently accommodate all that? A cruise!
A cruise makes it easy to plan a group trip and then helps to make that group travel relaxing and stress-free once it’s underway.
Here are just some of the perks of doing your family reunion or other group travel on a cruise:
Staterooms for Every Budget
Don’t worry about picking a hotel that is too expensive for some people or not luxurious enough for other travelers in your group. Most cruise ships have a variety of options.
Budget-conscious travelers can book an inside or oceanview stateroom while those who expect the ultimate in comfort and style when traveling can upgrade to a balcony stateroom or suite.
The best part? You’ll still be staying on the same vessel and can easily walk to each other’s rooms or meet up in common areas.
Connecting Staterooms
For groups who know each other well and want to be right next to each other, you can book connecting staterooms that open to each other internally, similar to what you’ve probably encountered in hotels before…only in this case, you’ll have ocean views and breezes literally right outside your veranda.
Connecting staterooms are an especially great option for multi-generational family members traveling together.
Food for Every Palate
When planning group travel, it can be worrisome to figure out where to eat and make sure all food restrictions are accounted for. On a cruise, you don’t have to stress. The main dining room of most cruise lines offer vegetarian and gluten-free options every night, not to mention a whole host of other flavors to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
If you want a change of pace you can book a reservation in a specialty restaurant for the group one night; or split up if some people want Italian cuisine while others are in the mood for sushi.
Fun and Safe Nightlife On Cruise Ships
If you’ve got some partiers on your hand that you’re planning group travel for, don’t stress about how they’ll get back to their hotel after a night out.
On a cruise, your group can dance the night away at the club on board before doing a short walk back to their room when they’re ready for sleep.
Some of the other entertainment on board includes Broadway-style shows, comedians, and musical acts. Some cruise ships even have ice skating performances!
Onboard Enrichment Activities
Cruise ships offer an assortment of enrichment activities on board that guests can partake in to learn new things.
Activities can include lectures from destination experts about ports you’ll be visiting, wine tasting classes, art shows, video editing and other skills-based classes, and much, much more.
These activities are fun ways for your group at sea to spend time together.
Work with a Travel Agent
Look into working with a travel agent for your group vacation. It often doesn’t cost you anything extra.
Travel agents often work closely with cruise lines and know all the ins and outs. The right travel agent will specialize in group travel on cruise ships and will help you book staterooms right next to each other, book specialty restaurants, reserve conference rooms if needed, arrange shore excursions, and much more.
Best Group Travel Occasions for Cruises
Cruising is a great option for group travel for many different types of occasions.
Weddings and Vow Renewals at Sea
Plan a destination wedding your guest won’t forget. Most cruise lines offer several different ways to get hitched in the style perfect for you. You can be married by the ship captain on the deck of the ship, or say your “I Do’s” while in port with your toes in the sand.
Family Reunions
With so many different activities on board catering to multiple age groups, a cruise is an excellent place for a family reunion. And you don’t have to worry about missing cousins who were supposed to bring the casserole – food is all figured out for you.
Milestone Anniversaries
Parents celebrating a 25-year or 50-year (or other number) anniversary may enjoy making it a family affair and bringing their kids and grandkids along for the special celebration. A cruise makes it easy to do and will keep all the different ages of guests adequately entertained.
Bridal Showers, Bachelorette Parties, and other Girlfriend Getaways
This one is for the ladies reading. If you and your girlfriends love getting together and heading to the spa, enjoying conversation over wine or martinis, heading to the beach together (or exploring a vibrant city), and dancing the night away, a cruise is going to be an epic good time for all of you. Who needs Vegas for a bachelorette party when you can go on a cruise?
