Who are you going with?
Are you cruising with your significant other, alone, with friends, family, or a partner? Either way, this will dictate the type of cruise you should be looking for. Relaxing strolls on white sandy beaches is different from a weekend booze cruise to Mexico.
We once shared a shuttle with a family en route to their first cruise. There were two ships leaving from the same port that day. Considering the ages of the two children, we assumed they were going on the Disney ship, as the other ship in port was considered a ‘”Booze cruise” for spring-breaker types. And guess what? It was spring break and the ship was loaded down with party goers!
Much to our surprise, the family boarded the ‘booze cruise’ and you can probably guess the rest. This is the perfect example of not doing your home work. Unfortunately, that family’s first time cruising was probably their last.
If you are taking your children, some cruise lines cater to children much better than others, with programs and activities specifically designed for kids. Although nearly all ships can accommodate children; some ships rarely have children cruising and are short on amenities. Find out in advance the general type of people cruising – families, retired, young singles etc. This drastically changes the atmosphere of the ship and can determine how much enjoyment you and the young ones will have.
Some people discover family cruises turn out to be the best vacation they have ever had. Disney Cruises and some of the Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruises spring to mind. The largest cruise ships in the world come with a host of amazing amenities for children including:
- A large video arcade
- Kid’s only areas
- Teen Disco’s
- And a host of sporting facilities just to name a few.
Cruising Groups
Groups are catered for and can be a great way to celebrate the end of year football trip, family reunion, or a business conference at sea… often at reduced rates.
We highly recommend using a travel agent if you are making a booking on behalf of a group. Search online and read reviews. Once you have found the one provide. Or, if the cruise line has a group booking representative talk to them before booking. When booking for a group, the chance of something going wrong increases, therefore use an experienced travel agent or the cruise line to prevent unwanted mistakes or surprises.
To constitute a group and be eligible for group discounts there must be a minimum number of staterooms booked, and can be as low as 8 rooms, but check with your travel agent for exact details.
In addition to cheaper cruises, groups can also take advantage of:
- Liquor packages,
- Special dining requests
- Complimentary gifts and door decorations
- A personalized cake
- A stateroom upgrade for the group leader
- And other VIP activities and amenities
If you are arranging a reunion of sorts, there couldn’t be a better location than on a cruise. Once onboard, there is something for everyone so your entire group can enjoy the combined vacation/reunion. The ships will even help with private functions, cakes and photography. Ask your travel agent about any ‘Reunion Packages’.
Conference facilities on most ships include dedicated conference rooms including presentation equipment such as overhead projectors, slide projectors, TV and DVD players. Generally, the newer the ship, the better the facilities.
Planning your perfect cruise continues with Part 3.
To make the most of your cruise, read my book Cruise Ship Secrets. It will help you with beating sea sickness, cruising with kids, saving money, what to expect onboard, what to pack, and a lot more.
