Any tips for planning a cruise for a large family?

[Donnaluv2cruise]

I'm planning a cruise for my mother and father-in-laws 50th wedding anniversary. I think we have picked the cruise we want and the dates. We will have a group of 18 including adults, teens, toddlers, & infants. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on booking, choosing cabins, etc... My husband and I have been on several cruises, including RCCL & Celebrity so we're not newbies, but we've never sailed with this size group before. Any tips would be welcome. We'll be on the Oasis.

[Clarea]

I would find a good travel agent and let them handle all the details.

[cindyscruise]

I would try to sit down the adults and teens and look at the options for ships. The larger ships offer more for everyone to do but also have more walking for older ones. Then search for compasses on that ship. Again have everyone check out the things to do. Remember with this large a group especially infants not everyone will be able to be together all the time. Striving for dinner together may be the best to try for. As a group also decide which dinning time would work for all. Next, I would look at the shore excursion options. What appeals to most?? When you book check out if you qualify for group rates. If you have adjoining balconies, you can ask to have the divider opened to give more space. Kids can have inside cabins across the hall. As to type of cabin and location that really depends on which ship you select. Family cabins with 2 bedrooms may be an option for some. My biggest suggestion, is that you do need to meet as a group and make decisions. Just don't try to overplan and be disappointed when those with infants and toddlers can't meet all the plans. What a great time will be had by all. Cruises make family vacations so much easier.

[missingyou]

We have done this 3 times - once with a group of 13 and twice with a group of 16 - two cruises were over Christmas and New Years Holidays. I would definitely work with a travel agent and try to book fairly far in advance to get a better chance of cabin availability if you all want to stay in rooms in the same area. We were lucky enough on both cruises to get cabins either all in a row or across from each other.

 

For dinner the travel agent worked with RCI to get us in 2 tables side by side. When you board double check your cards to make sure your seating is correct. If not got to the MDR as early as possible and they will work with you to correct it. At least they did for us on the 1st cruise.

 

For excursions we did not plan any excursions together. With groups that size and the varying ages its took tuff to please everyone. So we basically booked what we liked individually then at dinner we passed around the cameras to see what each group did.

 

We left each family on their own to book their own travel arrangements to the port on the last cruise. 1st cruise we were all on the same flight, and on second cruise we took a bus to Baltimore through AAA.

 

I can say it does sound like a daunting task but as long as everyone is flexible it can work out. Biggest hurdle is picking a date thats agreeable and works for everyone. Once you get that and find a cruise that all are ok with let the travel agent do the rest.

 

It is great fun with a large group. Have fun with it!

Edited May 15, 2015 by missingyou

[ColoradoGurl]

As someone who plans group events on a very regular basis, my tip would be to choose a ship and route that you think would appeal to most of the group, or for the needs of most anyway, choose your room and book the trip. Then, send everyone an email with the information and let them know to book X ship on X date and let them know they can choose any room and category that they'd like, but as a reference (and in case they want to be nearby), your room is on X floor. Also let them know you've booked X dining option (like early/late seating or MTD, later after everyone has booked, you can ask those family members that booked the same as you for their reservation numbers and then link them to yours yourself to ensure you sit together). You should include a link to the page where it gives all the room categories and prices for your sailing date to make it easier for people to find. Say something like "prices range from X to X as of today, but prices could change if you wait. You can lock in your price with a $250/person deposit and pay it off by X date." But allow them to price the individual room categories themselves because otherwise they'll get overwhelmed.

 

I find with groups that people are better able to narrow down their decisions when they are given guidelines and most of the details have been decided by someone else. If you give too many links to reviews and cruise compasses etc, people will get overwhelmed. It's also too hard to allow too many people to have a say on what they want. It sounds like you've chosen the ship and date already, so you just need to act as a coordinator by giving them the information to allow them to book their room but allow them flexibility to choose alternate floors or dining times if they want. Just give your booking info as a guideline for them to match if they want. Let them book first, and filter information to them (like the compasses or excursions and acticity calendars) later.

Edited May 15, 2015 by ColoradoGurl

[powelweb]

We did similar to missingyou on our family cruise- individual families planned their own excursions, but we all had dinner together, and then everyone decided what to do each evening, and typically there were a few different sets of plans because there were enough people who wanted to go see the show or go to the casino, or go hang at the bar to see the live jazz trio.

 

Then on sea days- same thing, some hung out by the pool, some were playing on the sports deck, others just took it easy in their cabins.

 

the key was communication ahead time to set expectations that we will not be joined at the hip, but having a few times to touch base to see what people are doing was good.

[WisconsinFan]

Our largest group was 10, also for a 50th wedding anniversary. We used a travel agent. One reason was by using a professional to handle the details then a family member won't end up in the middle of something.

 

We only booked one excursion together. Our trip was to Alaska and we booked a tour that all could do- The Deadliest Catch tour out of Ketchican. The rest of the time we all did our own thing and shared what we did at dinner. We were able to get a table of 10, but if we hadn't our plan was to switch tables each night so that we all got a chance to sit with each other over the course of the trip.

 

Our number one tip for traveling as a family or with a larger group. Make sure up front that everyone knows that you don't have to do everything together all of the time. I have a friend who went on an extended family cruise and is now determined never to cruise again. Her in-laws expected the entire family to eat all three meals together as well as every activity. She told me because of this she felt very trapped. She booked a zip lining excursion because she knew the rest of the family couldn't go on it!

 

Have fun making memories!

[Kamloops50]

I'm planning a cruise for my mother and father-in-laws 50th wedding anniversary. I think we have picked the cruise we want and the dates. We will have a group of 18 including adults, teens, toddlers, & infants. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on booking, choosing cabins, etc... My husband and I have been on several cruises, including RCCL & Celebrity so we're not newbies, but we've never sailed with this size group before. Any tips would be welcome. We'll be on the Oasis.

 

I would suggest a good travel agent that specializes in Group cruises. I you want to book direct contact the cruise line and ask for the department that does group bookings.

[Dragonkeper]

I had used a travel agent and I was on the Oasis in 2013 with a group of 19, we all had balconies that were connected and we had the dividers open so that we had one long balcony. We all ate dinner together every night to make sure we were all on the ship. At the ports we all did different excursions and took plenty of pictures. I had made reservations for all the shows and we all went together, but we didn't have to. We flew into Ft Lauderdale from NY and Baltimore and Virginia and all our flights arrived within 5 minutes of each other, we then had a private bus to take all of us together to the pier. At the end of the trip we had over 28,000 pictures which I chose about 1800 of the best and put them on a DVD with music for everyone to relive the trip and see what others saw. There is a lot to do and see on the Oasis, I don't think anyone will be board on that ship.

 

We are sailing out of Barcelona in 2016 on the Harmony of the Seas and this time there are 26 of us and we have 13 connecting balconies again.

Edited May 15, 2015 by Dragonkeper

[coordinator23]

Family of 23. My parents had a balcony cabin, we had inside cabins nearby or upgraded ourselves to balconies. (We have been on 5 cruises together) The youngest was 9 mos; the oldest two were 82. The teen cousins shared inside cabins, so their parents were on their own. We had a girls and boys cabin. Decide what you want to do for your crew and get a travel agent. I planned it out and chose cabins. Your parents may want/need a jr. suite or above for visitors; we got together nightly before dinner.

Family Royal Suites and Family Promenade rooms are great for families of 5-8 people. You will not find them listed; you have to call in for the info. or your ta needs to do it. They have lots of space and are also great for gathering. The RFS has two full bathrooms, two bedrooms, and a living room and balcony.

I like Freedom because of the water park & character breakfast for the younger kids. Plenty of things for the older ones also. Voyager class is also very nice for all age groups.

We all did our own thing pretty much during the day, and then got together at dinner to share. The only requirement on the cruise is that we all ate together. We also rotated between the adjoining tables so we all had time during the week to spend with my parents. TA can get them linked up through the reservations. You can also look into group rates, but once when we did that we found that somehow our rooms were switched around and not where we had originally picked them to be.

[grandgeezer]

If you need 8 cabins, or more, it is considered a "group" and are given a discount depending on the number of cabins. Several years ago, we had a group of nine cabins on Holland America and got 15% off the normal rate. All the cabins don't have to be the same category such as all balconys or all inside cabins. I would do this through a travel agent, local or online, as they will give you more extras than directly through the cruise line. You can still get the price reductions and change cabins, unless it's at night or in some cases on the weekends. If you pick a reptuable travel agent, there is little to no risk.

[nyc12345]

A good TA can get you lots of goodies when booking such a large group, including OBC and free berth for 8 cabins. He/she can also help you with everything from blocking cabins that are next to each other and arranging for dinner in the restaurant.

 

My TA did all the planning, made my job so much easier.

[cynt]

Ask everyone to arrive a day early unless they live near the port.

[Donnaluv2cruise]

Wow. You guys are awesome!

[reney313]

I agree with most suggestions of a TA. While I normally book myself, on one large family reunion cruise (around 35 of us), it was easier to have one Travel Agent. We picked the sailing date and she provided a listing of the dollar amounts for each cabin category. I handed that out to everyone with her phone # for them to call and book individually.

 

I much prefer that so there isn't a family member handling the booking and money. I would hate to mess up :eek:

 

The TA also worked with the cruise line to link our reservations for dinner and we had two very large tables.

 

As far as the onboard communication...We only "required" first formal night that everyone "had" to be at dinner. We had a large group picture planned, which was scheduled onboard. As a family, we did not want to require anything else, it's everyone's vacation. Now--my FIL did pay for nearly all of the cost for everyone, I think we all only paid around $250 a cabin and he picked up the rest of the tab so we were more willing to have the Formal night requirement :D

 

Onboard, we typically would run into each other anyway and often. The grandkids all hung together. While not required, most of us did make dinner nightly, but no pressure if we chose to eat in the WJ or something else instead. It really worked out well. There was one couple in the family who I think stayed in their cabin the entire cruise...their cruise, their vacation.

 

For excursions-I think it is really important to make sure everyone is aware that it is up to them to decide what to do. I would provide information on each port with links. Some pre-booked, some waited until they were onboard, and some just walked around the ports without any excursions.

 

I think a cruise is one of the best vacations for a large family. It provides the opportunity to be around each other or not, depending upon what you want to do. We really enjoyed it.

[griffy116]

We had 28 family members on a 50th anniversary cruise. PLEASE heed the advice to use a TA that specializes in cruises. Once you have chosen a date and itinerary, let the individual families book through the travel agent. He/She can make sure everyone gets the cabins they want and keep the MONEY straight. The TA can link the dinner reservations too. We did NOT book excursions together or take in the shows together. With a crowd that big, some wanted to gamble, some go to the clubs, some wanted time in the evening to relax on their balcony with some wine. At dinner everyone was able to discuss what they did that day and plans for the following day. The wheels start to fall off if everyone has to be joined at the hip for the entire cruise. People "drifted" into each other or planned things together and we saw each other at the pool often, but it didn't mean they felt obligated to participate or felt guilty and miss out on doing things separately.

[ehfl]

If you have at least 8 cabins, then set up a group booking through RCL. Then let everyone call with the group number and book whatever room they want. Let each party handle their own preferences, excursions, etc. Plan a few events for the whole family but otherwise, let people do what they want....less drama that way.

[gunther619]

I'm just curious why everyone is highly suggesting a TA? I'm just now getting a group together for the Harmony of the Seas in Spring 2017.

 

I spoke to someone at RC and they also offer the free person (per each 8 cabins), automatic OBC for each room booked and will inform us of all price reductions and additional OBC...which I plan on watching myself, anyways. They also said they reserve the rooms and everyone can call in seperately to put down the deposit and select their room. I guess I'm just confused as to why people would be handleing all the money if all guests can book themselves under the group ID...?

[LA_CA_GAL]

I'm just curious why everyone is highly suggesting a TA? I'm just now getting a group together for the Harmony of the Seas in Spring 2017.

 

I spoke to someone at RC and they also offer the free person (per each 8 cabins), automatic OBC for each room booked and will inform us of all price reductions and additional OBC...which I plan on watching myself, anyways. They also said they reserve the rooms and everyone can call in seperately to put down the deposit and select their room. I guess I'm just confused as to why people would be handleing all the money if all guests can book themselves under the group ID...?

 

We had a group of 20. Our TA was great. We got MDR tables next to the windows, got OBCs, great cabins, not one hitch.

 

I trust my TA 100%. OTOH, I would be nervous dealing with RCL directly.

[serene56]

I'm just curious why everyone is highly suggesting a TA? I'm just now getting a group together for the Harmony of the Seas in Spring 2017.

 

I spoke to someone at RC and they also offer the free person (per each 8 cabins), automatic OBC for each room booked and will inform us of all price reductions and additional OBC...which I plan on watching myself, anyways. They also said they reserve the rooms and everyone can call in seperately to put down the deposit and select their room. I guess I'm just confused as to why people would be handleing all the money if all guests can book themselves under the group ID...?

 

 

the FREE person-- is only for cruise fare only. Not taxes or port charges. With our family group we turned this back into the group.

 

Infants must be 6 months old on date of travel. Kids not potty trained can not use the pool (this might be important to some family member so make sure they know

 

We made dinner together mandatory and took traditional seating. This way everyone knew what time dinner was. no arguing about going later. We knew our seats were there so no waiting. We rotated the seating so every one could talk with everyone during the week

Edited July 6, 2015 by serene56

[Desert Cruizers]

Working with a TA would be the best way, in the meantime, as suggested get together and work out the rooms each want, dinner times. When I go to our TA, I have already picked out our room then go to her and say we wish to go on X cruise & date and want cabin X, she takes over from there. She/He would need mailing addresses for the adults booking so an invoice can be sent. A TA can also work out the dining for all by linking the reservations.

[Summerknight]

We have 4 generations, 19 people booked for 2017. Each family chose their own cabin category. We are using a local travel agent that we have used for years.

 

We made it very clear that people should choose their own activities and excursions. For example, I will never play bingo and some don't care for the beach. We do all have the same dining time, but if someone decides on specialty one evening or WJ, no hard feeling.

 

That is the joy of cruising, so many choices to keep everyone happy and occupied.

[jamesr3939]

We have done three such large (13-16) family trips. Two were cruises and one was a Club Med. The Club Med was due to a DIL given birth at an inopportune time so the baby granddaughter couldn't cruise.

 

Age groups were adults 65-57, kids 40-30, and grandkids 13y - 4m. My observations with the young to very young grandkids is the ship is the destination. The parents just like to chill out on the ship and let the kids play. Water parks are very high on kids priority list.

 

On all the trips everybody understood there was no set schedule. During the day everybody did there own thing. At dinner we tried to eat together if it worked, but nobody expected you to show up at any set time.

 

On the cruises we all tried to make it for formal night. Club Med was for Thanksgiving so we did that night all together (got our own turkey) and most other nights we all tended to end up in the dining area around the same time.

 

The cruise and/or all inclusive resort as a family gathering is the only way to go. Everybody has their own space, nobody has to cook or clean, there is a wide range of entertainment, and nobody drinks to much and drives.