Getting the whole gang together for a family reunion seems like a daunting task. Take a break from arranging schedules, locking down guests and planning payment options with something to ease the stress: ideal locations. Having a must-visit destination as an option for a family reunion is an easy sell. Guests can use this time as their own vacation as well as catching up with the family. Keep it local to lock in to some nostalgia or head abroad to bond over an international journey.
Some options for your form of transportation, bundle it into your accommodations and, voilà, you have a family reunion cruise. Keep it all together with these tips and tricks for your next family reunion.
Jetting off on the high seas can be a great way to keep the family together while enjoying separate experiences. You have the communal areas of the ships such as bars, restaurants, pools and activities depending on the vessel, but with the added option to head out on your own excursion on land. Enjoy family dinners together and sunbath on the deck while the kids run off with each other enjoying activities throughout the ship.
Begin with a group leader. For larger reunions, each family should have their own spokesperson to avoid the “too many cooks” scenario. Create a Facebook page, family group chat or email chain to stay connected.
Family Reunion Cruise Excursion. Photo Russ Ensley | Dreamstime.com
Come prepared. Do some research and bring some options to the table. Not too many, just your favorites. Choose your cruise by destination, time length and accessibility for the whole family. Choose something all-inclusive, customizable and destination driven — albeit pricey — like Seabourn and Viking River Cruises, or stick to the larger ships on the open ocean for private beach days and endless onboard entertainment, like Disney Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean.
Planning a family cruise can eliminate a lot of the more difficult details of a normal trip. For instance, who pays for what? Each family opting to vacation on the trip pays for themselves on a cruise. Choose your own package and enjoy your own experience. Your meals will be taken care of, no awkward fights, and you can relax and enjoy your time together.
Keep it simple and take advantage of the ship’s offerings. Work with a concierge for more detailed family plans and celebrations throughout your stay.
If the kids want to pair up and play or head out on an excursion, inform the group and see who else wants to go. Everyone can enjoy their own fun while feeling safe with expert cruise ship staff.
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / Europe
Apr 29, 2024A New Science Museum for Kids Opens in Portugal’s Algarve
Lagos is a lively town in Portugal’s western Algarve, and a new attraction there makes it especially appealing to family travelers. Lagos Ciência Viva Science Centre is filled with innovative hands-on activities centering around the science of navigation, and as kids (and parents) move through interactive exhibits, they also learn about an important part of the history of Lagos and the world.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / North America
Apr 29, 20245 Non-Beach Activities to Try on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast
While no trip to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is complete without a visit to the beaches on Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach, this region has much more to offer family travelers beyond sand and sea. Go beyond the ocean and explore these gems on the Crystal Coast.
Destinations / North America
Apr 26, 2024Acapulco Welcomes Visitors Back After Hurricane Otis
On Oct. 25, 2023, the coast of Mexico experienced a catastrophe of epic proportions. Otis, a category 5 hurricane, struck land in the early hours of the morning, bringing with it heavy rain and winds reaching 165 mph, devastating the vacation paradise of Acapulco. Six months later, the city welcomes tourists and family travelers to enjoy the sun, the sea, great food and welcoming hospitality of its people.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Destinations / North America
Apr 26, 20246 Reasons to Visit New Smyrna Beach Area in Florida This Summer
New Smyrna Beach Area in Florida invites family travelers to explore the region this summer. The area includes the communities of New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Oak Hill, Osteen and Port Orange in east central Florida.
ShareThis