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.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedNorth America
Oct 16, 2026Subaru Finds Pets to Reshape 2026 Holiday Travels, Road Trip Plans
This week, Subaru released a report revealing just how central family pets are in holiday travel plans for Americans. The report found pet owners nationwide increasingly prioritize their animal companions when planning upcoming trips, so much so that 73 percent of U.S. drivers and pet owners surveyed said they’re more likely to bring their pet along.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Destinations / Europe
Oct 16, 2026Daytrip Ideas from Dublin, Ireland
A family vacation in Dublin, Ireland, doesn’t need to be limited to the sights and attractions in the city itself (although Dublin does have many amazing experiences). Visitors may be surprised by top Irish attractions within reach on a daytrip from the capital.
Destinations / North America
Oct 15, 2026Club Med Breaks Ground on Ultimate Mountain Vacation
Club Med officially announced the debut of its second mountain resort in Canada, set to open its doors in December 2028. Fully embracing the brand’s all-inclusive experience, Club Med Tremblant is designed to welcome both families and adults to its dynamic atmosphere.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Destinations / North America
Oct 15, 2026Sharktober: What to Know Before Heading to Hawai’i This Month
Hawai’i’s beautiful weather makes it a great time to visit all year long, especially during shoulder season months when the weather is great, crowds are smaller and prices are lower. But if you’re heading there in October, there are a few things you’ll want to know before you go.
ShareThis