Planning a Family Reunion Cruise

Family reunions can be tricky. With so many different ages and interests – from grandparents to toddlers and all ages in between – it’s important to pick a location that everyone will enjoy. Planning a family reunion cruise is a fantastic option with plenty of activities to make everyone happy, whether they prefer a more relaxed vacation or look forward to exciting excursions.

From kids’ clubs and teen lounges to adults-only pools and spas, there’s something for everyone. Family members can enjoy their favorite activities during the day and come together for meals, quality time, and evening entertainment.

Here are our tips for planning a family reunion cruise that everyone will love.

What to Know Before Choosing Your Cruise Line

This is arguably the most important part of planning your trip. Each cruise line offers different activities, amenities, and entertainment that are important to consider before picking your itinerary. These are a few questions to consider before settling on a cruise line.

Is the cruise line friendly for all ages?

While many would be happy to welcome even the littlest members of your family, several are adults-only – or at least more catered toward adult interests. For example:

• Virgin Voyages® and Viking Cruises® are strictly for adults, with the required minimum age being eighteen.
• Seabourn® and Holland America® cruises don’t have a minimum age, they’re more catered toward adults who prefer a sophisticated environment and activities like cooking classes, expert lectures, and educational excursions.
• Disney Cruise Line® is great for families. There are tons of activities for younger children, but adults will also enjoy the entertainment and dining options, activities, and port excursions.
• If you have a large range of ages and interests, cruise lines like Royal Caribbean® and >Norwegian® have something for everyone, with huge selections of itineraries and activities to choose from.

If you’re looking for a unique cruise + theme park vacation experience, you can visit Royal Caribbean® and Universal Orlando Resort™in one exciting vacation package.

What onboard activities and entertainment are available?

When traveling with large groups, having a solid variety of onboard activities can make or break the experience. Making sure there are fun, enjoyable options for everyone can make the cruise more memorable and relaxing for the entire family.

For example, many cruise lines offer supervised kids’ and teens’ clubs with age-appropriate activities such as arts and crafts, games, and themed parties. These clubs are usually divided into different age groups to ensure the activities are suitable. This gives the older members of the family a chance to enjoy activities together that are catered toward them, like live music, comedy shows, and dancing.

Some cruise ships have onboard water parks, rock climbing walls, and more, while others feature tranquil pool areas, sections for yoga and fitness, and expansive observation decks.

You’ll want to choose a cruise that has onboard entertainment and activities everyone can enjoy.

Is it important that your cruise is all-inclusive?

A lot of travelers prefer all-inclusive cruises because they’re simply easier – when everything is included up front, you don’t have to worry about unexpected charges or coordinating payments. However, all-inclusive packages may be pricier than others.

Some cruise lines are all-inclusive by default, while others offer drink and dining packages you can purchase as an add-on to your reservation.

If you aren’t sure which is best for you, we can help! Key to the World Travel® Advisors specialize in planning cruises all over the world. We can help you pick a cruise line that fits both your family’s unique needs and your own personal budget. Contact us with any questions you have!

Do you have any dining requirements, dietary restrictions, or other specifications?

Amazing restaurants and dining options can be the highlight of a cruise, but it’s important to make sure that every member of the family can enjoy them!

Chefs are usually very accommodating and can prepare special meals upon request, ensuring all guests can enjoy their dining experiences. Most cruise lines are well-equipped to handle common dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free diets, but it’s important to notify the cruise line in advance so you can be sure those needs are considered.

Outside of dietary restrictions, you’ll want to think about the type of dining your group prefers. Do you prefer having 24/7 room service? Buffets that are open all hours? Private dining areas that can accommodate your group for a private dinner?

Some cruise lines like Norwegian® offer fantastic flexible dining programs perfect for groups who prefer to do their own thing when it comes to meals, while others have more structured meal times. Being hangry can really dampen the mood on vacation, so dining arrangements are always something to consider when planning a family reunion cruise.

Choosing the Itinerary and Destination

Choosing the right itinerary and destination is key to making sure your family reunion cruise is a hit with everyone. To help you get it just right, here’s a simple list of factors to take into account.

Consider the Duration of the Cruise

Short Cruises (3-4 Days) – Ideal for smaller groups or those with limited time. These cruises often focus on a single destination or a few close ports. While they offer a quick getaway, they may not provide enough time for extensive exploration.

Medium Cruises (5-7 Days) – A popular choice for family reunions that offers a balance between relaxation and exploration. These cruises typically visit several destinations, allowing for a mix of activities and downtime.

Long Cruises (8+ Days) – Perfect for larger groups and those looking for a more extensive travel experience. Longer cruises typically cover multiple regions or even continents, providing ample time for both relaxation and activities.

Popular Destinations for Family Reunion Cruises

The Caribbean – Known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and water activities. Ideal for families who enjoy sunbathing, snorkeling, and water sports. Destinations like the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Playa del Carmen offer plenty of excursions and family-friendly activities. The Caribbean is also a popular destination for shorter cruises.

The Mediterranean – Offers a mix of cultural experiences and historical sites. Ports such as Barcelona, Rome, and Athens provide opportunities for sightseeing, cultural tours, and delicious cuisine. This region is great for families interested in history, art, and amazing food.

Alaska – Features stunning natural landscapes, wildlife viewing, and outdoor activities. Ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway offer glacier tours, hiking, and whale watching. Ideal for families who enjoy nature and adventure.

Northern Europe – Includes destinations such as Scandinavia and the Baltic. Cities like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Tallinn offer rich cultural experiences, beautiful architecture, and historical landmarks. Great for families interested in exploring different cultures and landscapes.

Check for Seasonal Considerations

Weather Conditions – When planning a family reunion cruise, you’ll need to choose dates that work for everyone. It’s important to research the weather and seasonal conditions for each destination during your planned travel dates.

As cruise itineraries may change due to unexpected weather events, this helps avoid weather-related issues and ensures a pleasant experience. For example, if you need to choose a summer date, you may want to avoid the Caribbean as that’s typically the height of hurricane season. Northern Europe may be a bit too harsh for some in winter, etc.

Crowds and Peak Seasons – Consider traveling during off-peak seasons to avoid large crowds and potentially lower costs. However, keep in mind that some destinations may have limited activities or attractions during the off-season.

Making Sure the Cruise is Accessible for Everyone

Cruising is a fantastic option for those who consider mobility and accessibility as important aspects of their trip. All major cruise lines in the United States – whether they originate in the US or not – are required by law to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and offer accessible staterooms and public spaces.

However, it’s worth noting that activities organized by third-party companies, like port excursions in foreign countries, might not always meet the same standards as those on the cruise ship. It’s a good idea to do some research beforehand to make sure there are plenty of accessible activities for everyone. Cruises may also have varying policies on service animals, so it’s smart to check ahead of time before planning to bring them on board.

At Key to the World Travel®, we’re proud to plan inclusive, accessible vacations that ensure all travelers enjoy an amazing trip without having to worry about whether their unique needs will be met. Learn more about our Keys to Inclusion accessible travel program here.

Want Help Planning a Family Reunion Cruise?

Planning any type of group vacation can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get lost in a huge list of considerations and individual needs while trying to coordinate a trip that pleases everyone and works with so many different schedules.

While it’s definitely possible to plan a successful trip yourself, we recommend relying on an experienced travel planner to take care of the work – that includes tasks like finding the best prices, organizing group excursions, stateroom blocks, and much more.

We offer 100% complimentary travel planning services for family reunion cruises, including large cruise groups that require 10+ rooms. If any issues arise before or during the cruise, your Travel Advisor can address them quickly, leaving you free to enjoy the trip.

For many, a family reunion cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We want to make sure you can spend every second of it having fun with your loved ones!