The 7 Best Lines For a Family Reunion Cruise - Cruise Radio

The 7 Best Lines For a Family Reunion Cruise - Cruise Radio


The 7 Best Lines For a Family Reunion Cruise - Cruise Radio

Posted: 24 Nov 2020 05:56 AM PST

Cruises are a superb vacation value and provide an ideal setting for family reunions. Family groups can explore amazing destinations and choose activities and amenities for every member of the family, all in a relaxing and fun travel environment.

family cruise ice cream holland america

Photo courtesy of Holland America

Highly inclusive vacation packages, flexible daily itineraries, and a wide variety of dining choices make family reunion cruises easy to plan and hassle-free. Group discounts and free cruise perks are available for family reunion groups as well.

Planning a Family Cruise

If you're planning a family reunion cruise, it's never too early to start the process. Planning your family reunion cruise at least 10-12 months in advance will allow family members to get excited and commit, coordinate their schedules, and begin saving money for their vacation. In addition, early advance planning will help your family access the best group rates, discounts, staterooms, and itinerary options for your family reunion cruise.

the haven norwegian cruise line stateroom

Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Start by choosing a group leader who can get things organized, communicate with your clan, keep track of deadlines, and be the key liaison person with outside contacts. Discuss budgets, best embarkation ports and cruise itineraries with the family as well.

It's also wise to seek out a trusted travel advisor who can find the ideal family reunion cruise options to meet your group's needs, secure the best deals and perks, book staterooms, keep track of deadlines, and help with special events and private room requests.

Onboard activities, specialty dining, and shore excursions are important parts of family reunion cruises. Book your favorite options early to ensure availability, optimal dining times and seating arrangements. Private tours and discounts on group shore excursions may be possible in some ports of call depending on the size of your group.

holland america line club hal kids

Club HAL (Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)

Cruises offer a wide array of activities allowing family members to have plenty of fun, both together and apart. Decide where to meet each day and set up a time for group photos to commemorate your trip.

family photo holland america

Photo courtesy of Holland America Line

You may want to create a family reunion cruise website or Facebook page to make communications easy. Encourage everyone to do online check-in and discuss how you plan to stay in touch while onboard the ship.

Today's cruise ships offer extensive amenities and accommodation choices at all budget levels, allowing all family reunion guests to have a vacation they can afford while making great memories together.

Top Family Reunion Cruise Lines:

Carnival Cruise Line | Celebrity Cruises | Disney Cruise Line | Holland America Line | MSC Cruises | Norwegian Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International


Carnival Cruise Line

carnival freedom dr seuss bookville

A mother reads a Dr. Seuss book to her daughter in the Carnival Freedom's Dr. Seuss Bookville facility — a unique and dedicated Seuss-themed play space featuring iconic decor, colors, shapes and funky furniture inspired by the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss. (Andy Newman/Carnival Cruise Lines)

With its wide range of ships and itineraries, Carnival Cruise Line is a popular choice for family reunion cruises. Carnival carried a record 800,000 kids in 2019, making it a leader in family cruising. Carnival estimates that about half of all Americans live within a day's drive of one of its 17 homeports, making it convenient and cost-effective for families to reach their family reunion destination.

Carnival's ships are loaded with fun activities for guests of all ages, from toddlers to seniors and everyone in between. Carnival offers award-winning children's and teen programs, massive water parks, a wide array of dining options, and exciting attractions including the first roller coaster at sea aboard Carnival's new Mardi Gras when it debuts next year.

carnival cruise line mardi gras bolt roller coaster

BOLT roller coaster on Mardi Gras (Rendering courtesy of Carnival)

Adults have their own amenities onboard including outdoor Serenity adult-only retreats, superb entertainment, and other activities just for grown-ups.

Carnival ships also feature awesome experiences that family members can enjoy together including fun-filled Seuss at Sea programs. Carnival's newest ships offer Family Harbor with extra-roomy accommodations specially designed for families plus a cool family lounge, too.

carnival cruise line dr seuss bookville

Dr. Seuss Bookville on Carnival Freedom (Photo courtesy of Carnival)

carnival cruise family harbor cabin

A Family Harbor cabin (Rendering courtesy of Carnival)

Carnival's standard group policy is for every 15 full fare guests, the 16th full fare guest receives a credit equal to the sailing's average cruise fare. A dedicated groups department is available to help family groups plan their reunion activities and arrange special events.


Celebrity Cruises

celebrity cruises solarium

Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers an upscale cruising experience for family reunion groups with an emphasis on innovative experiences, enrichment, entertainment and learning. Celebrity's ships offer activities for all ages and interests including its award-winning customizable Camp at Sea program for kids and teens featuring a constantly changing schedule of over 500 activities from which to choose.

celebrity cruises family cabin

Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Family reunion groups can get together at a number of cool meeting spaces on Celebrity's ships including The Lawn on Solstice Class ships and The Rooftop Garden on Edge Class ships. There's also a wide variety of group activity programs onboard including movie nights and games, plus a choice of almost 700 family-friendly shore excursions in ports of call.

celebrity cruises rooftop garden

The Rooftop Garden on Celebrity Edge. (Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises)

Families can select from a variety of staterooms including Family Verandas accommodating up to five guests and The Retreat staterooms with exclusive access to The Retreat lounge and sundeck.

celebrity cruises edge aerial

Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Family reunion groups save with Celebrity's GroupX fares, which are based on the size of the group as well as desired activities and amenities. Some of the more popular package offerings include onboard credits per stateroom, specialty dining vouchers, wine tasting vouchers, a group cocktail party, and more. Special promotions are also available. Each group is assigned a primary Celebrity Cruises contact to ensure a seamless shipboard experience and assist with special requests.


Disney Cruise Line

Disney cruise line fantasy aerial

Disney Fantasy (Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line)

Beloved Disney characters, beautifully-designed ships, and world-class family entertainment have made Disney Cruise Line a top destination for family reunion cruises.

The cruise line is renowned for its programs and venues for every generation, as well as its outstanding activities designed to bring families together. Every ship features dedicated spaces and events for adults and kids of all ages to enjoy on their own, allowing families to have fun both together and apart.

Family reunion groups can get together for themed dining, Broadway-style shows, character experiences and a host of other attractions that are fun for every family member, from grandparents to young children. At other times, smaller family groups with similar ages or interests can meet to enjoy a wide variety of amenities and interactive activities onboard the ship.

All Disney Cruise Line staterooms are designed to be family-friendly, with the line's innovative bath-and-a-half design offered in most staterooms. Ports of call include Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line's award-winning private island, which is always a family favorite.

disney cruise castaway cay bahamas island

Castaway Cay (Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line/David Roark)

Reunion groups may arrange for connecting staterooms based on availability, as well as request special dining celebrations, private functions, and in-room amenities. Family reunion groups reserving five or more staterooms can connect their reservations, making seating together in dining rooms easier.

Families often make reunions even more magical by combining a Port Canaveral-based Disney cruise with a land package at nearby Walt Disney World.


Holland America Line

holland america family excursion hawaii maui

Photo courtesy of Holland America

Great family reunion cruises merge the interests of multiple generations while also providing attractions each can enjoy separately. Holland America Line excels in this area, offering its Club HAL program for kids and teens as well as live music venues, memorable culinary experiences and enriching seminars for adults.

holland america line family

Photo courtesy of Holland America

Holland America's premium product resonates with older family members while still delivering outstanding activities and amenities for the younger set. Holland America's newer ships feature popular family-friendly elements including staterooms for families of five, superbly-designed Club HAL facilities and more. The cruise line's exceptional specialty dining restaurants are perfect for family reunion gatherings where kids under 12 can dine free of charge.

club hal nieuw amsterdam holland america

Club HAL on Nieuw Amsterdam (Photo courtesy of Holland America)

club hal nieuw amsterdam

Club HAL on Nieuw Amsterdam (Photo courtesy of Holland America)

Itineraries in the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada/New England and the Norwegian Fjords offer plenty of family-pleasing outdoor active excursions. Half Moon Cay, Holland America's award-winning private island in the Bahamas, is a hit with families as well.

holland america half moon cay horse back riding

Horseback riding on Half Moon Cay (Photo courtesy of Holland America)

With Holland America's Group Advantage Program (GAP), groups can choose from more than 30 different amenities to enhance their cruise experience. Families booking eight or more staterooms can take advantage of Holland America's special family reunion package. This includes a free stateroom upgrade for the head of the family, a within-stateroom category upgrade for all family members, a Pinnacle Grill lunch for every family member, and a $50-value beverage card and $50-value fountain soda card per stateroom.


MSC Cruises

msc cruises baby kids club

Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises provides immersive programs and enriching experiences for guests of all ages on its ships in North America and abroad. MSC's extensive array of children's and teens' activities, 'kids sail free' program for children ages 11 and under, and up to 50% discount for Healthcare Heroes can make it an attractive option for family reunions.

MSC Cruises' ships offer a wide variety of dining and entertainment options plus varied staterooms to suit all family members. Families can book up to three flexible connecting modular staterooms accommodating up to 10 people on MSC Cruises' newer ships. These ships also offer the MSC Yacht Club, an all-inclusive private VIP club level area for family reunion members seeking luxury, privacy and ultra-personalized service.

msc cruises kids

Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises

Families can enjoy plenty of thrilling MSC attractions as well, including two of the longest zip lines at sea, massive state-of-the-art aqua parks, Formula 1 simulators, and more.

MSC Cruises' Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries are popular with families and feature exciting ports of call including Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line's exclusive private island destination.

Family reunion groups booking at least eight or more staterooms are eligible for special group rates and amenities. MSC's dedicated groups department is available to help family reunion planners reserve lounges and spaces for special events, coordinating staterooms and booking memorable dining experiences.


Norwegian Cruise Line

norwegian bliss teppanyaki restaurant

Teppanyaki on Norwegian Bliss (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

Norwegian Cruise Line caters to family reunions with its extensive choice of family-friendly shipboard accommodations, standout amenities, Broadway-caliber musicals, and activities for every age group.

Family reunion groups enjoy Norwegian Cruise Line's huge Aqua Parks, complimentary award-winning youth programs, top-notch entertainment, and the cruise line's signature flexible Freestyle Dining program. The cruise line's latest ships offer an enticing array of over-the-top family attractions including the industry's only racetracks at sea, outdoor intergalactic laser tag arenas, brand new dining concepts, and its state-of-the-art interactive Galaxy Pavilion.

norwegian encore racetrack

The speedway on Norwegian Encore (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

norwegian encore laser tag arena

Laser tag arena on Norwegian Encore (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

The line's wide range of accommodations allow families of all shapes and sizes to enjoy their unique brand of vacation experience while still enjoying family reunion activities and meals together. The Haven by Norwegian™, Norwegian Cruise Line's boutique-hotel-within-a-ship, provides luxurious accommodations, personalized service and privileged access for those seeking a more upscale cruise experience. Family-friendly staterooms and studios for solo guests are available, too.

the haven courtyard norwegian bliss

Norwegian Bliss The Haven Courtyard

norwegian encore the haven suite

A suite in The Haven on Norwegian Encore (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

Norwegian's generous Affinity Groups program makes it popular with family reunion planners, as only five stateroom bookings are required for groups to select free amenities from an extensive list of options. Norwegian Cruise Line's Direct Groups department is available to help groups plan their family reunion cruise from start to finish. The department works closely with the brand's Special Events team to coordinate family reunion celebrations including private gatherings, group dinners and entertainment on board.


Royal Caribbean International

portside bbq royal caribbean

Portside BBQ (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

Planning a great family reunion cruise means catering to varied preferences and multiple generations. Royal Caribbean delivers with memorable rides and epic attractions, dazzling shows, and unforgettable dining experiences on their ships.

Royal Caribbean offers extensive programs for kids from tiny tots to teens, which adds to its family reunion appeal. About 15 percent of guests who sailed with Royal Caribbean in 2019 were under the age of 18.

family karaoke royal caribbean

Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean

The line's biggest ship, Symphony of the Seas, was designed to be the ultimate family vacation destination featuring an extensive array of staterooms plus the ship's two-level Ultimate Family Suite with cool design elements including a floor-to-ceiling LEGO wall, colorful spiral slide, a 3D movie theater-style TV room, and more.

ultimate family suite symphony of the seas

The Ultimate Family Suite on Symphony of the Seas (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

ultimate family suite symphony of the seas

Another view of the Ultimate Family Suite (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

Royal Caribbean's itineraries and ports of call are exciting as well. Perfect Day at CocoCay, the line's private island in the Bahamas, serves up a wide array of adventures including Thrill Waterpark with 13 slides, the Caribbean's largest wave pool, a 1,600-foot zip line, two beaches, and an exclusive beach club with overwater cabanas.

royal caribbean cococay

Perfect Day at CocoCay (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

royal caribbean water slide

Perfect Day at Coco Cay (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

Royal Caribbean's Group Rewards program provides group discounts and amenities for family reunion groups booking eight or more staterooms. Travel advisors can help manage the group's booking and arrange private parties and activities, meeting space, private shore excursions, and more. An onboard dedicated group coordinator makes sure all requests are handled smoothly.

Pin it for later!

the seven best cruise lines for a family reunion cruise

What's New In The Islands Of The Bahamas This Winter - PRNewswire

Posted: 24 Nov 2020 11:59 AM PST

NASSAU, Bahamas, Nov. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- It's Better in The Bahamas this winter as the country welcomes international visitors to enjoy the sun, sand and sea. From hotel reopenings with exciting deals to the Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board's $500 air credit, The Bahamas is the perfect destination for travelers seeking an escape from the cold this holiday season.

NEWS 

Ministry of Tourism Launches Interactive Island Guide ­– In an effort to make planning a safe, much-needed Bahamian getaway more seamless, the Ministry of Tourism introduced an interactive map that provides visitors with an island-by-island guide of the most up-to-date guidelines, including business hours of operations, beach access and more.

Hotel Reopenings Across The Bahamas ­– Atlantis Paradise Island is scheduled to reopen on December 10, 2020, and Eleuthera's French Leave Resort is set to reopen December 15, 2020. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and Exuma's Grand Isle Resort & Spa are both scheduled to reopen December 17, 2020. Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort will reopen January 28, 2021, while Sandals Emerald Bay will reopen February 1, 2021.

Exuma and Long Island Airport Expansions ­– Exuma International Airport is getting a major upgrade. The project, which is slated to begin next month, will expand the terminal from 2,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet. The country is planning additional airport expansions for Long Island, which is expected to be completed in March 2022. The project will expand the airport's runway from 4,000 feet to 6,500 feet.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS 

For a complete, up-to-date listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.  

Out Island Black Friday Air Credit – The Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board is offering a $500 air credit this Black Friday to help travelers plan their next Bahamian vacation. Credit is applicable when pre-booking an air-inclusive 7-night package at a participating Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board member hotel. Travelers must book by November 30, 2020 and travel by January 31, 2021. Blackout dates apply.

Atlantis First Night Free Package – In celebration of the resort's reopening, Atlantis is offering guests their first night free with a two-night minimum stay. Bookable between November 10 – 22 and valid for stays between December 10 – 17.

Baha Mar Dream Away and Getaway Package – Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is offering guests 20 percent off just in time for the resort's December 17 reopening. Book by December 6, 2020 for stays through April 4, 2021.

Coral Sands Resort Credit - The beloved Harbour Island resort is offering a $100 resort credit inclusive of daily continental breakfast for two and access to all non-motorized water sports when staying for a minimum of two nights. The offer is valid through December 15, 2020.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES 

Travel Weekly's Magellan Awards Recognizes The Bahamas' Still Rockin' Campaign The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation's Still Rockin' campaign was awarded the best destination advertising/marketing campaign. In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, the campaign highlighted The Bahamas' 14 major islands unimpacted by the storm, which contributed to the country's record-breaking year of 7.2 million visitors in 2019. The awards also recognized the Ministry's From Bahamas With Love campaign, which was awarded silver in the destination marketing TV commercial category.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS 
With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth's most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It's Better in The Bahamas. 

PRESS INQUIRIES 
Anita Johnson-Patty 
General Manager, Global Communications 
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation 
[email protected] 

Weber Shandwick 
Public Relations 
[email protected] 

SOURCE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

Related Links

https://www.bahamas.com

25 Resorts in the U.S. That Are Perfect for Families - Travel+Leisure

Posted: 08 Jul 2020 12:00 AM PDT

25 Best Family Resorts in the U.S.: World's Best Awards 2020 | Travel + Leisure

this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Flydubai modifies EX-YU operations - EX-YU Aviation News

Posted: 25 Nov 2020 12:00 AM PST


Flydubai has pushed back the resumption of its seasonal winter service to Zagreb from December 27, 2020 to February 3, 2021, while it plans to increase operations to the two markets it currently serves in the former Yugoslavia. Flydubai had previously noted when scheduling its Zagreb service for late December that it would make a final decision on its resumption closer to the launch date. Once restored, flights will run three times per week, although further changes remain likely. The hybrid carrier is expected to replace Emirates on the Zagreb service over the summer, however, tickets are yet to be put on sale. 
Zagreb - Dubai v.v. passenger traffic

Year PAX
2017 98.301
2018 147.157
2019 130.937

Flydubai currently maintains operations to Belgrade and Sarajevo. It plans to increase services to the Serbian capital from four to five weekly starting December 22. On the other hand, operations to Sarajevo have been increased to four weekly and will be maintained throughout the winter season. The majority of passengers currently traveling with Flydubai are those going point-to-point, rather than transferring via Dubai. "Most of our passengers are travelling point-to-point, whether they are residents returning to Dubai or those travelling for their holidays. Dubai is welcoming tourists again. We are working closely with our travel partners across the industry to help re-establish opportunities for travel and tourism", the company said. Entry into Dubai is permitted with a negative coronavirus test taken up to 96 hours prior to departure. Under current regulations, Croatian nationals must take another (free of charge) covid test upon landing at Dubai Airport. 

Flydubai is also expected to put back into service the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which had previously served Belgrade and Zagreb, while it was to be deployed to Sarajevo in the summer of 2019. The United Arab Emirates has established a Return to Service Committee that will coordinate with the US Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency. Flydubai is one of the biggest customers of the MAX aircraft, having ordered 250 of the new narrowbody jets since 2013. It operated thirteen MAX 8s and MAX 9s prior to the aircraft's grounding. Flydubai's MAX aircraft feature lie-flat seats in business class, upgraded economy class interiors, as well as an improved entertainment system. 


Flydubai MAX jet cabins

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

10 Most Beautiful Ecotourism Destinations To Visit In Canada (& What To Do There)

2023 Summer Activities

40 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World Right Now