Tips For A Perfect Family Reunion

PR Log (Press Release) – Dec 01, 2008 – When you are gathered around the table this holiday season, think about how to make the memory last by getting started on organizing a family reunion on a cruise ship.  The upside of taking a cruise vacation is that all the amenities are included:  lodging, meals, exceptional entertainment, kid’s club programs, and plenty of activities are some of the benefits.  With the economy in a slump right now, cruise lines are eager to fill ships and cabins are available to accommodate large groups at short notice.  With aggressive discounts and alluring perks like free shipboard credits, now could be your chance to bag a trip of a lifetime that all can enjoy.

Trying to create the perfect family reunion is a romantic notion.  However take some advice from a group cruise specialist and make your life easier.  Carrie Finley-Bajak, President of Cruise Holidays of Mission Viejo, says to use a professional and sit back and enjoy the process.  “I have seen many a family spend countless hours figuring out details that are easily managed by a group specialists.  Endless emails and countless changes to staterooms and special requests can wear down even the most agreeable personality type” added Finley-Bajak.  A travel agent can get you the best fares but also make sure everyone gets the proper documents, as well as arrange for shore excursions and dinner assignments.

If you think that going it alone and organizing the trip will help save you money, think again.  Using a travel professional can help save time and money.  Consider using a travel agent because they will handle all the coordination it takes to get everyone onboard.  Cruise Holidays of Mission Viejo offers customers the opportunity to sit face to face to discuss travel plans and it also offers an online search tool for customers that want to research online.  Offering the best of both worlds is what differentiates Cruise Holidays of Mission Viejo from other travel consultants.  “We strive to meet the needs of the old-school customer and the tech-expert computer user,” said Finley-Bajak.

Sounds like fun?  Here are some tips for getting started on the planning of a family reunion.  When it comes to arranging a cruise for several families, it makes sense to get the assistance of a seasoned travel agent.

Your vacation planning expert will help you discover the world.  A good travel partner will be able to provide you with a complete and unique travel experience.

Research Trip Ideas
Discuss what type of vacation you want. Do you want an active vacation or just pure relaxation?  Choose your itinerary carefully.  Is everyone mobile? Can a wheelchair or stroller easily navigate the roads?

Cruise Selection
Work with your travel expert to help you get the best cabin for the cruise of your dreams.  Your cruise counselor will get you the best deal and amenities available for your trip.  Know your cruise line. Each line has an individual identity.  Mass market ships like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess are great for a wide range of interests and ages. The premium cruise lines like Holland America Line offer a more refined setting with a full gamut of activities for the whole family.  Luxury cruise lines like Crystal Cruises offer high-end touches, with gourmet dining and a wide variety of enrichment lectures.

Ship.
Make sure you get what you want.  Not all the ships offer the same amenities.  For instance not all of Royal Caribbean's ships offer the Royal Promenade, or wave surfing.  A qualified agent will be able to help you match the ship to your groups needs.

Airfare
One of the most expensive items for your trip can be the airfare. Check current costs to determine budget and routing options.

Pre and/or Post Cruise Hotel Packages
Consider spending time at your embarkation or debarkation port to extend your trip.  Your travel specialist has great advice about how to extend your trip.  Getting to your port city a day in advance will ensure that you arrive rested and ready for fun.

Trip Protection – Travel Protection Insurance
Purchase your travel insurance policy to take advantage of special offers like optional pre-existing medical coverage.  On some policies this is available within 14 days of initial deposit.  With so many people involved in a family reunion, there is a chance something could happen to force one or more members of the party to abort the family get-together.

Rental Car
Will you want to rent a car? Does your insurance cover International driving?  Will you feel comfortable navigating in foreign lands?

Passport
Check and, if necessary, renew passports six months in advance. Is the expiration date on your passport less than six months away? Some countries require a six-month expiration period for all passports.