Help! Planning a BIG family cruise and need info

SMB · March 10, 2007

Hey guys. The family is planning a cruise as an 80th b'day present for grandmother. They have decided on Dec 28th, 2007 - 3 day cruise to Bahamas on RC Sovereign. TA said the price right now is $439. Do you think is is good? It is the published price on vacationstogo.com. We are going to have a large group with 20-30 people. Should we be getting a better deal than the general public? I have no experience with such large groups. ANY advice would be appreciated. Plus, how is the ship?

Lisa63 · March 11, 2007

You're right -- your group can do better, not necessarily price-wise, but certainly with regard to amenities.

On most lines, you will be considered a group if you have at least eight double-occupancy cabins booked. It sounds as if you might have that. Amenities vary from line to line, but most will offer at least one free berth for every eight cabins booked. There are other items, too, such as private gatherings. You'll also want to be sure that you are all sitting together for meals (at least, I assume so). If your TA is not aware of these things, I suggest that you speak with a TA who specializes in group bookings.

Sounds like a great cruise, and a wonderful birthday present for the family matriarch!

Gregswife · March 11, 2007

Stephen, I have always wanted to do a cruise "family reunion" but can't get others "onboard". One SIL said she would not like it if she could not see land, my other SIL and BIL went on their first cruise last year (you might remember the story about him losing his underwear and going on a shipwide search for it) - anyway, they didn't care much for cruising. My MIL and FIL were the only ones who showed any interest, so the subject was dropped. I agree with Lisa that you should be getting some compensation in the way of amenities for a group that large.

Spikesgirl · March 11, 2007

SMB - is everyone expecting you to handle everything or did you volunteer? If so, you're brave. We only have five in our party and that's making me crazy with all the arrangements. if not, you might want to follow Lisa's suggestion and check with a TA who handles groups. Good luck and I hope you have a fabulous cruise and what a great birthday present for your gandmother!

Charlie

sailingrose · March 11, 2007

Good Luck if your the planner. I did this on the Sovereign for 12 of us. Only 4 cabins so we didn't get a break on the price. You should talk to more than one travel agent for sure. Each agent will do something different for you like wine or decorations, etc. You can also call RCI and find out about their Group cruise program. That's where I would start and then look around for agents. Good luck as it's not a job I'd do again because we have difficult family members. Hope your luckier.

If you need more help let me know, I know that ship inside and out!