Family Reunion Cruises - Something Everyone Can Live With

The mere thought of getting together for a family reunion can strike terror into even the most stalwart of human beings. Don't get me wrong. We love our families -- but usually we prefer to do that loving from afar -- often several states afar! Even so, there is something inexplicably appealing about getting together with our relatives every once in a while for a reunion.

When that urge strikes (and believe me, it will strike), you've got to be prepared with a plan of action. If you mention the idea of a "family reunion" to your family members without a plan, you'll most likely end up with mayhem on your hands. The next thing you know you'll have relatives camping out on every square inch of your floor, piling your sink sky high with dirty dishes, and making executive decisions with your remote control. In addition, you'll become far too acquainted with the health problems and bodily functions of some of your senior relatives (Who knew that toenail fungus was so prevalent?).

So, what's the plan of action? You've got to head off those pesky relatives at the pass and make sure they never plan that family reunion at your house. What's the alternative? You've got to plan your family reunion on a cruise ship!

Cruise ships are the perfect setting for a family reunion. This is neutral territory, so people don't feel they are imposing on others. It levels the playing field and takes away the control that can sometimes come into play when reunions are held on a family member's "turf." Plus, the best part is the cruise line does all the work -- the cleaning, the cooking, and the entertaining. All your family members have to do is relax and enjoy their time together. Plus, lest we forget to mention one of the most important factors -- the variety of activities onboard the ship and at the various ports of call is a perfect fit for groups who want to do some of their activities together and some separately. In other words, you're not trapped in "family reunion" bedlam the entire time. You can take a breather at one of the many bars or lounges onboard your ship, catch a current movie in the ship's theater, put on your dancin' shoes for the disco, try your luck at the casino, or simply hide out in your stateroom and order complimentary room service.

If your family group has children, traditional reunions can be horrible experiences for kids! You know what I'm talking about -- the endless "remember when" discussions they overhear about things they're too young to understand, the frequent rebukes for running through the house making too much noise, and the obligatory playing with the dreadful cousins. Yikes! What kid would look forward to that? But, tell a kid they're going on a cruise ship with a miniature golf course, a pool, a sports court, an ice rink, and a really cool kid's activity program, and they won't grumble about having to endure a few hours of interaction with the relatives.

Most cruise lines offer attractive rates for groups -- and some offer special packages specifically for family reunions. With their all-inclusive approach (meals and entertainment are included) and hassle-free planning, booking your family reunion aboard a cruise ship is the only way to go.

Because there are so many cruise ships in the water these days, it can take a huge amount of research to determine which ship and itinerary would be the best match for your family's reunion. So, before you plunk down the dough for a family reunion cruise, make sure you've consulted with an experienced travel agent -- preferably one who specializes in group cruises. The service is complimentary (agents receive their commission from the cruise line) and you'll save yourself a lot of time and hassle.

Tracey Amino is the CEO of Sapphire Cruises, originators of the Home Cruise Party for family reunions and groups. Be sure to visit her site at: Sapphire Cruises

---

The Alaska Cruise- A Living Memory

The Alaska cruise is a major attraction drawing vacationers with... Read More

Radisson Cruises- A Six Star Luxury Experience / Radisson Cruises- Best Cruise Value

Radisson cruises come under the flagship of six star luxury... Read More

Water Molecule Alignment for Increased Speed In the Water

A submarine can move faster thru the water if the... Read More

Stocking up Your Boat

There, you have just got a boat. A nice new... Read More

Entertainment At Sea

"All the world's a stage", the saying goes! And on... Read More

Inflatable Boats and Inflatable Kayaks Are Naturally Safe and Stable

Inflatable boats such as inflatable kayaks, inflatable catamarans, and inflatable... Read More

Update April 2005 - Holland America Cruises, Signature of Excellence Program

Holland America Cruise Lines has initiated a program of up-scaling... Read More

Hydrofoils as Strike Vehicles on Water; Fast, Safe, Smart

High Speed boat-car, Hydrofoil. Hey slow down so we can... Read More

Wanted! Adventurous Guests Looking For a New Experience on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Wanted! Adventurous guests looking for a new experience on a... Read More

New Zealand Cruise Expert Guide

New Zealand is a country guaranteed to surprise. Emerald green... Read More

The Rise and Rise of Croatia For Sailing Holidays

In the 1980s, Croatia - then part of Yugoslavia -... Read More

Cruising---What Everyone Should Know

August 7, 2005 -- Taking a cruise is now one... Read More

Whats Involved With Honeymoon Cruise Packages?

With so many honeymoon cruise packages to choose from, it... Read More

Keltic Seafaring

Many academics are unable to handle the possibility of ships... Read More

Carnival Cruise - A Perfect Holiday - Rock and Rolling with Carnival Cruise

If you want to have fun for one low price,... Read More

Cleaning Sails

Washing SailsOften you will see a beautiful sail boat with... Read More

Yacht Competition Racing for the Disabled Takes Off!

Yacht racing, though it may seem like "a breeze" to... Read More

Why Take a Cruise Vacation?

Have you considered taking a cruise vacation but just aren't... Read More

Airboats - The Right Boat For Many People

The state of Florida is filled with lakes, swamps and... Read More

Renting out Cruise Ships for Hurricane Victims, a Brilliant Idea Indeed

Who says FEMA is not doing their job. They just... Read More

What Is Best For You; An Inflatable Kayak Or A Hard-Shell Kayak?

If you are buying a kayak for the very first... Read More

Robotic Boat Cleaning is Here, Soon it will be Affordable

Robotic Underwater ship cleaning robotic unit, the M3500 Robotic System... Read More

There Are Many Reasons Why You Should Choose Inflatable Boats Over Traditional Boats

If you spend any time in or around the water... Read More

Family Cruise: Family Get-Together for Fun

Family Cruise: Happy Times you will not forgetA family cruise... Read More

Luxury Cruising

A great cruise is much more than a journey. Blending... Read More

Carribean Cruise

Caribbean Cruises are among the most demanded cruise vacations in... Read More

Family Cruise and Family Cruises

Family cruises are a special time for families to connect... Read More

Luxury Cruises On The Mediterranean

A classic Mediterranean cruise visits major port cities located on... Read More

The Nile Cruise

Egypt is where history first emerged. It is here that... Read More

The Delightful Land beyond Imagination

The kids are grown and gone, the mortgage is paid... Read More

Artic Tours

Take an Arctic Tour by flying north of Fairbanks to... Read More

Internet Cruises - Shopping Online

"If you build it, they will come."That advice, which prompted... Read More

Small Boats Should Have Certain Equipment On Board For Proper Safety Precautions

Relaxing in your canoe on a beautiful calm lake, fishing... Read More