How to Find Family Reunion Cruises

Family reunions are a great way for distant relatives to catch up on each other's lives. It is also an opportunity to meet new additions to the family and celebrate family-oriented events as a group. Take your family reunion to the next level by taking a family reunion cruise. Use these steps to find the right cruise for your family.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Call your local travel agent to get information about how to plan a family reunion cruise.

2. Research online to make sure that you are familiar with all of the family reunion cruises that are available. Check sites like Carnival Cruises, World Voyager Vacations and Cruise Direct Online for a variety of options.

3. Contact family members in advance to get a consensus on the desired cruise location and time frame. Get a headcount as soon as possible so you can secure the best rates and plan the most thorough reunion possible.

4. Compare major cruise lines to smaller companies for discounts and accommodations. Disney Cruises can accommodate all ages of children, but might tax the budget more than a smaller, more inexpensive cruise line. Keep in mind that a smaller cruise line might not offer the accommodations for kids that the larger ones do.

5. Consider all special needs that any of the attending family members may have. Speak with cruise line booking representative about wheelchair ramps, on-board medics or other issues that may arise for your family.

Tips & Warnings

• Check all traveling requirements months in advance so that family members have a chance to prepare.
• Passports are required for most cruises. Inform everyone of this so they can obtain one in time.
• Look for cruise lines that walk you through the process. Some of them send out invitations and set up web pages for you. The cost may be lower because they do a large number of reunion cruises.
• Check information about carrying medications on board.

Resources

• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Hawaii Travel Agency--specializes in family reunion cruises