How to Get Group Discounts on Cruises

Planning a cruise with family and friends promises to be a fun time for all. Whether it's a family reunion, church group or wedding, cruising gives you a unique experience to share together. There are benefits to booking a cruise as a group. You'll get a better rate and some freebies may even be thrown in.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look around for a cruise that interests the group. Even if you don't know the exact one, try to determine the travel month and possible destination.

2. Determine if you have enough people cruising together to warrant a group rate. Most cruise lines define a group as having 8 double occupancy rooms. Some, though, allow you to have as few as 3 rooms.

3. Find a consultant who specializes in booking groups on cruises. Many travel companies have separate group sales departments. These people know which cruise line has the best deals.

4. Call a Vacations to Go Group Associate at [phone]. Call Cruise Deals Group Department at [phone].

5. Communicate with the representative about the type of cruise you're interested in. If your group likes to party, you don't want to be stuck on board with a bunch of senior citizens and vice versa.

6. Contact a cruise line directly. They have their own group sales departments to help in your planning. Online, you can find a form to fill out. A representative will then contact you.

Tips & Warnings

• Act early. Carnival and other cruise lines require you to reserve group rooms at least 70 days prior to departure.

Resources

• Cruise deals consultants
• Online group planning form
• Vacations to Go
• Carnival Cruise group sales