Group vacations provide participants with all-inclusive, luxurious experiences where they can dine at a specialty restaurant, meet in the conference room or by the pool and watch an inspiring Broadway show – with group specialist acting as their one point of contact to coordinate all aspects of booking the cruise vacation.
Liberty operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises as well as having partial ownership in Germany’s TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
What is a Group Cruise?
Group cruises can be ideal for families, reunions, weddings at sea and corporate meetings – offering discounts in rates as well as amenities onboard.
If you’re planning a group cruise, consult a travel agent who specializes in group travel to get the best rates, manage payments and coordinate details like Gap Amenity Points and Tour Conductor credits.
An effective group leader can ensure clear and organized communication among group members, thus avoiding confusion, debate or hurt feelings among them. Travel insurance for the entire group should also be purchased – particularly during school holidays and high season trips.
Group travel is a niche market within the cruise industry, and not every advisor selling it will understand all of its nuances when it comes to negotiations. Travel Market Report spoke with several travel agents who specialize in groups travel and asked where their energy was directed for successful negotiations.
How Do I Set Up a Group Cruise?
Establish a cruise date early. This will give everyone time to compare schedules and agree on an itinerary/length that fits most people’s budgets.
A great travel agent can make your job much simpler by collecting payments, making arrangements for triple, quad and connecting cabins, arranging group amenities with cruise lines, and offering additional perks such as on-board credits or Group Amenity Points or complimentary upgrades for the group leader.
An effective group leader should be appointed and should possess impeccable organizational skills. He or she should ensure effective communication among members, organize payments and booking details, as well as address any inquiries from group members or changes from travel agents. They should also be ready to receive calls from them directly.
How Many Cabins Makes Up a Group?
Instead of being limited by what rooms are available at resorts and forced to book one type, cruise ships provide guests with multiple cabin types that suit any budget and group sizes. From inside staterooms and suites to balcony rooms and more. Hiring an experienced travel agent makes all the difference; they will ensure all aspects of booking contracted international air (when applicable) and hotel arrangements go smoothly, including VIP perks for the group leader.
Discover a world of Caribbean magic aboard our award-winning fleet and let the stress of everyday life fade away while you bask on beautiful beaches, explore ancient clifftop ruins, soar above lush rainforests, or find adventure on Belizean waters – or relax and take in all that San Juan offers you – on a Norwegian Cruise. There is something special waiting for everyone on a Norwegian Cruise vacation.
What Are the Benefits of Booking a Group Cruise?
Traveling with alumni, friends, family or coworkers on a group cruise is an unforgettable way to share special experiences together. A good travel agent will help coordinate everyone’s schedules and locate an departure port that best meets everyone’s needs.
A good travel agent can also set up a custom Web page for your group that enables participants to ask questions and register online, saving both time and effort. Furthermore, their access to exclusive offers such as Group Amenity Points or Tour Conductor credits that cannot be gained on their own can also come in handy.
Travel agents can also be invaluable resources for planning excursions prior to traveling, which can prevent onboard squabbling and save money. Furthermore, they can create an email list so that all members receive the same information at the same time and create a record in case any promises or confirmations need to be fulfilled later on.
