One might think there are a few advantages to booking a group cruise departure. After all, you board the ship, are taken to your stateroom and then you're free to do as you please, on your own, for the duration of the cruise. At the end, you disembark and head to the airport for your flight home. Obviously, there are many steps missing from this description and that's where the advantages of booking into a group situation with your travel agency becomes a very prudent idea.
Exclusive Deals and Unique Add-Ons
Private group departures usually mean special group pricing. In addition, special amenities may be negotiated with the cruise line, perhaps a shipboard credit, a complimentary dinner in the ship's fine dining restaurant, a complimentary shore excursion, or perhaps a bottle of wine in your stateroom. Private groups often receive an invitation to a complimentary, private cocktail party, a great opportunity to get to know your fellow group members and share experiences.
The Gratuities Conundrum Solved
What many cruisers find to be the greatest advantage to group cruising is the inclusion of shipboard gratuities, paid prior to departure, removing the uncertainty of what to give to those who have served you well onboard. The gratuities are presented to the crew at the end of the voyage, on your behalf.
Dining and Bonding
While many of the ships today have multiple dining venues offering the opportunity to choose where you will eat, most groups have the opportunity to enjoy group seating in the main dining room, for those who choose to dine with members of their group. Some cruisers are more comfortable knowing who they will be dining with each night. Others prefer to eat on their own in a different venue each evening.
Tailored Exploration at Your Pace
Some river cruises include shore excursions;however, on ocean cruises, generally these are not included so as to allow each cruiser the opportunity to choose a specific excursion in each port. Each has its advantages, but the advantage of travelling within a group is that on river cruises, excursions can be private, for our group members only.
Journey Leader Support
One fabulous benefit of group cruising is having a journey leader travel with you from the airport at the start of your vacation to the time when you arrive back home. All of the hassles and stress of getting to your destination disappear when you have a leader to look after all of the details. Even on board, where most things are looked after, it is reassuring to know that there is someone you can go to, to answer your questions, offer advice, plan special social gatherings and to take care of any issues that could arise. A friendly face from home can be the difference between a good cruise and a great one. Generally, your journey leader will arrange a daily meeting place and time onboard where group members may go to share their stories of the day, discuss tomorrow’s plans, answer your questions and simply enjoy each other’s company.
Whether you choose a journey by SEA or RIVER , you'll have the opportunity to do it your way and make unforgettable memories with your newfound friends.
