Doing a cruise for a large family reunion good or bad idea?

[RooRach0906]

My family is considering doing a Disney Cruise for our 2014 Family Reunion Trip. This is a family of 7 brothers, 1 sister, their spouses, kids and kid's kids. It would be a group of at least 40 probably more. Would this be a good idea and is it doable? I am in charge on planing the trip (originally a WDW vacay) any tips or suggestions would be greatly apperiated. It would be my first cruise if we do go and I am actually hoping its a good idea because I have always wanted to do a Disney Cruise.
We are considering either a 4 or 5 night Bahamian cruise. TIA

 

[twindaddy]

I swear I am not trying to make a joke, but, does everyone get along? Are you sure? If you all book together, you will be sitting together for a week, if brother 1 and brother 6 have a fight on day two it will be a VERY long cruise!

For the record, I would rather be shot, set on fire, fed fire ants, hung by my toes, and skinned alive than go on a cruise with my in laws, but that shows how great our relationship is! I can handle them in short doses, but being stuck on a ship with them sounds like torture...

 

[RooRach0906]

I swear I am not trying to make a joke, but, does everyone get along? Are you sure? If you all book together, you will be sitting together for a week, if brother 1 and brother 6 have a fight on day two it will be a VERY long cruise!

For the record, I would rather be shot, set on fire, fed fire ants, hung by my toes, and skinned alive than go on a cruise with my in laws, but that shows how great our relationship is! I can handle them in short doses, but being stuck on a ship with them sounds like torture...

Hahaha that is how I feel about my in laws!
Its my Dad's side of the family(his bros and sis/he is the oldest) and for the most part yes everyone gets along. There are a few who dont but they are civil when the rest of the family is along. In other words we are really good about getting along when we are all together because it doesnt happen very often. Our last family reunion was 2003. Is there no way that half of us could do early seating and the other half late seating?

Also we are such a big group and a big gap in ages, we tend to hang out with the ones cloest to us in age.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Our extended family did ten reunion cruises, two of them with DCL. We started out with about 20 people, and as the younger generation married and started their own families, we eventually had 48 rellies on board. There were enough activities for everyone. Unlike other family reunions (other side of the family) no one had to cook or clean, and we all enjoyed our private rooms, tho cousins did have sleep-overs on the ship. Shore excursions were optional, and each family did their own thing according to the ages of their kids. Grandma didn't feel like getting off the ship, which was her prerogative -- she just wanted to be with the family at meals, and play with her great-grandkids.

Number one piece of advice -- get a good travel agent! Ours was amazing, and she handled all the details. We could not have done it without her.

Be ready to do your deposits as soon as the reservations become available, especially if you're planning a holiday cruise.

Young families need to be aware of pregnancy restrictions. Mommas can't sail if they're more than 24 wks pregnant at embarkation. Infants can sail at six weeks. Toddlers need to be potty trained before they can partiipate in the kids' clubs.

Edited to add: I just read your comment about different dinner seatings. With as many people as you'll have, they won't all fit at one table, so you can divide and conquer as needed. Again, your travel agent can make these arrangements.

 

[mmouse37]

We have done several family reunion (plus some friends) cruises with DCL. We have a smaller group of family and friends going on the Alaska cruise next month (only 17 this time) but next June we will have about 40 going on the Fantasy.

My main thing to tell everyone is that "YOU DO NOT HAVE SPEND EVERY MINUTE WITH EVERYONE'. I let people know that they do not have to feel pressured in doing what we do and vice versa. Some may not want to do some activities and some will. I think if people know that upfront it takes off some of the pressure. I may love going swimming with the stingrays but it may be a big turnoff to others and I would never EXPECT them to have to participate. We all eat dinner together (by choice) but other than that everyone does their own thing. We have NEVER had a problem. People choose the cabin type want/can afford. I let everyone know if they want to go to one of the shows the general area where I will be but I will not be saving seats for people...same with the pool. You want a beach chair get to the pool and get one. As long as you have some ground rules everyone should a very enjoyable time.

I guide them along the way by providing in depth information on the trip and letting everyone choose what they want to do.

I am usually the planner for these trips and always use a TA...much easier that way. I look for airfare and let everyone know when a decent fare comes along so they can book.

Every few weeks I send out a mass email to everyone and let them know any new developments with the ship and or shows/activities I learn about and it keep the excitement building for everyone.

Good luck with the planning!!!

MJ

 

[RooRach0906]

How would I go about find a TA and how much do they cost? I have never used one. I always plan and arrange everything for my vacations.

Im glad to hear we can split up the dining. Anymore advice even what ship might be better right now we are thinking either the Dream or Magic and are thinking of going either the beginning of May or Fall. We wanna go when its cheaper and thought it would be better to go while school is in.

 

[ACDSNY]

I've planned several trips (WDW, DL & cruise) with large family/friends groups and the cruise was my easiest. We all used a common travel agent so we would be linked together for dining, but each family took care of their own deposits and payments.

My tip is don't over plan for the group. We did a few things together, but not everything.

Have fun planning and enjoy your the company of your family.

 

[mmouse37]

How would I go about find a TA and how much do they cost? I have never used one. I always plan and arrange everything for my vacations.

Im glad to hear we can split up the dining. Anymore advice even what ship might be better right now we are thinking either the Dream or Magic and are thinking of going either the beginning of May or Fall. We wanna go when its cheaper and thought it would be better to go while school is in.

TA's do not cost anything...they get paid by the cruiseline for bringing them the business (a commission).

The sponsor of this board, Dreams Unlimited, is a Disney specialist TA and there are other great ones out there as well. You can Google Disney Cruise Specialist and find some good ones. Make sure they a Disney Cruise Specialist.

TO ALL.......

If anyone wants to post the name of the travel agency they use please use the full url of the agency to see if it passes the board's filter.

THANK YOU.

MJ

 

[RooRach0906]

Thanks for all the info so far! I do have another couple question my sister owns DVC and she will be using her points for the trip can we have her linked to us. Also, I have heard mix reports that there is or isnt group discounts, so is there or isnt there?
I will definately make sure everyone knows we dont have to do everything together but is there a way that at least once we could all do something together and what would be a good idea? (somewhere we could all talk)
I really apperiate all the help, ideas, and suggestions. I really want to give us an awesome reunion since we are such a big family it is hard to get together.

Oh also did I read correctly we could all get the level stateroom we want and be linked, if so that is awesome, that was also one of my questions. THANKS again, Im just worried because I have never been on cruise so everything is new to me.

 

[mmouse37]

Oh also did I read correctly we could all get the level stateroom we want and be linked, if so that is awesome, that was also one of my questions. THANKS again, Im just worried because I have never been on cruise so everything is new to me

Yes, we have some people in inside rooms, some in oceanview and some in verandahs and we are all linked for dining...that is no problem. I don't have DVC so someone who does can answer the DVC part of your questions.

Also, keep reading this board to learn tons of info!!

MJ

 

[jdb in AZ]

Yes, you can be linked no matter what level of staterooms are involved.

Our large group tried to visit the Maui aquarium together. The guide wanted to tell us everything she knew and the little ones just didn't have the attention span. I think the guide ended up with about 10% of the family by the end of the tour.

Depending on where you go, perhaps your group could charter a sight-seeing bus? When we were in Alaska we all rode the gold-rush train in Skagway -- filled our own car.

The ships have various lounges where you could get together. When you get on board, ask guest services what they would suggest. Disney will make it happen. That's what they do best.

Sorry, Disney doesn't do group discounts.

Our family has also done land trips but ended up miles apart. Yes, I realize some families would prefer it the other way, but for relatives who want to run into each other every twice in awhile, it was nice to keep visiting on the ship. Since all-you-can-eat meals are included on a cruise, that makes it easier for budgeting.

 

[ACDSNY]

I do have another couple question my sister owns DVC and she will be using her points for the trip can we have her linked to us. Also, I have heard mix reports that there is or isnt group discounts, so is there or isnt there?

I will definately make sure everyone knows we dont have to do everything together but is there a way that at least once we could all do something together and what would be a good idea? (somewhere we could all talk)

Oh also did I read correctly we could all get the level stateroom we want and be linked, if so that is awesome, that was also one of my questions. THANKS again, Im just worried because I have never been on cruise so everything is new to me.

Yes a DVC reservation can be linked to all the other reservations with no problem.

As for getting together as a group, you could do an excursion together or go to one of the lounges or up on deck and visit.

Yes, everyone could pick the category and cabin that's best for them. You don't all need to be in the same category or area of the ship. When I checked into group discounts I was told you needed 8 cabins to qualify and not all dates had group discounts. Of course the date we picked didn't have any discount. We used Merrie Thomas at Dreams Unlimited as our TA.

You may find early Nov cheaper than May. As a test I would check out the prices when they release the 2013 dates and see what looks best.

 

[bigedwin]

Hi
Very impressive you are starting the planning at least 1 1/2 years before the schedules will be available!
Based on my past experiences( I'm also the person typically making group travel arrangements for our family and friends vacations) the most important part is nailing down the dates!
It is more important than deciding on the ship!!!
With so many people and kids and ages in school it is important you can get a consensus early on!
People with young kids might not have much if an issue missing some school days but teens and High schoolers it might not be an option.
Once you have your "week" set up then you go for potential cruise options Dream/Fantasy/Magic/Wonder!
At this point is very advantageous to have a travel agent that knows DCL!
There is a lot of peace of mind when you have this agent that is responsible for the deposits, final payments,dining linking etc.
I would say If you need one activity you do together it should be dinning!
At least have everyone agree in late or early dining!
This way if you decide on doing shows or activities as a family you will all be in the same schedule!
Tours definitely should be individual choice.
The only thing we did was couple tours we decided to let people ahead of time what we were doing and if anybody wanted to join they could book!
Example:
We did castaway Rays at a specific time 3:00pm
Also part of the group went together to Atlantis water park.
Another subgroup booked a bottom fishing tour together!
We did seat in the same general area in Castaway Cay!

Regarding adult dining. Palo and Remi do have large(12) people rooms you can actually reserve! So it might be a nice outing one night!

So once you have a date selected the rest is Gravy!!!!

Good luck !

 

[carolinagirl268]

I can't think of a way I'd rather have a large family reunion. We did a family reunion cruise with 31 people. It was a 5 siblings with all of their children and grandchildren. It was my first cruise ever and I was very apprehensive. I was totally hooked after the first 3 hours. It was perfect for a large group. We had the same dining time but had 3 different tables. We didn't even try to do daytime planning but everyone hung out at Pirate night, the shows, the sailaway party etc. It was great. It was fun to see each other wandering around the ship. I wish I could afford to do every family get together on DCL! You will love it!

 

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

I can't think of a way I'd rather have a large family reunion. We did a family reunion cruise with 31 people. It was a 5 siblings with all of their children and grandchildren. It was my first cruise ever and I was very apprehensive. I was totally hooked after the first 3 hours. It was perfect for a large group. We had the same dining time but had 3 different tables. We didn't even try to do daytime planning but everyone hung out at Pirate night, the shows, the sailaway party etc. It was great. It was fun to see each other wandering around the ship. I wish I could afford to do every family get together on DCL! You will love it!

I COMPLETELY agree!!!

We did a family reunion cruise with about 30 people several years ago. Believe me ... some of my ILs are not my most favorite people in the world to hang out with but honestly, this was one of our BEST vacations ever! It was probably 7 years ago and we still talk about it frequently. Before the cruise, I kept giving myself pep talks: "you can tolerate them for 7 days ... and if you can't ... well, it's a big ship ... surely you can get away from them *somewhere* if you need to."

Everyone did whatever excursions interested them as far as their individual families and perhaps a few others tagged along, if they wanted to. We LOVED getting together at dinner every night to compare notes as to what everyone did throughout the day. Made for some great conversations. It was also fun running into a familiar face throughout the ship during the day, to sit and chat, have lunch by the pool, go to the movies, bingo, etc.

I would really encourage you to dine at the same time. They will give you several tables and you can mix-it-up every meal by sitting with different family members at different meals.

edited to add: if you decide for some reason you don't want to eat together on a particular night, you always have the option of eating on your own at Topsiders (or the like) or any of the walk-up eateries.

My husband won a free cruise playing bingo (on another cruise line) so the 4 of us went alone on our next cruise ... and much to my surprise ... it was not nearly HALF as much fun. We spent the whole 7 days saying "I wish there were other people here with us!"

Cruising is the PERFECT vacation for a large group!!!

And oh, SO much fun!!

 

[pooksma]

Last Christmas we had 21 friends and family take a cruise together. Ages ranged from 4-81. The biggest tip I have is to remember that you don't all have to be together ALL the time.

We didn't eat together every night, nor did we all do the same excursions. It was great to spend time with everyone, don't get me wrong, but we weren't in each other's back pocket all the time.


Good luck and have fun planning

 

[cyclenut]

Hi
Very impressive you are starting the planning at least 1 1/2 years before the schedules will be available!
Based on my past experiences( I'm also the person typically making group travel arrangements for our family and friends vacations) the most important part is nailing down the dates!
It is more important than deciding on the ship!!!
With so many people and kids and ages in school it is important you can get a consensus early on!
People with young kids might not have much if an issue missing some school days but teens and High schoolers it might not be an option.

I couldn't agree more! We are a family of 6 and just finding a good date for our group was next to impossible. Even then we've booked it over the top of dance camp, which almost got our DD kicked off the team! It's a good thing for them that they didn't do that!

Schedules can be very tricky and for some it will be even more difficult if you wait. For us, missing school was a no-no at any age. We would never consider taking a vacation instead of attending school, so every family will be different. You will have to decide for yourself if you want to plan a cruise that EVERYONE can attend, or if you want to pick a good date and put it out there and hope that MOST can attend.

Whatever you do, pick the date first and THEN the cruise.

Oh, and even though I don't generally use a TA, I can't think of any scenario where you wouldn't want one for this type of booking. One of the additional benefits (beyond their knowledge and being helpful) is that the TA becomes the central point for information for each family traveling. You coordinate but don't have to be the middle-person for EVERYTHING.

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

I'm one who normally does NOT use a TA as I like having control over my reservation and plans. BUT, for something like this endeavor - I'd never consider it without one.

Good advice was given here earlier - get a Disney Cruise specialist for a TA - not just any TA....

 

[RooRach0906]

Thank you, thank you for all your great advice! I guess I should have said in the beginning that time frame was already discussed and we said either May or Sept would be best.

 

[lgcountry]

Other ideas for group get togethers:

Schedule a time with the photographers for a group picture. These are some of my favorite keepsakes, but you need to make a "reservation" so they can be ready to devote the space and time to arranging the group.

Schedule a private cocktail hour at one of the bars that aren't usually open before dinner. We've done those several times.

Both of the above were "perks" of bringing a large group, and while we didn't get discounted cruise prices, they were fun added events that our travel agent arranged. I do want to note that these weren't on Disney cruises, but I'm sure Disney has some kind of perks available.