Family Reunion Cruises

Family reunion cruises offer convenience, value and high seas adventures that will be remembered for years to come.

When it comes to group sailings it doesn't get more exciting than cruising with the entire clan. Decades ago cruise companies introduced the concept of family reunion voyages as a way for multi-generations to experience a vacation of a lifetime minus the hassles of cooking, cleaning and coordinating hotel rooms, rental cars and community hall rentals. Whether the high seas gathering is to mark a milestone birthday, anniversary or to simply add some spice to an annual get-together, family reunion sailings offer the perfect setting for families looking to make memories to last a lifetime.

Convenience is one of the top incentives for families to set sail on a reunion cruise. Today's state-of-the-art cruise ships have something for everyone, regardless of age or gender. By hosting a reunion of loved ones on a cruise ship, you have access to luxurious amenities and a host of family-friendly activities, such as:

Swimming Rock climbing Ice-skating Roller blading Shopping Gambling

In addition, many ships offer kids programs, seminars, guest lecturers, and cooking classes to keep family members entertained on reunion cruises. Exciting amenities aside, family reunion cruises also offer a litany of other benefits, including:

Cruises are famous for allowing travelers to get the most bang for their buck. High seas sailings are all-inclusive, which means one price covers accommodations, meals, on board activities and entertainment. What's more, several popular cruise lines offer special group discounts and rates for extended clans. For example, Carnival Cruise Lines offers a family reunion vacation package for groups who reserve at least eight staterooms on a single voyage. The package includes deep discounts on rack rates and VIP in-room amenities. Likewise, Royal Caribbean's family reunion deal includes on-board family scavenger hunts, personalized cakes and a group discount. Not to be outdone by its competitors, Disney Cruise Line also offers a spectacular family reunion voyage complete with special t-shirts, group shore excursions and a commemorative family reunion certificate.

You will likely see a spike in attendance, if you hold your next family reunion on a cruise ship rather than at the local Lions Club. One of the main reasons for this is variety. Multi-generation reunion cruises cater to family members with varying tastes and budgets. This is especially noteworthy when deciding on sleeping arrangements. Cruise ships offer an array of different staterooms from suites and balcony staterooms to oceanview and interior cabins. While you may prefer to stick with a budget-friendly interior stateroom, Aunt May and Uncle Gordon may want to treat themselves to a luxurious suite with fabulous ocean views.

With so many cruise lines offering family reunion voyages, it is not hard to find a convenient departure point. Cruise ships set sail from more than two-dozen ports in the United States and Canada, most of which are located in or within driving distance of major cities, including

San Diego Los Angeles New York City Miami Baltimore Philadelphia Galveston New Orleans Seattle

Before you send out the save-the-date cards for your next family reunion sailing, consider the following helpful tips:

Start Early: Cruise lines recommend that you begin planning a family reunion voyage at least six months in advance. Doing so allows you to lock into group rates and secure staterooms and preferred dining times for the entire clan. Consider Special Dates: If your family includes a boatload of kids, then you will want to book a summer or holiday reunion cruise. The downside to doing so is that ships will be crowded and you may have to pay more given that you will be sailing during the high season. Length is Key: Not everyone in the clan can commit to a 14-day trans-Atlantic reunion cruise. Some people have less flexibility with their vacation and work schedules, so you may want to select a shorter sailing if you are accommodating a huge crowd.

Finally, while it's tempting to do so, don't over plan a family reunion cruise. Many reunion coordinators fall into the trap of planning out every single minute of a multi-generation cruise. It's best to allow family members a little flexibility with their itineraries so they can explore the ship on their own and take part in activities they enjoy the most.

Dress Code on Royal Caribbean Cruises

Knowing the dress code on Royal Caribbean Cruises before you set sail on your dream voyage can help spare you from embarrassment and preserve your vacation budget. After all, you don’t want to have to shell out big bucks for a new outfit on the high seas when you could have packed one from home. It’s best to know the dress code before you go, so you are prepared for all occasions.

While you don’t have to dress like royalty to be treated like a king or queen on a Royal Caribbean voyage, the upscale cruise line does have a moderately strict dress code that passengers are required to?follow, if they want to partake in all of the activities the ship has to offer.

Reserve your t-shirts and slippers for daytime activities on Royal Caribbean Cruises. Casual attire, including shorts, sundresses and tank tops, is the standard dress code for passengers exploring the line’s luxury vessels during daylight hours. However, depending on the type of onboard activities you choose to participate in, the dress code may vary. For example, if you plan to ice skate on Voyager and Freedom Class ships, then you are required to wear long pants, long shorts or Capris and socks for your comfort and safety. In addition, footwear with wheels, including Heelys shoes and rollerblades are prohibited on Royal Caribbean Cruises regardless of the passenger’s age.

Where you are sailing to and from also plays a huge role in determining the dress code on Royal Caribbean Cruises. For instance, if you are embarking on a voyage to Alaska or Canada you don’t want to restrict your wardrobe to shorts, swimsuits and flip flops. Rather, your cruise attire should include clothes that can be layered with lightweight jackets, sweaters and raincoats, especially if you are traveling during the rainy season.

Royal Caribbean has three mandatory dress codes for the evening, if you plan to eat in the main dining room or any other reservations-required restaurant onboard?the ships:

Casual: Dress code for casual night includes khakis and an oxford or polo shirt for men and a casual dress or skirt and blouse combination for ladies. In addition, nice footwear is required. Flip flops and slippers are not allowed in the main dining room.Smart Casual: This dress code requires men to wear ties, jackets and slacks. Meanwhile, women are encouraged to wear nice pantsuits, dresses or skirts with a tasteful blouse.Formal: Men are encouraged to wear tuxedos; however tails are not required. If you don’t own a tux, you could opt to wear a dark business suit or a sports coat and tie with matching slacks. Ladies are requested to don cocktail dresses, evening gowns, elegant skirts or dressy pantsuits.

The length of your cruise will determine your evening dress code. Some 12-night European cruises may have three formal nights while seven-night sailings typically feature two formal nights with a mix of smart casual and casual nights for the remainder of the cruise. Meanwhile, shorter voyages traditionally have just one formal night. All other evenings are casual; though jeans and shorts are discouraged in most restaurants save for the buffet on the Lido Deck. The dress code at the Lido Restaurant, which is typically located near the pool at the rear of the ship, is extremely relaxed. However, this doesn’t mean you can show up wearing just your swimsuit. Passengers are required to wear shorts, shoes and footwear at all times inside the Lido Restaurant.

Royal Caribbean strongly enforces its dress code which pertains to all of its passengers, including children. Kids are not allowed to eat dinner in the main dining room wearing shorts, t-shirts and flip flops. In fact, the upscale cruise line requests that shorts not be worn in public areas after 6 p.m.; however, common sense rules. If you plan to dine in the Lido Restaurant, then casual attire is accepted, but don’t expect to be greeted with open arms if you show up in torn denim cut-offs, a tattered baseball cap and a crop top.

For a complete rundown on Royal Caribbean’s dress code, visit the cruise line’s website.

Carnival Freedom Ship

The Carnival Freedom ship offers numerous activities, spacious staterooms and luxurious restaurants.

Carnival Freedom is the last vessel built in the Conquest-class platform. This platform describes the shape of the ship, which is unique to Carnival Cruise Lines. The company built the ship in the Fincantieri shipyard located in Marghera, Italy. The ship's maiden voyage departed Italy on March 5, 2007.

Initially, the Carnival Freedom sailed from Civitavecchia, a port city near Rome. At that time, the ship's Grand Mediterranean itinerary took the ship to Venice, Naples and Livorno. The Mediterranean and Greek Isle itinerary was another initial offering, which took passengers to locations such as Marmaris, Izmir, Athens and Katakolon.

In the fall and winter of 2007, the ship sailed from Miami to the Caribbean. In the summer months of 2008, the ship returned to Europe to continue its Mediterranean voyages. Then, in the fall of 2008, the ship returned to sail the Caribbean, but did so from Fort Lauderdale.

In late November 2008, the company began offering year-round Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale on the Carnival Freedom. The six-day cruise departed on Sundays and took passengers through Key West, George Town, Grand Cayman and Jamaica before making the trip back to Florida.

As of February 2011, the cruise liner offers numerous itineraries including a four-day Western Caribbean cruise from Miami, Florida, and two- or three-day cruises to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale.

A few things make the Carnival Freedom a unique ship. For starters, it is the first Conquest-class ship to offer an adults-only Serenity Retreat. The kid-free cruise offers mature passengers endless opportunities to relax and unwind. In addition, the ship boasts a number of spectacular amenities, including:

Putteriffic mini golf course: A nine-hole mini golf course on the Sun Deck Lotta Food: A restaurant offering international cuisine Sun King Steakhouse: An eatery serving the finest American steakhouse cuisine Viennese Cafe: An onboard coffee bar on the Promenade deck featuring specialty coffees and products from around the world Bar Nouveau: Serves wine and offers vintage charm and decor Players Sports Bar: A place to watch games and enjoy a drink 70's Dance Club: Features a disco-theme setting Scott's Piano Bar: Where you can sing along with the host Babylon Casino: Get in on the casino action including blackjack, craps and slots Show and Tell: A Victorian lounge with live entertainment and an orchestra pit Club 02: Club for teens between the ages of 15 and 17 with a futuristic theme Camp Carnival: A camp for younger kids that offers plenty of planned activities and adult supervision Twister Waterslide: A three-deck tall waterslide

In addition to the outstanding restaurants and onboard activities, the Freedom also boasts a wide array of comfortable staterooms. You can choose from a complete line-up of luxury suites or select from budget-friendly interior units.

To learn more about Carnival Freedom ship's features, visit Carnival Cruise Line's website. There, you can also take a virtual tour of the ship and book your accommodations online.

Ft. Lauderdale Last Minute Cruises

Ft. Lauderdale last minute cruises may be the ideal getaway for your next weekend trip. If you have some free time, consider booking one of the numerous cruises leaving from this southeastern Florida city to the Caribbean or even Mexico.

Positioned between Miami and Palm Beach, Florida, Fort Lauderdale is a popular cruise port. Each year, more than three million people come through the port, making it one of the busiest port cities in the region. The port servicing Ft. Lauderdale is Port Everglades. Before exploring the cruise options from this port, consider a few important facts:

Port Everglades operates year-round. Peak cruise season is from November through April. Since most northern United States' ports are nonoperational during the winter months, this southern port is popular during the winter. The port offers 300 miles of waterways, which helped earn the port the nickname: "Venice of America."

Several larger cruise lines operate through this port. Often, to fill up open space on board a ship, a cruise company will offer last minute deals. This can help you to save a substantial amount of money. However, it is difficult to book popular cruises at the last minute during the high season.

One of the most popular last minute cruises leaving from Ft. Lauderdale are those to the Caribbean. The cruises sail to the western and eastern Caribbean islands, as well as the east coast of Mexico. Cruises of all sizes, ranging from luxury cruises to smaller, yacht style cruises, are available for these trips throughout the year.

Some of the cruises from Ft. Lauderdale will take passengers through the Panama Canal. Others travel to the Bahamas. These are popular throughout the year and are best for those who wish to take a longer, last minute cruise. You may also wish to consider a repositioning cruise from this port. This type of cruise takes ships from the Ft. Lauderdale port and positions them for Transatlantic voyages. This occurs in April and May of each year.

Locating last minute cruise discounts from Ft. Lauderdale is possible. The key is to be as flexible as possible. The following websites can help you find available cruises departing from the popular Florida city:

Last Minute Cruises: This website provides detailed and up-to-date information regarding Ft. Lauderdale last minute cruises. Vacations to Go: The site promises to help travelers save as much as 75 percent off on last minute bookings. The company also posts daily cruise specials. Orbitz:This company has a listing of available cruises departing within 45 days. The company sometimes offers numerous discounts and upgrades. Princess Cruises: The cruise line has the most ships docked in Ft. Lauderdale. To find last minute offerings and get alerts about deals, register on the company's website. Carnival Cruise Lines: The company sails from Ft. Lauderdale to the Bahamas, Western Caribbean and the Eastern Caribbean, and posts last minute deals on its website.

In addition to these options, you can find a variety of other cruise companies setting sail from Ft. Lauderdale. The Port Everglades website offers a complete list of cruise companies using the port. You can also get information on single- and multi- day last minute cruises. Some may even offer same-day cruise availability especially for single day excursions.

You might also have luck finding a sweet money-saving deal by speaking with local travel agents. Often they are provided with advance notices on last minute sailings.

How to Pick the Perfect Kids' Cruise

Kick up your annual family vacation with a cruise that caters to the youngest members in your clan. There is a sea of fun-filled kids cruises to choose from; however, the sheer volume of choices often makes selecting the perfect voyage a challenge for parents. Roberta Backus Turner is no stranger to this dilemma. The spokesperson for Discovery Cruise Line specializes in helping parents pick the perfect kids' cruise. She shares her selection tips with LoveToKnow readers in this exclusive interview:

LoveToKnow (LTK): Sailing with kids is a great family vacation option, but what if you are cruising with children of varying ages?

Roberta Backus Turner (RBT): If you are cruising for the first time with very young children, then you might consider taking a day cruise. Discovery Cruise Line offers kids' cruises that depart from Ft. Lauderdale in the early morning and arrive in Grand Bahama Island by lunch time. Kids and their parents can visit the island's beaches or other family-friendly attractions. The ship departs Grand Bahama Island at 4:45 p.m. and arrives back in Ft. Lauderdale at 10 p.m. Two all-you-can-eat breakfast and dinner buffets are included in the price and cabins are available so kids can relax during the cruise. Also, when you take a shorter cruise you don't have to pack as much. Most cruise ships offer a variety of food, beverages and activities to keep kids busy, so you don't have to bring along a ton of stuff. If you are sailing with older children, then consider a multi-day cruise to a destination that offers a variety of kid-friendly attractions. Discovery offers a Cruise N' Stay Vacation package which allows families to spend the night at local Bahamian hotels and explore the island by day.

LTK: What types of amenities should parents look for when cruising with children?

RBT: Kids' clubs are popular features in newer vessels. Discovery Cruise Line features a kids club that boasts computer games, arts and crafts, movies and a Wii room. Parents can drop off their children at Club Discovery, and then relax and enjoy the ship's adult amenities, while the kids get their faces painted, participate in scavenger hunts, eating contests and other games.

LTK: How does destination factor into the selection process?

RBT: Choosing the right destination is key to a memorable kids' cruise. If your kids love playing in the great outdoors, then head to Mexico, Hawaii or the Caribbean. Grand Bahama Island is an ideal vacation spot for families because of its beautiful beaches, kid-friendly restaurants and myriad of activities, such as swimming, kayaking, fishing, and snorkeling. Kids can even swim with dolphins. The best part is that it is so close to the United States, it doesn't take that long to get there and back, and when you cruise on Discovery getting there is only half the fun.

LTK: How can parents get the best deals when shopping for a kids cruise?

RBT: Timing is everything. Cruising during the off season will score you bigger savings. Also, look for buy one, get one free deals, reduced rates and other specials that cruise lines offer throughout the year. For example, for summer 2011, Discovery is offering a special money-saving promotion which allows one child under the age of 12 to cruise for free when accompanied by an adult. This allows families, who may be experiencing economic hardships, to experience a high seas adventure without breaking the bank.

LoveToKnow would like to thank Roberta Backus Turner for providing useful insider information on kids' cruises and tips on selecting the perfect voyage for children of all ages.

Cruise Specialist Shares How to Make the Most of a Family Cruise

It's family cruising with a twist. Multi-generational sailings are the 21st century's hottest travel ticket, and these days they are more accessible than ever. Diane Prejna knows all about these popular voyages, which involve the entire clan. The travel expert has been in the industry for more than a decade and has set sail on several multi-generational cruises. She shares her well-honed tips with LoveToKnow readers in this exclusive interview:

LoveToKnow (LTK): Multi-generational cruises are designed to create once-in-a-lifetime adventures for grandparents, adult children and grandchildren. How do you make the most of these unique vacations?

Diane Prejna (DP): Before you commit to a multi-generational cruise it's best to sit down together as a family and decide where you want to go and what you want to do. For example, if your teenage grandkids want to rock climb, swim and chill out in a video arcade while your daughter insists on doing yoga each morning, you need to find a ship that accommodates each person's needs and wants.

Another tough decision to make is where to sail from and to. If most of the family does not live near a major port, then you will have to discuss the cost of flying in from your respective hometowns. As for where to sail to, I would suggest having each family member list two or three top destinations, then put it to a family vote. Or, you could place the destination choices in a hat and see which spot is pulled. Personally, I would suggest cruising to the Caribbean. It is a wonderful place that features a variety of ports and options and appeals to a variety of age groups. It's also an affordable spot to cruise to, if you are departing from Florida.

LTK: Once you know how many family members will be cruising, there's the challenge of selecting staterooms. What tips do you have?

DP: This is a toughie since you can opt for connecting staterooms, individual suites, separate family cabins or a cluster of smaller rooms located next to each other. I would suggest looking at how many people you need to accommodate and the ages of each person. On our last multi-generational cruise we booked four balcony cabins in a row and three interior cabins for the teenage kids to share. With teenagers it is better for them to have a separate cabin so they can come and go as they please. Plus their mess and noise is contained and does not bother everyone.

LTK: With so many opinions floating around, how do you ensure everyone's happiness on a multi-generational cruise?

DP: The key to enjoying time together on a cruise is to establish expectations prior to departing. During one of our multi-generational family cruises the grandparents wanted the whole family to eat dinner together each night, but we could do our own thing the rest of the day. Grandma and Grandpa also saved a spot on one of the ship's decks where the rest of the family could check in throughout the day. In addition, individual families established their own rules, including curfews for their kids. The big rule was you had to be up on time for any scheduled shore excursions. Another rule we made was that everyone needed to be dressed up for formal nights because we booked a private photo shoot. There was a charge for the session, but the package included a free photo. We got some wonderful family portraits from our cruise.

LTK: What advice can you give to readers to help them score money-saving deals on family cruises?

DP: My top tip is to book early, so you can take advantage of the early booking discount. Another good idea is to inquire about group deals. Most major cruise lines offer reduced rates to families who are looking to book a large number of cabins. Again, you should book early if you want to make sure all of your staterooms are in close proximity to each other. Finally, search the Internet for cruise deals or contact a travel agent who specializes in cruises. By establishing a relationship with a travel agent you can be notified on great bargains as soon as they become available.

LoveToKnow would like to thank Diane Prejna for providing useful insider information on multi-generational family cruises and for sharing her personal experiences and photos. Her tips prove that with a little planning, grandparents, kids and grandchildren can enjoy an amazing adventure on the high seas without breaking the bank.

Chesapeake Bay Family Cruise

There’s no better way to bond with your clan on the open water than taking a Chesapeake Bay family cruise. The popular waterway is the ideal setting for fishing, crabbing, and sightseeing. Whether you are cruising the bay on a lighthouse tour or a sunset sail, the family-friendly adventure is one you won’t soon forget.

Not many people realize that the Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. While the bay itself stretches roughly 200 miles long, its basin covers nearly 65,000 square miles thanks to the 150 rivers that flow into it. Chesapeake Bay is surrounded by Maryland and Virginia, and is famous for its striped bass, blue crabs, clams and oysters.

The Chesapeake Bay is a huge draw for tourists visiting Maryland and Virginia. Each year tens of thousands of visitors flock to the shores of the bay to board vessels that tour the open waters. To facilitate recreational boating and provide access to additional docks and marinas, the bay is spanned in two places by the picturesque Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia.

If you are planning a trip to the Chesapeake Bay area you might consider taking to the water during your stay.?Maryland and Virginia?feature a number of reputable cruise companies which offer seasonal sailings from May through October, including:

Down Time Charters caters to families and other large groups that are interested in exploring the legendary Chesapeake Bay. In addition to standard full and half-day sightseeing sailings on the Chesapeake, the cruise company offers an extremely popular sunset lighthouse tour. These educational voyages sail to the most beautiful and historic lighthouses in the Chesapeake Mid-Bay region, such as:

Sandy Point LightThomas Point LightBloody Point LightBaltimore Light

The leisurely cruises take between four and six hours depending on weather and wave conditions. What’s more, all of the sailings offered by the company can be tailored to meet your family’s needs. For example, if you book a private tour of the bay, you may choose your departure time, length of trip and points of interest.

Tangier Island Cruises offers daily sunset voyages to Tangier Island from Crisfield, Maryland. You’ll ride on board a luxurious 90-foot vessel which can accommodate up to 300 passengers. The boat features a spacious upper sun deck, an air conditioned lounge, snack bar, and restrooms.

The evening sail allows you to take in the sunset over famous Chesapeake Bay while journeying to family-friendly Tangier Island. The 12-mile trip includes unprecedented views of the chain of islands that form the Tangier Sound. In addition, you will be able to photograph eagles and various waterfowl that inhabit the bay.

Tickets for the sunset cruise also include admission to Hilda Crockette's Chesapeake House where you will enjoy an unlimited family-style meal, which includes:

Chesapeake Bay crab cakesClam frittersVirginia baked hamGreen beansPotato saladColeslawHot corn puddingHomemade rollsDessert

After dinner you will be given time to stroll around the island before boarding the boat back to Crisfield.

Families looking for an adrenaline rush on the Chesapeake Bay should seriously consider checking out Adventure Cruise Virginia Beach. The company offers thrills on the water for the entire family. You can choose between two daily adventure cruises:

Adventure Cruise on the Chesapeake Bay: This sailing departs at 2 p.m. each day and navigates the bay in search of dolphins, pelicans and other marine life. In fact, the company gives each passenger a “Dolphin Guarantee” whereby you purchase a single ticket, but if you don’t see dolphins during the cruise you will be given free trips until you do.Chesapeake Bay Sunset Cruise: This evening cruise departs at 7 p.m. and tours the bay while the sun dips below the horizon. In addition to enjoying unobstructed views of the area’s famed lighthouses, you will also be treated to sights of the bay’s natural wonders, including inlets and various tributaries.

Adventure Cruise’s ship features a large sundeck as well as a well-appointed lower deck. While the company does not provide meals during the voyage, you are allowed to bring your own food to eat during the cruise.

If your kids are picky eaters, then you might appreciate taking cruises that allow you to bring along your own snacks and drinks. In addition, if you are traveling with a large family, you are better off purchasing tickets in advance, as summer cruises tend to sell out quickly. Buying tickets in advance will also allow you to select the day and time you prefer.