small group

[calmpets]

I am organizing a trip for my family, and we will have seven staterooms, which just qualifies us as a group. That being the case, what should I expect once onboard? Will we have a point person to deal with in the event of any issues? Will they check in with us once onboard, or is there someone I should seek out? Is there any difference in the embarkation process? Just curious if there are any other benefits to being set up as a group, or if that really just matters on the booking end of things. We will be arranging one group dinner in La Cucina, and have a couple of shore excursions together, but other than that we plan to be pretty much doing our own thing. Thanks in advance!

[trivimp]

It's just a booking thing, there's no difference in the onboard experience. Enjoy your cruise!

[Peachypooh]

Many years ago if you booked 8 staterooms the 8th one was free. Some people that organized sailed free and some spread the discount around.

[CPT Trips]

I would contact the cruise line directly and also contact a TA with group experience. If you qualify as a group, perqs are available.

[ColinIllinois]

I would contact the cruise line directly and also contact a TA with group experience. If you qualify as a group, perqs are available.

 

 

I haven't heard of any perks other than the booking incentive. What perks are available once on board for the group?

[kayjay76]

Once on board, I don't even think anyone knows you're a group. Or at least that has been the case for our past 2 cruises with 19 rooms booked each cruise. No point person, no embarking special treatment or any special treatment of any kind.

 

Your perks all come during the booking process. Depending on which option you chose, You should get the 1 cruise fare credit, bev service charges should be waved ( that's a great perk worth about 270 off each cabins price. We've only booked balcony and above so don't know if this pertains to lesser cabins) and different perk choices: paid gratuities, 4 dinners instead of 3 etc...

 

And once again... once onboard, you being in a group does not mean much.

[DarkJedi]

You only need a point person if your booking includes other functions. Some groups get private areas for social gatherings or events. For most family groups there is no need for a contact person once on board.

[calmpets]

Many thanks! I can't imagine we'll need anything onboard, but I was curious how they handle things.

[gymbomb]

I haven't heard of any perks other than the booking incentive. What perks are available once on board for the group?

 

Sometimes your group booking qualifies for "points" which you can use to give guests onboard credit, arrange a cocktail party, send treats to cabins, etc. You may or may not get these depending on the size of your group and the itinerary you book. It is something that would be arranged ahead of time, not something that you would just encounter onboard.

 

When I sailed with a group of 8 cabins we got a cocktail party and a discount on one cabin. But I think both of those things required a minimum of 8 cabins.