Boston Family Cruise-Where do I begin

[mzlinda]

We're thinking about planning a family cruise for 28 people. We would need 11 or 12 staterooms. One person won't fly so I think we have to leave out of Boston which probably limits our options and keeps our price down since we won't need plane tickets. I'm just not sure where to begin planning something like this. Any advice?

[lancelady]

Majority rules. With one person not wanting to fly, schedule that person

to travel to the port while all the others fly. Why should everyone else

suffer due to one person. Enjoy your cruise.

[Dr_DNA]

New York may be an option too as it isn't that far from Boston. Several lines sail from NY too, giving you a few more options. Good luck!

[Keith1010]

For such a large group I would recommend getting with Travel Specialist and ask for a few different proposals for cruises. With so many traveling as a group you should be able to get some very good pricing and amenities.

 

As suggested I would look at a cruise that leaves out of other cities includng New York City and even Montreal. Certainly an option for the person who doesn't like to fly is to take the train.

 

Keith

[rebeccalouise]

Contact a travel agent for such a large booking. Then each family member can contact the travel agent directly and leave you out of the loop. Take it from me, I put together a group trip and I acted as the the "travel agent". Headaches!

 

I know Holland America cruises out of Boston and there are various cruises out of NYC.

[Host Walt]

Contact a travel agent for such a large booking. Then each family member can contact the travel agent directly and leave you out of the loop. Take it from me, I put together a group trip and I acted as the the "travel agent". Headaches!

 

I know Holland America cruises out of Boston and there are various cruises out of NYC.

In addition, because you have such a large group there are deals available, such as one free passage for every 15 bookings, etc. And with the travel and leisure market segment getting hit hard by the economy, there may be a bunch of really great deals available that you won't find on your own.

 

You definitely need to work with a travel professional. (In my opinion, a brick and mortar TA will be more effective than any on-line agency.)

[cb at sea]

I, too, would go through a travel agent for this one. Decide on an itinerary, then let everyone do their own booking...that way, you won't be the "bad guy" if someones room or experience isn't "up to par", for whatever reason! Plus, they'll be responsible for all the payments--you won't have to deal with everybodies deposits and making sure they pay on time.

I'd also make sure that everyone understood that they'll be doing their own thing during the day--(excursions, and such), or you'll have laggards holding back the "zippity" folks! Make sure all reservations are linked, so that you can dine together and catch up on what everyone's been up to!

[14ersco]

On our 6/7/09 NCL Dawn cruise from New York to Bermuda roll call there is a couple with a group of about 20. NCL Spirit goes from Boston to Bermuda during the summer and in the early fall Boston to Canada.