Parties of eight or more—dubbed Grand Gatherings—get added support from on-site specialists who coordinate activities, thereby taking the guesswork (and potential grief) out of reunion organizing. Other Grand Gatherings goodies include special souvenirs and access to two-way radios. Exclusive “experiences”––such as a safari-themed dinner with character visits, live entertainment, and up-close animal viewing––may be booked at extra cost. Customized events are available, too. So in case one of your brood starts feeling nostalgic, sack races and a barbeque can be arranged.
Two If By Sea
Like Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Lines operate on the “Something for Everyone” premise. That’s why nearly a full deck of each ship is devoted to kids, while separate areas are reserved for older folk. (Even Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, has a play area for children, plus beaches for the exclusive use of teens and adults). The approach clearly works: over half of its passengers sail in multigenerational groups. Royal Caribbean gets in on the act, too, offering Royal Reunions Packages for groups booking eight or more state rooms on Freedom- and Voyager-class ships.
With Royal Caribbean’s standard program (priced at $50 a head) you receive extras like door decorations, group photos, a personalized cake, and activities—among them, competitions with other reunion parties. Signing on for the Elite version ($100 per person) gets you more organized events along with daily VIP treats. As added bonuses, the line’s travel office will help you sail through the planning process and give one free fare for every sixteen paying guests. For bookings, simply see your travel agent or call 800-205-9812 ext. 80805.
Choosing one of these cruises has obvious benefits. Entertainment is abundant, carefully orchestrated, and close at hand. Moreover, since meals are included, you needn’t worry about divvying up restaurant bills. With that said, cruising extras can add up fast. Packaged shore trips, for example, are pricey. And then there’s all that champagne you’ll be ordering. (Remember, you invariably have to toast your niece’s graduation, grandma’s successful bypass surgery, and that tarty aunt’s latest marriage.) That’s when all-inclusive resorts back on dry land become a viable alternative.
