Family Reunion Cruises - Something Everyone Can Live With
The mere thought of getting together for a family reunion can strike terror into even the most stalwart of human beings. Don't get me wrong. We love our families -- but usually we prefer to do that loving from afar -- often several states afar! Even so, there is something inexplicably appealing about getting together with our relatives every once in a while for a reunion. When that urge strikes (and believe me, it will strike), you've got to be prepared with a plan of action. If you mention the idea of a "family reunion" to your family members without a plan, you'll most likely end up with mayhem on your hands. The next thing you know you'll have relatives camping out on every square inch of your floor, piling your sink sky high with dirty dishes, and making executive decisions with your remote control. In addition, you'll become far too acquainted with the health problems and bodily functions of some of your senior relatives (Who knew that toenail fungus was so prevalent?). So, what's the plan of action? You've got to head off those pesky relatives at the pass and make sure they never plan that family reunion at your house. What's the alternative? You've got to plan your family reunion on a cruise ship! Cruise ships are the perfect setting for a family reunion. This is neutral territory, so people don't feel they are imposing on others. It levels the playing field and takes away the control that can sometimes come into play when reunions are held on a family member's "turf." Plus, the best part is the cruise line does all the work -- the cleaning, the cooking, and the entertaining. All your family members have to do is relax and enjoy their time together. Plus, lest we forget to mention one of the most important factors -- the variety of activities onboard the ship and at the various ports of call is a perfect fit for groups who want to do some of their activities together and some separately. In other words, you're not trapped in "family reunion" bedlam the entire time. You can take a breather at one of the many bars or lounges onboard your ship, catch a current movie in the ship's theater, put on your dancin' shoes for the disco, try your luck at the casino, or simply hide out in your stateroom and order complimentary room service. If your family group has children, traditional reunions can be horrible experiences for kids! You know what I'm talking about -- the endless "remember when" discussions they overhear about things they're too young to understand, the frequent rebukes for running through the house making too much noise, and the obligatory playing with the dreadful cousins. Yikes! What kid would look forward to that? But, tell a kid they're going on a cruise ship with a miniature golf course, a pool, a sports court, an ice rink, and a really cool kid's activity program, and they won't grumble about having to endure a few hours of interaction with the relatives. Most cruise lines offer attractive rates for groups -- and some offer special packages specifically for family reunions. With their all-inclusive approach (meals and entertainment are included) and hassle-free planning, booking your family reunion aboard a cruise ship is the only way to go. Because there are so many cruise ships in the water these days, it can take a huge amount of research to determine which ship and itinerary would be the best match for your family's reunion. So, before you plunk down the dough for a family reunion cruise, make sure you've consulted with an experienced travel agent -- preferably one who specializes in group cruises. The service is complimentary (agents receive their commission from the cruise line) and you'll save yourself a lot of time and hassle. Tracey Amino is the CEO of Sapphire Cruises, originators of the Home Cruise Party for family reunions and groups. Be sure to visit her site at: Sapphire Cruises
Related News
Come sail away ... - Ithaca Times
Come sail away ...Ithaca Times, NY -13 hours agoWhen we see the rowing shells cruising along the Cayuga Inlet, it seems rather unlikely - given our short warm weather season - that any of the young rowers ... |
Dirty Smoke From Ships Found To Degrade Air Quality In Coastal Cities - Science Daily (press release)
Rivals able to make most of conditions - The Cornishman
Rivals able to make most of conditionsThe Cornishman, UK -17 hours agoMike Webb, sailing Crackerjack, won in the Multihull fleet and Helix the Twister of Chris Hoare won Class R the white sail cruising yacht class. ... |
Stupid cruise tricks: When you can't get on (or off) - WalletPop
Close finale to great regatta - Sail World
Frozone proves the one and only - Cornish Guardian
Frozone proves the one and onlyCornish Guardian, UK -15 hours agoFinally, Mylor sailor Andrew Geddes-Brown took the spoils in Class R the cruising yacht fleet sailing Blue Eye from Gallant and Paul Fenner. ... |
Old Felicity Cruises in at Airlie Beach - Sail World
Antigua Sailing Week Announces a New Format for the 2009 Edition - Caribbeanracing.com
Kiwi cruisers planning a 'Hobart' - Sail World
Kiwi cruisers planning a 'Hobart'Sail World, Australia -Aug 18, 2008The Cruising divisions make up more than half the fleet of 107 yachts at this year’s Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week, with 46 boats sailing Cruising... |
Brits keep rolling - TheChronicleHerald.ca
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
How To Save Money On Cruises
1. If you're 55 or older, you can get senior citizen discounts.
How to Choose Alaskan Cruise-Tours with Princess Cruise Lines Vacation Packages
Are you planning to take a cruise- tour vacation to Alaska? Princess Cruise Lines has arguably the best Alaskan cruise-tour vacation packages available. Princess has their own sightseeing rail cars to transport you to one of their custom built lodges. To help you in your planning, we have put together a few hints and ideas on how to choose Alaskan cruise-tours.
Preventing Boat Propeller Injuries
Each year hundreds of propeller accidents leave tragedy in their wake. The Office of Boating Safety reported that in 2002 there were 239 accidents involving motor or propeller strikes among recreational boaters. 47 of those accidents resulted in death. Plan for a safe time on the water and minimize accidents.
Alaska Cruise Expert Guide
The Alaska cruise is a breathtaking adventure that
you'll never forget. Giant snow-capped mountains,
sparkling glaciers, thick pine forests rising up from the
shoreline and abundant wildlife vie for your attention
in this dramatic landscape. Towns and villages brimming
with history tell a story of the Great Land that will
endear Alaska to you forever.
Simple Things for the ?Sailing Life?
Owning a boat has an oxymoronic quality to it. "The simple life" can be pretty complex--I think of it as having a plane, a car, and a house compressed into a very small space. This specialized environment calls for specialized equipment and tactics...sometimes. In spite of what marine retailers would like us to think, there are a number of 'normal' (and inexpensive) items that we can put to very efficient use aboard our boats. For example:
See Alaska as Never Before: Alaska Inside Passage Cruises
Between the Alaskan mainland and its islands, lies an intriguing waterway best known as the inside passage. Abundant in wildlife and breathtaking beauty, the inside passage affords visitors an experience that cannot be found anywhere in Alaska or in the world.
Atlantic Ocean at Great Depths
The Atlantic Ocean is Earth's second-largest ocean. It covers approximately a fifth of the earth's surface. The name Atlantic Ocean came from Greek mythology; it means the "Sea of Atlas".
Dock Cleaning Procedures
It is important when cleaning a dock that you use these steps as to not cause wood damage or hardship. If you do not follow these steps, we told you so. So here is how it is done by the professionals who would rather get it right the first time, get it over with and get back out on the water where we belong.
Cruise Trips: Just How Popular is Cruising?
The results are in for 2004. The number of people looking for travel deals has reached record levels for cruise trips. 10.5 million cruise passengers got on board cruise ships last year.
Tips on Marina and Dock Sealing
It is important to follow these procedures when sealing a private dock or a dock at the marina. Always let the dock dry for three to twenty-four hours before applying any coating or sealant. You cannot put a seal coat over on top of moisture or wet wood.
Dining Out At Sea
If eating fine food is your pleasure, a cruise vacation is
for you. If you get up early enough, go to bed late
enough and catch the elevators on your ship just right -
you can eat up to 13 times a day on board. And that does
not count 24 hour complementary room service.
Exploring the Exotic - Antarctica Cruise
Antarctica is one of the great unexplored areas of the world. It wasn't until the last fifty years that there has been any appreciable exploration or study of the vast frozen continent. Now the tourist with sufficient money can actually view and set foot on this unique part of the earth.
Cruise The Nile of Cleopatra
For centuries, the Nile River has been at the center of life in Egypt. The ancient Egyptian civilization relied on the flooding of the Nile to create fertile land for farming in an otherwise desert landscape. Excavations along the Nile have unearthed vast quantities of archeological remnants from ancient times and a leisurely cruise along the Nile takes you through this ancient populated area that is so steeped in history. And remember, you are following a royal route; the pharaohs and Queen Cleopatra cruised the Nile!
Cruising Glacier Bay
You can watch movies about it, you can hear about it, you can read about it, but until you partake of it, you have no clue how thrilling it is to cruise Glacier Bay.
The Nile Cruise
Egypt is where history first emerged. It is here that we have the first pictographic record of events and persons. Hieroglyphics, the system of writing used by ancient Egyptians can be traced back to about 3200 BC. At about 3180 BC, the nations of Upper and Lower Egypt were brought under the rule of a single king titled Pharaoh. The first Pharaoh is thought to have been Menes, who set his capital at Memphis, 22 km south of Giza in today's Cairo. The Pharaohs established the systems that
brought forth the highly successful Egyptian civilization.
Australia Cruise Expert Guide
Australia is a country of amazing diversity and awe-
inspiring beauty. From grand cities to ancient coral
reefs, there is no end of star attractions in the land of
Oz and the best way to see them is to book yourself on
an Australia cruise.
Alaska By Ship
When was the last time you saw an eagle descend from the sky, or stood in awe as a glacier cracked and an ice berg emerged?
A Land Divided - A World United - The Panama Canal
It has been called "the big ditch", "the bridge between two continents" and "the greatest shortcut in the world". One look at the immensity of the Canal, and you will understand why a French company with a labor force of 10,000 men went bankrupt trying to excavate it. The project, while conceived in 1534 by Charles I of Spain, began in 1882 and ended seven years later in disaster with over 22,000 people dead from disease and pestilence. The United States took over the assets of a French company in 1902 and began the process of finishing the canal.
Advice for Pressure Washing Companies Cleaning Marina Docks
So you are in the pressure washer business and you want to clean the local docks at the Marina. Good plan, let us give you a little advice on this. First you have to sell the account. Explain to the marina manager or the dock master or municipal purchasing agent that their clientele and/or citizens will be very impressed to see that this normally much neglected area of the marina and/or pier is being taken care of and cleaned. It's going to make it much more presentable. The clientele will be happier, therefore will be more likely to keep their moorage in storage there and be happy-paying customers for long into the future. Explain to the dock master or marina manager also that it can be a safety issue. The cleaner and less slippery their docks are the better and safer it's going to be for their clientele. This is also a good selling point. This is an easier sell to government agencies since everyone wants to stay away from lawsuits.
Finding Discount Royal Caribbean Cruises
For those new to cruising, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, remember that the Internet is your best friend when it comes to cruising with any company. You can gather information on cruises and use it to find the lowest prices available. An internet-savvy customer has many opportunities to locate discount Royal Caribbean cruises.
|
