| Cruise lines have long been known for offering great | | | | cruised with some special interest groups and never |
| vacation deals and hassle-free travel. Now they are | | | | known it. Most ships are large enough that multiple |
| emerging as event planners as well. Many cruise lines | | | | special events, seminars, and receptions can take |
| are extremely eager to accommodate large and small | | | | place almost unnoticed by the majority of passengers. |
| groups of travelers. If you are in the throes of planning | | | | Planning an affinity group cruise involves booking a |
| a wedding, an anniversary shindig, a family reunion or | | | | cruise as early as possible. Consulting with a travel |
| even a multi-day business meeting, talk to a cruise line. | | | | expert is always a good idea since there are lots of |
| You may find they can create an unforgettable | | | | cruise options today and even the most avid cruise |
| program for your affair for the same cost of a | | | | shopper cannot keep up with everything. |
| land-based event. | | | | Affinity group cruises should be fairly short since |
| Special interest groups, which cruise lines often call | | | | getting time off from work and school is tough for |
| affinity groups, are those groups that want to cruise | | | | most people. Plan ahead, not just so you can get the |
| for a special occasion. Family reunions, business | | | | rooms you want, but to allow people to put in for time |
| meetings, even weddings are typical affinity cruise | | | | away from the job. Keep an eye on the pocketbook |
| groups. | | | | of the participants; some folks who would gladly attend |
| Being an affinity group can be easy, and many cruise | | | | a family reunion may not have the financial clout to |
| lines are going out of their way to cater to the group | | | | pay for a transatlantic cruise. |
| cruise. The word "group" does not necessarily mean | | | | When booking an affinity group cruise, consider the |
| you need a hundred people to qualify. Even a few | | | | port of embarkation and debarkation, that is, the place |
| people who want to travel together can qualify as a | | | | where you get on and off the ship. Cruise passengers |
| group. For instance, cruises where several female | | | | not only have to pay for their cruise, they also have to |
| friends travel together are a recognized (and new) | | | | pay for travel back and forth from this port. While |
| affinity group in the industry. | | | | many cruise lines can offer attractive package deals |
| Depending on the cruise and the size of the group, | | | | to combine cruise fares with airline tickets, there is still |
| cruise lines may be willing to offer a package deal on | | | | an incremental expense. |
| staterooms. A cruise line specialist or travel agent can | | | | There are a surprising number of ports for cruise ships |
| make recommendations, including booking a suite for | | | | today, including Tampa and Galveston (on the Gulf of |
| four people instead of the usual state rooms (this is | | | | Mexico), Los Angeles and Vancouver (West Coast), |
| not always cheaper, but it can be). | | | | and New York and Fort Lauderdale (East Coast). The |
| Cruise groups can also make arrangements with the | | | | ports may limit the cruise options for your particular |
| cruise ship for special events. On-board weddings, | | | | group (for instance, you can't sail from Vancouver and |
| classes, seminars, receptions, and private dinners for a | | | | go to Bermuda on any established route). However, |
| group of old buddies can all be set up. The best way | | | | for an affinity group cruise, the journey is more |
| to make these arrangements is to book as early as | | | | important than the destination. |
| you can and discuss options with the cruise line. It is a | | | | On-board ship, affinity groups should take advantage |
| great idea to be flexible, since cruise lines are much | | | | of having hassle-free meals and entertainment. This |
| more experienced in this area than you are likely to be. | | | | leaves plenty of time for photos and videos. Those |
| Thus, they may know some great ideas you had not | | | | with blogging skills can commemorate the activities |
| thought of and may offer good advice as to what | | | | online; more traditional cruise passengers may be |
| would work well in your situation. | | | | inspired to create a scrap book or other record of |
| Princess Cruise Lines even has a specialist who works | | | | event memorabilia. |
| for them to help with on-board weddings. And it is true, | | | | So if you want to get away from that tired old family |
| the captain of a ship has legal authority to marry | | | | reunion in the park, have the greatest graduation party |
| people. Re-commitment ceremonies, in which a | | | | ever, or renew your wedding vows with a few family |
| husband and wife formally renews their vows, are | | | | and friends, visit some cruise websites and talk to your |
| very popular cruise events. | | | | travel agent. |
| If you are an avid cruiser, you have probably already | | | | |