Below is a lot of information, but if you are serious about planning a group cruise it is definitely worth your time to read.

Become a Group Leader and earn a FREE CRUISE?

Are you interested in encouraging a group of your friends, family, or coworkers to take a relaxing, fun-filled cruise on a gorgeous ship?   Groups include family reunions, coworkers, fitness clubs, surprise birthdays, seniors clubs, school reunions, wedding groups, or just simply and group of friends.  It's easy to start planning and promoting your own group cruise.  Just follow the instructions and advice we provide below and you'll be sailing away with a few (or a few hundred) of your fellow cruisers! And, you can earn yourself a free cruise by becoming a group leader!

Remember that holding a group with a cruise line can mean better rates as well as the addition of amenities such as private open bar cocktail parties, shipboard credits, photo vouchers, champagne/chocolates.   A free berth is typically earned for every 8 cabins sold in the group based on at least 16 passengers.  So the larger the group, the more free berths that are earned.   So consider sharing the group leader role with a friend or family member to assist you to build your group!

1. Contact The Cruise Planner
Once you have an idea of how large your group will be and what travel dates are best, contact The Cruise Planner to discuss your interest in leading a new group cruise. We will explain the process to you and will assign one personal Cruise Group Specialist that will work with you and your group exclusively from start to finish.  Your Cruise Specialist will discuss the cruise lines, departure dates, ships, itineraries, ports, etc. with you to determine which cruise(s) will suit the needs of your group.  The Cruise Planner will then obtain your official rate quote(s) from the cruise line(s).   We will also advise you of the special amenities offered for the sailings you choose for consideration. 

Suggestion: Being flexible with a sailing date may mean better rates and more amenities!  The best group deals are offered in May, June, September, October, early November, and early December.  And remember that booking early is the key to better rates and availability!

2. Pick the Ship and Itinerary
After receiving your rate quote(s) from The Cruise Planner, decide on the ship/sail date/itinerary that best meets the preferences and desires of your group, and your ready to CRUISE!  Your Cruise Specialist will assist you with flyers, invitations, promo materials, and brochures.  We will also provide booking forms if you choose to be the point of contact for all group members OR individual group members may contact The Cruise Planner directly.

Determine how many people are interested in joining you by e-mailing, faxing, or discussing a group cruise with friends, family, coworkers, etc. – remember we can provide promotional flyers or promo materials that you can print, mail, e-mail, or fax!!

Suggestion: The new MEGA ships tend to attract the most cruisers.  Also remember that the cruise lines are now offering many itineraries from east and west coast ports such as New York, LA, Baltimore, Galveston, Tampa, Seattle, San Diego, Boston, Vancouver, Philly, in additional to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Miami, Fort Lauderdale, San Juan and others which means no airfare needed if you can drive to the port!
 
3. Provide Deposit and Rate Information to all interested Group Members
Once you have decided to reserve a new group just advise group members of the initial deposit, second deposit, and final payment dates required to book their cabin.  Typically, a first deposit of just $25 per person is due for within 30 days of reserving the group space for double occupancy cabins, with a second deposit of $225 or $250 due approximately 5 months prior to sailing.  Note that the full deposit of $250 per person is typically due as a first deposit for triple, quad, or quint occupancy cabins.  All deposits, of course, are paid toward the total price of the cruise.   Again, your Cruise Specialist will inform you of all payment due dates, deposit amounts, and other details with your initial rate quote(s).

All cabins must be booked with full deposits by the second deposit due date.  At that point any cabins that do not have full deposits will be released from the group space back to the cruise line’s inventory.  After these cabins are released you may have difficulty obtaining additional cabins if others want to join your group, so remind group members to book and deposit early (and within the required payment timeframes). 

The availability may be limited in certain cabin categories so encourage your group members to book early especially if they are interested in specific cabin types such as suites, triple/quad occupancy, or where limited numbers of a certain type of cabin are offered on a particular ship.  Encourage your group members to send in their deposits as soon as they have decided to cruise with the group.  The final payment will be due approximately 60-70 days prior to sailing. 

Payments
Individuals can contact The Cruise Planner directly to book or make payments or they can work through you as the group leader/point of contact. 

4. Travel Insurance – Remind Members It’s IMPORTANT
It's important to remember that there are cancellation penalties on any cruise booking starting at approximately 60-70 days prior to departure so please encourage your group to buy third party travel insurance such as Travel Guard.  Travel insurance can easily be purchased at the time of deposit and covers much more than just trip cancellation – also include trip delay, document loss, baggage loss, medical, medical transport, and accidental death.

Suggestion: Third party insurance offers more comprehensive coverage than your average cruise line insurance. Insurance is based on price per person of actual out of pocket trip cost.  Your Cruise Specialist can provide additional details.

5. Plan Some Group Activities
Plan some group activities (cocktail hours, card games, dancing in the nightclub, etc.) during your cruise or make arrangements for group shore excursions together.  Your Cruise Specialist can assist you with the details. 

6. Group Leader Perks
All cruise groups typically must have a minimum of 8 cabins booked to be considered a group and receive all of the group perks. As group leader you will receive a free berth if at least 8 cabins are sold (16 or more passengers per set of 8 cabins), and two free berths if at least 16 cabins are sold, and so on based on sets of 8 cabins. Group leaders will need to pay for their cruise upfront, but will be rebated the equivalent rate per berth for the category which has the largest number of cabins booked (or as determined by the cruise line). In addition, all group leaders will receive the group amenities as the entire group.  Also keep in mind that you have the option to waive the free berth for yourself and spread the amount of the “free” out over the entire group.

Note that The Cruise Planner will provide planning and reservations for pre or post cruise hotel accommodations, separate transfers to/from the hotel/airport/seaport, wedding planning, pre-cruise parties, etc.   Just ask your Cruise Specialist and we will take care of all the details!!

We here at The Cruise Planner offer exceptional customer service as well as discounted rates.  We look forward to assisting you with your Group Cruise.  Please give us a call with ANY questions you may have!

Why a Cruise · Cruise Specials · Quote Form · Why Us · FAQ's ·
Contact Information · Corporate & Incentive Cruising · Group Cruising · Cruising with Children · Comments and Suggestions · Biographical Information · Insurance · Scrap Book  

diane@thecruiseplanner.com

Call Toll Free 1-888-202-4136
Fax: (636) 272-8619