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3 must-haves for a great family reunion cruise vacation.

So your family has decided to all get together for a fantastic cruise vacation. It has been so long since you have seen each other. All the family has decided that a cruise will be a perfect vacation. A cruise will give each family a chance to have fun together and then there will be time for the whole family to spend as a large group. But, before you book your cabins you are wondering if there is anything that you should consider. I am going to share with you what I think are 3 must-haves when you are going to go on a cruise with your extended family. So, here goes, my 3 must-haves for your family reunion cruise vacation!

#1 Book a Balcony Stateroom

I think that balcony staterooms are the Bomb! (Especially, if you have young children that need naptime or just time to get away from the hubbub.) Your balcony is the perfect place to get away and have a few minutes to yourself. Even if you love your family dearly it is nice to have a quiet, tranquil place to hang out where no one can find you. It is also perfect for when you want some interrupted time to connect away from the ship’s activities.

Now, if you have young children I think a balcony is a definite necessity. A balcony gives you the ability to have your child nap and you still get to enjoy the sunshine, warm weather, fresh air, and sounds of the ocean. It can be a wonderful relaxation time for you as well as the kids. If you only have an interior or oceanview room you might feel cooped up or resentful of not being able to enjoy outside.

#2 Linked Dining Reservations

One of my most favorite things to do on a family reunion cruise is to eat dinner all together as a family. Sitting in the dining room all together taking the time to eat a meal is a wonderful experience. Everyone has the chance to talk about their day, all the fun they had, and what they want to do tomorrow. It’s a great place to catch up together and enjoy each other’s company. But, in order to get tables together, you will want to have your dining reservations linked together when you book.

#3 Spirit of Compromise

This must-have is actually true for the whole planning and traveling process. Each family in your larger family will have specific needs and wants. Since it is everyone’s vacation, everyone should feel like their feelings are being considered. But this also means that everyone will need to give on some things. For instance, your family just cannot handle a late dinner seating but there is another family that really wants to do some excursions that will return during the early dinner time. So, maybe on those days, you all agree to meet for breakfast or just let them skip those nights and catch up the next day. If everyone has the spirit of compromise instead of just wanting their vacation their way then it can be more fun for all.


So, what do you think? Do you have another must-have for a family reunion cruise? I would love to hear your suggestion. Just comment below!

A cruise is a fantastic vacation for a family reunion but working out all the details can be quite hair raising. That’s where I come in! Let me help you handle all the tricky parts so that you can just enjoy the planning process. If you are thinking about planning a family reunion please contact me!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Perfect Day at Coco Cay is a fantastic stop with family and friends on your Royal Caribbean Cruise.

Are you wondering where in the world is Coco Cay? And then wondering why would I ever want to go there? Well, let’s get those questions answered for you today! Coco Cay is a private island (owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line) in the Bahamas. As the title suggests it could be the perfect beach day for you and your family or friends to enjoy while you are cruising the Caribbean. There are so many things to do on the island it is truly a tropical island paradise for everyone. Want to know more? Read on! There is so much family fun to be had on Perfect Day at Coco Cay!

Beaches

What is a trip to a private island without a beach! Perfect Day at Coco Cay certainly will not disappoint. You will have a few beaches to choose from.

Chill Island

If you like to relax on the beach as well as explore what the ocean has to offer you might want to head to Chill Island. An abundance of lounge chairs await guests on one of the three ocean coves. Spend time soaking up the sun for a bit and then head out into the ocean with some rented snorkel gear, paddleboard, kayak, or maybe a jetski. When you get hungry, wander over to the Chill Grill for delicious Caribbean BBQ bites.

South Beach

Sports lovers will love South Beach. Yes, you will find beach chairs and plenty of ocean fun at South Beach. But, its real claim to fame is all the sports courts. Start up a game of volleyball or basketball for some extra fun. The nearby Snack Shack will satisfy your hunger with burgers, hot dogs, salads, and more.

Coco Beach Club

Coco Beach Club floating cabana

The Coco Beach Club is an exclusive part of the island. Day passes can be purchased by guests wanting a little bit more luxury on the island. With a day pass, guests enjoy the exclusive beach, clubhouse, infinity pool, towels, lounge chairs, and private Coco Beach Club restaurant. Guest also have the option of reserving cabanas on the beach or ultra-luxurious floating cabanas for an additional fee. The Coco Beach Club cannot be surpassed for peace, calm, and luxury.

Oasis Lagoon

Oasis Lagoon is a nice place to relax while visiting Perfect Day at Coco Cay with friends and family.
Oasis Lagoon, blue and white beach umbrellas and cabanas around pool

This massive freshwater pool (the largest in the Caribbean) will be a destination your whole family will enjoy. On one cove there is a sloping entry perfect for young children and fun for older kids to swim about from island to island. Parents can watch from one of the pool loungers either in or out of the pool. The swim-up bar is also a favorite of the Oasis Lagoon.

For the Kids

Captain’s Jill’s℠ Galleon

Young ones will be clamoring to climb aboard this pirate ship of adventure and fun. With 3 slides, a splash pad, and hordes of water cannons, no one is coming out dry.

Splashaway Bay

Another splash pad parents will have to drag their kids away from. This area is sure to drench with two huge dumping buckets, sprayers, slides, and so much fun!

Where to Eat and Drink

The restaurants on Perfect Day at Coco Cay are a great place for family to gather.
Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill with Daredevil Tower in the background.

There are 3 complimentary places to eat while you are enjoying your Perfect Day at Coco Cay plus a few bars for getting something to drink. Drink plans can be used while on the island.

  • Chill Grill is near Chill Island
  • Skipper’s Grill can be found by Splashaway Bay
  • A few Snack Shacks can be found around the island
  • Captain Jack’s is near the entrance and is mostly a bar with a few snacky food items.
  • Coco Beach Club Restaurant for those with day passes

The restaurant areas have ample seating. This is a great place for your whole family or group of families to gather together and enjoy some time together.

Thrill Waterpark

Thrill Waterpark is one of the things to do on Perfect Day at Coco Cay that keeps guests booking cruises with this stop over and over again. The waterpark costs extra but it is a full day of fun and excitement. Devil’s Peak slide boasts being the tallest waterslide in North America at 135ft. Are you brave enough? You can also enjoy tube slides, racing slides, zero-gravity drops, and raft slides. Plus, they have a fantastic wave pool and you guessed it, it’s the biggest in the Caribbean. Kids of all ages won’t want to miss out on the obstacle course Adventure pool.

Other Excursions

Up Up and Away

Take a balloon ride 450 feet above the island for a birdseye view. This is taller than the Statue of Liberty and provides a gorgeous view of the ocean and the land below. This activity has an extra cost.

Zip Line

Soar along the 1600 foot long zip line across the island. You will even get a refreshing zip through the Harbor fountain just before you land. This activity has an extra cost.

How this is a good stop for your family or friend reunion vacation

As you can see there are things that will be enjoyable for everyone in the family. Above it talks about the different places for children. The waterpark is great for those of all ages loving a little thrill and excitement. The pool has a nice shallow area for kids as well as the two splash areas. So much for the kids in the family to do on their Perfect Day at Coco Cay and the parents get a little time to relax. What could be better than that!

How would Perfect Day at Coco Cay be for my family members who have less mobility? All of the beaches and pool areas have umbrellas available for those wanting to stay out of the sun a bit. There is a tram that provide transportation throughout the island for those who have difficluty walking long distances. The island is wheelchair accessible and pools also have lifts. The only stairs are to the tall waterslides and zip line.

For the families who want to make their day truly special consider renting a cabana on one of the beaches or a floating cabana at the Coco Beach Club. Multiple families can even pitch in and rent one together. There are cabanas that hold up to 8 people.


Your Perfect Day at Coco Cay will surely not disappoint your family! There is so much to do without whether you want to keep it simple or be a little more extravagant with the waterpark or a luxury cabana. There are multiple itineraries that make Perfect Day at Coco Cay one of their preferred stops. Talk with your travel advisor about which itinerary might be right for your family.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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A Cruise is a Good Family Reunion Vacation!

Right now we are not able to travel, not able to see friends, not able to see family. While we are able to connect with family through online chats it is just not the same as being right there with them. This is a difficult time for so many people due to separation from loved ones, working in stressful environments saving lives, and uncertainty about the future. When we get through all this, and we will, you might want to plan a family vacation to reunite with the ones you love and have been away from. A cruise might be just the vacation you need!

The last couple of cruises we have taken have been with extended family from different parts of the country. Cruises provide an excellent opportunity for families to reconnect and make memories. Read on and discover why a cruise makes a good family reunion vacation!

Why a cruise is good family vacation option

What makes a Cruise Good for Family Reunions

Accomodations for every family size and budget

One reason a cruise is a good family reunion vacation is that there are many different types of accommodations to fit every budget. Every family in your group has the opportunity to book a room that fits their needs. For budget-conscious family members, less expensive inside cabins are available. For family members who like to be pampered on their vacations, they can choose concierge cabins or suites. Single, double and triple cabins are convenient options for smaller families. Large families might enjoy staterooms that sleep 5 or 6 which are on some ships. Plus there is always the option for each family to spread out a little while still being close in connecting cabins. The possibilities are vast and flexible.

A Good Value

Often cruises provide good value for your money. Everything is included for a wonderful vacation–exceptional accommodations, gourmet dining, and extensive onboard activities. Plus, cruise lines offer promotions at different times for free specialty dining, kids sailing free, or other perks.

Activities for Everyone

Ocean Cruises

Onboard ocean cruises there are activities of many different kinds that will appeal to all ages of your family. Having options for all different family members makes a cruise a good family reunion possibility.

For the kids, most ocean cruises ships have a specific program for them with their own area on the ship. The youth programs are even divided out by ages so teens and pre-teens don’t have to hang out with little kids. Age-appropriate events and activities are planned for each group.

For the adults, there is so much to do I can’t even list it all. Many planned activities during the day include deck parties, games in the sports courts, fitness classes, destination lectures, trivia, meet-ups, introductions to spa experiences, tournaments in the casino, bingo and so much more. In the evening, nightlife varies throughout the bars, lounges, theaters, and casino.

For families, there are scheduled events so families can have fun together. There might be games on the deck or sports courts, craft times, trivia or events in the youth areas. Each cruise line will have fun family activities but I will say that Disney Cruise Line puts a special focus on creating events and activities to bring families together.

River Cruises

River cruise ship activities depend on the cruise line. Some cater to families and therefore have activities for all ages (think Adventures by Disney with AmaWaterways) and some are only for adults (think Viking). But, on a river cruise the emphasis is on the ports and getting out to explore the country. Port excursions are included and on some lines (especially AmaWaterways) there is a nice variety of options that fit different activity levels.

Time together and time apart

Ocean cruise ships offer the opportunity for families to have as much time together and time apart as they wish. This is another benefit that makes a cruise a good family reunion vacation option. Part or all of your family can plan activities together during the day, plan to hang out in the same place, or just expect to see each other in passing throughout the day. You can arrange to eat all your meals together or only one a day as a time for everyone to catch up. In the evening, you can all attend the featured show together and then go your separate ways for the rest of the night. How much togetherness is all up to each family and what fits for them. Even on port days you can plan excursions together each stop, some stops, or separately. There is so much flexibility. This makes a cruise so fantastic for family reunions!

River cruises are similar but a little bit different. Each day is a port day. Every river cruise line differs but most plan a variety of shore excursions each day depending on activity level or interest. This is a fantastic opportunity for family members to have the outing each person (or family) wants and then everyone can reconvene for dinner that evening to share about their adventures.

Effortless Dining

So often it is very difficult to eat all together as a family. A cruise makes it so easy! Your family is assigned to the same tables in the same dining room each night (except Disney Cruise Line which as rotational dining). In the main dining rooms, they have very large tables that can seat 10, 12 or sometimes more. Plus, tables are fairly close together so if you need a few to seat your whole family you still within a nice distance. Another great feature is the diverse menu which can satisfy all members of your family. And, there is no having to deal with splitting up the bill.

Just so you know, eating in the main dining room each night is not required. The main dining room just guarantees a place for your family to be all together. The decision is up to each family.

Convenient Family Communication

If you are out of the country at a resort, communication between families can be difficult and expensive. Depending on your cruise line, ship communication with families aboard can be really easy. Cruise lines have apps that travelers can download and use for free while onboard. Often they have a communication feature that allows you to send messages to other family members. Currently, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity offer this free on select ships. Disney Cruise Line, Holland America and Princess also have this feature at no additional cost. Norwegian and Carnival have a nominal fee to enable the messaging feature to their apps.

Easy planning

Well, planning is easy if you use a travel advisor. Your travel advisor will help you to pick the best cruise for your family based on the cruise line, destinations, promotions and Once you finalize the ship and itinerary, your travel advisor will also help by keeping track of the needs of each family. Often your travel advisor will create a particular group so that everyone can communicate important information before the cruise.

Do you have other reasons you enjoy a cruise for your family reunion? Let me know in the comments!


Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Check out these awesome Deals from Ama Waterways and start planning your next adventure!

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These are the enriching moments of travel that let you explore more about the cultures and traditions of exotic lands. A journey through the heartland of Vietnam and Cambodia is truly a trip of a lifetime.

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Ama Magna –picture from Ama Waterways

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Heidleberg, Germany Christmas Market Picture by Ama Waterways

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Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Reasons to take a cruise vacation

Have you wondered why so many people go on cruise vacations? Have you wondered if a cruise might be something your family would enjoy? Do you have questions about what benefits a cruise might provide over another type of vacation? Then, this post is for you! Read on to find out some reasons why you should take a cruise vacation.

We took our first cruise vacation in 2000. We sailed to the Western Caribbean. The cruise was a lot of fun but we didn’t’ go on another cruise until the summer of 2017. Why? Other vacation opportunities (aka DISNEY) called us elsewhere. But in 2017 my interest in cruising the high seas was renewed.

What’s great about a cruise vacation?

This post is all about why I think that taking a cruise is a great vacation option for your family. So, keep reading (this kind of long post) and find out why I think cruises are great!

Cruises are all-inclusive

On a cruise, you pay one price and that includes all of your food, lodging, entertainment, a lot of activities, and transportation to different places.

Cruise lines differ in the amount of all-inclusiveness. Some cruises include almost all the food and activities onboard. On others, there are sufficient complimentary choices to have a fantastic vacation but also have quite a few options with additional fees. A few cruise lines even include an excursion in each port.

On the cruises we have been sailed, we pretty much stick to the included stuff and have a fabulous vacation. I think the only thing we have spent extra on is a basic beverage package. Although, if we were on one of the ships with the go-karts we would have to splurge on a ride or two.

Delicious food

Dining options are abundant on almost every cruise line. Larger ships usually have more than smaller ones. The amazing selection of dining options is a great reason to take a cruise vacation.

  • Main Dining Room–This dining option is included in the cruise fare. These are fabulous sit-down meals at which you choose appetizers, salads, main entrees, and yummy, yummy desserts. Meals in the dining rooms are served a specific times. The really awesome thing is that you can order whatever you want. Do you want two entrees? Order both. Do many desserts look delicious? Order them all? Want a side from one entree and a different one from another? Feel free to mix and match. Where else can you order with such freedom! (Note of caution: be a bit mindful of wastefulness. If there are many things you like maybe think about sharing)
  • Buffet–The dining room serving the buffet is usually open more hours than the main dining rooms. At the buffet, you will discover many different fantastic food options. There is something for everyone and eating at the buffet doesn’t take nearly as long as in the dining room.
  • Complimentary Restaurant–On some ships there might be a smaller restaurant option that is included. It might serve lighter fare and a smaller menu.
  • Signature Restaurants–Signature restaurants are another fantastic dining option. On some ships, you might have one or two options but on larger ones, you could have 10 or more to choose from. These restaurants often have even better food than the classic dining room. These restaurants usually have a specific type of food such as sushi, Mexican, Italian, Bistro-style, and others. Most of these restaurants charge a small fee. But, sometimes cruise lines offer dining in their restaurants as an incentive and then you only have to pay the gratuities.
  • Snack Options–Your cruise might have a complimentary pizza parlor, hot dog stand or lounge with desserts. Maybe you can enjoy an ice cream soda shop or Coffee Bar (both usually additional fees apply).
  • Room Service–Most cruise lines offer room service right to your stateroom. Leave a placard out the night before and awaken to a delicious breakfast delivered right to your door. Maybe you would like an afternoon or evening snack. All possible with room service. Some cruise lines have complimentary room service and on some, there is a small fee. Check with your travel advisor about your specific cruise line.

Excellent lodging

Stay in fabulous staterooms on a cruise vacation
Oceanview Stateroom on Disney Wonder

From the simplest interior stateroom to the sprawling suites, the accommodations are top-notch. Your room Steward is always nearby to help you with anything you might need. Feel pampered with your bed turned down each night and put back together each morning. Your bathroom is cleaned twice a day as well as your room tidied.

For even more luxury on the major cruise lines, you can opt for suites and concierge-level service. Many lines have a special suite level that allows you to access special dining rooms, reserved outdoor pools and relaxation zones in addition to the glorious rooms that are just a cut above the rest.

Of course, you can step off the luxury even further by cruising on one of the actual luxury cruise lines.

World-class Entertainment

Entertainment abounds on a cruise ship. You might see a death-defying water show or a beautiful production on ice. Some lines produce Broadway-caliber plays and musicals for their guests. Evening shows are even worked around dining schedules so that each guest is able to see each production. You don’t have to worry about missing anything.

In addition to the nightly entertainment, you will find many other opportunities. Some ships have jazz clubs, piano bars, comedy shows, and more. Join in the fun of a Newlywed Game or Talent contest.

Abundant Activities

Take a cruise vacation and have access to lots of activities
The rock climbing wall on the Oasis of the Seas

From morning to night activities are planned for your enjoyment. Trivia, pool games and parties, sports tournaments, Bingo, karaoke, contests, arts and crafts are just a few diversions to help you pass the time.

In addition to planned activities, there are many other things to do onboard the ship. Relax by the pool or jump in for some fun. Waterslides, other slides, rock walls, ice rinks, bumper cars, go-karts, laser tag, escape rooms, sports courts, movies, carousels, trampolines, VR activities, video game rooms, and so much more. For those looking for tranquility, some ships have libraries, cozy nooks and crannies, and game rooms. Each cruise line and even each ship has different levels of onboard activities. Larger ships might have many while the smaller ones have just a few.

Cruises Help You Explore the World

A cruise ship is your floating hotel that takes you from one destination to another. You only have to unpack once and you get to explore many different countries and cultures. You can find an itinerary that will explore almost any part of the world you want.

Ocean cruises can take you to:

  • Bahamas
  • Caribbean
  • Mediterranean
  • Coastal Europe
  • Northern European Countries
  • Great Britain
  • US and Canada’s East and West Coast
  • Alaska
  • Hawaii
  • Panama Canal
  • Central America
  • South America
  • Polynesia
  • Australia and New Zealand
  • Singapore, Thailand and Southeast Asia
  • Japan
  • China
  • Antarctica
  • Africa
  • Middle East
  • India
Take a cruise vacation to discover the world
Overlooking St. Maarten

River Cruises will explore these rivers around the world:

  • Danube–Europe
  • Rhine–Europe
  • Moselle–Europe
  • Main–Europe
  • Elbe–Europe
  • Rhone–France
  • Seine–France
  • Dordogne and Garonne–France
  • Douro–Portugal and Spain
  • Volga–Russia
  • Dnieper–Ukraine
  • Mekong–Cambodia and Vietnam
  • Yangtze–China
  • Ganges–India
  • Nile–Egypt
  • Chobe–Southern Africa
  • Amazon–South America
  • Columbia and Snake–Washington and Oregon
  • Mississippi–United States
  • Cumberland, Tennessee, and Ohio–United States
  • Great Lakes–US and Canada
  • St. Lawrence Seaway–US and Canada

A Cruise Line for Every Traveler

No matter how you like to travel there is a cruise for you.

Small Ships

Does a small ship that can cruise into small ports in out of the way locations appeal to you? There are cruise lines that just have small vessels that carry from 6 to just a couple hundred passengers. Love to sail? There is even a line that is made up of luxury sailboats. Wow!!

Large Ships

Are you someone who wants to go, go, go? You want to have many, many options for food, entertainment, and activities? Do you love to be in the middle of all the action? A very large ship that carries 4000-6000 passengers might be just for you. There are also cruise lines that cater to this more than others.

Major Cruise Lines

The major cruise lines have somewhat different flavors. Are you a foodie? Do you like to party? Do you like more tranquility? Do you want to cruise with a generally younger or older crowd? Do you want a very family-friendly vacation? Do you want a cruise that caters to your children?

Luxury Cruise Lines

Are you all about luxury, concierge service, and gourmet meals. Do you like educational, cultural learning and education on vacation? Certain cruise lines cater to this travel style beautifully.

Do you want a cruise that focuses on the family? Do you want to travel without any kids? There are cruises specializing in this too.

As you can see there is probably a cruise line out there that would fit the desires of your family!

Vast Array of Itineraries

Oh my goodness! As you saw above you can travel all over on a cruise ship. You can stick to oceans or travel inland waterways to see even more. But you can customize your trip even more which is another reason why you might want to take a cruise vacation.

Pick your number of cruising days

Do you want to cruise to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 days? Yes, these are all choices. How about longer, 2 or 3 weeks? Maybe a month? Or even a year?

Pick Days at Sea vs. Port Days

More days at sea

Cruises are a combination of days in port and days at sea. Do you like to relax on the ship more? Cruise on an itinerary that has more days at sea and less ports. You could take a Transatlantic cruise, Transpacific or repositioning cruise.

More days exploring different countries

Are you hungry for adventure, culture and different countries? Pick an itinerary that stops more frequently in port. River cruises really do this well. Most of your time on a river cruise is spent in port exploring the area. There are also cruise lines that excel in this more than others.

Enjoy the ship on port days

Or, you can choose an itinerary that has some ports that you like and some that you don’t. Explore the countries you are interested in seeing. Stay on the ship for the ports that don’t excite you. You can stay on the ship on port days and enjoy all the ship has to offer with less people onboard.

Private Island Beach Days

Enjoy private islands on a cruise vacation
Labadee, Haiti–One of Royal Carribean’s Private Islands

Some travelers love having beach days. Often ports will have a beach excursion option. But some cruise lines have their own private island stops for their guests to enjoy. They provide many beach activities as well as food that is included in the cruise fare. To make your day extra special, some up the ante with extra activities, beach clubs, cabanas, and water parks that are available at an additional cost. Plus, they often stay at their private islands all day so you can soak up all the sun.

Choose your itinerary wisely to either avoid private islands or to stop at your favorite one. If beach days are your absolute favorite you can even find itineraries that stop at private islands twice in one trip. Score!

So, Let’s Find the Cruise for You!

I kept this post pretty basic to get you thinking. Once you decide that a cruise vacation might be for you and your family it is time to dig into the details. A travel advisor will be able to help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect trip for you.

Please comment below if you have other reasons you love cruising!

Questions about cruising? Let me know in the comments.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Want to do a little cruise research? Cruise Critic is a good place to start.

Other links you might be interested in: