Group Cruises: More Value When You Sail Together
Group cruises put friends, families, clubs and colleagues on the same ship, usually at a shared group fare with extras that individual bookings do not get. One price structure, one set of dates, and a ship that keeps everyone fed, entertained and together, with plenty of room to do your own thing.
Cruise Groups is about the value side: what a group package includes, how group cruise discounts and perks actually work, what changes when a group gets very large, and which kind of group suits which ship. If you are the person organizing the trip and want a step-by-step plan, our sister site Group Cruise Planner has the timeline and leader checklist, so we do not repeat it here.
What Being a Group Usually Gets You
| Benefit | How it generally works |
|---|---|
| A group fare | The line offers a rate for the block of cabins, which can be held for the group for a period of time. |
| Amenities or perks | Many lines give groups points or credits to spend on extras such as onboard credit, a cocktail party, photos or drinks; what is available varies by line and sailing. |
| Tour conductor credits | Many group programs award a free or reduced berth for a set number of paid cabins; Princess, for example, publishes one credit per eight staterooms. |
| Flexible deposits | Group deposits are often more flexible than individual ones until a set date. |
| Private events | Groups can arrange private parties, dinners or meeting space on board; Royal Caribbean notes this in its group guide. |
| One point of contact | An advisor or line group desk handles the block, names, payments and changes. |
Every detail depends on the line, the ship and the sailing, so treat this as a map, not a promise. The group cruise discounts page explains each perk in more depth.
Who Sails in Groups
Families
Milestone birthdays, anniversaries and reunions with every generation aboard.
Group cruise ideas →
Clubs and companies
Hobby clubs, alumni, churches, incentive trips and conferences at sea.
Large groups →
Our Group Cruise Family of Sites
Different groups have different needs, and each has a sister site that goes deep: Cruising Reunions for family, class and military reunions; Holiday Cruise Groups for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year groups; Fundraiser Cruising for charities and clubs raising money; School Group Cruises for school trips; and Cruise With a Host for hosted cruises with an escort. For theme groups, from music to wine, see Special Interest Cruises.
Group Cruise Questions
How many people make a group cruise?
It depends on the line. Royal Caribbean’s own guide describes group rates for a minimum of 16 people in eight staterooms, and many lines use a similar threshold. Princess publishes a Celebration Group program that starts at five staterooms. Smaller parties can still sail together; they simply book individually.
Are group cruises cheaper?
Often, but not always. A group fare is negotiated for the block of cabins and comes with perks, while public promotions change all the time. A good advisor compares the group fare with the best current public fare and uses whichever is better for the group.
Do we all have to share one booking?
No. In a group, each cabin has its own reservation and pays its own deposit and balance, while the group shares the rate, the perks and any private events.
Can people join the group later?
Usually, as long as cabins remain in the block or the ship still has space. Cabins added later may cost more if the original group rate has sold out.
Who Is Behind This Site
Cruise Groups is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
When you ask for a quote, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise handle it personally — not a call center — and book everything for you. Meet Mister Cruise →
Group-friendly offers go out first on the Mister Cruise cruise newsletter. Browse lines and specialists in the Official Cruise Directory, every kind of trip in the Official Travel Directory, and great places for a group outing at home on Best of the USA. Organizers who discover they love it sometimes make it a career; Be a Travel Agent explains how.
Get Quotes for Your Group
Tell us roughly how many people and cabins, your preferred dates and the kind of group. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare group fares with the best public offers and send free quotes.
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