Group Cruise FAQ
Straight answers to the questions members of group cruises ask most, from payments to dining.
Who is the group leader?
The person who organizes the group and speaks for it with the advisor and the line, often called the group leader or representative. Princess, for example, asks each Celebration Group to elect one member to make decisions for the group.
Do group members have to pay at the same time?
No. Each cabin pays its own deposit and final payment by the group’s deadlines. Missing a deadline can cancel that cabin.
Can group members choose different cabin types?
Usually yes. A block can include inside, oceanview, balcony and suite cabins, each at its own group rate.
What if someone has to cancel?
The line’s cancellation terms apply to that cabin. Before final payment the penalty is usually small or nil; after it, penalties grow. Travel insurance protects members against covered reasons.
Do group members get to dine together?
Groups can usually request shared tables or a private dinner. On lines with flexible dining, reservations for a large table are made in advance.
Do group members need passports?
For closed-loop cruises that start and end at the same US port, US citizens can often sail with a birth certificate and photo ID, but a passport is strongly recommended in case anyone has to fly home from a foreign port. Other itineraries need passports.
Can the group have its own shore excursion?
Yes. Groups can book a private tour through the line or a local operator, which keeps everyone together and can work out well for larger groups.
Is there a charge for using an advisor for a group?
Booking a group through a travel advisor usually costs the members nothing extra, because advisors are paid by the cruise line. Ask about any planning fees up front.
Can children travel in a group with grandparents?
Yes, within each line’s age and cabin rules. Minors must generally share with or stay near an adult, so plan cabin assignments with that in mind.
Still Deciding?
Start with the overview of group cruises, look at group cruise ideas, then ask for a quote that shows the group fare and the best public offer side by side. A group with clear prices and clear dates is a group that fills.
A Simple Rule for Organizers
Write everything down once and share it with everyone: the ship, the dates, the cabin prices, what is included, the deposit and final payment dates, and who to call with questions. Most group problems come from members hearing different versions of the plan. Our sister site Group Cruise Planner has a full leader checklist, and Cruising Reunions and Holiday Cruise Groups cover two of the most common kinds of group in depth.
Ask Us About Your Group
Send us your group’s questions with your rough numbers and dates. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will answer each question and attach free group quotes.
Get Group Cruise Quotes