Cruise ships are the easiest and most enjoyable way for groups to travel together. They are ideal for family reunions, church or affinity groups and alumni associations. They are being used increasingly for business meetings, conferences and sales seminars. Companies of all sizes offer cruise vacations as incentives to sales people and others--a high-powered motivational tool that generates excitement and results.

Onboard you'll find all the facilities, services and amenities needed to reunite and revitalize your group, as well as the flexibility for your members to do their own thing on their own time.

Marchi Travel is partnered with one of the 5 largest cruise-selling consortiums in the world and we've been booking groups at bargain prices since 1923. Read on to learn how Marchi Travel and the leading cruise lines we represent are uniquely prepared to meet and exceed the needs of your group.

Family Reunions

On today's cruises, families can reunite over a gourmet meal or on an action-packed excursion, yet still find private time onboard or in port. Amenity-rich vessels typically offer baby-sitting, youth programs and great entertainment for adults, such as Broadway-style musicals, magic and comedy acts. Family members of all ages can enjoy a cruise while they rekindle old ties.

Our Travel Specialists can help you plan private onboard events and arrange special amenities such as door decorations, gift sets and family photos.

Church Groups, Affinity Groups & Alumni Associations

Large or small, active or passive, your group will find all of its needs met onboard today's cruise ships. You'll find a wide array of comfortable, well-appointed public areas and secluded private rooms that can be reserved for your group's functions, such as chapels for worship, theaters for guest lecturers, card rooms for small discussion groups and lounges for cocktail parties. And with enough advance notice, most ships will allow your group to customize their seating arrangements in the main dining rooms or even move breakfast, lunch or dinner to another onboard venue, such as a conference room. Private events such as group photos, sailaway parties, bingo night and more can also be organized through your Marchi Travel Specialist.

Meetings, Conferences & Incentive Groups

Whether you are planning an exclusive executive retreat, corporate sales seminar or international conference, cruise lines are the ideal venue because they combine the facilities of a complete conference center with the services and amenities of a floating, luxury resort.

The cinema, show lounges and theaters are ideal for presentations, meetings, break-out sessions or award ceremonies. State-of-the-art audio and video equipment is available, along with the ship's professional audiovisual staff.

Meetings and meals may be combined for your convenience. Cocktail buffets and continental breakfasts can be made available in many locations on the ship and formal dining can be arranged in many of the private rooms and conference areas. For events not held in the main dining room, meeting planners can choose from menus designed by the executive chef. It's also possible to arrange for a group to sit together in a section of the main dining area and order from the wide range of fare offered on the regular menu. Meals in the main dining room are also typically included in the cruise fare, which is another way cruise lines help minimize event costs.

Spouses and kids will love attending corporate events onboard a ship. Between the spas and enrichment programs for adults, and the teen centers, pools, games and planned youth activities for kids, the rest of the family will have a ball while mom or dad attends the group function.

Weddings

Getting married on a cruise ship is a wonderful experience, but one which can be rather complicated. We recommend that you read more about the requirements before making your final decision. Click here to read more now. If you decide to move forward with your big day at sea, our Travel Specialists will help you secure a great rate and arrange all the services and amenities offered to large groups onboard.

Discounted Group Rates

If you book far enough in advance, our Travel Specialists can frequently offer a group rate that is lower than the early-bird discounts available to individuals. To qualify for a group rate, you must book at least 8 double-occupancy cabins, unless you sail on Princess, in which case you may need as few as 5 double-occupancy cabins. You will need to make a deposit on each cabin at the time of booking, a second deposit at a later date, and full payment 60-120 days prior to departure.

Start your search for a group cruise 6-12 months in advance of sailing if possible, and give our Travel Specialists time to negotiate a deep discount and handle all of the logistical issues and details involved.

Unless your group is very small, you probably will not be able to book at the last minute. Last-minute specials are typically very limited in number and sell out very quickly.