Best way to maximize your cruise potential

We have done one cruise with family. We did some things together, but mostly during the day everyone was free to do their own thing. We all met for dinner every night and it worked great for us. I hope your cruise works as well for you.

I always travel with my family! We usually do our own thing, with the exception of meals and excursions. Everyone HAS to go on the excursions and HAS to meet in the MDR for dinner. Everyone stays together in port, but since we've been to several ports before, we usually know which places to hit in terms of shopping. On the ship, everyone can do their own thing, provided that they meet for meals.

When we cruise with a group, we set the base itinerary, hotels, and shuttles. Once we're onboard, activities are up to each individual cabin to determine, and then we come together for dinner.

We have also cruised with large groups and have done what nlcdn does. We meet for dinner and talk about the next day and what we have done that day. It doesn't mean you don't see each other during any other time on the cruise. We also tried to coordinate before we set sail to meet up as we were coming from many places across the USA. My biggest piece of advice is don't try to structure the whole trip, you'll go "crazy". Give you best advice to the newbies and invite them to join you on an excursion or ship activity. Maybe stick with them the first day, but let them experience the cruise at their own pace. So far it has worked for us.

Never cruised with family but did with a bunch of friends. The only clear rule was that we always meet up for dinner and plan the next day. We all said what we wanted to do and if others in the group were like minded then we did it together. If not, then we went our separate ways to do whatever. The meet at dinner would then be a hearty discussion what we each did that day. We all had a great time.

Well, you have a big job ahead of you. Our last three cruises were with family members. First thing we did is have a meeting and have everyone put forward their ideas and tentative plans. Second thing we did was set up a plan for tours and excursions with each traveler putting forth ideas. Once the plans were agreed on, we met at breakfast and then planned when we would meet for dinner if all desired. Every cruiser has their own expectations so a little bit of give and take will be the rule for everyone.

We found that we did not need to meet and do things together and to date we have had no issues. We have a cruise booked for my wife and I in Feb. next year. There is interest from all the family to join us, and we will use the successful plans that worked in the past to get as many members on board with this cruise.

Good luck and report back the ideas that you end up using.