Groups

Group Travel

When it comes to group travel, we’re your travel experts. Coordinating the trip is our specialty. Bringing in people from different cities, finding the best routing and rates, arranging the accommodations that offer the best values to everyone in the group and finding the trips that offer the best amenities. All of these little details are what we do best….things that often time aren’t available to the general public. Whether it is a contracted group or customized group, we will work with you from research, contracts, bookings, travel documents, excursions, and group events.

Group travel is perfect for:

Family Vacations / Reunions 6. Destination Weddings
Class Reunions 7. Spa Retreats
Girlfriend Getaways 8. Action/Adventure Weekends
Boys Weekends 9. Fundraisers
Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties 10. Business Trips/ Incentive Travel

Group Travel can offer additional amenities not available for individual rooms. A few examples of group amenities include*:

On Board Credits
Welcome Gifts
Special Dinning Arrangements
Special Check-In
Welcome Reception
Complimentary Upgrade or Complimentary Accommodations for Group Leader

*Amenities vary depending on cruise line or resort. Complimentary Accommodations also vary based on group size.

What amenities are typically included:

Stateroom or Suite accommodations
Gourmet Dining
Supervised Kid's Programs
Vegas/Broadway Style Shows
Entry to Nightclubs, Piano Bars, and more
Basketball and Fitness Center
Pool and Hot Tubs

What amenities are typically NOT Included?

Gratuities
Spa Treatments
Soft Drinks & Alcoholic Beverages (some cruise lines now offer daily drink packages for a fee)
Casino Gambling
Tours & Activities Onshore
Babysitting
Nominal Fees at Some Restaurants
Internet Access

Frequently asked Question regarding Groups
1) What is a Group Cruise?
A group cruise is 8 or more cabins. Almost all cruise have group rates and incentives. A few incentives that could be offered are:

Priority check-in
Special services dedicated just to the group
Flexibility in dining preferences
Packages to mark important occasions
Locations for parties / meetings
Beverage packages
Onboard savings and promotions
Earn free cruise, excluding taxes and port fees, for every 15 booked fares on a cruise, get a free fare, based on double occupancy, certain restrictions apply.
Custom shore excursions for groups.

2) The other travelers in my group would like to book on their own or through another Travel Agent. Is that okay?
We cannot say you're not allowed to do that, and we understand you want to give your business to a friend; however, we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to go through us ~Magnolia Grace Vacations. There's a few reasons why:

If you do not book through Magnolia Grace, you are not a part of "our group" and if there are any issues with the trip, we cannot help you. Also, we will not have record of you going, so you will have to us your Group Leader know you have booked so we can know the final numbers.
The resort /cruise line will not have record of you being part of "our group", so if there are any changes once we are there (i.e., it rains and the event location is changed), you will not be notified by the event coordinator.
If you book with an outside travel agent or on your own, the Group Leader (and you) do not get any of the promotional discounts ($$) that are available for booking our event at the resort / cruise..

3) What are the basics to planning a group vacation?

SELECT GROUP LEADERSHIP - Sometimes this leader is self-appointed, perhaps the person who came up with the idea of going on the cruise in the first place. Other times, the group appoints a highly organized and willing volunteer to make executive decisions, communicate with the group and enforce deadlines.
PLAN AHEAD… WAY AHEAD - It is often a feat to secure many adjacent cabins, group dining space, and adequate airline seats; the more advance planning that is available, the smoother the sailing. It is not unusual to beginning 15-18 months in advance for large organizations, 12-15 months for medium size groups, and 8-12 months for smaller groups.

MARK THE CALENDAR - There are so many deadlines, scheduling dates and events to remember…a well-organized group calendar is essential. We can set up a private social media group and calendar for all members to access, as well as sending direct notifications of upcoming important dates.
COMMUNICATE OFTEN - A good communication plan will keep every group member well informed and on target for planning. A group email campaign with information regarding, passport needs, dining options, dress code, travel schedules and activities agendas will be the best way to communicate.
GET EXCITED AND SHARE - The more the merrier; enthusiasm is contagious! Share your plans and invite others to join in on the getaway. We can help with delivering small marketing pieces and emails you can forward with all the details.

PLAN TO HAVE FUN! - It is your vacation, as well as a group getaway; plan some time to do what interests you. Sleep in, stay out late, try something new, dress to the hilt… whatever gets you giggling! If a bunch of those in your group are planning to do the same excursion, book the activity in advance. If free days are available, let all members know they are own their own to relax their way.
HIRE AN EXPERT AGENT - It is beneficial to work with one dedicated person and establish a relationship. If you book online, you can call the cruise seller, but you might talk to different representatives each time. As a Travel Agents we often have access to approved perks and know what amenities are available to groups. Depending on the number of people in your party, you could get some onboard credits, photo credits, complimentary cocktail parties, exclusive shore excursions or private meeting spaces.

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