ECB I like them! I don't think I said I didn't? The Christmas we all spent most of our time at 1 house and while we were down 3 kids (unborn) at the time it was still crazy but totally fun. I like the hub-ub.
Oops sorry. I got Nomad's responses mixed up w/ yours. Doh.
Post by cabbagecabbage on May 29, 2015 8:52:55 GMT -5
I have no interest in cruises and I need an escape valve on family trips even if it's 2 hours "running into town" for an "much needed" item. I wouldn't choose cruise.
Sure. I wouldn't choose a cruise on my own, but if the majority ruled, I would go along with it. It aeems like an easy solution for a big group because there are so many activities. People can spend as much or as little time together as they want, and not have to worry about logistics of planning activities.
ETA: Not a Disney cruise though. Not even if it were free. lol.
We did this a few years ago and it was awesome. We coordinated dinner, activities and excursions together and still had our down time. You only really sleep in the room and the rest of the time is out and about on the ship or your cruise stops.
I will also add that on a cruise ship if you need a "break" from family time you can go to another area of the ship or just go to your room. In a beach house that is harder to do.
As long as everyone can do their own thing and you're on a large ship, yes definitely. If everyone will be up your butt, no way.
This has been the best one ever. My parents are here too. We've all done our own thing during the day and gotten together for excursions and dinner/meals. M has played in the kids zone and played with each of us.
If we all had to be together 24 hours, then is never want to do it again.
I've never been on a cruise but I wouldn't be opposed to this. I don't think any of you would be hanging out in your rooms much. I feel like it would be easier to escape family if you needed to. Plus, bars and daycare. Huge bonuses, imo. Lol.
But if you prefer low key, everyone hanging out at the beach, lots of togetherness, that sounds good, too. Since it sounds like you'll go with whatever the majority wants, it can't hurt to at least state your preference!
I would like it because a cruise ship is big enough that you can all do your own thing when you want, and come together for meals if you want to, too. We were on a cruise with family a few months ago (not on purpose - they just happened to book the same trip) and we only saw them three or four times all week. Plus, cruise ships usually have awesome kids clubs so the parents can have some free time.
God no. We did a cruise with my in-laws years ago and it was terrible. I know people talk about cruise ships being big and all, but they aren't big enough as far as I'm concerned. I'd much rather be at a single spot where I can hop in a car and get away for a bit as needed.
Post by ninjabridemom on May 29, 2015 10:10:47 GMT -5
Poo-poo'ing SIL just opted out. (They want to go to Disney for their own family vacation that year) I doubt this will happen as a big family reunion, but maybe a smaller vacation w a few families. Which is much easier to plan lol. And much easier to steer away from cruises!!
Bummer, though, I like when we all get together. We have 3 new family members since the last big family pic!!
The only way I'd go on a cruise would be if were adult-only. That being said, if I had to pick between a cruise or a sharing a house? Yes to the cruise. My immediate family shared a beach house a few years ago and it sucked. No privacy whatsoever. I'd rather have my own room and bathroom on a cruise ship than be forced to share one house together.
Post by onesweetworld on May 29, 2015 10:39:10 GMT -5
I've been in one cruise - not a fan. I wouldn't think it would be ideal for a big family reunion. Too many other people will be in the way, no privacy, sharing the pool and all that. I was also PARANOID about M falling off the balcony. Never again.
I've often thought a cruise would be a great family reunion simply because planning and coordinating a trip for a group that large is A LOT of work. Lodging and activities need to be planned, and making sure everyone is fed is a huge undertaking. With a cruise everything is taken care of. Which means, everyone, including the planner can just show up and relax.
Post by goaskalice on May 29, 2015 11:41:28 GMT -5
We just did that last year. 21 people and we did one off the boat excursion together and ate dinner together most nights. Otherwise each family was on their own and we all LOVED it.
Yes. I've only been on one cruise, but it seems like it would be fun for a family reunion. The ships are big enough that you don't need to hang out all the time, but then you have people to eat with and do activities with if you want. I'd just make it clear that I don't expect to spend 24/7 with them. It actually seems less overbearing than a resort or something like that.
Post by themysteriouswife on May 29, 2015 11:45:51 GMT -5
Only if my room was a deck or five away from everyone. We traveled with the ILs. SIL stayed in our tiny ass room instead of her cabin next door. I need space
Post by sandyapples on May 29, 2015 11:46:51 GMT -5
I literally got off of a cruise ship 4 hours ago and I think it's a great idea. Lots of activities, you can stay on the ship or get off, kids clubs, no arguing about chores or cooking assignments, sounds perfect to me. I saw lots of family groups. I wasn't even a a huge mega ship and it would have been easy to spend lots of time away from family you want to avoid. There are like 20 different places you can hang out.
Only if my room was a deck or five away from everyone. We traveled with the ILs. SIL stayed in our tiny ass room instead of her cabin next door. I need space