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Creative Family Reunion Activities: Fun Games and Activities for Families

By Gathered Again

Some family reunions may be more laid-back. They might be a gathering where everyone is happy to eat, catch up with each other, and discuss fun memories. Maybe spend some quality time talking about grandchildren and what family members are up to.

But more formal reunions require well-planned and coordinated activities. If you have extended family traveling from around the country, you want to create excitement and amazing memories. If people make travel arrangements to attend your event months in advance, you need a solid planning process and activities everyone will remember forever. So, let’s add some creative activities to your family reunion!

Choosing Creative Ideas For Family Reunion Activities

So as you already know, there is a lot that goes into every aspect of planning a family reunion, and planning fun activities is no exception! So as you start thinking of activities for your reunion, here are some things to consider:

Generally, activities should match the family reunion theme if you have one. For example, a Pirates of the Caribbean theme could include pirate-related activities. These would reinforce the theme while providing enjoyment for everyone (even the spectators). Examples might include:

  • treasure hunting
  • sword fights
  • a sea shanty sing off
  • pirate-related trivia questions
  • pirate board games
  • and a best-dressed pirate beauty pageant

Themes Shouldn’t Stifle Your Creativity

A theme is only a general guide and should not restrict you from doing other activities or family traditions that may not necessarily be in line with the theme but guests enjoy. For example, if you have an annual bonfire tradition on the last night of the reunion weekend, don’t hesitate to continue with that tradition even if you decide to try an “Under the Sea” theme this year.

Don’t Accidentally Exclude People

Activities should be age-appropriate and appeal to the broadest range of ages and backgrounds possible. To be on the safe side, always have a variety of activities. A variety of activities is essential, so no one is left behind or feels out of place because they cannot participate.

Challenging activities are acceptable for specific groups but have activities appropriate for guests of all ages, skill levels, and abilities.

Reunion Conversation Starters

We have an article with over 80 family reunion conversation starters you can reference. Leave a card at each table with a conversation starter. This is a fun way to get people chatting.

The best part of this game is that it doesn’t require much prep work! Just print out some cards, cut them, and place them on the table.

7 Team Activities

What do you get when you put a bunch of families into teams and have them face off against each other in funny and quirky games? You probably will discover someone’s hidden talent.

Time to get out those matching family reunion t-shirts you made because it’s time to face off in these creative team activities!

  • Giant Hide and Seek
  • Paintball
  • Obstacle Courses
  • Minute to Win It
  • Trivia Tournaments
  • Family Feud
  • Tug-of-War

10 Cooking and Eating Competitions

The key to a successful family reunion is food! But how do you turn food into activities? Recipes and secret ingredients abound in every family, and a reunion is an excellent way to put the spotlight on your treasured culinary delights.

Reunions around the major holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter) would be great opportunities for cooking showdowns; invite attendees who love to cook to a cooking competition where the rest of the guests can taste and decide the best.

Keep the atmosphere light and happy, so no one leaves feeling defeated! If possible, give awards and special recognition to all participants.

  • Pie Eating Contest
  • Chili Cook-Off
  • Iron Chef (Reunion Edition)
  • Hot Wing Challange
  • Children’s Bake Sale
  • Or let the competitors make their family’s favorite food.

Fun Idea: Parent / Child Dessert Bake-off!

Kids like to bake and whip up their favorite desserts, such as pies, cakes, and other sweet stuff. You can schedule an afternoon reunion activity where the adults can pass on their baking skills and knowledge to the next generation.

This is an excellent time for bonding, and you also pass on valuable knowledge to the children (and may learn some of their food preferences). This also takes care of desserts for some of the meals. The kids will enjoy tasting their baked creations and hearing the compliments.

Other Fun Food Activities:

  • Pizza Kitchen – Each contestant gets a chance to make their own pizza.
  • International Confections – Have each group bake a different regional confection, such as Baklava, Briouats, and Kulich.
  • Ice Cream Sundae Social – Have an ice cream social with every topping under the sun.

7 Quality Family Time Ideas: Family History Activities

Many younger generations would benefit from knowing their family history and genealogy. But, unfortunately, many don’t know simply because they have not had the opportunity to learn and discover their roots.

Activities can revolve around ancestors, lineage, and critical milestones that would give the youngsters a deeper appreciation of their heritage. Bring out the old photos and albums, and have adults and seniors share stories behind the photographs and introduce those in the photos who may no longer be around or have played significant roles in society.

If you have a funny story or favorite memory, this is a perfect time to share it. You can talk about the most special times in the history of your lineage. Maybe even have a Q&A session for the younger guests and the elders to give time to the elders for answering questions.

Scrapbook

The whole family can contribute various mementos, photos, documents, and other things that can be kept in a scrapbook. In the future, guests can add more stuff to the scrapbook for every family reunion event.

Ancestral Tour

You can schedule a trip to the family’s ancestral home or property. In addition, seniors can tell stories of their favorite childhood hangouts, hobbies, and hiding places.

Photo Slideshow

Family pictures are one of our most critical glimpses into the past! So take some time to assemble a slideshow you can play towards the end of the reunion. I think the slideshow at the end of the reunion feels like the most appropriate time frame.

Family Tree

Bring a family tree to show, or perhaps assemble one at the reunion! It’s fun to see how many cousins we have, and it’s great to see how far back your ancestry goes.

Time Capsule

As important as the past is, it’s also good to think about your future. Have guests bring one thing they would like to include in a time capsule that you will open in the future. This will make for a very fun activity to look forward to.

Photo Booth

Consider setting up a photo booth with props at the reunion if you have the space. This will give tons of opportunities for funny moments and memories.

Family Photo Album

Have everyone take photos at the reunion and put your favorite photos in a photo album. Then, the kids can look through the book later and reminisce over the memories.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, planning a reunion is hard work. There are many details to manage, from finding a venue to figuring out who’s bringing what food to deciding which activities to include. But it doesn’t have to be stressful. On the contrary, it can be pretty enjoyable.

All you need to plan a successful reunion is a bit of creativity and a willingness to keep things lighthearted. After all, nobody wants to spend their vacation stuck inside a stuffy room playing board games. So, why not make a list of creative family reunion activities that everyone can enjoy? These ideas will provide plenty of laughs, from bake-offs to trivia contests.

5 Fun Theme Parks For Families To E...
5 Fun Theme Parks For Families To Enjoy

Utah Family Reunion Ideas: Ideas And Tips For An Unforgettable Reunion

By Gathered Again

Hosting a family reunion is one of life’s greatest joys. Whether planning a large gathering or just wanting to get together with relatives who live far away, there are many ways to celebrate. But if you want something unique, consider hosting a family reunion in Utah. There are plenty of fun things to do in Utah, including state parks, scenic hiking trails, and great family attractions.

We have a ton of Utah family reunion ideas, as well as numerous tips for how to host an unforgettable family reunion. We also provide numerous tips on how to avoid big problems when planning a family reunion in Utah.

Tips For Choosing Family Reunion Dates

You’ll need to choose dates carefully when hosting a big family reunion. Most families gather around holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. However, if you’re looking to hold a special event, you may wish to pick a date that doesn’t fall during a major holiday. That way, fewer people will travel during busy times and spend their holidays away from home. You might also be tempted to host your family reunion in Utah during summer because children are off from school, but summer is the busiest time for travel.

Things to Do Before You Book Lodging

Check for Large Events

Before you book any hotels or activities, you should check out the local area. Find out if there are any upcoming festivals or concerts that might draw crowds to your location. This is especially true in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and West Valley City, as that’s where the most significant concert venues are. Trust me; you don’t want to be in Salt Lake City during a Garth Brooks or Paul McCartney concert (unless you’re attending them, of course)!

Understand the Climate

Look into the weather forecast, too – especially if you’re planning on having outdoor activities. Make sure you know what kind of weather to expect before you schedule anything. Luckily, you don’t have to worry much about your event being rained out in Utah because Utah is one of the driest states in the United States, but snow is still something you need to consider.

Where to Stay

When selecting a hotel, always ask whether the distance between the airport and the family reunion location is convenient. Many airports offer shuttle buses, but if yours does not, you’ll need to rent a car or take public transportation. Some cities also offer shuttles directly from the airport to certain areas.

Transportation Options

Once you select a place to stay, you’ll need to decide how you plan to get there. Public transportation options vary depending on the size of the city and the destination. If you’re flying in from another state, you may want to consider renting a vehicle instead of taking public transit. Consider renting a car for your trip, or even staying near the airport. If you don’t want to rent a vehicle, ensure that cabs, Uber, Lyft, or some other form of transportation is available and services the areas you’ll be traveling to.

Utah Family Reunion Accommodations

From hotels to resorts, and cabins to camping, here are some great tips to consider when choosing your family reunion accommodations:

Choose Accommodations Based On Location of Your Reunion and Activities

If you plan to do any hiking or skiing, choose the accommodation that offers access to trails. If you plan to attend concerts or plays, check to see if there are hotels near the venue. Perhaps you’ll use a hotel’s event rooms to host your family reunion.

Choosing Hotels Based on Location and Time of Year

You may not know where to stay until after choosing your family reunion dates. However, you should choose hotels based on the location of your reunion and the time of year. For instance, if you’re planning to attend a family reunion in July, you might consider choosing a place near the beach. Or, if you’re hosting a family reunion in February, you might prefer a hotel closer to ski resorts.

Additionally, hotel rooms vary greatly depending on location. For example, a hotel near a ski resort may charge significantly more than one near a state park. Also, consider whether you prefer a quieter hotel or one close to restaurants and attractions.

Reserve Camp Sites and RV Sites Ahead of Time

Campgrounds and RV parks are usually booked up months ahead, especially if you’re trying to get a group of close sites. Most campgrounds offer discounts for booking multiple nights. Some allow reservations online, and others require advance bookings.

Finding Cabin Rentals

Cabin rentals are another great option for families looking to get away from it all. They range from rustic cabins to luxury vacation homes. Many cabin rental companies offer unique accommodations such as log cabins, yurts, and treehouses.

There are many ways to find cabin rentals. One way is to use a local vacation rental service, and there are many for Utah. Another option is to go directly to individual owners who rent their cabins out. Owners often advertise their properties on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other classified advertising websites.

Renting Houses on Airbnb and VRBO

Airbnb and VRBO are popular ways to rent a house or apartment for short stays. Both platforms provide detailed descriptions of each property and allow renters to rate their experience.

The Best Places To Host A Reunion

Utah has many beautiful locations perfect for hosting a family reunion. From national parks to historical landmarks, there are numerous options available. Utah State Parks is one of the best places to hold a family reunion. They offer everything from camping to swimming, making them ideal for any occasion.

Family Reunions At Utah State Parks

Utah has some amazing state parks, and they also happen to be the perfect family reunion venues. As of this writing, the Utah State Parks website has 46 state parks listed throughout the state.

Each park offers visitors something unique and special. From hiking trails to waterfalls, there is no shortage of things to do at any of these beautiful locations. State parks offer camping, cabin accommodations, and even RV hookups. They also provide access to fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking.

The 5 Closest State Parks to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Locations close to the airport are incredibly convenient for family reunions. Because of that, I’m listing the five closest state parks to the Salt Lake City International Airport.

Great Salt Lake State Park

Distance from Airport: 15 miles

This state park is only 15 miles from the SLC international airport, about a 20-minute drive.

This state park offers boat rentals, public viewpoints of the Great Salt Lake, and boat accessibility. The lake, whose salinity ranges from 2 to 7 times greater than seawater, is also a popular tourist destination for bird-watching.

East Canyon State Park

Distance from Airport: 37 miles

East Canyon Reservoir is tucked away in the mountains of northeast Utah, just south of Redrock Peak. Boaters enjoy its calm waters while fishermen come here to catch bass, trout, and crappie. Campers come here to explore the area and relax. But there is another reason why East Canyon Reservoir is unique—it holds a lot of history!

Jordanelle State Park

Distance from Airport: 42 miles

Jordanelle State Park is located just north of Heber Valley in Wasatch County. It features three distinct recreation areas: Hailstone, Rock Cliff, and Ross Creek. These areas provide various recreational opportunities, including picnicking, camping, and boating. If you’re looking for something different, try your luck at fishing or hiking. You’ll also find plenty of places to explore around the park.

Rockport State Park

Distance from Airport: 42 miles

Rockport State Park offers fishing, boating, skiing, and camping. There are five developed campgrounds and primitive sites available. You can also rent an RV or tent site. Ice fishing is allowed during the winter months.

Antelope Island State Park

Distance from Airport: 46 miles

Hike through the woods and past lakes and streams, then stop at one of the many primitive campgrounds scattered throughout the park. Spend your nights under the stars, listening to the sounds of crickets and owls while you enjoy the view. Take a dip in the lake or just relax on the beach. If you’re lucky enough to stay overnight, you’ll wake up to see a glorious sunrise.

Other Parks Worth Mentioning

While the above five parks are located closest to the Salt Lake City Airport, they are not the most famous of the parks in Utah. Here is a list of parks you should consider if traveling around Utah isn’t a concern:

  1. Zion National Park – Not only is this the most famous park in Utah, but it’s also one of the most famous in the United States. It is home to the famous “Big Bend,” a famous turn in the Virgin River. Overflowing with spectacular scenery, this park will take your breath away.
  2. Arches National Park – Home to the world-famous “Delicate Arch,” Arches National Park is a must-visit for anyone who wants to see the best of what Utah offers.
  3. Bryce Canyon National Park – Bryce Canyon National Park is located in Bryce, Utah. The park features hoodoo towers, colorful sandstone cliffs, and deep slot canyons. Visitors can hike through the park, climb its many trails, and enjoy the views from the overlooks.
  4. Canyonlands National Park – This gorgeous park features the famous Mesa Arch and the Island in the Sky district, which offers terrific scenic views.

Things You Can Do At The Park

You can enjoy many activities at Utah state parks and other parks around Utah. Some of the highlights include:

  • Hiking – Enjoy the beauty of Utah’s natural surroundings by taking a hike.
  • Boating – Many parks feature boat rentals, so you can take in Utah’s gorgeous views from a perspective most will never experience!
  • Fishing – Catch fish in the lakes and streams located throughout the park system.
  • Camping – Spend time outdoors under the stars in one of the campgrounds located throughout the park system.
  • Swimming – Take advantage of hot water springs at destinations like Meadow Hot Springs, the Red Reef natural water slides, or swim in the blue waters of the Sand Hollow reservoir.
  • Horseback Riding – Ride horses along scenic trails throughout the park system, or take lessons from experienced guides.
  • Kayaking – Explore the waterways located near the parks, or rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore the area yourself.

Utah Amusement Parks

There are several amusement parks located throughout the state that offer fun for all ages. Here’s a list of some of the best ones to visit:

Lagoon Amusement Park – Farmington, UT

Families love this park because they offer something for everyone. There are rides for kids, adults, and those looking for an adrenaline rush. Lagoon-A-Beach waterpark offers fun for all ages. And if you’re looking for entertainment, they’ve got plenty of shows and events throughout the year.

Cowabunga Bay Water Park – Draper, UT

Cowabunga Bay is an outdoor water park located in Draper, Utah. It features 11 slides, a lazy river, and inflatable spinning spheres. There is also a restaurant called Cowabunga Grill.

Evermore Park – Grove, UT

Evermore is an immersive experience unlike any other. You will step into a world of play for everyone, immersed in a fantasy medieval village of imagination. Enjoy delicious foods and treats while exploring interactive games and adventures like no other.

Splash Summit Water Park – Provo, UT

Splash Summit Resort is the former Seven Peaks Waterpark in Provo. It features over 15 attractions, including a lazy river, wave pool, tube slides, and water slides. They also have a few food stands to choose from.

Boondocks Food & Fun: Kaysville – Kaysville, UT

Boondock’s Food & Fun is an all-season family fun center in Kaysville, Utah. They offer a full-service restaurant, arcade games, bowling alley, laser tag, bumper boats, miniature golf, go-karts, batting cages, roller ball, a huge arcade, and the Kiddie Cove indoor playground.

Family Reunion Activities

While deciding where to go and what to do, you should also consider the types of activities that would appeal to your guests. Are there sports teams nearby? Is there a golf course nearby? Are there museums or art galleries close by? There are plenty of ways to entertain your guests, so try to come up with a few ideas.

Make sure you check out our family reunion activity resources, including:

Fun Ways to Celebrate Your Family Reunion

There are plenty of ways to celebrate a family reunion. Some ideas include games, themes, events, and cook-offs. Games such as relay races, tug-of-war, and horseshoe tournaments are fun ways to get everyone involved. Theme parties are another great way to bring out the creative side of each person attending. And finally, there are always food competitions!

Some examples of fun ways to celebrate a family reunion include:

Games

There are many board game options available today. Many families enjoy playing Scrabble or Monopoly. Other games such as Trivial Pursuit, Connect Four, and Uno are also popular. For larger reunions, you can consider games like family reunion bingo or look at our giant list of over 100 family reunion games.

Theme Parties

Have a theme party! Choose a theme that all members of the family can participate in. Examples of themes might include wild west, carnival, various decades (the 50s, 60s, 70s, etc.), superheroes, or periods such as medieval times or the renaissance. Check out our list of over 20 family reunion themes for even more theme ideas. Theming your reunion also makes planning your family reunion playlist.

Also read: 30 Great Songs For Your Family Reunion.

Talent Shows

Another way to celebrate a family reunion is to hold a talent show. Everyone has talents that they can share with their friends and family. Maybe there is someone in the family who plays guitar, sings, dances, juggles, does magic tricks, or acts. They could perform during the talent show. Here are some fun family talent show ideas.

Cook-offs

Cooking competitions are another fun way to celebrate family reunions. Each person prepares a dish using ingredients provided by the host. Then, each family member votes on his/her favorite dish. The winning dish is then served at the next reunion. Here are some excellent cooking competition theme ideas to try.

Movie Night

Watch movies together at a family reunion. Movies could be chosen based on the interests of the whole family. We have a great article that tells you my secrets to hosting a memorable family movie night!

Photo Contest

Have everyone take photos at the family reunion. Then, towards the end of the reunion, each family can submit their favorite photo for the whole reunion to vote on. The winner gets a prize. The best part of this idea: you can have everyone send you their photos, and you can assemble an online photo album of the whole event for people to enjoy and remember.

Swimming Party

Have one of the days be a “swimming party.” Utah is loaded with tons of gorgeous natural springs and hot springs. These are the perfect place for everyone to meet up and enjoy a fun day of swimming together.

Crystal Hot Springs – Honeyville, Utah

Crystal Hot Springs is located in Honeyville, Utah. It boasts the highest mineral content of all hot springs in the world. It is located just 69 miles North of Salt Lake City. Their pools are open year-round, so you can even enjoy them in wintertime, as you see people doing in this video:

Fifth Water Hot Springs – Springville, Utah

There are three beautiful waterfalls and several other natural wonders you can visit. There are several soaking pools you can enjoy.

Mystic Hot Springs – Monroe, Utah

Mystic Hot Springs, also known as Monroe Hot Springs, is located in Monroe, Utah. It offers fantastic surrounding views. This is a privately-owned location, and it’s often described as a “hippie campsite with a hot spring.”

Meadow Hot Springs – Meadow, Utah

Meadow Hot Springs is a fantastic place in Meadow, Utah. There are many different ways you can enjoy yourself there. If you’re looking for a nice swimming spot, then Meadows Hot Springs is worth checking out. Camping is also allowed here. Check out this great video that shows an overview of visiting:

Picnic

If the weather permits, why not host a picnic day? Bring food and drinks and set up a table or blanket under a tree or near a lake. Check out our family reunion picnic planning guide.

Campout

Set up campfires and cook s’mores around a bonfire. We have an article that gives you our top 5 tips for throwing a family reunion camping trip.

Conclusion

Planning a family reunion is no easy task. But once you’ve made your decisions, you’ll be able to relax knowing everything is taken care of. You’ll also be able to focus on enjoying your special occasion with your loved ones in the beautiful state of Utah.

80 Family Conversation Starters That’ll Get Everyone Talking!

By Gathered Again

If there’s anything that you should value most in your lifetime, it’s the gift of family. No matter who comes or goes in your life, whether they’re your friends, mentor, or significant other, it’s your family who, at the end of the day, you know will never judge or leave you hanging.

Despite the fact, it’s actually statistically proven that families with children over the age of 16 report that their relationships aren’t as strong as when the kids were at the ages six to eight.

For this reason, it’s only a given that we do our best to cherish these relationships whenever we have the chance. And we believe connecting with each other is one way to do so.

In this article, we’re going to give you a list of topics and family conversation starters, so you can communicate better and rekindle your bond. 

Whether you’re at an intimate dinner with your parents and siblings, or at a grand reunion with the entire family, below are some conversation starters to set the conversation rolling.

Family Conversation Starters

family conversation starters on Etsy shop
Get Your Conversation Starters Here!
  1. How was your day?
  2. What do you want to do today?
  3. What makes you happy?
  4. Is there anything you need help with?
  5. What are your goals?
  6. What are your passions?
  7. What’s your greatest fear?
  8. What motivates you?
  9. What’s your take on life?
  10. What did you accomplish?
  11. What do you think about school?
  12. How are your friends?
  13. What makes you sad?
  14. What makes you feel loved?
  15. If you had one super power, what would it be?
  16. What would you do if you won $1 million?
  17. What would you tell your future self, 5, or 10 years from now?
  18. Do you have any regrets?
  19. What’s your biggest petpeeve?
  20. What would you tell your past self?
  21. What’s one thing you wish you did but didn’t?
  22. What are you afraid to lose?
  23. What do you want to achieve?
  24. Do you look up to anyone? Who? Why?
  25. Who’s your favorite artist?
  26. What are your hobbies?
  27. What do you like to do in your free time?
  28. If you were president, what would you do?
  29. Name one country you want to visit the most.
  30. What’s your favorite animal?
  31. How are your classes?
  32. Is there anything you want to change in this family/household?
  33. Who are you closest to?
  34. Who do you go for advice?
  35. What are your aspirations?
  36. What do you want your life to look like in 10 years?
  37. Is there anything you’d like to do on your own from now on?
  38. Name one item off of your bucket list.
  39. What’s your purpose in life?
  40. What changes do you want to make to better yourself?
  41. What’s your favorite movie?
  42. What’s your favorite book?
  43. What do you like to do with your friends?
  44. Who’s your favorite fictional character?
  45. What’s your favorite show?
  46. What’s your favorite sport?
  47. If you could be the best at a specific skill in the world, what would it be?
  48. What’s your favorite subject?
  49. What’s your least favorite subject?
  50. If your pet could understand you, what would you tell them?
  51. What is something you’re proud of?
  52. What’s your favorite food?
  53. If you’re given a chance to recite a speech about anything, what would you talk about?
  54. What are some of the best things you’ve learned so far?
  55. What’s the biggest challenge so far that you had to overcome? How did you do it?
  56. If you had your own business, what would it be?
  57. What’s your favorite color?
  58. What do you like to daydream about?
  59. What does your dream house look like?
  60. Where do you want to go if you had an all-expense paid vacation?
  61. Who would you bring to travel the world with you?
  62. Name one thing you can’t leave the house without.
  63. Name one thing you hate that a lot of people like.
  64. Do you like pineapples on pizza?
  65. How do you make a decision when you’re torn between two options?
  66. What’s your favorite candy?
  67. Name one thing you like that a lot of people hate.
  68. If you had unlimited supply of food, what would it be?
  69. What does an ideal family look like to you?
  70. Name someone you can rely on for help.
  71. How do you show your love and appreciation?
  72. How do you want to be shown that you’re loved and appreciated?
  73. Give us an idea of your ideal date.
  74. What’s the most inspiring story you’ve ever heard?
  75. What’s your favorite quote?
  76. Are you fond of collecting? If yes, what do you collect/want to collect?
  77. If someone is in trouble and they’re in need of help, to what lengths are you willing to assist them?
  78. What’s the craziest dream you’ve ever had in your sleep?
  79. If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
  80. What do you want to advocate in your life?

Conclusion

We hope this article was able to help you come up with new topics to take on the next time you sit around at the dining table. If you wish to see more of our fun family activities, feel free to visit our Etsy shop for more content.

Until then, let this serve as a reminder to celebrate your highs and lows with your loved ones. Everyone is riding in the same roller coaster called life after all. Besides, you might be surprised just how much you could actually relate to each other, and how you just want what’s for everyone’s best interests—just like they do you.

Family Reunion Cruise Letter: All the Details You Need to Include!

By Gathered Again

A family reunion cruise is a truly fun thing to anticipate and plan for. But, don’t think that the only thing you have to do is plan the fun. You also need a great deal of diligence to make sure all attendees are aware of all things cruise-related.

This means that you have to be as detailed about the information as possible. Remember, you’re dealing with people who may be going on a cruise for the first time. 

We know that anyone tasked to write the family reunion cruise letter would be hard-pressed in finding the right words. 

Included in this article are tips on how to write one, as well as a sample letter. All you have to do is modify it to fit perfectly with your own family reunion cruise. 

What to Write in a Reunion Cruise Letter

Here is a list of items one needs to know when writing a family reunion cruise letter. Take note of the various parts of the items listed, and understand how it applies to your reunion cruise’s situation.

Opening Statement 

This usually begins with a typical salutation. If there’s a fond way each member usually addresses the family collectively, it may be very smart to use that. It gives an immediate sense of belonging to each recipient.

Booking Details 

Booking details vary on the mode of booking and payments. However, the common points in any booking are the installment payments due dates, available discounts for group and individuals, and money refund policies.

When writing the family reunion cruise letter, be clear if there are additional bookings aside from the cruise accommodation itself. For instance, it would be good to mention if there would be a hotel booking before embarking on the ship.

Required Documents

You would be traveling far away from home, so it’s important to bring your documents to avoid customs issues. The most significant document when crossing international borders is your passport.  

Be sure to remind family members to have their travel documents fully updated. If you don’t have a passport with you, you could bring the following:

  • Birth certificate for everyone, including children
  • Valid driver’s license or a government-issued identification
  • Marriage certificate, particularly for married ladies to avoid issues with name changes.

Parking Fees 

This is a needful reminder to those driving their vehicles to the port. Some ports have valet parking arrangements, but some do not. Make sure you clarify options such as availability of car or shuttle services at your chosen port.  

Provide a range of charges per night for parking fees, and a range of fees for each class of vehicles. Also, indicate if there are parking lot facilities for those with handicaps. And, if the cruise provides a shuttle service to and from the parking lot. 

Onboard Expense Accounts 

An onboard expense account is a cashless system for purchases and services aboard the cruise ship. You could either set it up through a credit card or you could also pre-pay through cash. An alternative is to set up one master account, then add in the rest of the family into it. This way, all purchases would be billed as one.

It’s also important to inform family members ahead of time to keep all transaction receipts on hand. A final transaction statement would be delivered to you on your last night on the ship.

Duty-Free 

Duty-free items are usually goods that have entered that country without the usual local import taxes attached. It’s legal on cruise ships because they’re sold to foreigners, and not to those living within the visited destination.

Ensure that the family members are aware of duty-free rules and regulations in the countries and ports. Also, keep in mind that shops tend to close while in port to abide by the local customs laws.

Gratuities 

Gratuities are small surcharges automatically added to the services on the cruise ship. These are voluntary and usually given only at the discretion of each guest. They’re a little way to express gratitude for the staff on board, who are working for your comfort throughout the cruise.

Hotel Reservations 

If there are families who choose to book hotels during stopovers, indicate the hotel reservation plans. Ask their opinions about it, and inquire whether they have their own hotel reservation or if they opt not to participate.

Registration Fees

If you have determined to have registration fees, indicate how much you should charge to know which minor expenses can be covered from it.

Family Cruise Attire

Emphasize the importance of a family cruise attire, as well as the dress code for certain occasions. 

Indicate arrangements for both formal and informal occasions.

How to Get the Word Out

You could easily send your letter digitally, through email, social media, or your own family reunion website. However, having a nice and colorful hardcopy can greatly enrich the experience when there’s a physical letter.

Sample Family Reunion Cruise Letter

Beloved family,

Greetings to you all.

Our family reunion cruise is fast approaching, and we are all so excited to embark on our family journey! Final touches are in place, so be sure to check our family website for any latest updates and feedback.

As our cruise date is nearing, I’d like to remind you of a few details we need to take note of.

Cruise Date: mm-dd-yy

Departing Port: (location of cruise port)

All in all there are (x) family members going on the reunion cruise. Our travel agent has provided booking identification for each one of you. So, please check your emails for your booking information. If you did not get yours, kindly contact me or our travel agent to resolve the issue.  

When you have received your booking details, kindly go to our cruise website to create an account. After doing so, you would be able to review your reservation and cabin number.  

Please note that this has to be completed (3) days before our sail date.

Bring your updated passport to avoid issues with customs. Alternatively, you must at least have an original copy of everyone’s birth certificates or valid driver’s license.  

Also, please note that the FIRST and LAST NAMES have to exactly match your reservation and travel documents.

Our rendezvous point for embarkation is at (location port). Please note that it (does/does not) offer valet services. Charges for long-term parking is $20.00 per day for cruise passengers. 

There is also a shuttle service that would pick you up at the parking lot, and take you to the cruise terminal.

If you have any questions please feel free to email me or our travel agent. 

We have set up a Master Expense Account, which is a cashless system for our purchases onboard. Please let me know if you’d like to be enrolled under the master account, so we could include you in it. 

Make sure to keep all receipts for the final statement of the transaction that would be delivered on our last night on the ship.

If you’re opting out of the Master Expense Account, you could set up your own by linking your credit card or cash payments. ATM machines are also available on the cruise ship. 

All items are duty-free while the cruise ship is on the high seas. However, please note that all shops would be closed when the ship is docked.  

I would also like to remind you that there would be gratuity charges. Although gratuity payment for waiters and housekeeping staff are voluntary, we suggest giving them at least $3.00 a day.

Next, in order to add more glitz to our reunion cruise and easily identify ourselves in the sea of other cruise-goers, we’re going to have a customized attire. Our formal attire would also be of matching colors when we have family dinners.

I also like to remind you that, in order to make all preliminary preparation easier and to cover minor costs, the planning committee has decided to have a registration fee of $5.00 for this year’s reunion cruise. This would cover the cost of postage, shipping, telephone calls, and other miscellaneous spendings.  

Please send your payments to (name of person) by (mm-dd-yy) at the latest.

Lastly, I’d like to note that the majority of our family members planned to arrive on the embarkation point on different days. So, we have opted not to reserve a specific hotel for the family. 

I would like to remind everyone that the family group won’t be shouldering all pre-embarkation reservations. However, the majority of our families will be staying at the (name and address of the hotel).

I hope that this letter would help you prepare well and make our trip as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

I look forward to a great time!

Conclusion

So, you now have all the vital information you need to write a fantastic and effective family reunion cruise letter. We are wishing you all the best, and hoping you have unforgettable fun on your cruise trip.Â