Family Reunion Cruises

When that urge strikes (and believe me, it will strike), you’ve got to be prepared with a plan of action. If you mention the idea of a “family reunion” to your family members without a plan, you’ll most likely end up with mayhem on your hands. The next thing you know you’ll have relatives camping out on every square inch of your floor, piling your sink sky high with dirty dishes, and making executive decisions with your remote control. In addition, you’ll become far too acquainted with the health problems and bodily functions of some of your senior relatives (Who knew that toenail fungus was so prevalent?).

So, what’s the plan of action? You’ve got to head off those pesky relatives at the pass and make sure they never plan that family reunion at your house. What’s the alternative? You’ve got to plan your family reunion on a cruise ship!

Cruise ships are the perfect setting for a family reunion. This is neutral territory, so people don’t feel they are imposing on others. It levels the playing field and takes away the control that can sometimes come into play when reunions are held on a family member’s “turf.” Plus, the best part is the cruise line does all the work — the cleaning, the cooking, and the entertaining. All your family members have to do is relax and enjoy their time together. Plus, lest we forget to mention one of the most important factors — the variety of activities onboard the ship and at the various ports of call is a perfect fit for groups who want to do some of their activities together and some separately. In other words, you’re not trapped in “family reunion” bedlam the entire time. You can take a breather at one of the many bars or lounges onboard your ship, catch a current movie in the ship’s theater, put on your dancin’ shoes for the disco, try your luck at the casino, or simply hide out in your stateroom and order complimentary room service.

If your family group has children, traditional reunions can be horrible experiences for kids! You know what I’m talking about — the endless “remember when” discussions they overhear about things they’re too young to understand, the frequent rebukes for running through the house making too much noise, and the obligatory playing with the dreadful cousins. Yikes! What kid would look forward to that? But, tell a kid they’re going on a cruise ship with a miniature golf course, a pool, a sports court, an ice rink, and a really cool kid’s activity program, and they won’t grumble about having to endure a few hours of interaction with the relatives.

Most cruise lines offer attractive rates for groups — and some offer special packages specifically for family reunions. With their all-inclusive approach (meals and entertainment are included) and hassle-free planning, booking your family reunion aboard a cruise ship is the only way to go.

Because there are so many cruise ships in the water these days, it can take a huge amount of research to determine which ship and itinerary would be the best match for your family’s reunion. So, before you plunk down the dough for a family reunion cruise, make sure you’ve consulted with an experienced travel agent — preferably one who specializes in group cruises. The service is complimentary (agents receive their commission from the cruise line) and you’ll save yourself a lot of time and hassle.

Having A Beach Vacation

Finding the perfect beach in your area is the key. If you’re inclined to think that’s it’s just like any other seaside escape, you’re greatly mistaken; this place has a charm uniquely its own. The local vibe is most certainly not similar to other beach towns in the country, and if you intend to bring your entire family with you for a holiday, you will find that it has more delightful provisions to ensure convenience for you and your company. Check out the advantage you can get from having a beach vacation.

  • You can have a choice of room accommodation. There is an impressive selection of villas, apartments, and rental homes to suit all budgets. All these boast of breathtaking views of the landscape and seascape.
  • You can enjoy the amenities provided. There are various amenities that enhance the natural charm of the location. In fact, many of the holiday rental provisions have their own tropical swimming pools if you don’t feel like heading to the beach, as well as tennis courts.
  • You can eat fresh seafood. Local flavours are delightful. If you wish to try the freshest seafood, many of the locally owned dining establishments here specialise in dishes that highlight the catches of the day.
  • You can shop at local shops. Colourful shops are aplenty and they dominate chain retail stores. You can easily find delightful buys in various spots throughout the area. If you wish to include retail therapy to your itinerary, for sure, you will not be disappointed with the wares produced by local entrepreneurs.
  • You can choose from a variety of water activities. There’s no shortage of activities here-surfing, hiking, scuba diving, biking, kayaking, golf, motocross, skydiving and so much more. It’s important to mention as well that there are artsy offerings in town and you can check local artists at work or displaying their creations.

Storing Your Boat

Beginning with the engine, check for the loose parts and fix them up. Lubricate the propeller shaft and fill the fuel tank with fuel and good fuel conditioner.
Talking about outboards, disconnect the fuel line and let it run until the motor stops. Use appropriate flush kit according to the owner’s manual. For inboard and inboard – out drive motors, make sure to flush the cooling system and drain all water from the engine. Change oil filters and refill them according to the manual.

Clean the boat thoroughly both inside and outside. Remove all the things you have on boat like electronics, life jackets, fire extinguishers, etc. Pump the holding tank for bathroom waste as dry as possible. Cover the boat in a way making sure the existence of air circulation. For outside storage, construct a tarp support system, that will prevent it from snow and rains.
Different ways are available for boat storage. Make sure to pick on a way which falls in your budget and is most convenient for you.

Trailering is one of the less – expensive less-expensive way to keep a boat in your driveway or backyard. A boat trailer has the added advantages of allowing you to boat on different bodies of water, and have delight days in winter to fish or cruise and can save fees for winter boat storage. Be sure to check your vehicle owner’s manual for safety rules, tips and complete instructions on boat towing capacity. This will help make sure you’re selecting the appropriate boating equipment for the model you’re buying.

Rack storage is for a good way for smaller boats. A rack storage facility keeps your boat in a covered shed filled with trailer-like cradles.
Boat Marina is the best way for the owners of larger boats and also for the owners of small boats who starve for convenience. Boat Marina offers many facilities likes connections for electricity, wash down water, telephone, Internet and TV at the dock. Boat marinas can be great fun as well, with slip-holders often getting together for parties, cookouts or just friendly socializing.

Cradles are also a good option. Provided , the cradle has been designed according to your boat. Never use a cradle designed for some other boat. It might damage your boat. Steel and wooden cradles are mostly opted for.
Shrink-wrapping your boat is an increasingly popular way to prevent weather damage and bird or rodent.

Analyze Costs Before Buy Boat

When you purchase a boat, the first decision is to buy new or used. Used boats obviously cost less but may have fewer features and more wear than a new boat. Additionally, new boats often come with warranties. Buying a boat is similar to buying a car and shopping around for the best deal and the best financing can save you a lot of money up front. If you’re buying a new boat, dealers often charge a “commissioning” fee to cover the installation of any special equipment, tuning the engine and other post-purchase items. You will also have to pay sales tax and some states have a personal property tax that must be paid on boats over a certain size.

Most boat owners a responsible about budgeting for the initial purchase and outfitting of their boats, but underestimate the ongoing costs, which are the bulk of the costs of owning a boat. Insurance is the most important of these costs and the most complex. Getting quotes from several companies will ensure you get the best rate. Also, agents that specialize in boat insurance will be able to help you understand any language specific to boats that you may not be familiar with.

Dockage is another ongoing cost, unless you are lucky enough to own waterfront property. Slip fees vary by size and amenities offered. For example, in San Diego a slip with water and electricity for a 32-foot boat costs around $300 per month. Many boat owners also do not realize that if they want to tie up at a different marina or dock than their own that there may be a docking fee.

Maintenance is such a persistent ongoing cost that it has become almost a joke among boat owners. Before you purchase your boat, you should study the owner’s manual and the manufacturer’s website to get an accurate idea of yearly maintenance costs. Maintenance costs include more than just engine maintenance. Consider the costs of replacing sun-faded fabric, hull painting and sail replacement as well.

Finally, you need to estimate gas costs. Many a novice boat owner has been tripped up by assuming that gasoline costs the same at a marina as it does at the gas station. However, gas costs are marinas are significantly higher than at the gas pump. Visit a few marinas to get a sense of what boat gas actually costs.

Divine Tetiaroa in French Polynesia

Not long after, Tetiaroa, which was once the retreat spot for Tahitian royalty, became the private getaway and sanctuary for the Hollywood actor, known for his eccentricity and monk-like attitude. He built a simple eco-friendly village, which consists of palm-thatched shacks. The village was carefully built so it does not take away from the beauty and innocence of the atoll. Brando renamed the island “The Brando” and entertained various guests, mostly archaeologists and ecologists.

10 years after Brando’s passed away, a Tahitian hotel chain decided to open up Tetiaroa to the world. Guests from around the world can now enjoy the beauty and solitude, which Brando discovered and cherished for many decades. These days, visitors are housed in 32 villas managed by exclusive resort also called “The Brando”. The villas are strategically located near the shore of the beaches around the Onetahi islet.

The resort is certainly more polished than Brando’s village, but it is sustainable in many ways. The breeze coming from the ocean remains as the cooling agent for guests sleeping in their “shacks”. Solar power and coconut oil are the main sources for energy. The villas are made of local timber and are equipped with indoor-outdoor bathrooms, small pools and terraces with a view.

“The Brando” is a versatile spot, in which you can decide to do as little as you like. You can spend the entire day lounging on the beach and enjoy the raw beauty of French Polynesia. But there are also facilities that pull you out of boredom if it arrives. Instead of motorized vehicles like jet skis and yachts, the resort offers kayaks, paddle boards, Polynesian canoes and snorkeling equipment. Since the whole atoll is surrounded by protected coral reefs, the snorkeling experience here promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

Although Tetiaroa exudes a castaway feel, staying here is not exactly like living at a bare minimum. There are two gourmet restaurants and two hotel bars that will keep you full and entertained every night. The atoll also maintains an organic fruit and vegetable garden, a boutique, a pearl shop and a luxurious over water spa. If you want to sweat it out, you may also use the resort’s tennis courts or ride bicycles through the woods. And if you just want to rest your tired body, avail of the daily spa treatments, which are included in the all-inclusive package you handsomely paid for.

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