Ask a Cruise Brother About Cruising

HOW TO TRAVEL FOR FREE

Dear Steve,
I'm a member of a bowling league and some friends are talking about taking a cruise together. I've heard that if I can get enough people to go, I may be able to go for free... is that true?
--Striker

You really can cruise for free. Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? Yes, but seriously, convince a group of people to cruise as a group, and you can go free! Many cruise lines reward group leaders who organize a trip of at least 16 people (in 8 cabins) with a free cruise for themselves (one free berth). If you can get 32 people (in 16 cabins) to book, you may earn a free cruise for a friend too (giving you one free cabin).

It's not hard. Think about friends and family, your bridge club, your bowling team, virtually anyone who likes to cruise can make up a group. Group leaders work with a cruise travel agent to determine the best trip, ship and itinerary that pleases everyone. Cruise lines offer special group rates and amenities that your cruise travel agent can explain such as exclusive cocktail parties, group shore excursions, special dining arrangements, meeting space, pre-paid gratuities and more.

Cruising is contagious, and remember the old TV commercial, "you tell two friends, and they tell two friends, and so on, and so on, and so on..." The groups grow year after year, and before you know it, you have become a bona-fide Group Leader. Remember, the more people you bring, the more free cabins you can earn. You can have your whole family going for free or share the wealth with other friends who recruit 16 people. The next time you're sitting at work waiting for quitting time, look around, count all the potential members of your next group cruise and start imagining that FREE cabin for yourself!