Planning a family or military reunion

Start a reunion 12 to 18 months out. That gives relatives and veterans time to save, request leave and book flights, and it gets you first pick of hotels or cabins.

Hotel reunion or reunion cruise?

Both work. The right one depends on your group.

A hotel reunion suits:

• Military unit reunions built around a banquet and a hospitality room
• Groups with members who can't or won't fly
• Reunions near a base, hometown or memorial

A reunion cruise suits:

• Families spread across the country who want a vacation, not just a weekend
• Mixed ages, since a ship has something for kids, parents and grandparents
• Groups that want meals and entertainment included in one price

The hospitality suite is the heart of a reunion

For most military reunions, and plenty of family ones, the hospitality room is where people actually spend their time. It's a suite or meeting room reserved for the group to gather in between events. Ask for it when you set up the room block, along with a room for a Saturday banquet if you're planning one. Hotels are often more flexible on these when the room block is a good size.

Set up a courtesy room block

Relatives book at different times, and some will stay with family. A courtesy block holds rooms at a group rate until a cut-off date, and the organizer owes nothing for rooms that go unbooked. Hotel room blocks explained covers courtesy and contracted blocks and what attrition means.

Keep it fair for every budget

Reunions mix retirees on fixed incomes with young families. A few things help:

• Payment plans for a reunion cruise let people spread the cost between deposit and final payment.
• Two hotels at two price points for larger reunions.
• A drive-to cruise port removes airfare for many members.
• Clear costs up front. Share the deposit date, final payment date and what's included in the first announcement.

Get the word out early

Family reunions spread by group text and social media. Military reunions often go through unit associations, newsletters and veterans' groups. Send a save-the-date a year out, then the booking link and cut-off date once the block or cabins are secured.

Plan a few shared moments

A welcome gathering, a group photo, one banquet or group dinner, and a memorial moment for those who've passed cover what most reunions need. Leave the rest as free time.

Ready to look at hotels or sailings? Start a reunion request.