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Frequently Asked Questions
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Why travel with a group?
Experiencing the culture, cuisine, adventure and sites of a foreign
destination with others is the main reason that group travel has become
so popular. Modern travelers see great value in the shared experience
of a group vacation. They get the chance not only to savor their
vacation destination, but they have the opportunity to connect with
others. Shared experiences are a wonderful thing, and create a bond
between travelers that often lasts a lifetime.
What are the benefits of traveling with a group?
Group Pricing and Amenities: Often suppliers give a rate to groups that is lower than is available to
individual travelers. In addition, suppliers frequently give group amenities
such as wine, group cocktail parties, professional photos or shipboard credit.
Safety: You probably remember your Mom telling you when you were a kid that there is
safety in numbers. Well, she was right. Going to a foreign country can sometimes be an
intimidating experience and one that causes anxiety or even fear.
Traveling in a group can help to alleviate those feelings, giving you peace of mind and
the freedom to relax and enjoy your vacation.
More Choices: Life really is like a box of chocolates... full of choices and wonderful
surprises. Traveling with a group is the same. It's common for a group to
divide up based on interest for shore excursions (for
cruisers) or day tours (for land-based trips). It's easier to accommodate
different interests when there's a group of people participating.
Shared Memories and Experiences: Some memories fade quickly (like what we ate for dinner last night, or the last
movie we saw at the theater). But, other memories last forever. Vacation
memories are the type that last a lifetime, and are recalled the most. Going on
vacation with a friend or family member creates a bond of shared memories and
experiences that you can talk about for years to come.
What constitutes a group?
Groups take many shapes and forms. A group can be friends
who'd like to spend time together bonding, or members of a club or
association who want to get to know one another better. Group
travel is the perfect answer for family reunion groups too.
Any situation where people come together with a common interest
there is the opportunity for a travel group. Most travel
suppliers have minimums for what they consider a group, but these
minimums vary. Your agent can help you find a vacation supplier
that will work best for the size of your group.
How is Sapphire Cruises Different From Other Travel Agencies?
There are a couple of things that
set us apart from traditional travel agencies.
- First, our main emphasis is working with groups.
We have invested the time to become group experts and we bring that
knowledge to the table when we help plan travel for your group.
- Second, our online meetings and home meetings
are unique in the industry. Getting together with friends or
associates (whether in an online room, or a living room) is
a convenient and comfortable vehicle to present travel to your
group. The more relaxed your guests feel, the more likely they will be
to participate.
- Third, we partner with our group leaders
and offer incentives as compensation for their assistance. In most
cases that means you would receive either a complimentary cruise (less
taxes and port charges), a reduced rate for an all-inclusive resort or
tour package, or a rebate for a portion of your fare when you
return from your trip. Again, we greatly value the partnership we have
with our group leaders and always compensate them with incentives
that reflect our appreciation.
- Fourth, there is continuity throughout the
entire process of planning your group vacation. You will work with the
same agent from start to finish. Your agent will walk you through the
process -- step-by-step and answer any questions you have.
- And lastly, the client-only area of our website
sets us apart from other travel agencies. In addition to other
features, your group will have its own password-protected forum on our
message board where your agent can distribute information and answer
questions. The message board allows your group to stay in touch (and
informed) prior to the trip.
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