We need it all...

[alcina]

I am in the very early stages of trying to plan a family get together. There will be non-divers (I know, I know!) and divers (OK, just me, but several others snorkel like there is no tomorrow).

We need:
-not high end expenses so the most possible people can come
-a resort that offers activities & lazing around for those who have a very narrow comfort zone & don't like to explore
-an area that has things to do for the non-divers, the non-lay-around-the-pool all day types; golf would be good
-sun, sand and nice water to swim and laze in; shore dives are fine

Most are travelling from the MidWest (MN, WI, IA). We have not selected a month yet - that is actually pretty flexible at this stage as holidays aren't set yet and none are in college or school.

My vote's Cozumel simply because I want to go dive there again and hang out in my hammock, but there just isn't enough to do for the non-divers and the non-resorters.

 

[Natasha]

Well, I would always vote for Cozumel first, and there is plenty for non divers to do there, including golf.

But, if you think they will give you a thumbs down, how about an all inclusive resort in Jamaica?

There will be some diving for you, plus great beaches, all the water sports anyone could want, and shopping.

Another possibility would be the new Rivera Maya area..which is just south of Playa Del Carmen. I would pick the Gala Resort there, which is much like the Jamaica resorts, but better diving for you.

 

[alcina]

Thanks, Natasha! I'll look at those, too.

Maybe I missed stuff on Cozumel, but I really didn't get the feeling that there was much for a non-diver to do? Maybe one day around the Island (though ours was a bust) and one day to lay on a different beach? As a diver first, I probably missed a ton of good stuff!!

I should have said that it doesn't have to be "overseas" - US based might work, too.

 

[caymaniac]

I am in the very early stages of trying to plan a family get together. There will be non-divers (I know, I know!) and divers (OK, just me, but several others snorkel like there is no tomorrow).

We need:
-not high end expenses so the most possible people can come
-a resort that offers activities & lazing around for those who have a very narrow comfort zone & don't like to explore
-an area that has things to do for the non-divers, the non-lay-around-the-pool all day types; golf would be good
-sun, sand and nice water to swim and laze in; shore dives are fine

Most are travelling from the MidWest (MN, WI, IA). We have not selected a month yet - that is actually pretty flexible at this stage as holidays aren't set yet and none are in college or school.

My vote's Cozumel simply because I want to go dive there again and hang out in my hammock, but there just isn't enough to do for the non-divers and the non-resorters.

I see under your avatar you're from western Australia, and going to Coz. is alongggg ways. How about Maui, you could dive, hike, take the road to Hana, you could beach it , have a Lua (sp?), you could bike ride down a mountain and you could enjoy the town of Lahina. As far as diving goes, Molokini Crater is about tops in Hawaii and the snorkeling at Black Rock (by Kaanapali) is excellent.

 

[alcina]

Thanks, cay...HI is on the list and I think Maui is the destination of choice. Most will be travelling from Minneapolis or Sioux Falls and a couple have said that HI is too fa and/or too expensive, but I'm going to keep it in anyway, I thinkr...I am hoping to get a choice of three "final" locations and then take a family vote...I'm sure that will work really well :11:

 

[Natasha]

Thanks, Natasha! I'll look at those, too.

Maybe I missed stuff on Cozumel, but I really didn't get the feeling that there was much for a non-diver to do?

There must be a thread on non diver activities in Coz somewhere..but for now I'll try to make my own list since I have been there several times with non divers.

#1 Playa Bonita beach (sun bathe have a beer on the beach body surf)
#2 Swim with the Dolphins
#3 Visit the museum
#4 Shop
#4 Eat at all the fantastic restaurants
#5 Go to the very nice movie theater across the street from the soon to be Cozumel Palace AKA the old Plaza Las Glorias. ( Yes, I have been there and it is really nice)
#6 Para sail
#7 Take the ferry across to Playa
#8 Go to the ruins
#9 Snorkel, swim, go fishing, go on a booze cruise
#10 read a book, take a walk, go jogging
#11 rent a jeep and ride around the island (not a mope head)
#12 Take A 'Discover Scuba' Class that can be applied to an OW cert.

There are so many more things to do..I'm sure more people will chime in. Good luck!

 

[scubawife]

Getting together a family group is tough. We're trying to do the same thing. Several families, most with school age kids from coming from several different areas of the US and Canada.

I realized very early that I'm not going to please everyone and there's not much chance that everyone we want will be able to come. My approach is to ask a few questions first, without mentioning any specific destination or resort.

1. Top 3 travel dates
2. Kids? If yes, how many and ages
3. Accommodation preference - hotel room, suite, kitchenette, condo, etc?
4. How many rooms or units would your family require?
5. What's your maximum per person budget for the land portion? (air and incedentals are not included in this amount)
5. Any activity, sport, amusement, diversion, that you absolutely have to have?
6. Anyplace you've been in the past 3 yrs that you would never return to?
7. Most liked vacation - where and when.

From that I'll be able to narrow down to 2 options that I'll go back to everyone with and see which one gets the most interest.

Maybe if you could tell us what sort of activities you're looking for both on and off the property, any special interests, etc., that could help provide some suggested destinations and properties.

 

[scubawife]

Cruises are great for family reunions! They offer a variety of rooms types (basic stateroom to luxury suites and everything in between), a variety of activities (even ice skating, rock climbing, basketball, golf and mini-golf on some), the option to do nothing at all, entertainment and a variety of dining options. On an avg 7 day cruise you'll visit 4 or 5 ports. You'll have the option of taking an organized shore excursion or doing your own thing. Caribbean cruises will keep the diver and snorkelers happy.

Air to Florida from the mid-west is pretty reasonable. In the $800-1500 pp (cruise rate) you'll have lots of options on ships and itineraries. The cruise will include accommodation, food (some of the a la carte/specialty restaurants do have a $5-15pp extra charge), several on board activities and entertainment (large production shows, movies, etc.).

Depending on the size of your group, you may be able to get a free cabin and/or other special things like a private party or group photos included. A number of lines now have departments for helping with family reunions, special celebrtations, etc. You can either work with a cruise travel agent or directly with the line.

Royal Caribbean would be my first choice. I'd also look at NCL and Carnival (if you want more of the Vegas afloat atmosphere). Maybe Princess.

 

[Kat]

Here's a few more top side activities for Cozumel:

1. Chankanaab Park
2. San Gervasio Ruins - Very small but worth a look.
3. Punta Sur - Ecological park run by the government.
4. Palmitas Ranch - Horseback riding.
5. Dune Buggy Tour of the jungle.
6. El Cederal - Tiny little town on the south end of the island. A 1 hour visit is enough.
7. Personal taste testing tour of the various margaritas on the island.

There's still more to do, but after the taste testing tour, I can't remember.

 

[Natasha]

# 13 I forgot to add the underwater submarine for non divers to get a look at what see without putting a tank on their backs! :winky:

PS I like the cruise idea too. I've done three family cruises and we always had a blast.