Although obtaining free travel isn’t exclusive to cruising, it is the most appealing and lucrative. We will address cruising free, as well as touring and flying free.

All cruise lines want “group” business. It is much easier to fill their ships with several groups than thousands of individual bookings. So, it is possible to “negotiate” an attractive discounted cruise price, as well as the ability to earn a free cruise based on the number of people in your group. A good rule of thumb is you earn one free cruise (for one person) for every 15 people you get to go with you (totaling 8 cabins at double occupancy). 15 people pay, the 16^th is free. Bear in mind, the cruise you earn is free. You are still required to pay the taxes and government fees. You are not limited to earning just one free cruise. Most cruise lines offer unlimited “frees” with the number of “frees” earned being based on the total number of paying passengers in your group. One free cruise for 15 people, 2 free cruises for 30 people, 3 free cruises for 45 people, etc., etc. The value of the free cruise(s) earned is determined by an average of the cabin category you sold to your group. Some people take the free cruises for themselves, while others will take the cash value of the frees earned and divide it among their group as an additional discount or as a shipboard credit compliments of the group organizer. It’s your choice.

There are exceptions to the 1 for 15 rule. Sometimes, we are able to negotiate 1 for 14, 1 for 12 or 1 for 10. It depends on the ship, destination and sailing date. More often than not, it is 1 free for 15, but you may be able to take advantage of one of the exceptions, if your sailing date is flexible.

Mountain View Travel specializes in group travel. We organize an average of 4 groups per month. Our groups range from 10 to 200 people. We have a great working relationship with all cruise line group departments, and in many cases, have our own personal group coordinator with the cruise line. Working one on one with our cruise line partner ensures a seamless experience for you and your group.

We can handle just about everything for you. We’ll negotiate the price and obtain a contract with specific cabin categories for you to offer to your group. We will prepare a customized flyer for you to distribute and provide you with brochures. We are available by phone or at our office to discuss any questions your friends or family may have. We will accept all payments, mail each person detailed invoices, and finalize the group with the cruise line. What do you need to do? Promote the cruise to your family, friends, church group, organization, travel club, neighbors and/or co-workers. Pass out the flyers and brochures. Consider a place for a Cruise Presentation and invite your potential group to come and hear about the cruise. We would be happy to address your group, answer questions, and bring refreshments and door prizes!

We can arrange your group any way you like. We can add transportation to/from the ship or airport from a central point in your community. We can include travel insurance and pre-paid shipboard gratuities. We can arrange for private cocktail parties onboard the ship during your cruise, complete with DJ for dancing, if you like (minimum group size required).

Is has been our experience the most successful groups promote a sailing at least 6 months in advance (9 months to a year is preferred, however). The more “lead time” you have, the better the price, cabin selection and time for people to plan.

There are black out periods for cruise group travel.

Tour companies offer specials for group travel, to some extent. Depending on the tour company, some time there is a small additional discount for groups of 10 or more. Frees are generally earned at 1 for 20, 30 or 40, depending on the tour company and destination.

Although we do some tour group business, not nearly as much as we do with cruises, for obvious reasons. Free tours are required to pay the taxes, as well as for their airline tickets, if applicable. There are black out periods for tour group travel.

It doesn’t matter is you have a group flying to New York City or Vatican City, airlines offer free air tickets for group travel, as well. They also offer “group rates” for a minimum or 10 passengers (depending on the airline). Some airlines offer one free air ticket for 20 people, while others are 25 to 40 people. Free airline tickets must still pay taxes. There are black out periods for airline group travel.

If you’ve never promoted a group before, we are here to help! We have introduced many people to the joy and advantages of arranging group travel. We will make you look good!

For additional information, please e-mail Susan at mountainviewtvl@aol.com