What's the best way to buy a cruise as an upgradable gift?

Question

Buying a cruise as a golden anniversary gift. I can afford bare-bones but wanted to make it upgrade-able if other family members want to contribute and allow them to change it however they want.

I've talked to a travel agent close to the recipients and one close to me. I like "mine" better but not sure it's the best option. The couple is older, one born in Canada (the departure country of the cruise) and one in Europe. I want to be very sure that someone will help them with their passports to be sure they can re-enter the USA.

Considered just opening a gift fund with a travel agent, but every time we give them money to buy something, they give it to "someone who needs it more". A travel fund would likely be used to buy tickets for their kids to come visit - but maybe that's their prerogative?

The anniversary is Dec. 20. The cruises I'm looking at depart n May or June.

Answer 1

We did something like this years ago for my parents on their 50th anniversary, only it was a trip to Hawaii rather than a cruise.  What we did was have a dinner celebration and give them a certificate that was good for a trip for two, air and hotel, any time they wanted to go.  We told them to just give us a date when they wanted to go and we would make the reservations.  They eventually picked a time that was about 4 months later and then we made air and hotel reservations in their names.  Then I sprung for some spending money for mom.

You could probably do the same with a cruise, except that you will get the best rate by making the reservations very early, like about now vs next March or April.  The cruise lines give the best discounts for early bookings.  You could go to your agent and pick a cruise week or two and give them some options to select from and also at the same time let other family members know when it is if they want to go at the same time.

Answer 2

I would suggest getting the cruise and putting it underdeposit only instead of paying it in full. Send out cards to the people that might be interested in going in on the cruise. Then once you have all the money in go from there.. They will be able to change their room cats up to day of departure but paying to upgrade if they wanted.. That is something that can be done at anytime on the Cruiseline's end of things.. But it might be best to do it before the cruise documents are sent and such to make sure things go as smooth as possible.

Another option would be to talke to the couple and get a feel for what they are looking for and such. Like if they have been on a cruise before what kind of stateroom they had and such to get an idea of what they would enjoy...

Another option would be to set up a gift registry.. I use to be a agent with AAA Travel and we had where you could book a cruise and you would get little cards that you could mail out. And then people would just call in if they wanted to perticipate. They also had gift certificates that are also a good option..

Answer 3

this site has very useful cruise info

http://allcruiselines.info