Hosted game cruises all work in much the same way. If you lead a bridge club, a mahjong circle or a quiz league, you can use the same model for your own group.
The Building Blocks
| Element | How it usually works |
|---|---|
| Group booking | Cabins held together as a group, often with group terms once the group is large enough |
| Playing room | A meeting room, lounge or card room reserved through the line’s group department, sometimes for a fee |
| Schedule | Sessions mostly on sea days, lighter on port days |
| Equipment | Cards, boards, tiles and scoring supplies; ask what tables and set-up the line can provide |
| Host or director | A teacher, director or organizer who runs sessions and keeps scores |
| Prizes | Kept modest and within the cruise line’s rules on games for prizes |
Step by Step
- Choose dates with plenty of sea days and a ship your members will like.
- Ask an advisor to request group space and check room availability for your sessions.
- Set a deadline for members to book and pay deposits.
- Draft a playing schedule around the ship’s itinerary.
- Confirm equipment, room set-up and any fees in writing.
- Plan one group dinner or celebration to bring everyone together.
For contracts, group terms and release dates in more detail, see our sister site Group Cruise Planner. For an overview of other hobby and interest cruises, visit Special Interest Cruises.
Rules on Games for Prizes
Cruise lines set their own rules on playing for money or prizes outside the casino, and these must be respected by any group. Agree the plan with the line in advance, keep any prizes modest, and never let a private game compete with the ship’s casino. Your advisor can raise these questions with the line’s group department before you book.
Including Non-Players
Many game groups include partners who do not play. Leave port days free, schedule sessions so there is time for shows and dinner together, and make sure the ship has plenty for everyone else — from spas to shore tours. Partners interested in golf or sport may enjoy ideas from Sporting Cruises.
Budgeting the Group
Beyond each member’s cruise fare, list the shared costs: any charge for the playing room, equipment you need to bring or rent, prizes, printed materials and a group dinner or reception. Decide whether these are covered by a small per-person program fee or by the club, and tell members before they book. Clear numbers up front avoid awkward conversations at sea.
Organize Your Club’s Game Cruise
Tell us about your group — the game, the number of players and your preferred dates. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will request space and hold cabins.
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