Whether it be an extended family holiday, a special birthday celebration or a team getaway, travelling as a group can sometimes feel overwhelming to organise. Cruising takes much of the hassle away, allowing everyone to stay connected while still enjoying the freedom to holiday their own way.
The Clean Cruising team came together onboard Carnival Encounter for a Conference at Sea at the end of 2025 and it turned out to be a fantastic experience from start to finish.
Depending on availability and the length of the cruise, groups can arrange conference spaces, private functions and special events onboard. We were fortunate to secure a dedicated venue for our team’s end-of-year awards celebration, which provided the perfect setting to recognise the hard work, passion and achievements of our cruising team in a more private and personalised atmosphere.
One of the great things about cruising as a group is the flexibility it offers. While we enjoyed gathering together for organised events and evening meals, breakfast and lunch remained completely flexible, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy their own pace throughout the day.
Specialty dining was another highlight of the cruise and a wonderful way to celebrate birthdays and spend quality time together. Sharing meals in the evenings gave us the opportunity to reconnect, laugh and enjoy the atmosphere onboard after busy days exploring the ship and activities.
Cruising also caters exceptionally well to different budgets and travel styles within a group. Some guests may prefer the affordability of an inside cabin, while others enjoy the added space and fresh air of a balcony stateroom or even the additional inclusions that come with suite accommodation. It makes group travel much more accessible, as everyone can choose the experience that best suits them.
Carnival’s “Choose Fun” atmosphere certainly lived up to its reputation. Some of our team embraced their competitive side racing down the Twister Waterslide, while others became fiercely invested in the onboard trivia competitions. The comedy shows also proved popular and gave us plenty of laughs together throughout the cruise.
One of the standout evenings was the 80s-themed deck party, which gave everyone the perfect excuse to dress up in colourful retro outfits and dance the night away under the stars. Two members of our team were even selected for a dance battle in front of the crowd, creating one of the funniest and most memorable moments of the cruise.
Our team also organised a scavenger hunt, dividing everyone into smaller mixed groups so people could connect with colleagues outside of their immediate departments. It turned out to be a brilliant icebreaker and an entertaining way to explore the ship while encouraging teamwork and plenty of laughs along the way. By the end of the activity, nobody had any trouble finding their way around the ship.
Adding to the atmosphere was the timing of the cruise, which took place just as the Christmas season was approaching. Carnival Encounter had already been beautifully decorated for the festive period, with Christmas decorations adding an extra sense of celebration and fun throughout the voyage.
What stood out most from the experience was how effortlessly cruising allows groups to spend meaningful time together without everyone needing to follow the exact same schedule. There was always the option to join activities as a group, break away into smaller circles or simply enjoy some quiet time alone before reconnecting later in the day.
It is certainly an experience our team will be talking about for a long time to come and one that will be difficult to top.
If you are considering travelling as a group, cruising is an excellent option worth exploring. On Carnival, group bookings can often be arranged on cruises from as little as three nights, making them ideal for celebrations, corporate events or social getaways.
By securing a private group through Clean Cruising, guests may also enjoy exclusive group benefits depending on the size of the booking. These can include onboard credit, a bottle of wine or even a private cocktail function. One of the most rewarding advantages for larger groups is the opportunity to earn a credit toward a free guest fare, excluding taxes and fees, when at least eight twin-share cabins are booked.
