What is “Group Reservations”

Before dialing, it helps to understand what “group reservations” means in the cruise context:

• It usually covers the booking of multiple cabins/staterooms under one contract.

• It might include special pricing, room block management, or coordinated arrangements (onboard services, dining, excursions) for a group.

• Typical groups include families, clubs, tour operators, or corporate/institutional entities.

Knowing this helps you speak with clarity when you call.

Phone Number for American Cruise Lines Group Reservations

The phone number you would use for U.S. reservations, which also serves group bookings, is:

800-460-4518 (toll-free in the U.S.) americancruiselines.com+1

If you are calling from outside the U.S., there is another line you can use: 203-458-5700 for international calls. americancruiselines.com

When to Call / Best Times

To improve your chances of getting a helpful response:

• Call during business hours (Eastern Time). ACL’s U.S. reservation office is generally open from early morning to evening, including weekends (but with reduced hours on weekends). americancruiselines.com+2americancruiselines.com+2

• If possible, avoid right at opening or close times (when lines may be busiest).

• Have a list of your group details prepared before calling (number of people, dates of travel, cabin types wanted, any special requests).

What to Prepare Before Calling

Here are items and info you’ll want ready before your call so that the group reservation discussion goes smoothly:

1. Group Size: how many people, how many rooms/cabins.

2. Travel Dates or window of preferred dates.

3. Cabin Types: what class or type of cabin your group prefers.

4. Special Requests: dietary needs, mobility-accessibility, excursions, etc.

5. Contact Information: name, email, phone number.

6. Payment Information or Plan: method of payment, deposit expectations.

7. Questions Already in Mind: price per cabin, cancellation policies for groups, discounts, group amenities.

Having this ready keeps the conversation focused, efficient, and helps get you a clear quote/agreement.

What to Say on the Call

When you reach the reservations or group specialist, here’s a template you might follow verbally (you can adapt it):

“Hello, my name is [Your Name]. I’m interested in booking a group reservation for American Cruise Lines. We have about [number] people, would like [number] cabins of [type/class] for ~[dates]. Could you tell me what group rates or availability you have, and what deposit or cancellation terms apply for groups? We also have [special requests, if any].”

Make sure to:

• Be clear you are asking about group reservations.

• Ask about perks or special policies for groups (it could be different than standard individual bookings).

• Confirm what deadlines or cut-offs there are (for deposit, final payment, number of guaranteed rooms, etc.).

After the Call: Follow-Up

After your initial call, take steps to ensure everything is documented:

• Ask for a written quote or proposal. This helps avoid misunderstandings.

• Get the name and contact information of the person you spoke with.

• Request or confirm rate terms, cancellation terms for group, and any group deposit policies.

• Check whether there is a group contract, and read it carefully (especially fine print).

What Happens If You Need to Escalate / Negotiate

Sometimes group bookings involve negotiation or clarification, especially with larger groups. Here's how you can handle that:

• Ask if there is a group sales manager or group relations specialist you can speak with—it may be someone different from the standard reservation agent.

• Be ready to share anticipated volume, frequency (if you plan multiple cruise bookings), or special arrangements; you may have leverage if you bring more business over time.

• Confirm any reductions in rates, complimentary services, or upgrades that may be possible for groups.

Typical Group Policies You Might Encounter

When dealing with group reservations, some policies are commonly different from individual reservations. Be aware of them:

• Deposits: groups often require a larger up-front deposit.

• Guarantee of Rooms: you might need to commit to a minimum number of cabins by a certain date.

• Cancellation Terms: these may be stricter for groups.

• Name Changes / Rooming List Deadlines: how far ahead you need to provide the names for each cabin.

• Meal / Excursion Arrangements: groups may have special dining arrangements or options for group excursions.

If Issues Arise / Clarifications Needed

Should you find points of confusion or disagreement after your first contact:

• Write everything down: dates, names, what was said.

• Send a follow-up email, referencing the phone call, summarizing agreed terms. This creates a written record.

• Ask for your written contract or confirmation and review carefully.

• If needed, escalate to a supervisor or group sales manager within ACL.

Examples of Group Reservation Use Cases

Here are some scenarios to illustrate how group reservations with ACL might work:

• A family reunion of 20 people booking 10-12 cabins for a river cruise.

• A school or senior group coordinating several rooms and a special itinerary.

• A corporate retreat using a cruise as part of their program.

In each case, having good communication, clear numbers, and an understanding of group policies helps.

Other Contact Options

While the phone number 800-460-4518 is primary for U.S.-based reservations (including group), you might also:

• Contact via email if ACL provides a group or reservations-specific email address (you can ask for that when on the phone).

• Use official contact forms on their “groups” or “travel advisors” pages of their site.

• If you’re outside the U.S., use the international line (203-458-5700) or ask about toll-free access from your country.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure the process goes smoothly, avoid these pitfalls:

• Waiting too late to reserve: group cabins may fill up.

• Not reading the contract: small print can hide cancellation fees.

• Assuming individual policies apply to group bookings.

• Not confirming prices in writing.

• Not keeping track of deadlines (payment, names list).