Here’s how I pulled off the trip of a lifetime.

The public can also book cabins on a partly chartered ship.

We went with a part-charter option for 10 cabins initially, but ended up with 28 filled.

Munster Cathedral in Basel, Swizterland

Credit:emicristea/Travel + Leisure

Our priority was making the trip as accessible as possible to as many of our loved ones as possible.

Below are some tips for helping your trip go off without a hitch.

Dont poll.

A woman standing on the dock in front of the Amasena river cruise

Skye Sherman/Travel + Leisure

Yes, I said it: Dont ask for opinions.

Everyones going to have a different perspective and youll overwhelm yourself trying to cater to them all.

Create a website.

A group of friends around a table during Christmastime

Skye Sherman/Travel + Leisure

Think of it as a wedding website, but for your group trip.

Organize, organize, organize.

When it comes to your role as acting-travel-agent-in-chief, Google Drive is your friend.

Winter scene of the Amstel river in the center of Amsterdam

roevin/Getty Images

Check your passport.

You know whats not fun?

Being on the hook for a traveler who cant find their passport or neglected tocheck its expiration date.

Enchanting Rhine AmaWaterways route

Skye Sherman/Travel + Leisure

Remember, some countries require six months of validity on a passport.

Encourage early arrivals.

Create a group chat.

A street decorated for Christmas in Alsace, France

Skye Sherman/Travel + Leisure

WhatsApp, Telegram, and Slack are all good options.

A group of friends in Europe together

Skye Sherman/Travel + Leisure

30th Birthday Bash Website

Skye Sherman/Travel + Leisure