Some thoughts: I have done family cruises on Royal Caribbean and Carnival and find its not really fun for everyone. Royal was not really for kids and Carnival had way too many "all I do is drink on vacation" people if you know what I mean. Most cruise ships have separate family vs adult pools and areas (even Disney) so it really felt like isolated vacations. Also on a cruise it always feels like you are missing something. The list of activities is overwhelming and impossible to do them all. Meeting for Dinner would be great, but that is not a very long time together and land excursions are far too "get you in and out quick" to really enjoy family time.
I recommend an all-inclusive resort from Beaches or Rios. The list of things to do is not overwhelming, nobody gets sick, and guess what, everyone can stick together easily. I personally like Jamaica (Negril side) as the ocean is beautiful and swimming/snorkeling is something most people can do. You can do shopping and group excursions and golfing and they are much more relaxed. I have done the same in Aruba, but that might be a bit of a trip for most families.
Lastly, being in America there are lots of options for family connections. Someone mentioned Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge (love it), Sarasota/Bradenton is nice (lived there), you can always pay homage to the mouse in Orlando or tell them to stick it and go to Universal studios and Seaworld (Which I feel is better), I would also recommend San Diego for the Zoo, sea lions, beaches, Old Towne, and a bunch of things to do. Just something to think about.
RGAZ
