How about a combination of the two? That would be a real blow-out for the 50th anniversary. It could start with a NYC-port based cruise starting on a Saturday (most do). DS performers and personnel who can make the cruise, along with fans able to do the same, depart for a week of warm tropical seas, big drinks with plastic flowers in them, and sorted DS-related on-board activities. Meanwhile, back in NY, the following Friday the big hotel-based blow-out weekend begins. DS fans/cast/crew unable or not wanting to do the cruise portion begin the festivities. Saturday morning, the cruise ship docks (they always dock early; it's not uncommon for many passengers to still be sleeping) and by no later than nine or ten a.m., all have disembarked and for those fans/cast/crew who will be joining the hotel festival, there can even be buses ready and waiting (it can be sold in one of three ways: cruise/hotel combined; cruise alone; hotel alone). Everyone gets together, maybe even having a massive buffet luncheon as both combine, catching each other up on what's happened whether on sea or land, along with pics, "selfies" and videos. Oh, and yes, see if Alexandra Moltke and David Henessy can and will come. Since it is the 50th, invite everyone from '66, '91, '04 and '12. For the mid-centennial, if you're gonna go for it, go first class all the way. Make it four days - have it over the Labor Day weekend with the cruise the week before. Maybe they can see if there's a New-England-in-early-fall cruise (they already did Bermuda).
Gerard