TAPS Caribbean Cruise
August 18 - 25, 2018
All survivors are invited to join us on our TAPS Caribbean Cruise.
Get ready to set sail with your TAPS family. We're thrilled to once again offer a unique opportunity for survivors to connect with one another in a new setting. This self-funded cruise will be a chance to relax, heal and creating lasting friendships with fellow survivors.
OVERVIEW
The TAPS Caribbean Cruise aboard the world's largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and cruise to Nassau, the Bahamas, St. Thomas and finally St. Kitts and Nevis before heading home.
Check out photos from the inaugural TAPS cruise to see what this trip is like.
The Ship
The Harmony of the Seas is packed with fun and has a number of features to keep guests of all ages entertained. If you're looking for activity and adventure, you can enjoy the ship's water slides, rock climbing walls, surf simulators or zipline. Want a more relaxing retreat? Lounge around the pools or enjoy the spa. You'll also find a variety of dining options, shopping, comedy and production shows, entertainment for kids and more. Visit the Royal Caribbean's website to learn more about the ship.
TAPS On Board
We know that healing is found when surrounded by peers who understand. While on board, TAPS will have a variety of programs and activities available for you based on relationship or loss, and we'll gather as a group each evening for a TAPS family dinner. We'll also have a survivor sanctuary that will serve as our home base where you can always connect with TAPS staff should you need any emotional support.
When we reach each port, you'll be able to explore the islands. TAPS will also offer organized group shore excursions that will be announced closer to the cruise.
SCHEDULE
Day 1: We'll set sail from Fort Lauderdale at 4:30 p.m. As we sail to the Bahamas, there will be opportunities for us to come together as a TAPS family for meals and in a private TAPS meeting room where we can share stories of our heroes and enjoy each other's company.
Day 2: The ship will dock at Nassau, Bahamas, for the day.
Day 3: We'll spend the day at sea as we cruise to our next destination. You'll get to explore the cruise ship and take advantage of its many features.
Day 4: The ship will dock at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and you'll get to enjoy the island.
Day 5: We'll spend the day at our next destination, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis.
Day 6-7: As we sail back to Florida, you'll once again have the opportunity to enjoy all that the ship has to offer.
Day 8: We'll disembark in Fort Lauderdale and say our goodbyes.
TRIP FEES
Self-funded travel opportunity costs are not covered by TAPS. The cost of the cruise is $1,219 per person based on double occupancy for an ocean-view balcony cabin. This price includes dining, onboard entertainment and activities, youth and teen programs and access to a fitness center. This doesn't include your transportation to and from Fort Lauderdale or passport fees. Taxes and government fees of $108 and gratuities of $95 are additional. Gratuities are mandatory and are split up among your cabin steward, wait staff and other cruise line staff. You won't have to tip any of the staff during the cruise unless you feel they have gone above and beyond their regular duties.
A deposit of $250 per person or $500 per cabin is required upon reservation, and the trip must be paid in full by Monday, May 7.
If you wish to have more than two people in a cabin or if you would like more information on pricing for a different cabin category, please contact the TAPS travel consultant, Tamra Sipes, at 360-914-0800 or tamra.sipes@taps.org. If you're traveling alone, we can try to pair you with a roommate. If you would prefer a single room, please indicate that on your registration form and understand this will add additional costs to your trip.
Travel insurance is also available at an additional cost. The insurance is intended to cover a trip cancellation should a medical emergency arise. We encourage you to purchase travel insurance if you're concerned that your health could cause you to miss the cruise.
LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION
You’ll need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Fort Lauderdale. Please plan to arrive in Fort Lauderdale before 3 p.m. on Aug. 18.
Our lodging will be on the ship for all seven nights. The Royal Caribbean is happy to meet accommodations for those who wish to have a different room or more people in a stateroom.
REGISTRATION DETAILS
To reserve your spot on this trip, please submit a registration form. Spots for the trip will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
Please contact the TAPS travel consultant, Tamra Sipes, at 360-914-0800 or tamra.sipes@taps.org for any additional questions.