If you have a question, we have an answer! In fact, its likely that someone else has already asked the same question. Please look through the questions and answers listed below. If your question remains unanswered, What does a "sober vacation" mean?
It means that, as far as we can possibly tell, on any trip or event created by Sober Celebrations the top priority of the circle of attendees will be in maintaining sobriety under all circumstances anywhere in the world.
Will everyone on a Sober Celebrations trip be "sober"?
Not necessarily. We have learned the meaning of the slogan, "Live and Let Live" and can live, work and play in harmony anywhere. Even if we reserved an entire ship for its total capacity of 3,000 guests, there would still be 1,000 or so crew members not in recovery. There’s always somebody! In fact, in the spirit of sharing a life of abundance, we encourage those in recovery to bring "non program" loved ones on these enlightening trips.
What is the advantage of a "sober vacation"?
Daily meetings, 24 Hour Fellowship, maximizing the availability of sobriety tools while on vacation.
Is this affiliated in any way with Alcoholics Anonymous or any other 12 step group?
No, Sober Celebrations is a private travel club, independent and not endorsed or affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous or any other groups. We are just groups of fun loving people taking our sobriety on the road together.
Why do I have to register for this trip?
Just like any program Dance, or Round Up which is not approved by Alcoholics Anonymous or General Services, participation is limited to people who have bought a ticket through Sober Celebrations and "chipped in" to make it all happen.
Is participation in group activities required?
No. While some may choose total involvement in all events, others may choose to be anonymously around basking in the comfort of knowing there are many other travelers on a similar journey very close by. Like any other vacation, a sober vacation is what you decide to make it.
Does a Sober Celebrations trip guarantee sobriety?
Absolutely not. We can only share that "a daily reprieve based on one’s spiritual condition" is possible anywhere in the world.
What is included in my cruise fare?
All the food one human being can possibly eat and all the coffee you can drink!
Breakfast and Lunch:
You can go to the Buffet Line or you can go to the white table cloth dining rooms with table side service. If you go to the dining room for breakfast of lunch, you will be seated in the next available seat. This is a great way to meet other cruisers not in our group who are on the ship from all over the world.
Dinner:
We have a reserved section of the dining room exclusively for Sober Celebrations. We eat dinner together every night and you can sit at a different table every night and meet others in recovery from groups all over the country. You can also just stay in your flip-flops and go to the Buffet instead!
Snacks:
There are many little spots to get snacks anytime you want that are included in your cruise fare.
Food Upcharge:
On most ships these days there are specialty restaurants where you can pay a nominal charge to have a different kind of specialty dinner.
Complimentary 24/7 Room Service
(Gratutity not included)
Stateroom accommodations:
Daily steward service, beach towels, TV, radio, refrigerator, all nightly entertainment on ship, daily ship itinerary delivered to your cabin each night for following day’s events. Shampoo, conditioner and soap and hair dryers are provided. There are no irons or boards in staterooms and guests cannot bring their own on for safety reasons. There is full laundry service onboard.
What is not included in my cruise fare?
Specialty drinks, soft drinks (you can buy a wristband for a week of soft drinks), spa services, special classes, internet, casinos, laundry, photographs (photographers take your picture for free and you have the option to see them in the photo shop and buy them or not) phone calls other than to cabins, shore excursions, and gifts.
Do I have to book my cruise with Sober Celebrations in order to be a part of the Gratitude Cruise?
Yes. This is a private travel club and is not open to the general public. In support of our group vacation, you must book your trip with us. It takes a lot of work and time to collect all those other alcoholics who show up so you can have a fabulous group vacation. They are not onboard by accident. If you have not booked your cruise with this travel agency, you can attend the public AA meetings on any ships which now have a "Friends of Bill W." meeting onboard. If no one on the ship shows up for that public meeting you will know why this company was started.
Why do I have to register?
While participation in all events is optional, all meetings, speakers, and parties are for the exclusive enjoyment of our guests. Your registration gives you the option to participate or not in any scheduled group event.
Do I have to pay the registration fee, I’m not in the program.
Yes. Traveling alone is a whole different experience than traveling with a large group of people. With a group you have instant comraderie, fellowship, new friends and will create long lasting relationships. Registration is required in support of the group you will be enjoying every day.
Gratuities. How do I know how much to pay?
It depends on which cruise line we will be using for any particular trip. You will be advised of the minimum amount on upon your fist invoice after booking.
What should I wear?
Dining Room Dresscode:
Women:
- Casual: sundresses or slacks and blouses
- Smart Casual: Dresses or pantsuit
- Formal: cocktail dresses or gowns
Men:
- Casual: sport shirts and trousers
- Smart Casual: slacks, shirt and jackets
- Formal: suits and ties or tuxedos
- (On Royal Caribbean you can rent a tuxedo which will be delivered directly to your stateroom. 800-722-5443, option #2.)
7 Night Cruise:
3 Casual Nights, 2 Smart Casual Night, 2 Formal Nights
Dining Room Dresscode: Above. No bare feet or bathing suits allowed.
Formal Nights:
7 Night Cruise: are usually on Day 2 and 6
Shore Excursions
Usually excursions can be purchased online up to 10 days prior to sailing. If the sail date is within ten days, you can make your reservations onboard the ship on a first come firs served basis. You will be notified if any group excursions are planned.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited onboard most areas of ships. However, special designated smoking areas are in many lounges and on all open air decks.
Special Needs
We will make every effort to accommodate guests with special needs: Wheelchairs, hearing impairments, visual impairments (including those that require service animals), Special Diets, Oxygen therapy (liquid oxygen, compressed gas oxygen or oxygen concentrator), Dialysis (continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis only) Medical equipment must be provided by guest.
Shower stools and nonslip mats are provided upon request.