A Trip of a Lifetime for The Stephenson Family

For more information: www.buddycruise.org or Facebook: Buddy Cruise Inc. On September 2, 2022 my family embarked on a vacation that I thought would be a one and done type of trip. I was so wrong!
​This one-of-a-kind vacation was our first Buddy Cruise. Buddy Cruise works together with Royal Caribbean to provide a unique vacation experience unlike any other. As the parent of two adult children with Down syndrome and an advocate who has always pushed for inclusion in the school and community I was a bit “wary” of doing something “special” and/or geared to just the disability community. However, I had nothing to worry about.

he Buddy Cruise is totally inclusive! The positive impact and awareness our group brings to all of the other people on the cruise is what makes it especially awesome. The Buddy Cruise isn’t just a fun vacation with like-minded people, it’s also a conference at sea. Coffee talks each morning on a variety of topics and
educational workshop sessions geared to different age levels and interests. I attended sessions on estate planning, self-advocacy, Moyamoya disease, and vision issues. ​

We also got to mingle with movie stars Zack Gottsagen (The Peanut Butter Falcon) and David DeSanctis (Where Hope Grows). Zack gave two presentations, we watched his movie, and we able to ask him (and his mom) questions. There were also many fun activities planned like the yearbook signing meet and greet, Zumba led by Megan Bell a self-advocate who has Down syndrome, dances, scavenger hunts, riding the Flowrider, meeting new friends, excursions at the ports of Aruba and Curacao, and more. Did I mention dances?

The amount of awareness and education the Buddy Cruise organization puts in all year long is phenomenal. It’s not just a cruise once a year. It’s a year round commitment to building inclusive experiences, building inclusive communities, and supporting others around the globe. We can’t thank the Buddy Cruise and all of the volunteers enough for all that they do and for putting together this amazing trip!

Our only regret is that we didn’t jump on board years ago! Before we got off the ship we reserved our cabin for Buddy Cruise 2023!! We’d love to see more DSAGT families join us!!

For more information: www.buddycruise.org or Facebook: Buddy Cruise Inc.