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Who are Friends of Bill W. and Dorothy on cruises?

If you've ever sat scratching your head over the "Friends of Dorothy" and "Friends of Bill W." get-togethers listed in your cruise ship's daily newsletter, you're not alone.

Many people have asked, "Who is Bill W. on cruise ships?" No, Bill's not an avid cruiser, but many of his pals — and Dorothy's — are.

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Friends of Bill W.

Bill W. refers to Bill Wilson, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. "Friends of Bill W." is code for AA meetings, inviting recovering alcoholics to meet during their sailings, especially if they find it difficult to be around others who are imbibing.

On a cruise, Friends of Bill W. join together on board to support one another in their mission to abstain from drinking. The term Friends of Bill W. allows for anonymity and gives AA attendees a subtle way to find one another and continue meetings on vacation.

Friends of Dorothy

The "Friends of Dorothy" are members of the LGBTQ+ community.

It's rumored that Dorothy refers to the main character from "The Wizard of Oz," played by gay icon Judy Garland. Due to the movie's affinity for rainbows and Dorothy's unconventional band of misfits, the film and its star have resonated with the LGBTQ+ community for decades.

Although Friends of Bill W. meetings still regularly appear on vessels' onboard schedules as such, it has become somewhat stilted to refer to LGBTQ+ gatherings as Friends of Dorothy meetings. Instead, they are simply called what they are, similar to meetups for solos, teens and other passenger groups. The get-togethers are typically held in an onboard bar or lounge, sometimes hosted by a member of the ship's entertainment staff, allowing LGBTQ+ passengers to meet each other and socialize.

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What Is Friends Of Bill W. On A Cruise?

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If you’ve ever been on a cruise and looked at the schedule of activities and events, you may have noticed one that evoked curiosity. What is Friends of Bill W. and what can they be meeting about on a cruise?

Unless you’re in the know, you may have assumed that there was a friend’s group cruise onboard, and Bill W. was organizing a fun get together.

However, there’s more behind Friends of Bill W. meetings on a cruise, and it’s very important to some cruise travelers.

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What is Friends of Bill W. on a Cruise Ship?

On a cruise ship, “Friends of Bill W.” is a code for Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Bill W. refers to Bill Wilson, one of the founders of A.A. During a cruise ship sailing, there will be meetings for A.A members who struggle with alcohol use and addiction.

The goal of alcoholic anonymous meetings is to help recovering alcoholics remain sober. Since many A.A members attend local meetings, it’s important for them to attend meetings while they’re on vacation as well.

When and Where Are Friends of Bill W. Meetings?

Friends of Bill W. meetings typically occur in the cruise ship library or another discreet location. These are open meetings where any cruise passenger can join.

On the cruise line app or the cruise line daily planner (ie. Cruise Compass), you’ll find an event called “Friends of Bill W. Meeting.” This is a subtle way for the cruise lines to organize A.A meetings without having random cruise passengers stumble in.

Generally, there is at least one A.A meeting per day, and it is complimentary. The meeting will either take place in the morning or in the afternoon, depending on the itinerary.

The amount of a.a members onboard depends on the sailing, but there are typically at least 4-8 other members.

Tip: If you can’t find the Friends Of Bill W. Meeting, go to guest services and ask . They’ll be happy to assist .

Why Is Friends of Bill W. on a Cruise Ship?

Friends of Bill W. members join one another on board the cruise ship to support each other in their mission to abstain from drinking alcohol. For many Alcoholics Anonymous members, a cruise is a challenging place to remain sober.

However, the support from the Friends of Bill W. community helps A.A members remain sober throughout their cruise vacation. It is also a safe space and supportive environment for cruise passengers seeking sobriety and recovery through the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

Does Royal Caribbean Have friends of Bill W. Meetings?

Yes, you’ll find Friends Of Bill W. meetings offered daily on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Depending on the itinerary, A.A meetings will either take place in the morning or around 4:00 PM. Check your Cruise Compass or app for actual meeting times.

On Royal Caribbean, the meetings are complimentary, and they are held in a quiet place to avoid crowds of people.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line Have Friends Of Bill W. Meetings?

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line has Friends Of Bill W. meetings. Check the daily planner to see the time and location of the Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Does Carnival Cruise Line Have Friends Of Bill W. Meetings?

Carnival Cruise Line has friends of Bill W. Meetings on all of their cruise ships. Check the Fun Times to see the location and time of the meetings.

Does Princess Cruises Have Friends Of Bill W. Meetings?

Yes, Princess Cruises has Friends of Bill W. Meetings on their cruise ships. Refer to the daily newsletter or the Princess Medallion App to view the location and time of the meetings.

Does Holland America Cruise Line Have Friends Of Bill W. Meetings?

Holland America has Friends of Bill W. Meetings on their cruise ships. The meetings take place in a discreet and quiet location. Check the daily schedule or Navigator App to see the time and location of the A.A meeting.

Does Celebrity Cruise Line Have Friends of Bill W. Meetings?

Celebrity Cruises has Friends Of Bill W. meetings on all of their cruise ships. Check the cruise line app for the date, time, and location of the meetings.

Does MSC Have Friends Of Bill W. Meetings?

Yes, MSC has Friends of Dr. Bob and Bill W. meetings on their cruise ships. The meetings take place around 6:30 PM, and the location varies depending on the cruise ship.

Dr. Bob Smith was the co-founder of A.A, which is why the meetings are called Friends of Dr. Bob and Bill W. on MSC cruises.

Does Virgin Voyages Have Friends Of Bill W. Meetings?

Virgin Voyages has Friends of Bill W. Meetings on their cruise ships. The A.A meetings usually take place at 8:00 AM and the location varies depending on the sailing.

Check out your cruise line app to confirm the date, time and location of the Friends of Bill W. meetings.

What Is Friends of Dorothy?

The term “Friends of Dorothy” is a euphemism for those who identify as gay or LGBTQ+. For many years, cruise lines would use this term for LGBTQ+ meetups and events. In recent times, most major cruise lines use clear language since there is more openness around sexuality.

Typically, most cruise lines will have daily meetups for members of the LGBTQ community. These events will occur in a bar or commonplace so passengers can mingle and have a good time.

You can find where and when these meetups are taking place by checking out your cruise line app or compass.

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Final Thoughts on What Is Friends Of Bill W. On a Cruise?

Whether you’re in recovery or just curious about what Friends Of Bill W. means on a cruise, everyone can agree that it’s great that all cruise lines offer these meetings.

A cruise can be a tough environment for those who have a drinking problem. However, Alcoholic Anonymous is a support group that really helps those who are trying to achieve sobriety.

If you have questions or experiences to share, please leave a comment below.

Happy cruising!

If you found this article helpful, please pass it along. Please feel free to share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer writes about men’s fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com . As a frequent cruiser, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like for teens and young adults.

What Is Friends of Bill W. on a Cruise?

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive compensation when you purchase via my links at no cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

If you look at your cruises’ daily schedule, you’ll notice “Friends of Bill W.” or “Friends of Dorothy” meetings.

If you’re wondering what is Friends of Bill W. on a cruise, you’re not alone. Bill W. and Dorothy are not passengers on board. But they do have many friends.

Table of Contents

What is Friends of Bill W. on a Cruise?

“Friends of Bill W.” on a cruise ship refers to a gathering or meeting for individuals who are members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) .

You might be wondering, who is Bill W.? Bill Willimas is one of the founders of AA , and “Friends of Bill W.” is a common way to announce these meetings discreetly.

On a cruise ship, AA meetings provide a supportive environment for people in recovery from alcoholism to meet and share experiences. The meetings are essential in a cruise ship environment where alcohol is often readily available.

Cruises are a difficult environment for passengers in recovery as there’s plenty of free-flowing alcohol around the ship. Cruise lines provide a safe space for guests to meet in a judgment-free setting.

The meetings support passengers and allow them to continue their journey by participating in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. The quiet and discrete setting enables members to form a support network with other passengers once onboard.

When and Where are Meetings?

Most cruise ships host daily, complimentary Alcoholics Anonymous meetings , commonly called “Friends of Bill W.” meetings. Members of similar support groups like Overeaters Anonymous (OA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are welcome to attend these meetings for support.

Friends of Bill W. meetings are typically self-led, meaning they are not conducted by cruise line staff. As such, participants can join freely without needing to register.

Attendance varies depending on the size of the cruise ship but is usually between 4 to 8 members per session .

The timing and location for these meetings vary depending on the cruise ship but are usually held in a discrete place like the library . The specific details are listed in the ship’s daily schedule of events.

If a “Friends of Bill W.” meeting isn’t scheduled, you can contact guest services to arrange one. The meetings provide a supportive environment while ensuring the privacy and convenience of the participants.

Which Cruise Lines Have Friends of Bill W. Meetings?

Most cruise lines have Friends of Bill W. meetings or similar meetings for people looking for support. The following cruise lines have Friends of Bill W. meetings;

Royal Caribbean International
Norwegian Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
MSC Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Holland America Line

What is Friends of Dorothy?

LGBTQ+ couple holding hands in front of a rainbow pride flag in a lgbtq+ lesbian gay bisexual queer pride parade or party.

Friends of Dorothy is a self-led event on cruise ships for members of the LGBTQ+ community . It’s rumored that the meetings get their name from gay icon Judy Garland, who played Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.”

The self-led get-togethers provide a safe and welcoming space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to meet and mingle with others.

In recent years, many cruise lines have done away with the “Friends of Dorothy” code name in favor of losing the events as “LGBTQ+ meet and greets” or a similar name.

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Who are Bill W and Dorothy, and why do they have so many friends?

Orlando Martinez

March 6, 2021

If you’ve ever read the list of activities in your cruise line’s daily program, you’ve probably seen meetings for “Friends of Bill W” and “Friends of Dorothy” scheduled among the bingo games, wine tastings, and shows that you’d expect to find on a cruise.

You may have asked yourself, “Who are Bill and Dorothy?” and “Why are they on every single ship I’m on?” and “Why do they have so many friends?” Let’s find out!

What are Friends of Bill W?

Bill W, formally known as William Griffith Wilson, is the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). After struggles with alcohol early in his life, he found relief and hope in the kinship of a program created by the evangelical Oxford Group. In cooperation with Robert Smith, Wilson authored the book Alcoholics Anonymous based on their experiences in the program, in 1938. In the following years, the organization of the same name was formed, and to this day, it supports recovering alcoholics through their Twelve Traditions and via regular meetings across the U.S. and around the world.

One of the tenants of the Twelfth Tradition reads “Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities,” and AA members are only known by their first name (or occasionally, first name and last initial) in the organization. Thus, Wilson is known simply as Bill W, and the name and phrase “Friends of Bill W” has become a means for AA members to identify and build rapport with others.

Thus, the Friends of Bill W events on a cruise are a place for AA members to gather and provide a support system for each other, as alcohol is a visible, present temptation on a cruise. The meetings also generally welcome any cruiser who is working through other 12-step substance abuse or addiction programs.

What are Friends of Dorothy?

There are a couple possibilities as to who the Dorothy in question might be. But to put the two options into context, let’s explain who the Friends of Dorothy gatherings on a cruise ship are targeted to. These get-togethers welcome members of the LGBTQ community and their allies, creating a safe space for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, and queer cruisers to meet and socialize.

The most common explanation for the term “Friends of Dorothy” is that it’s referring to Dorothy Gale, from either the Wizard of Oz or the sequel book, Road to Oz . In the 1939 film adaptation of Wizard of Oz , Dorothy is played by Judy Garland, an icon for the gay community. Dorothy’s journey with her friends in the movie, to some, mirrors the struggles of gay individuals trying to escape from a morally-rigid life. Additionally, Garland sings (Somewhere) Over the Rainbow , which contributed to the evolution of the rainbow flag as a gay cultural icon.

The sequel to 1900’s Wizard of Oz , the 1909 book Road to Oz, has a character who refer to Dorothy’s traveling companions as “queer friends,” to which she replies “The queerness doesn’t matter, so long as they’re friends.” The book also contains other gay and bi-sexual innuendos and references.

The other potential source for the Friends of Dorothy term is humorist Dorothy Parker, who had a reputation as a defender of human and civil rights. She is known to have frequently invited gay men to her lavish parties and social gatherings, and closeted gays in the army began using the term “Friend of Dorothy” and other words and phrases from her writings, including “simply divine,” and “fabulous” as code.

So, next time you see Bill W or Dorothy meeting with friends in the Fun Times, the Princess Patter, the Cruise Compass, or the Freestyle Daily, you’ll be in the know.

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Friends of Bill W/AA meetings

By Trent1984 , August 1, 2021 in Carnival Cruise Lines

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There will be meetings posted. Obviously, attendance will be based on the number of friends on the cruise.

Congrats and best wishes to your SO!

Though I was not attending the meeting there was one going on while I was working one day in the library - there was around 10 people attending the meeting.

Hi Trent1984,

My hubby & I are in AA and attend Friends of Bill Meetings onboard. We have a saying in AA, it only takes 2 people to make it a Meeting. 😁 Just connecting with other people (who share this disease of alcoholism) on a Ship, of all places, is crazy wonderful!

We used to get sooo drunk on our cruise vacations. Who knew there were so many fun things to participate in, besides hanging at the Bar(s) all day & night. 🤣 I discovered Trivia, and winning Ships On A Stick. My husband is coming up on 16 years and I’m 9 in a few. Life IS Great 💙 🌌 📘 ❣️

Please tell your friend to seek out the group onboard. 🛳🛳

Thanks for your response! We will definitely be looking for the meeting times once we are onboard. Honestly, I was hesitant at booking a cruise because of all the temptation, but realize that there’s always gonna be temptation no matter where you are. The program has been doing wonders for him so i sure hope there’s at least a couple others there for support. We’re looking forward to the winning some ships on a stick and stuffing our faces!

20 hours ago, Trent1984 said: Thanks for your response! We will definitely be looking for the meeting times once we are onboard. Honestly, I was hesitant at booking a cruise because of all the temptation, but realize that there’s always gonna be temptation no matter where you are. The program has been doing wonders for him so i sure hope there’s at least a couple others there for support. We’re looking forward to the winning some ships on a stick and stuffing our faces!

Honestly, and we don’t mean to offend people who drink alcohol. But, yeah BUT ….. my hubby and I see drunk behavior now as an excellent example of why we no longer drink. Should say a minor example because our problems were way deeper than how we looked to strangers. 😁 😁

The meetings we’ve attend usually just have a few people. IDK why either. Statistically we can’t be the only alcoholics onboard. Anyway, enjoy your cruise and we’ll be with you in spirit!

The last cruise we did (two years ago) was barely memorable. For him, because of the drinking and me fixating on the drinking. I hadn’t yet learned how to give up trying to control the situation. But this cruise he is sober and we are taking his mom, who has never been on a cruise or traveled anywhere. So both us are planning to show her all the fun things to do and just enjoy all the things we’ve been missing out on. Can’t get here soon enough!

My friend is a member of the fellowship. We will be on the 9/4 cruise.

Hi XmasTeach!

glad to see there will be at least one other member aboard!

This is such an inspiring thread! Thank you al who contributed to this thread. May you all all always remember you are never, never, never alone.

K&RCurt

My DW is a Friend of Bill W (15 years yesterday.) She will always go to the meeting the first time it is held and will typically exchange contact info with a few other friends, just in case it is needed. She will then attend as our schedule fits or if she feels a need to. She say there are typically around 10 to 12 at the first meeting and fewer at any others she attends.

We are SO thankful for this program it has changed our lives for the better!

Congrats to your DW on 15 years! The program is absolutely amazing and seems to be full of wonderful people. I figure my SO will at the very least attend the first meeting and maybe a few others throughout. We’ll make the time for him as needed.

I still remember the first couple of cruises I was on, thinking that whoa, this guy Bill W is everywhere and has so many friends!

4 weeks later...

Cruise Critic has a thread devoted to various "friends of Cruise Critic"......... and Bill is one of them. There's also a thread for friends of Jimmy (NA). Sometimes the ship's listing will merge the two groups, sometimes keep them separate.

The # of people vary widely, sometimes there is a contingent of sober travelers sailing as a group, which swell the mtg, sometimes just a handful or less attend.

The cruiselines vary in the timing and venues, so one might see noon meetings listed on a port day, or the mtg runs into dinner time. If it is truly inconvenient, the "members" can approach GS and request a more suitable time.

I don't know if these meetings will still be scheduled in post COVID sailings....Anyone know?

This reminds me that it would be very nice is the cruise lines would provide a non-alcoholic drink menu at the bars.

I don't want to always drink a pepsi, water or juice, but I am also quite intimidated to walk up to a bar and explain I want something non-alcohol, sort of fruity, but not too fruity with a little spice....WHAT A PITA!!

Menu would be nice

OP, Check with Guest Services if any meetings are already on the schedule.

If not, you can make a request and the cruise director will add a meeting to the daily schedule.

9 hours ago, EngIceDave said: This reminds me that it would be very nice is the cruise lines would provide a non-alcoholic drink menu at the bars. I don't want to always drink a pepsi, water or juice, but I am also quite intimidated to walk up to a bar and explain I want something non-alcohol, sort of fruity, but not too fruity with a little spice....WHAT A PITA!! Menu would be nice

I went to the Alchemy Bar on a Dream cruise (2019). My 1st time asking the bartender to be creative with a berry n.a. drink. She made a fresh purple berry mixture with some other ingredients. Served in, of course, “fancy” cocktail glass.

😁 😁 Quite delicious, way beyond just a smoothie without the alcohol. I don’t even order those anymore. But, the cost of $9.00 & I added buck tip . So, while lovely, I don’t want to pay $10 to sip on mocktail.

Friends of mine in AA were married and had a professional bartender (who met with the couple beforehand and came up with the best n.a.menu!)

What a difference willingness, imagination and fresh quality ingredients make 😋 😋 😋 .

I vote for the Menu too ❣️ ❣️ ❣️

I have Cheers package from casino, so I can get anything

2 minutes ago, EngIceDave said: I have Cheers package from casino, so I can get anything Thanks

When you don’t drink alcohol, I find the cost too high. Oh, and I don’t drink coffee (or smoke) 😁 😁 . One of VERY few people in my Home Group who don’t. 🤣

My hubby is also sober, and loves both coffee & ciggies. So, it might be worth getting CHEERS! — but I then am forced to buy too. 😟

11 hours ago, EngIceDave said: This reminds me that it would be very nice is the cruise lines would provide a non-alcoholic drink menu at the bars. I don't want to always drink a pepsi, water or juice, but I am also quite intimidated to walk up to a bar and explain I want something non-alcohol, sort of fruity, but not too fruity with a little spice....WHAT A PITA!! Menu would be nice

ive thought the same thing recently. It would be nice for those in recovery to have more choice when it comes to “mock tails” and the like.

HillBilly Bob

On 8/3/2021 at 6:02 PM, Markmom18 said: enjoy your cruise and we’ll be with you in spirit!

I feel the same and NO spirits on our cruise. 😊

I will be on the Sept. 13th and 18th sailing of the Magic and will look for the meetings. I remember going to the scheduled meeting twice on an NCL cruise back in 03 and I was the only one there lol

On 8/3/2021 at 6:02 PM, Markmom18 said: The meetings we’ve attend usually just have a few people. IDK why either. Statistically we can’t be the only alcoholics onboard.

there are probably hundreds of alcoholics on board but they are at the bar because they haven't reached that step yet.

On 8/29/2021 at 11:08 AM, EngIceDave said: This reminds me that it would be very nice is the cruise lines would provide a non-alcoholic drink menu at the bars. I don't want to always drink a pepsi, water or juice, but I am also quite intimidated to walk up to a bar and explain I want something non-alcohol, sort of fruity, but not too fruity with a little spice....WHAT A PITA!! Menu would be nice

Carnival has mocktails on their bar menus. We've ordered them for our kids several times. And most mixed drinks can be had virgin.

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Why Does Bill W. Have so Many Friends on a Cruise?

The first day on a cruise ship is nothing but pure, unadulterated bliss. All you need is a deck chair, a great book and a pair of sunglasses to get your vacation off on the right foot. If you’re one to check out the daily program schedule each day, you might notice things like the Jones Family Reunion at the lounge on deck 10 or cooking classes with the chef in the galley. You might also notice something you might not understand, a meeting for “Friends of Bill W.”

Who is Bill W. and why does he have a meeting for his friends on board most cruise ships? Read on and find out!

Cruising with Bill W.

William Wilson, also known as Bill W., was the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, an international recovery network aimed at helping people who struggle with alcohol use and abuse. While people can take a vacation from their jobs and daily lives, they can’t take a vacation from the recovery process. Going on a cruise may be a concerning prospect for some as alcohol is prominent on board and without meetings like at home, resisting the urge to drink can be challenging.

People from all walks of life, particularly those battling substance abuse, are encouraged to attend meetings and everyone is made to feel welcome no matter what their situation. Having a support system on a cruise can be a big help for someone who wants to keep their recovery going while on a vacation.

Friends of Bill W. meetings on board a cruise ship help to connect people who may be in a similar situation. Support can come from anywhere, even people on your cruise vacation!

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How to plan an alcohol-free trip for Dry January and beyond

Advice for avoiding triggers and identifying alternatives on a sober trip

For many people, travel may be closely linked with alcohol, starting with a beer at the airport and continuing with a beachside cocktail upon arrival. But some travelers are opting for sober trips, whether as a brief pause in imbibing or a long-term lifestyle change.

While alcohol sales soared when the coronavirus pandemic first hit, many travelers appear to be leaving the booze behind as the world has started to open back up.

Bob Kocher founded an agency called In This Life Travel, which has a Travel Sober division. He said bookings for that part of the business from 2022 through 2024 are about 2½ times what they were the two years before the pandemic. There has been “a really huge influx in interest,” he said.

Sober Vacations International , an alcohol-free-travel company, has also seen an increase in attraction, growing from eight trips in 2018 to more than a dozen in 2023, according to chief operating officer Max Abrams.

A June poll by Branded Research also found that of more than 23,000 people surveyed, 29 percent said that after the pandemic, they planned to go on a trip sans alcohol, the New York Times reported.

That can look very different from person to person. “I think that the decision not to drink and the ways in which people achieve that are extremely personal,” said Jillian Barkley, the founder of Soft Spirits , a nonalcoholic bottle shop in Los Angeles. “There is no, really, one-size-fits-all for how to resist the temptation of having a drink.”

No matter your relationship to sobriety, By The Way has compiled some tips on how to take a sober trip through Dry January and beyond.

Pack an alternative drink for takeoff

If you’re used to having a pre-trip drink at the airport — or one from your seat on the flight — certain areas may represent triggers. Steve Abrams, founder and president of Sober Vacations International, advised avoiding the airport bar and packing a diversion. “Go to your gate, bring a book, you know, distract yourself,” he said.

You can also opt to bring your own alternative. Barkley said customers at her shop have bought travel-size bottles of wine replacements by Jukes Cordialities , which you can add to still or sparkling water. “You just ask a flight attendant for a glass of water, and then you’re able to kind of make your own drink,” she said.

Zero-proof wines are finally getting good

Stick to your routine on arrival

If you’re staying in a hotel with a minibar, Abrams said, you can call ahead to ask the staff to empty it of alcohol, or request staff do so when you check in.

Once you’re settled, try to do what works for you at home.

“I think when going out into the world, for me, it’s really helpful to be able to start my day with my routine,” said Maria Bastasch, founder of Disco Mary , an alcohol-optional pop-up at highbrow D.C. cocktail bar Columbia Room, even if that means simply bringing your favorite coffee with you.

Seek out exercise and public spaces

When visiting a new place, consider activities that don’t involve drinks. Barkley said sober travelers can look “for things that you can still feel immersed in and feel authentic to the place that you’re visiting, that perhaps don’t have to be focused around alcohol.”

Abrams noted that physical activities — such as scuba diving or tennis, depending on your destination — can be particularly helpful. “It burns up energy. It distracts you,” he said. “I think anything like that that requires your concentration [is good].”

When traveling sober in Chicago, he has checked out the museums and Wrigley Field. In New York, he said, he suggests taking long walks.

In Los Angeles, Barkley noted, outdoor activities include hiking and beach-hopping, where alcohol is not allowed. “So, if you wanted to take a nonalcoholic beer to the beach,” she said, “you wouldn’t have to hide it” like you would a typical bottle.

For visitors to D.C., Bastasch recommended visiting Calabash Tea and Tonic and maybe going to one of the monuments.

Barkley said with group travel, there can be pressure when your companions are focusing more on alcohol, but you can “raise your hand and say, ‘Well, maybe there’s other things we can do as well.’”

Study sober-friendly brands before a night out

There has been a proliferation of nonalcoholic products in recent years. When you’re heading out in a new town, Bastasch said, do some research to find establishments that cater to sober customers.

She also suggested brushing up on alcohol-free spirits, wines or beers, so you can ask restaurants and bars for them by name, even if you’re just paving the way for a fellow sober traveler. “If they think only one person a month is going to order something, it’s not worth it for them to carry it, but if they get several people asking for it, then that’s worth it,” she said.

For those looking for a new drink of choice, her favorite products include Spiritless’s bourbon alternative, Noughty’s alcohol-free sparkling rosé and nonalcoholic beer from Athletic Brewing Co.

You can, of course, opt to avoid bars that serve alcohol altogether, but if you do end up going to one, you might be extra choosy. Barkley said that when she first gave up alcohol, she rarely went to bars where the only activity was drinking.

“I would try to go somewhere — even if it was a bar — that had dancing or had karaoke or something else that I could participate in that made me feel like I was part of the experience even if everyone around me was drinking,” she said.

Find a meeting in a new city — or on a ship

Travel Sober, Sober Vacations International and other similar operations offer a range of alcohol-free trips, including cruises and safaris.

For travelers in recovery, Kocher noted that Alcoholics Anonymous , a 12-step program, has a worldwide presence, and you can go to a nearby meeting or attend one online.

He said most cruise lines have Friends of Bill W. meetings on board — a coded reference to AA founder Bill Wilson — giving travelers a “refuge” whether they’re part of a 12-step program or not.

Kocher also suggested studying the companies and steering clear of ships that tend to have a raucous, party-friendly atmosphere. He recommended Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean.

More spring travel tips

Trends: Cheaper spring break | Cool all-inclusives | Let ChatGPT plan your day | Is it safe to go to Mexico? | Book a free night in Sicily

Driving: 9 tips for road tripping with a baby | Try the Airbnb of rental cars | Rent an EV | Do I need an international license to drive abroad? | Avoid big rental car fees

Greener travel: Bike to the airport | How environmentalists travel | How to find ‘greener’ flights | Make your travel better for the planet

Pets: How to travel with pets | Why the pet fee? | Pet flying 101 | Alternatives to flying with your pet

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Sober Cruises Provide Fun in Recovery

For many, vacation cruises and alcoholic beverages go hand in hand. Many cruise lines sell beverage packages to vacationers, and the ships themselves often feature multiple bars serving all sorts of drinks.

But not everybody wants to get their drink on while traveling the high seas. Some people have experienced alcohol addictions and have attended inpatient alcohol treatment. They fear that being surrounded by so much alcohol and so many people drinking alcohol could trigger their cravings and lead to relapses from their hard-won sobriety.

A good alternative might be a sober cruise.

What is a sober cruise?

Sober cruises are just what their name indicates: cruises that don’t offer alcohol.

Organizations such as Sober Celebrations feature cruises to different places . Sober Celebrations founder Snow P. was in recovery and was looking for fellowship on her travels. Not finding what she was looking for, she started a cruise line to accompany travelers to interesting destinations and offer fun activities without the presence of alcohol or drugs.

Travelers who choose this line might be able to attend 12-step and Al-Anon meetings or participate in other activities that help them support their sobriety.

Other companies also aim to provide alcohol-free fun. Travel Sober offers meetings and recovery speakers during cruises and other trips . A licensed vocational nurse also works with the organization, which provides additional assurance that its voyages are fun as well as safe.

These are just two of the organizations that offer cruises and other vacations while actively supporting sober lifestyles.

What are the advantages of sober cruises?

One significant advantage of sober cruises is that they don’t feature alcohol or drugs or people who use them. Although that may sound obvious, the National Institute on Drug Abuse says: “Science has taught us that stress cues linked to the drug use (such as people, places, things, and moods), and contact with drugs are the most common triggers for relapse .”

Since cruises are sometimes synonymous with heavy partying, sober cruises offer an alternative. Instead of highlighting drinking, bars, and alcohol, their focus is on travel, sober activities, and fellowship.

Speaking of fellowship, the passengers on sober cruises are in recovery. They’ll have help finding 12-step meetings, which may even be on their ships. They won’t have to explain why they’re not drinking or face people who try to tempt them with “just one drink.”

By choosing sober cruises, travelers don’t have to struggle to stay sober alone. They can work with others to fight addiction and enjoy their time on vacation.

What do people do on sober cruises?

While they offer fellowship, meetings, speakers, and other resources that support sobriety, sober cruises are very similar to more traditional cruises in other respects.

Many sober cruise lines offer a wide range of shipboard activities that could include pools, waterslides, zip lines, dances, shows, and multiple dining options. As with other cruises, sober cruises allow passengers to disembark and explore different destinations as part of their journeys.

If people don’t find cruises appealing, they can find other sobriety-friendly trips by looking online, talking with travel agents, or contacting 12-step organizations.

You don’t need alcohol to have a good time. In fact, by taking a sober cruise or other recovery-centered vacation, you can have the time of your life.

sobercelebrations.com – About Our Sober Vacations
travelsober.com – About
drugabuse.gov – Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction – Treatment and Recovery
sobertravelers.org – Sober Vacations, Getaways & Retreats

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Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery.

Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site. The material is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnoses, treatment, or advice. It should not be used to replace the suggestions of your personal physician or other health care professionals.

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Check out these great sober recovery,, health & wellness vacations.

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Annual greece tour, international aa/alanon convention, check out our latest review.

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Contact SVI

Welcome to Sober Vacations International Est. 1987

Sober life can indeed be a larger, more joyful life. Since 1987, we’ve been helping fellow 12-steppers expand their comfort zone in safe and beautiful environments, surrounded by others in recovery. Come join us in fulfilling the promise of living happy, joyous and free!

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1-800-762-3738 • 1-800 sober fun • 1-818-789-4900, keep me informed, upcoming destinations, cairo to cairo cruise & tour incl. 7-night cruise, egypt - secrets of the nile, april 26 – may 7, 2024.

When it’s time to embark for your Nile River cruise, you’ll be warmly welcomed aboard a beautiful river cruise ship where luxury always means love with AmaWaterways. The stunning AmaDahlia is an inviting 72-passenger ship offering 36 staterooms, including 16 magnificent suites with a wealth of amenities that will surprise and delight you, including a heated sun-deck swimming pool and bar, The Chef’s Al Fresco Restaurant, hair and nail salon and two massage rooms. Marvel at scenic Nile River views in luxury, enjoy regionally inspired entertainment and savor the flavors of both local and Western cuisine on board.

From Budapest to Vilshofen, Germany

Sober danube river cruise, october 13-20, 2024.

Indulge your passion for awe-inspiring architecture, timeless music, breathtaking landscapes and culinary delights on this beautifully curated itinerary specifically designed for the AmaMagna .

COUNTRIES: AUSTRIA, GERMANY, HUNGARY, SLOVAKIA

Round trip from Vancouver, British Colombia

Sober alaska: the last frontier, july 6-13, 2025.

Experience the ultimate voyage of serenity and adventure aboard the Celebrity Solstice on our 7-night Alaska Cruise following the 2025 AA International Convention in Vancouver. We expect the group to be between 200-400. During the week, you will sail through Alaska’s awe-inspiring Inside Passage surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and abundant wildlife.

Enjoy A Magnificent Stay On The Pacific Shore

Sober village nayarit, february 22- march 1, 2025.

Sober Village 2025 will take place at the all-inclusive Occidental Nuevo Vallarta. The resort is situated on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Nayarit, and just 20 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta’s International Airport (Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz) Code: PVR.

Click Here For More Information About This Sober Vacation

Royal hideaway playacar, sober fiesta playa del carmen, march 6 – 13, 2022.

Located on the white sands of an idyllic beach on the Riviera Maya, offers an exclusive all inclusive experience with a group of fellow Sober Travelers. Daily 12 Step meetings.

Royal Luxury – $2095/person*

Ocean Suite – $2995/person*

Press Suite – $3995/person*

*Prices are per person, based upon double occupancy. Does not include meals, airfare, taxes, transfer or other fees.

Turkoise Turks and Caicos

Sober village turks & caicos, january 22-29, 2022.

Set on the sugar sands of Grace Bay Beach, All-Inclusive Club Med Turkoise gives you the luxury to do it all or nothing at all!

Starting at $2295/person

*Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. Does not include airfare, transfers, taxes or fees.

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Svi sober aloha hawaii, nov. 6 – nov. 13, 2021.

Overlooking scenic Anaeho’omalu Bay, beachfront luxury awaits to greet you “Aloha!” Stroll from the hotel to an immaculate white-sand beach – the only one of its kind in the area. Soak up the Hawaiian sun at three sparkling outdoor pools, wander through historic royal fishponds, or hone your golf skills at two championship courses.

From $2095* per person.

*Pricing does not include airfare, golf fees, or meals other than those specified.

*Pricing is based on double occupancy and does not include airfare, golf fees, or meals other than those specified. Single occupants must purchase the Single Supplement.

Tropical Costa Rica

Want to travel, but don't wish to room alone.

Looking to make a new SVI friend? Make sure to select Roommate Match when booking your trip!

The Sober Vacations Team

In the summer of 1987, our president and founder, Steven Abrams, faced a dilemma. He was a well-seasoned vacationer, highly experienced in the travel industry. Newly sober, however, he worried about the temptations typically associated with travel. Counting on the principle of strength in numbers, he decided to reach out to his fellow friends in recovery to organize a group trip. The response was overwhelming….(see more)

Steve Abrams

Director of Business Development

What People Are Saying

SVI in the News * Special Announcements * Staff Editorials

How to plan an alcohol-free trip for Dry January and beyond

Hold the Tequila. The Sunrise Is All Some Travelers Need.

IN THE WORKS @ SOBER VACATIONS

ANNOUNCING SOBER GREEK ISLES CRUISE! JULY 2018

THE BOSTON GLOBE

Sober Village Cancellation & Refund Policy: All cancellations are subject to a $200 penalty per person. 202-180 Days out 50% of deposit penalty. 179-120 days out from departure, 100% of deposit. 119-90 days out, 50% of Total invoice. 89-0 days out 100% of Total Invoice. No refunds.

For most trips, yes.

Usually. If it is an All-Inclusive trip, we will indicate such.

All-inclusive means food, drinks, activities and entertainment are included in the cost of your trip. Flights, transfers &/or gratuities are not included, however.

The majority of guests are members of a 12 step program, but it is not a requirement. Many spouses & partners are not members join us on our Sober Vacations and have a blast.

You are absolutely allowed to bring your spouse/partner if they are not sober. We are not the alcohol police, and have not yet had an instance where someone’s drinking caused a problem for the group.

We have two different types of trips – Sober Vacations and Sober Villages. Sober Vacations are a group within a resort/cruise with other guests around us that are not in program. We still have daily 12 Step meetings and stick together for excursions and meals. Our Sober Villages happen annually each Winter (usually January or February) and these are full buyouts- meaning you will be at a resort with 500-600 fellow sober people. All bars/mini bars are wiped clean of alcohol and instead replaced with juice, soda, coffee, tea, and energy drinks. Our Sober Villages have daily jam packed schedules with 12 step meetings, al-anon meetings, attitude adjustment workshops, recovery yoga, trivia, scavenger hunts, and more! So, depending on what you prefer, you should choose what vacation suites you and your sobriety the best.

You do not. We ask for a deposit when you make your reservation. Once confirmed, you’ll receive an email with a personalized link to your reservation. At any point, you can make payments to your account, or you can pay it all off at once. As long as the trip is paid off 90 days before your departure, you can pay at whatever pace you are comfortable with.

Since the summer of 1987. We’ve had over 200 Sober Vacations since then.

The Los Angeles Dodgers is the correct answer.

No. After years of offering flights, we have found that it is both easier & cheaper for you to arrange your flights yourself. Bear in mind that most destinations/hotels have standard check-in times of between 3p – 4p and check out between 10a – 11a. We are happy to offer advice or assistance when you are purchasing your flights. We recommend googleflights.com.

That’s okay. We have been successfully matching roommates using our patent-pending roommate matching technology since 1987. In 35 years, we’ve only had eight fatalities out of over 8,000 matches. Which translates to over a 99% satisfaction rate!

We do not control the culinary options on any of our trips. So, each vacation will be different, but we generally choose resorts and experiences that offer a wide range of quality food. That usually includes options for people with even the most restrictive diets.

Yes! We describe our trips as a vacation…with meetings. On our Sober Village there are 5 scheduled meetings each day. On other trips, there are usually between 1-3 meetings a day. If you are on a trip, and you want to start a meeting, you are free to do so. We just ask that it not conflict with any of our scheduled meetings.

Absolutely not! Meeting attendance is at your discretion.

Depends on the trip. Our Sober Villages have between 450-700 people! Some trips are smaller, more intimate experiences.

We adhere to the policies of the destination to which we are traveling – if it is their policy that incoming travelers be vaccinated then we adhere to those recommendations. We do not set the policies for each destination, that is determined by their individual governments.

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance especially in this new travel landscape with Covid-19. We have a partnership with Allianz Travel Insurance. Please visit their website to sign up www.allianztravelinsurance.com – our ACCAM Number is: F019519

As we are a sober travel agency, we can offer trips that other travel agencies cannot – specifically trips that are geared towards the sober traveler.

We have two different types of trips – Sober Vacations and Sober Villages. Sober Vacations are most of our trips – where we are a smaller group within the resort/cruise and people will be around us that are not in program. We have daily AA meetings and stick together for excursions and meals. Our Sober Villages happen yearly (usually in the beginning of the year during the winter) and these are full buyouts- meaning you will be at a resort with 500-600 fellow sober people. All bars/mini bars are wiped clean of alcohol and instead replaced with juice, soda, coffee, tea, and energy drinks. Our Sober Villages have daily jam packed schedules with AA meetings, al-anon meetings, attitude adjustment workshops, recovery yoga, trivia, scavenger hunts, and more! So, depending on what you prefer, you should choose what vacation suites you and your sobriety the best.

All-inclusive means food, drinks, activities and entertainment are included in the cost of your trip. Gratuities are not included, however.

We’ve been in operation as a sober travel agency since 1987.

Los Angeles Dodgers! Is there any other?

You arrange your flights yourself and bear in mind that most destinations/hotels have standard check-in times of between 3p – 4p and check out between 10a – 11a.

Sadly, we cannot book your flights. Your flights are your responsibility.

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Recovery Cruises

One of the best things about sobriety is the ability to participate in many of the social functions that come with being a person in recovery. There are the thousands upon thousands of meetings that you can attend any given week, the holiday functions at different groups and clubrooms, the parties with friends, and the yearly sober Cruises that are held all across the world.

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Featured Cruises

2020 San Diego Spring Cruise

April 22-25, 2020 San Diego CA

Ventura County Cruise

May 18-20, 2020 Ventura CA

MT Baker Cruise

September 20-22, 2019 Bellingham WA

What are Sober Cruises?

If you have not experienced sobriety, then everything that I just wrote above probably sounds absurd. You probably believe that to be sober is just about the worst thing that a person can do, as it means you will become boring and dull. You imagine having to fight off cravings all day and having to avoid any social settings where alcohol may be, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Worst of all, reading the words sober Cruises probably sounds like a sick joke, as what could sober Cruises possibly entail? Is it long lectures on how to now drink or use drugs? Or is it some place where a bunch of ex-drinkers get together and discuss with vitriol the terrors of alcohol? Well, none of that is true, and yearly sober Cruises are simply places where thousands and thousands of alcoholics or addicts get together in order to share their stories and enjoy the fellowship that recovery has to offer.

What are Yearly Sober Cruises?

Yearly sober Cruises are events that are held on an annual basis that can either be regional, national or international in nature. Many times sober Cruises are held along 12-step fellowship lines, meaning that Narcotics Anonymous holds its own functions, Alcoholics Anonymous holds its own functions, so on and so forth.

These events are usually held during a long weekend; meaning Thursday to Sunday and depending on why they are being held can bring hundreds of thousands of visitors. For instance, the Alcoholics Anonymous International convention, which is not held annually, had one meeting where 70,000 people were attending, and in total the weekend hosted hundreds of thousands of people from all around the world.

These events can be great places to meet new people from around the country or world, and they can also be great places to get involved with service on a scale that is larger than your local 12-step fellowship. Many people have attested to the fact that by getting involved with sober Cruises, they either recharged their recovery, or they finally fell in love with the recovery lifestyle.

Many newly sober individuals go to these conventions and learn what it means to be in recovery. They meet a multitude of like-minded individuals who, like them, want to learn how to stay sober and be better people. They have fun staying up all night and talking recovery, and they finally find the place where they feel they belong. This is an integral part of recovery because many people who are active in addiction have for a long time felt alone and isolated from their fellows. These conventions allow for the wall of isolation to dissipate and in return, they are able to connect with many other people who feel just like them.

What Yearly Sober Cruises are there?

Depending on where you live there are more than likely a number of sober events that are available to you throughout the year. For instance, in Florida, there are regional events, like the Florida State Convention, and there are specialized events like FCYPAA, which is the Florida Conference of Young People in AA. These are only two of the possible hundred events held in the state, but the latter is a great way for young people in recovery to connect with other young people.

A lot of the times when a younger individual enters into recovery they do not understand that there are many people like them, meaning younger in age, that are also in recovery. They believe that they will have to hang out with 60-year-old men only and that their life is over. However, by attending events like FCYPAA they come to understand that there are thousands and thousands of young people in recovery in their state and that these recovering young people know how to have a good time.

The same can be said for any of the Cruises that are held throughout the year. People from all walks of life get together in order to exchange recovery stories and have a good time. At these Cruises, people make lifelong friends and they participate in the worldwide fellowship that is recovery.

Seeking Treatment For Alcoholism or Addiction

If you find that you cannot stop using drugs or alcohol even though you would like to, then you may be suffering from an addiction. Addiction is an actual, recognizable disease and as such, you’re inability to stop on your own should not be a cause for shame or guilt. There are millions of people every year who need to seek help for addiction and alcoholism, and many have made it through their struggles to a life of recovery. So if you think you need help, then call the professionals at Dream Center for Recovery today at 1-877-978-3148. Our trained staff is standing by to take your call and discuss your drug and alcohol treatment options.

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Jail Cells? Morgues? Your Cruise Ship Has Some Surprises for You.

Here are five unexpected features on ships, some of which you hopefully won’t discover on your own.

A close-up photograph of three decks of a cruise ship's cabins, each of which has a balcony with a half wall of blue glass and two chairs.

By Ceylan Yeğinsu

Cruise ships have hidden features that many passengers, particularly first-timers, don’t know about. Some ships are as big as small cities, and while it’s relatively easy to familiarize yourself with a seemingly endless number of amenities — water parks, tattoo parlors, multiple restaurants — there is also an entire ecosystem, often below passenger decks, that is shrouded in mystery.

Here are five things that cruisers may not know about cruise ships:

There’s a morgue …

Cruise ships carry millions of passengers each year, and it is not uncommon for deaths to occur on board. Most vessels are required to have a morgue and additional body bags in the event of an emergency.

The morgue, usually a small stainless steel refrigerated room on the ship’s lowest deck, accommodates between two to 10 bodies, depending on the size of the vessel. When a passenger or crew member dies, officials on the ship will notify the authorities on shore and a medical team will assess the body and move it to the morgue, where it is kept until arrangements are made for repatriation. In most cases, the body will be removed at the next port of call, but sometimes will remain on board until the end of the voyage.

…and a jail

There are no police officers on cruise ships, but most vessels have small jails known as the brig, and unruly passengers could find themselves locked up if the ship’s security team determines that they have violated the cruise line’s code of conduct.

The brig, usually a bare-bones room with a bed and bathroom facilities, does not have iron bars like a traditional jail cell. It is used to detain guests who commit serious crimes like assault or possession of illegal substances. Drunk and disorderly passengers may be put under “cabin arrest,” meaning they cannot leave their cabin without a security escort.

Depending on the circumstances, most passengers put in the brig will stay there until they can be handed over to law enforcement officials.

Many ships don’t have a Deck 13

Many cruise ships do not have a Deck 13 because of the widespread superstition in Western culture that the number is unlucky. Ships with a Deck 13 typically use it for public areas, not cabins.

Some ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class vessels, have a Deck 13 because the vessels are used mainly for the company’s market in Asia, where the number is not considered unlucky. MSC ships also have a Deck 13, but not a Deck 17, because the cruise line’s founder is Italian and 17 is considered unlucky in Italy.

Cruise lines entertain other superstitions, like appointing godmothers to bless new vessels and ensure the safety of passengers and crew. They also hold naming ceremonies in which a bottle of champagne is smashed against the hull of a new ship for good luck. If the bottle fails to break, the vessel will, according to superstition, have bad luck. These days, cruise lines use mechanical devices to ensure that does not happen.

Hidden pools and facilities for the crew

There are typically more than 1,000 crew members on board large cruise ships, and while they spend most of their time serving passengers, there are several areas on the lower decks designated for them to unwind.

The facilities vary from ship to ship, but there are usually small pools in the ship’s bow exclusively for crew members, as well as restaurants, bars and recreational areas like game rooms and gyms. The designated bar, a central social hub for employees after they have finished their shifts, often hosts live music and events in the evening.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, has an entire “neighborhood” dedicated to its 2,300 crew members, with a clubhouse that has massage chairs and virtual balconies — large screens that show real-time views from outside — as well as a restaurant with portholes looking out to the ocean.

Most ships host A.A. meetings

With all-inclusive beverage packages and countless bars, cruise ships can be a tough environment for guests in recovery. Many cruise lines offer daily Alcoholics Anonymous meetings that are usually scheduled as “Friends of Bill W.,” a reference to William Wilson, who co-founded the A.A. program in 1935.

The meetings are usually held in a quiet place like the library, where guests can feel comfortable and maintain their anonymity. They are also open to other support group members, like Women for Sobriety and Narcotics Anonymous.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

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24 Unexpected Things You'll Find on Cruise Ships

By alvin ward | jul 3, 2015.

Don't miss an episode— subscribe here! (Images and footage provided by our friends at Shutterstock . This transcript comes courtesy of Nerdfighteria Wiki. )

Hi, I'm John Green, welcome to my salon, this is mental_floss on YouTube, and...

1. Did you know that every cruise ship contains a morgue? Every year, about 200 people die on cruise ships, so the ships need a place to store the bodies. There are typically some body bags and a room with 6-10 refrigerated storage units, because, you know, if you die, just to be clear, the cruise is not turning around. You might be dead, but grandma's still going to Venice!

Anyway, that's the first of many weird things aboard cruise ships that I'm gonna share with you in this video today.

2. Many cruises have a brig or jail cell, although it's really just a small room and you have to do something very bad to get locked up in there. Depending on what the offender did, they may be arrested at the next port of call, or just returned to their cabin and put on home arrest.

3. The MSC Divina cruise offers aqua cycling lessons, so there are pools that contain actual underwater bikes for exercise. I don't wanna generalize, but those pools also probably contain norovirus.

4. Any ship that has over 50 passengers is required by law to contain a hospital and at least one doctor. This is primarily for minor issues, though, like, you know, norovirus. If there's a serious medical emergency, helicopters can be sent to airlift passengers to a hospital.

5. Many cruises, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival, sell really expensive pieces of art onboard. In fact, paintings and prints by artists like Picasso, Rembrandt, and Dali have been sold on cruise ships.

6. In addition like, the rock climbing and swimming, most cruise ships also have really quiet spaces, like libraries. In fact, a few ships employ full-time librarians to manage their library rooms.

7. On a few cruises from the Norwegian cruise line, there are ice bars. The bars provide coats and gloves for the 25 guests that are allowed in at one time. The room is rarely warmer than 17 degrees Fahrenheit, and boy, is all that ice and coolant a good use of our world's resources.

8. A few Royal Caribbean ships contain a 23-foot-tall glass chamber, which you can enter to feel like you're skydiving. In the chamber, there's an upward flowing wind of over 100 miles per hour, so you get lifted off the ground.

9. I guess Royal Caribbean is really the brand for daredevils, because they also have ziplines on their ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. They're 82 feet long and 9 decks tall.

10. Those two ships, along with a few others, also have surf simulators, so people can learn how to surf while 34,000 gallons of water pump through the machine per minute.

11. There's also a hand-carved carousel on the Allure of the Seas. Basically, you're not gonna get bored there. You might get norovirus, but you won't get bored.

12. Many cruise ships host regular Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for passengers. You might not realize it, because they're often announced as a 'Friends of Bill W.' meeting. He was the co-founder of AA.

13. Because people can't spend a seven-day cruise without a desperate need to go ice skating, some modern cruises are equipped with ice rinks. Some even feature ice shows.

14. There are sometimes dogs aboard cruise ships, service dogs have been allowed for years, but as of 2013, some cruises have added kennels for pets. You can't bring your pet into your cabin, but you are allowed to go play with it in the kennel.

15. Norwegian Cruise Lines makes it a point to celebrate many holidays, including Festivus from Seinfeld . According to their website, "We can't promise a Festivus pole, but we will have gingerbread-making contests and special menu items."

16. On the MSC Divina, there's a Formula One race car simulator. It's a single seat car with video screens all around so the guest can get the full race car experience, except for the smell of the exhaust.

17. The MSC Divina also contains a 4D cinema, promising a virtual reality experience that is not just 3D through glasses, but also has things like vibrating seats and wind gusts.

18. And there are some Royal Caribbean cruises that have robot bartenders in what's known as the Bionic Bar. The robots are programmed to get liquor from the right bottle and then add it to a cocktail mix. Of course, they always add the exact right amount, which, you know, on a cruise ship is never quite enough. I do genuinely like cruises, but boy do they under-serve.

19. Anyway, some cruise ships also have blind date programs, in which people can be set up on dates. Even weirder, some have what's known as a gentleman host program, in which women are taken to dinner and dancing by single, male employees of the cruise ship.

20. Speaking of things that make me shudder, there's a ropes course on the Norwegian Breakaway cruise, it has over 40 elements, including a plank that brings you eight feet over the ship's side. And underneath the ropes course, there's minigolf, so that our descendants can look back at us and be disgusted by our excess.

21. There's a cruise ship named The World which travels—wait for it—the world, and sells condos onboard. There are 165 total residences, including apartments and studio apartments. Some live on the cruise full-time, others just hop on and off for vacations.

22. Speaking of living on cruises, after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, students at Tulane University in New Orleans moved onto cruise ships for temporary housing. Some professors also moved onboard so they could keep teaching.

23. Royal Caribbean boasts that it has the first food truck at sea. It's called the Seaplex Dog House and it serves hot dogs. You can find it over by the bumper cars, because, you know, why not?

24. And finally, I return to my salon to tell you that some people choose cruise ships over nursing homes when they reach a certain age. One woman who does this, Lee Wachtstetter, says that it costs about $164,000 per year, which is comparable with a fancy retirement home, and it has better service and tons of programs, like dances and entertainment. Plus, there's a morgue! Now I feel bad if Lee Wachtstetter is watching this. She's gonna be bummed out. You know, they do have WiFi on cruise ships now.

Anyway, thanks for watching mental_floss here on YouTube, which is made with the help of all of these nice people. As we say in my hometown, don't forget to be awesome.

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Chinese animation looks to expand its global reach at annecy.

Amid the success of 'Chang’an,' China is touting its industry at the annual animation fest, with the hope of forging more international relationships: “The past decade has seen fast and significant growth."

By Mathew Scott

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The Chinese film industry has made no secret of the fact that it hopes the success of last year’s Chang’an will herald a new era for the country’s animation studios.

It’s certainly a theory that is playing out front and center inside the China Film Pavilion at this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

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What Is Friends of Bill W. on a Cruise?
A notice of a meeting of the Friends of Bill W. on your cruise ship daily schedule indicates an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. William Wilson founded AA as a society of members dedicated to helping ...
Who are Friends of Bill W. and Dorothy on cruises?
Friends of Dorothy is another name for LGBTQ+ meetups. (Photo by Prasit photo/Getty Images) The "Friends of Dorothy" are members of the LGBTQ+ community. It's rumored that Dorothy refers to the main character from "The Wizard of Oz," played by gay icon Judy Garland. Due to the movie's affinity for rainbows and Dorothy's unconventional band of ...
Sober Cruises, Sobriety
A "sober cruise" or a "sober vacation" is a way of identifying a trip where, as far as anyone can tell, all attendees have the main goal of staying sober while out in the real world on vacation. There will typically be alcohol in locations we pass, but we aim to stay spiritually fit, in keeping with the Big Book, to go anywhere in the world.
What Is Friends Of Bill W. On A Cruise?
On a cruise ship, "Friends of Bill W." is a code for Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Bill W. refers to Bill Wilson, one of the founders of A.A. During a cruise ship sailing, there will be meetings for A.A members who struggle with alcohol use and addiction. The goal of alcoholic anonymous meetings is to help recovering alcoholics remain sober.
What is Friends of Bill W. on a cruise?
Friends of Bill W. is an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting found onboard a cruise that is named after William Wilson (Bill W.), one of the founders of the organization. Alcoholics Anonymous was founded to help members achieve and maintain sobriety throughout their lives. Cruises can be a tough environment for those passengers in recovery, so cruise ...
What Is Friends Of Bill W. On A Cruise?
Cruises are a difficult environment for passengers in recovery as there's plenty of free-flowing alcohol around the ship. Cruise lines provide a safe space for guests to meet in a judgment-free setting. The meetings support passengers and allow them to continue their journey by participating in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Who are Bill W and Dorothy, and why do they have so many ...
Bill W, formally known as William Griffith Wilson, is the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). After struggles with alcohol early in his life, he found relief and hope in the kinship of a ...
Friends of Bill W/AA meetings
March 5, 2010. Birmingham, Alabama. #1. Posted August 1, 2021. Sailing the Horizon on Sept 4 which will be my significant other's first cruise sober. I've seen the "Friends of Bill W" meetings listed in the Fun Times on previous cruises, but wondering if anyone has any experience attending these.
One Day at a Time Cruises
One Day at a Time Cruises was developed in an effort to help facilitate safe, confident, and exciting travel adventures for those in recovery. Bo Corsillo - an associate of Phil and Linda Stern, is a travel agent for the awarding winning Cruise Planners and has been in long term recovery for over 18 years. ... Cruise ships navigate rivers, seas ...
Why Does Bill W. Have so Many Friends on a Cruise?
William Wilson, also known as Bill W., was the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, an international recovery network aimed at helping people who struggle with alcohol use and abuse. While people can take a vacation from their jobs and daily lives, they can't take a vacation from the recovery process. Going on a cruise may be a concerning ...
Sober Cruises: How To Cruise Alcohol-Free (2024)
They offer regular cruise holidays, including an annual cruise break around Halloween. For 2024, Sober Celebrations has arranged cruises with Royal Caribbean and Viking Ocean Cruises. There's also a Christmas river cruise on the Danube River with AMA Waterways. Find out more at sobercelebrations.com.
Dry January and travel: How to plan a sober trip
Find a meeting in a new city — or on a ship Travel Sober, Sober Vacations International and other similar operations offer a range of alcohol-free trips, including cruises and safaris.
Sober Cruises Provide Fun in Recovery
A licensed vocational nurse also works with the organization, which provides additional assurance that its voyages are fun as well as safe. These are just two of the organizations that offer cruises and other vacations while actively supporting sober lifestyles. Talk With a Treatment Specialist 24/7 - Call 833-420-1097.
Crystal Symphony Ship Review
A "Friends of Bill W." meetup (alcoholics anonymous) was held on one afternoon onboard. Crystal holds Catholic Mass and Interdenominational services on Sundays. Find a Crystal Symphony Cruise from ...
AA Meetings on cruise ship
Status: Offline. Posts: 39. Date: May 1, 2009. AA Meetings on cruise ship. Permalink. Printer Friendly. Hello everyone, I've been gone a few days, held captive on a cruise ship that was headed to Mexico. The first thing I did was look at the list of meetings onboard the ship, I found a "Friends of Bill W." I was releived and couldn't wait.
Sober Cruise Vacations for Sober Singles (Alcohol-Free)
Major cruise lines like the Princess Cruises and the Norwegian cruise line are examples of cruise lines that offer sober alternatives for sober passengers. On board, there are a variety of 12-step meetings. ... Alcoholics Anonymous meetings on board are called Friends of Bill W. Attending Friends of Bill W. meetings give opportunities to meet ...
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South America with Herb K. & Dr. Susie Mc J. on P rincess Cruises Sapphire Princess; MARCH 18-APRIL 5, 2024: Norwegian Fjords Cruise on P rincess Cruises Sky Princess; MAY 24-JUNE 1, 2024: Iceland Greenland & Canada with Tennie McCarty on the Norwegian Star; JUL 27-AUG 8, 2024: Greek Isles & Turkey 2024 with Tennie McCarty, Elizabeth Edwards & Fr. Tim Meier on the Norwegian Getaway
Sober Vacations International
Welcome to Sober Vacations InternationalEst. 1987. Sober life can indeed be a larger, more joyful life. Since 1987, we've been helping fellow 12-steppers expand their comfort zone in safe and beautiful environments, surrounded by others in recovery. Come join us in fulfilling the promise of living happy, joyous and free!
Recovery Cruises
2020 San Diego Spring Cruise. April 22-25, 2020 San Diego CA. Ventura County Cruise. May 18-20, 2020 Ventura CA. ... Many times sober Cruises are held along 12-step fellowship lines, meaning that Narcotics Anonymous holds its own functions, Alcoholics Anonymous holds its own functions, so on and so forth. ...
Jail Cells? Morgues? Your Cruise Ship Has Some Surprises for You
Many cruise lines offer daily Alcoholics Anonymous meetings that are usually scheduled as "Friends of Bill W.," a reference to William Wilson, who co-founded the AA program in 1935.
Alcoholics Anonymous on MSC? : r/Cruise
Welcome to /r/Cruise! This is a place to discuss anything and everything about cruising, working on cruise ships, and experiencing the lifestyle of cruising! 705K Members. 49 Online. Top 1% Rank by size. 34 votes, 45 comments. Wondering if anyone can confirm the presence of AA meetings (sometimes called "Friends of Bill W" or "Friends of ...
Jail Cells? Morgues? Your Cruise Ship Has Some Surprises for You
Many cruise lines offer daily Alcoholics Anonymous meetings that are usually scheduled as "Friends of Bill W.," a reference to William Wilson, who co-founded the A.A. program in 1935.
24 Unexpected Things You'll Find on Cruise Ships
Many cruise ships host regular Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for passengers. You might not realize it, because they're often announced as a 'Friends of Bill W.' meeting. He was the co-founder of ...
Chinese Animation Looks to Expand Its Global Reach at Annecy
June 11, 2024 11:55pm. The animated epic 'Chang'an' has grossed an estimated $250 million globally. Light Chaser. The Chinese film industry has made no secret of the fact that it hopes the ...

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