I’ve made so many friends on the HIV Cruise Retreats, both near and afar. They are like an extra family for me; and am delighted that I’m even able to visit with some during the year.
Thanks for an awesome cruise everyone! My mother and I had a wonderful time meeting everyone !!! It was the best week of my life. HIV won’t stop us from having a great time!!!!!
I live in a small town in a conservative state, so going on this cruise every year really boosts my sense of well-being and belonging. I’m so grateful for my “cruise family” and the atmosphere of openness and acceptance on the cruise.
When I first discovered the HIV Cruise Retreat from Cruise Designs Travel, I saw it as an opportunity to enjoy some fun in the sun among people with whom I could feel comfortable being myself. I never expected that this annual outing would come to mean so much more, and that I would find a community here. I really look forward to coming back year after year to rekindle old friendships — and make some new ones.
My recent HIV Cruise Retreat was one of the best weeks of my life. After reading your website, seeing everyone on the Secret Facebook page, and messaging people before hand, I knew I would have a good time. But the cruise – and the group – far exceeded any expectations I had. I usually keep my emotions bottled up, but I found myself crying because by the end of the cruise I felt like I had finally found a community and family I want. Thank you for everything you do and continue to do.
I’ve been on many HIV Cruise Retreats over the years and I can’t say enough about what a great experience it’s been each time. As a POZ heterosexual woman, among a small but mighty group of other straights, I find the most amazing sense of camaraderie among everyone in our group. People are friendly, tolerant and accepting, and the parties and other social events are super fun. I’ve built many long-term relationships. As I get older I’ve really begun to appreciate being able to say I have supportive friends from all over the country, many of whom I met on these cruises. We’re all in this ship together.
Our Itinerary for POZ Cruise #17
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale is one of the “hottest” cities in the U.S. today! It has lots of wonderful museums, points of interest, activities, and restaurants. Explore famed Las Olas Boulevard. Take a water taxi ride through the Intercoastal waterway to view homes of the rich and famous. Attend our traditional pre-cruise cocktail party. We’ve been able to secure a special group rate from the incredibly well-located Embassy Suites by Hilton, located on the 17th Street Causeway.
Click here for more information on the Embassy Suites by Hilton.
Falmouth, Jamaica
An 18th century port town with some lovely buildings. Visit a sugar plantation, or spend the day at Dunn River Falls with its incredible beach and cascading waterfalls.
Cartagena, Colombia
A 16th century walled town with quaint cobblestone streets and colorful buildings and markets. Cartagena is a port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. By the sea is an incredible walled Old Town, founded in the 16th century, with squares, cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings. (Now a World Heritage Site.) Cartagena also has some wonderful restaurants and shops. With a tropical climate, the city is also a popular beach destination.
Panama Canal - Partial Transit of the New Locks
Crossing the 40-mile Panama Canal is a marvel of engineering and a bucket list experience! Don’t miss this unique adventure.
Limon, Costa Rica
Lush and green year round, Limon is home to an incredible abundance of flora and boasts more than 9,000 species of blooming plants. Costa Rica’s fauna include over 850 types of birds, 200 species of mammals, 200 different reptiles and amphibians, and 10% of the world’s butterflies.
Grand Cayman Island
Grand Cayman boasts the highest standard of living in the entire Caribbean. It also has some of its finest beaches and underwater activities. This union of natural beauty and cosmopolitan style makes Grand Cayman a spectacular port. Snorkel in ultra-clear waters, encounter stingrays, dolphins and sea turtles.