When you ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, the answer is usually some sort of superhero. More often than not, that superhero takes the form of our everyday heroes: policemen, firemen, paramedics or someone in a branch of the military. The awe and pride that is evident in the faces of children when they meet a real life hero is inspiring and humbling. We all should learn from the innocent and take the time to honor our community heroes. They are the ones who run toward the fire as we are running away. They are the ones who perform lifesaving procedures on our darkest days. They are the ones who keep us safe in our homes and our country.
Long-time Frisco residents Wendi Cartwright and Debbie Stevens, owners of the full-service travel agency, Barefoot Travel Agency – CruiseOne, are proud to announce the launch of the first annual “Salute Our Heroes” cruise. This cruise was developed with dual purposes in mind. Ms. Cartwright says, “We wanted to develop something that would offer a much-needed getaway for the first responders, veterans and active military in our community. Finding time to reconnect with friends and family is often difficult, so offering them a package that is pre-planned, at an incredible price, was important to us.” Putting together a package that included an award-winning cruise line, Royal Caribbean, that offers tons of activities, sailing from a port close to home, was the first step in ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Secondly, the “Salute Our Heroes” cruise was created to serve as a vehicle in which the community could get involved. Participation in the cruise offers friends, family and supporters a way to celebrate the service that is provided by the military and first responders on a daily basis … and to thank them for all they do. Ms. Stevens says, “We all know that these heroes choose their professions, but by participating in this organized event, it gives everyone an opportunity to outwardly recognize and appreciate the toll the job has on our heroes, and ultimately, their friends and family.” Taking the time to reconnect is critical in keeping life in perspective. Honoring their bravery and selflessness is important. “We are creating an atmosphere where our heroes can relax and enjoy themselves, while at the same time, allowing the people they serve to show appreciation,” adds Ms. Stevens.
Studies show that 70 percent of Americans leave vacation time on the table each year. It is time to change that. It is time to start enjoying the world and each other! “Because we are in the travel industry, we understand the importance travel has on health, both mental and physical. Vacations give people the time, and even the permission, to slow down and reconnect with their family and strengthen bonds with friends,” says Ms. Cartwright. The importance of savoring each moment has never been more evident than in the world we live in today.
“We are so excited to say ‘thank you’ to our heroes! And it is not just for our police, firemen, EMS or military. It is for anyone who wants to attend and pay tribute to those who help us on a daily basis; who put their lives on the line for us; who keep us safe; who keep us free!” says Ms. Stevens.
On Sept. 18, 2016, the first annual “Salute Our Heroes” cruise will set sail from Galveston, Texas, aboard the Royal Caribbean’s “Liberty of the Seas.” Barefoot Travel Agency invites you to join in on the fun. If you are a veteran, active military, first responder, or a friend, family member or supporter of the people who keep us safe, make plans to attend. It is not too early to start planning how you will enjoy the great amenities found on board the beautiful ship, all of the non-stop entertainment and stunning views of some of the most gorgeous ports in the Caribbean.
The itinerary includes three port stops. The first is Cozumel, Mexico. Here you can snorkel in some of the most pristine waters or experience all of the flavors of Mexico. Chocolate, tequila and tacos sound like a great place to start! The second port will be Georgetown in Grand Cayman. Ride a horse along the edge of the warm Caribbean waters, hit the mud in a dune buggy or pay a visit to Hell (a real place in Grand Cayman, where a beautiful outcropping of jagged dark limestone awaits you). The final port will be Falmouth. That is in Jamaica, mon! Here, vacationers can tube down the river or zip line across the treetops of the jaw-dropping rainforest for the ultimate adrenaline rush. You might even qualify to be an honorary Jamaican bobsled member, if you’re lucky!
These are just a few examples of the adventures that await you when you decide to attend the first annual “Salute Our Heroes” cruise. If you have never been on a cruise, you do not have to worry! Barefoot Travel Agency will be with you each step of the way! “Wendi and I are personally escorting the group, so we cannot wait to welcome everyone aboard. We will make sure everyone is settled and we will be on hand to offer our own thanks,” adds Ms. Stevens.
In addition to arranging specially negotiated rates from the cruise line, Ms. Cartwright and Ms. Stevens will personally provide each cabin with a complimentary credit to be used toward extra amenities that guests might like to purchase. Also, because they realize working a memorable vacation into a family budget can be tough, only small deposits are required now, allowing the balance to be paid off over the next several months.
“We are so proud to be able to offer this top-notch itinerary, aboard the much-loved and celebrated cruise line, Royal Caribbean, to the men and women, along with their family and friends, who lay their lives on the line for us each day. We are equally proud to extend an amazing opportunity to the community as a whole to participate with us,” says Ms. Cartwright.
If you are a business owner or an individual resident of this wonderful community and you are interested in showing your thanks and appreciation for everything military and first responders do for us, Barefoot Travel Agency is making it easy to become an All-Star Sponsor of the “Salute Our Heroes” cruise. They are looking for partners to provide the extra amenities for the heroes’ vacations, so the heroes will not incur any additional cost for the cruise. “By becoming an All-Star Sponsor, you will be joining us in transforming their ordinary vacation into an extraordinary experience,” says Ms. Stevens. “Please help us give them a heartfelt ‘thank you’ by deciding to participate with us. We plan to recognize sponsors in a variety of ways.”
To find out more about available pricing, to make reservations or to become a sponsor, contact Barefoot Travel Agency – CruiseOne at 972-581-9551 or email wcartwright@cruiseone.com. Ms. Cartwright and Ms. Stevens are excited to speak with you!
