
EVENTS
We have exciting things happening at VCMI. Click on the events below to learn more.
Victory Family Cruise 2026
“Victory family, we have something exciting for you—save the date for our Victory Family Conference! We’re taking it to the seas and cruising to Canada on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas, August 18th through the 22nd, departing from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey.
Cabin pricing will range from approximately $300 to $1,200 per person, depending on your selection. We’re putting together a powerful family conference schedule onboard, So, lock in the dates, start planning, and if you’ll need a passport, please begin that process now.
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
Itinerary & General 1. What are the cruise dates and itinerary? - Sail dates: August 18–22, 2026 (4 nights). - Aug 18: Embarkation at Cape Liberty, NJ. - Aug 19: At sea. - Aug 20: Port stop — Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada) - Aug 21: At sea. - Aug 22: Return to Cape Liberty (morning disembarkation). 2. What ship are we sailing on? - Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas. Booking & Payments 3. How do I book into the church group? - Access and complete the VCMI Family Cruise Registration page located in the Divine Favor Travel Agency’s link featured on the VICTORY Family Conference Cruise Flyer on VCMI’s website, under Events. Once completed, the travel agent, Judith Matthews, will contact you via email with your Guest Invoice. (Please allow her sufficient processing time, which is typically less than a week.) 4. Are there group rates and deposits? - Yes. You may contact the travel agent, Judith Matthews, for deposit amounts and deadlines. These amounts will also be reflected on your Royal Caribbean Booking Confirmation that you will receive from the travel agent, Judith Matthews. 5. When is final payment due? - Please make your final payment on or before June 1, 2026. (Please note that a deposit is due well before this date to hold your booking.) Travel Documents & Entry Requirements 6. Do I need a passport? - Yes — we strongly recommend all travelers carry a valid passport. It avoids delays and is the simplest way to meet Canadian entry and U.S. re-entry requirements. Please double-check the expiration date reflected on your passport. 7. Can I travel without a passport (birth certificate/ID)? - This cruise is considered a closed-loop cruise. While some closed-loop cruises sometimes permit alternate documents for U.S. citizens, because this cruise visits Canada, using a passport is strongly advised. Do not rely on alternate documents unless you have confirmed acceptance with Royal Caribbean and government guidance. 8. What about minors and non-U.S. citizens? - Minors and non-U.S. citizens may need additional documents (passport, visas, parental consent letters). Confirm each traveler’s document requirements and that the names match the official documents well before travel. For example, a marriage certificate may be required since it will reflect a different last name than the one on the birth certificate. 9. Who’s responsible for checking requirements? - Each traveler is responsible for verifying passport, visa, and health entry requirements. Check Royal Caribbean and official government sites for up-to-date rules.
Embarkation & Pre-cruise Arrangements 10. When should I arrive at Cape Liberty on Aug 18? - Plan to arrive 2–3 hours prior to your scheduled boarding time to allow for parking, check-in, security, and group procedures. The group leader will share a recommended meet time. 11. Should I check in online? - Yes. Those who have paid in full will be able to complete Royal Caribbean’s online check-in using Royal Caribbean’s app or website, between 45 days and the morning of your sail date. Please be sure to provide your first and last name, and your birthdate as they appear on your passport. Bring printed/phone copies of your boarding documents and government ID/passport. You’ll get a SeaPass card onboard. 12. What about parking, transportation arrangements, and the address of the Port? Address: Port of Cape Liberty 4 Port Terminal Boulevard Bayonne, NJ 07002-5038 - Currently, Victory is not offering transportation to/from the Port. All travelers are responsible for their own transportation. - A safe and secure parking facility is conveniently located adjacent to the cruise terminal. Parking fees are $35 per day, including all taxes (all rates and prices are subject to change). Cash and major credit cards are accepted. No reservations are necessary, and parking is guaranteed. Oversized vehicles, such as campers and RVs, that occupy more than one space, will be charged double the normal charge. The height restriction of the garage is 7’4”. There is an open lot adjacent to the parking garage to accommodate vehicles with height restrictions. -The nearest major airport is Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and is approximately 10-15 miles from the Port of Cape Liberty (roughly 15-25 minutes by car, depending upon traffic). - Amtrak Trains have stops in Newark Penn Station and New York Penn Station, but these are not near Bayonne, NJ. 13. What should I pack in my carry-on? - Passport, medications (in original containers), any valuables, and any items you need immediately upon boarding. The remainder of your luggage will be checked prior to boarding. Onboard Church Activities & Logistics 14. Will the church have worship services or meetings? - Yes — the schedule and locations will be provided later. Dining, Special Meals & Allergies 15. How will our group dine together? - Your Booking Confirmation will reflect a “Traditional” time for dinner that you will use each night, with the same table mates and same waiters. You may request “My Time” as an alternative to the “Traditional” which will allow you to pick any available table within the defined dining window each night (you don’t have to eat at the same time every night). Specify dining preferences (traditional vs My Time) early. In addition, you can also book specialty restaurants for group meals (extra cost). 16. How are dietary restrictions handled? - Royal Caribbean can accommodate many allergies and dietary needs. Notify the cruise line and the dining staff in advance and again at embarkation.
Halifax (Aug 20) — Shore Day Questions 17. What should I know about Halifax port times? - Exact arrival and departure times will be on your final itinerary. Expect a typical port call of several hours (often morning to late afternoon). Check your boarding documents and ship announcements for exact times. 18. Do I need my passport to go ashore in Halifax? - Yes — bring your passport (or acceptable travel documents) when leaving the ship. You will need them to re-board and when re-entering the U.S. at Cape Liberty. 19. Should I book excursions through Royal Caribbean or independently? - Booking through Royal Caribbean reduces the risk of missing the ship (they will generally accommodate delays for ship excursions). Independent excursions may be less expensive but carry the risk that you must get back to the ship on time. 20. What are recommended things to bring ashore in Halifax? - Passport, comfortable shoes, local cash (Canadian dollars/CAD) or credit card, sunscreen, water bottle, a small daypack, and any meds. Check weather and dress accordingly. 21. What about customs and reboarding time? - Return to the ship well before the posted “all aboard” time. The ship will not wait past this time. Have your SeaPass and passport ready for re-boarding. Health, Safety & Insurance 22. What about COVID-19 and other health requirements? - Health entry requirements and cruise health protocols change. Check Royal Caribbean policies and official health advisories close to travel. Bring masks and sanitizer if you wish; carry proof of vaccination or tests if required. 23. Is travel insurance required or recommended? - Highly recommended. Travel insurance can cover trip interruption, medical emergencies, and missed connections. 24. Is there medical care onboard? - Yes, there’s a medical center (fees apply). Bring an adequate supply of prescription meds in original containers and a copy of prescriptions. Money, Connectivity & Communication 25. What currency should I carry? - In Halifax you can use Canadian dollars (CAD) or U.S. credit cards. Onboard charges are billed in U.S. dollars. Notify banks of travel plans to avoid card holds. 26. Is Wi Fi available onboard? - Royal Caribbean offers VOOM Wi Fi packages for purchase. Coverage and prices vary; buy in advance if you need consistent access. Practical Policies & Onboard Rules 27. What is the tipping/gratuity policy? - Daily service charges are typically added to your account for dining and stateroom service. You can adjust gratuities onboard if desired. Specialty services (spa, salon) may add additional tips. 28. What if I miss the ship in Halifax? - If you miss all aboard time, you are responsible for your own return travel and expenses. Contact the group leader and Royal Caribbean immediately for guidance.
Accessibility & Special Needs 29. Are accessible cabins and services available? - Yes; request accessible cabins and services when booking. Availability is limited — notify the group leader and Royal Caribbean of special needs early. 30. Can I bring mobility devices or medical equipment? - Mobility devices, scooters, and CPAP machines are generally permitted but may have battery/storage requirements. Check with Royal Caribbean about size, battery type (wet cell lithium battery restrictions), and storage. Contacts & Communication 31. Who do I contact for group-specific questions? - Bookings & Payments: jmatthews@nlim.org -VCMI’s Internal POC: cdavis@vcmi.org 32. Where can I find the most current Royal Caribbean policies? - Royal Caribbean’s official website and your booking confirmation are the best sources for the latest rules, health policies, and documentation requirements.


