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EVENTS

We have exciting things happening at VCMI. Click on the events below to learn more.

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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? - Contact the travel agent, Judith Matthews, at (205) 966-1325 to book and pay for your booking. Travel Documents & Entry Requirements 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. 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. 7. 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. Please be sure to read your Royal Caribbean Booking Confirmation in its entirety. Pre-cruise Arrangements & Embarkation 8. 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 beginning on July 4th and ending at 9:00 a.m. on August 18th. 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. 9. When should I arrive at Cape Liberty on August 18? - Please plan to arrive 2–3 hours at Port of Cape Liberty, 4 Port Terminal Boulevard, Bayonne, NJ 07002-5038, prior to your scheduled boarding time to allow for parking, check-in, security, and group procedures. Passengers may board the ship any time between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. - You’ll receive a SeaPass card onboard that you will need to link to a credit/debit card (Royal Caribbean ships are cashless.) The SeaPass acts as your personal onboard expense account.

10. What about Parking and Transportation Arrangements? - Bayonne, NJ’s Cape Liberty Port has on-site parking and off-site lots. Parking is generally $35 per day. -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, Uber or Taxi, depending upon traffic). - Amtrak Trains have stops in Newark Penn Station. You can take an Uber or Taxi from the train station to the port. It takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes from the train station to the port in Bayonne, NJ. - Bus Transportation will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. A Motorcoach bus will leave the VCMI Suitland Campus location on the morning of Tuesday, August 18th for the Cape Liberty Cruise Port and will return to the VCMI Suitland Campus on Saturday, August 22nd. Registration is $225, per person. The registration link will be available on the VCMI website until July 16th. 11. What about VICTORY Family Conference Cruise Merchandise? - VICTORY Family Conference Cruise merchandise will be available for purchase from the online store at www.vcmi.org/conference-shop. It will be accessible 24/7 until August 18th. However, to receive your merchandise before the sail date of August 18th, please place your order BEFORE July 12th to allow sufficient shipping time. (NOTE: Victory Christian Ministries International is not the shipping company. Any issues with the shipment must be addressed directly with the shipping provider.) - If there are other concerns with your order, email us at vending@vcmi.org for assistance. Onboard Activities & Logistics 12. Will the church have services or meetings? - Yes — the schedule and locations will be provided in the 2026 VICTORY Family Conference Cruise App. (See question 24 below.) 13. What activities are available for children on the ship? - Check out Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean Program for age-appropriate kids’ activities. You may register on Deck 12, Aft, where you can also learn about childcare for children ages 6 months to 3 years. 14. Should I book excursions through Royal Caribbean or independently? - Booking through Royal Caribbean’s website or App 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. 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). - Beverages are included throughout the cruise at no extra charge. However, you may purchase specialty beverage packages via Royal Caribbean’s website or App. 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. What are recommended things to bring ashore in Halifax? - Passport, comfortable shoes, local cash (CAD) or credit card, sunscreen, water bottle, a small daypack, and any meds. Check weather and dress accordingly. - In August, expect pleasant daytime temperatures in the low to mid-70s and cooler evenings, dipping in the mid-50s. Wear breathable layers for warm days, but be sure to bring a sweater or hoodie for cooler, breezy evenings. 20. 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. 21. 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 ship’s emergency travel team at 1-201-436-2080 immediately for guidance. Money, Connectivity & Communication 22. 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. 23. Is Wi Fi available onboard? - Once onboard, you’ll need to connect to the ship’s guest Wi-Fi network to use the Royal Caribbean App for free and/or access an internet plan. To connect, turn on airplane mode, tap the internet icon in the app’s footer, and follow the steps on the Internet Hub to join the Wi-Fi network. If you purchased an internet plan pre-cruise, you will be connected to that plan. - If you would like to purchase a plan, which is needed if you wish to access your email or social media, Royal Caribbean offers VOOM Wi Fi packages for purchase. Coverage and prices vary; buy in advance via the website or the Royal Caribbean app if you need consistent access. 24. What about the VICTORY Family Conference Cruise App? - The VICTORY Family Conference Cruise App will be sent to all who have registered for the Cruise via a downloadable link. - Add the App to your Home Screen: For Apple Products: Click the upload icon in the upper right corner of the screen while you are in the App; scroll down until you see “Add to home screen”, click on the plus + sign, then click “add” in the upper right corner of your screen. For Android Products: Click the three dots . . . in the upper right corner of your device; scroll down to see “Add to Home Screen”, click that, then “Install”. - NOTE: The VICTORY Family Conference Cruise App may not be accessible without a Royal Caribbean VOOM Wi-Fi package. Practical Policies & Onboard Rules 25. What is the tipping/gratuity policy? - Daily service charges/gratuity are typically added to your account for dining and stateroom service at $18.50 per day ($21.00 per day for Suite guests). You can adjust gratuities onboard if desired. Specialty services (spa, salon) may add additional tips. Accessibility & Special Needs 26. Are accessible cabins and services available? - Yes; request accessible cabins and services when booking. Availability is limited — notify the group’s travel agent and Royal Caribbean of special needs early. 27. 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. Health, Safety & Insurance 28. 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.

29. Is travel insurance required or recommended? - Highly recommended. Travel insurance can cover trip interruption, medical emergencies, and missed connections. 30. 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. Additional Questions/Information 31. 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. 32. Who do I contact for group-specific questions? - Send an email to conf2026@vcmi.org for group specific questions.

TRAVEL WITH VICTORY

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