As seen on
WHO IS THIS EXPERIENCE FOR?
This cruise is intentionally designed for:
Parents of children with disabilities
Individuals with disabilities
Caregivers & advocates
Special needs educators
Therapists & support providers
Resource professionals
Extended family members
Organizations serving the disability community
If you are seeking meaningful community, renewed strength, practical tools, and restorative space — you belong here.
THE REALITY
Parenting a child with disabilities is meaningful — and demanding. You manage appointments, therapies, school meetings, transitions, advocacy, emotional labor, and daily coordination.
Often without pause. You give continuously.
This week is designed to give something back to you.
THE REALITY
Parenting a child with disabilities is meaningful — and demanding. You manage appointments, therapies, school meetings, transitions, advocacy, emotional labor, and daily coordination.
Often without pause. You give continuously.
This week is designed to give something back to you.
THE Promise
Disability Parenting At Sea™ is a curated experience created to provide:
Rest, Relaxation and Respite
Empowerment sessions
Community support
Practical strategies
You will return home with new tools and resources.
THE Promise
Disability Parenting At Sea™ is a curated experience created to provide:
Rest, Relaxation and Respite
Empowerment sessions
Community support
Practical strategies
You will return home with new tools and resources.
CREATORS OF THE DISABILITY PARENTING AT SEA CELEBRATION, CRUISE & CONFERENCE
Norma Stanley
Author | Disability Parent | Advocate | Creator of Navigating Love, Hope and Life | Parenting Course
For more than 30 years, Norma has supported families navigating cognitive, physical, and developmental differences through advocacy and communication leadership.
Dr. Dawn Anderson
Founder of Celebrity Boss™ & Celebrity Boss Experiences™ | Executive Producer | Media Monetization Strategist
Dr. Anderson designs community-driven experiences that bring education, empowerment, and connection together through curated live events.
Disability Parenting At Sea™ is hosted within the Celebrity Boss Experience™ framework.
PERKS FOR ATTENDEES
Uplifting keynote sessions
Advocacy resources & strategies
Community-building workshops
Breakout sessions
Parent empowerment circles
Sibling support conversations
Disability-inclusive activities
Networking receptions
Pre-cruise orientation
Post-cruise community group
Bonuses, digital tools & resources
INVITATION FOR SPEAKERS
Mainstage speaking opportunity
Professional photography & video
Press release inclusion
Breakout sessions
Celebrity Boss Digital
Magazine feature
Your story featured in
event marketing
Visibility to parents, caregivers, advocates & nonprofits
Panel opportunities
Co-branded promotional graphics
Apply if you’re a:
Professional serving disability community
Therapist / Educator
Author / Speaker
Nonprofit leader
INVITATION FOR SPONSORS
Perfect for:
• All corporate brands focused on
• inclusion and accessibility
• Disability nonprofits
• Therapy centers
• Assistive technology companies
• Colleges & transition programs
• Special education organizations
• Medical & Wellcare businesses
• Resource providers and family
• support programs
Sponsorship Benefits Include:
Logo placement
Speaker opportunity (select tiers)
Vendor visibility
Social media shout-outs
SWAG Bag inserts & promo materials
Website features
Pre & Post-cruise digital Visibility
OUR JOURNEY AT SEA
PORT CANAVERAL
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Where the Journey Begins
Your journey begins on Florida’s Space Coast — a place where rockets lift into the sky and new chapters begin.
Arrive early and explore the Kennedy Space Center, stroll Cocoa Beach, or enjoy Orlando’s world-renowned attractions. Whether you seek high-energy adventure or relaxed coastal moments, this port offers something for every pace.
Accessibility Notes
The cruise terminal is wheelchair accessible with ramp entry and elevator access.
Kennedy Space Center and most major Orlando attractions offer ADA-compliant pathways and mobility rentals.
Bullet List 3Cocoa Beach features accessible beach access points, though sand terrain may require beach wheelchairs for optimal mobility.
Pre- or post-cruise hotel stays near the port often offer accessible room options.
This is our departure point — physically and emotionally — designed to welcome every traveler.
CELEBRATION KEY
GRAND BAHAMA
A Private Island Escape Designed for Joy
Step ashore into turquoise waters and powder-soft sand on Grand Bahama’s newest island destination.
Celebration Key offers calm beaches, curated amenities, and vibrant island charm. Relax beneath palm trees, explore cultural offerings, or enjoy shallow water areas ideal for gentle recreation.
Accessibility Notes
Tendering is not required — guests disembark via dock (subject to final cruise arrangements).
Main pathways and central areas are typically paved or structured for standard wheelchair mobility.
Beach terrain is soft sand; beach wheelchairs may be limited and should be requested in advance.
Shaded rest areas and structured seating are available throughout central zones.
Guests who prefer minimal terrain transitions may enjoy poolside or shaded seating areas. Island time moves gently — choose your pace.
SAN JUAN
History, Color, and Caribbean Soul
San Juan welcomes you with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and centuries of history woven into vibrant Caribbean life.
Celebration Key offers calm beaches, curated amenities, and vibrant island charm. Relax beneath palm trees, explore cultural offerings, or enjoy shallow water areas ideal for gentle recreation.
Accessibility Notes
Old San Juan features cobblestone streets and hilly terrain, which may present mobility challenges.
Many modern areas, shopping districts, and cruise terminal zones are wheelchair accessible.
Accessible transportation options are available but may require advance planning.
Guests preferring smoother terrain may choose guided accessible tours arranged through the cruise line.
This port blends heritage and heart — plan thoughtfully for comfort.
ST. THOMAS
Sapphire Waters and Elevated Views
St. Thomas offers breathtaking ocean views, calm beaches, and scenic overlooks that stretch beyond the horizon.
Relax on tranquil shores, explore island shops, or enjoy water excursions suited to your comfort level.
Accessibility Notes
The cruise dock area is generally accessible with paved pathways.
Many beaches involve soft sand terrain; accessible beach access varies by location.
Island transportation may include open-air taxis; accessible vehicle availability should be confirmed in advance.
Some scenic overlooks and excursions may require moderate mobility.
Guests seeking low-impact exploration may enjoy dockside shopping and structured beachfront resorts with smoother access.
Detailed schedules will be shared in the private community.
OUR ACCESSIBILITY COMMITMENT
Disability Parenting At Sea™ is intentionally designed to welcome caregivers and families navigating disability journeys at every life stage.
We recognize that accessibility is not one-size-fits-all. Needs vary across mobility, sensory, cognitive, and communication experiences. Our commitment is to create an environment that is thoughtful, structured, and responsive within the framework of cruise line policies and port conditions.
We are committed to:
• Designing event programming in accessible, structured spaces onboard
• Communicating clearly about terrain, transportation, and port considerations in advance
• Encouraging families to share accessibility needs during registration
• Coordinating with our travel team to support accessible cabin requests when available
• Providing realistic guidance about excursion environments and mobility considerations
• Maintaining dignity, respect, and community-centered inclusion in all gatherings
While cruise operations and port infrastructure are governed by cruise line and local authorities, our team will provide proactive communication and support to help families plan confidently.
We encourage guests to review mobility needs, travel insurance options, and cruise line accessibility policies when making travel decisions.
This experience is built with intention — honoring both celebration and practical preparation.
Shipmates Speak
Charter Member Reflections
Norma Stanley has been a constant source of inspiration and support in my life. Our friendship of over 20 years, grew out of our shared experiences as parents of children with special needs. Her passion, work ethic and dedication to serving the disability community and as a communications professional, are qualities I admire and respect.
Helga J. Moore
Disability Community Advocate
Manager/Optometry Dept. at Sam's
From our very first meeting, Norma Stanley demonstrated a clear understanding of both the systemic barriers, that individuals with disabilities face and the actionable steps employers can take to foster inclusivity. Her counsel has helped shape the way I approach not only accessibility, but also equitable hiring, onboarding, retention, and day-to-day support of employees with disabilities.
Janet Wilson
HR Professional
Nonprofit Engineering Association
As a caring parent of an adult daughter with cognitive and physical disabilities, and a passionate disability advocate for more than 30 years, Norma Stanley leads by example. She brings value to the disability community both personally and professionally, because of her lived experience and her depth of expertise in marketing and communications.
Ertha Jennett
Friend, Disability Advocate
I have known Norma Stanley for 30 years, and In my opinion, she is the pre-eminent authority for caretaking and advocating for the disabled. In addition to being a loving caregiver to her adult daughter, she is a champion of talented disabled performers. Norma leverages her extensive marketing communications skills and varied other talents to enhance the quality of life not just for her daughter and herself, but for the community as a whole. I am honored to know her!
Ellen Hartman
Founder, Hartman Public Relations
Norma Stanley is truly a force of nature, a dynamic, determined, and profoundly conscientious disability advocate. I've had the privilege of knowing Norma for over a decade through SHOWAbility, where I've witnessed her unwavering commitment firsthand.
As an engaged and stylish mother to her nonverbal adult daughter, Sierra, Norma exemplifies what it means to give families, including disabled children, the best life experiences possible. She effortlessly juggles roles as a media and public relations expert, an exceptional writer, and a dedicated community activist.
Myrna Clayton
Norma Stanley is a passionate advocate and public relations professional dedicated to changing the narrative around disability. As a former TV news producer, I had the privilege of working with Norma on impactful stories that brought visibility to the disability community – challenging outdated narratives and elevating ability over limitation. Her work with platforms like SHOWAbility showcases what’s truly possible. As a mother to a daughter with special needs, her commitment is personal. She is truly a driving force for access, inclusion, and empowerment.
Natasha Lee
Dir., ATL26
Norma Stanley and I have worked together on behalf of the disability community for many years. Her advantage has always been her firsthand knowledge and personal journey with her daughter Sierra, born with both cognitive and physical disabilities. Norma’s depth of caring and compassion for this community, has been evident for as long as I've known her. As she navigates the challenges and victories of both her daughter's and her own life, she constantly exhibits strength and resourceful determination to make a positive difference, serving as a role model for other parents, which are ultimate wins for the community!
Twanda Dudley
Disability Advocate, Radio/TV Personality
CFO The PGNetwork, Board Member SHOWAbility
Meeting Norma Stanley enlightened me to the challenges and victories experienced by families like hers. As a result, my awareness of the disability community was heightened, and I too became a staunch advocate. I've learned so many things that I just assumed were happening, like acceptance and accessibility, as a fashion designer. I was inspired by Norma and her daughter, Sierra, to include people with disabilities along with typical models in my fashion shows. And it’s because of Norma’s expertise in PR, that my work has been featured multiple times on local and national TV, and was even included in an Emmy-nominated documentary about the disability community.
Sharon Gary-Dill
Owner, Fashion by D’Shacourt Studios
Mahatma Gandhi once stated, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others." This is a quote that captures the life force and divine assignment of Norma Stanley. I have known and worked with Norma for over 10 years in many capacities as a friend, sister, radio co-host, public relations representative, parishioner, and fellow disability advocate. She has presented a common theme of service that is of great intrinsic value. This gift of service is paired with great humility, passion, creativity, and perseverance. This combination of intrinsic gifting allows Norma to truly be impactful and resourceful to all organizations and enterprises she engages in.
Bishop Oba/Dedric M. Avery
Disability Advocate, Senior Pastor
Salt and Light Truth Center
You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers!
BOOKING & PARTICIPATION
1. Can I bring my spouse, significant other, children, parents, or friends?
Yes. This is your vacation. You are welcome to travel with the people who support and uplift you. All travelers booked within our official group may participate in designated group activities.
2. Can I book separately through Carnival and still attend Disability Parenting At Sea™ events?
No. Only guests booked through our official group receive:
• Event credentials
• Access to private conference sessions
• Group-only gatherings
• SWAG bags
• Community programming
Public Carnival bookings do not include entry to private hosted events.
3. How do I access the private community group?
After your deposit is received and your cabin is confirmed, you will receive instructions to join our private online group for updates and coordination.
4. Can friends or family who book through the group attend all events?
Yes. All travelers officially booked within our group may attend general event programming.
Please note:
• Some sessions may be adult-focused
• Children may attend designated family-friendly activities
5. Do I have to attend every scheduled event?
No. This is your vacation first. All sessions are optional. You may choose rest, excursions, or personal time at any point.
DINING & ONBOARD EXPERIENCE
6. How does open seating work in the dining room?
Open seating allows flexibility. You may sit with your own party or connect with other families from the group. Tables typically seat 6–10 guests.
7. Where can I book excursions?
Excursions may be booked directly through Carnival:
https://www.carnival.com/shore-excursions
We may also share curated excursion recommendations closer to sailing.
All excursions are operated by third-party vendors or Carnival.
PAYMENTS & TRAVEL
8. How are my payments protected?
We strongly recommend purchasing Carnival Vacation Protection:
https://www.carnival.com/vacation-protection
Or an independent provider such as Allianz Travel Insurance:
https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com
9. Can I make changes to my booking?
Changes may be possible prior to final payment deadlines and are subject to cruise line policies and potential fees.
10. When should I book flights?
We recommend arriving at least one day prior to sailing.
Return flights should depart after 1:00 PM on disembarkation day.
11. Do international guests need Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval?
Guests from Visa Waiver countries must complete ESTA at:
https://www.cbp.gov/esta
12. What identification is required for U.S. citizens?
Preferred: Valid U.S. Passport
Also accepted (closed-loop cruises):
Original or certified birth certificate + government-issued photo ID
Please verify directly with Carnival:
https://www.carnival.com/help
13. How do I complete online check-in?
Carnival online check-in:
Check-in typically opens 14 days before sailing. We will have a Zoom pre-boarding prep conference to remind you to check in. And also, a reminder will be posted in the Disability Parenting at Sea Facebook Group
Check-in typically opens 14 days before sailing.
14. What transportation options are available?
Port Canaveral transportation options include:
• Uber
• Lyft
• Taxi
• Shuttle services
• Private transfers
Parking information:
https://www.portcanaveral.com/Cruise/Directions-Parking
15. What are the best boarding times?
Most guests prefer boarding between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, depending on their assigned check-in time.
ACCESSIBILITY
16. How accessible is the ship?
Carnival provides accessible staterooms, mobility assistance, and guest services. Details are available at:
https://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/special-needs
Availability is determined by the cruise line.
17. What accessibility accommodations are available?
Carnival may provide:
• Accessible staterooms
• Priority embarkation assistance
• Mobility device storage
• Refrigeration for medical supplies
Guests must complete Carnival’s Special Needs Form:
https://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/special-needs/pre-cruise-forms
All accommodations are subject to Carnival approval.
18. Can I bring medical equipment onboard?
Yes. Guests may bring:
• Wheelchairs
• Scooters
• Walkers
• CPAP machines
• Feeding pumps
• Nebulizers
Advance notice is recommended through Carnival Guest Access Services.
19. Does Carnival or the Disabilty Parenting at Sea Hosts provide caregivers or respite services?
No. The Disability at Sea Conference Cruise hosts nor Carnival Cruise Lines are not able to provide personal caregiving services. We recommend bringing along someone to assist in caregiving.
20. Will there be sensory-friendly or low-stimulation areas?
Carnival offers certain accommodations and quiet areas; availability varies. Final details will be shared in the private group prior to sailing.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
21. What inclusive youth programs are available?
Carnival youth programs include:
Camp Ocean® (ages 2–11)
https://www.carnival.com/onboard/camp-ocean
Circle “C”® (ages 12–14)
https://www.carnival.com/onboard/circle-c
Club O2® (ages 15–17)
https://www.carnival.com/onboard/club-o2
All programs are operated solely by Carnival Cruise Line and are subject to their policies and staffing availability.
22. Is childcare available during adult sessions?
Youth program participation is subject to Carnival scheduling and policies. Please verify hours and availability directly with Carnival onboard.
23. What if my child wanders or elopes?
We recommend safety measures such as ID bracelets and daily photos. Please review Carnival’s onboard safety policies and notify youth staff as appropriate.
Policies
24. What does the $397 per attendee introductory conference cruise coordination fee include?
The $397 per-attendee registration fee covers access to all Disability Parenting At Sea™ private programming, curated gatherings, group dinners, empowerment sessions, and community experiences hosted by our team.
Cruise cabin accommodations are not included in this fee.
25. Is the $397 fee per family or per person?
The $397 per attendee introductory conference cruise coordination fee is per attendee.
26. Is the cruise cabin included in the $397 registration fee?
No. Cruise cabin accommodations are reserved separately through our official Disability Parenting At Sea™ group travel booking process.
27. How do I book my cruise cabin?
After completing your event registration, our travel team will provide instructions to secure your cruise cabin within our official group reservation.
Cruise payment plans may be available through our travel team.
28. How soon must I book my cruise cabin?
Cruise cabin accommodations must be secured within 15 days of event registration.
Two reminder notices will be sent prior to cancellation.
If a cruise cabin is not secured within this timeframe, your event registration will be automatically canceled.
29. What happens if I do not book my cabin within 45 days?
If a cruise cabin is not secured within 15 days of registration:
• Your event registration will be canceled
• Your registration fee will be forfeited
• Your spot may be released to another attendee
30. What is the refund policy for the $397 registration fee?
All registration fees are non-refundable.
Because this is a limited-capacity event and coordinated group experience, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances
31. Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
Yes. Registrations may be transferred to another qualified attendee with advance written notice.
All transfers must be approved by the event team.
32. What if I am traveling alone?
Cruise pricing is based on double occupancy as determined by the cruise line. Guests booking a single cabin are responsible for the full double-occupancy cabin rate required by the cruise line.
33. Are cruise payments refundable?
Cruise cabin payments are governed separately by cruise line policies. Our travel team will provide full details during the cabin booking process.
34. Do all participants, including adult children with disabilities, need to register?
Yes. All individuals participating in the Disability Parenting At Sea™ private programming must be registered.
35. Is travel insurance recommended?
Yes. Travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect your cruise investment. Insurance options will be discussed during the cabin booking process.
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