Frequently Asked Questions

Type 1 Diabetes is a unique situation. We understand the stress and strain it can put on a family, even if you’ve been doing this forever. We want this to be a positive environment where T1D families can come together. Think of it as a combination of diabetes camp and a family vacation all in one.

This cruise is open to anybody with a connection to Diabetes. While typically this is the direct family, it can include grandparents, aunts/uncles, and even friends who have been affected by your diagnosis.

Yes. Popular destinations like the Caribbean sell out relatively quickly. Additionally, there are restrictions on group sizes, limiting the number of cabins we can offer. While we would never pressure anyone into booking, reserving early is advisable. We monitor pricing all the way up to final payment, so if prices drop, we’ll request a price match.

Once you provide your basic information here, we will reach out and contact you personally to gather the required information. If you’d like to join us, we’ll help find the perfect room category and location, create a booking for you, and collect a refundable deposit.  

We have a block of rooms reserved at exclusive group rates which include refundable deposits.  Carnival also runs limited time promotions which may include non-refundable deposits.  We will help find the best option(s) for your family at time of booking and clarify if those options include refundable or non-refundable deposits.  Trip insurance may provide additional provisions for medical related cancellations.

Yes. After your initial deposit, we can process payments on group bookings. You will be provided with a final payment date, when all funds must be submitted, but you can make payments anytime between placing your deposit and the final payment date. Note that we never directly handle your money – all payments are processed directly by the vendor.

We are traveling on the Carnival Cruise Line ship, Mardi Gras. There are included food and beverage options, as well as the kids’ club, entertainment on board, and several amazing opportunities – many of which are included at no charge. If you would like, you can add on unlimited drink packages, or dine in one or more of the specialty restaurants for additional fees. 

Being experienced cruisers, we have an intimate understanding of T1D needs while on board a ship. We will work with each participant to ensure that their unique needs are met, as well as working with Carnival. We can:

• Help coordinate sharps containers and spare insulin storage (subject to availability)
• Ensure that shoreside security is aware of the group and associated medical equipment during processing
• Negotiate free access to CGM cloud servers for CGM wearer and one follower to continue receiving alerts
• Meet with ships medical staff to make them aware of our group
• Meet with ship’s kids club staff to help them understand the unique care required
• Meet with ship’s culinary staff to review specific dietary needs
• Arrange a group seating for dinners (you can also choose alternative options)
• Arrange casual gatherings

We have specifically chosen not to have a heavy medical focus, but rather provide an opportunity to just be “normal” around others going through a similar adventure.

We are Jennifer and Mike Griffin. We are the organizers, participants and travel agents responsible for all aspects of the cruise. Our teenage daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was 2 and we have been avid volunteers and supporters of numerous T1D organizations in Colorado, California and Idaho in that time.

We understand that traveling with a newly diagnosed child can be daunting. What should you bring? How will your kid respond to the travel? What about emergencies? We have you covered! In fact, all of this is why 1 Sweet Cruise is perfect for your first trip. You will be surrounded by people who can help out. Forgot your insulin? I did that once! Run out of Omnipods? We have extra!

We have been a diabetes family for many years ourselves but we remember a time when we were new. Having people around us that had been where we were was a lifesaver. Plus, the longer you’ve been doing this, the more you realize sometimes you just need a break!

YES PLEASE! Having people who have made it to the other side can be a inspiration to the parents dealing with stubborn teenagers or snack sneaking seven year olds.

No! We have specifically developed this to be a socialization and vacation atmosphere to encourage fun and simply being “normal” with like minded individuals. We will never share your personal information with third parties without express permission.

We have access to all cabin categories onboard, which includes:

• Inside staterooms 
• Ocean View 
• Balcony 
• 5+ passenger staterooms – limited quantities, so you’ll want to book these early!
• Suites 
• Connecting staterooms – Connecting rooms are in limited supply, so we recommend booking these rooms sooner than later!

The Caribbean tends to be hot and humid throughout the summer.  There can frequently be rain and thunderstorms. It can get chilly in the evening at times, so a light jacket might be advisable.  Carnival’s dress code tends to be a bit more informal than other cruise lines, however shorts and swimwear should not be worn in the main dining rooms and specialty dining venues.

As part of our group amenities, a per cabin donation will be will be provided to The Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF) (and potentially other Diabetes specific 501(c)(3) organizations). We are not a non-profit organization, and the cost of your trip does not qualify as a tax deductible donation.

Following are the cancellation charges associated with the cruise as of 12/24.

You can cancel up until final payment date and receive a full refund, minus non-refundable deposits, if applicable. If you should need to cancel after final payment date, following are cancellation fees:

• Final Payment Date: 3/22/25
• 3/23/26 – 4/27/26: $250/pp
• 4/28/26 – 5/23/26: 50% cruise fare
• 5/24/26 – 6/7/24:  75% cruise fare
• 6/8/26 and beyond: 100% cruise fare

Optional insurance is available and may affect what is refundable, and under what circumstances.

Generally, the base cruise fare includes a cabin, a selection of complimentary restaurants and non-alcoholic and non-soda beverages (self-serve water dispensers, juices, milk, tea, etc.). Additionally, a selection of onboard activities will be included. In addition to these included items, prepare for the following fees:

• Gratuities. Suggested gratuities can either be pre-paid or are automatically added to your onboard account and charged to your card prior to disembarkation. The automatic daily gratuity currently charged is $16/pp per day for standard staterooms, and $18/pp per day for suite staterooms. Note that these rates are current as of 12/2024, however are subject to change. The gratuities are shared among dining services staff, stateroom attendants and other housekeeping services personnel. You can modify gratuities by visiting Guest Services while onboard. Prepaying gratuities through us at time of reservation can avoid any increase in these fees. 
• Beverages: soda, alcohol, bottled water. All paid beverages are available a la carte, plus you can select from multiple alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage packages.
• Onboard Activities. The majority of onboard activities are included on Carnival Cruise Lines.  The one major exception is the BOLT roller coaster, which as of 12/24 is $15 for two laps.
• Onboard gambling. Like most cruise ships, Mardi Gras includes an onboard casino and Bingo games, which are available when at sea.
• Onboard shopping. Like most cruise ships, Mardi Gras includes a selection of tax and duty free shopping while at sea.
• Specialty Dining. You can either pay a la carte, or purchase a specialty dining package. A large selection of complimentary restaurants are available, so specialty dining is purely optional.
• Photos. Cruise lines are renowned for taking pictures throughout the cruise. Packages and a la carte pricing is available.
• Shore excursions. We expect to offer a group-specific shore excursion, however you can choose from a variety of additional excursions as well. Be aware that tours purchased from third parties at the docks will not guarantee your timely return to the ship, nor will the ship wait for you unless you are on an approved excursion. 
• Transfers to/from hotels, airports, etc. We are offering to book airfare, hotel and transfers as additions to your trip, just ask Mike or Jennifer about them when you book.
• Arcade. Like many ships, Mardi Gras includes an arcade, which is available at additional cost.
• Pre/Post cruise activities. If you would like to come into Orlando early or stay an extra day or two to tour, we can help with those arrangements.
• Travel Insurance. We highly recommend travel insurance, particularly when traveling with medically sensitive passengers. We will offer insurance options through our partners. We offer travel insurance to all clients. 

This is not an exhaustive list and will not include all possible additional expenses. All prices subject to change and are not guaranteed.

We are in the unique position of owning a Cruise Planners franchise, which will be the exclusive travel agency associated with this cruise. We are not only the travel agents, but also the group organizers and participants, so we have a vested interest in making this an exceptional event, and will be looking after you each step of the way. We have been cruising for over 25 years and Cruise Planners franchisees for over 6 years. Details of our travel agency are as follows: Cruise Planners | www.clearlycruising.com | 208.505.8191 and we are based in Boise, ID. FL ST#39068, CST# 2034468-50, HST# TAR-7058, WA ST# 603-399-504

Yes! Our objective is to change itineraries yearly to visit a variety of destinations.

We have a selection of group rate rooms, plus Carnival offers a variety of limited time promotions.  We will always select the promotion which provides the most value at time of booking and will track pricing all the way up to final payment and will request a price match should prices drop.

One of our unique services is to monitor pricing and promotions all the way up to final payment, and if we identify a lower rate is available, we’ll request a price match.

Absolutely! We’d be happy to help organize a similar fundraising event, and we specialize in group travel. There are opportunities for local / regional events, particularly near cruise ports. We can also help coordinate land based group events. Please contact us for more details.  If you’d like to plan a similar event for your non-profit organization, please visit Plan A Fundraising Cruise.com

We have two recommended shore excursion vendors – Carnival, and Cruise Planners preferred shore excursion partner, Shore Excursions Group.  You can find the current Shore Excursions Group options for our sailing here. (for full disclosure, we do receive a nominal commission on SEG excursions) NCL excursions can be booked either onboard or through their guest portal.  You can get an idea of of Carnival excursions here

Airlines have not worked with travel agencies for several decades now, so for domestic air, a travel agent can actually be more of a hindrance than help, while adding little to any value. As such, we generally recommend that guests book their own air.

We’re happy to help find and book hotels for you!