Thursday, April 21, 2011

Trust in CareVacations

At CareVacations, we understand that cruise passengers and cruise lines have choices in which companies they can trust with their disability-related needs and services. There are a number of organizations who try to do what we do, but there is always something missing.

You don't have to take our word for it; check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and see how we stack up against the rest.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) 


CareVacations proudly boasts an A+ rating after nearly 25 years of conducting business. Compare our rating with other companies who claim to provide similar services and we're confident you will see why CareVacations is the most trusted company in the industry. 

One thing you can trust is that CareVacations is the real deal. We have spent 25 years advocating for disabled cruise passengers and we are proud to partner with those cruise lines who share the same passion for equal access.
Check us out! We want to hear from you!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Remember the Days When...?

When I read Nicole’s bio that was the first cliché I thought of… Remember the days when… interpreters didn’t get paid for working cruises? That’s just how long Nicole’s been working in the cruise industry. WOWZA!

Nicole’s inspiration for becoming an interpreter came after meeting a brother and sister who were Deaf and deciding she wanted to know how to communicate with them. Through self teaching and help from her new friends, and encouragement from her manager, Nicole decided that becoming an interpreter was her calling, and so began her journey. After graduating from college in Minnesota with her AAS in sign language, Nicole made her move to warmer weather in Texas, the place she now calls home with her two Chihuahuas, Lexi & Lola.

For the past 10 years, Nicole has found herself working as a full time freelance interpreter in a variety of settings… college course work, medical, private business, concerts, and festivals, and more… which is what she says she loves most about her job. “I love most all settings. I really love my work and it challenges me every day!” But in addition to all that, Nicole still likes to find time to cruise. Her cruise work has afforded her the opportunities to travel all over the world, including Italy, Spain, France, Greece, the Ukraine, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Mexico, and the Caribbean. “St. Lucia and Barbados are my favorites,” she says. “There always are people rushing to the Caribbean and [to this day] I still get excited to work [those itineraries]!”

Besides the travel, what Nicole really enjoys about cruises is the variety of people she gets to meet. “I love working cruises [since] I get the opportunity to meet so many great people from across the world, cruisers, ship staff and [other] interpreters.”

While interpreting is certainly a passion for Nicole, there’s another side to this die-hard Vikings fan. Besides cheering on her favorite football team, Nicole enjoys spending time with her friends and family, especially her nieces and nephews. She’s also a history buff, which makes traveling all the more interesting. Music, movies, and comedy entertain Nicole and her friends when they are out an about, and speaking of music… Nicole plays the clarinet and hopes to play in the community orchestra! Her musical inspiration? Michael Jackson! Well, not quite. But she did tell me a funny story that involved her childhood Michal Jackson poster… you’ll have to ask her! ;-)

What I find particularly refreshing about Nicole is her connection to other, not just in her work but in her personal life; she has a genuine appreciation for others. When I asked her if she could spend 24 hours with anyone, anywhere, Nicole said she’d like to spend that time with her late uncle Thomas, cruising through the Arizona desert is his beloved jeep, maybe with a scoop of ice cream, all while she soaks up his stories and wisdom.    

It’s clear to anyone why Nicole is so loved amongst her friends and family and why she’s so highly regarded in her profession. When I need a little advice, Nicole is one of a select group of people I know I can count on for her professionalism and skill. Her smile is infectious, her wit is unmatched, and her charisma is authentic. Not to mention, she always makes me laugh. If you ever have the good fortune of meeting Nicole, I have no doubt she will have the same affect on you. 

THANK YOU, NICOLE! CareVacations appreciates all you do!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Getting to Know The CareVacations Family


     If you have ever called CareVacations, chances are good you’ve received a friendly hello from one of our newest members to the CareVacations team, Teri-Ann Ross.
     In September 2010, Teri-Ann joined the CareVacations family and was a welcome addition to our corporate office team in Leduc, Alberta, after completing her Fine Arts degree. At 21, Teri-Ann’s passion is all about the arts; she loves to sing, play the guitar & banjo, volunteers for her church’s music program, and is presently involved with production of “Kiss Me Kate” at her local theater company.
     Another of Teri-Ann’s passions is her deep love and devotion to the orphans in Haiti. Coordinated through her church, Teri-Ann volunteered at several orphanages in the earthquake-ravaged country, specifically giving attention to those children with special needs.
    
Terri-Ann and Shenaid playing with bubbles. Shenaido has Hydrocephalus, is confined to a wheelchair, and has limited mobility in the left side of his body.
     After her trip to Haiti, Teri-Ann continued her volunteer efforts in Haiti by coordinating donations of medical equipment for the orphanages she had visited just weeks before. She is also hopeful to revisit Haiti on an annual basis, continuing her work in the orphanages and helping children with disabilities.
     Her initial trip to Haiti was so inspiring, Teri-Ann now plans to return to school and earn a degree in Physical/Occupational Therapy, and applying her knowledge to the long-term care of the Haitian orphans.
     Teri-Ann’s been a great asset to the CareVacations family. We’re proud of her accomplishments and her contributions to our company, as well as her outstanding position as a member of our community. THANK YOU, TERI-ANN!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Don't Forget About Haiti

     It’s been 16 months since the devastating earthquake in Haiti. With one portion of the island, Labadee, Haiti, being a popular cruise port destination for both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, the CareVacations team is familiar with the island, and we have come to love the people we know who live and work there.
     One CareVacations specialist decided to see for herself just what kind of post-earthquake restoration progress was being made in Haiti, and planned a visit for herself. During her time visiting the island, Teri-Ann Ross spent most of her time volunteering in orphanages in Port au Prince, working with children with disabilities. It became clear to Teri-Ann very quickly, the orphanage, and the kids who called it home, needed so much. What could she do?

     When Teri-Ann returned home to Leduc, Alberta, she made the needs of the orphanage known to CareVacations President and owner, Don Stilwell, who immediately agreed that CareVacations could help.
Miriam (from the orphanage) and Islande (orphan); Teri-Ann in the background
     With the coordination of Teri-Ann and World Harvest Mission, and the cooperation of our Seattle and South Florida logistic center managers, CareVacations was able to donate an array of wheelchairs, walkers, and Oxygen concentrators. World Harvest Mission will distribute the equipment to the orphanages whose children have the greatest need. And when Teri-Ann makes her next visit, CareVacations will be standing by for an update.
     Thank you, Teri-Ann, World Harvest Mission, and our South Florida team, for making a difference!