Welcome
History of the NA / Friends of Jimmy K Recovery Cruise
By ILS, Sandy C.
The NA Cruise began as a simple idea: bring recovering people together for fellowship, fun, and connection on the open seas. What started small has grown into a powerful annual tradition filled with unity, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Here’s how our journey has unfolded so far.
The First NA Cruise – January 2023
Our very first NA Cruise set sail in January 2023 aboard the Carnival Elation out of Jacksonville, Florida.
- Participants: 175
- Length: 4 days
- Ports: Freeport & Nassau, Bahamas
- Highlights: Two speaker meetings, t‑shirt sales, and the excitement of planning for the future. We used a travel agent from New York to handle bookings, which helped us get our footing as we launched this new adventure.
The Second NA Cruise – February 2024
In February 2024, we returned to the Carnival Elation for our second voyage.
- Participants: 85
- Length: 5 days
- Ports: Nassau, Bahamas & Princess Cays
- Highlights: Two speaker meetings, t‑shirt sales, and a valuable lesson learned. This year we booked directly through the Carnival website, and we quickly discovered how important a travel agent is—especially when it comes to securing meeting rooms and coordinating group needs. We also created a Facebook group to help us communicate and grow our community.
The Third Cruise – February 2025
By 2025, our cruise had evolved. No longer sponsored by a local area, we embraced a new identity: the Friends of Jimmy K Recovery Cruise.
- Ship: Carnival Paradise, sailing from Tampa, Florida
- Participants: 459
- Length: 5 days
- Ports: Mahogany Bay & Cozumel
- Highlights: Two speaker meetings, t‑shirt sales, and major growth. With the help of a dedicated travel agent, we navigated the complexities of group cruising. This was a transformative year—full of learning, connection, and the realization that we were ready to expand our horizons. We wanted more.
The Fourth Friends of Jimmy K Cruise – February 2026
Our fourth cruise marked another milestone.
- Ship: Carnival Horizon, sailing from Miami, Florida
- Participants: 986
- Length: 6 days
- Ports: Jamaica, Cayman Islands & Cozumel
- Highlights: Two main speaker meetings, workshops, pre‑order merchandise, and onboard t‑shirt sales. We were proudly sponsored by the Nature Coast Area of NA, and our travel agent once again made the experience smooth, organized, and memorable. Each year teaches us something new, and 2026 was no exception. We continue to grow, refine, and dream bigger.
Looking Ahead
With every cruise, our fellowship grows stronger. We’ve learned, adapted, and expanded—always striving to create a meaningful, spiritual, and joy‑filled experience for everyone who joins us.
Stay tuned. More will be revealed.