Firefighters Plan Training Cruise Aboard Freedom of the Seas

Veteran Western New York firefighters Dawn and John Gauthier are organizing a five-night cruise that will bring together professional fire service training and family vacation time aboard Royal Caribbean’s *Freedom of the Seas. *

The Valor Voyage Firefighter Cruise is set to depart on March 4, 2028, with 500 cabins reserved for members of the group. So far, 27 cabins have been booked, with firefighters from several states already signing up to take part.

The cruise itinerary features stops in Belize City and Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico, as well as two days at sea.

During the sea days, firefighters will be able to attend training sessions covering subjects including leadership, firefighting tactics and mental health. Nationally recognized speakers are also expected to participate in the program.

“Someone might have an idea or a story about something that they did that might help you at your job,” Dawn Gauthier said.

The training sessions will only take up part of each day at sea, allowing those attending to spend the remainder of their time enjoying the ship with their families.

“We wanted to make sure the family was involved,” John Gauthier said. “The families are the ones that take a large hit when they’re left home at the dinner table.”

Part of the proceeds generated by the Valor Voyage Firefighter Cruise will be donated to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The organization supports the families of firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty while also working to honor their service and sacrifice. The organizers have not specified what percentage or amount of the cruise proceeds will be donated to the foundation.

The Gauthiers said their decision to support the organization was also connected to the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Both firefighters were ready to respond following the attacks, although their department, the Depew Fire Department, was ultimately not called upon to provide assistance in New York City. Reflecting on the firefighters who lost their lives that day, John Gauthier said: “It hurt,” he said. “And it still hurts.”

Bookings for the 2028 Valor Voyage Firefighter Cruise are now open to both volunteer and career firefighters, as well as their families.