Cruise 2027

Cruise

We’ll leave from New Orleans, Louisiana on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2027, sail on Carnival’s Liberty to the Western Caribbean with stops in Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel and return on February 21, 2027.

Connect

You’ll connect with your spouse through interactive workshops, onboard fun, shore excursions of your choice, and private time alone. You’ll also connect with other couples on the cruise, with host J. Parker & her husband (“Spock”) and special guests Brad and Kate Aldrich of Aldrich Ministries.

Cultivate Better Intimacy

Sail days include workshops designed to help you better understand God’s design for sex, your own marriage’s particular challenges and opportunities, and how to build better marital intimacy that includes mutually satisfying sex. But all events and experiences are geared toward helping you create and cultivate healthier, holier, and happier sexual intimacy in your marriage.

This cruise is not intended for couples in crisis. If you are dealing with sexual betrayal, experiencing physical or emotional abuse, or in the midst of divorce proceedings or a separation, please seek resources that address your specific situation better—such as a marriage intensive or professional therapy.

Cost

For $2750 per couple, you receive:

• Interior Stateroom (taxes & fees included, room upgrades available*)
• All meals provided by the ship (specialty restaurants excluded)
• Onboard entertainment and shows
• All conference workshops and events
• One-on-one session with guest coaches
• Group dining so you can get to know other couples (including your hosts!)
• Access to our closed Facebook group
• Signed copy of Pillow Talk: 40 Conversations About Sex for Married Couples

*Room upgrades: $2970 for an Ocean View Stateroom, $3690 for an Ocean View w/Balcony

Caveat

For this endeavor to be viable, we need 10 couples to sign up by November 15. If we don’t meet that baseline, HHH would lose money to continue—meaning we’d have to cancel. We don’t want that to happen! So please register sooner rather than later.

Space is limited to ONLY 15 couples! So act quickly.

Host

J. Parker is an author, speaker, and podcaster and has been the voice of Hot, Holy & Humorous for over 15 years. She’s written six books, cohosts the Sex Chat for Christian Wives podcast, and runs an online community for higher desire wives. J has personal story of redemption in the area of sexuality, holds a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Houston, and lives in Denton, Texas with her husband of 33 years.

J. Parker will present several workshops on the topic of growing healthy and holy sexual intimacy in your marriage, as well as lead couples’ activities designed to increase understanding and connection. J’s husband, aka “Spock,” will join her on the Q&A panel, along with our guest coaches.

Coaches

Brad and Kate Aldrich have been married for 27 years and are the parents of four wonderful children. Their passion for helping couples grew out of their own journey of healing, and discovering what it means to build a marriage that continues to grow.

Together they founded Aldrich Coaching & Counseling Network & The Story Path and have spent years walking alongside individuals and couples through coaching, counseling, groups, intensives, writing, and speaking. They are also the hosts of the Still Becoming One podcast, where they explore the realities of marriage, relationships, story, and personal growth.

Brad is a Pennsylvania Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and both Brad and Kate are certified life coaches with advanced training in Narrative Focused Trauma Care through The Allender Center. Their work is rooted in the belief that every marriage is shaped by the stories each person brings into the relationship. Rather than simply addressing surface-level conflicts, they help couples understand the deeper experiences, wounds, hopes, and patterns that influence how they connect with one another.

One of the unique aspects of their work is the opportunity for couples to meet with both Brad and Kate together. Many couples find it valuable to have both a male and female perspective as they navigate challenges, strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and deepen intimacy. Through a combination of wisdom, compassion, practical guidance, and story-focused exploration, Brad and Kate help couples move beyond simply surviving their marriage toward building a relationship marked by greater connection, understanding, and hope.

Itinerary

Ports of Call

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Relax to reggae rhythms and explore vibrant Montego Bay (“Mo Bay”)—from beautiful beaches, to shopping, to restaurants, and golf with a stunning Caribbean backdrop. Venture into the countryside to experience Jamaica’s rich culture or tour historic mansions while soaking up the island vibe. Learn more about Montego Bay here.

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Enjoy British-Caribbean charm on Grand Cayman, where crystal-clear waters reveal a stunning marine paradise. Snorkel or dive among vibrant reefs, sea turtles, and famous stingrays, or simply relax and enjoy one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful island escapes. Learn more about Grand Cayman here.

Cozumel, Mexico

Discover Cozumel’s mix of adventure and relaxation. Snorkel or scuba dive along vibrant coral reefs, explore nearby Mayan ruins, zip line through tropical scenery, browse San Miguel’s shops, or unwind on white-sand beaches beside turquoise water. Learn more about Cozumel here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Carnival cruise line?

For mid-range Caribbean cruises, the best options are Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival. Norwegian is substantially more expensive, and while Royal Caribbean is a great cruise line for couple/family vacations, they are less accommodating for groups. Carnival offers a sweet spot for our group. One perk of their cruises is that they allow for a variety of experiences, and we believe that our group can create the right experience with Carnival.

Why is the cruise so expensive?

You may have seen advertisements boasting cheaper rates, but those aren’t your check-out price. This cruise includes the base price of the cruise plus taxes, fees, and prepaid gratuities … times two. Then, there’s the cost of putting on a marriage retreat, which involves travel costs, time, labor, resources, etc. So, it’s a double-occupancy cruise + conference + investment in your marriage = great value!

Can we pay in installments?

Yes, you may make an initial deposit of 50% (e.g., $1375 for the $2750 interior stateroom) and pay the remaining 50% by October 31, 2026. After that date, the full amount will be due upon booking.

May we bring our children?

While we view children as a beautiful blessing from God, we ask you to find someone else to watch them back at home so that you can focus on your marriage and its intimacy. Having kids to care for, even if only when the ship’s childcare is unavailable, will prevent you from being able to concentrate on and apply what we’re learning. In the end, it will greatly benefit your children to have had a vacation all your own and strengthened your marriage and thus your whole family.

Must we attend all scheduled events?

No. Your time is ultimately yours to spend as you wish. Of course, you won’t get the full benefit of this marriage cruise without engaging in the core content. But if you want a dinner-for-two or a long afternoon nap together, go for it! Prioritize what’s best for your marriage.

Would this be a good surprise for my spouse?

Probably not. It could be if your spouse is a huge of Hot, Holy & Humorous, Brad and Kate Aldrich, and/or investing in your sexual intimacy together. But if not, springing it on your spouse could come across as pressure. And since emotional safety is important for deep intimacy, that’s not the place to start creating a better sex life.

Instead, suggest the trip to your spouse and let him/her know that they won’t be pressured to do anything they don’t want to (see question above) and that there will be ample time to relax and bond during other activities. If they’re unfamiliar with us, encourage them to read or listen to what I and/or Brad and Kate have said on our sites and podcasts, so that they know it won’t be a hostage-like situation but rather an opportunity to get real help for your marriage.

And if they say no, respect their no. As much as I love our cruise, there are other ways to work on marital intimacy.

Will we be able to drink alcohol?

Alcohol consumption is a non-salvation issue about which good Christians can disagree. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly. And feel free to buy your host a glass of wine at least once during the week. (Kidding! I kid.)

Do I need to get vaccinated?

Carnival currently has no vaccination requirements. However, we encourage you to take wise precautions, especially those at higher risk of severe consequences if they fall ill. Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to you.

What about inclement weather?

Cruise ships are highly motivated to do two things: set sail and keep guests safe. If they believe they can sail safely, they will. But severe weather, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, may cause them to alter their course, change or skip a port, or cancel a cruise. Your host will stay on top of weather-related news and cruise line announcements and keep you informed of any adjustments to the plan.

Will I get seasick?

Many cruisers feel mildly nauseated the first day of sailing but acclimate quickly. A few experience motion sickness beyond the first 24 hours. Recommendations to prevent seasickness involve going outside from time to time, as viewing the horizon can help your body reorient, and taking over-the-counter medications like Bonine and Dramamine. Another option some, like me, swear by—and others, like my husband Spock, discount—is acupressure wristbands, like Sea-Band. Your healthcare provider can also prescribe a motion sickness patch that delivers a stronger medicine (Scopolamine) to help; speak with him/her ahead of time if you’re concerned. And if you experience motion sickness that’s not easily addressed, there is an onboard doctor who can help.

Should we get travel insurance?

While taxes, fees, and gratuities are all prepaid for you, the choice to get travel insurance is yours. Carnival offers a Vacation Protection program, or you can purchase separately from any travel insurance provider. Be sure to read exactly which conditions qualify for payout.

Got another question? Shoot me an email at j@hotholyhumorous.com.