When Thomas was visited by Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut volunteers, he was certain about the wish he would ask for. This 9-year-old wanted to go on a ship that had plenty of activities and a port on the itinerary that included St. Thomas. (He claims that the island was named after him!) Armed with that information, his volunteers submitted the wish family packet and, like magic, his wish came true! Behind the scenes, Royal Caribbean International and the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted Thomas’ wish through the Wishes at Sea program.

When wish granters returned to deliver Thomas’ wish, they did not want him or his brother to be unprepared for their big adventure. So, they brought them beach towels, underwater cameras, and games for their days at sea. Since no celebration is complete without balloons and a “bon voyage” cake, his volunteers presented these gifts to Thomas, as well.

On a pre-dawn July morning, Thomas, his brother Taylor, and their parents were picked up by a limousine before the sun rose to head to LaGuardiaAirport. Their plane landed in Miami, and they embarked on Royal Caribbean International’s Navigator of the Seas for their seven-night Caribbean adventure. Because Thomas and his family did a lot of research before they left, we were able to book their shore excursions in advance to ensure that they were able to participate in all their favorite activities. After leaving Miami, their first stop was Nassau in the Bahamas. It was here that Thomas and his family swam with dolphins during the Dolphin EncountersSM. Not only did he swim with the dolphins, but he hugged, kissed, and danced with a dolphin. Not many people can say that they danced with a dolphin!

The next day was spent at sea, giving Thomas and his family a chance to enjoy everything the ship offered. He took advantage of the mini-golf, in-line skating, and the rock-climbing wall. The next stop was Thomas’ island – St. Thomas! While on this island, they spent time at one of the world’s most beautiful beaches – Magen’s Bay. They were also able to see Coral World. The following day, Thomas and his family went on the El Yunque Rain Forest Tour in Puerto Rico. In order to protect themselves from the rain, Thomas and Taylor were resourceful and used huge leaves that they found on the ground as umbrellas! Their last stop was Labadee, Hispañola, where they relaxed at the beach and floated on Sea Trek floating beach mats. After all of the excitement from the past few days, it is no wonder why they chose to spend a peaceful day at the beach.

While on the ship, Thomas had a tour of the bridge and the kitchen. He loved the food! He was able to raise the Make-A-Wish® flag onboard the boat to show his support for the Foundation. Mom and Dad were pleased that the kind people at Royal Caribbean International arranged for them to have Internet access in their stateroom so that they could post pictures of their journey for their friends to enjoy.

Mom and Dad reflected, “It was all (and more) Thomas could have wanted. What a super way to relax and spend family time together after such a hard journey. Such a marvelous organization…thank you!”

Thomas was the 1,000th wish granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut. This milestone was celebrated when Thomas threw out the first pitch at the New Britain Rock Cats baseball game during the chapter’s day out at the stadium for wish children.