Personal Support Team
Available via call, text, or email to assist you with all your needs.
Flexible Terms
Some cruises are fully refundable, others offer flexibility like name changes & cruise credits.
Safety & Security
Relax in a controlled environment, constantly monitored by the ship's security team.
Travel Insurance
Available for extra reassurance and additional peace of mind.
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Our Mission at 1st Responder Cruise
Our cruises are crafted to ensure every first responder can experience the vacation they deserve, surrounded by the camaraderie of their peers. We are dedicated to taking care of all the details so our first responders can finally relax. Our mission is to create a safe, secure and relaxing environment for police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, nurses, other emergency personnel and their families. It's a vacation where you can truly unwind and forge friendships with like-minded brothers and sisters who truly understand your perspective and create bonds that last a lifetime.
If you’re a family member of a first responder,
You know how hard their job can be and want to see them on a vacation where they can truly unwind.
Johanna Van Overen | Owner & Personal Travel Expert
Our Story
The journey of 1st Responder Cruises began from a very personal place. As a proud blue spouse, I have seen how the job of policing has become increasingly difficult for those still serving. After more than a decade in law enforcement, I watched my husband struggle with stress and being able to truly relax, even in a vacation setting. Planning vacations became a mission for me. When we began traveling with other first responders, I was grateful to see him comfortable and enjoying his vacation because he knew those around him were solid and had his back.
Our first group cruise in Alaska in 2015 was magical. Friends invited friends, and it turned into a gathering of first responders. Watching them shed the stress of their jobs and seeing the instant connections they made was incredibly heartwarming. Spouses were amazed at how their partners felt free to unwind for the first time in a long time. It was then that I knew we had something special that needed to be shared nationwide.
Our Hosts
1st Responder Cruises is hosted by a team deeply rooted in the first responder community, led by travel agency owner Johanna van Oeveren. With over a decade of experience in organizing first responder travels, we understand the unique needs of these trips. Cruise hosts Johanna and her husband Tommy Vee are known for their exceptional hospitality and ability to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for all guests in the group.
Johanna has been a travel agency owner since 2014. She has touched down in 40 countries around the world and has booked cruises for more than 450 first responders and their friends and family members, making 1st Responder Cruise a respected name in the travel industry. Johanna and her team work tirelessly to ensure that every detail of each trip is taken care of, both on and off the ship, so that her guests can focus on relaxing and truly enjoying their vacation. As a hands-on host, she is available via call, text, or email, both throughout the booking experience and on the cruise itself.
Our Rewards & Recognition
Reaching your fifth cruise with 1st Responder Cruise is a milestone worth celebrating! As a token of our appreciation, you’ll earn a “Five Cruise Coin,” granting you early access to new cruise offerings and exclusive activities, all while enjoying the camaraderie you cherish. Join our elite group of seasoned cruisers and continue exploring the world with us, enjoying unparalleled perks and the company of other first responders!
Princess Cruises has introduced an exclusive onboard credit just for our group.
Norwegian Cruise Line now provides a military discount.
Royal Caribbean periodically offers discounts to firefighters and police.
Ama Waterways has enticing two-for-one cruise deals for first responders.
And we're tirelessly working on negotiating more discounts and perks for first responders!
Our Promise
At First Responder Cruises, we take care of every detail, ensuring you don't have to worry about the itinerary or logistics. Our cruises offer a high-class environment with a dedicated security team, allowing you to truly relax without being "on duty." You’ll find yourself among a trustworthy community, where both you and your traveling companion can feel secure and cared for. This is your chance to break from routine and enjoy quality time with your loved ones and like-minded peers. With exclusive perks and a safe, organized setting, you can indulge in the way that feels best for you, knowing that everything is taken care of.
Our Commitment
As a family of first responders, we've been dedicated to serving fellow first responders and military members for over a decade. Our unique position in the travel industry allows us to make a meaningful impact on this deserving group of public servants.
We understand the importance of vacations for mental health and are proud to support 1st Responder Conferences in their mission to enhance the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of public safety professionals. Additionally, we give back to our community through local police charities like Northern Nevada Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) and national organizations such as the National First Responder Fund, completing our commitment to those who serve.