The following Terms and Conditions apply to all Dreams Come True grants from the Autism on the Seas Foundation. Families​ receiving a grant will be required to sign and acknowledge full acceptance.​

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Definitions 

 

The following terms apply throughout these Grant Terms and Conditions: 

“Autism on the Seas Foundation” (“the Foundation”) refers to the nonprofit grant-making organization offering the Dream Come True Program. 

“Autism on the Seas” (“AotS”) refers to the organization providing staff-assisted cruise services and is a separate legal entity from the Foundation. 

“Grantee(s)” refers collectively to all family members awarded a Dream Come True Grant. 

By accepting a Dream Come True Grant, the Grantee agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions set forth below.

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Grant Coverage 

 

Covered costs are determined by the Foundation based on the specific vacation itinerary and family needs and are provided at the Foundation’s sole discretion. Covered costs may include, where applicable: 

 

• Cruise Fare (a refundable reservation will be made). 

• Standard Daily Gratuities, prepaid and added to the reservation. Grantees may NOT remove gratuities from the onboard account at any time 

• Transportation to and from the port of departure, including ground and/or air transportation, and a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay if required 

• If any transportation cost cannot be pre-paid by the Foundation (such as taxi or parking fees), the Grantee will submit receipts to reclaim the cost from the Foundation after the cruise 

• Travel insurance to cover grant-funded costs in the event of cancellation. Travel insurance may not cover all incidental or personal losses. 

• A Wi-Fi package for one device to facilitate communication with the AotS Group Leader 

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Any expenses not expressly covered by the grant are the sole responsibility of the Grantee, including but not limited to:

  

• Specialty Dining or Beverage Packages 

• Shore excursions 

• Additional Wi-Fi packages beyond the single, covered device 

• Any other paid for on-board amenities or activities 

• Food and drink while traveling from home to port and back 

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Wherever possible, all bookings and payments for covered costs will be made directly by the Foundation to vendors. Funds will only be disbursed directly to the Grantee in exceptional circumstances. 

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Travel Requirements 

 

Grantees are responsible for obtaining all required travel documentation necessary to participate in the cruise. The Foundation is not responsible for the cost of obtaining such documentation or for any fees, penalties, or losses incurred due to failure to obtain required documents in advance. Required documentation may include, but is not limited to:

 

• A valid passport or birth certificate for all travelers to cruise 

• A valid passport or REAL ID for travelers aged 18 or older who require air travel to the port of departure 

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Grant awards are subject to the availability of sailings, staff, and program resources. The Foundation reserves the right to modify, reschedule, or substitute vacation arrangements due to circumstances beyond its control. 

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Force Majeure 

 

The Foundation and AotS shall not be liable for delays, cancellations, modifications, or losses resulting from events beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to weather, public health emergencies, government actions, transportation disruptions, or vendor cancellations. 

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Privacy and Information Sharing 

 

By accepting a grant, the Grantee provides informed consent for AotS to share reservation and relevant family information with the Foundation, solely for the purposes of grant administration, service coordination, and program evaluation. Grantees may be invited to share photos, testimonials, or stories for program impact and fundraising purposes. Participation is voluntary and subject to separate written consent. 

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Program Participation and Conduct 

 

AotS operates a structured program both prior to and during the cruise. Grantees agree to always comply with program requirements and reasonable instructions provided by AotS staff.

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Grantees also agree to comply with all cruise line policies, safety requirements, and reasonable instructions provided by cruise line personnel. 

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Grantees acknowledge that cruise travel and related activities involve inherent risks and voluntarily assume all such risks associated with participation in the program. 

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Standards of Engagement 

 

The Foundation is committed to maintaining a professional, respectful, and productive environment for our staff, reviewers, and applicants. The following Standards of Engagement apply throughout the grant application process and before, during and after participation in a granted cruise.

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Polite and Professional Conduct 

 

Applicants are expected to maintain a professional and courteous tone in all communications, including but not limited to:

 

• Email correspondence and written inquiries. 

• Phone calls or virtual meetings. 

• Public or social media communications regarding the grant program. 

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Zero-Tolerance Policy 

 

The Foundation maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, intimidation, or abuse. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

 

• Use of offensive, derogatory, or discriminatory language 

• Aggressive or threatening communications directed at staff, reviewers or representatives. 

• Repeated or excessive contact after a negative decision has been rendered. 

• Public statements about the Foundation or AotS that are knowingly false or defamatory.  

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Enforcement and Grant Revocation 

 

Failure to meet booking deadlines, submit required information, or comply with program requirements may result in forfeiture of the grant. 

 

The Foundation reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to revoke a grant and cancel a vacation at any time if material information provided by the applicant is found to be inaccurate, incomplete, or misrepresented. 

Grants have no cash value and may not be transferred, sold, or substituted. 

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Disqualification and Permanent Bans 

 

Failure to comply with these Terms and Conditions or the Standards of Engagement may result in one or more of the following actions, as determined at the sole discretion of the Grant Review Committee:

 

• Immediate disqualification of the current application 

• Permanent ineligibility to apply for or participate in future Foundation grants or programs 

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Decisions related to enforcement, disqualification, or permanent bans are final and not subject to appeal. 

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Governing Law 

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut, without regard to its conflict-of-law principles. 

 

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. 

 

The Foundation reserves the right to update these Terms and Conditions as necessary. Any material changes will be communicated to affected Grantees.