Special Note: Unfortunately, this cruise was cancelled in June by the travel agency.


A Genealogy Cruise?

Late this coming autumn Fly Away Travel is hosting this perfect type of vacation. From October 27-November 3, join me and others for this event. I was a part of another genealogy cruise a couple of years ago and the experience was better than terrific.

Cruises often offer lectures, workshops, and other great activities. This Genealogy “Seminar at Sea” is a special part of a large cruise. To attend the genealogy sessions, you must book your cruise through Fly Away Travel. As a passenger, you will be able to partake of all activities on the cruise. (And, of course, the wonderful food.)

Do you have a spouse, friend, sibling, child, or significant other who cannot understand how you can spend an entire day at a genealogy seminar or in a library? This is the perfect way to attend a seminar and still spend time with them. They will be so busy and pampered that they won’t even care when you attend a session.

Cruise Details
The cruise departs from Miami on October 27th and returns to Miami on November 3d. Cabins are still available. The ship is the brand new Royal Carribean’s Liberty of the Seas. This cruise has an Eastern itinerary that includes stops in San Juan, St. Maarten, and Labadee, Haiti (Royal Caribbean’s private island). The genealogy sessions are offered on the three days at sea so that you may enjoy the shore days with no conflicting events. The Liberty of the Seas just had its maiden voyage in May. We get to spend the week on a new, up-to-date, and clean ship.

Amenities aboard the Liberty of the Seas include a water park, fitness center, live music, rock climbing wall, dancing, shops, casino, spectacular views, many restaurants, 24 hour room service, and a mini-gold course. Or, you may just find yourself a deck chair and relax. There are plenty of these chairs on-board. You might consider bringing along a costume for Halloween – but it is not a requirement. I saw some pictures of the genealogists and speakers from the 2006 cruise. I am already thinking about what I might wear.

The Speakers
The lineup of speakers is just one of the treats for this cruise. John Colletta, Stephen Danko, Michael J. Leclerc, Paul Milner, George Morgan, Donna Moughty, Laura Prescott, Drew Smith, and Paula Stuart-Warren. The list of topics is online and I have already found several that I want to attend. The areas of expertise of this impressive group and the lectures they will give cover just about all areas of genealogy. Handouts for the sessions are included in the price.

More than just learning
I am already planning my days on the cruise. Let’s see, sunshine, massage, spending some money in the shops and on land, playing mini-golf, and karaoke (some of my colleagues have already told me I WILL participate — oh, are they in for a surprise and a headache when they hear my voice.)

Need a roommate?
If you are seeking someone to share your cabin, let FLY AWAY TRAVEL know — they may have the name of someone else looking for a roommate. Talk to fellow members of your genealogical society and convince them they need to register for this week — and don’t forget to mention that you are looking for a roommate to share the expenses.

Let’s Have Fun
I look forward to seeing some “old” friends and meeting new friends on the genealogy part of the cruise. There are still cabins left so reserve your spot now before they are gone.

For more info
Genealogy Cruise http://www.genealogycruises.com/
Travel Agency http://www.flyawaytravel.com/
Royal Carribean http://www.royalcaribbean.com/
Paula Stuart-Warren [email protected]

That is really the title. Don’t bother checking the dictionary to see what “eclectica” means — I tossed around many ideas and liked this gramatically incorrect one. This blog will not be on just one topic related to history and genealogy. It will cover a variety of topics, thus it will be eclectic. I will keep you posted on my activities, genealogical events in a broad range of geographic areas, research tips, current and past news, volunteerism, networking and many other subjects. At times you may have to endure news about my family. My family goes far beyond my beloved children and grandchildren. I am Mom or Grandma to a lot of my colleagues. No, they are not all on my birthday or Christmas gift giving list! But, they all have a special place in my heart.

Why did I really begin this blog? Fellow genealogists and other friends often ask where I will be lecturing or researching. They tell me to keep them posted so they can keep up with me. Other ask what is new in genealogy or at a particular library, archive, or historical society.

This blog seems to be the easiest way to reach many people. I do have to warn you that postings will not always be every day. At times there may be one a week and sometimes there might be several in one day. You will be able to post comments. If you see that I have misstated something, have a typo, or just have something to add to the discussion, please join in.