9th Annual Genealogy Conference and Cruise
The largest family history conference on the seas!

Hosted by Wholly Genes, Inc.
October 17-25, 2013

Introduction | The Speakers | The Itinerary | The Ship | Pricing | Discussion Forum


Introduction

Approximately 17 hours of genealogy and technology lectures are completely software-neutral and presented by the preeminent experts in their fields

Non-competing time is set aside for TMG users who want to learn how to make the best use of that software's features and companion products.

Join us for an educational and fun-filled voyage to Maine and Canada while we learn about genealogical research methods, sources, tools, and technologies from some of the foremost experts in those fields.

You'll be among friends (old and new) and fellow researchers from around the world as you soak up new knowledge and skills through a lecture series that rivals any regional or national genealogy conference - but at one remarkably-low price that includes all meals, taxes, port charges, onboard entertainment, and conference events.

As popular as our lecture series is, many veterans of our conference value something else even more. That is the opportunity to share a meal with a world-class genealogist or to schedule one-on-one time to discuss their specific research challenges. Come armed with your records and be prepared to hear about new resources, repositories, and finding aids that will help you to break down those brick walls. Some people find these private consultations alone to be worth the trip.

Bring your spouse/companion who will find plenty to do on board while you enhance your research skills. Then spend the meals, evenings, and port days together for a truly memorable vacation!

What could be better than a cruise to Maine, Nova Scotia and New Brunswich ... and a first-class genealogy conference all rolled into one?

This event is nearly always sold out so register early to avoid missing your chance to join us!

 

 

The Speakers (Click on a name to read a longer biography for each speaker)

Continuing our tradition, this year's conference offers an all-star lineup of speakers:




David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FIGRS, FUGA

Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch
Secretary of FGS
Vice President of ISBGFH
Instructor for the British Institute
Course Coordinator and Instructor at IGHR
Past President of APG and UGA

Expert on Irish research, research methodology, and the Family History Library and related resources.


 




Donn Devine, CG

Professional Genealogist
Delaware Attorney
emeritus
Legal Counsel for BCG
Editorial Advisor NGSQ
Former President DGS
Former Board Member of NGS

Expert in the colonial New Netherland/New York area, extending to New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, and in Europe, Ireland and western Germany

 




Judy G. Russell, CG, CGL


Professional Genealogist and Attorney
Lecturer, Educator, and Writer.
Blogger: The Legal Genealogist
Adjunct Faculty Member at Rutgers Law School

Expert on the law and its
effect on genealogical issues.






Rick Sayre, MA, CG
Professional researcher, lecturer, and author.
Course Coordinator and Instructor at IGHR
Instructor at SLIG

Expert on land records,
military records,
mapping tools, urban research,
and government documents.






Pam Boyer Sayre, CG, CGL
Professional researcher, lecturer, and writer.
Course Coordinator and Instructor at IGHR
Instructor at SLIG
Former NGS Director of Education and Publications
Former Board Member of
FGS, NGS, and GSG

Expert on U.S. National
Archives (NARA) and computer tools.

 



Craig Scott, MA, CG
Certified genealogist, publisher,
and popular speaker.
Lecturer at
IGHR
Board Member of
FGS
Member of the Editorial Board of NGS
Former Board Member of VGS and MGS

Expert on military records and printed genealogical resources.

Although the conference is sponsored by Wholly Genes, Inc., all of the lectures by the speakers above are completely software-neutral and targeted toward family researchers like you.

Non-competing time is set aside for users of The Master Genealogist (TMG) who want to learn how to make the best use of that software's features and companion products. Software presentations will be made by Bob Velke (President of Wholly Genes, Inc.). TMG Technical Support representatives and many other TMG experts will also be on hand to answer your specific questions. Our annual conference is the only time that you will find so many TMG experts in one place!

 

The Lectures

The lecture topics have not yet been finalized but will be published here. None of the lecture times overlap, however, so -- unlike most national conferences -- you will not have to make difficult choices between them.

And none of the lectures* are scheduled while the ship is at port -- so they will not interfere with your vacation time!



Other Events

All speakers will be available for a limited number of one-on-ones (private 15-minute consultations) and hosted breakfasts (casual meals at a table of eight). Other special events are also planned, including two cocktail parties, the ever-popular late-night "Brick Wall" group discussions with Craig Scott, and more.

 

 

SPECIAL: An optional research trip to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington D.C. is also being planned by Craig Scott for attendees who will arrive in the Baltimore area by Sunday, October 13th.

 

In the weeks prior to the conference, Craig will conduct a total of four online meetings about how to make the most of the resources at the National Archives. He will then be hosting all-day field trips to D.C. on the three days prior to the cruise (Mon 14th, Tues 15th, and Wed 16th) during which he will be available for one-on-one consultations at NARA.

 

Space is limited and the cost is $90 per person (or $30 per day) which includes attendance to the preceding online meetings and Craig's expert advice throughout the day. There will be a modest additional fee (perhaps $15 per person each way) for door-to-door bus service which is being arranged from the conference hotel in Columbia, Maryland to the research entrance at the National Archives. You'll be on your own for meals but there is a cafeteria at NARA and many other options in D.C., of course. Optional travel within D.C. (e.g., to the DAR and/or LOC) is available by subway but that cost is also not included.

 

Attendees may register for one, two, or three days in D.C. Field trips to Baltimore, Annapolis, and the Gettysburg battlefield are also being considered for spouses or others who are not going to D.C. on those days. Registration for all of these special events is independent of the conference/cruise. Registration details will be announced through the cruise newsletter at a future date.

 

 

 

The Itinerary

Journey with us to New England and two of the Eastern provinces of Canada. Spend your port days exploring the local sites, wandering the street markets, or soaking up the local color. You can go on a nature expedition, take an historic tour, go lobster fishing and seal watching, or choose from a long list of other optional guided shore excursions.

 

Date

Port of Call

Arrive

Depart

Thurs, Oct 17

Baltimore, Maryland

--

4:00 pm

Fri, Oct18

At Sea

All Day

Sat, Oct 19

Portland, Maine

11:30 am

7:00 pm

Sun, Oct 20

Bar Harbor, Maine

8:00 am

6:00 pm

Mon, Oct 21 Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
7:00 am
4:00 pm

Tue, Oct 22

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

10:00 am

7:00 pm

Wed, Oct 23

At Sea

All Day

Thurs, Oct 24

At Sea

All Day

Fri, Oct 25 Baltimore, Maryland
7:00 am
--

 



The Ship

The Grandeur of the Seas is a Vision Class ship that owned by Royal Caribbean and has a capacity of 2446 guests and 760 crew member. It was completely remodeled and refurbished in 2012 and now includes the latest amenities such as flat-screen TVs, a full-service spa, outdoor movie screen, and a seemingly endless choice of bars and restaurants.

In addition to the Main Dining Room with waiters and multi-course meals, there is the Windjammer Cafe, Solarium Cafe, Park Cafe, Viking Crown Lounge, room service, and other dining options. $pecialty restaurants include a steakhouse, and Italian restaurant, and an Asian restaurant.*

 

Sporting and exercise venues include two pools (including an adults-only retreat), four additional whirlpools, an outdoor jogging track, a rock-climbing wall, and more.

 

A long list of entertainment options includes a broadway-style theater, lounge entertainers, a casino, and a variety of duty-free boutiques.

 

And for those who can't stand to be out of touch, there's an Internet Cafe, as well as wireless Internet in staterooms and throughout the ship.


The youth, toodler, and infant-care programs keep children engaged, entertained, and occupied.



* Specialty dining restaurants and late-night room service will incur a cover charge.

Helpful Links

Pricing

Prices start at $1099.67 (inside cabin, double occupancy) subject to availability. That includes food, port fees and taxes, shipboard entertainment, and attendance to all conference lectures and group events. The price does NOT include travel to/from Baltimore, alcohol, tips, optional trip insurance, or optional guided shore excursions.

The ship has a very limited quantity of balcony staterooms so those are priced at a premium. But the ocean-view cabins have a large bay window (not just a porthole) and are very reasonably priced.

A pre- and post-cruise hotel is available at group rates for those who want them. Roommate-matching assistance may also be available. Please see our Seeking Roommate forum or tell the travel agent if you need help finding a roommate.

Cabin type
Price
per person*
(as of 19 Apr 2013)
Inside Cabin $1099.67
Inside Cabin (single occ.) $1697.67
Ocean View $1395.67
Ocean View (single occ.) $2284.67
Balconies and suites Please contact Julie as described to the right.


Except as noted, all prices are based on double occupancy. Other accommodation choices may be available. Contact our Cruise Web agent for details.

 

Travel insurance is available at a group rate and may cover the cancellation fee under certain conditions.


To make your reservation, download this registration form:
http://www.WhollyGenes.com/cruiseregister.pdf


Then print it and send the completed form to our group travel agent by fax (240-487-0153) or scan and email it to Juliea@cruiseweb.com.


If you do not get a confirmation within 24 hours (or you have any other questions or concerns), please call The Cruise Web toll free between 9am and 5pm Eastern (M-F) at 1-800-377-9383 and press "2" for the special Wholly Genes reservation hotline.


During business hours, a bank of operators is standing by but the reservation line is expected to be busy at times. If you are asked to leave a message, your place in line will be preserved and an operator will return your call.

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