8th Annual Genealogy Conference and Cruise
The largest family history conference on the seas!

Hosted by Wholly Genes, Inc.
September 16-23, 2012

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

Download a brochure: lo-res (1Meg), hi-res (34Meg)

Introduction

Join us for an educational and fun-filled voyage to Alaska 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 Alaska 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

Our conference has a reputation for a stellar lineup of speakers but this year is one of our best!

FIVE of our speakers are faculty members at the prestigious Institute of Genealogy & Historical Research at Samford University (IGHR), FOUR are certified genealogists (CGs), and THREE are past or present faculty members of the distinguished Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG). These elite genealogists have also been leaders in ALL of the most prominent genealogy societies and associations in the U.S., including:

	National Genealogical Society (NGS)
	Association of Professional Genealogists (APG)
	Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS)
	Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG)
	Genealogical Speaker's Guild (GSG)
	American Society of Genealogists (ASG)
	Utah Genealogical Association (UGA)

These five are indeed among the preeminent genealogists in the country; the professionals who teach the professionals. But now they are ready to teach you! Lectures will be targeted to the typical family researcher but will include material that will be valuable to even the most experienced genealogists. Plus you'll have access to these speakers in one-on-one and small group settings to pick their brains about your specific research challenges (see "Other Events" below).

We're also happy to have with us one of the foremost experts in online technology and social media, Thomas MacEntee, who will teach us how to leverage web sites, blogs, webinars, Facebook, and Twitter to expand our access to data, interact with fellow researchers, and improve our research results.

Click on a name to read a longer biography for each speaker.

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.) and John Cardinal (author of Second Site and TMG Utilities). 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 within the next few weeks. 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!

Of course, Alaska is known for its beautiful vistas and abundant wildlife. All of our lectures* are therefore scheduled while the ship is in the open sea (i.e., no land in sight). In particular, no lectures are scheduled during what the cruise line calls "Scenic Cruising Time" as the ship passes through the narrow fjord of Tracy Arm (the Inside Passage) and within sight of the twin Sawyer glaciers. So put down your note pad and grab your camera!

*Note: Optional "Hosted breakfasts" are scheduled from 7am-8am which is technically after the arrival of the ship at the ports of Ketchikan and Skagway -- but you gotta eat, right? Also, two optional group discussions (8:30-10:30pm) are scheduled after sunset but while the ship is still at port in Juneau and Victoria, BC.

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.

The Itinerary

Journey with us to Alaska's Inside Passage with Tracy Arm Fjord, the twin Sawyer glaciers, and three Alaskan ports of call. Spend your port days exploring the local sites, wandering the street markets, watching a lumberjack show or other examples of local color. You can go on a nature expedition, take an historic tour, tour a glacier, paddle a kayak, or choose from a long list of other optional guided shore excursions.

The Ship

The Star Princess is a Grand class ship owned by Princess Cruise Lines. It was christened in 2001 and renovated in December, 2011. It is 109,000 tons and holds 2590 passengers and 1150 crew. It is somewhat smaller than the Caribbean Princess with which our previous cruise attendees are familiar The ship has five pools, five hot tubs, a fitness center, spa, running track, basketball and tennis courts, a nine-hole putting course, golf simulator, nightclub, art gallery, library, wedding chapel, casino, and a variety of bars and lounges. It has two full broadway-style theaters in which our lectures will take place. One dining room offers "Traditional Dining" (same time, table, and waiter for each meal) and two others offer "Anytime Dining" (walk-in). Other dining options include a casual buffet, 24-hour international cafe, ice cream and pizza bars, burger grill, two specialty restaurants*, room service, and full-service dining on your own balcony*. 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 hotspots throughout the ship. The "Kids and Teens" program keeps children engaged, entertained, and occupied. * Specialty dining restaurants and full-service balcony dining will incur a cover charge. Helpful Links Ship Details Our Cruise Discussion Forum Pricing Prices start at $978.82 (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 Seattle, alcohol, tips, or optional guided shore excursions. While the price is slightly more than last year, Alaska is a premium destination and includes additional State taxes which are included 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 2 Feb 2012) Inside Cabin $978.82 Inside Cabin (single occ.) $1397.82 Obstructed Ocean View $1078.82 Balcony Cabin $1497.57 Mini Suite $1772.57 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.