What if any consideration is being given to pre and post cruise accommodations and airport pickup and delivery? As usual Bob you and the rest of your team have gone above and beyond. See you in September.

Hi folks,

A lot of people have inquired about a 2010 conference and cruise but we've frankly been too busy focusing on TMG v8 to think about it. I know that people have to make plans many months in advance, however, so here's some food for thought...

There are many, many variables that we have to take into account, including, of course:

• the number of days at sea
• the meeting facilities
• availability of speakers
• not conflicting with holidays and major genealogical conferences/events.
  
  but then also....
  
  
• Past cruisers tell us that the destination and itinerary are of lesser importance -- but then they say that want to go someplace warm and someplace that we haven't taken them before <g>. Some suggest Alaska or Hawaii (but could speakers compete with wildlife and daily tropical ports?) and many insist that it be no longer than 7 days because of difficulties with time off work, childcare, etc.
• Some people have preferences one way or the other about the size of the ship and many people have strong feelings about the cruise line. (We are not inclined to use Carnival again, for instance, despite the fact that they are generally cheaper).
• Of the cruises which might work, many won't let us reserve a block of rooms to accommodate our group.
• And then, of course, we want to keep the price as low as possible -- which also requires considerations about the accessibility of airports and hotels, transportation between them, etc.

So when people say that they won't go with us unless we leave from a certain port, for instance....well, it just isn't that simple.

Having said that.... I want to let you know that we're considering a 7-day Caribbean cruise which leaves on Sept 18th and goes roundtrip from Miami on a new ship, the Norwegian Epic. It visits Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Roatan, Honduras, with three days at sea for lectures. I'm not prepared to announce speakers yet but you won't be disappointed. Prices would start at about $900 per person, double-occupancy. Of course, that includes food, entertainment, port charges, taxes/fees, and attendance at conference events (but not transportation to/from Miami or optional shore excursions).

I'd be interested in what you think, whether you are inclined to go under these circumstances and if not, why not? More generically, I'd be interested in your thoughts about setting priorities.

Suggestions for speakers and/or topics would also be appreciated.

If you haven't yet been to one of our conference/cruises, I'm especially interested to know why not.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Do the quoted cruise fares include internet access? If not, how much are the additional charges?


Robert Jacobs

Where can I find a diagram of each level of the ship, so we can pick our room when we sign up?