We're Back from the Mariner of the Seas

[cruiseduo]

Well, Pat and I are back from our week-long genealogy cruise on the Mariner of the Seas. It was a great cruise, the ship is wonderful and the weather was great. If you are ever considering a 'seminar-cruise' please read this.

Some of you may know that we booked this cruise with about 200 other genealogists and went to lectures and seminars during the three days the ship was at sea. We won't do that again!

Went to six sessions a day from 8am to 5:30pm for three days. The days we weren't at sea we went ashore at St. Thomas and St. Maarten. The day at CoCo Cay was cancelled because the tenders couldn't go ashore.

Because of the sessions, we missed opportunities to see how great the Mariner is. On the other hand, we did learn a lot to help us with our genealogy research. Next time I'll take a cruise at sea and go to seminars on land. You lose too much of a great travel experience trying to do both at the same time.

[Gregswife]

Howard, we are certainly glad to have you back with us. You were missed. My sister in law is really into genealogy. She goes to old cemetaries and travels all over getting info and pics from long lost relatives. Not matter how much I was interested in the subject, I don't think I could sit thru that many seminars....brings back too many memories of too many years in school!!!!

[KeithnRita]

Pat and Howard, welcome back to reality--at least for a short time!

[Shari2]

Welcome back, Howard and Pat!!!

My DH is into geneology. I will be sure to tell him no seminars at sea, though! :grin:

[cruisetarp]

Welcome back Howard & Pat - Glad you enjoyed your cruise on the Mariner even though they seemed to keep you very busy. Looking forward to your review when you have the time.

[rogue]

Welcome home Howard & Pat! Glad you enjoyed your time on the Mariner. :grin:

[GottaCruz]

It's great to have you and your jokes back here, Pat and Howard. I hope all those seminars didn't keep you from enjoying the food. Anyway, I'll bet you're looking forward to your next cruise for the cruising experience. We missed you both. Cheryl

[Mebert]

cruiseduo,

Welcome back. I'm glad you had a very educational time. I'm sorry that it was difficult for you to enjoy the ship because of the seminars. Perhaps you can send some feedback to the facilitators and suggest they include more free time during days at sea. Afterall, they did arrange for the seminars to be at sea. Why not enjoy the entire experience.