It's all about choices

I haven't been to a genealogy conference for a while and it's time to get my fix but I know that I can't go to everything that's on offer. It's all about choices.

I have been umming and aahing about whether I would go to the NSW/ACT State Conference in Wollongong in September but have decided that I won't attend. I will miss catching up with many of my genealogy pals but having perused the program I find that it doesn't align closely with my particular interests.

Instead I have made the decision to go on the short 3 night 6th Unlock the Past Genealogy Cruise out of Sydney in October that offers two full days and more of genealogy conference at sea combined with the delights that a big cruise ship like the 4.5 star Celebrity Solstice can offer (I am a cruiseaholic). I have confirmed with Alan Phillips of Unlock the Past this evening that I will be presenting on technology topics (TBA) on the cruise, that will be fun as I love presenting to fellow genies.

I snapped this picture of Celebrity Solstice as she sailed out of Sydney last year

Having looked at the cruise program I find that it aligns with my specific needs and interests. Firstly there is a convict stream presented by Cathy Dunn (a Norfolk Island Expert) and, as someone with over ten direct ancestors who are convicts, this is right up my alley, secondly there will be experts from the three eastern states presenting on research in those areas. Carole Riley will be covering New South Wales and Shauna Hicks will be covering Queensland and Victoria. These experts will be available to give one on one assistance in the research help zone. I am hoping that I can get some guidance from Cathy about one of my Norfolk Island people.

If I was a user of Family Tree Maker software I would definitely be joining this cruise as Australian FTM guru, John Donaldson will be presenting a stream of talks about the package. He will also be available in the research help zone to help users with particular issues. Rosemary Kopittke will complete the lineup of presenters.

Information about this cruise that is priced from just $969 (twin share) can be found on the Unlock the Past Cruises website.

I hope to see some of my mates on this geneacruise.

Back on deck...

On deck on Voyager of the Seas

....well, that's not quite right. I'm actually back on Terra Firma after a fabulous nine days at sea geneacruising on The Voyager of the Seas.

Sitting here in my cabin study it feels like I am at sea because my home internet is playing up and there are things I mustdo. This reminds me of the frustrations of internet at sea but at least my home internet does not cost a bomb and charges by the byte not by the minute.

I hope to churn out a few blog posts over the next few days and plan a  GeniAus Hangout on Air real soon but firstly I need to mind my manners. There were some people on the cruise who particularly enhanced my cruise experience and they deserve personal thanks so I am off to send out a few thankyous.

I will then return to my regular blogging perhaps with topics around Questions and Statements, Many Heads - Meatier Results, A Holiday Inn Cruise Experience, Names and Faces, Is Social Media ****? The Problem Solving Presenter, Data in Data out and Failure at Rootstech.

And of course I must start planning for my next geneacruise.