A Journey in Genealogy with Ancestry.com

EEvents on board will commemorate the significance of this iconic journey, and we will welcome back Ancestry for their second crossing.  Ancestry experts will host talks themed around the historic Mayflower voyage and the stories of the passengers on board, take a look back and offer the opportunity to trace your family tree through the centuries and find out how your DNA connects you to the world.

A Journey in Genealogy with Ancestry.com

This spectacular Journey in Genealogy returns in 2020, and this special Trans-Atlantic crossing; as it will mark the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower voyage—one of the most influential journeys in global history, and a defining moment in the shared history of Britain, the US, and the Netherlands. In 1620, the English Puritans, or Pilgrims, set sail from England to the New World. Prior to leaving the ship they signed the Mayflower Compact, a document that established a rudimentary form of democracy and legal order.

Events on board will commemorate the significance of this iconic journey, and we will welcome back Ancestry for their second crossing.  Ancestry experts will host talks themed around the historic Mayflower voyage and the stories of the passengers on board, take a look back and offer the opportunity to trace your family tree through the centuries and find out how your DNA connects you to the world.

Special guests on board:

            Valerie Prince is a professional genealogist for AncestryProGenealogists, based in Dublin, Ireland, and specializing in American, Irish, and Scottish research. She now applies her analytical problem-solving skills to identifying immigrant families’ origins within Ireland and Scotland. The most rewarding part of genealogical research is guiding clients to make an emotional connection with their ancestors, discovering the rich lives of forebears.

            Deena Darst is a professional genealogist and research manager for AncestryProGenealogists, specializing in forensic genealogy to locate living persons through both DNA analysis and traditional genealogical research methods. She assembles the puzzle pieces in complex cases with legal implications or unknown biological parentage. She is passionate about connecting the past, present, and future generations by uncovering those relatives who were lost to history.

            Brian Schellenberg has worked for Ancestry since 2012 and is a United States immigration expert who manages a team of researchers with expertise from coast to coast in the United States and Canada. He is descended from one of the original Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam in the 1600s. His passion is for researching immigrants of all periods.

Conrad Humphreys is a professional yachtsman and motivational speaker with a sailing career spanning three round the world races. He was the skipper on board the tiny 23ft open boat Bounty’s End in the recreation of Captain Bligh’s epic story of survival, Mutiny on the Bounty.

Jenny Deeprose is an international cheese judge and a member of the worldwide Guilde des Fromagers.

Hugh Paton is the great, great, great grandson of Sir Samuel Cunard. He currently lives in Canada with his family, including sons Samuel and Benjamin, who together with the crew of the Queen Mary 2, in 2006,  unveiled the Samuel Cunard statue in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Your Journey Begins:

Day 1 – Southampton, England, UK – Aug 14, 2020 Departs 09:00 PM – Take time to visit Southampton:  Located in the picturesque English county of Hampshire, this is a vibrant waterfront city, serviced by direct trains to London, an airport, and an international cruise terminal. Explore the city’s maritime heritage and links to RMS Titanic in the Sea City Museum, see contemporary British art in the Cultural Quarter, or walk the medieval walls in the Old Town.  Also you will find The New Forest National Park, the Winchester Cathedral, Stonehenge, the Isle of Wight, and the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, while the city’s thriving culinary scene will leave you spoilt for choice when hunger strikes.

Shopping:  You will not fall short of options. The city offers a superb array of shops, from department stores and independents to undercover shopping malls. Westquay Shopping Centre boasts over 90 stores spread over two floors. Here you will find British retailers, a variety of fashion labels, as well as lifestyle and beauty brands. The smaller Marlands Shopping Center caters more to independent retailers, while a handful of gift shops can be found on the High Street, and in the city’s museums and art galleries.

Beyond Southampton:  Well connected by water and rail, it’s easy to explore the many attractions nearby. A 25-minute catamaran journey brings you to Cowes on the Isle of Wight while the historic cathedral city of Winchester, home to King Arthur’s round table, is around 15-minutes by train. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers chance to visit the Mary Rose Museum as well as explore HMS Warrior and HMS Victory while the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stonehenge can be reached by organized excursion. If spending time outdoors appeals, the New Forest National Park offers pretty villages and rural walks within 90,000 acres of protected parkland.  Its great location means you’ve access to a range of historic sites, charming villages and national landmarks, and the great metropolis of London with all to see and do there.

Optional Port activities – Royal Windsor Castle – Cost $115/Pre-Book:  Enjoy a visit to the magnificent Royal residence of Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world. An audio tour guides you through the opulent rooms, including the grand St. George’s Hall and the splendid State Apartments. Admire works of art from the Royal Collection and the world famous Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and don’t miss the exquisite Gothic architecture of St George’s Chapel, containing the tombs of ten sovereigns. After visiting the castle, there will be free time to explore the charming town of Windsor.

Days 2-7 – At Sea – You can devote an indulgent hour each and every day to our Afternoon Tea.

Accommodations and Onboard Activities – Whether you want a stateroom with a view or a sumptuous suite, we have every type of suite accommodation to make your cruise as comfortable as possible.  With time at sea the choice, is yours. There is as much or as little to do as you please, with ever-more possibilities to discover.

Daily activities:  Explore our extensive selection of daily activities including dance classes (taught by our professional dance hosts), fencing, bridge lessons, competitions, quizzes, craft classes, and informative talks from the on board teams.

Sporting activities:  Take a dip in the swimming pools and whirlpools, work out on the treadmills and gym bikes, or join a fitness class. Play tennis, shuffleboard, or quoits on the sports decks. Also try our golf chipping, putting, and target nets.

Insights and enrichment:  World-renowned guest speakers offer informative talks on a range of topics as part of our Insights program. Experts from the world of art are also welcomed on board to offer both talks and practical demonstrations.

Music and Theater:  Music is at the heart of every cruise, with a variety of live performances around the ship each day and evening. You can also watch spectacular musical productions, comedy, dance and drama in the extravagant setting of the Royal Court Theater.

Salon and Barber Services:  A visit to our salon will ensure you always look your best and feel perfectly groomed. Our salon experts will give you the perfect look.

Traditional Afternoon Tea:  Price Included:  If anything perfectly encapsulates Cunard’s service and sense of occasion, it is our prized daily ritual: Afternoon Tea served by white-gloved waiters from 3:30 to 4:30 pm every day in the Queens Room. Indulgent finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries accompany Twinings fine leaf teas as the orchestra provides a melodic backdrop. Our Grill guests may also retreat to the more intimate Princess Grill restaurant, while more casual dining awaits in the Lido or King’s Court.

Planetarium:  Price Included:  You know you’re on a special ship indeed when you can settle into your comfortable seat in the only planetarium at sea. More than this, Illuminations is a luxury 3D cinema and a classical music venue. The planetarium dome can send you on an epic voyage across the solar system, teach you to navigate by the stars, or show other science and natural history films, with up to four screenings on each sea day. With the dome retracted, Illuminations hosts 3D films and stunning concerts and recitals.

Library:  Price Included:  For many, a good read is an essential part of a relaxing vacation, and there’s no better time to indulge than while on board in this impressive and refined surroundings.

Canyon Ranch spa:  Additional cost:  Spa and salon:  Treat yourself to a tempting world of pampering in our luxurious and spacious spas.  Here you will find thermal suites for languishing, frothy spa pools for dipping and vast ocean views to get lost in. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage, choose an indulgent treatment or facial, or make an appointment with our hair stylists.

Fitness:  Price Included:  Spa and salon:  Your fitness routine will benefit from our fully equipped gyms, sociable classes and expert staff.  Join one of our relaxing yoga or Pilates classes or burn some calories at an exhilarating spinning class or boot camp.

Live music:  Price Included:  Live music will be an unmistakable signature of every moment on your ship. Our accomplished resident musicians will create an enticing ambience, during relaxing moments and on grand social occasions. The string trio provides a melodic accompaniment to Afternoon Tea. The resident pianist sets an elegant tone to your evening and you’ll also find harpists and contemporary bands in public rooms throughout the ship.

Evening performances:  Price Included:  Every evening during your cruise promises a stellar array of entertainment choices. So, whether you’re in the mood for music, dance performances or even magic shows, prepare to settle into your seat. We’ve also hand-picked a talented line-up of vocalists and instrumentalists, aerial performers, stand-up comedians, and variety entertainers.

Children’s facilities:  Price Included:  Children of all ages are welcome on our ships, and our dedicated clubs offer activities and entertainment, arts and crafts, sporting activities, play areas, computer games and much more. They can make friends with other children at The Play Zone, for two- to seven-year-olds, and The Zone which is ideal for eight- to 17-year-olds. Our youth staff will supervise your children, organize events, activities and competitions, and even arrange “excursions” to the theater or cinema on board.

Godiva at Sir Samuels:  Additional cost:  This is a welcoming venue with expertly blended tea or coffee. Here you can also indulge your sweet tooth courtesy of the exquisite selection of sweets by Belgian chocolatier, Godiva. You’ll find a decadent array of tempting truffles; luxurious ice cream with intense dark chocolate; order a chocolate fondue with strawberries or select from an array of heavenly chocolate drinks.

Day 8 – New York, NY – August 21, 2020 Arrives 6:30 AM

Take time to visit New York:  Whether you know it as the ‘Big Apple’ or the ‘City That Never Sleeps’, New York is a shoppers’ paradise, full of sights and experiences, and a palpable energy. Divided into five boroughs: Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens, the city sits at the mouth of the Hudson River. In Manhattan the most famous attractions can be found, from Times Square and Central Park to the iconic Empire State Building. Little Italy and Chinatown, an award-winning show on Broadway or take a ferry to visit nearby Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.  A few days is required to do New York justice. Central Park alone extends over 800 acres and fans of The Beatles may wish to visit Strawberry Fields, the tribute to John Lennon. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) are all worthy of a visit. While the 9/11 Memorial is a poignant reminder of the events of that fateful September day.

Shopping:  New York has emerged as one of the world’s foremost shopping capitals and, varies from district to district.  Fifth Avenue is New York’s most famous shopping street, with many flagship designer stores. Madison Avenue also offers its share of luxury labels and Williamsburg, Soho and Greenwich cater to quirky boutiques and smaller, independent brands.

Beyond New York City:  New York State has an equal share of impressive attractions to tempt visitors. Long Island, is home to some of the state’s best beaches and Montauk Lighthouse, which dates back to the 1700s. The Hamptons are a favorite summertime getaway. A visit to Cold Springs provides opportunity to explore Hudson Fjord. Fans of Washington Irving’s Sleepy Hollow can visit the author’s grave, as well as spend time in this charming waterfront village.

Optional Port activities – New York City Lights – Cost $Unavailable/Pre-Book:  See the ‘Big Apple’ at night and capture the bright lights.  You will see the spectacular art deco building of the steel-capped Chrysler building, and take in sites such as the Rockefeller Center, and the Iconic Statue of Liberty.  You’ll travel from the East River to the Brooklyn Bridge. Here, you’ll be able to take in the famous New York City skyline.  A stop at Times Square gives you the chance to take a stroll and take in the lively evening atmosphere.

Also available is the 2021 Journey – A guaranteed departure of July 16-23, 2021, also on the Queen Mary 2 – This Trans-Atlantic route—with its wealth of history, links to the new world and stories of emigration—provides the perfect setting for a dedicated genealogy voyage. Join experts from Ancestry, the world’s largest online family history resource, and learn how to trace your family tree through the ages.  Ancestry will open the door to discovering, preserving, and sharing meaningful family stories. Experts will help you trace your family’s journey across the globe; to find out how your DNA connects you to the world.

TravelKatz will help you with this wonderful cruise into your past.  Whether you want to enjoy Southampton before you sail or New York City after your cruise, we will put it all together for you including the air flight.  Call us at 352-277-7300 to start planning – Now!