With a hectic schedule of two cruises and nine associated land seminars during February and March now behind us we are turning our attention to our Rhine river cruise in July 2016 and our Papua and New Guinea and islands cruise in July 2017 – and possible further cruises.

12th Unlock the Past cruise Rhine river cruise – 7 nights from 30 July 2016 along the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel – now less than 4 months away.

A river cruise is quite different from an ocean cruise – the cruise itself and what it will mean for our group. There are no sea days when we normally run conference sessions. We are in port each day and generally travel at night. Because of this and the fact that there are no separate conference rooms we can book the genealogy component of the cruise will be largely the networking we can have. With bookings nearing their closure date we will be in touch with our group to find out what interests we have and consider what informal interest group sessions we can organise.

Although the cruise is nearing, and some cabin categories are already booked out there are still a few places available if you’re interested. If you are still considering this check out some of the special features of this Unlock the Past river cruise

  • combine a fabulous river cruise with a great genealogy networking experience – informal networking and special interest/discussion groups
  • cruise bonuses and loyalty rewards up to $660 value
  • hundreds of dollars worth of prizes and special offers
  • a superb itinerary – Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz-Rhine Gorge-Rüdesheim, Mainz (excursion to Heidelberg), Strasbourg, Breisach, Germany (excursion to the Black Forest), Basel – and Zurich
  • a fantastic ship – Tranquillity II launched in April 2015. Check it out

13th Unlock the Past cruise — 10 nights from Brisbane to Papua New Guinea from 28 July 2017 — extra benefits up to AU$660

5 good reasons to consider booking now

  • Although this cruise is still over 15 months away it is booking strongly early on and is very likely to book out well ahead of the cruise – especially the best cabins
  • the identical cruise just 12 months earlier (29 Jul 2016) has already sold out some categories and the entry-level price is considerably higher than OUR 2017 cruise
  • NEW – for the 1st time reduced conference rates for non-genealogy partners – but still includes full conference participation and most of the bonuses and rewards
  • you can now check out a preliminary program
  • the current P&O sale – ends 27 April 2016 – up to $200 on-board credit ($400 if you are a previous cruiser with P&O) and a free unlimited soft drinks package. See web site for details

Preliminary program now online – Click here for a link to download a preliminary version of the program. Although it is preliminary and not yet complete most/all of the tour as currently listed will remain. With at least 40 talks, there will be something for all interests. Because of the itinerary which includes significant Pacific War sites, and 2017 the 75th anniversary of the Pacific War coming to Australia and New Guinea, 20%–25% of talks will relate to the Pacific war. But that also means 75% – 80% of talks will offer our usual wide range of topics. Even if you are a repeat UTP cruiser, you will find that 85% to 95% of topics will be new to you.

Call for presentations – there are a limited number of places on the program reserved for others with expertise in areas of interest to give a presentation on the cruise. See information on this at the bottom of the program page for more information.

More cruises 2017 – 2019?
Although no commitment is made at this stage to further cruises, the following are possibilities:

  • 2018 – Alaska – 7 nights out of Seattle –  this looks reasonably likely for the 3rd qtr of 2018, but no decision to commit (or not) will be made until early 2017
  • 2019 – no decision will be made until early 2018, but the following are possibilities that could be considered:
    • Asia – one way relocation cruise from Australia to either Singapore or Hong Kong
    • Fremantle  – 8 or 9 nights north to Broome/Kimberley
    • Southern Australia –  from Sydney
    • Mediterranean –  from UK/Europe
  • any year 2017-2019 –  considering shorter 4 night cruises out of other Australian cities. These may be 2nd cruises in any year a longer cruise was also planned:
    • Adelaide to Port Lincoln – possibly early 2017
    • Melbourne to Kangaroo Island or Eden
    • Sydney to Hobart
    • Adelaide to Tasmania (Port Arthur, Hobart, Burnie)

Australian History & Genealogy Expo 2016 – Adelaide
7-8 October 2016 – 2 days of exhibition and presentations

With considerable interest from exhibitors and others across Australia this, the 8th Unlock the Past expo, is being developed as a national event. It will feature

  • 60 or more exhibitors
  • over 60 presentations and information and product demo sessions
  • one-on-one consultations with experts
  • hundreds of $$ in prizes and special offers

This will be a great opportunity for

  • South Australians to attend a major event in their own city
  • interstate visitors to enjoy a major expo – and an excuse to visit friends/relatives, do some research or just vist SA
  • exhibitors to reach a new market or audience at low cost. Whether you are an organisation or product and service supplier, this is an event to consider attending – or at least contributing to a static exhibition – click here for more information

Recent cruise reports
See what some of our cruise bloggers and to say about our two recent cruises

Cruise polo-shirts
They are back. But only for a limited time. And we now have new colours available, giving you a choice of 10 colours for men and women. Be sure to get your order in before the order period closes on 1 May 2016.  Available in LADIES and MENS.

Recent cruise reports

See what some of our cruise bloggers and to say about our two recent cruises

 

PS. Are you attending the Kiama family, social and local history expo 2016 – on 16 April 2016. We are – and hope to see some you there.

—

Alan Phillips and the Unlock the Past cruises team
alan@unlockthepast.com.au