The Armenian Weekly Newspaper

Even on the ocean and sea, hundreds and thousands of miles away from their homes, Armenians from all over the world and from different backgrounds come together on a cruise ship for seven days and nights to have fun and get a taste of their heritage, culture and language, and to celebrate their existence as Armenians after all the persecution their ancestors went through. We can call this “Little Armenia,” with its unimaginable bond, friendship, camaraderie and respect between each other, that warms the hearts of every Armenian present on the cruise.

Ten years ago, the first Armenian Heritage Cruise sailed with 325 passengers. Last January, the cruise had a record-breaking number of 2,150 Armenians on board. We can proudly say that our mission is a great success and is on the right track.

Thanks to the Cruise Executive Committee and its very energetic ambassadors, who work tirelessly for one year to carefully plan and provide programs that are entertaining and educational. The Armenian Heritage Cruise has been a place where every Armenian likes to come and enjoy one exciting week of not only the sun and beaches, but of rich Armenian music, culture, religious services, evening gala dances, Armenian dance classes, patriotic songs nights, Armenian language classes, town hall meetings, comedy, an Armenian folk dance group, tea parties for the ARS, Hamazkayin, Knights of Vartan and AGBU, family reunions, belote and tavlou tournaments, a basketball tournament and more.

We are proud to say that the Armenian Heritage Cruise has been a place where the passengers are sometimes dignitaries or high-profile people, doctors, lawyers, writers, conductors, actors, scientists, musicians and successful businessmen, who also immensely enjoy the Armenian Cruise.

Most importantly, the cruise has recently attracted a great number of young passengers (550 young adults) between the ages of 18 to 40, who mingle with each other day and night, establish new friendships and— why not—tie the knot. These young men and women are our future, and we are very happy to say that they are enjoying the all-Armenian beat atmosphere, nationalistic spirit and cultural programs. We are trying hard to introduce to this young generation our culture, language and history in a very sweet, soft and fun manner so they will never say we don’t want to listen. After all, they are our future, who will leaders and build Armenia’s future on our pillars.

On Jan. 13, 2008, the Armenian Heritage Cruise XI will begin sailing to the Eastern Caribbean, Fort Lauderdale and the islands of St. Juan, St. Thomas, Catalina Island and the Bahamas. So far, close to 1,600 passengers have reserved their places and everyone is anxiously awaiting the most enjoyable days of their lives. Some of them are repeaters of 5, 6, 7 or 8 times. People as far away as Australia, Belgium, Spain, Buenos Aires, Cordoba, England, France, Greece, Lebanon and Armenia are attending this cruise.

There are hundreds of cruises every year all over the world, so what is attracting people from the four corners of the world to come to this special cruise? It is the unique, well-organized, healthy, smooth-running, and all-Armenian spirited nature of the cruise. Some of our passengers live in remote areas, where they hardly hear anything Armenian. Coming to this cruise renews and satisfies their Armenian spirit, and fills their thirst by hearing and seeing everything about Armenians in one whole week.

After each cruise, the Armenian Heritage Cruise Executive Committee gives grants to worthy organizations, churches and the Armenian Embassy.

The 2008 Armenian Heritage Cruise will have Ambassador John and Mrs. Donna Evans as its special guests. Ambassador Evans will have a special program on the ship and will speak about the Armenian genocide.

Below are some of the encouraging comments we heard from happy passengers:

We met old friends from all over the world and re-established old ties.

We have gone on the Armenian Heritage Cruise for four years. It’s been the most enjoyable vacation for us.

The most popular annual Armenian Cruise organized!

The Armenian Heritage Cruise was truly an experience of a lifetime.

This is our third time on the cruise and we believe the experience gets better each year.

It felt like Armenia circling the islands. Even though we were from Cordoba, Argentina, and did not speak English, we were able to communicate with everyone in Armenian.

Excellent job and we will repeat the cruise.

Diaspora Armenians who come to this cruise are second- and third-generation Armenians. Some speak and some do not speak Armenian. Some think it is not important to keep the Armenian heritage, and some although they do not speak Armenian think it is very important to feel Armenian and keep their heritage, culture and history. Some are from different political organizations and different religious denominations. When they are on the Armenian Heritage Cruise they think and feel as one nation, proud of their heritage, proud to be Armenian. Nothing separates them.