The ACAA Heritage Cruise ( XIV) hit the Atlantic Jan. 21 with 1,250 Armenians onboard, bound for the Caribbean and another memorable junket.
For those of us on the East Coast, Mother Nature’s fury was laid to rest. Left behind were the slick roads, mountains of snows and weather more fit for Eskimos. A 3-hour delay at Logan Airport only heightened our expectations.
Reports of another pending storm during the cruise brought a snicker. Let it snow! For us retirees, it would have meant an extra days in Miami had flights been cancelled.
This being our third cruise, it only gets better with experience. Kudos to Bedros Bandazian and his dedicated staff for organizing another gem. Any time you can attract this many Armenians to one destination in such an age of economic strife is truly remarkable.
Ten good reasons why this was worth the fare—in no specific order.
1. There were no strangers on board this Costa Atlantica vessel the size of three football fields. It’s a place where genuine unity is practice, friends associating with strangers, the Armenian tongue getting a workout—a mini-Armenia at sea.
2. If you should have an aversion to crowds, find a quiet spot on the open deck with a good book or turn to the health spa for a workout. Greet the Caribbean sunrise and bid farewell to a colorful sunset. Where did the day go, you might ask?
3. A full itinerary of Armenian music, lectures, films, concerts, comedy, games and hospitality teas were offered. If anything, it was more than one could digest. Do as many of us did. Pick and choose. The options were boundless. As a side note, the presentations by Antranig Kasbarian, Harut Sassounian, Appo Jabarian and Ken Hachikian were impeccable.
4. With temperatures back home hovering in the single digits, a dip in the crisp, clear Caribbean was just the panacea one needed to escape the cold. For those arriving from a warmer climate, it was still an experience to behold.
5. The mere fact you saw so many Armenians smiling was a revelation. Even Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian was in another world. He started each day with an invigorating religious service and his remarks were well appreciated.
6. Four ports of call beckoned our arrival: Nassau, Grand Turk, Tortola and Princess Cay. Two other two days were at sea. Meandering at will and seeing tourists with Tri-colored Armenian bags in such remote areas gave you a sudden jolt of pride.
7. Armenian language and dance classes were offered daily, thanks to the Ara Kaprielians and Margo Kaftajian who never seem to get stale by their passion, only enamored. Ara introduced each day’s exercises with a concise schedule of Armenian events.
8. In keeping with tradition, the introduction of new talent is always welcomed. Sharing the spotlight this year were the Yeraz Dance Ensemble from New Jersey and Elixir Piano Trio of Los Angeles. Both groups have built up quite the resume in the areas of choreography and classical music with both their traditional and modern repertoires. A breath of fresh air indeed!
9. A concert of Armenian National & Patriotic Songs by Nersik Isperyan put you into an ethnic euphoria. His group was one of three bands to provide entertainment, joined by the Khoren Mouradian Ensemble and Rich Berberian & company with Mal Barsamian, the Kzirians (James and Antranig) and Khatchig Jingirian.
10. Armenian Festival Party on deck, seeing innovative Tricolor fashions and dance contests featuring young and old contestants, tables of Armenian food and tons of spirit.
One bad reason not to book. Stay home and cope with the routine.
Aside from the Armenian venue was the ship’s itinerary with Broadway-style shows every evening, elegant dining, a kiddie club for those looking to escape their children, and every attention paid to detail. A ticket to Utopia wouldn’t have altered the course.
One moment we were playing tavlou with a solitary Armenian from Oregon and another greeting an Armenian from China. A United Nations atmosphere was more the norm, engaged in harmony.
It did my heart good to see 800 non-Armenians exposed to our language and culture, not to mention the crew, many of them joining the entourage. The cruise ship was a place where time and turmoil had no relevance.
The 15th anniversary will be ushered forth with a new venue. Passengers will board a new ship called The Poesia from Fort Lauderdale on a 7-day cruise (Jan. 21-28 Saturday to Saturday) on the Eastern Caribbean with full day at these ports: Paradise Island, Nassau (Bahamas), St. Thomas (Virgin Islands) and San Juan (Puerto Rico).
With more snow in the forecast, it just might be more inviting to book now—and start counting the days.
Tom Vartabedian
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