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2010 Armenian Heritage Cruise Sails the Seas in `Armenian Style'
Asbarez
Feb 5th, 2010
BY BARBARA HAROUTUNIAN
There was magic in the air as more than 1100 Armenians boarded the
Costa Cruise Lines extraordinarily beautiful ship, Costa Atlantica.
The Costa Atlantica is a `Jewel Ship', a well designed and elegantly
decorated with antique Italian flair.
Armenian Heritage Cruise XIII, sponsored by the Armenian Cultural
Association of America Inc. sailed from Ft. Lauderdale for a week long
cruise, January 16-23, 2010. The cruise was a welcome relief from the
shivering cold and snow that gripped the northern states.
The destinations included St. Thomas, of the US Virgin Islands; San
Juan, Puerto Rico; and Grand Caicos Islands. Everyone had eagerly
anticipated a week of beautiful sights, meeting new people, attending
cultural programs, listening and dancing to Armenian music, eating
good food and having fun in the sun in a profoundly unique Armenian
way.
Armenians came from all over the world: Armenia, Argentina, Australia,
Canada, England, France, Greece, Italy, Israel, Lebanon, Switzerland
and Turkey. The United States was also well represented with people
from almost every state in the country. Each guest received an AHC
tri-color tote bag and Travel Document Pouch as a gift from the ACAA
and Travel Group International. People met relatives, friends and
classmates after many years of separation. With tears in their eyes
and smiles on their faces they were all reunited on the Armenian
Heritage Cruise. There are three ways to experience complete
fulfillment on this cruise:
1. Spend a week of fun in the sun, leaving the hustle and bustle of
life on hold.
2. Learn and help preserve the Armenian culture and heritage.
3. Meet old friends and make new friends.
For one week we put aside our political and religious differences and
come together as one people and one nation to establish a `Little
Armenia' in the Caribbean.
Everyone was given a tri-color ACAA Heritage Cruise cabin key card;
this card granted each guest entry into all the Special Armenian
activities for the week. Without this AHC Card no entry to any
Armenian event was allowed. Each morning the announcements of the
daily activities were presented in Italian, French, German and much to
our joy, ARMENIAN! We were honored to have onboard The Most Rev.
Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Primate Emeritus of the Western Diocese
of the United States and Archpriest Rev. Fr. Vazken Bekiarian,
Worcester, MA. Everyday the Clergy onboard conducted the morning
service in the chapel which was always filled to capacity.
Nightly, two bands performed in various rooms on the ship. Joseph
Krikorian and his Band and The Aravod Band with Jim Kzirian, Aram
Hovagimian and featuring Khatchig Jingerian, John Harotian and Richard
Berberian. On Saturday, the first night of the cruise there was a
Welcome Reception for all guests hosted by George and Shakeh Basmajian
and Maria Tavitian. The Cruise Ambassadors were introduced and a
highlight of the week's activities was announced. This was followed by
an Armenian Talent Show.
Throughout the week guests could sit poolside all day and enjoy the
wonderful tropical weather. Others jogged, played Bingo, listened to
lectures or watched Armenian movies. For those who did not venture out
of their cabins the cruise provided 24 hour Armenian song and dance
programs on two of the ship's television channels.
In the morning there was Armenian Conversation Classes conducted by
Ara and Arevig Caprielian of New York. Margo Kaftajian of Dallas,
Texas taught Armenian Dance Classes. Many different styles of Armenian
Dance were taught such as the Tamzara, Shourch Bar, Haleh, and many
other popular traditional Armenian Dances. Guests could register for
the Tavlou and Belote Tournaments under the direction of Antranig
Boudakian and George Basmajian. The athletically inclined joined the
annual 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament under the direction of John
Jerikian.
There was a special table for the Armenian Heritage Tour 2010 with
Maro Asatoorian, the ACAA liaison, where people could register for 15
day tour to Armenia on July 18 - August 1, 2010, an optional excursion
to Karabagh will also be available. The Hairenik Bookstore was busy
everyday selling traditional Armenian products including CD's, movies,
books, and artifacts on the ship. The ACAA Hospitality Desk was open
every morning to assist passengers. With so many activities it can be
difficult to decide what to do. The Armenian Heritage Cruise XIII had
something for everyone.
After dinner on Sunday there was a Singles/Mingles Cocktail Party.
This is a party where singles could meet and hopefully mingle. For the
first time each day there was an AHC Club 39 Happy Hour. Armenian
singles from ages 21-39 years old from all over the world had an
opportunity to meet and maybe...
On one of the days we spent a wonderful day shopping and swimming on
one of the worlds most beautiful beaches in St. Thomas, US Virgin
Islands. We returned to the ship and that evening there was an ACAA
Gala Cocktail Party sponsored by the ACAA Armenian Heritage Cruise
Committee and Travel Group International. Everyone enjoyed
complimentary champagne and cocktails. At dinner that evening guests
enjoyed a unique Armenian menu with Hummus, Tabouli, Boureg, Lamb
Chops and Chicken Kebob, Boulghour Pilaf, Salad and Pakhlava. The next
day we arrived in gorgeous San Juan, Puerto Rico.
On Thursday Ann Samuelian and her committee organized the Armenian
Festival Day pool party. Prizes were awarded for the best Armenian
tri-color outfit, red, blue, and orange. Along with face painting
Margo Kaftajian's dance class performed the Shourch Bar, Tamzara,
Haleh and other dance steps they learned throughout the week. There
was an Armenian Dance Contest with prizes for the best Armenian
Traditional Dance. This has become an annual event and people came
prepared with original design outfits and special dance steps to
compete in the contests. To add to the festivities the ship prepared a
delicious Armenian menu for lunch. Later that afternoon we spent a
wonderful day at the beach in Grand Caicos Island.
Each day there were speakers and programs about relevant Armenian subjects:
* Hamazkayin Cultural Association Tea Reception and Program.
* Armenian Relief Society Tea Reception and Presentation-2010 is the
100th Anniversary of this great organization.
* Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston under the direction of Apo
Ashjian. The group has performed in the United States, Canada, and
Armenia. The company aims to preserve and promote Armenian culture
through the art of dance.
* Armenian Fund USA, by Irina Lazarian, was founded in 1992 as a
non-profit, non-governmental organization which represents all
Armenian constituents. The discussion was to learn more and take part
in a long standing effort to build, revitalize, and grow the Republic
of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.
* ANCA Presentation - This presentation by Ken Hachikian, ANCA
Director, discussed the key points covered by the Protocols from both
the Armenian and Turkish perspective, including the implications as it
affects the legal, political, economic, and moral ramifications for
Armenians living in both Armenia and the Diaspora.
* Book Presentation by Mary Terzian - Her book `The Immigrants
Daughter' won the Best Book Award in multicultural, non-fiction
category, and was a finalist in Indie Excellence 2007 Book Awards.
* The Diplomatic Protocols Recently Signed By The Government of
Armenia and Turkey - The panelists were: Dr. Antranig Kasabarian,
chairman of the Armenian Cultural Association of the Eastern United
States. Ken Hachikian, Chairman, Board of Directors Armenian National
Committee of America; Appo Jabarian, Executive Publisher USA Armenian
Life Weekly; and Jack Medzorian
* Comedian Kev Orkian entertained his audience with a one-man, piano
comedy performance. His program is filled with cultural satire that
has made him a favorite all over the world. He was born in London and
is active in the Armenian community. He has performed all over Europe,
the Middle East and the United States.
* Knights and Daughters of Vartan - a reception and presentation for
the members and friends of the fraternal organization.
* Armenia and Its Diaspora - An Important Factor in International
Politics. Appo Jabarian, Executive Publisher and Managing Editor of
USA Armenian Life Magazine and Hye Kiank - Presented the facts that
Armenia has a commanding geopolitical position in one of the world's
most important cross-roads and progressive Diaspora makes Armenia a
social and economic force.
* Tea Reception - Anniversary Celebration of the Armenian Weekly
(75th) and the Hairenik (110th) - The celebration featured a
presentation on the past and present of both publications.
* Dr. Antranig Kasbarian - discussed the effects and relationship of
the Turkish Armenian Protocols and its impact upon Karabakh.
* Book Presentation - `Prior to The Auction Souls', written and
produced by Sosy Kevonian. This graphic novel is based on the life of
Aurora Mardigian during the 1915 Genocide.
* The Humanitarian Outreach Foundation - `Each One Help One Movement'
by Berge and Terry Minasian. This project was created to provide
financial relief to over 500 extremely poor families in Vanadzor,
Armenia. These are the poorest of the poor in Armenia and they all
live in metal ocean shipping containers. The project staff interviews
the families and then they are selected for sponsorship. The goal of
the foundation is to keep families intact.
* Armenian Patriotic Songs and Concert - One evening everyone listened
to their favorite
* Armenian Patriotic songs. Joseph Kricorian and his band performed.
The Armenian Heritage Cruise has become a respected and prestigious
program working under the guidance of the Armenian Cultural
Association of America, Inc., which is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit
organization, that primarily assists in Armenian research, cultural
events, and especially provides primary assistance to the Armenian
language newspapers.
We are involved in many endeavors and work within our mission to
assist and help the Armenian people in the Diaspora and the Armenian
Republic. From all over the United States, dedicated individuals have
volunteered to work on this fabulous event. Each area of the country
and Europe are represented. There is no other event in the world that
brings Armenians together for seven full days of fellowship and
camaraderie. We look forward to seeing you on our 14th cruise sailing
on January 21-28, 2011, with a seven day Eastern Caribbean cruise to
Nassau, Bahamas, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Catalina Island,
Dominican Republic and Grand Caicos Island. Enjoy the unique
experience of a lifetime on `The Original Armenian Cruise' where the
Armenian spirit comes alive on the Caribbean Sea.
The following comments were received from a few of the pleased passengers:
`Thanks to the ACAA committee members for a great cruise. We all had a
wonderful time on the Costa Atlantica. Our entire group from Paris,
France enjoyed the warm ambiance, full of fun, dance, music and shows.
We will gladly come back to repeat this wonderful experience. We will
definitely promote this cruise with our friends and family in France,
hoping to enlarge the `Fransa-Hyes.'
Michelle Tokatlian
Paris, France
`It is my second time but, God willing, you can bet it will not be my
last. Armenian Heritage Cruise...three words that sound like music to my
ears. Aside from good food, fabulous scenery, fantastic entertainment,
it awakens the hidden warm feelings of belonging to a nation of
wonderful people from all over the world. My heartfelt wish to my very
dear fellow Armenians, next to good health, is to take part in this
wonderful experience. May God bless the organizers'.
Karekin Gurumlian
Montreal, Canada
`I traveled from Argentina to become a part of the ACAA's Armenian
Heritage Cruise onboard the beautiful Atlantica. This huge ship has
been converted into an `Armenian Town'. The events exceeded my
expectations with Armenian TV, dances, cultural programs, movies and
many more activities. This year there were over 30 Armenians from
Argentina on the ship, and I am sure this number will triple next
year. I want to thank the ACAA committee for providing us with this
wonderful experience'.
Madlen Tchrian
Buenos Aires, Argentina
`What an excellent experience for my first cruise! My kids have been
on this cruise before, what an excellent Armenian cultural and
friendly atmosphere. In fact my son found his life's Armenian partner
here. What an excellent thing to happen'!
Haigazoun Chalian
New Jersey
`This cruise has enlightened me as to where the Armenian community
stands today or how far we have progressed. Your program was a nice
mix of social, educational, political and entertainment. It reminds me
of the bygone `Atlantic City Affair' that was hosted by Philadelphia
years ago. I wish you continued success. Keep up the good work'.
Diana Papazian
San Diego, California
`The Armenian Heritage Cruise is outstanding. Besides that, I had the
opportunity to meet friends that I haven't seen for 50 years. I was so
satisfied to attend each event that was perfectly organized. I invite
all Armenians from all over the world not to miss next year's cruise.
We will show the world the Armenians are `UNITED' in the Diaspora'.
Alecco Bezikian
Bergamo, Italy
`A week has passed and it is time to leave, but the memories will last
a lifetime. As I pack my bags I am filled with unforgettable memories
of a wonderful experience on the Costa Atlantica. I am taking with me
a feeling that the Armenians in the Diaspora are united which will
help Armenia'.
Lusine Gasparyan
Yerevan, Armenia
Asbarez
Feb 5th, 2010
BY BARBARA HAROUTUNIAN
There was magic in the air as more than 1100 Armenians boarded the
Costa Cruise Lines extraordinarily beautiful ship, Costa Atlantica.
The Costa Atlantica is a `Jewel Ship', a well designed and elegantly
decorated with antique Italian flair.
Armenian Heritage Cruise XIII, sponsored by the Armenian Cultural
Association of America Inc. sailed from Ft. Lauderdale for a week long
cruise, January 16-23, 2010. The cruise was a welcome relief from the
shivering cold and snow that gripped the northern states.
The destinations included St. Thomas, of the US Virgin Islands; San
Juan, Puerto Rico; and Grand Caicos Islands. Everyone had eagerly
anticipated a week of beautiful sights, meeting new people, attending
cultural programs, listening and dancing to Armenian music, eating
good food and having fun in the sun in a profoundly unique Armenian
way.
Armenians came from all over the world: Armenia, Argentina, Australia,
Canada, England, France, Greece, Italy, Israel, Lebanon, Switzerland
and Turkey. The United States was also well represented with people
from almost every state in the country. Each guest received an AHC
tri-color tote bag and Travel Document Pouch as a gift from the ACAA
and Travel Group International. People met relatives, friends and
classmates after many years of separation. With tears in their eyes
and smiles on their faces they were all reunited on the Armenian
Heritage Cruise. There are three ways to experience complete
fulfillment on this cruise:
1. Spend a week of fun in the sun, leaving the hustle and bustle of
life on hold.
2. Learn and help preserve the Armenian culture and heritage.
3. Meet old friends and make new friends.
For one week we put aside our political and religious differences and
come together as one people and one nation to establish a `Little
Armenia' in the Caribbean.
Everyone was given a tri-color ACAA Heritage Cruise cabin key card;
this card granted each guest entry into all the Special Armenian
activities for the week. Without this AHC Card no entry to any
Armenian event was allowed. Each morning the announcements of the
daily activities were presented in Italian, French, German and much to
our joy, ARMENIAN! We were honored to have onboard The Most Rev.
Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Primate Emeritus of the Western Diocese
of the United States and Archpriest Rev. Fr. Vazken Bekiarian,
Worcester, MA. Everyday the Clergy onboard conducted the morning
service in the chapel which was always filled to capacity.
Nightly, two bands performed in various rooms on the ship. Joseph
Krikorian and his Band and The Aravod Band with Jim Kzirian, Aram
Hovagimian and featuring Khatchig Jingerian, John Harotian and Richard
Berberian. On Saturday, the first night of the cruise there was a
Welcome Reception for all guests hosted by George and Shakeh Basmajian
and Maria Tavitian. The Cruise Ambassadors were introduced and a
highlight of the week's activities was announced. This was followed by
an Armenian Talent Show.
Throughout the week guests could sit poolside all day and enjoy the
wonderful tropical weather. Others jogged, played Bingo, listened to
lectures or watched Armenian movies. For those who did not venture out
of their cabins the cruise provided 24 hour Armenian song and dance
programs on two of the ship's television channels.
In the morning there was Armenian Conversation Classes conducted by
Ara and Arevig Caprielian of New York. Margo Kaftajian of Dallas,
Texas taught Armenian Dance Classes. Many different styles of Armenian
Dance were taught such as the Tamzara, Shourch Bar, Haleh, and many
other popular traditional Armenian Dances. Guests could register for
the Tavlou and Belote Tournaments under the direction of Antranig
Boudakian and George Basmajian. The athletically inclined joined the
annual 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament under the direction of John
Jerikian.
There was a special table for the Armenian Heritage Tour 2010 with
Maro Asatoorian, the ACAA liaison, where people could register for 15
day tour to Armenia on July 18 - August 1, 2010, an optional excursion
to Karabagh will also be available. The Hairenik Bookstore was busy
everyday selling traditional Armenian products including CD's, movies,
books, and artifacts on the ship. The ACAA Hospitality Desk was open
every morning to assist passengers. With so many activities it can be
difficult to decide what to do. The Armenian Heritage Cruise XIII had
something for everyone.
After dinner on Sunday there was a Singles/Mingles Cocktail Party.
This is a party where singles could meet and hopefully mingle. For the
first time each day there was an AHC Club 39 Happy Hour. Armenian
singles from ages 21-39 years old from all over the world had an
opportunity to meet and maybe...
On one of the days we spent a wonderful day shopping and swimming on
one of the worlds most beautiful beaches in St. Thomas, US Virgin
Islands. We returned to the ship and that evening there was an ACAA
Gala Cocktail Party sponsored by the ACAA Armenian Heritage Cruise
Committee and Travel Group International. Everyone enjoyed
complimentary champagne and cocktails. At dinner that evening guests
enjoyed a unique Armenian menu with Hummus, Tabouli, Boureg, Lamb
Chops and Chicken Kebob, Boulghour Pilaf, Salad and Pakhlava. The next
day we arrived in gorgeous San Juan, Puerto Rico.
On Thursday Ann Samuelian and her committee organized the Armenian
Festival Day pool party. Prizes were awarded for the best Armenian
tri-color outfit, red, blue, and orange. Along with face painting
Margo Kaftajian's dance class performed the Shourch Bar, Tamzara,
Haleh and other dance steps they learned throughout the week. There
was an Armenian Dance Contest with prizes for the best Armenian
Traditional Dance. This has become an annual event and people came
prepared with original design outfits and special dance steps to
compete in the contests. To add to the festivities the ship prepared a
delicious Armenian menu for lunch. Later that afternoon we spent a
wonderful day at the beach in Grand Caicos Island.
Each day there were speakers and programs about relevant Armenian subjects:
* Hamazkayin Cultural Association Tea Reception and Program.
* Armenian Relief Society Tea Reception and Presentation-2010 is the
100th Anniversary of this great organization.
* Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston under the direction of Apo
Ashjian. The group has performed in the United States, Canada, and
Armenia. The company aims to preserve and promote Armenian culture
through the art of dance.
* Armenian Fund USA, by Irina Lazarian, was founded in 1992 as a
non-profit, non-governmental organization which represents all
Armenian constituents. The discussion was to learn more and take part
in a long standing effort to build, revitalize, and grow the Republic
of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.
* ANCA Presentation - This presentation by Ken Hachikian, ANCA
Director, discussed the key points covered by the Protocols from both
the Armenian and Turkish perspective, including the implications as it
affects the legal, political, economic, and moral ramifications for
Armenians living in both Armenia and the Diaspora.
* Book Presentation by Mary Terzian - Her book `The Immigrants
Daughter' won the Best Book Award in multicultural, non-fiction
category, and was a finalist in Indie Excellence 2007 Book Awards.
* The Diplomatic Protocols Recently Signed By The Government of
Armenia and Turkey - The panelists were: Dr. Antranig Kasabarian,
chairman of the Armenian Cultural Association of the Eastern United
States. Ken Hachikian, Chairman, Board of Directors Armenian National
Committee of America; Appo Jabarian, Executive Publisher USA Armenian
Life Weekly; and Jack Medzorian
* Comedian Kev Orkian entertained his audience with a one-man, piano
comedy performance. His program is filled with cultural satire that
has made him a favorite all over the world. He was born in London and
is active in the Armenian community. He has performed all over Europe,
the Middle East and the United States.
* Knights and Daughters of Vartan - a reception and presentation for
the members and friends of the fraternal organization.
* Armenia and Its Diaspora - An Important Factor in International
Politics. Appo Jabarian, Executive Publisher and Managing Editor of
USA Armenian Life Magazine and Hye Kiank - Presented the facts that
Armenia has a commanding geopolitical position in one of the world's
most important cross-roads and progressive Diaspora makes Armenia a
social and economic force.
* Tea Reception - Anniversary Celebration of the Armenian Weekly
(75th) and the Hairenik (110th) - The celebration featured a
presentation on the past and present of both publications.
* Dr. Antranig Kasbarian - discussed the effects and relationship of
the Turkish Armenian Protocols and its impact upon Karabakh.
* Book Presentation - `Prior to The Auction Souls', written and
produced by Sosy Kevonian. This graphic novel is based on the life of
Aurora Mardigian during the 1915 Genocide.
* The Humanitarian Outreach Foundation - `Each One Help One Movement'
by Berge and Terry Minasian. This project was created to provide
financial relief to over 500 extremely poor families in Vanadzor,
Armenia. These are the poorest of the poor in Armenia and they all
live in metal ocean shipping containers. The project staff interviews
the families and then they are selected for sponsorship. The goal of
the foundation is to keep families intact.
* Armenian Patriotic Songs and Concert - One evening everyone listened
to their favorite
* Armenian Patriotic songs. Joseph Kricorian and his band performed.
The Armenian Heritage Cruise has become a respected and prestigious
program working under the guidance of the Armenian Cultural
Association of America, Inc., which is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit
organization, that primarily assists in Armenian research, cultural
events, and especially provides primary assistance to the Armenian
language newspapers.
We are involved in many endeavors and work within our mission to
assist and help the Armenian people in the Diaspora and the Armenian
Republic. From all over the United States, dedicated individuals have
volunteered to work on this fabulous event. Each area of the country
and Europe are represented. There is no other event in the world that
brings Armenians together for seven full days of fellowship and
camaraderie. We look forward to seeing you on our 14th cruise sailing
on January 21-28, 2011, with a seven day Eastern Caribbean cruise to
Nassau, Bahamas, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Catalina Island,
Dominican Republic and Grand Caicos Island. Enjoy the unique
experience of a lifetime on `The Original Armenian Cruise' where the
Armenian spirit comes alive on the Caribbean Sea.
The following comments were received from a few of the pleased passengers:
`Thanks to the ACAA committee members for a great cruise. We all had a
wonderful time on the Costa Atlantica. Our entire group from Paris,
France enjoyed the warm ambiance, full of fun, dance, music and shows.
We will gladly come back to repeat this wonderful experience. We will
definitely promote this cruise with our friends and family in France,
hoping to enlarge the `Fransa-Hyes.'
Michelle Tokatlian
Paris, France
`It is my second time but, God willing, you can bet it will not be my
last. Armenian Heritage Cruise...three words that sound like music to my
ears. Aside from good food, fabulous scenery, fantastic entertainment,
it awakens the hidden warm feelings of belonging to a nation of
wonderful people from all over the world. My heartfelt wish to my very
dear fellow Armenians, next to good health, is to take part in this
wonderful experience. May God bless the organizers'.
Karekin Gurumlian
Montreal, Canada
`I traveled from Argentina to become a part of the ACAA's Armenian
Heritage Cruise onboard the beautiful Atlantica. This huge ship has
been converted into an `Armenian Town'. The events exceeded my
expectations with Armenian TV, dances, cultural programs, movies and
many more activities. This year there were over 30 Armenians from
Argentina on the ship, and I am sure this number will triple next
year. I want to thank the ACAA committee for providing us with this
wonderful experience'.
Madlen Tchrian
Buenos Aires, Argentina
`What an excellent experience for my first cruise! My kids have been
on this cruise before, what an excellent Armenian cultural and
friendly atmosphere. In fact my son found his life's Armenian partner
here. What an excellent thing to happen'!
Haigazoun Chalian
New Jersey
`This cruise has enlightened me as to where the Armenian community
stands today or how far we have progressed. Your program was a nice
mix of social, educational, political and entertainment. It reminds me
of the bygone `Atlantic City Affair' that was hosted by Philadelphia
years ago. I wish you continued success. Keep up the good work'.
Diana Papazian
San Diego, California
`The Armenian Heritage Cruise is outstanding. Besides that, I had the
opportunity to meet friends that I haven't seen for 50 years. I was so
satisfied to attend each event that was perfectly organized. I invite
all Armenians from all over the world not to miss next year's cruise.
We will show the world the Armenians are `UNITED' in the Diaspora'.
Alecco Bezikian
Bergamo, Italy
`A week has passed and it is time to leave, but the memories will last
a lifetime. As I pack my bags I am filled with unforgettable memories
of a wonderful experience on the Costa Atlantica. I am taking with me
a feeling that the Armenians in the Diaspora are united which will
help Armenia'.
Lusine Gasparyan
Yerevan, Armenia