This was my first time to go cruising and I have to say I'd recommend this trip to anyone, the organisation is excellent and the list of artists seems endless, yet you can get to see and hear them all if you check out the daily programmes. It's a relaxed atmosphere and the ship is just perfect. The weather was unfortunately mixed and seas a bit rough at times (or maybe it was just the effect of the 'cocktails') but for most folk it wasn't a problem.
Helen Rooney from Ontario, Canada has been cruising with Gertie Bryne for a few years now and has also travelled to Ireland to see her favourite Irish artists at work. It was Helen who persuaded me to go on this trip. 
Suami Coutinhou is also from Ontario, and together with Helen has been on lots of Gertie Byrne cruises. It was great to meet up with both Helen and Suami again and also to be able to meet their cruise friends. The circle of folk who know each other just from having meet on these cruises and having a common interest in Irish artists and their music is amazing, long may it continue.
