Are you ready for some FUN? Are you ready for an adventure on the high seas? Are you ready for a relaxing vacation? All this and so much more can be found on the novel Deep South Garden Clubs 2026 Convention aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line “Explorer of the Seas”. Yes, the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc is hosting the 2026 Deep South Convention March 16-21, 2026 at sea and is personally inviting YOU to join us. This will be a first for the DSGC and will be the only ZERO budget convention ever held!

This invitation is open to ALL garden club members, your family and friends—everyone is invited! Plan a family reunion, a girls’ trip, or a romantic get-away! Meetings for the convention will only take a few hours away from your cruise schedule, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy tours and ship excursions, pool time, spa time, casino time and whatever makes you happy!

As you can see from the itinerary flyer, this 5-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise will have pricing starting at $599 (plus tax) per person, double occupancy for an interior cabin. If you wish to upgrade to an ocean view cabin or cabin with a balcony, the price will be slightly higher. The price includes your cabin, all your meals, all entertainment and all DSGC meetings/workshops. Save your spot by making your reservation with a deposit of $200 to Shelley Atkinson, our travel coordinator. She can be reached at satkinson@funseas.com, or 850-386-7327, ext. 208. It’s so easy! An additional cost will include the daily gratuity for your service staff. The final payment isn’t due until 12 December 2025.

The ship will depart and return to Port Canaveral, FL. If you wish to drive or carpool down, there is a terminal parking garage available for a daily fee. If you wish to fly to Orlando, Shelley can help with flight reservations and with the shuttle transfer from Orlando International Airport to the port. She can help you time your arrival and departure so no additional hotel costs will be involved but, if you want to include a tour of the NASA Space Center or visit the Mouse on this trip, Shelley can help with that as well!

Yes, you will need some form of identification: a passport is preferred (Be sure to apply now: https://travel.state.gov), or a Valid Drivers License with the new star in the corner.

We have two at-sea days to hold our convention meetings and workshops in the onboard conference rooms. Optional workshops include short topics such as Awards, Parliamentary Procedure, Flower Shows, Horticulture, Membership, Fundraising, etc. presented by well-known instructors/experts from the 6 Deep South states. These will also be held on the at-sea days so it will not interfere with any port activities.

Imagine having your choice of 5 different chef prepared entrees, appetizers, and desserts instead of the single hotel selections you get at a convention! Imagine enjoying nightly shows and top entertainment! Imagine having all your accommodations and meals paid for in one package deal! It all awaits you 16-21 March 2026 aboard “Explorer of the Seas”. Come join us!

If you have questions, ttuttle1954@gmail.com.