When Arthur and Dorothy Berlin were growing up in New York, the Berlin family was close, getting together regularly for meals and holidays. After the war, Art & Dot moved to California, and over the years, the Berlin family spread out over the world. Late in life, Art lamented the distance that had separated the family, and wanted to do something to bring everyone closer.

Out of this love of family was born the concept of a family cruise. The intent was to bring together the far-flung members of the Berlin, Reiss, Barash, Solat, Cohen, and other relatives together on a cruise ship where they could meet, get reacquainted and develop a new generation of friendships and family ties.

Arthur Berlin became gravely ill and passed away in 2002, and was unable to attend the cruise. Despite his illness, he insisted plans for the cruise move ahead. He generously provided significant funding for the cruise, and told his son, Mike, that this was his "legacy" to the family. In his honor, the cruise came to be known as The Legacy Cruise.

Despite some initial misgivings, about 40 relatives set sail one beautiful day in July, 2002, for a cruise of the Bahamas. Beyond all expectations, the family reunion was a massive success. People discovered interesting, intelligent and loving relatives. As Art desired, strong new family ties were planted. From those beginnings, many new relationships have blossomed and flourished.

Now, to honor Arthur Berlin, his sister Adele Reiss, and his wife Dorothy, Legacy Cruise II is being planned for the 5 year anniversary of the maiden voyage of The Legacy Cruise.

We are asking all relatives to bring old family photos, family tree information, and any other genealogy or family items. We plan to have a special Family Room set out on the ship for people to trace our history, update family records and family trees, and explore our past.