‘We enjoy the beauty of our surroundings, as it is easy to see God in everything when looking out across the ocean.’
Teresa Tomeo is a regular on the Good News Cruise, which offers a vacation and Catholic retreat for married couples each year. The veteran journalist — whose weekday morning radio program, Catholic Connection, is produced by EWTN Radio — sails with husband Dom. Tomeo spoke with the Register about the benefits of Catholic cruises.
What makes the Good News Cruises unique? Why do you think people enjoy them?
I think it is the very healthy combination of faith and fun. There is so much fellowship that occurs when we’re all together in one location. You know that you’re not alone and that there are actually a lot of couples who love each other and their Catholic faith. We laugh. We cry. We dance. We enjoy the beauty of our surroundings, as it is easy to see God in everything when looking out across the ocean. And even if there are couples that are struggling, it is a great place for them to be as they are embraced and encouraged.
Do any cruise experiences stand out?
My husband and I have personally heard from many couples who say the “GNC” was a life changer. Some couples went so far as to say they were going on the cruise as a last resort, as their marriages were truly on their last legs. Hearing the testimonies of other couples who have overcome struggles and challenges, daily Mass, powerful talks, and stunning scenery captivates our passengers and impacts their relationships, especially their relationship with God.
There are a range of Catholic cruise experiences out there these days. For someone who hasn’t gone on one, what advice would you give them about choosing one that’s right for them?
It’s important to pray and think about the type of experience you’re wanting in terms of a Catholic cruise. A marriage-themed cruise, for example, is going to allow couples to hear from speakers who can help them grow in their relationship with Christ and strengthen their marriages; so there is more emphasis on the onboard events and sessions, even though they can still take part in excursions or activities. Other Catholic cruises offer more of an apologetics experience, following in the footsteps of St. Paul, for example, with more emphasis on the history and Catholic significance of the various sites. So again, it just depends on the type of experience you desire.
Why would a cruise be a better way of bringing people together than, say, a conference at a resort?
Conferences involve less time than a cruise, perhaps a day or even a weekend. They’re great as well, especially if they’re held at a lovely resort or hotel. But again, most conferences don’t last for seven days. A cruise gives you more time to meet other Catholics as well as spend time with the presenters. It also gives you more time to enjoy the scenery and slow down a bit to make the most of the experience.
What’s on your travel bucket list? What other cruises or pilgrimages would you like to go on?
Well, to be honest, as the great composer Giuseppe Verdi [is attributed to have] said, “You may have the universe if I may have Italy.” My husband, Deacon Dom, and I have been all over the world, and we always are eager to do more traveling in our motherland. We would love to do a cruise focusing on the many islands around Italy, as there are so many to see, especially in the southern coastline, visiting the little whitewashed churches and towns.
