OK, so I know that sounds a bit funny, but really – it’s true! FamilyLife sort of ‘fell in’ to this cruise thing. Five years ago the ‘creative events’ department decided to see what would happen if we took the Weekend to Remember® materials to the high seas. We often talk about how great it 
is for couples to stay at the hotel, get away from kids and daily routine, and enjoy that uninterrupted weekend together. It seemed that getting couples to ‘step away’ all the way on to a cruise ship would give them even more of a focused marriage time. I did say that this was the ‘creative events’ team, right? A creative idea! Well, that first Love Like You Mean It® cruise sold out and God used it for some major impacts on marriages, so we decided to do it again. Fast forward to 2016 and we’ve just finished up our 6th cruise. This Valentines weekend was the largest ship that we have used and yet we once again sold out! 2600 FamilyLife guests!
Has it been worth it? Here is what a few of this year’s guests had to say:
This cruise is unlike any other marriage event. This is our 5th LLYMI, and our marriage gets better and better because of the purposeful teaching provided to us. We just HAVE to keep coming. (Married 14 years)
The varied messages and events of the cruise had one unifying theme: To surrender your life in service to the Lord, to find your mission, and to realize your worth to God as a couple. I needed to hear all of that!! (Married 6 years)
My husband booked the cruise last year. I told him he had until the last day of the cruise to show me this marriage was worth fighting for. Even on day 1&2 I was ready to file for divorce, but day 3 I had a huge moment when God touched and changed my heart. I’m amazed how different I feel. God and FamilyLife are amazing! (Married 15 years)
If you’re interested in going on the cruise in 2017 (or just want to see what it is all about), check it out at http://www.lovelikeyoumeanitcruise.com/. From now through March 21st there is a Cruise Madness Sale going on – great price for a great time. Check it out on the site.