Buona Fortuna’s First Group Cruise — Open to Members, Family, Friends & OSDIA Members
Buona Fortuna’s first group cruise began with a simple idea: how can we experience more of Italy together while keeping the journey easy, comfortable, and fun? What started as a conversation about travel, fellowship, and Italian heritage soon grew into an exciting 11-night Mediterranean adventure — open to Buona Fortuna Lodge members, their family and friends, and fellow members of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA).
Read more about how the idea came together — and where Buona Fortuna is headed in 2027!
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Cruise information and travel details provided by Mary Graves, Cruise Planners
Sometimes the best ideas begin with a simple conversation.
For Buona Fortuna Lodge, that conversation started with Nancy Castro and Mary Ann Tana, who began exploring the idea of a group trip and asking an important question: What kind of travel experience would be right for Buona Fortuna?
The goal was to find another way for our members to enjoy what has always been such an important part of our Lodge — fellowship, friendship, shared experiences, and our connection to Italian heritage.
Cruising quickly became part of the conversation because it offered something especially appealing for a Buona Fortuna trip: the opportunity to experience several different regions and destinations without constantly packing, unpacking, and changing hotels.
Instead, our “hotel” travels with us.
We can settle into one cabin, enjoy the ship as our home base, and wake up in a different port ready to explore. That gives our group the opportunity to experience more of Italy and the Mediterranean while still enjoying the comfort and convenience of returning to the same room each evening.
For an Italian-American organization, that was especially attractive. We wanted an itinerary that would allow us to experience different regions, history, food, culture, and landscapes, rather than spending the entire trip in just one location.
At the same time, cruising gives everyone flexibility. We can gather for meals, excursions, and special moments together while still having the freedom to enjoy the vacation in our own way. Some may want a full day of sightseeing and exploration, while others may prefer a leisurely afternoon aboard the ship.
As the idea developed, the Lodge carefully considered what would make the trip a good fit for our members. The objective was not simply to find a cruise, but to find an experience that would offer a strong connection to Italy, interesting ports, memorable excursions, wonderful food, opportunities to enjoy time together, and enough personal time for everyone to make the journey their own.
With the assistance of Mary Graves of Cruise Planners, also a Buona Fortuna Lodge member, those ideas began to take shape.
The result is Buona Fortuna Lodge’s first group cruise — an 11-Night Mediterranean Discovery Cruise aboard the Enchanted Princess®, October 26 through November 6, 2027.
Our journey begins in Ravenna, Italy, and concludes in Rome, with visits to Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Malta, Sicily, and Italy. Along the way are opportunities to explore ancient cities, beautiful coastlines, historic landmarks, charming villages, and the cultures and traditions that have shaped the Mediterranean for centuries.
And this adventure is not limited to Lodge members. Members are encouraged to invite family and friends to join us. You do not have to be a Buona Fortuna member to travel with the group.
Of course, planning a trip like this brings plenty of questions.
Which cabin should I choose? What is included? What about airfare? Excursions? Travel insurance? Should I spend extra time in Italy before or after the cruise?
That is where Mary comes in.
As our travel professional, Mary Graves will be available to answer the questions you already have — and probably quite a few you haven’t even thought of yet.
Cruise Information Meeting
Sunday, October 25, 2026 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Cordova Lanes Meeting Room
2111 Airport Blvd., Pensacola
The meeting will also be available live by Zoom for those unable to attend in person.
Cruise Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 823 1056 1057 Passcode: 697316
Mary will walk us through the itinerary, cabin choices, pricing, reservations, and other travel details and answer questions from those attending both in person and by Zoom. And this will not be the only opportunity to learn more. As our group grows and we move closer to sailing, there will be additional information and opportunities to help everyone prepare.
Whether you have cruised many times or have never stepped aboard a cruise ship, we hope you will come learn more.
There is something particularly special about traveling with people you know — and returning home with even more friends than when you left.
La Dolce Vita Awaits!
Come learn more about what we hope will be the first of many Buona Fortuna adventures together.
Mary Graves
Cruise Planners
850-456-7676
mgraves@cruiseplanners.com
