TURN BLACK FRIDAY INTO AN OCEAN BLUE DAY!

Instead of thinking about fighting the crowds in the Malls on Black Friday, why not think of an Ocean Blue Day that extends well into early December? Never heard of an Ocean Blue Day?? Think of the Turquoise Blue waters of the Caribbean or Blue Hawaii or the Mediterranean. You really are in for a treat! You can do your Christmas, Chanukah and other Holiday Shopping from the comfort of your home, while still in your pajamas and bedroom slippers.

How about giving the gift of a Cruise Vacation? From a short 3-day get-away to a World Cruise with everything in between, a relaxing fun filled, dream making experience is waiting for you and your spouse, significant other or …… how about taking the whole family.

There are specials for $$$ off savings and shipboard credits on selected sailings for many of the cruise lines. Check out the exceptional offers, including Military Rates, Senior Rates and the like.

Need a quick getaway between now and early next year? Royal Caribbean is offering special rates for those near-in dates. For other bargains, stay tuned for The Royal Caribbean WOW Sale on December 3rd and 4th (next Wednesday and Thursday) with reduced deposits and onboard credits on sailings from February 1, 2009 through May 31, 2010.

So what are you waiting for? We’re here for you! Give us a call at (888) 694-6475 or drop us an e-mail to cruzinjamiesons@qwest.net. We're here for you!

Enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends and maybe even watch a football game or two. Sleep late on “Black Friday” and wake up to a sparkling Ocean Blue Day.
Even in these challenging days in the economy, no matter your circumstance, as a nation we have much to be thankful for. Count your Blessings and enjoy a very Happy Thanksgiving!

IS THE ECONOMY GETTING YOU DOWN?

Is the economy getting you down?

Want to Get Away from it all?

We have the solution.




Take a Cruise!!



With the price of fuel dropping and bookings being a bit sluggish at this time of year, many of the cruise lines have really stepped up to the plate by lowering fares, eliminating fuel surcharges, adding shipboard credits, adding free air or providing other incentives other amenities that were previously not available. There are numerous opportunities, particularly for cruises that are available from now through January and even some that are well out into 2009.

Royal Caribbean and Princess have been leading the pack on lower fares but don’t forget Celebrity and Norwegian Cruise Line. For a special treat, look at Silversea where several sailings are offering free round trip air. There are many more cruise lines that are coming up with great offers - don’t despair. The opportunities are there so don’t be shy. Take a look and explore the possibilities.

How about those of you struggling with Christmas shopping?

This could be an opportunity to plan a romantic get-away for you and that special someone, or to take the family away for Thanksgiving or Christmas. What better gift for the ‘cook’ in the family than to be served dinner and have the opportunity to spend more relaxing time with the family. No long hours standing over a hot stove and best of all ---no dishes to clean up.

Want to know more? Give us a call!

GOT THE HOLIDAY BLUES? GET OVER IT!

YIKES!! THE HOLIDAYS ARE ALMOST HERE. WITH THANKSGIVING, CHANUKAH, CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR FAST APPROACHING, WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT GIFTS AND FAMILY?

With that thought, most of us are probably saying to ourselves, “Please don’t remind me, it’s the worst possible time to think of buying gifts. With the economy down, I’ve got the ‘I can’t bear to look at my 401k Blues’, and I can’t bear listening to Uncle Earl yak on about politics and who won (or didn’t win) the election. I don’t want to even think about the Holidays.”

O.K. Brace yourself, take deep breaths and lets face the reality that we need to do something for ourselves and our families for the various upcoming holidays. So lets look at the advantage of giving the Gift of Travel.

Most people that have been polled by groups within the travel industry have indicated that vacations and travel are not the areas that they have opted to eliminate from their budgets. This is understandable since Travel has some very distinct advantages that should not be overlooked:

You can give a gift that would be “redeemed” at a future date - For many destinations you can purchase your cruise or land packages up to 18 months ahead, with a minimal deposit to hold and lock in a preferred price, and the ability to make payments along the way to ease the one-time payout at the final payment date.


It’s a great way to escape for R & R and relief from stress. Dance lessons, anyone?


The ability to build relationships with family and friends – many multi-generational opportunities. Uncle Earl can be on board and with all there is to do, he’ll forget about politics for a while and, if he doesn’t …… well, it’s a big ship. Know what I’m saying?

Lots of options at mealtime – everyone can find something they like to eat.

Strengthening our immediate family ties - Opportunities for bonding between parents and children – having that precious “Quality Time” together.

Take advantage of fun, yet educational experiences, particularly with travel to places like Alaska, Europe and the like. Ever see a whale breach or visit the Eiffel Tower?

It’s a great way to expand our awareness of the environment and the world around us.

Important - Cruise lines provide you with a security staff that looks out for your safety.

It’s a wonderful way to bring lasting memories that are there long after the latest gadget has lost its glitter or become obsolete.

A great opportunity to relax and experience such US destinations as Alaska and Hawaii

Children’s programs are available on all but a few luxury lines, allowing for families to be together, but also some time for adults to enjoy some precious moments alone.

For us grown ups – no dishes to wash, beds to make, meals to prepare – WHOO HOO!!

Lets also look at the value of travel, particularly Cruise Travel or Land Tour packages:

Most of your expenses are included and paid for up-front, even before you travel. The price of a cruise is almost always considerably lower than the price of independent land travel arrangements.

If you are traveling to Europe, you will be paying for your trip and even your shore excursions in US dollars so there is no need to worry about currency fluctuations.

Lots of entertainment included for all family members at no additional cost.

The ability to easily arrange family reunion or other group cruises at affordable prices with less time spent on your part – your time is worth money.

Knowing that each family has different budget constraints, there are a large number of options available starting with 3, 4 and 5-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera for West Coast folks or the Caribbean and the Bahamas for our East Coast families. For those that can afford a bit more, there are the traditional 7-night cruises or land packages (Have you thought about Disney?). Of course there are numerous opportunities for longer cruises on contemporary carriers or resorts, premium lines and the upper premium and luxury ships and villas.

SO, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

WE’VE GOT MANY MORE GREAT IDEAS.

LETS TALK!

Alaska - 2009 (Part One)

We recently had the privilege to join top travel industry executives on an 8-night sail from Vancouver to Alaska as part of the 13th annual CruiseOne National Conference. Celebrity Cruises hosted us with more than 300 other travel agents aboard the Celebrity Mercury for this unforgettable experience.

The Celebrity Mercury sailed September 14, 2008 for Ketchikan, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Hubbard Glacier; Sitka, Alaska; Victoria, British Columbia and Seattle, Washington. The conference, themed “Xperts in Cruising,” offered extensive training opportunities for in-depth training in luxury, group and particularly Alaska travel. The trip also included a check presentation and $6,000 donation to the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka, Alaska, courtesy of CruiseOne and Celebrity Cruises. Executives from all major cruise lines, as well as destination convention and visitor bureaus and tour operators, attended this highly regarded event.

If you have not ever been to Alaska you are missing the trip of a lifetime and if you have already been to Alaska, now is the time to think about going again.

Alaska is one of the premier destinations in these United States. The combination of breathtaking scenery, fabulous wildlife and friendly Alaskans, make this state a must-experience for residents of the “Lower 48” and Hawaii. And you can’t forget the abundance of fresh wild salmon and halibut. Do you like to fish? Fishing licenses are easily attainable on-line or at certain fishing sites and you can use it the same day. There are opportunities to pack and ship your fresh catch back to the states or even, in some cases, have them cooked and served while you are there. How about whale watching, seeing salmon swim upstream or a trip on the Alaska Railroad? Ever see Bald Eagles in their natural habitat? How about learning the history and hearing the stories that are communicated through the totem poles? Wouldn’t it be fun to pan for gold? These are but small tastes of the many activities and experiences that you can come into contact with, not to mention a taste of the local history and heritage. Bored? Never! – Young and Old will savor this experience!

Most people begin with a 7-night cruise and that is a great way to start. So many cruise ships make Alaska their home during the summer months and you can choose from just cruising to places such as Juneau, the state capital, Ketchikan, Sitka and Skagway. You will also visit sites such as Glacier Bay State Park or the Hubbard Glacier where people cheer as they witness the spectacle of glaciers calving. Cruises traditionally start from Seattle, Vancouver or Seward/Whittier.

Better yet is to add a cruise tour that will take you to Anchorage or Fairbanks before or after the cruise and then to wonderful locations such as Denali National Park, Mount McKinley, Copper River, Talkeetna and other sites not available from the cruise ship. The “high season” is summertime, between June and August but May and September are also great times to visit. Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Lines are amongst those with a steady presence in Alaska and commitments to the ecology in that region. We will be happy to walk you through the many alternatives for travel to that region. This is a wonderful opportunity for a fun, but also educational family experience. Children love it! Itineraries are available for 2009 and filling rapidly as interest in Alaska continues to grow.

For those of you who wish to experience even more options at different times of year, there are also ample opportunities for land excursions before, during or after the cruise ship season.
The State Sport is Dog Mushing. Per Wikipedia, “Mushing is a general term for a sport or transport method powered by dogs, specifically, it implies the use of one or more dogs to pull a sled on snow.” On the first Saturday of March, the most famous dog mushing race with which we are probably familiar, the Iditarod begins. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual sled dog race in Alaska, where mushers and teams of typically 16 dogs cover 1,161 miles (1868 km) in eight to fifteen days from Willow to Nome. Why not visit Anchorage in early March and expereince the ceremonial start that occurs in the city every year. Spend a week and enjoy the many attractions in that area. The average high at that time of year is about 34 degrees with very little precipitation (that is why the Iditerod does not start there). Living in the desert of Arizona, you can imagine that I am not someone who likes cold weather but it’s really worth the trip and I’m ready to go. (Brad wants to know “who am I and what have I done to his wife?”)

As I mentioned earlier, a cruise allows you to get just a small taste of this magnificent state but there is so much more. After three trips to Alaska, we can’t wait to return to see more.

After several presentations at conference that immersed us in the many options available in our 49th state we have seen a wealth of possibilities for travel there by land or sea. So what do you want to experience on your next vacation and what are you waiting for? I’ll be willing to bet that Alaska is for you and we are here to make your dream a reality.

MEET OUR FRIEND - HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN

We have cruised with another couple for the past four years. Two years ago, while on a Baltic/Scandinavia/Russia cruise, we stopped in Copenhagen, Denmark where we met our travel companion’s brother Richard Karpen. Richie took us on a walking tour of Copenhagen where we saw, among other things, the classic sculpture of Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid. Although we knew that Richard was a tour guide we didn’t know just how seriously he took it.

This year we learned a lot more about Denmark, the city of Copenhagen and about Richard. He first came to Copenhagen almost twenty years ago met and pursued a love interest and later became a part time transplant. He spends his summers (May through September) there and his winters in a warm country in South America.

Each summer Richie conducts very affordable tours of many of the highlights of his adopted city. You may join him for English speaking guided walks to various parts of the historic city center where, along with seeing the main sights of the city, you can learn about Copenhagen, Denmark, The Danes and of course, Hans Christian Andersen. These tours include:

· Castles and Kings - (Walking Tours Monday and Thursday Mornings)
· Royal Copenhagen - (Walking Tours Tuesday and Friday Mornings)
· Romantic Copenhagen - (Walking Tours Wednesday and Saturday Mornings)
· Rosenborg Castle and Royal Treasuries - (Castle Tours Monday and Thursday Afternoons)
· National Museum – (By Special Arrangement Only)
· Private Tours and Dinner Visits– (By Special Arrangement Only)

What makes Richard’s walking tours most interesting is that he does them in authentic 19th-century fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen’s attire of top hat and long coat. When guiding tours of the Rosenberg Castle, Hans becomes transformed to Sir Richard of Rosenborg. Not only does he dress the part, he constantly researches his subjects and is extremely knowledgeable on both Hans and Copenhagen. His knowledge of his subjects is not at all superficial; he knows them in great depth. When he is at the Rosenborg Castle, staff and other visitors listen to his narration and gain more insight. While we were on one of the tours a passerby actually addressed him as Mr. Andersen. Not only does Richie, excuse me, Hans know all about Denmark, his adopted city of Copenhagen and Hans Christian Andersen, he also knows a lot about very good authentic Danish food and where to get it.

During the average tour of about 90 minutes Hans presents his city, its history and architecture. The viewings include the inside as well as the outside of many of the buildings and landmarks of Copenhagen. The tours not only include Copenhagen’s important buildings, alleys, canals, statues, squares and courtyards, they also include historical insights into many of Denmark’s notable people such as kings, queens and other famous personalities as well as its economy, customs and habits.

Richard has a love of music and plays several instruments and is an accomplished sitar player. Through appreciation of music came a love of dance where he has studied classical Indian dance and now studies Tango.

To learn more about Richard, Hans and Sir Richard at Rosenborg Castle, take a look at:

http://www.copenhagenwalks.com

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/scan/karpen.htm

Slightly Off the Beaten Track (Part 2 of 5)

Have you cruised to all of the usual ports of call? Are you tired of the same old islands? Would you like to do something just a little different? Say a cruise to some place that is slightly off the beaten track. Well, this series of blog postings will give you a few ideas.

Would you consider cruising the Panama Canal? What about the San Blas Islands? I had the privilege of working in Panama for a while and then periodically making management visits to the Isthmus over a number of years. During that time I spent a lot of time at or near the “Ditch”. Back then I could truthfully say that I watched the sun set over the Pacific and had never been west of Chicago. Since my work there included offices at both ends of the canal, my visits included many rides on the Panama Railroad which runs along the canal. My interest in and fascination with the canal has never diminished. The engineering marvels designed into the canal in the very early twentieth century were amazing then and still are. Although it runs between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the water in the canal itself is fresh water fed from rainwater accumulated in lakes and fed by rivers.

Visiting the canal can be accomplished in two manners, from the Atlantic side into and back out of Gatun Lake or traversing the entire canal which is the most interesting and scenic crossing. More details on traversing the canal later.

Let’s take a look at how these voyages are made. Cruises to Panama and San Blas usually start in either Southern Florida or California while the shorter canal transits are usually part of a Western Caribbean cruise and limited to going through the three Gatun locks into Gatun Lake and vice versa. While the ships are at Gatun Lake time permits boarding the Panama Railroad at Colon and crossing the Isthmus into Panama City. This is a very interesting ride and passengers are able to see the towns and points of interest along the way. Guided tours enable passengers to see highlights of the city as well as the former Canal Zone. And, there is, of course, time for shopping.

Trans-canal cruises usually take place as part of ship repositioning when ships are being moved from Europe and the Caribbean to Alaska and the Far East for that season and vice versa.

While transiting or traversing the canal you will see locomotives or “mules” that are designed not so much to move the ships through the canal but, more importantly, to slow them down and to keep them in a straight line through the locks so they don’t bump the sides. The canal is now on its third generation of mules. The first was built in Schenectady, New York in 1914 by General Electric (Pictured at Left) and the latest by Mitsubishi of Japan (Pictured at Right). When traversing the canal your general direction is East/West but, because the canal is at the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Panama and the way it curves, you actually travel North/South.

Panama City is on the southern or Pacific side of the canal as is its former Canal Zone counterpart, Balboa. On the Atlantic or northern side are Colon and its former Canal Zone counterpart, Cristobal. Panama City is very urban and well developed while Colon primitive and focuses mainly on industry and support of canal vessels.

What is probably the most interesting part of a trans-canal cruise is a visit to Panama’s San Blas Islands. If desirous of going there, you must check the ship’s itinerary since only a limited number of ships stop there. This is where you will encounter one of the oldest indigenous populations in the Western Hemisphere. About 37,000 Kuna (Cuna) Indians have inhabited areas of the isthmus and the 365 San Blas Islands for thousands of years. These people have chosen to reject today’s ways and to live as their ancestors did. The San Blas Islands archipelago runs along the coast of the Isthmus. About 36 of the islands are inhabited by Kuna communities with an additional 13 communities located on the mainland coast, for a total of 49 communities. The 924 square mile Kuna Yala or territory is an autonomous area in Panama and divided into three caciques or regions. Although Spanish is spoken, the primary language of the region is Kuna. Vasco Núñez de Balboa, the first Governor of Panama was married to the daughter of a Kuna cacique or chieftain.

Life in a Kuna village is very simple and somewhat primal. They are usually located at the mouth of a river where fresh water is abundant. Homes are huts constructed of wooden sticks or bamboo with thatched roofs constructed in only a few days by members of the community.

Being a matriarchal society, Kuna women are in charge of the families’ monetary resources and are often seen wearing gold earrings, nose rings, bracelets and necklaces. Families consist of many children some of whom attend community schools. The Kuna economy is mainly self supporting and they exist on what they grow, catch or make. Locally grown corn, pineapples, mangos and some root vegetables are eaten as are locally raised animals and an abundance of fish. They also import bananas and rice. Kunas are very good businessmen and their trading is based on the exchange of coconuts, lobsters and giant crabs. Kuna trade partners are Colombian trade boats (for coconuts) and Panama City restaurants (for lobsters & crabs).

One of the primary exports from Kuna Yala are Molas. These are brightly-colored examples of artistic expression designed and handmade by Kuna Indians even today. They consist of a number of different colors of cloth laid one top of another, the maker then cuts down through the various layers of fabric forming primitive yet spectacular designs of natural, mythological or geometric figures. These layers are then sewn with incredibly small and perfect stitches. "Mola" means blouse, and a Kuna woman usually makes a pair with related, but not necessarily identical motifs, which are then attached to the front and back of her blouse. They usually measure 16 x13 Inches each. Different, attractive, decorative, Ingenious, unique, are some of the words to describe this art form.

We have several framed molas in our home and they can be viewed as would a picture. I had an aunt who collected figurines, pictures and other representations of clowns. I had a pair of Clown Molas made just for her. When she passed away we inherited the molas and they are now part of our collection. When in San Blas you must consider buying one or more molas. As with the fine art they represent, they are to be viewed and enjoyed. When viewing a Mola think, what does it do, Is it alive, does it speak to me?

Although diving is not permitted in Kuna Yala, I would suggest you take along your bathing suit, fins and snorkel when visiting San Blas. The undersea flora and fauna are sights to behold.

Should you desire to take a photograph of a Kuna Indian, the usual tip is a dollar.

You need to Visit San Blas!

Slightly Off the Beaten Track (Part 1 of 5)

Have you cruised to all of the usual ports of call? Are you tired of the same old islands? Would you like to do something just a little different? Say a cruise to some place that is slightly off the beaten track. Well, this series of blog postings will give you a few ideas.

How about the Sea of Cortez for openers? You say, where in the world is the Sea of Cortez? It may be closer than you think. Have you done a Mexican Baja or Mexican Riviera cruise? If you can answer yes, you were almost there. The Sea of Cortez is the body of water between the Baja California Peninsula and the mainland of Mexico. It is also known as the Gulf of California. It’s right around the corner from Cabo San Lucas and up the road from Mazatlan. The Sea of Cortez is both remarkable and unique. Its waters can reveal dozens of shades of blue in one vista and there are more than 900 islands within those waters. Many of the islands are uncharted and most of them are uninhabited by humans.

Cruises going into the Sea are often extended Mexican Riviera cruises so, if you haven’t done the “Mex Riv,” here’s a two for one special. Arizona residents and visitors may be familiar with Rocky Point. It is located in the Sea of Cortez.

The Weather

The weather is mild and pretty tolerable year round. The dry season is from December to April. Squalls or "Chubascos" are common from July through October. Hurricanes rarely reach up into the Sea and there is only one recorded hit on Guaymas which is on the mainland side about half way up the Gulf. Temperatures can range from the high 50s in winter to 100+ at the height of summer. Spring is fantastic.

What to Do and See

Walking tours and shopping for local crafts Kayaking and fishing

Water Sports including - Diving - Snorkel and SCUBA

Large rays, Sea turtles and Sea lions, Dolphins and Whale watching

The islands in the sea of Cortez are home to major whale breeding grounds when migratory whales appear after their trips back from Arctic and Alaskan waters. The largest of these marine mammals, the blue whale, which reach up to about 110 feet and weigh more than 150 tons, are easiest to spot in the waters near Loreto.

If you can, you should go to Copper Canyon, the Mexican equivalent of the Grand Canyon. Excursions are available from both of the cruise lines discussed below.

How to Get There

The Holland America Ryndam combines 10 to 14 day cruise to the Mexican Riviera with a sojourn up into the Sea of Cortez. We have sold this cruise to one of our best clients and plan to take it within the next year ourselves.

Cruise West offers 8 day/7 night Round Trip from Cabo San Lucas and 12 Day/11 night Cabo San Lucas to Chihuahua cruises. These are aboard the Spirit of Yorktown and the Spirit of Endeavor.

If you might be interested in one of these cruises call us at 888.694.6475 or drop us an e-mail to AZCruisGuy@hotmail.com. Let's talk about possibilities!

ALASKA - CRUISES AND CRUISE TOURS

Have you visited our 49th State? If you haven’t, what in the world are you waiting for? Think about a family vacation to Alaska.

The season ranges from May through most of September, with mid-June through mid-August being the prime time to travel. Though you may experience some overcast skies or even a few raindrops during this time, we have always found an abundance of clear skies and beautiful weather in July and August. A light jacket and a folding umbrella will be more than sufficient to keep you dry and warm, if the weather so dictates.

By not traveling to Alaska, you will have missed an incredible jewel and, you must take your children to Alaska. This is a magnificent state, rich in wildlife and an abundance of natural beauty. The capital of the 49th state is Juneau and the largest city is Anchorage. In the summer there is an additional bonus of having of daylight for most of the 24-hour period. We always suggest that if you go by cruise ship that you treat yourself to a balcony, as the sites are so plentiful day and night.

I must admit that I made my first trip to Alaska under duress. I thought that it would be cold and dreary and I am not someone who enjoys looking at animals on TV. But, Brad really wanted to go, and so we booked the cruise. WOW – I was amazed and fell in love – NO, it was not cold and dreary and seeing bald eagles soaring, whales breaching, salmon literally jumping out of the water, deer up close and personal and all the other animals in their natural habitat was a far cry from looking at National Geographic on TV.

Probably the greatest Alaskan experience is spending part of a day in Glacier Bay. The glaciers are both magnificent and beautiful and witnessing their splendor as they calve huge icebergs right in front of your eyes is a spectacle to behold. I was hooked. We have returned and look forward to returning again to see more of the inland area.

Many cruise lines send ships to Alaska for the summer months. Most cruises are seven days long, though a few are longer, and the cruise tours may range from 2 to 8 or 9 days on land before and/or after the cruise. Visits to see Mount McKinley or the Copper River or stays in Fairbanks, Denali National Park and the Kenai Peninsula are experiences that you won’t want to miss in your lifetime.

Excursions from the ships feature opportunities to go whale watching, be a dog musher, pan for gold, take a helicopter ride, walk on a glacier or a enjoy a train ride on the scenic railway, just to name a few. Brad thought that the experience of walking on a glacier was the closet thing he could imagine to walking on the moon.

Just a Little History of Our 49th State

From Wikipedia we learn that “Alaska (IPA: /əˈlæskə/, Russian: Аляска) is a state in the United States of America, in the northwest of the North American continent. It is the largest U.S. state by area (by a substantial margin), and one of the wealthiest (per capita) and most racially diverse.

The area that became Alaska was purchased from the Russian Empire on March 30, 1867, for 7.2 million dollars (at 2 cents an acre). The land went through several administrative changes before becoming an organized territory on May 11, 1912 and the 49th state of the U.S. on January 3, 1959. The name "Alaska" was already introduced in the Russian colonial time, when it was only used for the peninsula and is derived from the Aleut alaxsxaq, meaning "the mainland," or more literally, "the object towards which the action of the sea is directed." It is also known as Alyeska, the "great land", an Aleut word derived from the same root.

Alaska is one of two U.S. states not bordered by another state, Hawaii being the other. Alaska has more coastline than all the other U.S. states combined. It is the only non-contiguous U.S. state on continental North America; about 500 miles (800 km) of Canadian territory separate Alaska from Washington State. Alaska is thus an exclave of the United States, part of the continental U.S. but is not part of the contiguous U.S. Alaska's capital city, though located on the mainland of the North American continent, is inaccessible by land — no roads connect Juneau to the rest of the North American highway system.

The state is bordered by Yukon Territory and British Columbia, Canada, to the east, the Gulf of Alaska and the Pacific Ocean to the south, the Bering Sea, Bering Strait, and Chukchi Sea to the west and the Beaufort Sea and the Arctic Ocean to the north.

Alaska is the largest state in the United States in land area at 570,380 square miles (1,477,277 km²), more than twice as large as Texas, the next largest state. It is larger than all but 18 sovereign nations.

A DOZEN QUICK REMINDERS FOR STRESS FREE TRAVEL!!!

1. Arrive at the airport early. This will help in a number of ways – you won’t be panicking in long lines as your flight time approaches and you still need to get through another long line in security. And, if you want to change your seat to the emergency exit row or the bulkhead, you at least stand a fighting chance.
   


2. Please get a passport. If you don’t need one now, you soon will and this is the absolute best way to verify your identity and nationality. Also, be sure that you know the Expiration Date on your passport since many overseas trips or visas require that your passport be valid for up to 6 months after you return.
   
   
3. If you are taking a cruise, be sure to log into the cruise line’s website as soon as you have made your final payment and fill in the Immigration and other necessary information. It will save you a lot of time when you are boarding the ship and whatever you do, never pack your passport! We once saw a couple of passengers delayed boarding while the cruise line located their baggage so they could retrieve their passports.
   
   
4. Here are a few more items you should never pack – Prescription medications, cameras, jewelry and your trip and/or cruise documents.
   
   
5. For Your own Peace of Mind - Make a copy of your passport and credit cards and keep them in a safe place, different from where the original documents are kept. And, when in a hotel or on board a ship, please remember to use the safe for your valuables and important documents.
   
   
6. Keep a supply of Zip Lock bags in all sizes. They are useful to carry make-up, liquids, gels and creams so that they do no leak all over your clothing. Larger sizes are also great for sorting groups of clothing like underwear, socks, children’s outfits, etc, etc…
   
   
7. Wear comfortable slip-off shoes when flying and wear or carry a pair of short cut socks. When you have to remove your footwear to get through security, they will slip off and back on easily and your feet won’t get cold or dirty as you walk through the security screening area.
   
   
8. If you are on a cruise, remember that you will have to put your luggage in the hallway outside of your cabin the night before you disembark. Do not pack everything – you will have to dress the next day for your journey home. Always keep a small carry-on bag in your cabin to carry your last minute toiletries, medications and the clothing or pajamas that you wore the night before.
   
   
9. For Airline flights, invest in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones. They can be used to watch the movie, listen to music or just give you a chance for a good nap or to read your book. Also, your neighbor won’t keep talking to you if they think you are listening to something.
   
   
10. Things you need to bring along: Sunglasses and a good sunscreen especially when visiting the Caribbean, Mexico or the Bahamas at any time of year. A good pair of walking shoes, particularly for Europe where there are a lot of cobblestone streets. Always a good idea to bring along a simple first aid/medicine bag with some aspirin/pain relievers, antacids, allergy medications, topical antibacterial (Neosporin type item), band aids, motion sickness preventatives and the like. And… Don’t forget to bring your camera, extra batteries, film, memory card or whatever is needed. These items may not be easy to find while abroad and may be very expensive.
    
    
11. Put some identifying marking(s) on you luggage so that it can be easily identified. Remember that all black luggage looks the same at first glance. Place identifying information inside each piece in case an external tag gets separated.
    
    
12. Most important – remember to smile and keep your sense of humor – you’ll need it! A kind word goes a long way!
    
    

CRUISING FAMILY REUNIONS – MAKING MEMORIES FOR A LIFETIME!!!

When is the last time you spent a week, or even 3 or 4 full days, to relax with your family – stop to smell the flowers as they say? Other than for a wedding or a funeral, when is the last time you took the time to visit great Aunt Milly or your cousin Jason – you were so close when you were kids. Do your children really know their cousins in Michigan or Aunt Sue who moved to California many years ago? With our busy lives, you may not be able to take many opportunities to spend the quality time that you desire, even with those who live in your own home. We mostly take our relationships for granted until it is too late.

What better way to get the family together than on a vacation and what better value for a vacation than a cruise? A family or family and friends reunion is a great way to relax, catch up on each other’s lives and become acquainted with those new family members – even introduce the kids to their cousins in Kansas or Oklahoma. The value is phenomenal – your “hotel”, meals and entertainment are all included in the price and paid up front. And, don’t forget to ask about the special amenities that are tailor-made for your group. If you can dream it, you can make it happen.

Many types of accommodations are available to meet individual family needs – from Suites to Inside cabins – with great bargains for triple and quadruple accommodations. You are able to see new places, experience new adventures and even enjoy an educational experience with your children, while still having fun. Best of all, there are no meals to cook, dishes to wash, car pools to drive or beds to make. You do not even have to entertain the kids all day – the cruise lines do a great job at that in a safe and secure environment. Your time is spent relaxing, seeing new places, meeting new people and spending quality time with those you love - making memories to last a lifetime. Want some privacy? Here’s good news – many of the ships are so big and there is so much to do that you don’t have to spend every waking hour with everyone else. No familial overload.

Make memories this summer or make plans for next year. The earlier you start to plan, the better the choices that you will have available. If you can dream it, you can make it happen. Don’t wait for the next funeral or wedding to see the extended family – Relationships are far too valuable.

PASSPORT RULES FOR U.S. LAND AND SEA BORDERS

On March 27, 2008, the Departments of Homeland Security and of State issued the final rulemaking concerning the requirements of passports for land and sea border crossings under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

After years of development following 9/11, this ruling is the end of the process and is considered FINAL. This information is posted here to help ensure that you have the proper identification when traveling.

Effective June 1, 2009, the following rules take effect for cruise passengers:

U.S. citizens on cruise voyages that begin and end at the same U.S. port (closed-loop itineraries) must show proof of citizenship and government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license). These documents include: Original or certified copy of birth certificate; Naturalization papers; Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State. A passport will not be required for passengers that fall into this category. Please note that if, for any unanticipated reason, you must cut your trip short and return to the United States by air from a foreign country you must have a passport.

All other passengers and/or itineraries (such as cruises which begin in one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port or any cruise that begins or ends in a foreign port) will require a passport or other recognized document. For a list of accepted documents, see www.travel.state.gov.

The good news for a majority of cruise passengers – American citizens that leave and return on their cruise from the same U.S. port – is that the travel document requirements will remain largely unchanged from how the industry is operating today.

We continue to encourage travelers to obtain passports to enable the broadest travel opportunities. Please visit www.travel.state.gov to obtain information on how to apply at more than 9,000 passport acceptance facilities in the United States.

OVERSEAS SPENDING - EURO VERSUS DOLLAR

Okay, so you want to go to Europe – been dreaming about it all of your life and this is your big chance. Then, the bottom drops out of the dollar and the conversion of Dollar to Euro is scaring you into thinking about putting your dreams on hold. But… you really want to go to see Paris, the City of lights or Rome, the Eternal City or eat Paella and stroll Las Ramblas in Barcelona or ride a gondola in Venice or have a romantic dinner in Sorrento. What to do?

We have good news for you – this is still a great time to take your dream vacation to Europe but... Listen up y’all – you need to do it on a cruise. Why a cruise?? A Cruise because you will pay for your dream vacation in dollars, not Euros. Everything that you do on board will be paid in dollars and even your shore excursions and pre or post accommodations will not have to depend on rate changes after you make your reservations – you are still dealing in US Dollars, just as though we were at home.

You will have some expenses in a foreign currency if you want to shop in the various ports but these are all controllable expenses and can be kept to a minimum if you so choose.

There is still availability for 2008 and some lines have already made their itineraries known for 2009 and 2010. So, What are you waiting for?

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PASSENGERS

Currently, US adult citizens and residents must have a valid US passport or birth certificate and photo id to board the ship. This will soon change to passport only. Children must have a valid US passport or birth certificate to board. To ensure speedy embarkation, please be sure to bring all identification and cruise line issued documentation, including any documents printed online, with you to the pier.

Please see - GET ME TO THE SHIP ON TIME for further information.

HEY YOU FOODIES – TRY A CULINARY CRUISE

Do you like to cook? I mean, do you really like to cook! As in, I watch the Food Channel everyday and I say BAM when I add seasoning to my food. Do you kick it up a notch when preparing your specialty? Do you love to cook with butter and/or sugar? If you understand what I’m talking about then you need to take a culinary cruise. Learn to cook exotic things and enjoy it while you’re visiting fascinating places.

Culinary travel can involve learning new cooking techniques onboard a cruise ship, a river cruise ship or doing it shore-side as part of a cruise vacation. Any combination of these alternatives can be a blast.

Many cruise lines offer cruises where the cruise theme is food preparation and consumption. The culinary aspect of these cruises is usually led by a chef of renown or a Gastronome Cooking School and get down to the real nitty-gritty of the enjoyment of food.

Food cruises not only have fantastic food, they also have lectures and incredible meals prepared especially for the foodies on board. Some themed cruises also offer shore excursions to great local restaurants.

Shore-side culinary adventures can be as simple as taking a cooking class at an onshore venue during a cruise or as complex as taking time just before or after a cruise to enjoy a day or a week at a cooking school. Here are some ideas:

ONBOARD COOKING EXPERIENCES

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Enrichment is a primary focus at Regent. Part of what makes their cruises so rewarding is the way they enhance traditional cruising with insights of expert guest hosts through unique programming they call CIRCLES OF INTEREST. This occurs on board and shore-side to provide their passengers with opportunities to pursue different interests during their voyage.

A Le Cordon Bleu® Circle of Interest cruise is dedicated to preserving the mastery and appreciation of the culinary arts. Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Le Cordon Bleu have partnered not only to offer Signatures, the first and only permanent Le Cordon Bleu restaurants at sea, but they have also created Le Cordon Bleu Workshops. These workshops of limited guests, along with an onshore culinary experience, comprise the Le Cordon Bleu Circle of Interest. These are hosted by seasoned, award-winning chefs whose skill, innovation and professionalism truly define a Le Cordon Bleu chef. These celebrated chefs provide a hands-on introduction to the art of French cooking. Throughout these voyages, you will take part in three intensive two-hour workshops consisting of cooking demonstrations focusing on the preparation and presentation of French cuisine while discovering the secrets and techniques of world-renowned chefs.

Graduates will receive their own chef’s apron and hat, a tea towel, a special Le Cordon Bleu cookbook of classic recipes, and a certificate of participation.

There is an additional charge for these workshops.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises is known for its exotic worldwide itineraries and luxurious all-suite accommodations. Their onboard gourmet cuisine is to die for. This year they will feature a total of 14 culinary and wine theme cruises. These enrichment cruises feature the expertise of award-winning chefs from the world’s best known dining establishments, including the distinguished international association of boutique hotels and restaurants, Relais & Châteaux – Relais Gourmands. Every Silversea voyage features the "Collection du Monde", a set of 30 exclusive signature dishes created by Relais & Chateâux gourmands and the Silversea executive chefs. Wine experts from an assortment of prestigious estates and wineries will be on hand to host the Wine Series voyages.

According to, Silversea's executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing David Morris "Our culinary and wine theme cruises are enriching lifestyle experiences offering a great way to travel and learn.” Passenger/Gourmets or those wanting to learn more about fine cuisine on any of these special Culinary Cruises aboard the Silversea Silver Shadow can join the visiting Relais & Chataeux Master Chef for onboard cooking demonstrations, regionally inspired cuisine, and a gala five-course dinner.

Holland America Line

This past October Holland America Line released a list of impressive guest chefs, wine experts, and others involved in the epicurean world that will join them on select 2008 cruises. The list includes notables, Cornelius Gallagher, former chef at Oceana (NY) and currently with Sonnier and Castle private events; Pichet Ong, chef at P*Ong Restaurant; Eric Lee, executive chef at Simi Winery; Tenney Flynn, executive chef at GW Fins; Joel Antunes, chef of Joel Restaurant; Susan Goss, owner and chef of the West Town Tavern in Chicago and dozens more. Augmenting the chefs will be a score of cookbook authors as well as wine and spirits experts including Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough, authors of the "Ultimate" cookbook series.

Holland America launched its innovative culinary program in 2005 with the construction of state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Centers aboard each of its 13 premium cruise ships offering culinary demonstrations, tastings and hands-on cooking classes aboard every sailing. These Culinary Arts Centers are not unlike the elaborate show kitchens used by celebrity chefs on television cooking programs. You might expect to see Emeril walk in at any moment.

In addition to the culinary experts mentioned above, Holland America Line showcases its own culinary stars during each of more than 500 annual cruises with demonstrations, tastings and hands-on cooking classes given by the ships' executive chefs and culinary staff.

SHORE-SIDE COOKING EXPERIENCES

Cruise West

Cruise West is an eclectic destination small ship cruise line offering many culinary cruises. Learn Mexican culinary techniques and savor the Ceviche (seafood "cooked" by marinating in lime juice) by the Sea results immediately! This culinary opportunity takes place at El Canipole restaurant in Loreto. You can also learn to shape a personal tortilla - round, oval, or triangular as you please - then bake it on a traditional comac. Mix ceviche (seafood "cooked" by marinating in lime juice) and savor a host of other Mexican specialties as well, including chicharrones en salsa verde, refried beans, pico de gallo salsa and guacamole.

Oceania Cruises

While on an Oceania Mediterranean cruise last year we enjoyed a shore-side culinary education experience at the Sorrento Cooking School located at the Esperidi Resort. The chef who taught us spoke very little English but was supported by an English speaking assistant. The chef was, however, able to make her points understood when she needed to. We learned to make gnocchi, pasta, a terrific sauce, fish in crazy water and tiramisu. While we were making the gnocchi one of our classmates couldn’t seem to get the ratio of flour and water right. First he used to much water then too much flour. This went back and forth a couple times with the chef trying to coach him. She finally said Andy; you make my heart cry and did it herself. We had lots of laughs and came away with some fantastic recipes.

The best part of this class was being able to eat our delicious creations with a glass of champagne.

As we left, we also received a certificate and an apron from the school.

DANUBE RIVER CRUISE REVIEW

RIVER CRUISE REVIEW – Passau, Germany to Budapest, Hungary
Uniworld River Empress 8/31/2007 – 9/7/2007

I was awestruck as we cruised into Budapest on the Uniworld River Empress early on the Morning of September 7th, 2007. Though it was somewhat overcast, the view that appeared through the very early morning light rivaled the first time we cruised into Venice many years ago – a memory that has stayed vividly etched in our minds. There was the magnificent Parliament Building and we docked in the shadow of the Chain Bridge. Wow, I was completely unprepared to fall in love with this city over the next four days.

Hungary has been noted as one of Europe’s hottest destinations and Budapest is the city that rivals many of the more popular European venues. This is a country steeped in a long and fascinating history. There are many places that we missed visiting (you cannot see everything in 4 days) and need to return to experience – the Jewish Synagogue was one and the House of Terror Museum that recounts their days under Facist and Communist regimes was another.

The culture has been marked by the events of the ages and is becoming more “European” as it became a member of the European Union in 2004. The country still maintains its native currency, the forint, at least until 2010 – another attempt to confuse me with conversions (an easy translation at that time was to knock off the last 2 digits and divide by 2 to get the $ equivalent). We were advised that a good exchange rate is usually available at bank ATMs. There is even a thriving wine producing region – just visit the town of Eger!!! Did you know that what is now Budapest were the cities of Buda and Pest (pronounced “pesht”) separated by the Danube?

Our visit to the enchanting city of Budapest was only the crown jewel, capping off a most memorable week of cruising on the Danube from Passau, Germany to Budapest, Hungary.

Our trip began when we boarded our Lufthansa flight in Newark for the journey to Frankfurt and then a connection to Munich. On arrival at the airport, a representative from Uniworld escorted us to the coach that would take us on a scenic ride to Passau. Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes later we arrived at the dock and were escorted by the Cruise Manager to the Lounge where a buffet lunch of soup, sandwiches and pastries was waiting.

The ambiance on board could be compared to the casual elegance of a fine boutique hotel. The intimate atmosphere of the small ship (maximum is 134 guests, I think) is a wonderful opportunity to meet and make new friends who are well traveled and share common interests. Most of the passengers are Americans. We met some wonderful interesting people on this trip and feel as though we have made some lifelong friends. Another perk is that the staff is English speaking and we got to meet some fascinating individuals, from many countries, who worked hard to make our cruise a memorable one.

Accommodations:

When our stateroom was ready, we made our way there, escorted by a member of the staff with our luggage in tow. Our Category 1 stateroom was on the Rhine deck and boasted a sitting area comprised of a table and two chairs immediately adjacent to a full-length window. Accommodations were small, just 151 Sq. feet, but very comfortable, with lots of storage space (we were even able to get our empty suitcases under the bed). The beds were put together to form a queen bed that was draped with European-style comforters and duvets, soft 100% Egyptian combed cotton sheets and wool/cashmere bedding throws. There was a flat screen TV and a vanity with mirror. The bathroom was small but adequate with a shower and a very nice assortment of bath amenities.

Dining:

The food was excellent and the daily menu always included selections that were representative of the region that we were visiting, with fresh ingredients brought on board at our ports of call. Tables were dressed with fine linens and dinnerware. We sometimes chose to eat alone, but oftentimes we looked forward to dining with our new friends and acquaintances as the trip progressed.

Breakfast was served buffet style, with a station where eggs and omelets could be freshly prepared. Fruits, breads, cereals, cheese, pate, hot and cold meats and even peanut butter were available. There was also a daily selection that sometimes included pancakes, Belgian Waffles or other such delicacies that were served to us at our table.

Lunch was also served buffet style with a variety of meats, great salads, seasonal vegetables, sandwiches, a carving station and tempting desserts. I especially loved the great homemade soup selection that was always available and served to our table by our waiter or waitress. I believe that we could also have had a lite lunch in the lounge daily.

Dinner was served in one seating with a menu featuring the finest fresh ingredients and regional favorites. A range of decadent desserts such as Crème Brulee, fruit tarts and lots of chocolate delicacies topped off the meal. The wine list was fairly extensive and those of you who know us, know that that is an important part of our dinner, even when we are at home. Starting in 2008, complementary wines will be served with dinner – As our friend, Jen, who lives in Budapest often says – WOO HOO!!

A Station where Coffee, Tea, Iced Tea and water is available was located in a central area 24/7.

Destinations:

Our traveling hotel took us from Passau to Linz, Durnstein and Vienna Austria, as well as Brastislava Slovakia before arriving in Budapest. Every day, we were able to enjoy an informational shore excursion, usually a walking tour, that was included in the cruise fare, or we could decide to take an optional tour. For example, when we visited the city of Linz, we participated in a wonderful – not to be missed - full day optional motorcoach tour to the city of Salzburg, a Baroque city on the banks of the Salzach River. This is the city of Mozart and the Sound of Music. We spent a wonderful day there walking and shopping and savoring an espresso after the formal tour ended. Unfortunately, it was the last really good day of weather until we arrived in Budapest. We were grateful for the umbrellas that were left in our staterooms for such occasions.

The weather was not particularly pleasant when we arrived in Durnstein so decided to stay on board and enjoy the ship. Unfortunately, the weather turned really ugly, cold rainy and windy; when we arrived in Vienna and even though we did take the morning tour, I spent our free time finding a warm sweater. Based on the weather forecast that many of us had received prior to the cruise, the cold was quite a surprise. That evening we did attend a very entertaining concert of Strauss music, arriving by motorcoach in the pouring rain. It was a wonderful experience and we managed to enjoy it all despite the weather.

Our one disappointment – The Danube is not blue.

Entertainment:

One of the really nice things about a River Cruise is that you get to experience life as it is lived in the various towns and cities that you visit. There was a gentleman who entertained us on the piano every evening in the lounge but when we were in a port, where they were able to get local entertainment, we enjoyed a sampling of accomplished musicians that were available from the surrounding area – really nice and great fun.

Every evening before dinner we attended an information session in the Lounge, advising us of the next day’s activities. This was usually preceded by a time for Cocktails and mingling. On the second evening there is a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail hour and special dinner and on the last night on the board, the Captain also hosted a Cocktail Party and Farewell Dinner. This is really the only time that we got sort of dressed up. All other days and nights were “Resort Casual”.

As past Uniworld passengers, we were invited to a Cocktail Reception with the Captain and the Cruise Manager. We also attended lectures, cooking demonstrations and information briefings on many interesting topics.

Other Ship Accommodations:

We had a Laundromat on board, with washers and dryers free of charge. We bought some detergent while we were shopping around in Salzburg and we were able to do our own laundry. Laundry service was available for a fee but dry cleaning service was not. A small shop, a hairdresser, manicurist and a fitness center were available. There was also a library on board and two areas where we could play cards or other board games.

There is also a Sun Deck at the very top of the ship where we could relax or take pictures.

Smoking was only allowed in designated areas.

Disembarkation:

This was a breeze. A day or two before disembarkation, they offered a briefing and posted our specific plan in the area near the purser’s desk. No luggage out at midnight – just ½ hour before your scheduled departure was time enough.

Pre/Post Cruise:

Because of our schedule, we did not take advantage of the pre-cruise in Prague but several people did and were very pleased – we put it on our To-Do list for another time.

We took the 3-night post cruise package and were taken to the Corinthia Grand Hotel Royale in Pest. The hotel was elegant and the location very central for walking, the metro and other public transportation. Even though the price was more than you may have paid if you booked another hotel independently, the advantage is that we had a dedicated Uniworld concierge who met with us at the ship the afternoon before we disembarked, gave us a walking tour of the surrounding area and had many suggestions and tours that were valuable for our stay. She was available for us at a desk in the lobby every day. Breakfast was also included. We did not spend much time with the group at the hotel since we depended on our friend to find interesting placed to visit.

I must admit that we have to thank our friend Jenn, who now lives in Budapest, and played a great part in making this one of the most memorable trips that we have experienced. She was a most welcome guide and being able to meet her friends, share some very special experiences with her and see some of the areas outside of the city were real treats. The Hungarian people we met were warm and friendly though the population is not very diverse.

You have to try some of their local delicacies. Their sausage is delicious and have you ever tried Fruit Soup?

Interesting Things:

Sometimes the boat will dock next to another river ship and “raft” together so that you have to walk through the lobby of one ship to get to the dock. We were always the ship closest to the dock so we never had to walk through. This was true through three River Cruises on Uniworld and Viking.

Since you are usually docked in the center of the city or town, it is very easy to walk off to explore on your own. Just remember not to be late getting back to the boat. The Captain’s schedule is determined by weather conditions, the tides on the river, as well as schedules for the many locks that he has to go though to get to the next docking.

Things you should always remember as you pack for a River Cruise:

● Take as little as possible - Please leave your formal clothes at home.
● Camera
● A warm jacket or fleece
● Comfortable Walking shoes
● Binoculars
● Portable Alarm clock
● When traveling in Europe, take a small amount of Euros for the early portion of the trip. This is helpful if you wish to make a small purchase or for tipping.
● Keep one credit card available – Visa or MasterCard. AMEX is not widely accepted throughout Europe.

Experiencing River Cruises on the Danube and the Seine, earlier in the year, were amongst the biggest joys of our travels last year. We look forward to more of those experiences in future years. Hmmmm, maybe next, a trip on the Nile River.