Luxury Cruises: Which Line is Best for You?

Unrelated to my last couple posts on our fabulous Silversea Cruise, there was news last week that caught my eye. (I really do try to vary my themes here but had to put these thoughts up before moving on.)

As my "vast following" knows, there are 4 cruise lines in the Luxury class. My travel agency has heartily endorsed three of them. But now one of the three, Regent Seven Seas, has announced that it is doing away with their evening dress code requiring jackets for gentlemen in the dining rooms. They claim that their passenger surveys have shown that people do not want to "dress up" for dinner any more.

I know that we live in a more casual society these days - and I realize that this is great news for some luxury cruisers - BUT, there are still a lot of us out there that really do enjoy spiffing up for their gourmet dinner in an elegant dining room. We like the "mix" provided by Seabourn and Silversea... on a 7 to 10 day cruise, we'll have a couple formal evenings (Tuxedos or dark suits), a few casual evenings (elegant resort wear) and the rest informal (jackets required; ties optional).

We have sailed on Regent twice in the past but will not in the future... but it's a personal choice. Regent's research and ultimate decision will likely be attractive to some competitor's guests while it pushes some of their clients to the other lines. The great thing about this is that everyone has choices - as long as they are informed choices!

That's where you need a knowledgeable travel advisor... one who will ask you a few lifestyle questions and steer you to the right cruise line or resort! Our agency will continue to sell all three... we just want to be sure we match the right client with the right line!

Cheers,

Dick

Mediterranean Cruising at it's Best!

Another Mediterranean cruise is over but, as always, the memories will last forever... especially those fun little moments that are inevitable when traveling with seven relatives for 12 days!

Okay, I'm just kidding! Our family "eightsome" has done this seven times now and we couldn't enjoy one-another's company any more than we do! (Oh, I love those little opportunities to needle one particular member of the cast! But, it is all in fun!)

Well, since my last post (below) we re-visited all the naked guy statues of Florence, and spent three glorious days along the French Riviera - the Cote D'Azur - and ended our journey in Barcelona where we put our lives at risk with a bike tour of the city. Yikes! A band of about 14 bikers led through congested city traffic by a crazy guide! Actually, it wasn't that scary... we saw the whole city in 3 hours in a way not possible with any other mode of transportation. We know that because we saw it 4 years ago in a conventional way - sightseeing minibus.

Back to the French Riviera including Monaco, we visited the ports of Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo. Stunning!!!! Counting the multi-million dollar yacht's we saw in the harbors was a challenge... must have been over a hundred! And some at Monte Carlo (pictured above) were the size of small cruise ships! The coolest of the cool were the small, historic seaside or hillside villages in the area... Villefranche, St. Paul de Vence, and more. As with all of our travels, dining seems to be the center of activity (Of course, one needs to trudge through museums, galleries and ancient villages in order to work up an appetite!) and these areas offer so much. Whether it's a four course lunch or just a coffee on the harbor front, it doesn't get much better!

But, all good things come to an end. Now, it's back to work!

Cheers,

Dick

Silversea Cruises Rock!

Hi from the Cigar Lounge aboard Silversea Cruises' magnificent Silver Wind en route from Sicily to Livorno (Florence). This is absolutely the way to travel!!!

Having sailed all three of the "luxury class" cruise lines over the years, Silversea is definitely our personal favorite. The newly renovated Silver Wind is gorgeous, the service is impeccable and the cuisine is exceptional!

Before sailing, we spent another (our 4th) evening at our favorite seafood restaurant in Rome. No pictures this time though... we arrived in a fierce rain storm and the closest the taxis can get to the restaurant is about 500 feet away, across a cobblestone square at the Parthenon. We were absolutely soaked! In fact we enjoyed wonderful seafood as if we had dived into their natural habitat!

I will give you all an update along the way... just to make you feel bad!

(Okay, we spend most of our lives sending clients off on these adventures while we just work - so everyone gets their time!)

The "tag line" of our travel agency is "Traveling in Style"and this is absolutely it.

Cheers,

Dick

All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

Before I get to the main topic here, it's time announce that the summer season at our lake place is giving way to a new travel season so "Break Out The Tumi Luggage" once again! Those of you who call Minnesota and Western Wisconsin home already know this: 2009 has been the year of the Lost Summer! The weather has been pathetic for sun worshipers and boaters. (Great for golfers and fisherman, however.) The hot, sunny summer days have few and far between so it is being easier to leave it for an Autumn of Travel... Boston this weekend to visit our son then off to Rome, Florence, the South of France, and Barcelona with Silversea Cruises. Can't wait!!!!!!

Okay, on to business: The Riviera Maya is peppered with outstanding all-inclusive resorts that are taking a big bite out of the cruise industry. It's interesting to follow the history of "all-inclusive" resorts. They first surfaced in the 80's as an answer to the burgeoning cruise industry that was literally killing the resort industry. As they started out, the food quality was semi-awful. But it got better and better through the years. But, still, until the El Dorado Resorts entered the scene with their Gourmet Included product about 10 years ago, the cruise lines still offered more 'bang for the buck' and more quality. Now, we send almost all of our clients to these resorts... no wrist bands; no buffets, no scrambling for reservations!

Note: El Dorado resorts are for adults only but their sister resorts, Azul Resorts, are family oriented and feature the same "Gourmet Included" service. For more observations, look back at my June 22 post.

Cheers,

Dick

Silversea Cruises, Here We Come Again!

Those of you who regularly follow my blog know that I'll do anything to stay off the road during the summer. That summer 2009 has been less than stellar, weather wise, I may not have resisted a chance to break out the Tumi as hard as I normally would!

But our annual Autumn sojourn to southern Europe is just 5 weeks away. Again, we'll be starting in Rome which gives us yet another chance to enjoy Fortunata del Pantheon - our favorite seafood restaurant ANYWHERE!

This time we will be visiting more places in the South of France and Monaco. Can't wait!!!

We have been urging our clients at my travel agency to "move up to luxury cruising" because the bargains are truly ridiculous! (Check back to my blog post on this.)

Cheers,

Dick

El Dorado Resorts in Mexico set a New Standard!

OK, so it was back in April when I said I would blog about the three El Dorado Resorts along the Riviera Maya. So, I've been busy since the golf courses opened. (Hope my wife doesn't see this!)

As I said in my April 22 post, we had stayed at the RIU Tropical Bay in Negril just 5 days before visiting the El Dorado Resorts. Our clients love RIU resorts for family vacations... but for romantic, adult-only escapes, we passionately beg our clients to try the El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Maroma or El Dorado Sunset. Imagine an all-inclusive resort with no buffets, no wrist bands and no need to fight for limited reservations in the themed restaurants! Imagine a place where all restaurants are Gourmet!

Here's the trick, though... each of these properties presents a distinctly different style and ambience. (Which one will be right for you? You really need a good travel agent who has been there - and who knows your lifestyle and preferences... I can recommend one if you wish!)

We stayed at the El Dorado Royale, the largest of the three, about half way between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. The ambiance was romantic but somewhat lively and the Spa was drop-dead fabulous. Even within this one resort, there were two distinct atmospheres. The junior suite section and the casita section are quite different in several ways. (Hint: The Royale is large enough to host smaller corporate meeting groups.) It was hard to decide which restaurant we liked best - they were all fabulous. We visited the other two resorts and had a hard time picking a favorite. We agreed that it all would come down to what we would be looking for in a specific outing... not only in terms of the elements of the properties but also with regard to location. If you want to know what I mean by that, send a comment or email me at dick@gatewayexpress.com.

These resorts take all-inclusives to a new level. Here's a link to more details of the El Dorado Resorts!

Cheers,

Dick

Wynn Resort in Las Vegas is Awesome!

Hi from my annual Travel Agent Conference in Sin City! You might believe from media accounts that Las Vegas is "on it's back". Don't believe it!!!! Yeah, business is down a bit but, believe me, this place is still rocking! Vegas hotels enjoy the highest occupancy rate in the world... normally about 95%. Now it's down to around 91% - not bad, eh? Actually, it's good (for us) that the crowds are slightly smaller. Wait times for seating at the nicest restaurants are down to 30 to 45 minutes. For those that still take reservations, it's a bit easier to get one at the prime dining time. Tee Times and Greens Fees are easier and lower. Prices for the best shows are down 10% to 20% through discount coupons issued when you check in to your hotel.

This is my first experience with Wynn Las Vegas as well as the new Encore Tower and the complex is amazing! I would describe this place as "Elegant". Everything about it is tasteful... and to walk out the back door and be on the tee of a great golf course - well, how does it get any better? The folks at the Wynn are very saddened by the sudden death of Danny Gans. It is clear that he was not just a contracted entertainer - he was obviously truly loved by those around him at the resort. There were heartfelt "good-bye to a friend" postings all around the property. More on Wynn Las Vegas later... If you are thinking of visiting, I have some free tips for you. Email me: dick@gatewayexpress.com

This trip taught me a new reality... those of you who know me are aware of my increasing bald spot. (The golf cap I'm wearing in my profile picture is purposeful.) Well, I forgot my hair brush and have survived for 4 days without one... and nobody has noticed!

Cheers,

Dick 

Taking All-Inclusive Resorts to a New Level.

We've just completed an interesting few weeks having visited Jamaica for the first time in about 12 years then, just 5 days after returning from that trip, headed off for Mexico's Riviera Maya.

What a contrast! Both destinations and both of the all-inclusive resorts were absolutely great... in Negril we stayed at a family-oriented resort but in Mexico we chose an adult-only property. 

At Gateway Express Travel we book hundreds of families at a variety of RIU Resorts throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Their top tier of resorts, referred to as "Palace Class" properties, present the very best in accommodations, service and food.  RIU Palaces and their slightly more moderate standard class properties are perfect for family vacations. Over the years of sending clients to RIU's we have received just one complaint - and we didn't feel that one was a valid objection. (There are those that are just plain cranky, aren't there?)

Our stay at the RIU Tropical Bay was close to perfect - and we tip our hats to the employees who served us so well and made it clear that they appreciated our visit.

But here's where the contrast begins: The resort on the Riviera Maya took us to a new level. With no children present, the quiet was deafening and the ambiance was romantic without being boring. And the Spa was fabulous. If you have ever been to an all-inclusive you must paint a mind's-eye picture of a place with gourmet dining in 4 or 5 restaurants, no buffets and no wrist bands! And that's just for starters!

More on this experience next time. Stay aboard!

(If you are curious to know what resort I'm talking about, email me at dick@gatewayexpress.com)

Dick

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Luxury Cruises at Unbelievable Prices!

If you have followed my rants on this blog over the last couple years you know how I sing the praises of the 3 luxury cruise lines. 

Well, if you have EVER "thought about it", now is the time to jump! The luxury lines, Seabourn Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas are offering unbelievable incentives to book now for all of 2009 and through most of 2010! There are numerous examples of buying a $5,000 cruise for $2,100 to $2,300! When you consider that everything is included - gourmet dining (for which there is a surcharge on other lines), all cocktails, fine wines  all gratuities and even some complimentary Shore Excursions - experiencing the best is really not all that much more expensive than a "premium class" cruise. 

In an era of family travel, these three lines are truly adult-oriented experiences. On our first Seabourn cruise in 2000, we were in the 'taking a break from kids' mode... but now we are confirmed "Empty Nesters" and especially enjoy being in a refined, adult atmosphere. We recently enjoyed our 7th European sailing - 3 with Silversea, 3 with Seabourn and our most recent was with Regent Seven Seas.

Take a look at a comparative profile of these lines along with some current examples of the incentives at my agency, Gateway Express Travel. 

Cheers,

Dick

 

There's NEVER Been a Better Time to Travel!

The bargains are beyond anything I've EVER seen in my 34 years in the travel business! 

My travel agency just booked a few clients to Las Vegas - Round Trip Northwest flights from Minneapolis and 3 nights at the magnificent Wynn Las Vegas for $371 per person INCLUDING taxes and bellman gratuities.

This package one year ago was about $700 per person.

Ya Gotta Go!!!!

Dick

Why You NEED a Travel Professional - part 3

OK, I'm going to get off this theme, but every day we hear another story of woe from someone who has returned from a "blown vacation". Actually this title should be "Why you Need to Listen to your Travel Professional".

My travel agency has a few favorite resort groups... one that we like for families with teens; one for families with young children; one for couples looking for a peaceful, romantic escape where other people's children are not part of your vacation. In each case, our favored group is not the only quality group in that category - they are simply the ones with which we've had the most success over the years. (And, over the years, they change as some get stale and new groups emerge.) 

A client who we have sent to various RIU Resorts in Mexico over the last 4 or 5 years decided to go for a change of pace (They really, like most of us these days, were trying to cut costs a bit.) They had heard of another resort group from friends. We actually send some clients to this company - but we're careful as to who we recommend it to. It was a no-brainer to us that, given their past experiences, they would find this to be disappointing. But, they insisted.

And we were right. They found the resort facilities to be excellent... "Beautiful Grounds; Great Rooms; very clean; nice uncrowded pool areas and great beach".  Service and quality of food was quite a different matter... "Far less service than RIU's;  Hotel staff was not interested in helping us; consistently at buffets, once they seated us, they disappeared. We had go find our own coffee refills; Bar service very poor. Understaffed... and the staff that was there was totally inattentive; specialty restaurants were very nice but food was just ok... service was a little better than described above but not great. Food quality at the buffets was poor."

Nuff said! If you are accustomed to 5-Star quality, 3-Star won't cut it! We all need to reduce our spending a bit, but this isn't the way to do it. We typically advise clients to shorten their trip rather than to go down in quality. You are always going to remember the experience (good or bad!) but you won't remember whether you were there 7 nights or 5 to 6 nights!

Cheers,

Dick

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You NEED a Travel Professional - part 2

If you flash back to my post of September 5, you'll see how easy it is to make a bad choice even in Paradise. We hear horror stories at our travel agency nearly every day. Here's the latest...

A young woman returned from her honeymoon in Naples, Italy in tears... booked a hotel on the internet and it was a dirty pit. We hear this again & again: "It looked really cute and the price was really good." (Ever hear of PhotoShop?) Not only would a GOOD travel counselor never put a client in such a hotel; they would have warned clients not to go to Naples which is one of the dirtiest cities in all of Europe. Amazingly, one of the most beautiful places in Europe is Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast - just 30 miles south of Naples!

Honestly, kids... I'm not shilling for my travel agency - in fact, I won't even reference my company here! My point is that you need a good agency. If you don't have one, check with the American Association of Travel Agents . There is no guarantee that every ASTA member agency is excellent but your odds are extremely good.

Cheers,

Dick

P.S. - If there ever was a time to travel now is it! The incentives being offered by resorts, cruise lines and vacation packagers are phenomenal. We just booked a client on a luxury European cruise in June for $2,798 per person. The same itinerary in 2008 - even with discounts at that time was $4,119. Brochure price is $4,876. 

A brand new 5-Star all-inclusive resort at Puerto Vallarta is now $1,279 including airfare, ground transportation, taxes, fees, etc! last year we were selling identical "sister properties" in Los Cabos and Playa del Carmen for around $1,600.

Happy New Year from Madiera

Well, not exactly! As I reported back in December, we sailed into Funchal, Madiera - Europe's best-kept secret - ending our fabulous 8-day cruise just before Thanksgiving.

 

Almost 500 miles off the southern Moroccan coast, this very quaint and atmospheric Portuguese island is quite off the beaten path - and thusly ignored by North American tourism. But, it is well worth the effort - a 2-hour flight from Lisbon.

Our favorite cocktail lounge on the gorgeous Seven Seas Voyager looks over the bow of the ship and, all week long, was almost like our private lounge since we are late diners. Typically, we were enjoying our cocktail hour while most passengers are in the various dining venues. But, on this night, we were sailing into port just after dark and the word had been spread that, with Funchal's Christmas illuminations in place place and on, the view was not to be missed.

Well, we discovered upon arrival at the Observation Lounge, that not only was there no place to sit - there was no place to stand! Our turf had been invaded! 

Nobody on-board was disappointed! The view was enchanting! The town expands up into the hills from the waterfront downtown area and the sky behind was a deep purple since it was not yet totally dark. The town itself is extremely charming but the addition of the Christmas lights made the scene all that more captivating. Matching the town's charm are a couple hotels that overlook the town and the harbor. Elegant and charming, indeed!

If you want to be "different" and visit European places that your friends haven't, Ya Gotta Go!!!

Cheers,

Dick

Home Again, Home Again!

Well, another fabulous trip is, as they say in Hollywood, "in the can". And what a trip it was! Since I blogged from the ship enroute from Tunisia to Cartegena, Spain we 'ate our way' to Malaga, Spain for a day at the Alhambra Palace in Granada then on to Casablanca, Morocco before ending up in Funchal, Madiera.

Although I visited the Alhambra 5 or 6 times back in the 70's, it was still a fun day - I forgot a lot in those 30 years! (Isn't the aging process wonderful?) I also had a small corporate incentive group in Casablanca in the 80's and was astounded at how this exotic destination has modernized in the ensuing time. The contrasts between the modern "business centers" of the city and the "old" parts of the city are striking beyond description. Imagine time-warping between businessmen in suits and ties driving Mercedes and the old markets (Casbahs) where you feel like you're back in the 40's where Humphrey Bogart is likely to appear!

And, then, Madiera! This is Europe's best-kept secret!!! Very quaint and atmospheric. Almost 500 miles off the southern Moroccan coast, this Portuguese island is quite off the beaten path - and thusly ignored by North American tourism. But, it is well worth the effort - a 2-hour flight from Lisbon. More on this later.

I've been preaching this for years, but anyone who likes cruise vacations (and who doesn't?) and enjoys cocktails and fine wines NEEDS to step up and treat themselves to a luxury cruise line. Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas are exquisite - service beyond anything anywhere, cuisine beyond anything anywhere, and all the finest in wines and spirits included. Take a look at a more detailed description of "Cruising in Style!"

All that said, It's good to be back home - just in time for Thanksgiving.

Cheers,

Dick

Hi from the Cigar Bar on the Regent Seven Seas Voyager

After port stops in Palermo, Sicily and Tunis, Tunisia we're "at sea" today so thought I would take the opportunity to say Howdy!  As with any of our trips that begin (or end) in Rome, we enjoyed our 'almost annual' dinner at Fortunato al Pantheon near the famous Pantheon (no kidding?) and the Trevi Fountain. Same table for 8; same waiters; same fun - as you see from the picture!

Most of you will agree that there are some places that you visit once and say, "It was a great experience, but one time is enough". (Athens comes to mind!) Rome is one of those places that I will never tire of. It's not only "our" restaurant; it's everything! One almost doesn't even need to "do" or "see" - just be there. Walk the streets, have a coffee or a wine at a sidewalk cafe when the feet get tired, browse the shops. (I feel the same about Paris and London!)

Well, we've been to Sicily a couple times before so this stop, although very pleasant, was pretty uneventful. Tunisia, on Africa's North Coast, was quite a different matter. A Muslim country on the African continent is always good for a "different feel". A wonderful experience, but it does fall into the "former" category defined above... once is enough. Among several interesting stops was a visit to the American Military Cemetery. (Patton's and Montgomery's forces pretty much began their WWII march to Berlin fighting Rommel's forces in the Sahara desert regions of Tunisia.) We, with the help of a remarkable American Serviceman, we found the grave of the brother of a friend... a meaningful day, indeed!

For those of you who may be worried, we're being well-fed (and "watered") on board this fabulous ship. The next two stops are in Spain then another exotic port - Casablanca, Morocco. Then, the end of the road is Funchal, Madiera - one of the most under-rated places in all of Europe! Talk to you again "down the road"!

Cheers,

Dick

Time to Break Out the Tumi

It seems like such a short time ago that I announced that we had come to the end of the road and were parking our luggage in favor of the Lake Season. I looked back at that Blog Post of June 13th with amusement - and frustration with how fast summer zooms by!

Well, as we close up the cabin, it's time to prepare for our November Cruise from Rome to Funchal, Madiera. We ALWAYS recommend to our travel clients that they fly to the cruise departure point a day or two early. (Even for Caribbean cruising; but especially when cruising outside North America.)

Our trip, for the 4th time, will be with an extra day in Rome and dinner at our favorite Rome restaurant - Al Fortunata del Pantheon. This year's adventure will be aboard Regent Seven Seas cruise line and will take us to some "repeat ports" and some exciting new ones such as Malaga, Spain on the Costa del Sol and ports along the North Coast of Africa. 

As much as I hate accepting the passing of summer, we're looking forward to this adventure.

Cheers,

Dick 

Don't Make a Vacation Decision based on Web Pictures!

I played golf yesterday with a guy who had just returned from a 25th Anniversary trip in Hawaii. (Wailea, Maui to be exact.) He and his wife were very disappointed with their gorgeous 5-Star resort hotel. (You may ask how anyone could be "disappointed" with a 5-Star hotel?) The place was beautiful, the service was great... and it was crawling with families with small children!

Your first thought might be that this mainly impacted their time at the pool or on the beach but it affected the entire experience. They knew immediately that they were in trouble - upon settling into their room and changing into tropical clothing they went to the lobby bar for an "Aloha Cocktail". There were a number of preschool-age kids running around the lobby area just 30 feet from them. One was yelling at a sibling; the sibling was crying. How's that for romantic?

This fellow, whom I had just met on the first tee, related that the restaurants were very nice and the food was excellent but, again, they were far from relaxing or romantic. He added that the menus reflected the nature of their clientele.

As it happens, there is another 5-Star resort hotel right next door and I have stayed at both over the years. The ambiance of the two could not possibly be more opposite. Years ago, both were elegant... now one remains so with an adult clientele while the other began marketing to family vacations a few years ago.

If you look at the websites of both, you will not be able to distinguish between them. Both look fabulously classy with pictures that could possibly be interchanged. The only hint, if you have a trained eye, is a water slide in the distant background of one pool picture. A good travel consultant (like my agency - Gateway Express Travel) would have known the difference and saved this fellow's trip!

Cheers,

Dick

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Mid-Summer Report from the Easy Chair at the Lake!

As reported last month, the Tumi luggage is parked for the season and, as much as I enjoy the travel scene, it's sure nice to be "temporarily divorced" from TSA inspectors & molesters! I didn't think I would ever say this, but I truly feel sorry for the airlines. If they just parked their birds and said the hell with it, I don't know if I would blame them.

Actually, business at our travel agency (gatewayexpress.com) has been very good this summer. Given that this is typically the "dog days" for travel in the the Midwest market (we're not the only ones who cherish staying close to the BBQ grill this time of year), things haven't been bad. An increasingly big part of our leisure business over the past several years has been family spring break trips mostly to Mexico. Bookings for next April have begun earlier than I can ever recall.

Oh well, these days at our lake place on Woman Lake near Longville, MN are what life is all about this time of year. But, I must admit that I'm starting to think about that Mediterranean Cruise that we're taking in November. We'll start in Rome (our fourth visit to Rome... which means another dinner at Al Fortunata del Pantheon - our favorite restaurant in the world!) and will end up in Funchal, Madeira, A new port for us. The travel bug lives!

I hope you all are enjoying Mosquito Season!!!!!

Dick
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Whew! I've come to the End of the Road...

... for a while, at least! Since mid-April I've had 5 trips - Tucson, Boston, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Alaska - but have come to the end of the road for awhile! Whew! Now it's time for summer weekends at our lake place in northern Minnesota and to catch up on the golf game! For those of you fellow Minnesotans (and Wisconsinites), you know that there is no greater place to be during the summer than home!!!

So until our next trip to Europe (a Regent Seven Seas Cruise from Rome to Funchal, Madeira) in November our Tumi luggage resides in deep storage!

Speaking of Cruises in Europe, we are seeing the biggest season ever for selling European Cruises at our travel agency. There are more ships in Europe than ever before - and they are largely sold out already. The cruise lines have already opened booking for 2009 - the earliest that the industry has ever come out with future sailings. If you are interested in explanations for this phenomenon, go to Cruise News at www.gatewayexpress.com.

Cheers,

Dick

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Alaska Cruise: All's Well That Ends Well!

Well, we're back in Minnesota looking for the sun! It has rained constantly since we returned - feels like Seattle albeit a bit warmer. In a way, it's hard to believe that it took me 63 years to get to Alaska since our travel agency (www.gatewayexpress.com) has sent hundreds of clients there over the years... but in another way, it's no shock - we hate to leave Minnesota in summer leaving our limited travel time & funds for winter escapes! Our Princess Cruise aboard the Island Princess was spectacular! (At Gateway Express Travel, we feature Princess Cruises and Holland America Line for family travel and Silversea Cruises for upscale, adult-only trips.)

When I last posted we were in Juneau about to head out for an evening of whale-watching. For me, that was the highlight of the whole trip... being able to get within 200 feet of the magnificent beasts! At one point we came up to a mother and baby cavorting playfully together. The youngster was just learning the "moves" and it was fun to watch.

Then it was off to Skagway where we went out for some King Salmon fishing. Although we got skunked, it was a gorgeous day on the water. We saw Black Bears along the shore, Sea Lions and a lot of Bald Eagles. The cruise ended with two days of sailing through Glacier Bay and College Fjord. In the latter, we saw numerous Seals perched on large chunks of ice that had broken off the glaciers. On one of these mini-icebergs we saw a new-born seal with its mother. There was some blood on the ice indicating that the baby had been born within the last couple days. After a very scenic 2-hour rail trip from Whittier to Anchorage aboard the Princess Express that continues on the their Wilderness Lodges in the interior, our day in Anchorage was pretty uneventful. We disembarked about 7:00AM and had a 9:30PM red eye flight home. We intentionally gave ourselves the day to explore Anchorage... that is the one thing we would change. There's not a lot to do or see in Anchorage. We were ready to get home to our 2-year old Cockapoo, Hat Trick! The 1:00PM flight would have been perfect!

Cheers,

Dick

To comment, please click the "comments" link below, type in your comments then, under “Choose an Identity”, select “Nickname" if you want to leave a name (your name or a ‘blog handle’) or just leave it blank. OR, you can select ‘Anonymous’. I would love to hear from you!