Citing economics and guest preference, Cruise West has decided to suspend stops to Ketchikan during the 2010 Alaska cruise season.
The pullout will have both an economic and emotional effect. Ketchikan was one of three ports that welcomed the company’s southeast Alaska cruises in 1984.
Based on feedback, guests want even more time to explore shorelines, looking for wildlife and learning about the flora and fauna.
Posted in Alaska, cruise west | Tags: Alaska, alaska cruises, cruise west, ketchikan
With the 2009 Alaskan cruise season half-way through, cruise lines are making major changes to their 2010 cruise schedules to adapt to the economic changes sweeping the cruise industry. Several cruise lines have pulled ships from Alaska to more lucrative waters.
The good news in all this? Change. Some cruise lines have reduced their 2010 Alaska sailings by almost 50%. Others have consolidated and reinvented itineraries. Most all are or will be offering substantial savings for booking in 2009 for 2010 sailing. Read More…
Travel Writer Robert Reid recently posted on his blog 44 travel rules that he has come up with through his many travels around the world. From wise to insane, the list is most entertaining.
A few favorites are:
Posted in Miscellaneous | Tags: travel hints, travel rules, travel tips
I recently stumbled across this amazing time-lapse video filmed in Antarctica, in and around McMurdo Station and Scott Base. It covers the two primary seasons, summer & winter. Enjoy!
Posted in Antarctica | Tags: antarctic, antarctic expedition, Antarctica, antarctica cruises, antarctica expeditions
Stephanie Martin went for a walk with Jimmy Carter on the Arctic tundra. Carter, she says, is the smartest man she’s ever met. But then came the moment when Martin had to tell the former president that he really shouldn’t do what he wanted to do.
“He wanted to see reindeer, but I knew he’d be up to his knees in mud. I told him, ‘You’ll get stuck in mud and I’ll lose my job.’ ” Carter laughed, the walk continued, the muddy hazards were avoided.
It can all be pretty heady stuff for a woman from Providence who offers this brief description of what she does: “I watch a lot of water.”
Posted in Lindblad | Tags: lindblad expeditions, whale watching, whatch watch
American Cruise Lines recently announced a series of New England Theme Cruises for summer 2009.
Lobster Festival Cruise
Everything Lobster! Indulge in tantalizing feasts featuring the sweetest, most succulent local lobster. Historians and lobstermen will be onboard to share their knowledge of the evolution of the lobster as an American delicacy.
Lighthouse Cruise
View over 50 New England lighthouses on this special cruise designed for the person who loves lighthouses and discovering the unique story behind each one. Local historians and authors will be invited aboard to share stories of folklore, romance, haunted legends and the inspiring spirit of the lightkeepers who once called these treasures home.
Clambake Cruise
Clambakes are a festive New England tradition that have been a part of joyous occasions along the New England coastline for generations. Celebrate this tasty tradition aboard American Cruise Lines this summer.
Sail on International Expedition’s September 18 Amazon Voyage and get free international airfare, up to $900 per person.
Treat yourself to a South American escape in the heart of the rainforest — International Expedition’s Amazon Voyage! If you’re looking for adventure, September’s low-water season features deeper hikes into the rainforest, a greater concentration of pink dolphins and village visits at the height of planting season.
International Expeditions’ 10-day Amazon Voyage grants the deepest access into the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve for the best chance of diverse wildlife sightings, including hundreds of bird species and up to 15 primates. The only people going deeper into the rainforest are scientists! Not only is the Amazon an adventure to remember, it’s also a GREAT value!
International Expeditions’ Amazon Voyage includes:
Posted in South America | Tags: amazon, amazon river, amazon river basin, international expeditions
The all-suite Clelia II recently left the Mediterranean, after a period of extensive renovations. She is now crossing the Atlantic on her way to the Great Lakes for the summer.
In addition to the tasteful redecoration and refurbishment of all public rooms and suites, visible in these photographs, a number of works took place that are less obvious but equally significant. These include the ice-strengthening of the hull in preparation for the ship’s operations in Antarctica and the Arctic, and full compliance with the stringent regulations of the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Public Health authorities.
The U.S. standards are far more demanding than those of SOLAS and result in a vessel that meets the latest requirements for environmental impact, safety at sea, and health standards. Virtually every system aboard ship was overhauled and upgraded – galley equipment, food storage areas, garbage management, water and fuel tanks, air conditioning, etc. The modifications to the engines now make it possible now to burn cleaner, very low-sulfur fuel.
Among the guest amenities aboard the 50-suite Clelia II are the gracious dining room with a single unassigned seating, two lounges, an expansive library with Internet access, gym, beauty salon, boutique, Jacuzzi, infirmary, and ample deck areas for relaxing and sunbathing. An elevator serves all decks.
We look forward to welcoming Clelia II to American shores and the Great Lakes.
Posted in News | Tags: clelia II, great lakes, great lakes cruises, travel dynamics
