Archive for the ‘Cruises’ Category

What you need to know before booking that cruise

By Bobbie Green

So many choices, how do you know which cruise line is right for you?  When there were fewer ships sailing, you chose by destination and ports of call.
Now days with so many different lines available for the same ports of
call, the decision should be on the type of ship that fits your needs. The
outcome of your vacation may well depend on your judgment. You may want to do a
little homework before booking.

Collect the brochures, in hand or on line, look at the pictures, you can learn from them. Are
the people pictured older or younger, are children in the photos. How are they
dressed?–More or less casual than you want to be?

Are you into rock climbing and ice-skating and basketball? Look for the ships that advertise
these features.  If you are taking your
children along, you want a ship that promotes a children’s section with child
counselors aboard.  Your children will
get very bored on a ship with older patrons and no space for them to run and
play. Most of the larger ships offer a teen lounge and plenty of activities.

Do you want to shop aboard the ship?  Many have small malls aboard for your shopping pleasure.

The 3 and 4-day cruises out of Los Angeles and Miami are a favorite of the younger
working population and week-end partying may be what you are looking for, or not.

If you are looking for relaxing quietly without kids and bouncing basketballs, you will
have to look a little harder. It is usually the smaller pricier ships that have
less children on them. Or, the concierge level on the larger ship have a
private lounge some have an adult only pool.

Checking out the line and the specific ship online gives you a good perspective on the
accommodations, and amenities. When looking at the deck plans, each of the
cabin levels are described and normally give the square footage of the
cabin.  This information can be quite valuable when making your choice.  The deck
plans also let you see what is above or below your cabin choice. If you are not
into the late night disco and plan to be in bed while others are dancing above
your cabin, you might not be happy.

The smaller ships may or may not have live nightly entertainment. The larger ships do. Some
have movie theaters and some do not, but have Disc players in the cabins instead.

The largerships except for Crystal Cruises are the lowest in price, but be aware, many on
board items are extra bottled water, soda pop and alcohol, specialty coffee and
fees for alternative dining. There is always someone trying to sell you
something. Your departing bill may be more than your cruise cost.

The smaller ships like Seaborne Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, are mostly all-inclusive. You
pay up-front.    Elegant Cruises, Crystal, are more Windstar, higher in price, but give value for the money with less commercialism on board.

Think about your expectation and try to find the ship to match them, before you book and
you will not be disappointed.

f

HAL Voyage Proved Delightful.

By Bobbie Green

After much worry over booking too long a cruise, we found our 30-day cruise to South America, round trip from San Diego, aboard Holland America’s Rotterdam quite delightful.

We would do another one in a heartbeat, even though the staff aboard the Rotterdam on our sailing was not up to previous HAL standards.  I am hoping this was just “a bad hair day” sailing and that the Parent company Carnival Cruise Line is not “carnivalizing” HAL.  Most of the past HAL passengers aboard were missing the class act that is usually found on HAL ships, like waiters who serve perfectly, proper silverware on tables and able to remember preferences, etc.  We missed a cruise director who is knowledgeable and normally everywhere activities were happening.

Apparently the shore excursion desk staff had not been on any of the offered excursions and was of no help to guest with questions.  There were none of the usual guest lecturers aboard. The lone person giving port talks did not seem to give guest the useful information they needed to plan their day.         

Where did all the HAL signature flowers go?  When we boarded the ship they were nowhere to be found. The one grand bouquet in the lobby was waiting to be buried on boarding day. About two weeks into the cruise bouquets began to appear around the ship. Apparently others missed the flowers too and asked about them. 

On the other hand, HAL was outstanding in their effort to keep any virus brought aboard from spreading. Everything, tables, floors, ceilings, rails etc. were sprayed and scrubbed daily. Their efforts worked, a few were quarantined and we had no major outbreaks for the whole 30-days.

I found thirty days gave me a chance to try everything. I did not have to pick and choose which activities I wanted to participate in like you do when you only have 7-10 days.  We were able to experience all the restaurants and everything on the menus. 

I was very disappointed in the Pinnacle Grill on this ship. This is the specialty restaurant where you must pay a reservation fee.  The dinners on other HAL ships have been superb with excellent service. Here however, they did not cater to my food allergies and they should be ashamed of the tiny lobster they served. The lobster in the main dining room was much bigger and better. The servers seemed to be in, or in need of training. In General the food on the ship was very good.

A popular feature on the Rotterdam ship is the lower promenade deck with the lanai staterooms having the sliding glass doors that open directly onto the promenade deck. Each room has two private deck chairs located outside their door. This seemed to be the social deck of the ship, more so than the pool deck. Sooner or later your new friends will come strolling by. If you really prefer privacy this is not the place to be. Try the Verandah Deck staterooms or the Navigation Deck with the suites.     

I can’t say enough about the suites on the Navigation Deck, so large and pleasant. The stateroom comes with many amenities like concierge and laundry service and access to the Neptune Lounge exclusively for suite guest.

HAL has a state of the arts culinary center which offers free and fee classes both are a favorite among the guests.

 HAL also offers free digital workshops in conjunction with Microsoft. The classes were enlightening, but they needed much more space to accommodate everyone that wanted to be in the class.

There is always something to do on board HAL ships. Again this ship was an exception they did not seem to have as many classes or at least guest interest classes as previous ships I have been on. 

The many bars had nightly entertainment as well as the major showroom. Again many were disappointed in the quality. The movie theaters, one inside and one deck side, did not offer any first run movies. Guest did get to catch an old concert they may have missed.  The Rotterdam did provide many venues with male hosts for dancing, always a favorite of the ladies.

The 30-days seemed no longer than a 14-day. Even with the ship’s crew, correctable shortcoming, as mentioned above, the trip was enjoyable and definitely not too long.

We drove into San Diego and left our car parked at the Mission Brewery Parking, an  enclosed and secure  lot.  They provide a shuttle to take patrons to the airport or the ship port and pick-up upon return. Our shuttle driver was friendly, courteous and he went beyond the call of duty to keep our luggageand us from getting wet on our rainy departure day.       

Long voyages on a ship that is up to par should be a bucket list item.

HAL Bridges Gap between Large & Small Ships

By Bobbie Green

The taxi pulled up to the Fort Lauderdale pier and I received my first glimpse of the 82,000 ton Holland America’s Line (HAL) cruise ship, Zuiderdam. I became a little apprehensive, being a small ship enthusiast; I felt I would have to “work” at finding the attributes of a ship that held 1900 guests. Oh how wrong I was. Sporting all the amenities a larger ship has to offer, HAL has introduced a perfect way for small ship aficionado to enjoy cruising on a larger ship.

By adding perks for the Deluxe Verandah and Penthouse Suites HAL has bridged the gap between the large and small ship atmosphere. Their main perk is the Neptune Lounge exclusively for use by the Suite guests. It features a personal concierge service. Coffee, Espresso, tea, juices and hors d’oeuvres are always on tap. The lounge is equipped with TV, games and sofa’s, a natural small ships intimate setting for guest to mingle. Kind of like the Cheer’s bar everyone knows your name and you are pleasantly greeted each time you enter. Other perks include complimentary laundry service, bathrobes, premium bedding, exclusive daily breakfast service in the beautiful un-crowded Pinnacle Grill and priority ship and tender boarding. Of course the suites themselves are wonderful. Large rooms, large bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, large verandahs and no one will run out of closet space. 24-hour in room food service and free DVD’s from the Neptune Lounge, one can hibernate as much as they wish.

All guests aboard HAL cruises enjoy a well organized ship with stately and artful public rooms. Hal is known for their ships being adorned with fresh flower bouquets everywhere. The Zuiderdam has an excellent internet café conveniently located in the scenic crow’s nest area along with the library and coffee bar. The Culinary Classes are a guest favorite. Fun and informative they are conducted by the on board chef and the staff party planner. The new on-board digital workshops by Microsoft appear to be a hit also.

One of the amenities of the larger ships is the nightlife. Nightly entertainment features dancers, comedians, and specialty acts. Although HAL ships are not known as party ships lively entertainment can be found late night in the Northern lights lounge. The casino is always busy and guest game shows are hosted by the ships lively staff.

HAL has introduced a new staff position on their ships, a travel guide. This person is knowledgeable in the area of your sailing. They are not part of the shore excursion desk designed to book the excursions. The travel guide will tell guest all about the area and has been on the excursions offered and tells you what to expect from the tour, thus helping you to decide which one is best for you or if none are for you. I think this is a great addition for HAL. Having been a travel consultant, I firmly believe unhappy tourist were people who were not informed on what to expect before choosing their trip. Our travel guide Dr. Richard Detrich presented all his lectures in a very humorous manner. He is an American presently living in Panama. He owns a small coffee plantation run by his wife, who promises it will break even soon, meanwhile he travels and lectures on board the HAL ships. He says he has the best job in the world.

Our Cruise director Shane Michaels is a young man of 29 years hailing from the Midwest. He spent one summer while in college aboard a ship and knew that was the life for him. He pursued that goal from then on. He said HE has the best job and wants to continue to do it. He has great fun mixing with the guests.

The specialty restaurant the Pinnacle Grill has a $20.00 reservation fee. It features Sterling Silver Beef from Colorado. The steaks are superb, outstanding by any comparison and prepared just right. One visit is not enough.

The Lido Buffet was the only place on the ship I felt crowded. Of course everyone likes to eat lunch there or poolside. We did find if we ate late we could avoid most of the crowd. Of course the waiters in the Lido were very

friendly and labeled with memorable names like Okie Dokie and Hunky Dory. Their claim to fame is how they can learn and remember the guest names. The original Hunky Dory works on the Zuiderdam.. He will learn at least 1000 names each sailing and remember you if you return 3 years later. He will know your name and ask about the person you last traveled with. Other Lido servers try to compete with him. However he was blessed with a photographic memory that allows him to outdo the others who were not.

While talking of restaurants I will mention my pet peeve is any restaurant on ship or shore that clangs and rattles dishes in the dinning room where the guest are eating. Nowhere on the Zuiderdam did I encounter noisy handling of the dishes, which is a big plus in my book.

We actually had a wonderful time on this LARGE ship, upgrading to a deluxe verandah suite or penthouse on an HAL cruise is definitely the way to cruise on a larger ship and get value for money paid. At the end of our ten-day cruise to Panama and Gatun Locks we could have continued on for another 10 days and that is very unusual for us.

HAL has opened the door to new itineraries for me to enjoy with their exclusive suite service perhaps for you too.

Day Tripping Adventures from Las Vegas

Black Canyon River Adventures

By Bobbie Green

Tourist visiting Las Vegas can see the world portrayed along the famous strip from the pyramids of Egypt to the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. Most visitors are not aware of the many day trips that are available to them. One of the most unique is the Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventure. A 12-mile float trip down the Colorado River from the base of Hoover Dam to Willow Beach transports its rafters into a different time zone, a place of pristine waters and natural hot springs flowing down from the rock cliffs, viewing caves that are millions of years old.

There have been many improvements since I last took this trip. One is accessibility to the handicapped. People with walkers can now get to the rafts and the rafts are wheelchair accessible. The rafts were made to accommodate wheelchairs on board. The new rafts have obliging cushioned seating. All ages can enjoy this trip including any handicapped family member.

Your adventure will start at the Hacienda Hotel on Hwy 93 in Boulder City. After checking in you will receive a box lunch and a comfortable van ride down to the loading site at the base of Hoover Dam. The van ride down to the river is an adventure in itself. They use a winding park service road and it affords a unique view of the new dam overpass being built.

Be sure to bring your cameras as you will be getting a new perspective on many sites. After boarding you will be given raft rules by your guide and the good news, that while life preservers are on board you are not obligated to wear them because this is a float trip with no rough water.

This 12-mile stretch of the Colorado River is the cleanest and clearest water among the U.S. Rivers; the blue green water is beautiful. The raft makes 2 stops along the 3 hour trip, one for the box lunch. Passengers may wade or swim in the cool water at either stop. The knowledgeable guides will be pointing out different sites and giving historical and humorous facts along the way. They have all been trained by the tour company who organizes these trips Forever Resorts, and can answer just about any question thrown their way.

Visiting rafters float from the modern age dam by-pass being constructed into the past. They float by natural hot water falls and bubbling springs ranging from 80 to 150 degrees, they may see longhorn sheep and bob cats, and a variety of birds. At one point you will float past some of the oldest known rock in the U.S and caves dated at 1.5 to 2 million years old.

Rafters will hear the unbelievable story of the Gauge Station and the men who worked there from 1925 to 1939 and see the pulley, cables and catwalk the men had to use to get to and from work.

Our guide Bryan Fox, a 15 year veteran of the canyon tours said mid April to the second week in May is a great time to visit, to catch the wild flowers in bloom. For three hours you will experience peace and serenity, you will not see a neon light and yet you are only one-half hour from lively Las Vegas.

This is a great change of pace day trip for residence and tourist, anyone and everyone will enjoy. Allow approximately 4 hour’s tour time, you can be back in your hotel in time to enjoy your favorite buffet dinner and gamming outlet. If you are bringing a wheelchair you must make the reservations ahead of time and tell them of your needs. Visitors with cars may drive them selves to the hotel or arrange for a hotel pick-up from Black Canyon River Adventures.

Black Canyon /Willow Beach River Adventures

800-455-3490

Adult $82.95 Pick up from Las Vegas Hotel $118.95

Child 5-12 $50.95 $ 86.95

River cruising on the Seine combines convenience with art and culture

By Bobbie Green

Paris, “City of Lights” provides the perfect launch site for your adventure. The city is definitely the spot for a pre-cruise stay. Those who have visited Paris before always welcome the chance to go again. One never gets tired of the happenings along the Champs Elysee and my favorite, boating on the Seine at night watching the people lining the shore and the lighting of the Eiffel Tower turning the intimidating metal giant into a magnificent work of art. To me, this is where the legendary Romance of Paris begins. Of course your art & culture will start with the museums, probably the Louvre. How fun it was to see all the places mentioned in the DaVinci Code. Paris has a museum for every facet of life, even a sewer museum; truly there is a museum for everyone.

We boarded the Viking Seine in Paris for our 9-day trip to La Havre, stopping at Conflans , Rouen, Honfleur, Giverny. What a treat to visit all of these towns along the way without having to change hotels. Our category B cabin was pretty and spacious. To my astonishment the showers in the bathrooms on this particular ship were the smallest I have ever encountered on a ship. Our daily fights with the shower curtain became a humorous conversation piece aboard the ship. They were not that small on other Viking ships I have been on.

Cruising through the French country side is as beautiful as one can imagine. It is easy to see how the artist gets their inspiration. Unbelievably, Monet felt he had to construct his own garden settings to be used in his paintings. Admittedly he did a fantastic job, maybe because of the beautiful landscape that already surrounded him in Giverny and it did give him some creative control over the lighting. There was no doubt his home was the home of an artist, as each room was devoted to many shades of one color every room exhibits a different color. The gardens are kept up by the Claude Monet Foundation, inaugurated in 1980, as he did them and open to tourist.

In Rouen visitors enjoy the medieval town and see the setting of the execution of Joan of Arc because according to history she refused to stop wearing men’s clothing i.e. army uniform. The market square where she was burned at the stake is now alive with tourist, sidewalk vendors and café’s. I found the privately owned museum of Joan of Arc most interesting to me not because of its content, but because of the building it is housed in. It is very old and the tour starts in the cellar with the stone walls all around. You gradually work your way up to the wooden floors that I was sure would not hold me creaking and bending as I was winding my way around the display cases and the scenes depicted with life size models. I felt like I was lost in a medieval castle and it was quite intriguing. Also in Rouen, on Big Clock Street, one can see the giant clock, with a single hand, built by the city in 1525 perched over the archway and still keeping time. Since clocks with a second hand were not introduced until the 16^th century AM and PM is tracked by a large silver and black ball, black being PM silver AM. The old Merri-go-rounds are still in play and like the old clock; the artistry of the people from this country is showing everywhere.

The most appealing country side to me was around the town of Les Andelys and Vernon, lush and green with many varieties of trees. The small village of Les Andelys sits peacefully along the rivers edge under the shadow of Chateau Gailard sitting high on a hill above the town. The strong hold was built by Richard the Lion Heart in the 12^th century. The serenity there matches the beauty.

Honfleur is an important fishing town and shipping port. The country side homes have thatched roofs that last for 50 years. Flowers are grown along the top roof line to draw the moisture from the thatch adding to the quaintness. Honfleur is home to France’s oldest wooden church, built hurriedly in the 16^th century by shipwrights wanting a place to worship. One can see the red pointed half timber house that was home to de Meure du Peintre artist and tutor to Caude Monet. Half timber houses so popular in Europe, yet they were an art in themselves. First the timber is soaked in salt brine for seven years and then air dried for another 10 years the result is no termites and the houses are still standing after 500 years. This was definitely not the mobile society we have today, but there artistry told us much about their culture and their history is still with us today.

At this point in our trip everyone was getting anxious to get to the beaches at Normandy another reason the passengers aboard had chosen this itinerary. We go from the ship to the beaches by motor coach. The first stop is the D-Day museum. It looked to be an interesting account of history but the little museum was so crowded I could not stand to stay inside the building. Apparently they do not have fire safety codes there. I asked when a less crowded time of year would be. The attendant replied “This is a good day, it gets worse”. Even without a good look at the museum the experience of the trip to different beaches Omaha, Utah etc. seeing where it happened and what is still left to remind us is awe-inspiring. Everyone there was touched in some manner. The visit to the Normandy American Cemetery and seeing the rows upon rows of white crosses really put things into perspective; We are humbled at this sight, the cost of freedom is high, and we are full of admiration for those who kept it for us. The land for the cemetery was given to the U.S. tax free by the French Government. The beautiful grounds and monuments are kept up by and at the expense of the U.S. Government. The tour we were offered from Viking even took us up the cliff’s, where we could walk into the German bunkers and see the shell holes in the ground. Even here we find art and culture; the striking monuments that have been erected greet visitors with grace and beauty honed by fine artist.

On board the Viking Seine we had all the amenities a first class cruise line has to offer, they are on Conde Nast Traverlers “Gold List” and Travel & Leisure’s “World’s Best” list. Viking ships have beautiful public rooms and deck area. The Viking Seine has an open air walk-around promenade deck, unusual for river vessels. I found the dinning room staff on this particular vessel not up to par with other Viking ships I have been on, they seemed short staffed and overworked and betting on their good reputation and my past experience with them, I would sail on Viking lines again after checking first on the size of the shower of the purposed vessel. The on-board language on all Viking itineraries is English.

The growth in the popularity of river cruising tells me they are offering what the savvy traveler is looking for. Multiple itinerary choices, never-ending scenery, with the convenience and comfort of a floating hotel, and vessels intimate enough to get to know your fellow passengers. Art and the native culture is found at each stop along your route and shown to you by local tour guides.

IF YOU GO

Viking River Cruises

877-668-4546

Vikingrivercruises.com

On small luxury ships built just for river cruising, many passengers are enjoying new sights and sounds from the new wave of floating hotels.

From close to home on American rivers to the rivers of the Orient all are popular with the travelers of today.

In contrast to the Large Ocean liners that carry 2,000 plus passengers with Vegas style reviews for entertainment on-board, these ships carry only 60 to 200 passengers. Thus, allowing for more intimate settings and getting aquainted with more of your fellow travelers. There is one sitting only for meals, all open seating. The food on all the river ships I have been on is equal to, and some better than larger cruise ships.

What I consider to be the two best features of river cruising are the calm river waters, no one gets sea sick and there is always something to look at along the shore. Your view varies depending on what part of the world you are in. Each river has something different to offer. “Cruising down the River on a Sunday Afternoon” now has a new meaning. No one is rowing; you are sitting on the top deck of the ship on a lounge chair with a drink in your hand. If the weather is not agreeable for deck sitting, you will be in the climate-controlled lounge featuring windows on three sides and a bar. Whichever way you look there is something interesting to see. The ships dock every day, sometimes two different towns in one day. In Europe and the Orient the price of the cruise includes all the shore excursions. Not always on the American Rivers, each line has their own policies. Be sure to

Investigate before you book. Some of the shore excursions will include lunch or dinner at a local restaurant allowing a taste of the local cuisine.

Waking up in a different town or country each day with new sights to see.

The new luxury ship cabins come with all the amenities of a hotel including hair dryers; large windows, hotel style beds and most have TV’s. Some of the Cruise Lines have only English speaking crew and passengers, such as Viking and Uniworld. If you are looking at other lines ask the percentage of English speaking passengers. Many lines offer some form of evening entertainment, perhaps a piano player and or singer on board for the length of the cruise or some bring on board local’s from the passing towns and villages. All have a library and most offers a fitness center some with a Jacuzzi.

All you have to do is pick the part of the world or country you want to travel in, there is sure to be a river cruise for you to enjoy. The River vessels have the equivalent of an on board cruise director to help you be prepared for your tours and what to expect in the town you are visiting.

Do you find cruising is not like it used to be? Do you feel the ships are becoming too large; too many people for staff to handle and try as they do the dinning staff cannot be as personable and impeccable as they once were or you feel they should be. It could be you are sailing on the wrong ship. If your departing bill from the ship is more than what you paid for the cruise, one of the higher-end luxury cruise ships might well be what you are looking for.

Cruise lines like Crystal and Regent do seem a bit pricy at first glance if you are comparing them to middle class ships like Royal Caribbean or Celebrity. But one must look at the value and the quality one receives.

These High-Style Luxury cruise ships feature balconies and larger size staterooms. The staff-to passenger ratio is higher, and service is a trademark. The amities you expect are already included and you are not being barraged by staff selling water, wine, pictures, and swim fins excreta.

While sailing on Crystal’s Harmony, I enjoyed many features not found on mainstream cruises. The ability of the guest to sign up and take enrichment classes aboard on sea days was a big favorite. Crystal offers computer university @sea classes, a golf clinic and guest may even learn how to play a keyboard by Yamaha and there is no extra charge. All classes are given by knowledgeable instructors brought aboard for this purpose only. The classes are small in size because the number of shipboard guests is under 1000.

One is always attended to on a personal level, you never feel lost in a crowd. Most itineraries feature a PGA golf pro conducting the golf clinic. Crystal Cruises has been voted best large cruise ship line from Conde Nast Traveler for the past 9 Years. Their 2006 shore excursions include Bordeaux by hot air balloons, Behind the Scenes at the Dubai Stables.

Regent Cruise Line features ships a little smaller in size and a little more intimate. In 2005 Seven Seas Voyager was awarded Best Medium Size Ship from Conde Nast Traveler. Their on board activities are more limited. Their Library books and tape choices are extensive. All staterooms are suites large in size and beautiful. All their ships feature Carita Spas. The Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner feature chefs trained at Le Cordon Bleu. I was most impressed with their beautiful staterooms and the personal service received. Tips are included in your booking price, and they really mean it. When we tried to tip for a personal service delivered from our room steward she refused the tip. The personal touch is thriving aboard. Our head waiter personally serenaded us at our table softly singing an anniversary song just for us. They literally laid out the red carpet for us. When returning to the ship from your port tour, there is literally a red carpet leading the way to the gangway of the ship. The lunch selection served on deck is lush and personal with waiters, no cattle car buffet here.

On neither ship line will you hear blatantly loud music or see waiters dancing on serving tables.

While Regent gives one complete bar set up on arrival including a full bottle of your choice liquor per person. Crystal keeps your bar stocked with your favorite mix to use with your own personal liquor, unlike most other ships which holds your personal liquor until final departure from the ship. You may mix your own drink and enjoy it at your leisure on your balcony.

In the specialty restaurants aboard reservation are required, with no extra “reservation fee”. These Luxury lines offer theme cruises and unique shore excursions. Both promote themselves as 6 star cruises and rightly so.

There are numerous reasons so many of the ageing baby boomers are choosing luxury cruising, If this sounds like your style, check them out before you book your next cruise. Your travel agent can help you find the right luxury ship for your taste and budget. Or browse on line www.rssc.com and www.crystalcruises.com

Regent Cruises was formerly known as Radission Serven Sea Cruises.

By Bobbie Green

Today’s vacationers have a wide variety of cruise choices.

There is truly a perfect cruise for everyone, but not everyone knows how to choose the right cruise for him or her selves.

You may cruise on a very large ship with 3000 other people, with constant entertainment from rock climbing to ice-skating, or you may choose a very small Yacht like ship without even a phone in your room, very few other passengers and be content to watch the sea swells and cloud formations.

You may be an in-between person, not too big and not too small.

Ships nowadays sail the ocean, lakes, and rivers.

Are you happy to sit on deck, read a book, maybe take a dip in the pool and enjoy excellent food and service, expect your floating hotel room to have all the amities and not be too small? You do not expect to stand in lines or be overrun with children. You want top of the line shore excursions to un-crowded places. You are willing to pay, but you want value for your money, you should be looking at a medium to small luxury lines like Crystal, Radisson, or Oceania, if you want it all Seabourn.

A large ship sounds exciting; you want to be in a different bar each night of your cruise.

You want to see Las Vegas style shows, and have many different dinning rooms to choose from. Your taking the whole family, you want a children’s program, a teenage hangout etc. You need an affordable price, the lower end lines would be Carnival, Norwegian, of course Disney for the kids.

The middle of the road cruiser enjoys the more discriminating large ships like Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Celebrity.

Holland America bills itself as a 5-star line; it has less neon, more artwork, slightly larger staterooms and a little more senior clientele.

Some ship itineraries make port every day for the busy-beaver person.

While some itineraries show more days at sea or are doing a crossing for the salt-dogs who love being at sea.

Many people report suffering no allergies while at sea and plan their trips at the height of their worst allergy season.

River cruising is interesting because the passengers see river banks and towns at all times, also no one get sea sick, and Shore excursions are usually included in the price in Europe and the Orient. The cabins are as up-scale as any cruise ship and the food is as good and in some cases better.

Small-ship adventure cruising offers secluded waters and ports and beaches where large ships could never go. They have distinguished experts aboard that make your trip an enriching learning experience. Most of the lines like Clipper/Intrav, Cruise West give passenger’s pampered adventure, allowing most all seniors to enjoy adventure travel.

Chances are, if you taken a cruise and didn’t enjoy it, you were on the

wrong ship.

Experience Resorting Afloat.

For your next vacation, forget hunting for the perfect itinerary, or looking for ports you have not yet seen. Just choose your favorite cruise line, look for the right length and shortest flight time departure point from your home. Pack your clothes and go aboard

Now enjoy your cruise, you do not have a time schedule, it does not matter what time the ship docks or departs. You may get up when you want and dine when you wish… Today’s newer ships include alterative dinning and room service, even your evening dinning time is not written in stone. Be sure to spend what was your tour money on a balcony upgrade, which will provide even more in-room entertainment. What a difference not succumbing to a time table can make. I found it gives one a whole new perspective to cruising. I chose Crystal Cruise Line to explore this subject. I made an excellent choice.

The ships meal hours accommodate early and late risers. As most everyone else is rushing off to shore excursions, you now have the pool deck, the spa room and saunas to yourself. These are the days to do all this relaxing, if you must keep up, the computer rooms are also available with no waiting. And of course with less people on board, the ship staff is not very busy and avalible just for you clever people who are in the know.

On Sea days all the lectures, dance classes etc are taking place for you to enjoy and you, of course. are all rested and ready to participate. No sore feet from yesterdays trek. You saw the movie yesterday and tonight you will enjoy the ships live presentation. You can stay out as late as you wish because you do not need to arise early to meet your tour. I can’t tell you how pleasant this was. I now found the time to make all the ship extra’s like the high tea, and the ice cream breaks. I was able to attend all the lectures and movies I found of interest and even had time to take the computer classes, all this with out missing a meal.

I found the difference between taking an all-inclusive resort vacation and resorting aboard ship is mainly service. And if you have picked the right ship line there is no comparison. The top of the line all-inclusive resort like Sandals as nice as it is can’t compare to the Service and luxury offered by most Cruise Lines. You note I said most there are a few exceptions in my opinion. The lower end ship lines like Carnival and NCL are not in my opinion resorting ships. A line that has a high percentage of non-English speaking passengers would also not be a good choice. It is hard to make new friends if you don’t share a common language. A very small ship should also be excluded as a resort ship simply because there would not be enough activities aboard to participate in, most small ships are destinations oriented.

Clean rooms, impeccable service, food choices from hot dogs to exquisitely gourmet meals, all with room service response time quicker than any hotel I know.

Dressing casual or to the nines, watching a well choreographed production show or listening to classical music. On-board golf instructions were a favorite of the guys. Many ships have golf simulator to keep you in practice. Having all these choices makes for one great vacation in my book. Unlike a land based resort you are in a social setting geared to make it easy to meet other passengers with the group dinning and group classes. Oh yes, less you forget you will wake up each morning look out your window and chances are you will see a different view, not only of the ocean or ports and islands but of yourself, and life. So do not limit your resort get-a-way to only a land based hotel.

SMALL SHIP ADVENTURES TO ANCIENT SEAPORTS

BY Bobbie Green

The Ancient seaports of Europe have lured visitors for thousands of years, explorers, merchant traders, attacking armies, and tourist.

Today’s tourist can still journey to historical places where past events can come alive and one can experience an almost reverent feeling when walking in the footsteps, through passage ways and gardens of those infamous people and societies that have gone on before us.

Elegant Cruises is one such small cruise line that makes these occasions possible, using two small ships with varying itineraries. Their latest addition is the M.S. Andrea, a former Hurtigruten delivering mail along the coast of Norway. A small swift ice class ship, she was refurbished and now bills herself as a deluxe, intimate cruise ship carrying up to 105 guests.

We boarded the Ms. Andrea, as she is affectionately called, from the ancient seaport in Civitavecchia Italy and sailed to Istanbul Turkey. While climbing aboard using the narrow stair case and making what seemed like too many turns in the hallway to get to my cabin, I began to wonder if I really wanted to spend the next 10 days aboard. Our cabin was quite nice, larger than I imagined and thoughtfully laid out. The bathroom was wonderful, the largest I have ever encountered on a ship. Huge shower, sink with cabinets even a magnifying make-up mirror, certainly nothing to dislike here. The beds were a little creaky, but each had a reading light. The rooms are not luxurious to look at, but they are accommodating and clean. Each cabin has a different configuration and size so one must be careful when booking to look for the category and size you will be happy with. The most important room on any ship is the dinning room and it is beautiful. More important the staff is also beautiful, very friendly and entertaining. The presentation of the food was excellent.

We were offered tours in every port as usual for most cruise ships. I found most of the tours were not worth taking for many reasons. First, we are in small villages and museums are pretty much self explanatory. The local tour guides in these quaint towns, charming as they are, are not professional enough to give the amount of information one normally expects. Of course there were exceptions to this as I note later on. On a favorable note most ancient seaports then and now can only take the smaller ships, so the large ships are not in port with 2500 people disembarking the same time you are. The towns are no longer “tourist” towns. However if you are the type of person who likes to see the off beat and un-hurried life in the villages, the do it yourself explorer this is the place for you. The ships staff is most helpful to the people who do not take the standard tours. They always provide local information. How far into town, walking directions, local bus availability, taxi information and sights you might want to see, the local weather forecast and notable local foods. All of us guests found this information most useful as all ships do not provide for the self explorer in this helpful manner. Being small we could dock in most ports, if a tender is needed zodiacs are used, getting off the ship is very informal and no waiting in lines. Along this route we found the tour to Ephesus a definite not to be missed, one needs the explanations of your guide to appreciate what you are seeing and not miss the magnificent brilliance of this ancient Greek city founded in the 11th century BC. The tour to Troy was another moment in time the true travel adventurer would not want to miss; again the tour guide is a must.

Our cruise director seemed to be everywhere, in the dinning room, on the dock, by the ships map explaining where we were, and always informed and ready to answer questions. This too was a pleasant change from other ships.

To the rear of the ship are 2 lovely teak wood decks, lunch is always offered outside and in the dinning room. Eating lunch informally on the deck is very yacht like, sitting inside the small harbors or docked along side the local fishing boats and maybe a yacht or two. One may also go ashore and eat at a local restaurant usually lined along the waterfront. Our chef would go ashore every morning we docked and as the fishing boats returned, buy the local sea food for the dinner that night.

The ship has a small lift for those not wishing or able to do the stairs. 25% of the passengers aboard were repeat guest, they like the informality of the ship, although the ship still has the obligatory dress (jacket for men) captain’s dinner. We often wonder why it has to be a dressy affair. Why don’t they eliminate the dress and truly go informal. Many evenings the captain is seen in the lounge enjoying time with the guest and singing duets with the ships entertainer Darko, who plays a variety of music none of which was too loud and offensive to ears, in fact you could still carry on a conversation with the people seated near you.

Our ten day odyssey took us from Civitavecchia, to Capri, Palermo and Riposto Italy, Kefalonia and Gythion Greece and Bodrum,Kusadasi and Canakkale Turkey disembarking in Istanbul. This itinerary gave us an education and a chance to see matchless sites including 3 of the original 8 wonders of the world while sailing in the beautiful clear blue waters of Ulysses’ Kingdom according to Homer. Elegant Cruise Tours also has an itinerary doing Venice and the Dalmatian coastline they will be promoting in 2008. A few of my fellow passengers have been on that one and were raving about how nice it was.

You might find this small informal, get to meet all your fellow passengers, while traveling in a relaxed atmosphere with simple yacht like elegance may be just the ship for you, if you have been there done that on other ships or you are the grab your guide book and go type traveler. We found the ancient seaport itinerary most fascinating even in the ports we had visited before because we could now do them on our own and see what we missed the first time around.

Elegant Cruises

info@elegantcruises.com

800-683-6767

By Bobbie Green

Newest way to explore American Waterways

The visionary was raised in Louisiana near the river; it became the mainstay of his world. Everything came and went by the river, his work was on the river and he eventually became the owner of a tow boat business. The visionary wanted everyone to have the chance to see the heart of America’s waterways, believing America may become too homogenized. The People and towns along our waterways represent many of the different cultures, attitudes and ways of life of those who helped forge this country. Based on all his previous life and business experiences the Eddie Conrad, the visionary, as referred to by his co-workers, put together the crew of the River Barge Explorer, the family, as they are described by him and began to build his dream.

Believing barge and tow to be the safest method of transportation on the river, he incorporated two connecting barges with a tow and wal-la what a treat for his barge mates, as the passengers are referred to.

The LaSalle barge is a floating hotel with 99 spacious identical cabins with great wall to wall windows and bathrooms with shower/tub combinations. They are able to accommodate some handicapped guest, with elevators and the spaciousness of the pubic rooms and hallways for wheelchairs and walkers. The hotel barge even has a self service laundry.

The forward DeSoto barge houses the public rooms and dinning room. The Purser’s Lobby is the hub with all-around windows for viewing, comfy chairs and tables. On tap 24/7 is coffee, fruit juices, fountain drinks and a bottomless jar of homemade cookies. The Sprague lounge /cabaret is the place to be entertained.

Storytellers, historians and quite surprising to me was the world class entertainers, like jazz pianist Ronnie Kole, who has performed for many presidents or Jon Di Chiaro, classical guitarist, who has performed for the pope. Or the original blues man Bobby Rush, all performed while I was aboard and it was not their first or last time to entertain on the River Barge. The rousting gospel singers put the soul in our hearts and rhythm in our feet. The coolest (for the over forty) or hottest (for the under forty) place to be is the Passengers Bridge. Located to the front of the barge looking somewhat like the bridge of the star ship Enterprise, barge mates get the grandest view while listening to the actual radio communication between all the vessels on the river sitting in comfort of your captain’s chair, or you may visit the pilot house almost anytime and converse with the friendly captains.

What makes the difference here from other river cruises you may have been on is the leisurely pace. Shore excursions are not taken until late morning or afternoons. One has plenty of time to enjoy the river rambling, getting to know the other guest. There is a library with books, cards, and games. On the sky deck two hot tubs, exercise room, friendly bar tender and my favorite, fresh popped popcorn, of course, plenty of deck chairs. If the workaholics leave their computer at home they would have no choice but to slow down and get on river time. Many previous passengers are returning with their families for a multi generational reunion or in groups with their fellow club members. Note there are no facilities for young children. Also unlike other river boat excursions, the tours may not always be guided. If the port town is in walking distance from the barge, mates may be given passes to all the local attractions and go to visit them at will. The guided excursions are tailored just for the barge passengers. One very memorable tour we experienced from the barge was to the Vicksburg National Military Park. One of the tour stops was at the state of Illinois Civil War Monument, one of the most impressionable in the park. It was modeled after the Roman Pantheon, the marble interior walls holds 60 bronze tablets containing names of all 36,325 participants in the Vicksburg Campaign. Our guide had us stand in a circle holding hands under the dome and sing God Bless America. There was not a dry eye in the house even among those visitors not with our group. A visit to this place in our history brought home to us generations later what was sacrificed by others for us. We were on the Delta South Barge Itinerary. The Barge Explorer has many different itineraries; each one along with the shore excursions, local entertainment and local foods, will give the guest a real distinctive taste of America.

The Dinning room features open seating and of course casual dress. Breakfast and lunch are buffet and dinner is served. The food theme keeps with the itinerary. Of course we ate southern, grits, pecan pie, and gumbo. Further north you will get bratwurst and sauerkraut. Just in case three meals cookies and popcorn do not keep you satisfied you are invited to raid the refrigerator kept stocked 24/7 with sandwiches, yogurt and deserts. You may keep your emergency food & drink stash in the electric cooler you will find in your room.

The hand picked family members who staff the barge, all have river related backgrounds. The smiling face of Barge Master Ed Clark conveys the heart & soul of the barge. His background is in Louisiana law enforcement and he is in charge of barge security as well. The barge is patrolled 24 hours a day. Clark has been the Barge Master since it onset nine years ago and says he has the best job in the word.

During the nine years five couples from the staff have met and married and he has made many new, now longtime friends among the barge mates.

The River Barge Explorer is all-inclusive, the basic price includes: accommodations, entertainment, all meals, tips, taxes, port charges, and scheduled shore activities. Only liquor and gift shop items are extra. Barge mates are not even charged extra to play bingo while aboard.

Exploring the heart of America along the American waterways in this unique fashion brings out the Tom Sawyer in all of us. For more information on the River Barge Excursions see your travel agent or visit www.riverbbarge.com

Travel along the coastal Viking Route among the Shetlands and Orkney Islands and the coast of Scotland and you will take a journey back to the Stone Age. There much ancient history of mankind to explore here. Visitors to this area are amazed to see there is so much more than golf courses in Scotland. The entire area is an archaeologist dream.

The first hint of the world you are about to explore is the terrain. You will see green rolling hills dotted with ancient burial mounds, and miles and miles of beautiful stone fences, but very few trees. .It does take awhile for one to notice the trees are missing. They say long ago there were trees, but it is hard to imagine looking at the surface today. Stones however are a different story. Even after the miles of stone fences, and houses and brocks built centuries ago the terrain is still laden with small rock and stones. After experiencing a day of their gale force winds, I realize nature has provided the area with life sustaining material stone, wood would not do.

Sailing down the coast in a small ship allowed us the freedom to tour the smaller island and port cities where the larger ships cannot maneuver. The ship being a perfect, less hassled way to get to the harder to reach destinations and less frequently visited places. Many of the sites we visited are older than the famous Stonehenge Circle in England, but very similar in structure, such as the Callandish standing stones at Stornoway on the Lewis Island in the Western Isles. Here there is Roman graffiti left on the stones that can be seen and read by all.

The Carloway Broch is also on the island although only one half of it is left standing, it is enough to be one of the best examples left see how they were built and used. The broch is atop a hill; even with the ample pathway some will not be able climb to it. Wear a sturdy shoe. Not a place for sandals.

Kirkwall is an experience. The castle/palace sitting in the mist of town was built for the earl, Patrick Steward. The great thing about the castle is the fact it is just sitting there as is, or was. No one has refurbished it or furnished it. You may walk the halls, feel the large indentations in the steps, wore down by the Seward family. See and feel the enormous size of the kitchen .you can easily imagine the long tables filled with hungry worriers. You can see how each of the stones are fitted together. You can walk the stairway to the large receiving room with the many fireplaces. Walk through the bedrooms, and see even the latrine area. As you get to the third floor you notice there is no roof. According to our guide they sold it. After the castle was abandon someone bought the roof stones. Further outside the town, Neolithic Maes Howe, built 5000 year ago, is standing well preserved for us enter and stand surrounded by the presence of ancient man. One can read the 12th century Viking Crusaders graffiti on the walls of stone. One can also see how cleverly the use of sunlight was projected through the entryway.

Before the pyramids in Egypt were built man was living in Skara Brae on the mainland of the Orkney Islands. This stone-age village is said to be the best-preserved in all of northern Europe. Absolutely fascinating original details in tack, beds, dressers and storage spaces, all made of stone. It is easy to imagine Fred Flintstone in one of the houses. This whole enormous site sits on a rise just above the ocean. The site was exposed during a storm in 1850. It is still being excavated today.

Besides the many mysterious ancients sites of man to explore in this area of the world, the sights of nature are also interesting. If you are lucky enough to be aboard a smaller ship as we were, with zodiacs you can go over to Muckle Flugea. Here you will find a lighthouse and fulfillment of a bird watchers dream, with many birds of different & rare varieties. On the islands you will see the rare breed of the ancient sheep and of course the famous Highland bulls. There are flocks of sheep everywhere, grazing on the rolling green hills. Anyone wishes to see and archeological dig will find this is the place to be. There are numerous digs going on at any giving time

This article has only touched on a few of the sites left here from the past. The opportunity to visit the many burial sites, ancient stone brocks and houses, and villages are abundant in these islands. They are waiting to be visited by the adventurous and inquisitive that would like to journey back to the Stone Age

I took this journey aboard the “Clipper Adventurer” a wonderful small ship line that can be booked through Clipper ships or Intrav. They take very good care of their passengers while providing amazing adventures most seniors can enjoy.