Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Alaska Tip: 2017 Alaska cruises are out for purchase






Many cruise lines already have their pricing out for 2017 cruises.
We're still waiting on the land packages.
Maybe in 30 days to 3 months.

Make your 2017 cruise purchase by Dec 31, 2015 and receive $25 to a local charity of choice.  You must mention this.

(434/800) 237-3832

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Alaska – Ketchikan Tip - The Point Art Café




Love art ?  Love a good hot meal with soup and sandwich and maybe even a cookie ?  Want to enjoy watching the Sea Planes take off ?  You can even see the “duck tours” leaving out.

Next time you’re in Ketchikan, consider going to The Point (just outside of downtown Ketchikan).  You can call the owner of the café (call in advance and after arriving) to come pick you up, complimentary.  Owned by Alaskan artists, Terry and Cheri Pyles.
 
Ask Terry to also show you his art sculptures in downtown Ketchikan !
And his wife’s yarn store.

All a delight and some great history !  And delightful meal, while at the point.
 
Their website:  http://www.alaskanart.net/

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

What can we expect the “same” for an Alaska versus a cruise to the Caribbean ? What’s different ? Why folks keep going back !



An Alaska cruise versus a Caribbean, have many similarities, yet certainly differences !  You may see different sites in Alaska, to include their culture, however, once back onboard, you have the same type of cruise life.

For the most part, you’ll find these same opportunities:
*Variety of dining venues
*Daily activities
*Night time entertainment
*Shopping – onboard and in port
*Shore Excursion ventures

Choices you might find different:
*Food or wine
*Lectures/seminars onboard
*Jewelry and clothes – onboard & in port
*Cultural type shore excursions – Yet opportunities like zip lining, can be found in both.  Even snorkeling.

 
On sunny days, you will still find folks in their bathing suits on deck and in the jacuzzi’s.  Whether it’s enjoying the mountainous views or just soaking up some rays !

I find that more folks venturing on an Alaska cruise, will opt in getting off the ship in port, to explore it’s town or partake in an excursion, more often than I see on Caribbean cruises.  Not only cause many folks have never been there, but in truly wanting to see the cultural differences.

And though many folks believe, their chosen vacation to Alaska may be there one and only time, so many folks, return over and over.  Not only for opportunities they missed the first time around, but to revisit sites/opportunities they truly loved.

Alaska offers, not only a serenity type of feeling, but it’s locals are so friendly !  An atmosphere, that often, keeps you coming back.

And though you want to plan like you’ll never come back, you may quickly decide differently, once there or upon returning home, and revisiting all your memories !

I’ve been 13 times, and each year, hope to return the next .  If I had my rathers, I would visit 3 times each season, to provide more dates, for new folks and returning folks, to travel with me.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Alaska Tip. Are you waiting for January Waive Season to book 2016 ? Consider your needed education prior to decision !


Since last May, folks have been booking their 2016.  Options and availability become slimmer as we get closer to January.

January is when 20% of the folks who have yet to book … Will !  50-70% of the folks, already booked.

If you are one of these folks, it’s “time” to give yourself that needed education, so you are ready to make those decisions quickly, as “wave season” seasons begin. 

Why or Why not ….
Will you include Denali in your package ? How much time to “you” need there ?
Which glacier on your cruise will give you your best value ?
How many days prior will you venture to your departure port ?
Which form of transportation will you use to get to the ship ?
Which cruise line ? Which personality suits you ?
What kind of cabin do you want for your cruise ?
How many folks going with you ? Have you talked to friends, and let them know you’ll be ready come January 2 ?

 
Next … Who will you call to get your best education ?
Truly consider the agents personal Alaska experience !

Once you have a little education, you can then look at what the cruise lines offer !  Then call your agent to go over what you have chosen and allow them to stand behind you !

And remember to consider your options, not solely on price.