Alaska Tip: HOT Destination Statistics – Alaska again in 2017. Rush season is upon us !

 

Was at our annual conference, this past week, with Cruises Inc.  Along with all the major cruise lines and land tour operators, the press, our staff, and more !

We heard from several vendors, expressing destination statistics.  2017 TOP cruising destination (Alaska vs Europe), was pointed  ‘back at Alaska’ again ! 

So where is the HOT destination in 2017 ?  Right now … Alaska !

Venture where everyone else wants to go in 2017 ?  Or, turn to Europe, with possibly less tourists ?
 

What does this mean to the consumer in 2017 ?

*More ships have been placed in Alaska
*Cruise Lines have a big focus on Alaska.  Many offers have taken place in the last 6 months.
*More travelers will be in Alaska
*More sales in 2016 for 2017, have already taken place for Alaska (meaning, ships filling up).
*Pricing are rising … As I write this.

If you too, want to venture to Alaska in 2017, whether it’s your 1^st time, or ready to cruise Alaska again … It’s time !  Time to get your adventure booked !  Even before the 1^st of the year, during rush season !

What is rush season ?  Jan to Mid-March. When those folks who can’t book earlier or don’t think to book early, call these months, in a rush/panic, to get their next year’s vacation confirmed.

If nothing is holding you back from getting your 2017 vacation booked … CALL NOW !

Let me walk you through … What you’ll be glad you knew.

(434) 237-3832 ... Listen for voip option !  I'm on the phone with another excited Alaska cruise ... Just like you !
Vivian M Webb, MCC
Next post ... After the new year (smile) ... January 11, 2017. See you then !

Alaska Tip. Folks ask, which cruise line ? Do I (for myself) choose Alaska cruise based on cruise line personality or added value benefits ?

Usually, when customers call for their first cruise, I’m trying to find out their own personality, in trying to match up with a specific cruise line.  Unless folks only looking for price.

In some cases, with Alaska, folks still looking, just for price. However, in my opinion, you can miss out on some of the essentials or popularities, if only choosing by price.

Such as, price can leave you with …

•             Missed main ports
•             Minimal times in port
•             Not the most popular glacier to see

 

Yet, that’s not always the case.  You could actually just choose your favorite cruise line and miss out on added value available !

Whether adding a land package or not, I tend to look deep at what the different cruises are offering, before deciding which cruise.  Then I turn to look at the land offers.

However, I keep in mind, when I’m including a land package, I tend to look more at Princess or Holland America, because their train portion, involves Denali (or near) to Anchorage or to the ship. Where as other cruises lines do not.

I have a total “set way” of dissecting the many different packages, before deciding which one for myself (and guiding others).  I’m looking for parts of the puzzle to be included.  So I’m not as specific, to which cruise line, till I see the puzzle, I’m including a land package.

When you’re ready for me to help you too, with the puzzle, call me !  Alaska continues to be my most favorite destination. And try to get there every other year, if not every year.
 

Call me.

I’m here till Nov 29, 2016 … Then sailing the new Carnival Vista & return Monday, Dec 12.
 (434/800) 237-3832.  Mention you saw my blog !

Next Alaska Blog Article, Dec 21, 2016 - See you then (smile).  Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Which cruise in Alaska ? Which Cruise Line ? What if I just want the cheapest Alaska vacation ? How long do I have in deciding 2017 ? Avoiding January Rush !

Alaska is on so many cruisers bucket list.  And many returning cruisers !

When’s the time to buy ?  What to choose ?  Which cruise line ?  Do I include an Alaska Land Package ?  Before or after cruise ?

So many needed answers !  Choosing Alaska is not as simple as choosing a Caribbean cruise.  Or at least, not how I look at it.  Unless … You just want the cheapest.

Today, that’s what I want to talk about … How to find the cheapest (Your most needed goal) ? 

If cheapest is not #1, call me.  Let’s talk about value.  How to see & choose the best options !  What you’re getting/what you’re not !

Keep in mind, with any cruise, if going only after the cheapest, it may means … No choice in …

*Cruise Line
*Itinerary
*Embarkation/Disembarkation port
*No added land package (except you need to go one day early – hotel purchase) – See further down if want to include a land package
*Vacationing May/Sept (For Alaska)
*Cabin Location/Room #
*Flying from your hometown, if looking for cheapest flights

Before going further in finding the cheapest, like any cruise, ask yourself these 6 questions, prior to seeking additional answers (+ a 7^th question):

*When are all the times you can go (Alaska season is May to Sept) ?
*How long can you go for (best to plan, minimum 8 days for Alaska, or it’s not really worth going) ?
*Who will be going ?
*How many in each room ?
*Do you want a suite, balcony, oceanview, or inside cabin (no winder) ?
*What is your budget ? 
*If able to vacation May/Sept, are you willing to accept the possible colder weather ?
 
How to see the cheapest 7 Night Alaska Cruise: 
You’ll go here (see other info below): www.VivianWebb.com
Please note, instructions below are for desk top computer, lap top, ipad, etc – On cell phone, you will get our app and does not show info as easily !
Once here, see Cruise Finder. 
Choose Itinerary (Alaska – All).
Choose 6-8 nights.
Choose a month (Only available months will come up).
Press Search.
Once on next page, you’ll see, Sort by Price (low to high).  The page will auto change.
You’ll now see cruise line, ship name, dates, lead in pricing.
Please know … If you see more than one date … It does not mean, all these dates are same price. What it means is, all these dates have the same itinerary !
See the word ‘Select’ to the right ? If you are using a ‘mouse’, right click and open in a new window.  This will keep the original page intact, so you can go back and look at other choices.  If you don’t have a mouse, just choose select, and you can back page, when want to go back.
Or go here, See all 7 Night cruises for 2017/2018.
Remember, don't buy from my website (this only a source of info for you).  Call - I buy for you - Making sure we know all the rules, any amenities, etc, before buying.

So you want a land package with your cruise ?

We need to talk.  Again, so I can show you value.  Certain things you’ll want to consider, not skimping on, with land.

When do you buy ?  Avoiding ‘Last Minute January Rush’

Whether you want the cheapest or want value, please know, space has been selling since at least 1^st quarter of 2016, for 2017.  Every day that goes by, more folks are buying. 
 
Note, 70% of my clients, will have their 2017 vacation booked, before end of year (that’s my suggestion to you too).  Those who wait to buy their vacation in January are buying in the ‘Last Minute Rush’.  Phones ring off the hook.  Harder to get thru to the cruise lines, and cabin space, land packages, and pricing can often change, during the middle of a phone conversation !

There are other folks who want the cheapest … So these cabins go quick.

Many folks who want to include land packages … These go quicker.
Other folks who need 3 or 4 in a room … They sell out faster than cabins for 2.
Many folks want balconies & suites … They often sell out 1^st !  And some cruise lines don’t offer balconies, unless you’re also buying a land package.  And those who do offer balconies for just a cruise, hoards out many balconies, to be saved for those buying land packages.  Either way, balconies & suites become scarce … Quickly !

With all the sales going on … Space continues to sell, as I write this.  Making space less available for you.

So whether you want the cheapest … Or you want to fulfill your Alaska Bucket List in 2017 …
The time to call is NOW … Before Nov 29 (then I’m sailing on the new Carnival Vista).

(434/800) 237-3832

It’s a voip machine.  I’m on the phone with other cruisers (smile).
Please listen to options.
Return calls, M-F, 12noon to 6pm, Eastern Time.  When I call you back, have your computer in front of you please.  I will show you what you need to know (smile).
Watch for & visit me again for my next Alaska Article, December 14,2016
Happy Thanksgiving !

 

 

 

 

 

Explore Alaska with Norwegian. Exclusive Price Advantage - $50 Bonus - Pictures - Videos - & NCL's Free at Sea

Norwegian Cruise Line invites you to …

“Explore the wilderness on the youngest and most modern fleet in Alaska.

See below … Utube Video … 360 virtual tour … Norwegian’s current offer … And …

Cruises Inc Exclusives !

 

Go here:  Enjoy uTube video … Explore Alaska with Norwegian Cruise Line.

Norwegian invites you to  … ‘Sail the Inside Passage with an Insider’.

“ … snowy peaks stretch towards the horizon … Alaska feels boundless”.

“ … watch eagles nesting along coastal forests.”

“… Experience the thrill of a 30 ton whale gliding under your catamaran”.

“… Venture into the wilderness on a dogsled ride in Juneau, witness Misty Fjords aboard a jet-powered catamaran in Ketchikan, or take it all in via the rails on the Skagway White Pass Scenic Railway”.

And watch … “Kids' faces will light up like the midnight sun as they enjoy special kid’s activities and entertainment on board …” 

Norwegian wants to help cruisers explore all sides of Alaska.  Offering more than 120 shore excursions to choose from.

And to explore more of the Last Frontier … Consider heading “deeper into the frozen wilderness on an Alaska CruiseTour.  While knowing … “Exclusive to Norwegian … All Cruisetours are led by local Alaskan guides who pass along their traditions and real-life experiences. Get a unique perspective of The Last Frontier through a one-of-a-kind Alaskan vacation. 

Go here:  Norwegian Sun VirturalTour.

Go here:  Vivian’s Norwegian Sun Pictures.

Go here:  Glacier Bay National Park.

Go here: July 2016 Deluxe Yukon Skagway Tour - Shore Excursion Group.

Go here: Alaska RRCoastal Classic Adventure (Seward to Anchorage)

 Gratuities for drinks and specialty dining are additional if chosen and due at time of final payment.

Let Cruises Inc help you keep … MORE $$ in your pocket.

Cruises Inc’s 2017 Price Advantage and extra onboard credit.

Please view itineraries by … Sail date/Norwegian/Ship name:  www.BestCruiseSavings.com

 

Norwegian Pearl – Aug 20 & Sept 24 - Up to $275 Price Advantage*.

Norwegian Jewel – May 13 - Up to $130 Price Advantage* (Only Category left - Inside - IE).

Norwegian Sun – July 3, 17, 31, Aug 7, 14, 21, Sept 4 & 11 - Up to $100 Price Advantage* 

 

10/04/2016.  *Cruises Inc’s Price Advantage is a per person savings; opportunity is withdrawn, once Cruises Inc’s inventory has been sold out or taken back by Norwegian Cruise Line at any time.  Inventory is limited and sells quickly.  Available on a 1^st come 1^st serve based, with required deposit ($525 per couple-2 persons), to guarantee space/cost.

Are you an existing Cruises Inc customer ? 

Ask @ Exclusive Norwegian Certificates offer.

 

 

Sorry, I'm sailing on the Crystal Serenity thru Oct 18 !

If you have credit card in hand now ... I'm available Oct 5 & 6 only till 4pm (Wed/Thur) ! 

While I'm sailing, call & press 62 & leave message & I will call you Oct 19.

(434/800) 237-3832
Vivian M. Webb, MCC
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While Alaska 2016 Alaska cruise season, over, & 2017 literally in our back door ! Did you know ? New unique options ! Many cruise lines involved & FROM several ports !

Ooops, I'm a little late post things week. I usually do on Wednesday (every other week for my Alaska Blog).  Busy this week ... With all of you ... All excited about 2017 Alaska options !
-----------------------------

 

With the 2016 Alaska cruise season now over, we can keep a more direct focus on the 2017 season.

Which Alaska adventure is for you ?

How do you choose ?

7 Night cruise ?  From Seattle ? Vancouver ? Seward ? Whittier ?

Or more ports with 9-10-11-14 Night cruises from San Fran, Seattle, Vancouver & more ?
Will it be with Royal Caribbean ?  Oceania ?  Regent ?  Norwegian ?
Or will you include a Land Tour Package with your cruise ?

And will you receive FREE gratuities ?  Onboard Credit ?  Complimentary Gratuities ?  Free drinks ?  Free Shore Exclusions ? 

That’s determined by You:

(1)When you decide to lock in (surely before deadlines) !
(2)Which cruise you choose !
(3)Which FREEBIE you opt for !

 

Go here, your 7night opportunities from Seattle, Vancouver, & more !

Go here,  Did you know ?  10/11 Night Cruises from San Francisco. 

Princess is round trip.  And Regent & Oceania sail to  Vancouver.

Go here, Did youknow ?  9-10-11-12 Night cruises from Vancouver. 

Oceania, Regent, Disney, and Crystal return back to Vancouver.  Royal Caribbean and Seaborne sail to Seward.  Norwegian and Regent sail to San Fran.  Celebrity & Oceania to Seattle.   WOW, choices !

Go here, Did youknow ?  10 Night from Seattle. 

With Oceania returning back to Seattle.  And Norwegian and Regent returning to Vancouver.

Go here, Did youknow ?  Princess has a 10 Night, round trip San Pedo, CA.

Go here, Did you know?  Carnival has a 14 Night, round trip Long Beach, CA.

Go here, Did youknow ?  Norwegian has a 14 Night, San Francisco to Vancouver.

Go here, Did youknow ?  12-14-25 Night, roundtrip Vancouver.

See Regent & Seaborne.

Go here, Did youknow ?  Seaborne has a 14 & 25 Night from Seaward to Vancouver.

 

It’s Time ! Booking 2017 Alaska is in full swing.

Are you in ?

Or will you miss the boat again in 2017 ?

 

Call Today !

(434/800) 237-3832.

Listen to voip options.  I am always on the phone with one of You !

Post again Wed, Oct 5, 2017 ... See you then !

Asked 25 people, why Alaska was on their bucket list ? What’s your reason ?

 

 

Folks ask me often, why I keep going back to Alaska.  It’s the serenity and peace I feel, when there.

More importantly, why do you think you want to visit Alaska ?

Decided to ask 25 people,  who have yet to visit Alaska, why it’s on their bucket list ?

Though many generic answers like … History, culture, seafood, wildlife, and scenery … Others were more specific !
 

1.       Visit the North Pole

2.       Visit the Artic

3.       Camping in a hotel (cabin life)

4.       Fish for salmon & ship my catch home

5.       Pan for gold

6.       Alaska art (Alaska jewelry)

7.       Visit a mine

8.       Only US state, I’ve yet to visit

9.       Chat with the locals

10.   Visit the upside down garden in Juneau

11.   Kayak near a glacier

12.   Hike part of the gold rush trail in Skagway

13.   Alaska huskies/Iditarod camp/dog cart ride

14.   Take a helicopter ride up to a glacier

 

I asked these same folks, where they got these ideas ?
Friends, pictures, books, research & other.

So the bigger question today is … Why is Alaska on your bucket list ?

--------------------------------

 

See you next 'I love Alaska' Blog article, September 21, 2016 (smile)

 

2017 Alaska - Buck List ? Whose already booked … AND what folks are booking !

Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, and is very high on most cruise lovers' list.

2016 has been a great Alaska bound season !

So many of my clients taking advantage of their 1^st time to Alaska !
Lots of repeat cruisers to Alaska too !
And last minute buyers still jumping on 2016 opportunities !

Those who couldn’t find time in their schedule to visit in 2016 …

Began booking 2017 … Way back in May !

WHY ?

(1)Cruise Line offers !
(2)Folks know … Space is limited !
(3)Many cruises LOVE getting their next vacation on the books (before they even vacation this year)

You’re thinking … HOW COULD SPACE BE LIMITED ?  All these ships ?

#1 REASON … I call it … YOUR rules !
When you’re not flexible … AND … You have specific requests … YOU are making your own available space … LIMITED !

YOU SAY … You have no rules ?

Hehehe …. 90% of cruises … HAVE RULES !
If you answer NO to any of the below … You have rules too (smile).
If not ... Then you are in the 10% who don't ! (smile)
These questions apply to ALL CRUISES (not just Alaska)…

Are you ok with ?

(A)Vacationing ANY week or ANY month, May-Sept, for Alaska 2017 ?
(B)An inside cabin ? (balconies & suites go 1^st)
(C )Accommodations for only 2 in a room ? (Triple & Quad cabins are limited – go quick)
(D)Do you need more than 2 rooms ? (Group space, 5 or more cabins, go 1^st.  Cruise Lines limit groups)
(E ) Cabins not side by side, to friends/family ?  Or not even on same deck ?
(F)Cabin location, front or back of the boat ?
(G)Not including a specific glacier ?  (Glacier  Bay, very popular)
(H)An itinerary that leaves out one of the more favorable ports ? (Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway or Sitka)
 

#2 REASON ... You want a land package too ?
OH WOW … You’ve just limited yourself even more !
These SELL OUT before 7 night cruises do !
The cruise lines have many many land packages !  However, they can ONLY sell so many cabins for EACH of their different packages. 

Think about it !  20 packages per ship/sailing … X 100 people = 2,000 people !  That’s only 50 cabin (based on 2 in a room) opportunities available per package !  Who’s limited NOW  ?

And let’s say …  400 of these 2000 people, buy just the 7 night cruises … Now, only  40 cabins have an opportunity to buy the land package !  WOW !
 
Oh … I could on and on !  Insight for the consumer  !

And … Did you know this @ cruise line offers ?

(1)It’s selling space !  Your available space, continues to become more limited !
(2)Drives rates UP.  The more that sell, the more the rates go up !  You might be getting FREE drinks or FREE gratuities, but the rates keep climbing !

 

Oh … And what are folks booking mostly ?

(A)Naturally, the cruise lines with all the spectacular offers … Go here & see:  www.BestCruiseSavings.com
(B)Cruises with Land Packages included !
(Want land package too ?  Call me.  Let’s look at packages a different way)
(C ) Many folks are turning Regent Seven Seas ... FREE UNLIMITED SHORE EXCURSIONS & more.

Call today for 2017 !

(434/800) 237-3832

Press 62 & leave me a message (mention code: AKBLOG)

Yes, it's a voip machine ... I'm on the phone booking vacations ! (smile)

 

 

 

Who wouldn’t like to have FREE UNLIMITED SHORE EXCURSIONS & MORE, on Your Alaska Cruise Adventure ?

What if you could have complimentary … As many as you can fit into port time …

80+ possible Shore Excursion choices … For Your Alaska Cruise Adventure ? 

(And … FREE Specialty Restaurants … FREE Unlimited Beverages throughout the ship (even Fine Wines and Spirits … FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities … FREE Unlimited WiFi Throughout the Ship* … FREE Transfers Between Airport and Ship … FREE 24-Hour Room Service … & More (especially for suites & higher).

 

Back to Shore Excursions.  Once you’ve seen the 80+ options below, you can imagine their value at $ 50 to $300 per person & some valued at more !

Keep in mind, excursion sign-up, is based on availability … First Come First Serve.  As they say, ‘The early birds get the worm !’.  Availability is also based on the ports your cruise visits !  And the list of opportunities can change from year to year or even cruise to cruise.  Note, other rules may apply !

You’ll also be able to learn, prior to deciding ‘which shore excursions for you’, whether they are:

(A)Light Activity /Walking Light Activity /Walking (B) Seated Tour Seated Tour (C ) Moderate Activity/Walking Moderate Activity/Walking (D) Most Active or Strenuous Most Active or Strenuous (E ) Minimal Activity Required Minimal Activity Required (F) Regent Choice Regent Choice (G) Gourmet Explorer Gourmet Explorer (H) Meal Included, and (I) Is this an Evening Tour

 

Here are examples:

Seward:  (A) Exit Glacier and Alaska Sealife Center, (B) Explore the Kenai Mountains, and (C )Kenai Fjords Cruise 

Tracy Arm Glacier (only one): Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer
Dutch Harbor: (A) Coastal Beach Combing (B) Discover Unalaska's Natural Wonders (C ) Eyes to the Sky Bird Watching Tour (D) Glimpse of the Past (E ) Highlights of Unalaska (F) Hiking Off the Beaten Path (G) Shuttle Bus
Icy Strait: (A) ATV Expedition (B) Forest & Nature Tram (C ) Forest Tram & Tribal Dance (D) Halibut Fishing (E ) Hoonah Sightseeing & Tribal Dance (F) Icy Strait Point Kayak Adventure (G) In Alaska's Wildest Kitchen (H) Scenic Mountain Ascent and World's Largest Ziprider (I) Spasski River Valley Wildlife & Bear Search (J) Tribal Dance & Cultural Legends (K) Whale & Marine Mammals Cruise (L) Whales, Wildlife & Bear Search
Juneau: (A) Dog Sledding On the Mendenhall Glacier Via Helicopter* (B) Evening Whale Watching Quest (C ) Five Glacier Seaplane Exploration (D) Flavors of Juneau (E ) Fly-in Fly Fishing (F) Glacier View Sea Kayaking (G) Gold Creek Salmon Bake (H) Helicopter Glacier Trek (I) Historic Gold Mining & Panning Adventure (J) Mendenhall Glacier - Guide's Choice Adventure Hike (K) Mendenhall Glacier & Evening Whale Watching Quest (L) Mendenhall Glacier & Gardens (M) Mendenhall Glacier & Juneau Highlights Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Quest (N) Mendenhall Glacier By Helicopter & Guided Walk * (O) Mendenhall Glacier Explorer (P) Mendenhall Glacier Native Canoe Adventure (Q) Mendenhall Glacier River Float (R ) Pilot's Choice Glacier Helicopter Explorer* (S) Taku Glacier Lodge Flight & Feast (T) Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Photo Safari (U) Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest (V) Whales, Glaciers & Rainforest Trails
Ketchikan: (A) Adventure Kart Expedition (B) Alaska Bear Adventure By Floatplane (C ) Alaskan Lodge Adventure & Seafeast (D) Bear Viewing On Prince of Wales (E )Classic Misty Fjords Flightseeing (F) Cruise George Inlet and Crab Feast (G) Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show (H) Guided Fishing in the Wilderness Highlights of Ketchikan - Alaska's First City (I) Ketchikan Duck Tour (J) Ketchikan Private Tour (K) Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer (L) Misty Fjords Seaplane Adventure (M) Mountain Peak Flight Seeing & Crab Feast (N) Neets Bay Bear Watch By Floatplane (O) Rainforest Canoe & Nature Trail (P) Rainforest Island Adventure (Q) Saxman Native Village & Lumberjack Show (R ) The Bering Sea - Crab Fisherman’s Tour (S) Tongass Rainforest Expedition (T) Totem Traditions & Potlatch Park
Sitka: (A) Advanced Bike Trip (B) Alaska 4x4 Nature Safari (C ) Artist Walk - Hot Italian Glass (D) Historic Sitka and Nature Walk (E ) Jet-Cat Wildlife Quest and Beach Exploration (F) Ocean Raft Adventures Russian America and Raptor Center (G) Salmon Sportfishing (H) Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest (I) Sea Otters, Raptors and Bearsoh My! (J) Sitka Cycling and Forest Walk (K) Tongass Rainforest Nature Hike (L) Wilderness Sea Kayaking Adventure
Skagway: (A) Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Adventure (B) Eagle Preserve Float Adventure and Cruise (C ) Eagle Preserve Wildlife River Boat Adventure (D) Ghosts and Goodtime Girls Historic Walking Tour (E ) Glacier Discovery By Helicopter* (F) Goldrush Highlights (G) Icefield Flightseeing and Dogsledding * (H) Klondike Adventure Park and Zip Lines (I) Klondike Explorer & Skagway Highlights (J) Klondike Gold Dredge and Gold Panning (K) Klondike Rock Climbing and Rappelling Adventure (L) Rainforest Bicycle Tour (M) Scenic Rail & Yukon Suspension Bridge (N) Skagway By Streetcar (O) Taste of Skagway (P) Venture to Glacier Point (Q) White Pass Railway & City Tour (R ) White Pass Scenic Railroad

 

ALASKA … Big, bold and impossibly beautiful, Alaska stretches beyond the imagination, particularly in her southeastern seas where Seven Seas Mariner sails. Ancient glaciers glint majestically, as snow-mantled mountains soar into the cerulean sky. The deep harbors and frontier towns welcome visitors with open arms, eager to reveal their riches. The possibilities are endless, inviting excursions of untold discovery and delight.

Only Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers FREE UNLIMITED SHORE EXCURSIONS in EVERY port of call. And unlimited means you can take as many excursions in a day and during your entire voyage as time and your penchant for adventure allows. Shore excursions are the heart of every destination, a way for you to experience the history, culture and cuisine of the exciting ports of call visited with knowledgeable local guides and comfortable transportation. Cruise George Inlet and indulge in a taste of Alaska at a crab feast, walk the ancient pathways of Ephesus and Jerusalem or enjoy a trek through a tropical jungle in Phuket on a majestic elephant. All yours to experience on our FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions.

For those intrepid explorers who wish to delve deeper into a region's culture and history we offer REGENT CHOICE SHORE EXCURSIONS in each destination. The unique and one-of-a-kind content of these popular excursions require a highly discounted supplementary charge to partially offset the cost of their more extravagant nature. Carefully chosen for their inspiring and distinctive settings, every optional Regent Choice Shore Excursion is an enriching experience for the senses. The possibilities are endless, from private behind-the-scenes tours of world-renowned places to authentic cultural experiences led by knowledgeable local guides. Exclusive to Seven Seas Explorer® are the GOURMET EXPLORER TOURS, which allow you to savor the local flavors of esteemed wineries and restaurants in the company of a master Chef. Whatever your choice — a FREE Shore Excursion, a Regent Choice Shore Excursion or a Gourmet Explorer Tour - the possibilities for discovery and opportunity for savings are extraordinary.

Call Today !

(434/800) 237-3832
Vivian M Webb, MCC
Visit my 'I Love Alaska' Blog for my next article, Aug 17, 2016

 

Above insight provided by Regent Seven Seas Cruises website.

 

 

My 14th adventure to Alaska – June 2016. Why I love and continue to return to Alaska

Folks ask often … Why do I continue to go back to Alaska ? 

Especially when my 1^st time there, was truly such a disastrous experience !

For those who don’t know, my 1^st time to Alaska was in 1977, just a few days after graduating High School (June 14).  Though planned a year prior, I first got married on May 21, before turning 18, on May 25. We had to leave soon after, for our 10 day driving adventure, across the ‘pot hole’ roads of the Alaskan Highway, to our new Air Force life in Anchorage, AK.   Though driving there is a full story in itself, this marriage had already shown its true colors before we actually left VA. 

Once there, too often, in my defense, the neighbors opted in calling the police, when we lived off base, and upon moving onto Elmendorf Air Force Base, the MP’s.  Though pastoral counseling expressed to my new husband, that he was not to beat me (God didn’t beat his church), I was crazily told, that I couldn’t opt to leave this marriage, unless he died or ran around on me.  Imagine my nights of prayer, especially those, where I slept in the bathroom, away from this stressful battering.

I received ‘ 3 personal wake up calls’, which finally brought me to my decision to return back to VA.  (1)Other wives told me I must love the beating, if I opt to stay, (2) The Air Force MP’s, told me, it’s never going to chance & I need to make this realization, and (3)When my new husband was involved in the death of the dog I had gotten in Alaska.  So after 2 months, I opted to get help from the MP’s & I flew home.  After, paying $500 to get my car home.  It’s the same month ‘Elvis Presley’ died.

Fortunate for me, this bad experience didn’t hold over my life !  Or at least not consciously.  Subconsciously, who knows (??).  So though I might cry sometimes when telling it (smile), it’s only a life story to me !  Not much different than life’s little disasters, we all go through !

 

My 2^nd time to Alaska.  I had already gotten into this business.  My mom, dad, a girlfriend (passed away 20 years ago), and my BF of the time (passed away last year), and friend of his, all went together.  It was a southbound cruise, so yes, we began from Anchorage.  While there, I still wasn’t jumping up & down for Alaska. Yet after 2 months of returning, and looking through  my pictures … I saw it … And became instantly hooked … And would continue to be my favorite place to visit !

 

I can promise you, I’m not my only customer, who continues to return to Alaska !  Lots of my clients have visited several times and continue to love it too !  Sometimes, the cost, is just the difference in airfare, than going to the Caribbean.  Especially when you live in Central VA and more to the west.

Why do I love Alaska ?

(1)Mountains
(2)Snow on the mountains
(3 )The scenery changes each time I visit !
(4)Peaceful serenity
(5)Laid back
(6)The Alaska culture
(7)Alaska art !

And now that I’m home for my 14^th time.   I thought it was about time to partake in Alaska’s Alaska Specialist program.  After 82 pages of reading and 6 tests … I passed !
See my certification below !

 

Like someone told me the other day (who has yet to venture to Alaska), and I’ve heard it before … ‘They’ve not heard anyone express that they didn’t love their Alaska cruise !”.

It’s your turn !
Call me for YOUR 2017 adventure today !  Not all Alaska cruise vacations are alike !
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See you in 2 weeks ... Next Alaska Blog entry, Aug 3, 2016