Friday, May 3, 2013

If you have yet to go to Alaska, WHY ?



If you have yet to go to Alaska, WHY ?

 
Cold ? 

Yes, it can be.  And the weather is also unpredictable.  You could plan to go in July, the warmest time, and it have a cold front come in !  It’s true !

Do you not go to work and miss your paycheck, cause it’s snow and cold outside ?  Then know, it’s not worth missing Alaska, just cause it could be cold !

In general, I can not stand cold weather !  I seldom go out, at home, when it’s cold !  However, I’ve been to Alaska 12 times, and I only “wish” I could go, 2-3 times, EVERY SUMMER !

I’ve been fortunate, I’ve seen very little bad weather in Alaska.  That's why many folks like to go when I go ... due to my luck !  Even folks in Alaska will say, "wow, today is a day we've not seen in awhile".  I reply, it's always good for me.
One year, May 10, it was rainy cold while in Juneau.  Yet one year, May 5, it was 75 degees, after crossing the “date line” from Japan, on a 19 day cruise !

I tend to go a lot in May , due to pricing, so I take a chance on it being colder, or just had another snow before I arrive (never has it been in the roads; usually, just in the mountains, and last year, Seward had snow on the side of the road, as we left by train, headed to Anchorage). 

I also go a lot in September, again, due to pricing.  Plus, I love all the end of the season sales !  I’m a shopper !

No matter ... As much as I can not stand cold, the mountains and the serenity Alaska offers, if 200% worth it !  The eagles ... The whales ... The dungenous crab !  All worth it !  And most the time, I need very little more than a light jacket !  Some days in Ketchikan, it gets so hot while there, we're pealing off the layers !  It's worth it !

 
Cost ? 

The airfare can be pricy.  Keep in mind, lowest pricing on airfare is usually round trip Seattle cruises. 

North or Southbound cruises, where you do touch Anchorage, is often around $1,000 pp (about $250 pp more than r/t Seattle).  However, the cruise are often cheaper, so it can even out.

Being a totally Lynchburg airport flyer, instead, sometimes, I will fly in and out of Washington (IAD only), and then take the train up and back, from Lynchburg.

Also, as mentioned above, I often go in May or September, to keep pricing down.

And, Holland America often has last minute cruise pricing, and this is why I have gone to many times, to Alaska, on Holland America.  But know … Even though you’ll see great pricing, a month or so before sailing, the great rates also come out by around January !  So you don’t have to wait till April to decide on a May cruise !

What’s really pricy is a package that includes land.  The best advice I have, if it’s just too much for you, but you want to include land is … (1)  See Holland America and even Princess land specials.  (2) Call me, and I can suggest, “simple” packages, that you can put together, that includes Anchorage only, or Anchorage & Denali.

There’s more than one way to skin a cat, to get descent rates, so you can go !  All you have to do is call me, and I’ll give you as much scoop as I can !

 
Haven’t found time ? 

Ewww, that’s sad.  We’re not promised tomorrow.  Get Alaska on your priority list now !
It's said, by a many a well-known coach, that if you don't have time to diet, time for yourself, excerise, etc, then YOU NEED THE MOST !  Listen to the cries of your body !
 
For coaching needs and/or, to get away to Alaska, call me (434/800) 237-3832, press 6.  Then choose the right option for you !
PS.  I have a 5N Exclusive Customerized land package & 7N Royal Caribbean cruises (southbound) planned for August 10, 2014.  Join us !  See the details ...  HURRY !

 

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Alaska on your bucket list ? Don't miss the Alaska boat in August 2014. Customized-Escorted land & RCI cruise



Almost every year, folks ask me, if I'm going to customize another Alaska land package.  I haven't been able to do this, the last 3-4 years, with my dad's health.  Been a little busy, making sure I was available to run down to Fla, any time the folks might need me, and was kind of afraid, commit myself, in case I could not go, last minute.  Dad died 3 weeks ago.


The package is ready !  I don't know when I will do another one ... So climb onboard for 2014 now !


If Alaska has been on your bucket list too ...  
LOOK >>> Alaska, Aug 2014.  YES, 2014 ! Exclusive “customized” escorted Alaska land pkg with “many perks” & RCI Alaska cruise.  
WHY NOT ACT NOW by May 8, 2013 for BEST AVAILABLE RATES & CABIN LOCATION (many mid-ship cabins already gone to other groups) with ONLY a $ 750 per reservation deposit (based on 2).  NO MORE MONEY NEEDED till May 2014 deadline.  And, You CAN CANCEL up till May 2014 deadline & get the land & cruise deposit (& optional payments) & even (optional) Trip Cancellation Insurance money back with only $ 70 pp cancel fee (minus the included processing fees) !  
KNOW, guaranteed cruise pricing portion, is released by RCI, MAY 8, 2013 ! 
Can’t do 12N’s, call me ! 
Female looking for roommate, call me ! 
(434/)237-3832 (voip machine), press 6 … Then press 62 to leave me message if you have questions … or press 61, if you ARE READY with CC deposit in hand. 
 
SEE PICTURES & DETAILS HERE !
http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/travel/admin/CMSTemplates/DisplayDraft.html?draft_display=true&edOid=1612372090



Friday, April 19, 2013

August 2014 Alaska cruise tour


Weeeeee.  Been busy this week, so had not posted on my Alaska blog this week !


Here is one of the things I've been working on.  I was finishing up, putting together a cruise and one-of-a-kind customized land package in Alaska for August 2014 !

Yes, there's a many a folk who plan this far ahead ! 
And ... Who like getting the lowest rates with the cruise lines ... And best cabins !

My Top Cruiser Group from Tuscon, has made available for all my customers ... The opportunity to join in this adventure !  It's First Come First Service. 

And to guarantee cruise rates, must act by May 8, 2013 !

Go here for details !  See pictures.  See how inviting family & friends may help your pocket book !
http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/travel/admin/CMSTemplates/DisplayDraft.html?draft_display=true&edOid=1612372090



Friday, April 12, 2013

Great 2013 Princess Alaska cruise land offer



Great 2013 Alaska offer on Princess (land & cruise)
http://www.princess.com/find/cruiseDetails.do?voyageCode=H323&tourCode=T3ADBX&date=&noOfPax=2&resType=T&definition_name=

Call ASAP or it will be gone !  (434/800) 237-3832, press 6, then press right option that describes your needs !

The cruise lines I do and do not choose in Alaska



Regent Silver Seas – Because of all the complimentary shore excursions; the cruises are all-inclusive !

Princess Cruises – Many times, they have been known to offer the best times in port.  Princess is one of the kings/queens of Alaska – Been in Alaska for a long time, compared to other cruise lines.  Princess is actually one of my very favorite lines to sail on; it’s like the “love boat”; makes me feel like a Princess !  She is also the only cruise line, so far, that I am willing to do “Open Dining”; they seem to do it with ease “and” you can call that morning a reserve an exact time and can have the same waitress/waiter, table. Also, their hotels, promise a great view.  Princess Denali lodge was one of the 1st hotels to offer a hard top surface, so you didn’t have to roll your suitcase in the dirt; I love the creek below, with this hotel !  For me, if you want a well-rounded product, choose Princess in Alaska !  Remember, balconies sell out quick on Princess ! I've been on several Princess cruises in Alaska !

Holland America – I’ve sailed with them, because they often, offer some great deals.  It is so easy to find their specials on their website, to include, Alaska land packages that are offered.  Years back, you could not get a balcony unless you were doing a land package in Alaska; last year, this was different; will be interested in seeing what lies in the future !  I have sailed many a time to Alaska on Holland America !

Royal Caribbean – I’ve had some great reviews of their land packages, though they have not been in Alaska, offering packages, for the extent of time, as Princess and Holland America.  They do not have as many packages to choose from, so it makes it easier to sift through the options !  But they often, leave out one of the main ports of calls in Alaska, so I will not choose them when they do.  On the land packages, sometimes, they do not offer enough rail for me !   I’m not a lover of their ships up there, because my main reason for loving Royal Caribbean is for their bigger ships of 160,000+ tons, which are magnificent !   Stay tune for a 2014 opportunity about to unroll !

Celebrity Cruises – Their land packages are exactly like Royal Caribbean; so one you review RCI’s itineraries, you don’t have to repeat, and read all the ones for Celebrity too.  Maybe I would choose a Celebrity ship over RCI, only because they are a 5 star.  My clients who love Celebrity, “really love them” and continue to want to sail on them; they don’t make me jump up and down, but I am so happy they please my customers !  And yes, I have been to Alaska on Celebrity a couple of times !

Carnival – Years back, I “may have” chosen her, because the itinerary offered Skagway & Sitka both; today, they do not.  Also, in the past, she offered, simple choice land packages; so folks, who were looking for some lowest rates in Alaska, often choose her; today, she does not offer land packages.  Basically the “reason” to choose Carnival, is price !

Cruise West – Years back they existed, I enjoyed my cruise in Alaska with them !  I love the getting up close; the dress, one time a day; the minimal clothes to take with you !  They were expensive, but I really enjoyed it.  There are some smaller ships in Alaska, and I would consider them; however, do not buy your room, in what I call “the dungeon”; buy an oceanview.

Norwegian  - Sorry, not my choice at all.  They just began land packages in Alaska; so they are newbies.  Years back, NCL was one of the worst cruise lines for agents to have to deal with; I must say, they are getting better.  I have customers who love NCL and those that don’t !

Crystal.  Though I have not done them in Alaska, I would have no problem choosing to sail with them !

 
Alaska is a very important destination for me; sense of "freedom" and "peace" with the mountains and the atmosphere.  My desire, would be to go there at least 3 times a summer, if not, all summer !  I'm particular about times in port and which glacier, when I choose my cruises there !

2013 season is about to begin !  Don't miss the opportunity ! In some cases, sailings are tours are sold out, months back, however, in other instances, there are still some great deals out there.  CALL TODAY !



 

 

Thursday, April 4, 2013

2013 Season is getting closer and weather is getting better

2013 season for Alaska is almost here.  It's April, and cruise ships will begin in May.  Many great deals still out there !

I have been noticing the weather this week.  For example, right now, it is 42 in LYH where I live.  Well, in Seattle, right now, which is an early time of day, is already 51.  Anchorage, but it's much earlier is 25; Skagway 33; Ketchikan is 41.

On year, about 8 years ago, I did a crossing from Osaka, Japan to Seattle.  We did not go to all of Alaska on this cruise, but one day, we were in Juneau.  It was 75 on May 5.  You never know !

If you've yet to book your 2013 Alaska getaway, the time is now !  Especially if you want a land package up in Denali. 

Know ...
Land packages sell out before the cruises.
Balconies sell out before inside !

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Why Skagway ? Sitka ?




I’m truly more of a Skagway fan, than Sitka !

Love …

·         Trains

·         This shoot out looking town

·         Available transportation from the ship to the town, which is only @ 3 blocks away

·         Shopping

·         Old Timey looking cars

 

I find all of the above, better in Skagway.

 

What I like at Sitka ?

I love the

·         Russian Orthodox church in town

·         Eagle rapture center

·         Indian native dancers, when available

 I don't like that you have to tender; but you have to, because of the low tides !
 

Both have great history !

And both can be reached by “cruise ship” !  Holland America often goes to Sitka; the rest, Skagway.