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 !
Allow me to help you get your best value and experience !
(434/800) 237-3832

See you in 2 weeks ... Next Alaska Blog entry, Aug 3, 2016

Alaska – Visit Ketchikan’s Southeast Alaska Discover Center & Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in Juneau

Ketchikan – Southeast Alaska Discovery Center (info from the center)

At the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center in downtown Ketchikan, you can explore the unique natural and cultural history of the Tongass National Forest, a place where people have lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years. Stroll through a lush rainforest, visit a re-created native fishing village and learn how the Tongass sustains Southeast Alaska communities today. You can also hear the story of the forest in person from one of our friendly Forest Service rangers, enjoy a film in our comfortable theatre or help your kids become Junior Rangers. In the summer, join a ranger for a guided walk and learn about Ketchikan's enduring ties to the rainforest.

We are located at 50 Main Street, just a short walk from the cruise ship docks. Visit our directions page for driving or walking directions. 

We're open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. all summer long. Admission is just $5 for adults (CC or cash accepted only), and includes access to all of the center's exhibits, films and ranger programs. Kids are free when accompanied by an adult, and we honor and sell all of the America the Beautiful federal passes.

Juneau - Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center (info from the center)

See you next article ... July 20, 2016
Between now & then ... I will be 'in Alaska' my 14th time there ...
and planning to visit both of these centers.

Alaska is home to a wide variety of wild Pacific Alaskan salmon. Did you know ? And terms

Found this insight from AlasakSalmon.com:

 

Did you know ?

*Rainbow, or Steel Head trout are a type of pacific salmon
*Less than one out of every thousand salmon eggs live to be spawning adults
*Salmon is a healthy food that is high in vitamin D, protein, and omega-3.
*Alaska Salmon run at different times depending on the location and the species of salmon.

Alaska is home to a wide variety of wild Pacific Alaskan salmon.

King Chinook Salmon
Silver Coho Salmon
Red Sockeye Salmon
Pink Humpback Salmon
Chum Keta Salmon
Cutthroat Trout Salmon
Steelhead Trout Salmon

Terms: 

Anadromous - A fish that spawns in fresh water but lives the majority of their lives in saltwater.
Salmonid - Family of fish that includes salmon, trout, and whitefish.
Alevin - A salmonid that has hatched from the egg, but the egg sac is still attached. The egg sac provides nourishment until the salmonid is able to catch food.
Fry - The name for a juvenile salmon that has absorbed its egg sac and is rearing in the stream.
Kype - The hooked jaw many male salmon develop during spawning
Parr - A large juvenile salmonid, sometimes called a fingerling, during this stage between a fry and a smolt.
Smolt - A juvenile salmonid that will soon enter the ocean. During this stage, the fish changes from the camouflage spots to a sliver chrome color.
Substrate - Material such as rocks and gravel that make up a stream bottom.

 

The cruise lines offer opportunities for packages ‘and’ there are many private charters available.  These tours ashore, sell out quickly because they are so very popular ! 

Not just men sign up for these type excursions, but women too.  I’ve been with my father !  Matter of fact, I was the only one that day, who caught 2, that were large enough to keep. We had them smoked and shipped home. Totally delightful, to come home and enjoy salmon you caught yourself.

The cost to have them package is not expensive at all. To ship, different story.  But it’s not much different in cost, than had you gone to your local grocer and bought fresh salmon !

Though I won’t be fishing on my upcoming cruise to Alaska in June, I am totally looking forward to viewing salmon in Ketchikan … At the famous creek !

Isn’t it time to visit Alaska and try out some salmon fishing ?

Call me & get away to Alaska !
(434/800) 237-3832

Next Alaska Blog article, June 15.  See you then !

 

 

Alaska. Never been ? What’s the hold up ? Cost ? Time off from work ? Let me help you get there NOW ! 2016 or 2017 !

So many folks have had the opportunity to adventure to Alaska.  Lots, like me, have been more than once.

I hear from folks, who have yet to experience Alaska, how it’s high on their bucket list.  My question, ‘What cha waiting for’ ?

Not only, are none of us getting any younger (hehehe), there is so many other destination in the worl to see.  Every day, as we don’t reach out in fulfilling our travel bucket list, is another day, we get further behind in doing so !

 

Is cost, holding your back ?

If you are flexible in your travel dates, there are truly ways to help keep your cost down.
My ‘cheat sheets’ can help you.  www.VivianWebb.com
Call me, let me help you see what you need to see.

Is it time off from work, holding you back ?

Some folks want to see as much of Alaska as they can, when they first go, in case there’s not another chance in returning.  I totally understand  !
However, if you don’t have 2 weeks, and this is what is holding you back, when will you ever have 2 weeks ?
At retirement ?
Why wait ?
Again waiting, continues to hold back on your travel bucket list !
Why not consider a shorter time in Alaska, so you can fit this in your schedule now.
And later on, when you have 2 weeks, and want to venture again, do so then !
However, you will want to have a minimum of 8-9 days.
And if you can swing 11, you could see even  more.
Call me, let’s talk.

(434/800) 237-3832
Florida residents (386) 222-3030
All 3 #’s go to same voicemail in reaching me !
CALL TODAY !

Next Article: June 1
Week of May 25, see my Cruz Lady Blog article
http://thecruzladyblog.blogspot.com/

 

Alaska Tip. Folks ask, which cruise line ? Do I, for myself, choose 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.

Matter of fact, one of the Alaska cruises I have my eye on right now in 2017, is Royal Caribbean, May 17 for 9 nights.  Call me and join me. We have reserved space.

(434/800) 237-3832.  Mention you saw my "I Love Alaska" blog !

Next Alaska Blog post ... May 17 ... I'll be cruising week of May 4.