The first time I saw them must have been in a Bond Film. 

You know what I’m talking about – luxurious private, thatched bungalows built on stilts over turquoise, 80-degree ocean water.

Such an outing has been on my bucket list ever since.

The good news is that these resorts are not just the purview of the James Bond types any more.  While typically selling for more than your standard Motel-6, such adventures are generally within reach of those of us trying to get this tick in the box.

There are lots of different places to experience the James Bond style floating hotel rooms that I dream of, but there’s no doubt that Tahiti is the top of this list. 

Tahiti also happens to be the home port of Paul Gauguin cruises.  Here’s an interesting little tidbit that I never considered before:

By air, Tahiti is only two hours further away than Hawaii.  That’s just one movie or a couple of cocktails!

Now, I realize that for those living in the Eastern or Central time zones that Hawaii is, in fact, a long way away.  But if you’re going to invest that amount of time, then you might want to consider Tahiti instead.

Paul Gauguin makes it easy, by including your flights from Los Angeles or San Francisco in the cruise fare.  This is obviously great for those who live in California but given that it is often cheap to get from many parts of the country to So-Cal, the journey to Tahiti doesn’t look so ridiculous.

There are a lot of inclusions on Gauguin too.  Besides your air, the price also includes gratuities, beer & wine, snorkel gear, and selected other water sports. 

We are seeing some interesting deals from them for departures this December, with 7-night cruises starting at $4995 per person.  

As a travel agent, I can tell you that when I first started to market small-ship cruise lines, Paul Gauguin really stood out to me. 

Each of the cruise lines has their own claim to fame, but Paul Gauguin is very clear in their unique offering:  a high-end, truly Polynesian experience, with a high level of adventurous water-based activities like snorkeling and scuba diving.  Oh yeah… and a pre-cruise stay at one of those James Bond resorts.

If Tahiti is on your bucket list and/or you’re looking for a special way to celebrate a personal milestone, then a Paul Gauguin cruise might be a good fit and I’d love to help you explore the idea.

Click here to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

The world’s first hybrid powered cruise ship, Hurtigruten’s Roald Asmundsen, is making her North American Debut today (Friday, September 27, 2019).  I probably wouldn’t bother to bring a ship debut to everyone’s attention, but I do so for two very specific reasons:

The first reason is a little bit self-indulgent – Bob and I were invited to be on the inaugural sailing of this innovative vessel along with a small number of lucky other travel industry professionals.  We will take as many pictures as we can, and post some stuff on Facebook and YouTube – just give us a day or two to get that done.

The other reason is the poetry by which Roald Asmundsen has chosen to make her debut.  The ship is named after the first person to reach the South Pole – a true explorer.  What is less known is that Asmundsen was also the first person to sail the Northwest passage from Europe to the West Coast of North America.

We don’t build cruise ships in North America, so normally when they are dispatched here from Europe or Asia, they arrive in New York or San Francisco after leaving the shipyard where they were constructed.  They are usually escorted into the welcoming harbor by local authorities with much pomp and circumstance.

In contrast, Roald Asmundsen chose to make her debut by sailing from Europe, across the Arctic Ocean, through Greenland, the northern most part of Canada, and into Alaska via the Bering Strait.  Just like her namesake did. 

We will be taking a motor coach up from Seattle to board the Roald Asmundsen in Vancouver.  Incidentally, about a mile from where we will board the ship, is the permanent museum-home of the RCMP Vessel St. Roch.  The St. Roch was the first vessel to sail the Northwest Passage from West to East.  It took two years – the ship was frozen in the ice for an Arctic Winter. And now, there is a hybrid cruise ship making the journey across the Northwest passage in only four weeks during a northern hemisphere summer.  Times change quickly!

Cruise ships have become increasingly innovative in the past decade or two, and I am exceptionally pleased that such innovation has moved beyond the floating amusement parks that carry 5000+ passengers. 

We’ll post lots more about this ship after we’ve travelled on her, but here are some points to hold you over until then:

• The Roald Asmundsen is 21,000 tons, and holds 500 guests.
• The hybrid engines reduce fuel consumptions and CO2 emissions by 20%.  Hurtigruten’s ultimate goal is to operate completely carbon-neutral, and they are passionately leading the cruise industry in pursing this goal.
• Equally as impressive is the ability to cruise in remote areas of the planet without the dull roar of diesel engines.
• She is purposefully built for polar regions, so will service Alaska in the summer of 2020, as well as the Northwest Passage.  Between now and then she’ll visit Chile, Patagonia, Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and in repositioning times, she’ll sail through Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Canada/New England coast.
• She has all outside cabins, 50% with balconies.
• The ship is built for looking outside – with a gorgeous two story indoor/outdoor observation deck.
• She is an expedition ship, but a comfortable one with premium onboard experience and a gym, wellness centre, infinity pool, and hot tubs.
• Excursions are the ‘main event’ on Hurtigruten.  The expedition team on board each ship are knowledgeable and passionate experts dedicated to helping guests discover the best of each destination.  On board, there is a Science Center with microscopes and other equipment for total immersion in your destination and all that it offers

Stay tuned… more to come.

Planning a Cruise?  I’d love to help!  Click here to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

In the cruise industry, it seems that everything cold is ‘hot’ right now. 

Antarctica, Norway, and Patagonia are all fast-growing cruise markets.  Alaska has been around for a long time, and it is still hot.

Due to the relatively short flights required for Americans to visit Alaska, as well as its unmatched scenery, wildlife, glaciers, and indigenous culture, the Alaska cruise market continues to grow every year. 

Every major cruise line that serves the US market is in Alaska, so you can visit there with your favourite.

You’ve probably noticed the travel section of your weekend newspaper is currently jammed up with Alaska advertisements for 2020. 

That’s because 50% of all Alaskan cruises are sold in September & October for the following year.

If you wait until the New Year, you can probably still get a cabin on the sailing you’re looking at, but if you’ve got specific ideas about where you want to be on the ship, when you want to go, or what lodges you want to visit on land, then some of your choices might become a bit scarce if you wait too long.

Here’s a look at four different ways to visit Alaska:

Princess Cruises

• Who it appeals to:  Princess attracts a lot of families and multi-generation groups.  They have excellent children’s programs, and they serve more guests than anyone else in the Alaska market.
• Ships:  Princess has 8 ships in Alaska.  Six of those are Grand Class vessels that hold around 2800 people.  The Royal Princess is also there, which carries 3600.  The Pacific Princess (675 guests) has also returned to Alaska for those wanting something smaller.  You can depart from Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle or Vancouver. 
• Why go Princess?  The product is well priced, and they have extensive infrastructure on land with 5 lodges, and their own rail cars.
• Incentives:  Princess is currently running “3 for Free” – their most popular promo of the year.  You get a) Gratuities Included, b) Location upgrade, and c) on board credits. 
• Note:  Holland America is the 2^nd largest cruise line in Alaska, and has many of the same advantages.  HAL might be a better choice for you if you want a slightly smaller ship (about 2000), or if you prefer fewer children.

Regent Seven Seas

• Who it appeals to:  Regent Seven Seas is probably the most inclusive of the cruise lines with flights, drinks, gratuities, and shore excursions (amongst other things) all included.  They also have a kids program.
• Ship:  The Seven Seas Mariner holds 700 people and goes back and forth between Anchorage and Vancouver.
• Why go Regent?  You know all your costs at the front end, and won’t come home wondering how your on board charges exceeded your cruise fare.
• Incentives:  First Class air to/from Vancouver/Anchorage included in your fare if you book in September.

Seabourn

• Who it appeals to:  Seabourn attracts a lot of non-cruisers on its Alaska itineraries.  This is partly because much of Alaska can only be seen by ship, and partly because Seabourn bills itself as one of the world’s finest resorts (that just happens to be at sea).  They also run their Ventures program in Alaska, which gives you the opportunity to participate in expedition style excursions off a luxury ship. 
• Ship:  The Seabourn Sojourn holds 450 guests – all in oceanfront suites.  Sojourn is based in Vancouver next season, and will alternate 7-night runs to Juneau, and 11-night runs to Anchorage.
• Why go Seabourn?  These guys have luxury travel ‘nailed’.  If you love great food and intuitive service, you won’t be disappointed on Seabourn.
• Incentives:  Seabourn is currently offering verandahs for the price of window suites, free internet, up to $500 on board credits, and an air credit of $500 per person.

Hurtigruten

• Who it appeals to: This Norwegian company is new to the North American market, but has been around for many years serving clients from other parts of the world.  The Roald Amundsen is an expedition style ship that is the fleet’s first hybrid-electric cruise ship.  You won’t find Broadway shows on board, but it does have a Science Center, and many other features intended to immerse you in the outdoor splendour of Alaska.  You will find immersive outdoor activities such as kayaking and hiking, and expedition experts on board 
• Ships:  The Roald Amundsen accommodates 530 guests and will operate out of Vancouver with a few itineraries out of Anchorage.  She will run 13 to 17 day itineraries in Alaska in 2020. 
• Why go Hurtigruten?  If you want to get up close and personal with nature, if you want to travel on a brand new ship, or if you want some bragging rights for supporting ‘green’ cruising (the Roald Amundsen is a hybrid powered ship).
• Incentives:  Hurtigruten is offering 15% off some itineraries, an air credit on others, and $500 on board credit on other Alaskan cruises. 
• Note: This is the cruise line I chose for my trip to Antarctica last year.  I’m so excited to be able to offer this option to my clients in Alaska next year.

Planning a Cruise?  I’d love to help!  Click here to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

Things change fast in the world of international travel. 

Two months ago, those of us travelling with US passports could do a cruise out of Florida visiting several Cuban ports.  That window of opportunity has now closed, and it got me to wondering what other trips I should be taking now, before it’s too late.

The political situation between the United States and Russia has always been complicated, but relatively straight forward as it relates to visits for the purpose of tourism.  Politics aside, Russia is a country that is rich in history and culture, and is well worth seeing for those who are curious about the world, and want to take the time to learn about other countries and their people. 

Even the most experienced and hearty travellers will benefit from what group travel has to offer to countries like Russia where there is little English spoken, and somewhat rudimentary tourist infrastructure. 

Cruising fits that bill perfectly, and there are two types of cruises that visit Russia:

Baltic Ocean Cruises that stop in St. Petersburg

Just about all the cruise lines have some variation of this cruise.  They often start in one of the Scandinavian ports, and stop in St. Pete’s for 2 or 3 days. 

The advantage to these cruises is that there are no individual Russian visa requirements for US passport holders.  The ship gets a permit for all its guests to go ashore and visit the Hermitage Museum, as well as the other major sites in St. Pete’s.  The drawback is that if you want to explore on your own, you are out of luck.  The nature of your visa is that you have to remain on escorted and approved shore excursions.

These cruises also offer a look at the other Baltic countries as well.  A common port of call is Tallinn, Estonia – a place that gets busier every year, but is not entirely overrun with tourism yet. 

Those looking to get a taste of the Scandinavian or other Northern European countries (as well as Russia) will be able to tick these off their lists on the Baltic Cruises.

A Russian River Cruise

If the goal of your trip is to have a more immersive experience in Russia, then a river cruise might be a better option.  River cruises run along the Volga River between Moscow and St. Petersburg.

There are a number of well-known river cruise companies that do this itinerary:  Scenic, Uniworld and Viking are a good place to start your research.

A different visa is required to visit Russia on a river cruise.  It requires some advance planning, and will cost a few hundred dollars.  The good news is that once the visa is issued, it gives you much more flexibility in how you experience Russia.  You can obviously do all the excursions offered by the river cruise provider, and you can also do some independent exploring as well.

Either experience will give you a glimpse into Russia and its people. 

What I can’t predict is whether such trips will be available indefinitely.  It is noteworthy that AMA Waterways spent a fair bit of time and money cultivating a river cruise business in Russia, and withdrew from the market after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  So even though neither the Russian, nor the American government changed their requirements (as what happened with Cuba), sometimes tourism providers make decisions that can impact your plans. 

It seems we are back to the same advice:  travel when you can – because you never know when opportunities will be taken away.

Planning a Cruise?  I’d love to help!  Click here to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley