Best of Alaska Cruisetour Hosts July 17, 2013

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Vanny

Frank and Pauline van Rooij are hosting our Best of Alaska cruisetour, the northbound one departing July 17, 2013. Their group will have consummate professional hosts since Pauline and Frank in their years before retirement worked as tour guides. They both have been to Alaska as well so have some tips to share at the end of this video.

Enjoy!

If you’re thinking of joining Frank and Pauline, there’s space left for this date, but you’ll need to act fast! Call 1-800-565-2784 to speak with Alaska Cruise Specialist about this once in a lifetime kind of trip!

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Most Efficient and Affordable Alaska Cruise Transfer Options

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Vanny

When your cruise ends or starts in Vancouver or Seattle, it’s pretty easy to get to the airport from the cruise terminal and vice versa.

A cab ride is about $30 to 35 plus tip for both cities. There’s also the option of public transportation in Vancouver which takes about 20 minutes on the city’s skytrain, Canada Line.

Transportation to or from the airport in Alaska is not as affordable given the distance from the port to the airport.  You can purchase transfers through the cruise lines, however, you can also ask your Alaska Cruise Specialist about our options.

Note, this information is limited to cruise only. With the exception of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Alaska cruisetours, transfers are not included, however, Fairbanks (where a cruisetour often starts or ends) is a small city and a cab ride is the most efficient and affordable way to get to or from FAI.

Whittier

If your cruise starts or ends in Whittier, consider our transfer options for $50 US. Children 12 and under are $45. At 3 hours long, it includes commentary about Alaska’s history and wildlife while travelling the scenic Seward highway. Photo ops will be available at Beluga Point and Portage Glacier. As well, a one-hour visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is included.

Whittier, Alaska. Photo from Wikipedia Creative Commons.

Whittier, Alaska. Photo from Wikipedia Creative Commons.

If you’re heading to the airport you’ll be picked up from the cruise terminal at 9 am and arrive at the airport by noon. Book your flight to leave no earlier than 3 pm. If you’re a US citizen, a 2:30 pm flight would work.

If you’re on your way to start your cruise, you’ll be picked up at the airport or your hotel (no extra charge) and arrive at the cruise terminal between 3:30 and 4 pm.

 Seward

If you’re starting or ending your cruise in Seward, we offer transfer options for $75 US.  Children 12 and under are $55. This 4 hour transfer and tour provides commentary along the Seward highway and has two stops for photo ops at Beluga Point and Canyon Creek Overlook as well one hour visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Seward, Alaska

Seward, Alaska. Photo from Wikipedia Creative Commons.

Heading to the airport? You’ll be picked up at the cruise terminal in Seward at 9 am and arrive in Anchorage at 1:15 pm. This means, if you’re flying to a non-US city, the earliest flight time you should be looking to leave is 4:15 pm.

Starting your cruise in Seward? You’ll be picked up at Anchorage airport or your hotel (no extra charge) at 1 pm and arrive at the cruise terminal at 5 pm.

See, we’re all about providing a fantastic experience at exceptional value. It’s not just a transfer you’re getting with us, but an educational tour as well.

To book your Alaska cruise, contact us at 1-800-565-2784.

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Amazing Tracy Arm Excursion Offered by Princess Cruises

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Vanny

Princess offers an amazing 6 hour excursion in Tracy Arm where you can take a catamaran to Sawyer Glacier, offering a close up and personal view of whales, icebergs and very close views of glaciers.

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska. Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises.

You then meet your ship in Juneau. Apparently, this experience makes Glacier Bay seem like nothing special. Click here to see a preview of what you’ll experience.

Here’s a quick glance at whether other cruise lines offer this catamaran excursion.

Cruise Line Details
Celebrity No
Disney Done through Port Adventures, independent contractors
Holland America Disembark ship into catamaran to Sawyer Glacier, meet ship in Juneau
Norwegian Not in Tracy Arm, but there is a catamaran excursion to Sawyer Glacier in Juneau.
Princess Disembark ship into catamaran to Sawyer Glacier, meet ship in Juneau
Royal Caribbean No
Oceania No
Regent no
Silversea Disembark ship into catamaran to Sawyer Glacier, meet ship in Juneau

So, Princess is one of the three to offer this. Pretty cool. Explore Princess Alaskan cruises and cruisetours and call 1-800-565-2784 to speak with an Alaska Cruise Specialist.

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Princess’ Environmental Efforts Recognized

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Vanny

Princess Cruises received another award today. The Port of Seattle recognized the cruise line for their environmental activities including fitting vessels and opacity monitors using oil water seperators, and exemplary waste reduction efforts, including providing used cooking oil from ships for making biodiesel.

Alaska Cruise Seattle

The Space Needle in Seattle.

“We’re gratified that the port has recognized us for making a difference in local environmental efforts,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Passengers come to beautiful ports such as Seattle to experience the area’s natural beauty, so we are committed to doing our part to keep it that way.”

Princess Cruises is committed to environmental practices which set a high standard for excellence and responsibility, and which help preserve the marine environment in which its ships operate. The company’s environmental goals and policies go beyond what is required by law and include a zero solid waste discharge policy, state-of-the-art environmental technology and waste management equipment, programs to minimize waste generated, and recycling where possible. The company also pioneered the use of shore power programs in the cruise industry to reduce air emissions.

Source: Princess Cruises

Interested in cruising Princess from Seattle? Ask us about our free Seattle hotel offer. Valid for all categories, but only for a limited time. Call 1-800-565-2784.

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A video tour of Regent Seven Seas Navigator

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Vanny

Looking for a truly all-inclusive cruise experience aboard a truly luxurious ship in an intimate setting? Regent Seven Seas Navigator provides just that. In a recently released video, the 6-star luxury cruise line takes you on a tour of their smallest ship in the fleet and this summer, she’s sailing the Alaskan waters.

Seven Seas Navigator accommodates 490 guests and is an all-inclusive, all-suite ship. Her small size allows her to dock at ports only accessible to smaller vessels. The Regent touch includes:

  • Free unlimited shore excursions at every port.
  • Lots of activities onboard without the crowds of larger cruise ships.
  • Dine whenever, wherever and with whomever you choose: Compass Rose main dining, lunch and breakfast buffets at La Veranda, Italian cuisine in the evening at Sette Mari at La Veranda, casual fare at the open air Pool Grill, classic steakhouse at Prime 7. All dining options included in the cruise fare.
  • Health conscious cruisers can enjoy Canyon Ranch Spa Club cuisine, offered during lunch and dinner at Compass Rose.
  • All staterooms are suites with that have beds with European linens, marble bathroom, walk-in closet, and fully stocked mini bar.
  • Personal butler in penthouse suite or higher.

For a firsthand account of what Regent is like, read Cruise Expert Wes Ewing’s post on his experience aboard Regent Seven Seas Mariner a few years ago. You’ll notice that although the ship accommodates twice as many guests as the Navigator (700 vs 490), the service onboard wasn’t compromised.

Would you like to sail aboard the Seven Seas Navigator this year? Call 1-800-565-2784 to speak with a luxury cruise expert and take advantage of our rich Luxury Advantage offer.

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Princess Cruises Loyalty Program – New Medallion Level Added

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Vanny

Princess Cruises has one of the best, if not the best, loyalty program in the industry. For example, if you’re a Elite member, you get 150 minutes of free internet and free laundry service as some of the perks.

Diamond Princess in Alaska

Diamond Princess at College Fjord, Alaska

The cruise line announced today that a new “Medallion” Level has been added, fitting between the Gold and Platinum levels. While this will now take you longer to reach Elite status, it does provide extra benefits that you wouldn’t have received at the Gold level. This takes effect on voyages beginning today onwards.

Here is what you would receive at each level. Well, I note the ones worth mentioning anyway. Others “benefits” are along the same lines as the Captain’s Circle Quarterly Magazine. For a full list, visit this link.

Gold – after your first cruise, you attain Gold status which gets you:

  • Preferential pricing offers by mail or email.
  • Access to members only onboard events.

Medallion – on your 4th to 5th cruise, or 31 to 50 cruise days.

  • Includes all gold member benefits
  • When you purchase the cruise line’s vacation protection, you are automatically upgraded for free to the Platinum protection.
  • Your phone calls are routed to a Help Desk that can quickly answer any questions you may have.
  • 10% of Reflections DVD, which is a DVD of behind the scenes information on the ship, the events onboard and various ports of call.

Platinum – from your 6th to 15th cruise, or 51 to 150 cruise days.

  • Includes all Medallion benefits.
  • Every year, a free copy of their Cruise Atlas brochure is sent to you.
  • Preferred check-in which means you and your family and friends travelling with you are invited to use the Preferred Check-In desk to expedite your embarkation.
  • Platinum Disembarkation Lounge where you can enjoy light refreshments
  • Free internet access. Minutes vary by length of sailing. 7 days or less receives 150 minutes, 8-20 days receives 250 minutes, and 21+ days receive 500 minutes.

Elite – from your 16th cruise on, or 151+ cruise days.

  • Complimentary mini bar set up that consist of a selection of liquors, soft drinks, beer, still and sparkling water.
  • Priority Disembarkation – choose which group time you’d like to disembark.
  • Free shoe polishing service.
  • Free laundry and professional cleaning service.
  • Deluxe Canapés Selection.
  • Afternoon Tea.
  • Upgraded Bathroom Amenities.
  • 10% Boutique discount.
  • Complimentary Grapevine Wine Tasting.

Have you taken advantage of some of these benefits? If you’d like to go on a Princess Cruise, explore the itineraries here. Note, we have a free hotel offer in Seattle for any Princess cruises that start and end there. Call to speak with an Alaska Cruise Expert at 1-800-565-2784.

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An Alaska cruisetour that packs a good bang for your buck

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Vanny

Interested in the trip discussed in the video? It’s Cruise Experts Travel’s exclusive Alaska cruisetour with Celebrity Cruises and if you compare it even to other Celebrity cruisetours, you’re getting a lot of value: prepaid gratuities, onboard credit AND now we’re also throwing in a free night’s hotel in Vancouver (saving you that extra expense) AND city tour. The city tour is pretty awesome, too. We even have a video to show you so.

Even more, you would go further into Denali National Park when compared to a similar Celebrity cruisetour. Take a look for yourself: Cruise Experts Travel Cruisetour vs similar Celebrity Cruisetour. Other things we include that aren’t included in the other are: Mt. Alyeska tramway and dinner onboard the Glass-Domed Wilderness Express.

Interested? Call to speak with one of our Alaska Cruise Specialists at 1-800-565-2784. Hurry, at these prices for all that you’re getting, they’re not going to last long.

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Photos of Alaska from Onboard the Ship

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Sharon

I wouldn’t call myself a photographer. I do enjoy taking pictures though and in Alaska, there are generous opportunities to capture gorgeous shots. Here are some I took from aboard the cruise ship. I know they look enhanced, but I haven’t touched them! I wouldn’t know how to, truthfully. Just me and my point and shoot.

Alaska cruising

Sunset Alaskan Cruise

If you’re interested in cruising to Alaska and taking some beautiful photos of your own, explore some of our offers here. Don’t forget to ask us about our free hotel offer, too.

Sharon Webber
Cruise & Insurance Specialist
t:  604.737.8100 –ext. 130 | t:  1.800.565.2784
e: SharonW@CruiseExpertsTravel.com
 
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What’s happening when you’re in Vancouver on your Alaskan cruise?

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Vanny

There’s plenty to do in Vancouver and especially when the sun’s shining nice and bright, locals and tourists alike flock outdoors. Regardless regardless of what time of year you’re here, it’s a bustling city, and will be extra busy (but also extra exciting) around town if you’re here on any these following days.

Vancouver Alaska Cruise

Sunday, May 5 – More than 18,000 people from about 140 countries have signed on to run the Vancouver Marathon. If you’re driving around town, make sure you’re aware of the road closures in the city: 8k route, half marathon route, full marathon route.

If you’d like to improve your health knowledge, there’s a free health, sports and lifestyle expo at Canada Place Convention Center (yep, right next to the cruise ship terminal) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Check this link for more details and hours.

Saturday, May 11 – Spot Prawn Festival held on Granville Island will be in its 6th year. It’s a family friendly and foodie festival with lots of free events and plenty of good eats and drinks to sample.

May 17 to September 8 – The Chinatown Night Market is every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening during this time. Here you can try exotic eats at the many food stands or get some deals at one of the stalls selling everything from cell phone covers to socks.

May 27 to June 2 – Vancouver’s International Children’s Festival takes place on Granville Island and is a festival of performing arts that seeks to educate, entertain and inspire young audiences.

May 30 to June 8 – The City of Bhangra Festival includes a free concert. Come celebrate the music and dance of Bhangra if you’re in town.

June 21 to July 1 – The Vancouver International Jazz Festival features more than 1800 artists and 300 concerts throughout the city. 150 of the concerts are free.

July 27, 31 and August 3 – Celebration of Light is the “largest offshore fireworks in the world attracting more than 400,000 spectators along English Bay each evening.

Sunday, August 4 - Vancouver Pride Parade & Festival sees more than 650,000 spectators each year. Celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride with floats, music, and dancers.

August 17 to September 2 - The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) has been providing a family entertainment in the late summers since 1910 and features more than 55 rides, live performances, and food from around the world. This is far from the cruise terminal so unless you’ve been to Vancouver a few times before or are staying here for an extended period, I’d recommend you skip this and take in sights and entertainment closer to your hotel.

Before your trip to the city, take a look at Tourism Vancouver’s blog Inside Vancouver, written by Vancouverites for locals and tourists alike on events happening now. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your Cruise Specialist at 1-800-565-2784.

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New Princess Policy Concerning Minors Traveling with One Adult

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Vanny

For US citizens, when cruising a closed-loop itinerary that starts and ends in a US port such as a Seattle roundtrip Alaska cruise, you don’t need a US  passport. This is no longer 100% valid. If you’re traveling with a minor, please note the following.

Effective now, Princess’ policy, as governed by the US Western Hemisphere Initiative, states:

When minors are traveling with only one adult 21 years of age or older, Princess requires that all passengers must be in possession of a valid passport. Carrier has implemented this requirement so that Your party remains together should an emergency arise that requires one or more in your party to be disembarked in a non-U.S. port. Carrier cannot guarantee that all members of Your party will be allowed to disembark with just a WHTI-compliant document or birth certificate. Failure to present a valid passport for all passengers traveling together will result in denial of boarding without refund of the of the cruise or cruisetour fare.

Whether or not you’re traveling with a minor on a Seattle roundtrip cruise, it’s always a good idea to have a passport that’s valid up to 6 months after the last day of your trip. It’s the one travel document that guarantees you get back to the US in a timely manner in case of an emergency. Read here for more on how it can come in handy when you’re sailing the noted itinerary.

Should you have any further questions regarding this, your dedicated Cruise Specialist can certainly answer them. Call 1-800-565-2784.

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