Archive for the Category »Cruise travel «

Featured Traveller: Patricia Kuhling
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 /

There is a good reason Patricia Kuhling’s parents refer to her as a ”gypsy”. Patricia notes that she struggles to stay put for any extended period of time and tends to be plotting her next adventure within days of returning home from a trip. She’s a seasonal crew member for Princess Cruises and Cunard Cruise Lines and has travelled to many a distant land. Patricia has also enjoyed travelling and camping extensively throughout the beautiful Canadian province of British Columbia, where she calls home. Here are Patricia’s tips:

1)  How do you travel lightly?

  • I always try to keep my personal products and daily essentials to a minimum. The large and bulky bottles take up a lot of space and weigh down my luggage.
  • I like to mix and match my outfits so that I can wear them repeatedly and still have variety.
  • If you are cruising, remember that there are laundry rooms onboard so pack your own detergent to save dollars.
  • Most shops on cruise ships offer a range of products. If you neglected to pack something, it can typically be purchased onboard.

2)  What are your favorite travel websites?

  • I always use www.tripadvisor.com before going on any vacation, whether it be a local adventure or traveling overseas.
  • I also like to visit www.lonelyplanet.com.
  • I often spend significant time surfing around on airline websites for good deals so as to compare their rates to package deals found through www.expedia.ca, www.travelzoo.ca, and so many other travel websites.
  • I also try to find a local website for the destination I am travelling to. Most cities have a great website with local information.

3)  What travel accessories/gadgets do you like to travel with?

  • I always take an all-in-one personal product bag. If it has a hanging feature, all the better for just hanging up in the bathroom for easy access, especially if there is little counter or cupboard space. [Andrea’s note:  We carry this kind of toiletry bag.]
  • Luggage tags are a must. I choose brightly coloured tags that are easily identifiable, keep your contact information current and also include it inside your bags. [Andrea’s note:  We carry colorful luggage tags.]
  • Avoid large purses or bags. I carry a small organizer bag with just enough space for money, credit cards, and copies of i.d. and emergency contacts. [Andrea’s note: We carry this bag.]
  • A portable battery operated alarm clock is a must. [Andrea's note: Coming soon!]

4)  What are your top tips for people going on a cruise?

  • Travel light and always pack an extra outfit and overnight essentials in your carry-on baggage. Your luggage is typically transferred from airline to the cruise ship so there is room for error!
  • Research any shore excursions prior to your cruise. I find www.tripadvisor.com to be a great site for feedback. Pre-book your excursions as any of the good ones fill up quickly. If you are planning to venture off on your own and purchase shore excursions through local tour operators, the ship will not wait very long if you return late.
  • Most cruise lines now have staff gratuities automatically added to your shipboard account. If this is not for you and you would rather tip only those crew members who serve you directly, go to the pursers’ desk upon boarding the ship and have it removed from your account. Make sure to carefully review your final bill for any double charges. Keep in mind that not all crew and services on the ship are included in the automatic gratuity.
  • Make photocopies of your passport, cruise ship itinerary and emergency contacts. Carry them with you on shore.

Are you a globetrotter who’d like to share your travel tips with our readers?
If so, I’d love to hear from you!
Please email me at info@travelsmarts.ca.

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Alaska’s Spectacular White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
Tuesday, September 14th, 2010 /

Alaska is an amazing place – one I recommend  you visit some time in your life. Although I’d worked in “The Last Frontier” one summer a few years ago, when I was there for a couple of weeks last month, I was still absolutely mesmerized by its natural beauty.

If you’re ever in the Alaskan town of Skagway, be sure to take a journey in the old-fashioned parlour cars of the famous White Pass & Yukon Route (WP & YR) train. Built in only 26 months, after blasting through coastal mountains, the 110 mile “railway built of gold” cost $10 million and took to the tracks at the turn of the 20th century during the Klondike Gold Rush. The railway connects the pint-sized port of Skagway to Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada and beyond to northwest Canada and the Alaskan interior.

In 1982, the WP & YR ceased operations when the Yukon’s mining industry collapsed as a result of  low mineral prices. Six years later, the railway reopened for tourists and today, the WP & YR carries over 450,000 passengers annually during the busy May to September tourist season. There are several train excursions to choose but the 3-3.5 hour narrated “White Pass Summit Excursion” is one a WP & YR employee recommended as the best choice, especially if you’re on a budget since the ride will set you back at least $110.  

Within just a 20 mile stretch, the train, pulled by vintage diesel locomotives, climbs almost 3000 feet. Spectacular scenery abounds as you’ll see glaciers, gorges, waterfalls and mountains. You’ll ride on cliff-hanging turns, through two spooky tunnels and a variety of bridges and trestles. The WP & YR is considered an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, a designation shared with the likes of the Eiffel Tower, the Panama Canal, and the Statue of Liberty.

Tips:

- Sit on the left side of the train. The train turns around in the middle of the journey and passengers switch sides so you’re able to get a view from both sides of the train but on the way back, people tend to get a wee bit sleepy.
- Get outside on the platforms that connect the cars, and enjoy the fresh air and exhilaration of being in the midst of unbelievable natural beauty.
- If you plan to head out on the platform, dress warmly, even if it’s a hot day in Skagway. As the train creeps north, it sure gets chilly!

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Cruise Ship Review: Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas
Thursday, September 02nd, 2010 /

If you’re looking to take a cruise with children or have a multi-generational vacation, Royal Caribbean is an excellent choice. When I ask travel agents what their favourite cruise line is, RC is often mentioned (along with Princess and Holland America).  Last week, along with several travel agents and their customers, I toured RC’s Radiance of the Seas cruise ship. Here are some observations:

Passenger capacity:  2,501
Maiden Voyage:  March 10, 2001
Length:  962 feet

Décor – Fun and playful, this ship is nearing its 10th birthday so the décor is slightly outdated, or “retro” as one of the people on our tour noted. You’ll find stains, chips and a bit of wear in cabins and public areas but the various styles of wood panelling and glass add a sophisticated touch. Having a nice mix of art throughout, this ship’s innovative atrium is quite the spectacle complete with glass elevators. Cabins are outfitted in deep yellows, reds and blues.

Cabins – The sleeping digs on this ship are decent but I agree with a travel agent on our tour who pointed out that the beds seem to be on the small side. In the standard cabins, bathroom counter space is limited and some have ugly exposed pipes. The more luxe suites were nice but not as classy as some I’ve seen on other ships. However, the lavish Royal Suite – all 1001 square feet of it – with its wet bar, baby grand piano, Jacuzzi and gorgeous tiled bathroom floor was one we sure liked!Radiance of the Seas

Lounges/Discos – The Viking Crown Lounge has a fantastic view and would be a great place to soak in the natural beauty as you sail off the scenic shores of Alaska. The festive maritime-themed Schooner Bar links to the cozy British colonial-style atmosphere of the wood-panelled Colony Club. A hit with our group, this spacious lounge is complete with innovative self-levelling pool tables and card tables. There’s also a nightclub, sports bar, casion and movie theatre for even more selection of entertainment.

Restaurants – While the casual Windjammer Cafe buffet offers a wide variety of dishes, the food presentation isn’t as good as what I’ve seen on other cruise lines. A travel agent I dined with in the elegant 2-storey main dining, room, Cascades, raved about the Portofino Italian restaurant (extra fee). There’s also the Chop Grille (extra fee) which offers a fine view. We quite liked the casual outdoor Sea View Café in the kids area.

Children’s Area – Royal Caribbean is renowned for its onboard entertainment for children, and this ship is no exception.  Kids won’t complain of being bored because they have so many things to choose from such as a climbing wall, basketball court, 24 hour golf putting green and indoor play centres geared towards different age groups.

Pools – If you’re looking for some peace and quiet onboard, the African safari-themed Solarium Centre indoor pool area is one you’ll love. Waterfalls, plants and three life-size stone elephants as well as a soothing recording of birds chirping make this a peaceful adults-only sanctuary. There are several other pools and whirlpools for all ages.

Theatre – The 3-level Aurora theatre is pretty standard, but keep in mind that Royal Caribbean offers some exceptional shows onboard.

Fitness Centre & Spa – Located at the front of the ship, the ShipShape workout area affords a stunning view and is super spacious.

If you don’t mind that the décor needs an update, this ship has such a wonderful array of dining options and amenities that it’s certainly one to consider…especially if you’re travelling as a family.

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7 Things You Wouldn’t Think to Pack for a Cruise
Saturday, August 28th, 2010 /

Having worked on over 30 cruises and toured ships from four cruiselines, I’ve put together a list of items you may not have thought to pack but should definitely consider adding to your list:

1) Power Bar – Outlets are often in short supply in cabins so if you need to charge or plug in several items, you’ll definitely need one of these.

2) Lanyard – You’ll spot many cruisers wearing their credit card-style cabin key hanging around their neck from a lanyard. This way, you won’t need to always be carrying a purse or wearing clothes with pockets.

3) Post-It Notes – These gems make it easier to communicate with others you’re travelling with. And, if you have any requests of your cabin steward, simply leave them a note on the bathroom mirror.

4) Walkie-Talkies – Another great way to keep in touch with your cruising companions (especially if you’re travelling with children or a large group) is by using a set of walkie-talkies. You may also be able to rent them from the Purser’s Desk on board.    

5) Alarm Clock –  Some cruise lines don’t have clocks in their cabins so taking one of these is an absolute must if you don’t want to miss that shore excursion or breakfast buffet!

6) Binoculars – You’ll be so glad you took a pair of compact binoculars, especially when sailing in Alaska and other areas rich in nature and wildlife. Bushnell and Nikon are popular brands.

7) Laundry Essentials  – If you’re on the road for more than a week, lighten your load by using the onboard laundry room. Travellers love the Flexo-Line laundry line and inflatable hangers.

Enjoy your cruise!!

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Best Cruise Lines – Conde Nast Traveler: Gold List 2010
Tuesday, August 03rd, 2010 /

Booking a cruise 6 to 9 months prior to sailing is the norm. Last minute deals can be had but your selection of sailings and cabins can be limited. January to March, called “wave season” in the industry, is when many travel agencies roll out excellent cruise deals. But, if you’re in the market now for planning  a high calibre small or large ship cruising experience, take a look at what the readers of the upscale travel magazine, Condé Nast Traveler rated as their favorite cruise lines in the Condé Nast Traveler: Gold List 2010:

1)   Crystal Cruises

2)   Disney Cruise Line

3)   Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises

4)   Oberoi Cruises

5)   Oceania Cruises

6)   Regent Seven Seas Cruises

7)   Sea Cloud Cruises

8)   SeaDream Yacht Club

9)   Silversea Cruises

10) Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

11) Windstar Cruises

12) Yachts of Seabourn

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Featured Traveller: Hope Fredrickson
Monday, July 26th, 2010 /

What started out as a dream to become a certified scuba diver and then a Dive Master resulted in Idaho’s Hope Fredrickson (pictured at left with her husband) opening up a travel agency,  Hope to Go…Dive and Travel. She specializes in cruising, dive trips and Hawaiian vacations. Here are some of her tips and advice:

 

 

1) What should travellers look for in a travel agent?

Compatibility!  You need to get along and be able to communicate well.  You are looking for someone who understands you and the way you like to travel. 

2)  What little know tips can you provide for someone going on a cruise?

  • The bathrooms are VERY dark!!  I suggest that you take a small, keychain type LED flashlight on a neck lanyard. (NOTE:  When Hope submitted her tips to us, we had just started to carry this type of flashlight. Check it out here.)
  • It surprises me that 2000 people can be on the exact same cruise, eating the same food, sleeping in basically the same cabins, visiting the same ports, with the same sea conditions and weather and the same staff, and you hear those who are having the time of their lives, and those who are totally miserable.  My suggestion is that it is all about personal attitude!  Go on vacation expecting to have a great time and guess what? You will!  If everything isn’t exactly the way you expected it to be.. So what?  Choose to have a good time! 

3)  What are the best places in the world to scuba dive?

Each place has its unique conditions and critters.  Hawaii is great diving – lots of fish, hard corals and it’s easy to get to by air or cruise.  The Caribbean has so many great dive locations!  The wonderful thing about going on a cruise is that you are able to dive in 3-4 different locations on one trip.  Then there is the Pacific Northwest!  Beautiful cold water diving.

4)  What are some of your favorite websites or resources for consumers?

I enjoy searching the Yahoo or Google travel sites to see what they have to offer.  My biggest recommendation though, is to book through your travel agent as that will give you peace of mind that you have booked a legitimate vacation.  I encourage my clients to look on the internet and determine what kind of vacation they want and to even give me the prices they have found.  This way, they are fine tuning what they want to do before they even call me.

 

Are you a globetrotter who’d like to share your travel tips with our blog and e-newsletter readers?
If so, I’d love to hear from you!
Please email me at info@travelsmarts.ca.

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Travel Agents’ Choice Awards 2010
Monday, July 19th, 2010 /

Check out a few of the winners of the recently released Agents’ Choice Awards 2010 presented by the Canadian travel industry publications of Travel Press and Travel Courier. Votes came in from 3,867 travel agents across Canada.  Those who remain undefeated include: Gap Adventures, Walt Disney World and Trafalgar Tours.

Adventure Tour Operator

1)      Gap Adventures
2)      Goway
3)      Contiki

All-Inclusive Resort

1)      Sandals/Beaches
2)      RIU Hotels
3)      Bahia Principe

Canadian Tourist Attraction

1)      Banff, Alberta
2)      Niagara Falls, Ontario
3)      Whistler, BC

International Tourist Attraction

1)      Walt Disney World
2)      Eiffel Tower
3)      Great Wall of China

Car Rental Agency

1)      Avis
2)      Budget
3)      Hertz

Cruise Line

1)      Royal Caribbean
2)      Princess
3)      Celebrity

River Cruise Line

1)      Avalon Waterways
2)      Uniworld
3)      Viking River Cruises

Honeymoon Destination

1)      Jamaica
2)      Mexico
3)      Cruising

Motor Coach Operators

1)      Trafalgar
2)      Insight
3)      Globus/Cosmos

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Should You Hire a Travel Agent?
Tuesday, June 08th, 2010 /

Last week, I rubbed shoulders with hundreds of travel agents from around the world at a conference here in Vancouver. My experience hit home that travel agents should, in a number of cases, be considered over the internet when making travel plans.

When Should You Hire a Travel Agent?
If you’re booking a cruise, I highly recommend that you go to a cruise specialist agent. They can often land you great deals and if you run into any problems during your trip, they can usually troubleshoot for you. And, the specialized knowledge these agents have gained is of great benefit to you. One veteran agent shared with me that she always tries to book her clients on a particular deck on a certain cruise line’s ships because they have larger balconies than other decks, a fact few people know. Another agent told me she steers her clients away from the Hawaii cruises because of so much negative feedback she’s heard from people who have sailed there.

It’s also wise to seek out a travel agent if you:

  • Want to stay at an all-inclusive resort
  • Would like to go on a safari or bus tour
  • Are travelling with a large group
  • Are playing a key role during a special celebration such as a destination wedding, honeymoon or anniversary
  • Are going on a complex trip

What to Keep in Mind When Looking for a Travel Agent

  • Work with an agent who specializes in the places you’d like to visit and/or type of travel you’re interested in embarking upon. (i.e. adventure travel)
  • Choose one who has several years’ experience under their belt.
  • Find one who’s been to where you’re going (preferably several times).
  • Ensure they are a member of the national association of travel agents in your country. In Canada, it’s the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) and in the US, it’s the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
  • Check the Better Business Bureau on-line (www.bbb.org) to see if any complaints have been filed against the travel agency and if so, how the complaints were handled.
  • Interview at least three agents and determine if they have extensive knowledge, ask you good questions, listen well and understand your needs.
  • Choose an agency that has a contact person available 24/7 in case you run into an emergency situation during your trip.

Most travel agents are invaluable resources with the knowledge and experience that can make the difference between a good trip and an exceptional one.

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Cruise Ship Review: Holland America’s Volendam
Wednesday, June 02nd, 2010 /

Just back from a ship inspection of Holland America’s Volendam at the CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) conference, the official travel agency conference of the cruise line industry. Here are some Volendam ship facts: 
Passenger capacity:  1,432
Crew members:  615
Length:  781 feet

Holland America (HAL) has a solid reputation and most people I’ve met who have cruised with them have thoroughly enjoyed their onboard experiences. Through my research and conversations with numerous cruisers, I’ve found that HAL is best suited for mature travellers. But, it’s also becoming popular for multi-generation family vacations.

Today, I toured and had lunch onboard the Volendam with 400 travel agents. (Note:  I’m not a travel agent but attended the CLIA conference to expand my knowledge of cruising for my workshops and future book.  Also, I should mention that I worked onboard seven Princess Cruises ships over a seven year period.) In the 2010 Cruise Poll conducted by the upscale Conde Nast magazine, the Volendam was ranked 17th out of 25 in the “Large Ships” category. Here are my observations based on today’s tour:

- The floral-themed ship is over ten years old, which is ancient compared to most of its kind on the high sea
- The Volendam shows its age through its outdated and sometimes worn decor.
- We ate a 3-course meal (salad, choice of steak or salmon and tiramisu) in the stunning two-level Rotterdam dining room.
- Everyone at my table of six found the salad of mixed greens, cranberries, two small pieces of chicken and only a drop (no kidding!) of salad dressing could have been better.
- We quite enjoyed the steak and salmon.
- The tiramisu was OK and someone noted that they’d had better.
- Staff was very friendly and professional.
- The staterooms are fine, of decent size but have outdated decor.
- The spacious and modern internet cafe/library area is a wonderful spot to pass the time.
- In the public areas, the ceilings seem quite low and the ship overall is rather dark.
- The jewel tones of the show lounge are a lovely touch. (See photo at left)
- The glass-encased workout room is bright and spacious.
- The spa has some unique features including pretty blue tiled heated loungers in a peaceful and scenic setting. 
- This is a perfect sized vessel for people who don’t want to be on either a tiny or mega-ship.

Although HAL is a very good cruise line and overall, the Volendam is fine, there are so many ships sailing the seas that are newer, have more appealing decor and better public areas that I’d encourage you to seek out those ahead of this one.

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Cruising: How to Choose the Best Cabin
Friday, March 26th, 2010 /

If you’re going to spend thousands of dollars on a cruise, help yourself to have an optimal on-board experience by spending some time strategizing where you want your cabin to be. Pick up the floor plan of the ship you’ll be sailing on (which can be found in cruise line brochures at a travel agency) and study it carefully. Having worked on over 30 cruises off the shores of Mexico, Europe, Hawaii and Alaska as well as in the Caribbean, I’d like to share with you where you should request a cabin depending on your needs.

 
If You Want Peace & Quiet
Throughout a ship, there are a number of noisy areas you should avoid if you want to get a good night’s sleep. Steer clear of cabins near the anchor, engines, bridge (the cockpit of the ship where the Captain makes announcements and blows the ship’s horn), promenade deck (where people often jog), elevators, stairwells, sports areas (i.e. basketball courts, fitness centre), swimming pools, children’s/teen centres (which are often open past midnight), laundry rooms, bars, lounges, theatres, casinos, shops, purser’s desk, atrium, restaurants, coffee shops, spas, etc.  So you’re probably wondering, “Well, where should I stay?” Despite this loooonnnnnngggggggg list of no-stay zones, there are still plenty of cabins to be had. Look at the floor plan for rooms that have cabins directly above and below them as that will ensure you’re not located near any public areas.

If You’re Prone to Seasickness
Sensitive to the ocean’s motion?  You’ll want to stay away from the front, back and upper parts of the ship where there can be considerable rocking and pitching. In other words, choose a centrally-located cabin that is close to the water. The larger the ship, the less motion you’ll feel. In a future post, I’m going to provide tips on the best remedies for seasickness.

If Limited Mobility Is a Concern
Due to the nature of cruising, those with limited mobility are attracted to this form of travel. If this is the case for you or someone you’re travelling with, you’ll want to be situated close to an elevator (but not too close or you won’t catch too many zzz’s as mentioned above). Since many ships are gi-normous, being centrally-located vertically and horizontally is advantageous. You may want to find out where passengers disembark at each of the ports and request a room near one of them.

If You Want Convenience
If you plan to spend most of your time in one area of the ship, such as the fitness area, pool deck or buffet(!), pick a cabin that’s within that vicinity. If travelling with kids who’ll be participating in the children’s program and you’re needing to pick them up and drop them off after each session (which can be up to six trips/day), perhaps you’ll want to be near that part of the ship.                            

You’ll be glad you took the time to strategize which part of the ship is best suited for you and requested a cabin based on your needs as you’ll significantly increase the likelihood of having the cruise of a lifetime! But be sure to book several months in advance as you’ll have a greater selection of of cabins to choose from.

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