Back-to-back cruises are a great way to extend your cruise vacation. They can be a cruise traveler’s dream, but many people wonder what to expect. There are many reasons to consider this type of cruise vacation. The most obvious is to prolong your vacation. Back to back cruises allow you to maximize the value of your airfare if flying into the port. Airfare is expensive and doing a back-to-back means you get more time on the ship to justify the flight cost. In addition, doing a back-to-back cruise can expand the ports you visit. It is not uncommon for a ship to sail one itinerary and then follow it up with a different itinerary. This is very common in the Caribbean….many ships often alternate between Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries. A back-to-back allows you to do both. There are itineraries where cruise lines do a one-way cruise….you board in one city and disembark in another. By doing a back-to-back, you can avoid having to deal with flying to and from different cities….just disembark back in the original port after sailing the return cruise. How does a back-to-back cruise work? The procedure for a back-to-back cruise is pretty much the same for all cruise lines. It’s a good idea to stop by Guest Relations during the first cruise to confirm you on the consecutive cruiser list. If you aren’t, they will expect you to leave at the end of the first cruise. This is not necessary for back-to-back (B2B) cruisers. A few days prior to the end of the first sailing, B2B passengers will receive a letter in their stateroom with details about the process on turnaround day (disembarkation day for the rest of the passengers). This letter will instruct the passengers to report to a venue onboard at a specific time and give details about what to bring. Your passport or identification papers you used when joining the ship will be required. When you arrive, a crew member will take your name and stateroom number and sign you in. This indicates that you are technically “off the ship”, so you must remain in the venue until the ship has reached a zero passenger count. At this time, guests staying onboard will be escorted by a crew member to the gangway. You will scan your old SeaPass card and will then be given a new SeaPass card which you will scan to begin the next sailing. We recently did a B2B in Alaska. We met in the Sky Lounge at 9am where we showed our old sea pass cards and were given new ones. They had us scan them in the venue….we did not have to leave the ship. This is not always the process. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) of the country you are in dictates the process for consecutive cruisers. It will vary by port. How do you book a back-to-back cruise? If you want to book a B2B cruise, you need to do some leg work….or hire a travel agent to do it for you. You have to book two separate cruises…..one after another. Sometimes you are able to find the same cabin on each cruise, but not always. If not, don’t worry…your cabin steward will help you move your belongings. You do not need to book each cruise at the same time. You can always book another cruise, as long as there is space available. Be sure to ask if there are any discounts available when booking. Cruise lines usually offer a small discount, typically $100-$200/cruise. If changing cabins, what happens to my luggage? If you are staying in the same cabin, you do not need to do anything. If you are changing cabins, you must pack clothing and personal items that were in drawers and the bathroom. Be sure to check the safe for valuables! Hanging garments can remain in the wardrobe and will be moved on a rolling hanger rack by your cabin steward. (There have been reports that some cruise lines are now requiring all items must be packed. Details for your cruise will be in the information letter) Leave your luggage in your cabin. It will be moved to your new cabin for you. DO NOT PLACE THE LUGGAGE TAGS FOR DISEMBARKATION OR PUT THEM OUTSIDE THE CABIN ON THE LAST NIGHT!! If you do, your bags will be removed from the ship and you will need to retrieve them shoreside and go through the normal luggage delivery process. Talk with your cabin steward prior to the last day of the cruise. They will instruct you on the best and easiest way for them to assist in moving your luggage for you. Is muster drill required for the 2nd sailing? YES! Maritime law requires all passengers to conduct the mandatory safety drill on each cruise. It MUST be done prior to the ship sailing for all passengers onboard, including consecutive cruisers. Each cruise is a separate sailing and the Coast Guard makes no distinction between consecutive cruisers and passengers just joining the ship. We like to be among the first to check in as soon as they open, then we are free to enjoy our day. Of course, if you plan to disembark and explore the port, be sure to complete this as soon as you re-board. The ship cannot sail until everyone has completed this task. What can I do on turnaround day? You are welcome to remain onboard and enjoy the quiet of an almost empty ship. The pools will be available but bars and food venues will be closed until embarkation begins. Some cruise lines offer a special lunch for B2B cruisers. Be sure to take advantage of this if offered! You are also free to leave the ship and explore the port until the all aboard time. Be sure to verify this time when leaving the ship. You will not have to go through the embarkation process again at most ports. Ask the port agents where consecutive cruisersContinueContinue reading “Everything You Need to Know About Back-to-Back Cruises”
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Best Things To Do In Key West, FL
Key West, Florida…..the southernmost city of the United States. Here, you can enjoy the Caribbean vibe without ever leaving the United States Known for its eccentric and laid-back vibe, Key West is a great port of call for most cruise passengers. The island has provided seasonal homes to several notable figures such as the 33rd president and one of the world’s most prolific writers. Rich in history, Key West combines 19th-century history with its vast tropical charms and creates a haven for adventurers and historians alike. Here you will find brightly colored picturesque colonial houses and lush tropical gardens. The narrow streets of downtown are lined with vintage shops, restaurants and watering holes. The coastline is gorgeous and is graced by the azure waters of the Atlantic and Gulf stream that boarder the island on both sides. It’s easy to see why Key West visits by both cruise passengers and vacationers are on the rise and why it is becoming an essential port of call for cruise ships. Here are some of our favorite things to do while in port. Most ships will dock at Mallory Square or the Truman Annex.Both are within easy walking distance of Old Town. Duval Street is only 2 blocks from the pier. Click on the map for a printable link. Transportation Duval Loop This bus service runs from the City’s Park and Ride on Grinnell Street, along Caroline Street, right on Simonton Street, around Front Street, up the length of Whitehead, through Truman Waterfront, then returns down the length of Simonton to Fleming. The Duval Loop is funded partly by parking meter rates and provides easy access to restaurants, galleries, gift shops, and theatres. Times and Days The Duval Loop runs year-round, seven days a week, with service paused only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. It makes 28 loops each day and stops at 18 designated locations along the route. Fare Fare information for the Duval Loop can be found on the Bus Fares page. Hop On Hop Off Tour The tour begins at Mallory Square, right by the famous Key West Aquarium – one of the main attractions in the city. The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is located just opposite the aquarium, so ensure to spend the morning exploring this area before hopping on the trolley! Inclusions Professional live guide on board 13 stops across the city Entry to the Sails to Rails Museum Two free self-guided walking tours Free coupons with up to $50 in discounts Schedule: Start time: 9am – 4:30pmFrequency: every 30 minutesDuration: 1hr 30 minutesDeparture point: Stop #1: Mallory Square, in front of the Sponge Market, next to the Key West AquariumClosed on the last Saturday of October Please note: Vehicles are wheelchair/stroller accessible.Big suitcases and big bags are not allowed on the vehicle. Hand luggage is permitted.Animals are not permitted except for service animals.Free cancellation up to 48 hours before scheduled tour. Cost: $65/day for adults, $26/child (Some days have discounts available. You can pre-purchase tickets online. Key West Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour Duval Street Duval Street is the heart of Key West. Filled with fantastic restaurants, lively bars, art galleries, and shops selling unique gifts, clothes, and hand-rolled cigars, this a great spot to experience the city’s culture and nightlife. In the evening, you sip on a margarita and enjoy an al fresco meal, or join a haunted pub crawl and ghost tour of the area. If you want to visit the most famous bar in Key West, be sure to stop into Sloppy Joe’s Bar. The official beginning of this infamous Key West Saloon, beloved by Ernest Hemingway, was smack in the middle of the Depression, December 5, 1933, the day Prohibition was repealed. The bar was destined to go through two name changes and a sudden change of location before it would become today’s Sloppy Joe’s Bar seen by millions of visitors to Florida’s southernmost outpost. Rent Bikes The best way to get around old town Key West is by bike. Explore Key West beaches, get your photos at Key West landmarks or just bar and restaurant hop! You can rent bikes directly on the pier with Island Bike Rental. Biking in Key West is very easy….the only elevation you need to climb in the cemetery….a total of 20 feet above sea level. Visit the Southernmost Point Be sure to visit the Southernmost Point Monument and take the iconic photo. How else are you going to show everyone you were actually there? This monument is a giant buoy built in the ’80s to represent the southernmost point of the United States and you are only 90 miles from Cuba. This is a very popular tourist destination, so expect to queue if you want to snap a photo…or go very early in the morning for a picture-perfect piece. Conch Train Ride The Conch Train is one of Key West’s most popular attractions and for good reason. Since 1958, the Conch Tour Train has treated guests to a close-up view of the Southernmost City’s most popular places including Mallory Square, Sails to Rails Museum, the Key West Aquarium and more. Key West Cemetery To learn the interesting part of the town’s former times, visit Key West Cemetery. The gravestones of fallen soldiers and townsfolk go into depth about the life and death of the individual. Epitaphs like “I told you I was sick” among others can be traced in this location, making it a twisted but interesting fun thing to explore. The cemetery is centrally located in Old Town. The gates open at 7am and close at 7pm during the summer months. During the winter, the hours for the cemetery are 7am to 6pm. You can pick up a self-guided map that highlights some of the more historic sites and gravestones. If you are lucky enough to be in town overnight, book a haunted tours walk, where you will learn about the most outrageous stories of Key West, Florida. Take a Rum Tour There are several rumContinueContinue reading “Best Things To Do In Key West, FL”
Celebrity Cruises Move-Up Program
If you want to change your cabin but not pay the current selling price or the cabin level is sold out, Celebrity has a bidding process called MoveUp. This new program allows you to bid on a cruise stateroom upgrade after you purchase your cruise.* *Eligible reservations are on all Celebrity Cruise ships within 90 days of departure date. Cruise must be paid in full and you must be 21 years or older. When entering your information in the link below, make sure to use the primary guest last name and valid booking number to avoid errors. If you have any questions or trouble finding your reservation, either call Celebrity at 1-888-751-7804 or use the online chat feature. If using a travel agent, the travel agency must be a participating agency in the CELEBRITY MOVEUP program in order to qualify. Use this link: https://www.celebritycruises.com/bid-on-cruise-room-upgrade Look through the stateroom options to see which cabin type you want to bid on. Submit an offer based on the amount you’re willing to pay for an upgrade for each stateroom option. There will be minimum and maximum amounts allowed. Making offers on multiple rooms will increase your chances of getting upgraded, but you’ll only ever pay for one upgrade. You will be notified via email if your request for an upgrade has been approved. If your offer is accepted, you will automatically be charged for the upgrade. If not, you pay nothing and enjoy the stateroom you’ve already booked. Offers are priced per person, based on double occupancy, for the length of your cruise. The amount is not per night. Only the first and second guest in your stateroom will be charged. Additional guests beyond the second guest are upgraded with no additional cost. Frequently Asked Questions Is the offer amount per person per day or for the entire duration of the cruise? The offer amount is per person for the entire duration of the cruise. Offers are based on two occupants per stateroom – only the first and second guest will be charged. Does the upgrade include any additional promotions? The upgrade does not include any additional promotions. You get to keep whichever promotions you already have. Example, if you are in an inside/veranda/oceanview etc cabin and booked all inclusive, you will keep those benefits. Suites and Aqua class bids do not receive the additional beverage packages, OBC or wifi. Successful Suite bids do receive access to the Retreat and Luminae. Aqua class receives access to the Persian Garden and Blu. What happens if I am part of a group or traveling with another reservation? Each offer is considered individually, Celebrity Cruises does guarantee that all reservations traveling together will be upgraded. If you are lucky and all reservations are upgraded, Celebrity Cruises cannot guarantee that all the upgraded cabins will be close together. Can I reject the upgrade after it is accepted? No, once your bid is accepted, your card will be charged immediately and the upgrade amount paid is final and non-refundable. There are no refunds or downgrades. What happens with the promotions I already have? You get to keep the promotions you already have. However, no additional promotions will be added to your reservation. Can I choose the location or specific features of the upgrade cabin? No, your cabin location and attributes will depend on availability. Celebrity cannot guarantee a specific cabin number assignment within the upgraded category. If other cabins are available in the exact same category, you can ask to be moved. They cannot guarantee the ability to do that. How much do I pay if my reservation includes more than 2 guests? If your reservation includes multiple guests (between 2 and 5 passengers), the offer amount submitted will be for the first and second guest on the reservation only. Other passengers are upgraded free of charge. Can I modify or cancel my offer after I submit it? You may modify or cancel your offer up until 2 days prior to departure, provided that your offer has not already been accepted by Celebrity Cruises and your credit card has not been charged. When will I know if my offer got accepted? Your offer can be accepted anytime from the moment it is submitted up until 2 days prior to voyage departure. If I have two reservations can I bid only once and if accepted, cancel the second reservation and move the guests into the upgraded cabin? No, if you have two cabins you will need to submit two separate bids and they will be considered independently. Celebrity Cruises cannot guarantee that both reservations will be upgraded. In the case that one of the reservations gets upgraded, you cannot move the other guests into the upgraded cabin. All reservations cancelled within the penalty period will be subject to cancellation fees. What happens if I am a single guest? You will be charged based on double occupancy. Why did I or someone I’m traveling with not receive an invite to bid on a stateroom upgrade? To receive an email invitation to bid on a stateroom upgrade, you must have opted-in to Celebrity Marketing e-mails. To opt-in, you can sign up for emails on the website, opt-in through the online check in process or within My Reservations section of website. There is also a link in the pull-down menu at the top of the Celebrity website under “Manage My Reservation”. If I upgrade to a higher category stateroom, will I have to pay a gratuity amount based on the new upgraded category? Yes, by upgrading to a higher stateroom category, each guest in the booking may be subject to a higher gratuity amount. The Offer Amount does not include the higher gratuity. If the Offer is accepted, the difference between the originl and upgraded stateroom gratuities (if applicable) will be automatically applied to all guests. $18.00 USD per person, per day for Inside, Ocean View, and Veranda staterooms $18.50 USD per person, per day for Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms ContinueContinue reading “Celebrity Cruises Move-Up Program”
Discovering Southampton: Must-See Attractions and Activities Before Your Cruise
How do I get from London to Southampton cruise port? The Southampton cruise port is 80 miles southwest of London. Traveling by car, taxi or direct coach will take about 2 hours, depending on traffic. Heavy traffic at rush hour around London can increase your travel time.Most cruise lines offer direct transfers which you can book through your cruise line. These can be by van, mini bus or coach busses. Check with your cruise line to see what they offer. The available options will be included in the excursion section of your cruise planner. We recently used a transfer with Celebrity Cruises which took us to Stonehenge and then dropped us off at Heathrow. Easy and enjoyable end to our cruise. If you wish to hire a private car or taxi, GetTransfer is reliable and has good prices. Another option is Welcome Pickups. You can arrange for airport or port pickups and sightseeing tours. South Western Railway trains regularly run to Southampton direct from Waterloo and Victoria stations. You can also depart from Paddington Station with a change of trains in Reading. Most trains take about 1.5-2.5 hours depending on stops to reach Southampton Central. Once you arrive, you will need a taxi to transfer you the last 2 miles from the railway station to the cruise port. There will be taxis waiting outside the station. You can purchase one-way or roundtrip train tickets or Britrail passes from Rail Europe The cheapest way to get to Southampton is with National Express bus services. They run scheduled coach services to Southampton from London (Waterloo Station), Heathrow, Gatwick and most major cities. Again, you will need to make your own way to the cruise port from the bus station (about 1.6 miles) where the coach journey terminates. I NEED A HOTEL….WHERE SHOULD I STAY? Enjoy an stress-free start to your cruise holiday by staying in one of the excellent hotels near the port. If you are traveling with your own car to Southampton, try to select a hotel that offers cruise parking…some will also offer a shuttle service to the port. Look for options to book a Cruise & Park package when looking for hotels. There are many excellent hotels available. The closest to the port are Holiday Inn and Leonardo Royal Hotel. Another excellent choice is you are looking for a luxury hotel is Harbour Hotel Southampton. We have stayed at the Doubletree by Hilton in Chilworth in the past and taken a taxi to the ship, but in the future, we are going to stay closer to the terminal and the city itself. WHAT IS THERE TO DO? Southampton is a bustling coastal city with history going back all the way to the Stone Age. There are over 90 listed buildings and 30 ancient monuments in the Old Town, which includes medieval watch towers and dungeons, an array of churches, fine timber-framed Tudor houses, inns and hole-in-the-wall pubs. The city sustained extensive damage in the Second World War but it has managed to retain some of its medieval architecture. Exploring this charming corner of the city is one of the best things to do in Southampton. A great place to start this journey is the Bargate….formerly the main gate of the city. This is possibly Southampton’s most iconic structure and was built around 1180. Walking some of England’s best-preserved medieval Town Wall, nearly half of which still stands since the 15th century, is a must for any guest of Southampton. The Old Town Walls are recognized as some of the country’s most intact and impressive. These walls first enclosed the town following a raid by the French in 1380. Today, about half of the original walls still remain. The city has developed a self-guided walk for those who want to work their way through the history of the listed buildings and ancient monuments. How it works: Download the app “GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities” from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed if you are traveling abroad. Just be sure to download the app while you have wifi. Visit the Tudor House and Gardens. This is Southampton’s most important historic building, reveling over 800 years of history in one fascinating location at the heart of the Old Town. The timber-framed building facing St Michael’s Square was built in the late 15th Century, with King John’s Palace, an adjacent Norman house accessible from Tudor House Garden, dating back a further 300 years. Tudor House gives a unique insight into the lives and times of both its residents through the years, and of Southampton itself. This is perfect for all ages and interests and is a family-friendly activity. https://tudorhouseandgarden.com Visit the Medieval Merchant’s House Around the corner at 58 French Street, is the Medieval Merchant’s House, another of Southampton’s cultural treasures tucked beneath the old walls. Complete with replica period furnishings, this is another fascinating view into Southampton’s medieval world. This building is part of the English Heritage group, so if you are a member, admission is free. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk Explore Southampton’s aviation history. Southampton also has many ties to aviation, particularly during the era of the seaplane. If you enjoy airplanes and aviation, a visit to the Solent Air Museum this is an excellent choice. Here you will the opportunity to get up close to over 20 beautifully preserved planes, including a de Havilland Vampire fighter jet and the famous Spitfire. The latter was produced by the Southampton-based aviation manufacturer, Supermarine, which was also renowned for its success in the high-risk 20th-century seaplane race, the Schneider Trophy. Much of the museum is dedicated to this extraordinary race that helped generate engineering advancements that bore fruit for fighter jet design during the Second World War. Many of the Spitfire planes were made underground nearby in theContinueContinue reading “Discovering Southampton: Must-See Attractions and Activities Before Your Cruise”
Cruising with Kids: Family-Friendly Activities & Preparations
Cruising with your kids is an easy and fun way to explore the world. Many new ships are like floating resorts with endless options to keep all ages entertained. Your family is transported from port to port and you only have to unpack once! And no dragging suitcases from hotel to hotel! However, without proper planning and preparation, a cruise can go very wrong. Learn how to plan a family cruise and which cruise line is best for your family with these tips for taking a cruise with kids that Research your cruise options thoroughly before booking your vacation. Weigh the pros and cons of each cruise line including childcare options, family activities, meal options, stateroom size and layout, and, of course, price. When choosing an itinerary, consider the number of at-sea days, the ports of call, and shore excursions.will help ensure smooth sailing. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, THEN RESEARCH AGAIN! Read about your cruise options thoroughly before booking your vacation. There are lots of Facebook groups for every cruise line. Cruisers love to help other passengers….ask all your questions! Weigh the pros and cons of each cruise line…childcare options, family activities, meal options, stateroom size and layout and price. When choosing an itinerary, consider the number of sea days, the ports of call and shore excursions. If you are traveling with very young children, some cruise lines limit the number of consecutive sea days you can do. Amenities for children vary among cruise lines. Most kids clubs vary in terms of age requirements and will group the kids into appropriate age groups. Be sure to check if there are restrictions for non-potty trained children. Many do not allow them to be left unattended by parents until fully trained. Also, non-potty trained children may not swim in cruise ship pools but some, such as Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Cunard, and Royal Caribbean, offer splash areas on select ships with special filtration for diapered tots. Sail away on a cruise with kids (Photo credit: Matt Stroshane, Disney) Consult a travel agent This is one time a good travel agent is essential. Make sure you use one that specializes in cruises. They can make the entire process seamless and will have a greater knowledge of individual ships and cabins. An agent may also have access to better deals or group rates and may be able to give you onboard credit or other special amenities for your family. Make sure your travel agent is knowledgeable about cruises and books them often! Cruising is different from other vacations. The agent can assist in the online registration and make certain that all of the paperwork is completed and print out your luggage tags. An agent is also there to help you should anything go wrong before, during or after your cruise. There is no additional charge, their commission comes directly from the cruise line! For more information regarding embarkation, be sure to read https://zest4travel.net/2023/04/12/cruise-embarkation-day/ Involve the entire family in planning your cruise. Kids, especially the older ones, want to be part of choosing where your family will cruise, what they want available onboard and which excursions they want to do. Including and considering some of their wishes will make the cruise a better experience for everyone. Get age appropriate books about your destination. Watch movies or youtube videos. Build the excitement! Check cruise message boards or Facebook groups Cruise Critics has been around for a long time and offers roll calls for every sailing. Facebook groups are now becoming even more popular though. Do a search for your sailing to see if one has been started. Also, join the Facebook page for the cruise line and/or ship you are sailing on. Here, you can ask questions and meet other passengers. Many times, group meet ups are already organzied! Arrive at least one day before you set sail If at all possible, don’t fly in the same day as the cruise begins. Flights can be delayed or cancelled, luggage can go missing, etc. There is no need to add extra stress when traveling with kids An extra night or two prior to boarding will help you adjust to a new time zone and allow the kids to destress from long flights and busy travel days. This is especially helpful if traveling overseas. Avoid motion sickness and other illnesses Cabins that are on lower decks and/or mid-ship generally experience less motion and will help reduce the likelihood of developing seasickness. Before leaving home, consider discussing motion sickness prevention options with your doctor. Even if your family is not prone to nausea while traveling, it might be smart to bring along some seasick medicine or other remedy, just in case. Washing your hands often and using antibacterial gel or baby wipes to cleanse hands can help keep your family healthy while cruising. A first aid kit is also an excellent item to pack for your cruise! Discuss expectations before cruising with kids Discuss rules about safety and guidelines regarding onboard behavior with your children prior to sailing. If you are traveling with older kids, set clear rules and boundries regarding the level of freedom they will have during the cruise and family time expectations. For example, if you would like all family members to eat dinner together every evening, make this clear prior to boarding. Now is the time to talk to the kids about the danger of climbing on any railings. People do fall off cruise ships….you don’t want this to happen to your family. Also, remind them that there are other passengers on the ship and they need to respect the rules and others. Things like running and/or yelling in the hallways, loud music in the cabin, blocking stairwells, etc are not acceptable behavior. Pack properly for your family cruise Once you have boarded the ship, it could be several hours before your luggage is delivered to your cabin. Be sure to pack a carry-on bag with anything you might need that first day, such as identification and passports (needed for embarkation), cruise documents, swimsuits, and sunscreen. You don’t need to worry about snacks, as the buffet willContinueContinue reading “Cruising with Kids: Family-Friendly Activities & Preparations”
Bonaire Beaches, Salt Pans, and Distillery: Unforgettable Caribbean Experience
Bonaire is one of three islands that make up the catchy nickname: the ABC islands. This colorful Netherlands Antilles archipelago lies 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela and is comfortably outside the Caribbean’s hurricane belt. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4W6ZVTjA6s Bonaire is laid-back by design. Large chain hotels have been kept out and eco-preservation has been enforced since the 1970’s, making this some of the best dive and snorkeling sites in the world. The island’s relaxed and slow pace helps maintain the island’s chief attributes…its national park and pristine wilderness, both above and below the surface. This is the place for adventure sports: diving, caving, sea kayaking, mountain biking, wind surfing, and cliff jumping, to name just a few. Bonaire continues to be recognized as one of the top destinations worldwide for its sustainable tourism. The culture contains layers of Amerindian, Spanish, African, Dutch and British influences. You will hear traces of these languages (plus some French and Portuguese) during any conversation in Papiamento, the creole language spoken. Try using a few key phrases: por fabor, danki, and bon dia—all of which mean exactly what you think they do! Renting a golf cart is a popular activity. This is a fun and easy way to explore the island at your own pace. Be sure to reserve early….they sell out quickly! https://www.bonairecruisers.com Photo courtsey of Bonaire Cruisers Visit the donkey sanctuary, take a trip to the salt flats, view the flamingos or just hit the beach. Be sure to keep an eye out for the donkeys…they were brought to Bonaire by the Spanish in the 17th century for transportation. When modern vehicles (like pushcarts) became available , donkeys were no longer needed and were left to their own fate. Since 1993 injured, sick and orphaned donkeys have been cared for in a shelter, called the Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire. Volunteers take care over 400 donkeys in an enclosed area. The shelter is open to visitors and is located south of the airport on the Kaya Ir.R. Statius van Eps. https://www.donkeysanctuary.org/?lang=en Reduce your speed when you approach a donkey. They may cross the street unexpectedly. The south end of the island is host to the famous salt flats & mounts. As you drive along south road, you will notice the different colors of the water, turning into an intense pink color. Cargill has been operating here since 1997 and produces some of the purest salts in the world. Depending on the grade of salt, it is used for water softeners, the chemical industry or food production. You can learn more about the Bonaire salt on a tour, either through your ship or booked independently The Salt pyramids of Bonaire can be seen when arriving either by sea or by air, each one is roughly 50-feet high and contains approximately 10,000 metric tons of 99.6% pure salt. The Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary is one of only four areas in the world where Flamingos breed. Pekelmeer means “salt lake” in Dutch. The pools appear pink against the white salt flats because of an abundance of tiny rosy brine shrimp that live in the water. This is also how the birds get their pink color…eating the shrimp! The Sanctuary is located on the vast salt pans at the southern end of the island and is home to over ten thousand flamingos. Tourists are not allowed in the sanctuary, but the birds can be watched with binoculars from the road or nearby Pink Beach. Please take care to not frighten them….once they fly away, they will never return. https://www.tourismbonaire.com/sightseeing/pekelmeer-flamingo-sanctuary Bonaire has over 22 beaches. On Bonaire and its sister island Klein Bonaire, the sands of some beaches are soft and blindingly white, while others are coarser and darker due to the high content of crushed shells and coral. Beach condition is intrinsically tied to the health of those reefs. You can help by taking your plastics and trash back with you, leaving the shells where they lie (they might be a home for hermit crabs) and wearing eco-friendly sunscreen. Every little bit helps to keep the sands clean for future generations to enjoy. Be sure to pick up a Bonaire Island Map to find many sandy beaches and coves to explore and enjoy. Watch for the bright yellow stone markers painted with the site name along the coastal roads. They make it easy to find a great beach for sun bathing, strolling or snorkeling and diving. Did you know that Bonaire has a distillery? The Cadushy Distillery was founded on March 7th, 2009 by the Gietman family and grew from a small start-up to a thriving company. They created something you would have never imagined…..excellent liqueur made out of cactus! Cadushy of Bonaire liqueur is based on the traditions of Bonaire. Lime has been used as a thirst satisfier for centuries and cactus has been an ingredient in the traditional kitchen. Be sure to stop and try some. https://www.cadushy.com Enjoy your visit to Bonaire…..an island unlike any other in the Caribbean. And if you didn’t watch the video already….please watch it! Let’s connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! *Zest4Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
Bridgetown, Barbados
Link to YouTube video on the port is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG8iBVuK0eQ Barbados was first visited by Spanish navigators in the late 15th century and claimed for the Spanish Crown. The island first appeared on a Spanish map in 1511. When an English ship, the Olive Blossom, arrived in Barbados in 1625, the men took possession of it in the name of King James 1. In 1627, the first permanent settlers arrived from England. Barbados became an English, and later, a British colony. On November 30, 1966, Barbados gained its independence from England. The island has retained many of the English customs, such as driving on the left, afternoon tea and cricket. Bajan cuisine is a mixture of African, Indian, Irish, Creole and British influences. The national dish of Barbados is Cou-Cou & fried Flying Fish with a spicy gravy. Flying Fish sandwiches are also served at many of the beach bars and are a popular snack. We visited a local grocery store and bought several packets of Bajan seasoning. Can’t wait to try it! We walked into town from the cruise port and found a fish market. Oh how I wished I had a way to cook some of it! In the center of downtown lies Broad Street. It runs directly through the center of the city and passes the Parliament Buildings. Here you will find the center of city’s shopping area. Just across from the Parliament buildings is a statue of Lord Nelson, which is actually older than the one in London. On the other side of the street, there is a canal which leads directly to the ocean and a small draw bridge for larger, private vessels. The Mount Gay Rum visitors center in Barbados claims to be the world’s oldest remaining rum company, with an confirmed deed from 1703. It was originally called “Kill-Devil” by the Barbadians who first distilled it. Cockspur Rum, which began in 1884 when Valdemar Hanschell created the rum and Malibu, which began in 1893 and is now owned by Pernod Ricard, are also from the island. After exploring the town, we walked back to the ship to grab our swimming and snorkel gear. Barbados has some of the cleanest water in the Caribbean and is known for its expansive beaches. After a short taxi ride, we found a spot on the white sand beach near Shipwreck Beach. We didn’t see any turtles, but did see some fish. The water was a little cooler than St. Thomas, most likely due to the fact that is situated with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. Barbados is the easternmost island in the Lesser Antilles. Even though it was a little cooler, we were able to stay in the water for a long time and really enjoyed ourselves. I highly recommend visiting the beaches of Barbados. At sail away, we spotted a turtle swimming alongside the ship. This is one island I would consider returning to for a land stay. It is a popular destination for the English and other European countries. One thing to remember when packing though….camouflage wear by the non-military is illegal in Barbados….even by children. It is actually a good idea to NOT wear this type of clothing in ANY Caribbean country. Let’s connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! *Zest4Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
St. Thomas, American Virgin Islands
I finally got the chance to visit St. Thomas…this has been on my bucket list for some time. Be sure to watch our video at the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL_h2burcSo St. Thomas is the gateway isle of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean and is known for beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots. Founded by the Danish in the 1600s, it is a busy cruise ship port. The British occupied the islands without a shot being fired. The British occupation lasted until April 1802 when the British returned the islands to Denmark-Norway. In December 1807, a British fleet again captured St Thomas and held onto it until November 1815, when Britain returned the islands to Denmark. In 1916, Denmark sold St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John to the United States and the island’s inhabitants were granted United States citizenship in 1927. We arrived on the Celebrity Equinox on March 27th in Charlotte Amalie. There are two docks for cruise ships at this port….Little Krum Bay and West Indian Company dock. We were at the one farthest from town…Little Krum Bay. It was a warm, humid day, which is to be expected….it is the Caribbean after all! Just beyond security, there were shops setting up for the day….one was a popcorn stand. These iguanas were making a beeline for them….guess they love popcorn too! They also love the rocks near the water….be careful while walking though….they can really run! Since we had not been to this island before, we took the shuttle into town. I think it was $3/person and they made us a deal, since we were a party of three. After climbing the 99 steps and visiting Blackbeard”s Castle, we happened upon Government House, a neoclassical, gracious three story white building with beautifully intricate ironwork along the balconies. Built between 1865 and 1867, it is a perfect example of the grandeur of official buildings during Danish colonial time. The guards allowed us access to the main lobby, which has display boards of the islands’ governors including Danish, Naval and Civilian; two small paintings by renowned Impressionist artist, Camille Pissarro; and three murals by Italian-American artist Peppino Margravite. My husband was very excited to learn that Camille Pissarro was born in Charolette Amalie, so off we set to find his home. It is now an art gallery, but worth a short visit. This is the hallway leading to the stairs. After our explorations, we were hot and tired, so headed back to the ship for a quick lunch, then off to the beach for some snorkeling. We decided to stay close to the ship. We grabbed a taxi for the short trip to Emerald Beach. This beach is right by the airport and we were treated to lots of planes taking off. The water was warm and wonderful. Near the rocks, we found lots of fish. We swam for about an hour or so, then went back to the ship to get ready for sail away. We had a wonderful visit to St. Thomas!
Pros and Cons of Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm Fjord and Endicott Arm Fjord
Many people have questions about the differences between the three options available, so thought I would give a quick list of the pros and cons of each Hubbard Glacier Pro: Hubbard, as noted in my prior post, is a large, advancing glacier. The trip to the glacier is through Disenchantment Bay. Hubbard is the largest tidewater glacier in North America at a whopping 76 miles long and 1,200 feet deep. The quickly moving advancement of this glacier results in major calving….the dramatic breaking off of chunks of ice at the edge of a glacier. There is also an abundance of wildlife in the area, both on land and in the sea. It is very common to see seals lounging on the ice floes. A naturalist will be onboard to provide information on the area. Hubbard Glacier Con: There is only one active glacier in this location. There is another glacier off to the side, but it is not advancing and does not calve. Hubbard can be difficult to sail to at certain times of the cruise season. At the beginning or end of the season, ice can block ships from passing too near. Sailings may have a hard time either entering or cruising close to the face of the glacier. Glacier Bay Pro: Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with several glaciers to see. You will stop at three of them, Margerie Glacier, Grand Pacific Glacier and Lamplugh Glacier…with the majority of your time spent at Margerie and Grand Pacific, which are next to each other. Margerie is larger and more active than the other two. Grand Pacific is covered by rock debris from landslides and medial moraines cover much of this side of the glacier and extends across almost two-thirds of the ice face. If you are lucky and the ice is open, the captain may venture into John Hopkins Inlet, where you will get a view of John Hopkins Glacier. I have only been able to experience this one time, and the glacier was quite a distance away. Since Glacier Bay in a national park, cruise lines are required to have a park ranger onboard while in the confines of the park. The local park rangers narrate the sights and ecology of Glacier Bay over the loudspeaker as you sail. We have watched bears as they walk along the beach and even a moose swimming across the bay while at Margerie Glacier. The park ranger onboard told us that this bear is a coastal brown bear when on the coastline and a grizzly bear when in the mountains….same bear, different name depending on the location. Glacier Bay Con: Many of the glaciers in this location are retreating, but not all of them. Two examples are Johns Hopkins Glacier which has been advancing at the rate of 10 to 15 ft per day. Since it is difficult to sail to the face of this glacier, you will not witness calving. Margerie Glacier is stable, neither advancing nor retreating. Since Margerie is stable, it is not very active and the calving is not very dramatic….more like ice “waterfalls”. Glacier Bay can be very cold and wet during the cruise season. The bay has a cool wet, coastal temperate rainforest climate, with summer temperatures varying between 50 °F and 60 °F. UPDATE Due to ongoing safety risks from a 2025 landslide, sailing intoTracy Arm has been removed by cruise lines and have switched to the nearby Endicott Arm Fjord instead Tracy Arm Pro: The most common access to Tracy Arm is by boat using Stephens Passage and entering Holkham Bay and Tracy and Endicott Arms. The fjord walls are narrow and craggy, with steep rock faces that contain multiple waterfalls. The closer you get to the end of Tracy Arm, the more you will see more icebergs in shades of blue so deep they look like glass. Tracy Arm Con: The twin Sawyer Glaciers, North Sawyer and South Sawyer, are located at the end of Tracy Arm, which large cruise ships can not access due to ice floes. In order to view these up close, you must take an excursion, either from the ship or from Juneau. The first pictures show the cliffs of the fjord. Below are photos of glacial ice floating in the water. You will notice the water is a grayish-green….that is glacial silt. You can tell when you are getting close to an active glacier by the change of the water color. These photos were taken with a telephoto lens of Sawyer Glacier. The following photos show you how far we actually were from the glacier. Endicott Arm Pro: When Tracy Arm is not accessible by cruise ships, many choose to visit Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. The shorter length of Endicott allows for a faster journey. The ship is also able to get much closer to the glacier. Dawes is an active, tidewater glacier with a prominent medial moraine that betrays the fact that two large glaciers combine to form Dawes. A smaller glacier can be seen adding to the flow from high on the north side, above the face. Another glacier with an impressive icefall can be seen in the hanging valley just before Dawes on the north side of the fjord. Endicott Arm Con: Entry to Endicott can be complicated by tidal currents. An old terminal moraine forms a bar at the entrance through which an astonishing amount of water must flow with each tide and the pilot must use extreme caution. The fjord is not quite as narrow as Tracy Arm but the granite walls still soar thousands of feet into the air. Since the arm is shorter, the transition time is shorter. No matter which itinerary you choose, Alaska is amazing. Enjoy your time there! A good packing list is essential. Visit What to Pack for Alaska for my suggestions! Do you have travel insurance for your next cruise? The best day to buy it is the day you book so get it now. Insubuy has policies for all travelers. Have you booked your excursions yet? CheckContinueContinue reading “Pros and Cons of Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm Fjord and Endicott Arm Fjord”
Exploring Ketchikan: Top Activities for Your Alaskan Adventure
Ketchikan is often called the rainfall capital of the United States, so it’s smart to be prepared. That said, in more than 10 visits there, we’ve only had rain once! Ironically, we’ve experienced much more rain in Juneau and Skagway—go figure! Ketchikan has no shortage of things to do. You can dive into Alaskan Native culture, explore its incredible natural scenery, wander historic Creek Street, visit totem parks, take scenic boat tours, go hiking, or catch the always-entertaining Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. This is a great place to simply wander and explore at your own pace. Depending on where your ship docks, the main tourist area is either just a short walk away or right outside the ship. If you’re tendering in, you’ll be dropped off directly at the main dock area. If you haven’t pre-booked an excursion, don’t worry—there are plenty of kiosks available offering a variety of tours and activity options right on site. A popular destination for day trippers is Creek Street. This is a pleasant 10-15 minute walk from the cruise port. When walking in Ketchikan, be sure to follow the crossing guard’s directions. The roads are busy with tour busses and the guards are there to keep you safe. From the 1920’s to the 1950’s, Creek Street is where fishermen, miners, and some more genteel characters, found entertainment and feminine companionship. You can visit Dolly’s House Museum ($5 admission fee), which is locally owned and operated by a life long Ketchikan resident who takes great pride in being able to offer this unique and historic video narrated tour that looks back into Ketchikan’s infamous past. Creek Street is also well known for the annual salmon run that happens each summer. During peak season, the creek becomes so full of fish it almost looks like you could walk across it! You may also spot a resident seal near the bridge who has become quite the local character—often seen hanging around and trying to steal a fisherman’s catch when it gets the chance. From the end of Creek Street, you can continue your walk to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Inside, you’ll find exhibits showcasing the commercial, cultural, and recreational importance of the world’s largest temperate rainforest. The center also features a comfortable theater that screens short films about Ketchikan and the Tongass National Forest, offering a great way to learn more about the region and its incredible natural surroundings. Did you know you can take a distillery tour in Ketchikan? Unchartered Alaska Distillery (Station One Distillery) is located right on Main Street and offers a unique experience inside a historic former fire station. On this 2-hour tour, you’ll get a fascinating overview of the building’s history along with an introduction to the distilling process behind their locally crafted spirits. You’ll also enjoy tastings of their house spirits, followed by a hands-on class where you can blend your own custom infusion using provided botanicals, herbs, and spices. To top it off, you’ll design your own custom label for your creation—giving you a one-of-a-kind bottle to take home and share with friends and family. Be sure to plan accordingly for this immersive and interactive experience. Bawden Street Brewing Co. is currently the only active microbrewery in Ketchikan, offering a fun stop for craft beer lovers. They’re known for their creative lineup of offbeat ales, saisons, and sours, giving visitors a chance to try something a little different from the usual brewery fare. You’ll find them just a few blocks from the pier at 325 Bawden Street, making it an easy walk if you’re exploring the downtown area during your visit. We finally visited the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show—and it was such a fun experience! Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show runs several times a day, and you can hear the laughter and cheering from the crowd well before you even step inside. It’s also very reasonably priced, and we were able to book it through the cruise line using onboard credit, which made it even more convenient. I highly recommend this family-friendly excursion if you’re in Ketchikan—it was an absolute hoot from start to finish! Is spotting bears at the top of your list? Then get ready for the ultimate Alaska wildlife adventure in Ketchikan! From the incredible salmon ladder to unforgettable bear sightings at Herring Cove, this is one destination that delivers nonstop nature. You can also explore Rotary Beach, where you might catch glimpses of whales offshore and discover fascinating marine life in the intertidal zones. There is the chance you will see bears in town. We have stumbled on them several times. Please keep your distance from them. They are wild animals and could attack if they feel threatened. Ketchikan is home to the largest collection of totem poles in the world, including some of the oldest still in existence. While the very oldest are preserved in climate-controlled environments and a few remain in private collections, many can still be seen throughout the town. You can explore a significant number at the Totem Heritage Center, or visit one of the nearby totem parks to see these remarkable works of art up close and learn more about their cultural significance. The Misty Fjords are one of the most popular excursions in the region. Misty Fjords National Monument can be experienced in two unforgettable ways—by boat or by air. Personally, nothing beats seeing it from a floatplane. There’s something incredibly “Alaska” about lifting off the water and soaring over it all. This is the Alaska you imagine before you ever arrive: icy blue lakes, dramatic waterfalls, snowcapped peaks, and deep glacial valleys stretching as far as you can see. No matter where you point your camera, it feels like you’ve landed inside a postcard. Have you ever watched Deadliest Catch? The Deadliest Catch tour gives you a glimpse into Alaska’s intense crab fishing industry—but you canContinueContinue reading “Exploring Ketchikan: Top Activities for Your Alaskan Adventure”