Michigan Road Trip

I went to Michigan to visit my parents at the end of the month and took a little road trip to our cabin just south of West Branch and then over to the eastside and Tawas City on beautiful Lake Huron. While we were there we took in a great lunch at Mitch's Pizzeria. It is a small mom and pop place that is known for their breakfast pizza but had a great one called, Mitch's Special. Enjoy!





And of course, I had to fight my wife tooth and nail for each delicious slice! Eat your heart out NYC...Midwest pizzas are making a name for themselves.

Epic welcome to the Big Apple!

The Norwegian Epic arrived in New York City yesterday barely making it under the Verranzano Bridge by 24 inches in the wee hours of the morning. As you can see she would easily blend into the NYC skyline with her massive 18 decks, where within the not so classic ship design has world class entertainment, such as the Blue Man Group, , bars (like the Ice Bar & O'Sheehan's Pub) and of course NCL's Signature Freestyle Dining concept. The Norwegian Epic will be doing an alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itinerary from Miami then off to the Europe to start off its Mediterranean itineraries. Go to NCL.com for more information.

Epic Pool Screen

This is the pool area for the adults only Spice H20 Pool desk aft!

Norwegian Epic Delivery!

Norwegian Epic scheduled for delivery on Thursday

Norwegian Epic returned from its final sea trials on Sunday after completing three days of tests in the Atlantic Ocean. Norwegian Cruise Line said delivery from STX France is set for Thursday. During the trials technicians and engineers from STX, along with NCL representatives, checked more than 60 aspects of the ship’s performance including speed, maneuverability, hydrodynamics and propulsion, among others. ‘Overall, [Norwegian Epic] performed very well and exceeded expectations,’ the company said. On Thursday the ship is scheduled to depart the yard and sail to Rotterdam for a two-day inaugural cruise. On June 21, Norwegian Epic will operate a one-night preview cruise to Southampton, arriving the following day for a two-day inaugural sailing.

Seatrade Insider will be reporting from the two-day Southampton preview.

The seven-day Atlantic crossing to New York begins on June 24.

Tip of the Triangle - Bermuda

Bermuda or officially, the Bermuda Islands or the Somers Isles, is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Located off the east coast of the United States, its nearest landmass is Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Its capital city is Hamilton. Bermuda is the oldest and most populous remaining British overseas territory, settled by England a century before the Acts of Union created the Kingdom of Great Britain. Bermuda's first capital, St George's, was settled in 1612 and is the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the Americas.

Getting to Bermuda is by one of two ways, by boat or by plane. The modest airport has daily flights in and out of JFK airport in New York and other east coast airports, plus is a very popular cruise ship stop for many cruiselines in the summer. Cruises range from 1 day calls to 3 day/2 overnights in King's Wharf, Bermuda. Some of the smaller ships from cruiselines may make calls into St. Georges or Hamilton, however all the panamax size ships will call on King's Wharf. Actually, there is 2 piers in Dockyard, the newest being called Heritage Wharf.



Dockyard (King's Wharf)historically was a naval base for the Royal Navy until just after World War II. Most of the buildings used by the military have been turned into museums and shops. The old Prison still stands and is currently being renovated for possible tourism options but at this time is still not open to the public. For the cruise ship guest, it is easy to get around by walking. The Maritime Museum is located right next to the ships' piers (nominal admission fee) and has the history of its use as a naval base with the Commissioner's House sitting high up overlooking the open ocean. The Clocktower (which used to hold the armaments for the base) now houses a collection of local shops and a couple restaurants. One of the longstanding establishments right next to the Maritime Museum is the Frog & Onion Pub. Most of the interior decor is themed military nautical. One of the dining rooms has a large collection of flags. Should you decide to learn some history, take a short tour of the area on a horse drawn carriage, road train or the newest by Segway. The Segway is not only a cool way to get around the area but you get a guided tour of Dockyard and the Maritime Museum. This is one of my favorites.



Hamilton is the capital city of Bermuda and center of commerce. Here you will find an assortment of souvenir shops, jewelry stores, restaurants and pubs. This is the best place to spot the business gents in their colorful bermuda shorts and knee socks. The history of this form of business where came from the Royal Army units that were dispatched to tropical locations and their regular uniform was too hot. Getting to Hamilton from Dockyard can also be done by utilizing the local ferry or bus system. It is very efficient, however either way will take about 45 minutes each way. For guests on some of the ship sponsored tours to Hamilton, the cost of the ferry passes are included in the price. This allows guests to get a narrated tour and free time to explore and shop. Guests that just want to go over to Hamilton can use the ferry. Ferry & bus passes are available at the VIC (bright pink and blue round building) next to the Ferry Terminal in Dockyard. On Wednesday nights in the summer is the Harbor Nights Festival, where they block off Front Street and have street vendors, live entertainment and the local stores stay open a bit later than normal.



The last major town to visit on your Bermuda adventure is St. Georges. This was the first capital of Bermuda. It was founded by Capt. George Somers on the Sea Venture that was on its way to Jamestown, Virginia on a rescue mission. She hit one of the many shallow reefs around the island and Capt. Somers managed to run her aground in very shallow water and stopped the ship from sinking. All the passengers and crew survived. They were able to construct 2 ships, the Deliverance (a replica displayed in Somers Wharf) and Patience and sailed to Jamestown to find the rest of the fleet had not arrived. They boarded the survivors and attempted to sail back to England and ran into the rest of the fleet. They turned around and Jamestown was saved by the fresh supplies brought in. In St. Georges make sure to go to King's Square and see the midday re-enactment of daily life on Wednesdays. St. Georges you can also see St. Peters Church and easier access to St. David's Lighthouse and Fort St. Catherine.

Garret's Tips:

#1 Bermuda currency is on par (1 to 1) with US Dollars. You do not need to exchange money however you will find if you exchange Bermuda Dollars in the US you will lose some of the value in fees that are applied by the exchange houses.

#2 Scooter rentals are available nearly everywhere on the island. Please be careful, as not only do they drive on the otherside of the road (to U.S.), but have different traffic laws and scooter accidents on the island are prevalent and numerous.

#3 Make sure to cover up your bathing suit when going to and from the beach, as Bermudians are quite conservative.

#4 If you are in Bermuda for multiple days, utilize the day or monthly passes as long as you will be using ferry/bus more than 3 times per day. If not, just get single tokens.

#5 Tours are the best way to learn history of the island. Ferry & buses are very efficient to get around the island but you don't learn anything.

#6 There are no beaches within walking distance from Hamilton or Dockyard. The South Shore (where Horseshoe and Elbow Beaches are) are accessible by taxi or public bus. In St. Georges, Fort St. Catherine (big beach but no amenities) and Tobacco Bay (small beach & bar) have beaches but is about 20-30 minute walk from Somer's Wharf.

There are many things to do on the island so if you are vacationing in Bermuda by plane and hotel check with your travel agent or Bermuda Tourism. The site can also give you great deals on flights and hotels. http://www.bermudatourism.com

Or, if your on a cruise, see your Shore Excursion Desk and Port & Shopping Consultants onboard to find out the best way to maximize your day in port.

Guatemala needs more than cruise ships and tourism...

As you have seen in my previous blogs, I have been traveling around the Santo Tomas - Puerto Barrios area of Guatemala. I have been on ship sponsored tours, mayan villages, boat rides, bus rides and more. The new catch phrase in tourism, especially in Guatemala is "Sustainable Tourism". Many guatemalans graduate with this degree from the university, however most cruise ship tours are not sustainable. This is something we need to realize, much like natural resources, that tourism can also be sustained for future generations to enjoy. Not just a I-went-on-a-cruise and saw this (and never went back)...here's some pictures. Some of the new tours that the cruise industry is in the process of developing are similar to the mayan village tours and "Volun-tours". Just like this village, there is 100s more all over the country...in 100s of other countrys...all over the world. The skies the limit. Yes, we need to start thinking locally but don't forget globally!



This is a typical rural classroom in Guatemala. It is a mixture of mostly guatemalan and small percentage of mayan kids. Its actually quite big and not overcrowded. The kids are in school for 4 hours per day. They get a snack (local is hired to cook) and normal lessons in reading, writing etc (teachers are locally hired). However, they are always in need of school supplies and more. Plus, there is no school nurse in case something was to happen during school. The nearest clinic, when I visited was closed as the doctor was on a 1 month holiday and no relief. Any serious medical issues and villagers would have to go to bigger clinic in Puerto Barrios, which is 45 minutes away.



This is a new classroom building that was just finished a month ago. However, what you do not know is the building foundation and walls were funded by the Guatlemalan government 6 years ago. They funding never included a roof. The roof was completed 3 months ago and already has holes in it. The electrical lines and light fixtures have been ran in all the buildings but there is no power source yet. If and when the school gets funds, the process takes a long time.



The bathrooms are good for being in a rural setting, gravity flush toilets and tile, plus separate stalls. However, these were built 3 years ago and the doors are falling off and are right next to the cooking area. There is no sink, just a spiget that has water for kids to wash hands. No hand or paper towels, let alone soap.



The kitchen (comida) is a shack with 2 firebrick sections for making the snack. They use firewood for heat and put in pans, etc to make tortilas, chicken etc. However, the water source is also the spiget. The school president says the water is potable but no clear, sanitory source for the water.



This is a sign outside the village limits regarding the combination of a few agencies and government assistance. The total is Q138,000 Quetzals which is roughly $17,250 USD. If you notice the number of inhabitants, which is 3476, that equals about $4.96 per person. Local plantations in the village sell food and crafts to the local market in Puerto Barrios, but not only to help the school but also for their own families. There is only 3 such plantations that have a variety of products like pineapples, pimento chiles and bananas. To give you an example of how much they make, 200 lbs of the pimento chiles (dried) only equals $100 USD. There are many agencies and non-profit organizations that can assist but they can only do so much.

I am not saying you need to go out, quit your job and fly to Guatemala to offer your assistance. There is other ways to donate time, school supplies and also money. You see how much $5.00 does. Again, I am not saying you should call, "Save the Children" and donate your life savings. Things are being done, just know in 3rd world countries such as these, it happens at a far slower pace. Ironically, the US Military (looked like US Navy) was on site to assist in building a basketball court among other things. We may not be able to develop a tour that will help this village yet. I just want to let everyone know that a little help goes a long way in Guatemala.

Guatemala Eco Social Tours

Well, up the Rio Dulce River once again! This time my destination is the mayan village of Q'ana Itzam. This village is the vision of Social Travel. A new kind of tour that incorporates history, culture and humanitarian cause. Most of your investment in the tour will actually go back into the village for further development and help pay for salaries of village doctors, laborers and other supplies.



This is the second school building being built. The village has 45 kids and their education will keep them up to date with other children in Guatemala. These kids will be given the same quality education without traveling to the bigger cities where the mayans are still being discriminated to this day.



This is the "Deer Dance". It is a living story of the beginning of time for the Mayans through the period of the Spanish arrival to Guatemala. The costumes are replicas of the original used by their ancestors. Before each performance, the mayan elder ladies bless the show and after a ceremonial prayer is also performed.





This is a statue dedicated to Yum Kaax. In Maya mythology, Yum Caax ("lord of the woods") was the personification of maize and a god of agriculture and nature.Alternative names: Yum Kaax, God E.Perhaps having origins in ancient northern hunting tradition, Yum Ka'ax, also called U Kanin Ka'ax, is known to indigenous peoples of North America. The one invoked by hunters, he is owner of all the game. He can appear to hunters in an instant, and possesses songs that will allow a hunter success or allow his arrows to come back to him.



The all the houses in this village have running water (using catchment systems and PVC piping, solar energy that is stored in batteries for electricity. They also operate a small hotel/bar for visitors. The bungalows were donated and built by foreign donators. 100% of the money goes back into the village development and some salaries of those who work their. The idea for the tour is also to have approximately 75% of the price of the tour to go directly to the village as well as the protection agencies and national park fees of the area. Another feature will also provide the tour guests a donation card, so that they can deduct it from their taxes as charity. Their is no name for the tour and is yet to be on any cruise line program. However, I firmly believe this tour is a great value and will help assist other villages similar to Q'ana Itzam survive in a modern world.

Saving the world one tour at a time!

Well folks, its back to work! But only one of the greatest jobs in the world. Today we were in Santo Tomas de Castillo, Guatemala. This is a relatively new cruise ship port and highly recommended to take a ship sponsored tour or relax onboard. However, there are taxis and water taxis that do independent tours. For my newest adventure, we went by boat from the cruise ship pier to the Rio Dulce river. Here is where culture, people and rainforest all live in harmony. Livingston is a garifuna village (european africans) that settled at the mouth of this river. There is also monkeys, houses, private residences (we saw the family of Gallo beer fly off their residence in a helicopter) all along the river while a dug out canoe paddles against the wind and current. But the true beauty of the Rio Dulce are the canyon walls that raise well over 500 feet above sea level. Modern boats and dug out canoes converge on a daily basis traveling from village to village and fishing spots. Divers on the edge of mangroves search for crabs. Others go along the limestone wall searching for the elusive jade vains that may embed in these rocks. As the river winds it narrows and you see where sail boats spend weeks in rental houses along the river. Right now the pelicans are preparing for their migration up north. There are hundreds of them. Imagine a modern jurrasic park scene as you travel up river. Further up river is a fork where a private reserve and off shoot that leads to Ak Tenamit. Upon arrival children are on holiday so they are not in class. They are doing homework on the rivers edge around the school. Most times the kids are in class making tortillas, planting corn and learning about rotating the crops to different spots every year, doctors help the women learn how to give birth (mayans are scared of hospitals) and other teach the children about creating souvenirs for tourists and at the same time conserving the rainforest they live in. These kids still go by the Mayan Calendar which as you know ends on Dec 21st, 2010. But they are being helped to cope. Most of the kids speak spanish but are being taught to keep their mayan language. The mayan alphabet has over 800 letters, so no wonder there is 22 different dialects. This is a missionary school where descendents of the mayans can get an education in tourism. They spend upwards of their entire life (to 18 yo) at this school. Volunteers poor in from all over the world, teaching these kids to embrace their mayan roots and live in harmony with nature. Doctors, engineers, farmers and teachers help these mayan children make it in the modern world. If allowed to travel to the biggger cities, many of these kids would be scorned and discriminated for being mayan. For those who didnt know the Civil War in Guatemala was between the government and the mayan people. They have lived on this land for centuries and has been handed down over generations but no official deeds to these lands, so the government was trying to just take it away. There are many more facets to this school, this region of the Dulce River and culture of this Guatemala. This blog just isnt big enough for all the details, so I highly recommend to go yourself...

We ended the day with a nice lunch at a hotel on the edge of Livingston and then quite a rough boat ride back to the ship. We traveled nearly 2 hours in land along the coast and river, seeing the real Guatemala. Don't just cruise to these ports of call...explore and experience.

Greetings travelers...got off the ship today and walked to Walmart and back. Got some cool shots of the Norwegian Spirit in New Orleans alongside the terminal. Today's weather was much more favorable than last week. Whew!



Mother River is an anthropomorphic depiction of a female form reaching skyward from her northern tributaries toward her destiny, the deep warm rivers of the Gulf of Mexico. The River’s tributaries appear as children clutching her feet. Along the base of the sculpture, riverboats, tugs and other vessels are represented in relief. The rich mix of drama, humanity and nature’s challenges is all represented in the work. A fitting statue for this area.

Well off to Costa Maya...I will get some pics of the pier.

Norwegian Spirit - Caribbean Bound

Well after a 2 month vacation (more working vacation) in New York, your favorite cruise ship traveler/employee. Last night was a rainy and cold night in New Orleans, but that didnt stop the party on Bourbon Street (sorry no pictures of that). Right now leaving the port and heading for sunny Costa Maya. See you there!

Strike it Rich in Alaska - History, Culture & Adventure that is!

Well vacation is almost over so time to start thinking about work, well a little bit. Funny thing, all my friends and family are starting to book up their cruises and have been emailing, chat and FB messages about what's the best some of these cruises have to offer. A couple weeks ago I offered some insight on Hawaii and some great adventures that I would recommend, so why not continue to my favorite destination cruise (not because I have lived the last 11 years there) in Alaska! By looking at the cruise line websites you will find many different home port destinations for these cruises. They run exclusively from May to September from cities such as Seattle and Vancouver. You can also find some of them sail out of Los Angeles or San Francisco but are normally longer than 7 day cruises. No matter if you have been on this itinerary before or a rookie (in Alaska you would be called a "cheechako" or "green horn"), everyone comes back happy (well most)! Imagine yourself in the place of the 1000s of people that rushed to Alaska and the Yukon Territory in 1898 when gold was discovered. "By the wheelbarrows full, with nuggets the size of mules!, by God!". Even in a modern cruise ship, you will feel the same excitement as those over 200 years ago. So without further delay lets find out my Top 3 shore excursions in each port (plus a few more) that I would recommend on a Alaska Cruise.


Ketchikan (Alaska's First City) because this was the first stop for the gold rushers of 1898 as the steamships headed north. Its is primarily known as a logging and fishing community. Logging has slowed down a bit, but the fishing is still a integral part of the community. Ketchikan is also known as the "Salmon Capitol of the World". Thousands of sportsfisherman flood to Alaska in the summer to fish for salmon, halibut and of course don't forget crab and shrimp are added bonuses.
1. Salmon Fishing Excursions - Ketchikan has the best fishing in all of Southeast Alaska. You can catch 4 out of 5 species of salmon at anyone time. May and June are best for King Salmon (biggest) but chances are less than July and August for Silver Salmon and throughout the summer catching Pink and Chum salmon as well. The excursions are mostly half day charters (as most ships do not stay long enough in port to run a full day charter). The tours do not include an Alaska Fishing License and during King Salmon season, the King Salmon Stamp ($25-$40) and if you want to take your fish home it depends on the cruise line. Some with store it, some will cook it but most will do neither, however they do offer fish processing (extra $$$) and prepared anyway and shipped anywhere in the US. Should you want to eat your Alaskan catch, then I would suggest the Exclusive Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining. Fish in skiffs like locals and what you catch is introduced to a seafood stew that is good enough to offer in any gourmet restaurant plus the blueberry cobbler is the bomb!
2. Bering Sea Crab Fishing Tour - Join the Captain and crew of the Alleutian Ballard (known from Season 3 of Discovery Channels "Deadliest Catch") on a half day tour to see how a Bering Sea crab fishing boat operates and hear the stories from the crew. See how a power block works, touch some of the catch (touch tanks onboard) and all under heated and covered seats. The waters around Ketchikan are much more calm than the Bering Sea. Great for kids and fans of the show!
3. Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show - Learn and experience how loggers in Southeast Alaska worked and played. This is a 1 hour 15 min show with events with chopping, sawing, log rolling and the 60 ft. speed climb. From the cruise ship pier is a short walk so no transportation needed and gives you plenty of time to check out the Lumberjack Retail store and other shops along the downtown area. Get your tickets onbooard because even though the price at the door is the same, shows sell out!
Honorable mention: Ketchikan Zipline, Misty Fjords Flightseeing by floatplane, Ketchikan Snorkel Tour and Saxman Native Village


Juneau is the capital of Alaska and home of the mighty Mendenhall Glacier. This is the largest city in Southeast Alaska. Again, you will find on your cruise so many things to do but so little time. You find so many different choices it will be hard to make a decision right away. Here are my top three for Juneau:
1. Helicopter Glacier Trekking - This tour may not be the easiest or most adventurous of the helicopter glacier tours, I feel this is the best one for most all ages and experience levels. After donning all your gear (including jacket and boots) you fly up by helicopter to Mendenhall Glacier, land on it and get to hike around with your guide. Excellent fun and one of the once in a lifetime alaskan adventures!
2. Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour - This is a combination bus and boat tour so you will get an up close view of Mendenhall Glacier, city tour and time out on a boat to view one of the largest mammals in the ocean, the humpback whale. During your cruise, look out for sea lions, seals, eagles, otters and sometimes bears during August /September. The boats are heated and covered but I would suggest to still dress warm.
3. Taku Glacier Flightseeing and Salmon Bake - This is another one of my once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Board a Otter (12 seat floatplane) and fly up to Taku Lake, checking out other glaciers along the way, land in the lake and head to Taku Lodge for a mouthwatering salmon bake. What trip to Alaska wouldn't be complete without one!
Honorable Mention: Guides Choice Hiking Tour, Juneau Rainforest Zipline, Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Adventure


Skagway, Alaska is the Gateway to the Klondike. Most all the steamships final stop was Skagway as the gold rushers went about the rest of the trip by foot, horse or later by train. This is the home of the famous, Red Onion Saloon, Chilkoot Trail and White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. For most cruiselines, Skagway is also your base for adventure tours in Haines (though some ships do make stops there). Haines is a small community where your chances of seeing land based wildlife is the best and home to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. I may suggest the Eagle River Jetboat Adventure, Bald Eagle Preserve Float or Sunshine Mt. ATV tour. As for Skagway, here is my Top 3:
1. Dogsledding & Glacier Flightseeing Tour - the name of the tour speaks for itself. Helicopter ride to the top of a glacier to the dog camp and then get to experience riding with (maybe even driving) a dog team yourself. Make sure to bring a camera! I also recommend booking onboard the ship as space sells out quickly both onboard and in port!
2. Yukon Adventure - this tour may have different names depending on the cruise line, but in the end this is a bus/train combination. One way by train through the White Pass, Carcross and Lake Bennett station (this is where the gold rushers had to wait until spring to enter the lake to access the Yukon River into the gold fields). Then one way by bus back down (totally different view) with scenic stops and narration along the way. This includes lunch and you must have your passport (if you need a visa, get it before the cruise as you go into Canada).
3. Glacier Point Wilderness Safari - combine a high speed catamaran ride down Behm Canal to Glacier Point, then short hike to your canoes and then paddle up to the Davidson glacier and you get another ultimate Alaskan adventure. Again, this tour sells out fast so book early before the cruise.
Honorable Mention: White Pass Train & Laughton Glacier Hike, Klondike Gold Dredge and White Pass Train & Suspension Bridge.


Don't forget any cruise ships out of the US will have to stop in Victoria or Prince Rupert prior to arrival back into US to satisfy the Jones Act. Plus many of these ports offer similar tours to Alaska so you can really plan your excursions based on experiences you want and can include these tours in Canada. So lets mentions some great Canadian tours:
Prince Rupert - Khutzymateen Grizzly Bear Watch,Northwest Halibut Fishing, & Whales, Lighthouse & Eagles Discovery
Victoria - Butchart Gardens , Wine and Chocolate, Craigdarroch Castle and Grand Victoria and Empress Tea.

Finally, a few pointers for your Alaskan cruise. Temperatures range from mid 40s to mid 70s depending on time of season. May and September are normally the cooler and wetter months, while July & August are the most mild, but Southeast Alaska is known as a temperate rainforest with a coastal marine climate. So no matter what expect rain (even if it does not)...dress in layers not just a big heavy warm coat (make sure the coat is waterproof and large enough to put a couple layers underneath as you can always take off layers, bring and tennis shoes, hiking boots or even rain boots. Bring camera, waterproof bag (or ziplocks) with your small backpack, binoculars and extra socks. Flip flops will only work for onboard, though some crazy locals where them on the most odd days of weather. Most all places take US dollars and credit card, use small denominations of US in Canada so you dont bring home extra, copies of passport and visas (if applicable). Have a great cruise and hope to see you out and about!

Hawaiian Adventure 2010...what will you do?

Well after the New York Times Travel Show post, I decided to get my "write" on! News of the earthquake in Chile that caused a tsunami warning in Hawaii got me thinking about my Top 5 things to do in Hawaii before you die. I have had the pleasure of experiencing most of these picks. Some of you will agree while others may not but this is my blog and I can write anything I want. With that said here is they are:

Flyin Hawaiian Zipline - Maui





www.flyinhawaiianzipline.com


Big Island Grand Fire & Falls - Hilo

www.kapohokine.com

Captain Zodiac Raft, Snorkel & Dolphin Adventure - Kona

www.captainzodiac.com/index.html

Kauai ATV's Mudbug Adventure - Kauai

www.kauaiatv.com

Of course no trip to Hawaii wouldn't be complete without a luau but one that shows off the entire culinary history of Hawaii, from all the Polynesian cultures that make up this great place!

Feast of LeLe - Maui

www.feastatlele.com

And of course Hawaii has some of world's best golfing, surfing and diving in the world. So make the best of your next trip to the land where the palm trees sway. If your on a cruise check the cruise line shore excursion website to see if you can book them otherwise contact them directly!

New York Times Travel Show 2010

Hey travel fans! Well my new adventure was delayed another couple weeks due to personal reasons so I will join the Norwegian Spirit on March 21st in New Orleans. So while I was still on my vacation in New York, I decided to attend the New York Times Travel Show at Jacob Javits Conference Center on Saturday (Feb 26-28th). It costs $16.33 for entrance but only $15 if you pre-register online at http://www.nyttravelshow.com/. They have hundreds of exhibits of different travel destinations, resorts, cruises (and cruise lines). Norwegian Cruise Line is a featured sponsor so their exhibit was right up front next to American Express. South Africa, Turkey and Greece had huge set ups as well. They were divided by regions in the world and had stage shows as well. Really cool! Seaworld had nice exhibit with live penguins and Bonaire had a pool where you could try out SCUBA diving. It really is a great show...the only negative is getting in. Much like boarding a cruise ship, airport, etc...there is a long cue to get tickets. 2 lines for AMEX payments only and others for cash and other cards but not automated where it tells you next window available and a person who walks up and down the line telling who is next. They really need to improve this system, as I heard many fellow convention go-ers grumble...but I forgot I am in New York. I think that is the city past time! Anyway, only one day left so if you in New York Metro area check it out!

Miami Beach GeoQuest 11-04-2009

Miami Beach GeoQuest 11-04-2009
Originally uploaded by NCL Shore Excursion Conference 2009

7th Annual NCL Shore Excursion Manager Conference. The Shore Excursion Managers, NCL Shoreside Teams and some of the fellow tour vendors from around the world embark on a team building exercise through South Beach.

Last Cruise with the Liberty...Dec 30th

Photo: NCL Pearl & Carnival Liberty Shore Ex. Teams plus Adam and Kim from Cruise Ship Excurions.

Well not officially but last time my mate, Shorex Manager from the Carnival Liberty will be with us in St. Thomas. We up top Paradise Point for a farewell Bushwacker!

St.Thomas - Havensight Pier

* St Thomas, USVI WICO Pier 12-22-09

So Shore Excursions can have a little fun right? Of course, we are not making fun of the fact one of our guests had to ride this today. She was conscious and I hope she will be well. The pier has no shade and was very hot. So important tip for anyone on a cruise going to St. Thomas to show up for your tour at the meeting time or only 5-10 mins before departure time. That way you are not waiting too long in the hot sun. Weather was excellent today and the team got together for some "refreshments" at Mojo's on the pier. Stay tuned for the further adventures...

Christmas Cruise - NCL Pearl Dec. 21st

* Thanks to Mike Coleman @ cruisenewsweekly.com for the photo

First port to the holiday cruise onboard the Norwegian Pearl finished today in Samana, Dominican Republic. The shortest day of the year started out great with partly cloudy skies that opened up to a beautiful day. We had guests out at Cayo Levantado, Caves & Mangroves by speedboat, ATVS, Jeeps and more (just to name a few). Quick advise, if you cruise to Samana, either book a ship sponsored tour or stay onboard. Trying to get around independently is difficult and the condition of the roads and town, may keep most cruise guests from enjoying the experience. By no means did today feel short, as we weighed anchored at 6:00pm sailing for St. Thomas, USVI.

Samana, Dom. Republic Dec. 7th, 2009

While the Shore Excursion team was learning merengue/salsa at Cayenas Del Mar in Samana. Some of the other crew went over to our other beach escape island, Cayo Levantado to offer a hand distributing Christmas gifts to the less fortunate of Samana. NCL and other cruise lines all over the world this month will be donating their time and gifts to those in need during this holiday season. Kudos to the Norwegian Pearl crew and especially Staff Captain, Mattias Andersson, who endured a pretty hot, humid day as Santa himself.

St Thomas, USVI- Another unique experience...Ondeck Sailing Adventure

The weather in St. Thomas was exceptional for our next adventure. Hot, sunny but windy. All the great elements for sailing. But this is not just sailing and letting the crew do the work. This is the Ondeck Sailing Adventure. Going with teams of 6 or less, your adventure starts with basic sailing lessons, i.e. tacking efficiently to increase speed. The 2 person crew on these Farr 40s can operate the boats without help but that is not the point. Your team joins the crew in the race, as once you get some tacking practice the boat positions for the start. Then heads on to a buoy to buoy race! Afterwards, you head in and have some rum punch and check out the pictures the crew take during the tour. Great fun! We took the team out and raced against each other plus a boat with guests from Carnival. Great time all around, unique tour and a must do in St. Thomas.