Alaska Coastal Cruise - Glaciers And Inside Passage
There are adventurous travelers and there are travelers who really enjoy being pampered more than a great adventure. I have vacationed the complete spectrum, I have pinched pennies while vacationing in Gatlinburg Tennessee and stayed in a very expensive vacation home with a private maid in Saint Jean de Luz, France. I will admit that the vacation home with a private maid was a nice way to experience France.
But, I am an adventurer at heart probably born from my days as a kid where I grabbed a fishing pole or net and waded creeks and ponds to see what was there. My favorite type of travel is where you see things up close and personal with exposure to the people, culture and wildlife. This might require you to hop on a rubber landing raft and land on a beach where no one lives or it might require you to reach down and pet a whale. Adventurers run between 8 and 98 years old generally.
Today's adventure takes you on an Alaska Cruise to the lower Alaska coast, the Alaska Inside Passage and it's wonderful glacier areas. This is one of the world's most unspoiled locations where wildlife abounds and beautiful scenery is found at every turn. There are few other trips where you can hope to see Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Minke Whales, Dolphins, Bald Eagles, Puffins, Dall Sheep, Caribou, Reindeer, Moose, Elk, Brown Bears and Black Bears. My first whale watch was in the Northeast. The whales were bubble feeding and I literally could have jumped off the ship and into the whale's mouth as it rose with a mouth full of water (and krill). This is a great experience that any wildlife lover should enjoy.
Besides the wildlife and scenery there are several amazing things to do in Alaska which include taking a dogsled ride, viewing bears as they catch salmon, stream fishing for salmon and trout, ocean fishing for salmon or huge Halibut, walking on a glacier, flying over incredible mountains and glaciers.
There are several ways to see Alaska:
1) Rent an RV or car and drive. This is an adventure but you cannot see the coast and two vehicles together is much safer. If you are really interested in driving Alaska go to this website http://www.northtoalaska.com
2) Fly and stay at a lodge which is a great way to see inland alaska or a section of the coast. Most of these lodges focus on fishermen, if you don't fish the other opportunities are limited. A couple of the best lodges for non fishermen are Denali Backcountry Lodge and Kantishna Roadhouse.
3) An Alaskan Cruise with a major cruise company aboard a large ship. These large ships often hold thousands of people and provide shows and gambling for your entertainment. The two biggest cruise companies in Alaska are Holland America (my first alaska cruise was with them) and Princess but almost every major cruise company has an Alaskan Cruise. This is normally the cheapest way to see Alaska. This can also be combined with a land tour before or after the cruise.
4) An Alaska Cruise on a smaller cruise ship which holds approximately 100 people. This is not the cheapest way to see Alaska but it is the best value for adventurous people. This can also be combined with a land tour before or after the cruise.
A small ship cruise is made for explorers & adventurers. The advantages are:
1) Small ship cruising is usually more personal as the crew and other passengers are very focused on the destination and it is a casual atmosphere. Most people you speak to will have interests similar to yours.
2) You will be able to safely cruise close to shore where wildlife is very abundant,
3) Small cruise ships offer education and expert visitors.
4) A small ship cruise can squeeze into narrow passages and beautiful fjords that a larger ship can only think about.
5) Small ships also carry inflatable landing rafts which allow you to beach and explore remote areas, or come close enough to a brown bear to make you nervous.
The Cruise West cruise company was founded by Chuck West, an Alaska bush pilot who started the Arctic Alaska Travel Service in 1946. This eventually became Westours which he sold to Holland America, and then started Cruise West.
These ships have experts on board who love and appreciate the wildlife and scenery. They are usually cruising close to shore and searching for whales, bears and other wildlife. When they spot something they generally detour the ship to give you an up close look. Instead of continuing their course past feeding whales they position themselves upcurrent of the feeding whales hoping to drift back closely so you can see them. If there is a section of shoreline just begging to be explored they can anchor the ship and launch inflatable zodiaks to take you ashore. A small ship cruise is more like a continual shore excursion rather than cruising from port to port.
Here is one of the itineraries available.
Alaska Cruise Day 1 - You will meet your traveling companions and ship representative in the lobby of the hotel. A motorcoach will take you to the ship.
Alaska Cruise Day 2 - MISTY FJORDS NATIONAL MONUMENT AND METLAKATLA On my first trip to Alaska I took a plane ride to Misty Fjords. On this trip you will cruise through the Misty Fjords area with steep mountains shrouded in mist. This is a great area to see brown and black bears
Alaska Cruise Day 3 - PETERSBURG
Enjoy "Little Norway" with a population around 3000. The scenery is beautiful with 10,000 foot mountain peaks along the water's edge. The Leikarring Dancers will perform traditional Norwegian dances in colorful and authentic Norwegian dress. Samples of Norwegian pastries are also included.
Alaska Cruise Day 4 - FREDERICK SOUND AND TRACY ARM
Travel through Holkham Bay and the steep fjord cliffs of Tracy arm for 25 miles. This is an incredible area with beautiful greenish sea water.
Cruise Frederick Sound which has a very large population of Humpback Whales due to high nutrient levels in the water. The Humpies travel back and forth from Hawaii each year to feed and build up strength for having their calves. You will also see sea lions and seals in this area.
Alaska Cruise Day 5 - SITKA
You will not arrive in Sitka like a large cruise ship. You will come in the back way through beautiful passageways between Baranof and Chichagof Islands. These scenic passages are too narrow and dangerous for a large ship. There are many wildlife viewing opportunities while you are enjoying the scenery. You can see bears, bald eagles, black tailed deer and see otters.
There are plenty of optional shore excursions available in Sitka. This is also a great place to fish for Salmon or Halibut.
Alaska Cruise Day 6 - GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE
The ship will enter the park in the early morning and pick up a park ranger and a Tlingit Interpreter to provide you with great insight into this magnificent area. While cruising the park you will see beautiful glaciers and icebergs floating by. The sky will be filled with seabirds such as puffins and murrelets. Steller's sea lions, brown and black bears will be seen on the shorelines and islands. In the water will be seals, sea otters and humpback whales feeding in the rich waters.
Alaska Cruise Day 7 - SKAGWAY AND HAINES
You will disembark the ship and receive a tour of the Skagway area. The Chilkat trail at Skagway was a primary access for gold rushers. You will also be able to see and possibly buy the famous Tlingit blankets made out of the hair of mountain goats. There are also optional shore excursions available here such as fishing.
You will stay in a top hotel this night
Alaska Cruise Day 8 - ARRIVE IN JUNEAU
Transfer to the Juneau hotel and enjoy the city or lots of optional activities such as hiking, flightseeing or even dogsledding.
Alaska Cruise Day 9 - Bid a sad farewell to Alaska and transfer to the airport. Or, you can cover the interior of Alaska which is next week's trip
Brian@freecruisebook.com For more details click here
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Costa Rica & Panama Exploration
There are adventurous travelers and there are travelers who really enjoy being pampered more than a great adventure. I have vacationed the complete spectrum, I have pinched pennies while vacationing in Gatlinburg Tennessee and stayed in a very expensive vacation home with a private maid in Saint Jean de Luz, France. I will admit that the vacation home with a private maid was a nice way to experience France.
But, I am an adventurer at heart probably born from my days as a kid where I grabbed a fishing pole or net and waded creeks and ponds to see what was there. My favorite type of travel is where you see things up close and personal with exposure to the people, culture and wildlife. This might require you to hop on a rubber landing raft and land on a beach where no one lives or it might require you to reach down and pet a whale. Adventurers run between 8 and 98 years old generally.
This is quite an exploration, a Costa Rica vacation combined with transiting the Panama Canal. Many people do not have a preconceived notion of Costa Rica but it is a great place for people who like to see new things. You will see rainforests with nearly 400 species of birds, monkeys, sloths and more. In the ocean waters there have been 69 species of fish identified. Whether you are in the rainforest, snorkeling, kayaking or beach exploring there are many new things to see on this trip. Panama has the Canal but it also has incredible islands and rainforests of it's own.
The description begins on an optional land tour before a cruise. Each has been identified separately as land or cruise.
Your Costa Rica and Panama Canal Vacation
Optional Land Day 1 in Costa Rica - Arrive at the Courtyard by Marriott San José Costa Rica, and enjoy the area
Optional Land Day 2 in Costa Rica - Enjoy a guided tour of the INBIOPARQUE and the Rainforest Aerial Tram. After lunch you will visit the Alma Ata Archaeological Park to gain an understanding of Costa Rica's history. You will stay overnight in Sarapiqui.
Optional Land Day 3 in Costa Rica - At Hacienda Pozo Azul you will have a choice of two activities from a treetop canopy ride, a dairy farm, horseback riding, butterfly garden or exploring on a hiking trip. You will stay overnight in Sarapiqui.
Optional Land Day 4 in Costa Rica - POÁS volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Optional Land Day 5 in Costa Rica - Enjoy a wonderful tour of the Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs. The Arenal volcano is still active and will occasionally rumble or throw out some smoke. Enjoy a swim in the hot springs and dinner at Mirador Kioro. Stay overnight in Arenal.
Optional Land Day 6/Cruise Day 1 in Costa Rica - Board the ship in Los Sueños
Cruise Day 2 - MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, Costa Rica Enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches and nature walks with large nubmers of mammals and birds. You can see monkeys, sloths, the rare turquise cotinga and more.
Cruise Day 3 - CALETAS BEACH Costa Rica Explore the incredible Corcovado Conservation Rainforest area. This is home to almost 400 species of birds, pumas, jaguars, tapirs and more.
Cruise Day 4 - Enjoy a tour of the gardens at Case Orquideas in Costa Rica. Over 100 varietes of orchides plus tropical fruits trees, ornamental plants and other eye catching delights. In the afternoon you will search for wildlife which includes monkeys and toucans.
Cruise Day 5 - GRANITO DE ORO IN COIBA NATIONAL PARK Panama. This area was at one time a hideout for pirates. The forest is still mostly untouched with many species of birds including scarlet macaws. The waters are considered one of the ten best diving locations in the world (UNESCO). Enjoy a day of snorkeling and kayaking these beautiful waters.
Cruise Day 6 - DARIÉN JUNGLE Panama. There is a good chance of seeing whales, dolphins and birds on the way to Darien Jungle. The Darien Jungle stretches from lowland to high elevations, somewhat unusual for a tropical rainforest. It is the hope to 10,000 species of plants and hundreds of land birds. You will enjoy howler monkeys, parrots and many other birds. Enjoy a visit to an Emberá village where you will be welcomed and treated to a native dance.
Cruise Day 7 - PANAMA CANAL Enjoy the transit of this incredible canal which is 50 miles long. Being on a smaller cruise ship makes this a much more interesting trip as you are not much above land level on the deck.
Cruise Day 8 - PORTOBELO in Panama. Enjoy this Spanish historic city and see a dance by Portobelo locals. If the tide is high enough you will also have an inflatable excursion trip into a mangrove forest.
Cruise Day 9 - SAN BLAS ISLANDS in Panama. There are more than 350 islands here and only about 50 of them are inhabited. You will enjoy meeting native people at a Kuna villaga and later crystal clear waters will call you to come snorkeling.
Cruise Day 10 - Disembark and be transported back to Panama City for your flight home.
If you have been wanting an inclusive Costa Rica vacation you can have it with a wonderful exploration of Panama.
Brian@freecruisebook.com For more details click here
But, I am an adventurer at heart probably born from my days as a kid where I grabbed a fishing pole or net and waded creeks and ponds to see what was there. My favorite type of travel is where you see things up close and personal with exposure to the people, culture and wildlife. This might require you to hop on a rubber landing raft and land on a beach where no one lives or it might require you to reach down and pet a whale. Adventurers run between 8 and 98 years old generally.
This is quite an exploration, a Costa Rica vacation combined with transiting the Panama Canal. Many people do not have a preconceived notion of Costa Rica but it is a great place for people who like to see new things. You will see rainforests with nearly 400 species of birds, monkeys, sloths and more. In the ocean waters there have been 69 species of fish identified. Whether you are in the rainforest, snorkeling, kayaking or beach exploring there are many new things to see on this trip. Panama has the Canal but it also has incredible islands and rainforests of it's own.
The description begins on an optional land tour before a cruise. Each has been identified separately as land or cruise.
Your Costa Rica and Panama Canal Vacation
Optional Land Day 1 in Costa Rica - Arrive at the Courtyard by Marriott San José Costa Rica, and enjoy the area
Optional Land Day 2 in Costa Rica - Enjoy a guided tour of the INBIOPARQUE and the Rainforest Aerial Tram. After lunch you will visit the Alma Ata Archaeological Park to gain an understanding of Costa Rica's history. You will stay overnight in Sarapiqui.
Optional Land Day 3 in Costa Rica - At Hacienda Pozo Azul you will have a choice of two activities from a treetop canopy ride, a dairy farm, horseback riding, butterfly garden or exploring on a hiking trip. You will stay overnight in Sarapiqui.
Optional Land Day 4 in Costa Rica - POÁS volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Optional Land Day 5 in Costa Rica - Enjoy a wonderful tour of the Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs. The Arenal volcano is still active and will occasionally rumble or throw out some smoke. Enjoy a swim in the hot springs and dinner at Mirador Kioro. Stay overnight in Arenal.
Optional Land Day 6/Cruise Day 1 in Costa Rica - Board the ship in Los Sueños
Cruise Day 2 - MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, Costa Rica Enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches and nature walks with large nubmers of mammals and birds. You can see monkeys, sloths, the rare turquise cotinga and more.
Cruise Day 3 - CALETAS BEACH Costa Rica Explore the incredible Corcovado Conservation Rainforest area. This is home to almost 400 species of birds, pumas, jaguars, tapirs and more.
Cruise Day 4 - Enjoy a tour of the gardens at Case Orquideas in Costa Rica. Over 100 varietes of orchides plus tropical fruits trees, ornamental plants and other eye catching delights. In the afternoon you will search for wildlife which includes monkeys and toucans.
Cruise Day 5 - GRANITO DE ORO IN COIBA NATIONAL PARK Panama. This area was at one time a hideout for pirates. The forest is still mostly untouched with many species of birds including scarlet macaws. The waters are considered one of the ten best diving locations in the world (UNESCO). Enjoy a day of snorkeling and kayaking these beautiful waters.
Cruise Day 6 - DARIÉN JUNGLE Panama. There is a good chance of seeing whales, dolphins and birds on the way to Darien Jungle. The Darien Jungle stretches from lowland to high elevations, somewhat unusual for a tropical rainforest. It is the hope to 10,000 species of plants and hundreds of land birds. You will enjoy howler monkeys, parrots and many other birds. Enjoy a visit to an Emberá village where you will be welcomed and treated to a native dance.
Cruise Day 7 - PANAMA CANAL Enjoy the transit of this incredible canal which is 50 miles long. Being on a smaller cruise ship makes this a much more interesting trip as you are not much above land level on the deck.
Cruise Day 8 - PORTOBELO in Panama. Enjoy this Spanish historic city and see a dance by Portobelo locals. If the tide is high enough you will also have an inflatable excursion trip into a mangrove forest.
Cruise Day 9 - SAN BLAS ISLANDS in Panama. There are more than 350 islands here and only about 50 of them are inhabited. You will enjoy meeting native people at a Kuna villaga and later crystal clear waters will call you to come snorkeling.
Cruise Day 10 - Disembark and be transported back to Panama City for your flight home.
If you have been wanting an inclusive Costa Rica vacation you can have it with a wonderful exploration of Panama.
Brian@freecruisebook.com For more details click here
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Sea Of Cortez - Sea Lions & Baby Whales
There are adventurous travelers and there are travelers who really enjoy being pampered more than a great adventure. I have vacationed the complete spectrum, I have pinched pennies while vacationing in Gatlinburg Tennessee and stayed in a very expensive vacation home with a private maid in Saint Jean de Luz, France. I will admit that the vacation home with a private maid was a nice way to experience France.
But, I am an adventurer at heart probably born from my days as a kid where I grabbed a fishing pole or net and waded creeks and ponds to see what was there. My favorite type of travel is where you see things up close and personal with exposure to the people, culture and wildlife. This might require you to hop on a rubber landing raft and land on a beach where no one lives or it might require you to reach down and pet a whale. Adventurers run between 8 and 98 years old generally.
Mexico Cruise - The Sea Of Cortez
Today's adventure takes you on a Mexico Cruise to The Sea Of Cortez in Mexico along the Baha Peninsula. Jacques Cousteau said that the Sea of Cortez was the "world's aquarium" and "Galapagos Of North America". Why would an explorer like Jacques Cousteau think so highly of The Sea Of Cortez?
It starts with a beautiful crystal blue sea which can show more than a dozen shades of color in one vista. The waters also support 900 species of beautiful fish which you can see snorkeling or with a glass bottom boat. There are 900 islands in this area, some are uncharted and require a rubber raft to land and explore.
You might consider it even more exciting that you could have the opportunity to swim face to face with wild sea lion pups who are very curious about you. Or, the highlight of this trip might be seeing Gray Whales which have migrated 6000 miles from Alaska to give birth to their young in the sheltered bays. This is where you could have the opportunity to pet a whale if you are lucky. This area is also the winter home of several other whales such as Humpbacks, Fins, Blues.
How do you reach this amazing area? There is a small cruise ship called The Spirit of Yorktown which holds 138 adventurers that visits these waters from late December through early March. This ship is manned by friendly and well trained experts in marine and mammal life in the area.
Here is what your itinerary could look like.
Mexico Cruise Day 1: Board the ship in Cabo San Lucas and cruise past El Arco and finisterra (land's end) in the sunset.
Mexico Cruise Day 2: Explore Isla Espiritu Santo near La Paz which has several plants and animals found nowhere else in the world including the blacktailed jack rabbit and antelope squirrel. You can take a land walk or swim, snorkel and kayak the beautiful waters.
Mexico Cruise Day 3: This day is spent viewing marine life up close. Gray Whales are predominate along the Baja's Pacific shore especially in early February through mid March. When they are available you will be transported to the shallow bays in hopes of seeing baby and parent Gray Whales very close. Remember, you could be lucky enough to pet one. You can also see Humpback whales, minke, fin, blue whales and bottlenose dolphin this day.
Mexico Cruise Day 4: Visit one of the most beautiful islands of the Sea of Cortes. You can enjoy nature walks, kayaking and snorkeling in a beautiful, unspoiled place.
Mexico Cruise Day 5: Stroll the streets of Loreto, a beautiful seaside village. There will be a reception with musical entertainment at the Nuesta Senora de Loreto Mission.
Mexico Cruise Day 6: Today you will enjoy views of rare blue footed boobies onthe cliffs of Los Islotes. If the weather is good you will be able to swin and snorkel face to face with sea lions. Later in the day you will go to Isla Partida where you can explore the shore, enjoy the beach or kayaking.
Mexico Cruise Day 7: The ship will be docked at LaPaz which was founded in the 1530s. Enjoy the shops and long waterfront. You can enjoy an exclusive fiesta with dancers, music and pinatas. Optional Scuba diving is also available here in one of the 10 best spots in the world.
Mexico Cruise Day 8: After breakfast you will disembark in Cabo San Lucas and head to the Los Cabos Airport. There is also an optional trip to the incredible Copper Canyon.
Brian@freecruisebook.com For detailed info click here
But, I am an adventurer at heart probably born from my days as a kid where I grabbed a fishing pole or net and waded creeks and ponds to see what was there. My favorite type of travel is where you see things up close and personal with exposure to the people, culture and wildlife. This might require you to hop on a rubber landing raft and land on a beach where no one lives or it might require you to reach down and pet a whale. Adventurers run between 8 and 98 years old generally.
Mexico Cruise - The Sea Of Cortez
Today's adventure takes you on a Mexico Cruise to The Sea Of Cortez in Mexico along the Baha Peninsula. Jacques Cousteau said that the Sea of Cortez was the "world's aquarium" and "Galapagos Of North America". Why would an explorer like Jacques Cousteau think so highly of The Sea Of Cortez?
It starts with a beautiful crystal blue sea which can show more than a dozen shades of color in one vista. The waters also support 900 species of beautiful fish which you can see snorkeling or with a glass bottom boat. There are 900 islands in this area, some are uncharted and require a rubber raft to land and explore.
You might consider it even more exciting that you could have the opportunity to swim face to face with wild sea lion pups who are very curious about you. Or, the highlight of this trip might be seeing Gray Whales which have migrated 6000 miles from Alaska to give birth to their young in the sheltered bays. This is where you could have the opportunity to pet a whale if you are lucky. This area is also the winter home of several other whales such as Humpbacks, Fins, Blues.
How do you reach this amazing area? There is a small cruise ship called The Spirit of Yorktown which holds 138 adventurers that visits these waters from late December through early March. This ship is manned by friendly and well trained experts in marine and mammal life in the area.
Here is what your itinerary could look like.
Mexico Cruise Day 1: Board the ship in Cabo San Lucas and cruise past El Arco and finisterra (land's end) in the sunset.
Mexico Cruise Day 2: Explore Isla Espiritu Santo near La Paz which has several plants and animals found nowhere else in the world including the blacktailed jack rabbit and antelope squirrel. You can take a land walk or swim, snorkel and kayak the beautiful waters.
Mexico Cruise Day 3: This day is spent viewing marine life up close. Gray Whales are predominate along the Baja's Pacific shore especially in early February through mid March. When they are available you will be transported to the shallow bays in hopes of seeing baby and parent Gray Whales very close. Remember, you could be lucky enough to pet one. You can also see Humpback whales, minke, fin, blue whales and bottlenose dolphin this day.
Mexico Cruise Day 4: Visit one of the most beautiful islands of the Sea of Cortes. You can enjoy nature walks, kayaking and snorkeling in a beautiful, unspoiled place.
Mexico Cruise Day 5: Stroll the streets of Loreto, a beautiful seaside village. There will be a reception with musical entertainment at the Nuesta Senora de Loreto Mission.
Mexico Cruise Day 6: Today you will enjoy views of rare blue footed boobies onthe cliffs of Los Islotes. If the weather is good you will be able to swin and snorkel face to face with sea lions. Later in the day you will go to Isla Partida where you can explore the shore, enjoy the beach or kayaking.
Mexico Cruise Day 7: The ship will be docked at LaPaz which was founded in the 1530s. Enjoy the shops and long waterfront. You can enjoy an exclusive fiesta with dancers, music and pinatas. Optional Scuba diving is also available here in one of the 10 best spots in the world.
Mexico Cruise Day 8: After breakfast you will disembark in Cabo San Lucas and head to the Los Cabos Airport. There is also an optional trip to the incredible Copper Canyon.
Brian@freecruisebook.com For detailed info click here
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