Tag Archive for: Cruise Agency Kalamazoo

What are Alaska’s big five, and where can you see them?

From seals to arctic hares, Alaska is home to a diverse range of animals that thrive in its vast swaths of untouched land, including seven of the 12 largest National Parks in the US. Many travelers make the trip to the Last Frontier to catch glimpses of Alaska’s remarkable wildlife, the most notable of which are referred to as the Big Five.

WHAT ARE ALASKA’S BIG FIVE?

Pecora Di Dall, Dall Sheep, Thintorn Sheep, Ovis Dalli
Dall Sheep

Originally the term Big Five referred to five large land mammals that were difficult to hunt, but today they are the five animals that visitors are most lucky to spot while spending time in the wilderness.

The Alaskan Big Five are moose, bears (both black bears and grizzly bears), Dall Sheep, Caribou, and Gray Wolves. Visitors Many people can picture moose, bear, and wolves in their minds, but have never seen them in person, especially not in their wild habitats. On the other hand, Caribou and Dall Sheep may be a bit harder to picture.

Dall Sheep are a species of sheep found only in Alaska and western Canada. They have coarse white fur that covers an insulating coat of fine wool. Their large, curved horns most easily recognize them on either side of their heads. Both males and females have these trademark horns, but the males’ horn are usually larger. These sheep are mountain climbers who thrive on the high, windy cliffs of Alaska.

Three Curious Caribou
Caribou in Alaska

Caribou is another name for a reindeer. These animals stand about six feet tall, not including their antlers, and are common in arctic climates. They often travel in herds as they migrate around their annual routes. They are unique among deer species because both the males and females have large antlers that they shed in the winter.

WHERE CAN YOU SEE THEM?

Travelers have the best chance of seeing Alaska’s Big Five by visiting Denali National Park. Since being established in 1917, this park has protected over 6 million acres of Alaska’s wilderness as well as the highest mountain peak in North America, Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley). The name Denali was given to the mountain by the Koyukon people; its name means the high one. To learn more about the park, visit the National Park Service’s website.

Grizzly Bear Big Five Alaska
Grizzly Bear

HOW TO GET TO ALASKA

The travel season in Alaska is usually between late May and mid-September. These months are when most tours operate, and cruise lines sail around the area. For your best chance at seeing the Northern Lights, plan to travel in August or September.

For many travelers, a cruise is one of the best ways to visit Alaska. Cruises combine transportation, accommodation, dining, and entertainment in one convenient package while also allowing guests to see several locations in one trip. Cruises lines also have connections with many local tour operators, providing their guests with reputable options for everything from hiking glaciers and whale-watching to fishing or meeting sled dogs. Travel agents are masters at pairing you with the cruise line that will deliver your dream Alaskan experience.

Wolf, Porträt, In Natürlicher Umgebung
Gray Wolf

For those looking to keep their feet firmly on land, riding the rails through Alaska can be a great way to see the state. Rail cars allow their passengers to travel comfortably while taking in the scenery around them. With so many options, we can add value by helping their clients determine the best Alaskan itinerary for you.

Want to do both cruise and land? Many cruise lines have their own lodges on land and land tour packages that cruisers can add as either a pre-or post-cruise option!

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8 Unique Destinations for the Ultimate Island Getaway

An island getaway is perfect for those looking for seclusion, sprawling beaches and the relaxing rhythm of crashing waves. Hundreds of thousands of islands occupy the world’s lakes and oceans, each one offering travelers something unique.

Discover which of these island destinations suits your travel style, and let’s get started planning your trip to get off the grid.

1. CANARY ISLANDS

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European, African and South American cultures collide on this string of seven islands that sit west of Morocco in the Atlantic. There’s something for almost everyone here, including history, natural landmarks like Mt. Teide and if you go during Carnaval, a party that is second only to Rio’s. The comfortable, stable climate means that tourists are here year-round, so to avoid crowds and experience the islands’ innate beauty, venture outside the major resorts in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

2. ST. LUCIA

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This eastern Caribbean isle is most easily recognized for its dramatic Pitons that soar up from the southwest coast. Honeymooners often choose St. Lucia for its romantic resorts, but the lush, unspoiled scenery also makes a perfect backdrop for hiking or ziplining. Music lovers flock to the island in the spring for the St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, which has previously featured headliners like Flo Rida, Diana Ross, and Ziggy Marley.

3. MYKONOS, GREECE

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Often thought of as Santorini’s wilder sibling, Mykonos has recently become a hot spot for celebrity holidays. Hip new restaurants and hotels are popping up among the more traditional whitewashed buildings, which means this party hub’s prices will continue to rise. For less noise and lower prices, avoid the peak months of July and August.

4. BORA BORA

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Though this French Polynesian island is only six miles long and two miles wide, the “Pearl of the Pacific” packs an impossible amount of beauty into every inch. The lush greens and warm, aquamarine waters are the stuff that tropical vacation dreams are made of, and luckily for visitors, many of the accommodations feature over-the-water bungalows.

5. ST. MARTIN – ST. MAARTEN

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Guests to this dual-governed island can easily hop back and forth between the French-controlled northern end of the island, and the Dutch-controlled south. The north tends to exude a more fashionable, relaxed vibe, while the south boasts casinos and a vibrant nightlife scene. No matter where you are, there’s bound to be rave-worthy restaurants, and plenty of options for fun in the sun.

6. ICELAND

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Not every island is known for its tropical climate and sun-tanned tourists. Iceland’s jaw-dropping natural wonders, like volcanoes, glaciers and geysers, are reason enough to draw visitors to the Land of Fire and Ice. There’s also plenty of culture to be savored in Reykjavík, whether that be listening to live traditional music or enjoying fresh, innovative Nordic cuisine.

7. TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA

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Out-of-this-world terrains and diverse wildlife are two reasons to travel to this remote Australian state best known for its namesake cartoon devil. For those that aren’t outdoorsy types, the island’s isolation has also fostered a thriving local culinary scene, with ingredients that truly can’t be found anywhere else.

8. SEYCHELLES

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Composed of 115 islands dotting the Indian Ocean east of Africa, Seychelles is home to some of the world’s most untouched, uncrowded beaches. Many of the tranquil shores are also fringed by sea-sculpted granite boulders, remnants of the island’s origins as a granite mass attached to India. For privacy seekers, it doesn’t get more remote — or more exclusive — than Seychelles.

Whether your sights are set on sweeping views, culture, adventure, or just catching some rays, there’s a perfect island getaway for everyone!

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4 Reasons Why You Should Experience the Beauty of Alaska This Summer

Travelers have long dreamed of witnessing the vast wilderness of the Great North and checking another state off their bucket list. The 49th state is home to the most pristine and beautiful landscapes in our country and this summer is the time for summer vacations to Alaska.

1. ALASKA IS A RECORD-SETTING STATE



Don’t let the map fool you, Alaska is the largest state. With almost twice the square miles of Texas, there’s more to see and do than you can imagine. It’s also the home to the tallest peak in North America, Mt. Denali, which tops out at just over 20,000 feet. Alaska also contains the largest of the United States’ National Parks, the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve. According to NationalParks.org, with 13.2 million acres, this park is larger than Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and the country of Switzerland combined. 

2. YOU CAN STILL TOUR ALASKA BY TRAIN

Train travel is one of the best ways to take in the journey as you venture from town to town in Alaska. With large windows, comfortable seating, and the flexibility to move around the car, train travel allows you to sit back, relax and take in the sights. With trusted cruise lines Holland America and Princess offering land packages with rail, seeing Alaska by train is one bucket-list item that can still be achieved this summer!

3. SEE AMAZING AND UNIQUE ANIMALS

Grizzly Bear Big Five Alaska

Alaska is home to a diverse array of wildlife species, including bears, moose, caribou, wolves, whales, sea otters, and many others. It is also home to several rare and endangered species, such as the Steller sea lion, the North Pacific right whale, and the short-tailed albatross. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can see these animals in their natural habitats and seeing them in the wild is a rare and unforgettable experience.

4. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN ADRENALINE RUSH, THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE

Alaska is a great destination for adventure sports like kayaking, rafting, and dog-sledding! With more than 6,600 miles of coastline, Alaska is a paddler’s paradise. You can explore pristine waters, glacial fjords, and remote islands by kayak or canoe. Looking for something a little more adventurous? Alaska has some of the wildest whitewater rafting in North America, with rivers ranging from mild to extreme. My favorite activity in Alaska is dog sledding! Dog sledding is a quintessential Alaskan experience, and there are many opportunities to try it for yourself. You can take a guided tour or even learn to mush your own team of sled dogs.

Overall, Alaska has something to offer for everyone, whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or just getting away from it all. So why not consider making Alaska your destination this summer?

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Icon of the Seas: Bigger, Bolder Cruising

Royal Caribbean has earned a reputation in the cruise industry for incredible vacations at sea thanks to a commitment to innovative creative ventures accompanied by a constant reimagining and redefining of the cruise experience. Royal Caribbean has upped the wow factor yet again, bewitching excited cruisers and breaking single-day sales records with the all-new, incredibly dazzling Icon of the Seas ℠. 

 A Royal Caribbean ship has never been bigger or bolder than this towering new addition to the line’s fleet, the massive Icon of the Seas ℠. So, what makes this ship a stand out on the horizon?  

Royal Caribbean Ship Cutaway

WONDERFUL WATER FUN 

Royal Caribbean has always ensured plenty of places to splash on board, but the largest ship in the fleet promises larger-than-life water play for all ages.  

  • Category 6 Waterpark, which features six brightly colored slides, tempts passengers to come play on Deck 20. Thrill-seekers will flock to Frightening Bolt, the tallest waterslide at sea, which launches riders into the abyss when the slide’s floor drops from under waiting feet. Pressure Drop℠ is another heart-pounding option – it’s an open, free-fall water slide that is equally as exhilarating. Families can also splash and shriek together careening down Hurricane Hunter℠, the first group raft ride at sea. 
  • There’s also a pool for every day of the week, including the wow-worthy largest swimming pool at sea, Royal Bay in Chill Island℠. For the adults, secluded Cloud 17℠ allows access to The Lime and Coconut Bar where colorful frozen concoctions await. Splashaway Bay℠ and Baby Bay make water play fun for the smallest sailors. 
  • At the largest swim-up bar at sea, Swim & Tonic℠, bartenders concoct refreshing beverages while guests cool off on the in-water loungers. It’s the perfect combination of ways to beat the Caribbean heat. 

NEW SPACES  

When Royal Caribbean introduced the neighborhood concept on the Oasis Class, passengers loved the unique atmosphere and amenities each area provided. On Icon of the Seas ℠, new neighborhoods and accommodations are making their debut.  

  • A newly imagined neighborhood, Surfside℠, is a paradise for families, complete with colorfully playful décor, an arcade, a carousel, and an array of family-friendly food.  
  • Suite Neighborhood feels exclusive, but never stuffy, with its two-story deck, private pool and hot tub, and upscale dining for suite guests. 
  • The familiar and fun AquaTheater has been reimagined as AquaDome℠, a space dedicated to dazzling water displays, death-defying dive shows, and delicious dining. 
  • The three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse truly takes family accommodations to new heights. A karaoke station, in-suite slide, cinema room, and private patio are just a few of the amenities that might make it hard to leave your stateroom…until you remember how incredible the rest of the ship is too! 

A FRESH (THRILLING!) PERSPECTIVE 

Endless onboard entertainment has always been a hallmark of a Royal Caribbean cruise, but a new activity is sure to send passengers over the edge…literally!  

  • For a heart-pounding experience accompanied by stunning sea views, creeping along the Crown’s Edge sky walk and obstacle course is both a memorable activity and great vacation story! Stay focused and watch your step…the floor could drop out from under you at any moment! 

For a cruise vacation sure to please all members of the family, Icon of the Seas ℠ promises plenty of thrills and chills so you can get your fill of fun. Let’s get you booked on Icon of the Seas today!!!

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5 trips to take with friends

With summer right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning a vacation together with friends! Meeting in a special destination offers an escape from the day-to-day while experiencing a new destination and genuine quality time with one another. Sipping on coffee or wine. Chatting until long after the sun sets. Touring a new city together, popping in and out of boutiques. Relaxing side-by-side with an amazing view. Dancing into the wee hours of the morning. The sky’s the limit when planning a getaway for groups of friends!

Here are five ideas for trips to plan with friends:

Iceland


ICELAND FOR ADVENTURE

Catching the sweeping beauty of the Northern Lights, bathing in geothermal waters, hiking rugged landscapes, and road-tripping The Golden Circle make for an awesome adventure in the Arctic Circle when friends plan an adventure in beautiful Iceland.

Montreal


MONTREAL FOR FOOD

For trendy bars and a hot restaurant scene, foodie friends should make the journey to Montreal, Canada’s second most populated city. Second only to New York City for restaurants per capita in North America, options abound for whatever craving strikes.

Napa


NAPA VALLEY FOR WINE

The heart of California’s wine country calls to friends who long to chat over glasses of red or white. Pedaling bicycles to local wineries on a guided tour is a fun way to spend the day. Reservations for indulgent spa services before dining al fresco will feel luxurious.

Nashville


NASHVILLE FOR MUSIC

Quirky and friendly Nashville welcomes tourists to its small town with a big city vibe. Visitors are greeted with strumming guitars and microphone checks of its toe-tapping music scene. Small venues, large venues, and everything in-between host a variety of live music of all genres, and this bustling scene is the draw to Nashville. The trip is complete with tasty southern comfort food, icy beers, and perhaps a celebrity spotting or two.

Sedona


SEDONA FOR THE SOUL

The red rocks of Sedona provide the setting for luxurious boutique hotels, exquisite outdoor dining, and dazzling sunrises that soothe the soul. Known worldwide as an area for spiritualism, energy and soul work, restorative retreats, and metaphysical practitioners, Sedona is the perfect destination for friends to find their Zen.

Planning group travel (especially trips with friends!) can be a fun and a great way to reconnect with friends! To learn more about group travel, and start planning a getaway with your friends, contact us today!

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Disney Cruise Line’s Marvel Day at Sea

What do you get when you combine Marvel Super Heroes and Villains with a Disney cruise? Marvel Day at Sea! Whether you’re a newcomer to the Marvel universe, a lifelong fan,or traveling with someone who is, you will love this action-packed day aboard the Disney Dream, setting sail from Miami January-March 2023.

More than 30 Marvel Super Heroes and Villains will be featured in new heroic encounters and live entertainment throughout the event.

Which Marvel characters will be there? Captain America Sam Wilson, Mighty Thor, Shang-Chi, Marvel, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Kate Bishop, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Thor, Loki, Black Widow and more.

Shows and activities include Heroes Unite (a nighttime spectacular with stunts, special effects and pyrotechnics), shows in the Walt Disney Theatre, an interactive training experience, a costume bash with a high-energy party on the upper decks, an adult-exclusive dance party and so much more.

Guests can experience this epic day at sea on the following Disney Dream itineraries in 2023:

Departing Jan. 7, Jan. 21, Feb. 4, Feb. 18 and March 4, 2023, the Western Caribbean itinerary features Georgetown, Grand Cayman and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

Departing Jan. 16, Jan. 30, Feb. 13 and Feb. 27, 2023, the Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Cozumel, Mexico and Castaway Cay.

These cruises are extremely popular and will sell out. Contact me today if you want more information or you’re ready to book your Marvel-ous cruise.

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What to pack for an Alaskan Cruise

Packing for an Alaskan cruise is VERY different from packing for a warm-weather cruise. The weather in Alaska is unpredictable, it can be warm and sunny one minute and drizzling the next. Remember that even though it is summer, it won’t be warm! 

The key to packing for Alaska is layers!

  • Pants – jeans or khakis (you may want to leave room underneath for long johns)
  • Ladies may opt for leggings; you may even choose a fleece-lined pair
  • Long johns or tights – perfect for those chilly days!
  • T-shirts – cotton is best.
  • Sweater or sweatshirt – don’t bring anything too bulky.
  • Flannel – these are very Alaskan and easy to peel off if it gets warmer.
  • Vest – great to layer! I like this one for women and this one for men because they are easy to pack and water resistant.
  • Lightweight puffer jacket – I like this one because it is water-resistant and has a hood! There is a similar version for men. You may want to size up if you will be layering underneath.
  • Waterproof rain jacket – I like this one and this one because they fold nicely into a little pouch. Here is a good option for men. 
  • Wool or warm socks

Shoes

  • Tennis shoes for walking
  • Nice shoes for dinner
  • Waterproof shoes or hiking boots – this will depend on your planned excursions, but you will need some type of shoe that can get wet. Merrell makes great waterproof hiking boots. XTRATUF boots are very popular with Alaskans. Timberland and Sperry also have great options. 
  • Slippers – I like to wear them in my cabin, but they are not necessary

Accessories

  • Pashmina – great to wear as a scarf or wrap over your shoulders at dinner or while on deck
  • Warm scarf – great while on deck or on excursions
  • Baseball cap
  • Beanie
  • Gloves 
  • Small umbrella

You may also want to bring:

  • At least one pair of shorts – you may have a warm day; the weather in Alaska is unpredictable! 
  • Bathing suit – it may only be warm enough on embarkation day to swim or you may want to hit the hot tub
  • Flip flops – for the pool or hot tub
  • Waterproof rain pants – probably only necessary if you have some type of excursion that you will get wet on like hiking and it rains. Also available for men and kids. 
  • Binoculars – they don’t have to be super fancy; your excursions will likely have a few pairs for everyone to share but it is nice to have your own on the ship

Formal nights in Alaska are WAY less formal than what you generally see on other cruises. There won’t be any tuxedos or formal dresses. Men will wear a suit but you will also see a lot of sports coats with a collared shirt and dress pants. Ladies will wear nice dresses, but it will be chilly so don’t forget tights or nylons and a light sweater.

For dinner on non-formal nights dress; you will see everything; most will wear business casual. Most ladies will be wearing pants and a blouse or sweater and sometimes even dresses. Men will wear dark jeans or khakis with a dress shirt or sweater. You don’t need to get dressed up by any means but should look nice. 

Packing Tips

Power outlets have traditionally been scarce in staterooms, though cruise lines are slowly modifying them to have more. A 3-way plug or extension cord may help if you have many devices to charge – it must be cruise ship approved and not be a surge protector.

Bathroom counter space is also lacking so you may want to bring a hanging toiletry bag. The counter should be fine for 2 people, but a family of 4 will be crowded for space. We also travel with these magnetic hooks to hang bags, hats, etc. The staterooms walls are magnetic and these come in a few different sizes to hold different weights. 

You may want to bring a low-wattage nightlight particularly if you are in an interior stateroom.

Cruise cabins are small. Consider bringing Poo-Pourri. That’s all I’m going to say about that!  

The three things you MUST bring are sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug spray. Even though it is cold the sun will reflect off of the ice in the mountains or the water and it is bright! You will regret not bringing sunglasses. I prefer polarized lenses, but any sunglasses will do. Along those same lines, the reflection of the sun will cause you to burn so bring sunscreen. Mosquitos are jokingly known as the Alaska state bird; enough said. 

Take a wristwatch. Clocks are few and far between onboard. You also need a watch when you are off the ship. The port you are visiting may not be on the same time as “ship time”. Set your watch to “ship time” and leave it there. When they say the ship will leave at 3PM, that does not always mean 3PM local time, and you may very well (literally) “miss the boat”. And do not use a cell phone as your watch (it may sync to local time).

In your checked luggage, place photocopies of your passport, medicine prescriptions, return airline tickets, and emergency contacts. You may also want to keep the international toll-free number of your credit card company in case you lose your credit cards.

You will need a bag to carry your items if you are going on an excursion, shopping or even just wandering around the port.  You will need to bring your stateroom key card, photo ID, phone, credit card and some cash. A small bag is fine (I like a crossbody bag) but a small backpack may be best to store your extra layers in. 

Many guests will bring a nice big Tervis or travel coffee mug with a lid. You can fill it up and enjoy a morning walk around the ship with your coffee or with ice water and tea. Great for sitting out by the pool or on the balcony.

If you are ready to book your Alaskan cruise, contact me today!

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Get to know Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas, which was launched in 2021, is the fifth ship in their Quantum Class but she has some noticeable offerings not found on the other ships. This is why I have already booked this ship more than ten times this year, making it the most-booked ship of all the cruises I book. It’s easy to see why with all there is to do onboard. The ship is as much of a destination as the ports themselves!

While there are the traditional activities onboard (bingo, trivia, lectures, etc.), there are so many more incredible attractions and activities. These include:

  • The North Star – an observational pod that will take you over 300 feet above sea level to see your ship and everything around you.
  • Ripcord by iFly – get a sense of skydiving as you don a special suit and enter a wind tunnel.
  • Flowrider – 40-foot-long surf simulator.
  • SeaPlex – bumper cars, pickleball, soccer, basketball, dancing and more. You can also enjoy the Playmakers sports bar directly inside the SeaPlex, watching sports on TV while your loved ones enjoy all the activities.
  • Zone Zero – a fully immersive virtual reality experience
  • Splashaway Bay – aqua park for kids
  • Rock Climbing Wall
  • Sky Pad – virtual reality bungee experience

This incredible ship also has 17 different restaurants along with multiple bars and lounges. Not only does this keep down the crowd levels but also ensures that everyone in your group can find something they like. 

In the evening, you’ll find original production shows, outdoor movie nights, live bands and more. 

If you’re traveling with children, they (and you) might enjoy the youth clubs. Adventure Ocean has multiple programs for babies (6-36 months old) and kids up to age 12. Teens (ages 13-17) have an exclusive space that’s all their own. Just beyond the secret speakeasy entrance, there’s a gaming lounge, music, movies, an outdoor patio and plenty of comfortable places to kick back with new friends.

It’s easy to see why people love this ship. With so much to see, do and eat, there truly is something for everyone. It is the perfect cruise for multigenerational trips because you can be as active or as relaxed as you choose. Nobody will ever get bored on this ship!

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The best time to go to . . .

So you have decided where you want to go, and your calendar has dictated when you can go. Do the two intersect at a time when you’ll have good weather? If not, you might want to reconsider your plans. After all, you don’t want your dream vacation to become a nightmare. Here are some of the most popular travel destinations along with their best and worst months of travel.

Caribbean

Best months: Although average temperatures are between 78-88 degrees year-round, you’ll find that the area is coolest and has more wind from December to May.

Worst months: Mid-August, September and October due to high heat, humidity and the threat of hurricanes. Although hurricane season is technically June through November, June and November have the fewest tropical storms and hurricanes during the hurricane season.

Mexico

Best months: October to May

Worst months: Mexico is hotter during the summer months. In addition, the humidity is higher. If you have the option to visit the Pacific Coast of Mexico (Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas), you will find that there is far less humidity than in the Mexican Caribbean (Cancun and surrounding areas). 

Hawaii

Best months: Hawaii’s consistently-warm weather makes it a good destination to visit at any time of the year, with temperatures hovering between 73-86 degrees. With that said, the best time to visit Hawaii is between March and September. This is when the islands get the least amount of rain and the warmest temperatures. If you are interested in whale watching, January will be your best bet.

Worst months: Again, there is no bad time to visit Hawaii but you will find that it is wetter and marginally cooler between October and February.

Alaska

Best months: There’s a reason why the cruise ships are in Alaska from late spring to early fall. The best weather is during the summer months. Not only are the temperatures warmer, but daylight is longer, allowing more time for sightseeing. The absolute best time to visit, according to the locals, is June 15-July 15, when it is warm, dry and alive with energy. Daytime temperatures range from 60-80 degrees, and they dip down into the 40s and 50s at night. It’s light outside almost all night long from late May to late July. 

Worst months: The days are shorter, the temperatures are colder, and there is more rain/snow from late September through December. The northern lights are visible from August 20 through April 20, but the best time for an aurora vacation is February and March, when the days are getting longer and the snow conditions are best for winter activities.

Florida
Best months: March, April, October, November. Temperatures are warm/hot and there is less rain.

Worst months: May to September due to high heat, humidity, and the threat of tropical storms and hurricanes. 

Europe 

Best months: May through September or October. You will see higher temperatures and crowds during the summer but it is considered to be their peak season. Expect the hottest temperatures in July and August. During the “shoulder season,” April through mid-June and September through October, you’ll enjoy decent weather, smaller crowds and long enough daylight.

Worst months: December to February. Because much of Europe is at Canadian latitudes, the winter can be cold and the days are shorter. However, Europe is known for its Christmas markets, making it a popular destination during November and December.

Dubai

Best months: Dubai offers consistently-pleasant weather between November and March, with daily maximum temperatures in the upper 70s. Mid-December to the end of February is their peak season, with great weather and the crowds to go with it. To avoid high prices and crowds, consider traveling mid-November through mid-December or during March. Temperatures will still be warm but the crowds and prices will be lower.

Worst months: June, July and August have unbearably high temperatures, with an average of 106 degrees. It is also humid during the summer. The month of Ramadan usually begins mid-March. Since eating, drinking and smoking in public are banned during this time, many businesses close, making it difficult for tourists who are not observing Ramadan themselves.

Hurricanes

If you’re thinking about a tropical vacation during hurricane season, you’ll want to consider the area you’ll be visiting as well as the month.

Hurricanes in the Atlantic and Caribbean begin around June 1, but it’s rare for a large storm to form. They typically don’t start getting bigger until later in the summer. Statistically, September 10th is the peak in the Atlantic and Caribbean. On a worldwide scale, May is the least active month and September is the most active. 

The ABC Islands that are closer to South America (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) are far enough south that they generally aren’t impacted by hurricane season. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Grenada are also located outside of this region.

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Meet Princess Cruises newest ship – Sun Princess!

Princess Cruises has officially debuted their newest ship, the Sun Princess, which is scheduled to sail in early 2024. Its inaugural spring/summer season will be in the Mediterranean followed by Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages out of Port Everglades, Florida in the fall of 2024. 

Sun Princess is the first ship in their fleet to be sustainably powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), which significantly reduces air emissions and marine gasoil to minimize the ship’s environmental footprint. Sun Princess, the fleet’s largest ship ever constructed, will accommodate 4,300 guests in 2,150 cabins. 1,500 of those cabins will have balconies, which is the most of any Princess ship. 

According to Princess, the ship will offer dynamic views of the world and innovative experiences through service, food and entertainment. The 3-story Piazza offers comfortable outward-facing seating with ocean views in every direction. The LED screen in the center will be used to deliver live entertainment programming. Adjacent to the Piazza atrium will be a coffee shop, bars and a pizzeria.

The Dome, inspired by the terraces of Santorini, will be a multi-level covered deck and first-ever true glass-enclosed dome built on a cruise ship. During the day, the comfortable space will offer an indoor/outdoor pool and unique water feature. At night, the Dome will be transformed into an entertainment venue complete with stage, lighting effects and stunning entertainment. 

Sun Princess will debut the Reserve Collection with premium location Mini-Suites and Cabanas, exclusive access to a private restaurant, and additional amenities. The Reserve Collection was previously called Club Class accommodations and will be available on all Princess ships.

The new level of suite accommodations, the Signature Collection, will be exclusive to Sun Princess. They will offer, in addition to premium stateroom amenities, suites with access to the Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge and private Signature Sun Deck, a private area of the Sanctuary.

The Sun Princess will be a beautiful ship with iconic, elegant lines, world-class technology and modern designs infused with light. She is the third ship to be honored with the Sun Princess name and is sure to deliver a luxurious experience to her guests!

To be one of the first to sail on Sun Princess, contact me today!

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