Cruise with Roberta - July 11, 2015

With so many solo travellers looking for affordable ways to travel, without the dreaded single supplement, I am always watching for specials. Periodically, when I have time, I summarize a few into an email to send to those who may be interested. Here is a sample:

creative commons image 55899047@N04 on Flickr

AMAWATERWAYS RIVER CRUISES - single supplements waived on all 20015/2016 river cruises!
Nice news in my email this week: AmaWaterways has waived single supplements on all 2015 or 2016 river cruise in Europe, Asia or Africa (select categories). Right now there is no end date on this promotion, but it is capacity controlled and can be withdrawn at any time. If you're thinking about a river cruise as a solo, this is a good time to pick your sailing and put your deposit down!

TRANSATLANTICS ON QUEEN MARY 2 - amazing Anniversary Sale solo fares still available!

There are still amazing solo values on transatlantic sailings on the Queen Mary 2, PLUS generous shipboard credits, all as part of Cunard's 175th anniversary Sale! If this voyage is on your bucketlist, check out these SOLO FARES for inside cabins on QM2 2015 sailings:

• August 11, 8 nights, Southampton to NYC - $1614 CAD  (plus $275 credit) - includes port call in Halifax
• August 19, 8 nights, NYC to Southampton - $16153CAD (plus $175 credit)
• August 27, 8 nights, Southampton to NYC - $1538 CAD (plus $175 credit)
• October 29, 7 nights, NYC to Southampton - $1923 (plus $175 credit) - Jazz @ Sea, Natalie Cole
• Plus taxes/fees, subject to change, very limited availability, other dates available

CRYSTAL CRUISES  - best solo luxury fares close to home!
Crystal Cruises, famous for their all-inclusive luxury sailings, offers special solo fares on select voyages. Here are a few current offers that caught my eye:

• May 4, 2016 - 5 nights - San Francisco to Vancouver on the Crystal Serenity - solo inside from $1735 USD (+tax)
• May 22, 2016 - 6 nights - Vancouver to San Francisco on the Crystal Serenity - solo inside from $2080 USD (+tax)

ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT PACKAGES - there are solo packages available!

I've heard it often, "those packaged deals to sun spots are too expensive for solos!". Perhaps you've evem mumbled this yourself. Well, the good news is that there ARE packages for solos at select resorts. Here are a few sample properties that offer single occupancy rooms at no extra charge:

• BARBADOS (Bridgetown): Sea Breeze Beach Hotel (4 stars)
• CUBA (Varadero): Blau Veradero (4 stars), Melia Las Americas (4.5 stars), Memories Varadero Beach Resort (4 stars)
• DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (Punta Cana): Breathless Resort (5 stars), Dreams Palm Beach (5 stars), Majestic Colonial (5 stars)
• JAMAICA (Negril): Sandy Haven Resort (4.5 stars)
• MEXICO (Cancun): Dreams Sands Cancun Resort And Spa (4.5 stars), Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf And Spa Resort (5 stars)
• MEXICO (Cozumel): Secrets Aura Cozumel (4.5 stars)
• MEXICO (Los Cabos): Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf And Spa (5 stars)
• MEXICO (Riviera Maya): Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun (5 stars), Secrets Capri (5 stars), Secrets Silversands (5 stars)
• ... to name a few!

... AND MORE!

I currently have reduced or waived single supplement offers from Avalon Waterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, to name just a few. For land tours, I have great solo fares with Insight Vacations and Trafalgar (great deals in Egypt and Turkey!). Please get in touch if you are thinking about planning a trip!

Remember that prices and availability are subject to change. If you see something you like, please get in touch as soon as possible.

Looking for something else? While reduced or waived single supplements are hard to find, they do exist, and I can help you find them. A few ships also offer solo staterooms, with no single supplement. I can also assist with tours and land vacations for solos.

Cheers,

Roberta

 

* Want to "SUBSCRIBE" to my periodic solo email updates? Just contact me.

 

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Princess 1 Day Sale: Best Balconies!

As our Princess 1 Day Sale includes a free beverage package for balconies and above on select sailings, I decided to hunt down the best value balconies (lowest fare per night) for long voyages that qualify for the offer.

BALCONIES < $150 CAD/night 

October 1, 2016: 16-Night Transatlantic Repositioning CruiseFrom Barcelona, Spain to Fort Lauderdale on the Royal Princess 

December 4, 2016: 17-Night Central America CruiseFrom Los Angeles to Valparaiso, Chile on the Crown Princess

BALCONIES < $175 CAD/night 

October 17, October 27, November 6, November 30, 2016: 20-Night Caribbean CruiseFrom Fort Lauderdale (Roundtrip) on the Royal Princess 

December 3, 2016: 17-Night Transatlantic Repositioning CruiseFrom Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy to Fort Lauderdale on the Pacific Princess

January 6, 2017; 16-Night Caribbean CruiseFrom Fort Lauderdale (Roundtrip) on the Caribbean Princess

BALCONIES <$200 CAD/night 

September 24, 2016: 23-Night Transatlantic Repositioning CruiseFrom Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy to Fort Lauderdale on the Royal Princess

December 4, 2016: 31-Night South America CruiseFrom Los Angeles to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on the Crown Princess

February 15, 2017: 33-Night South America CruiseFrom Valparaiso, Chile to Fort Lauderdale on the Crown Princess

March 1, 2017: 19-Night South America CruiseFrom Buenos Aires, Argentina to Fort Lauderdale, Florida on the Crown Princess 

TIP: the above are all sailings over 15 nights... but the beverage offer applies to many 7+ night sailings as well 

Hope this is helpful!

Please contact me to book! :)
Roberta

BC Reg #2550-6

Princess 1 Day Sale: my Hawaii picks

What could be better than a roundtrip cruise to Hawaii, except perhaps sitting on your balcony with a mai-tai in your hand! These Hawaii cruises offer some of the best value sailings in the Princess 1 Day Sale on June 13. Here's why: Balconies and above receive FREE beverage package valued at $56 US per person per day ~ that's a value of $840 US per person for these 15 night sailings. I also like them because they sail roundtrip from Vancouver! (tip: also see my South Pacific picks)

September 24, 2016: 15 night Hawaii cruise sailing roundtrip from Vancouver on the Star Princess

April 21, 2017: 15 night Hawaii cruise sailing roundtrip from Vancouver on the Star Princess

Expedia Extras:

• All-Inclusive Beverage Package - valued at $56 US per person, per day (balcony + above only) 
• 1 Specialty Dinner for 2 (mini-suite and above only) 
• Shipwide Savings Booklet per person (worth up to $325 USD per booklet or $650 per stateroom) 
• $50 shipboard credit for the stateroom 
• Aeroplan miles, 1000 BONUS Aeroplan miles, PLUS 1000 Aeroplan miles for redemption 
• Reduced deposit of $120 per person ($240 total) 
• Additional benefits may be available for past Princess passengers

Please contact me if you would like a quote.

** For the best staterooms, PRE-BOOK BY JUNE 12! **

Get out your bucketlist! If you book a balcony, you'll thank me when you get your bill at the end of your cruise!

 BC Reg #2550-6

Princess 1 Day Sale: my Panama Canal picks

These 4 Panama Canal cruises offer, in my opinion, the best value sailings in the Princess 1 Day Sale on June 13, due in part to their duration. Here's why: Balconies and above receive FREE beverage package valued at $56 US per person per day ~ that's a value of $1008 US per person on the 18 night sailing, up to $1232 US per person on the 22 night sailing. I also like them because the sail either to/from Vancouver!

September 14, 2016: 18 night Panama Canal cruise sailing from Vancouver to Fort Lauderdale on the Island Princess

September 17, 2016: 22 night Panama Canal cruise sailing from Vancouver to Fort Lauderdale on the Coral Princess

April 17, 2017: 19 night Panama Canal cruise sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Vancouver on the Coral Princess

April 19, 2017: 21 night Panama Canal cruise sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Vancouver on the Island Princess

Expedia Extras:

• All-Inclusive Beverage Package - valued at $56 US per person, per day (balcony + above only) 
• 1 Specialty Dinner for 2 (mini-suite and above only) 
• Shipwide Savings Booklet per person (worth up to $325 USD per booklet or $650 per stateroom) 
• $50 shipboard credit for the stateroom 
• Aeroplan miles, 1000 BONUS Aeroplan miles, PLUS 1000 Aeroplan miles for redemption 
• Reduced deposit of $120 per person ($240 total) 
•  Additional benefits may be available for past Princess passengers

There are numerous other 2016/2017 Panama Canal sailings that are eligible for the same offer, just ask!

Please contact me if you would like a quote. 

** For the best staterooms, PRE-BOOK BY JUNE 12! **

Get out your bucketlist! If you book a balcony, you'll thank me when you get your bill at the end of your cruise!

BC Reg #2550-6

Princess 1 Day Sale: my South Pacific picks

These South Pacific cruises are 2 of the best value sailings in the Princess 1 Day Sale on June 13, due to their duration. Here's why: Balconies and above receive FREE beverage package valued at $56 US per person per day ~ that's a value of $1512 US per person on the 27 night sailing, and $1736 US per person on the 31 night sailing!

October 20, 2016: 27 night South Pacific cruise sailing roundtrip from Los Angeles on the Crown Princess

April 12, 2017: 31 night South Pacific cruise sailing from Sydney to Vancouver on the Emerald Princess

Expedia Extras:

• All-Inclusive Beverage Package - valued at $56 US per person, per day (balcony + above only)
• 1 Specialty Dinner for 2 (mini-suite and above only) 
• Shipwide Savings Booklet per person (worth up to $325 USD per booklet or $650 per stateroom) 
• $50 shipboard credit for the stateroom 
• Aeroplan miles, 1000 BONUS Aeroplan miles, PLUS 1000 Aeroplan miles for redemption 
• Reduced deposit of $120 per person ($240 total) 
• Additional benefits may be available for past Princess passengers

Please contact me if you would like a quote.

** For the best staterooms, PRE-BOOK BY JUNE 12! **

Get out your bucketlist! If you book a balcony, you'll thank me when you get your bill at the end of your cruise!

BC Reg #2550-6

Princess 1 Day Sale: June 13, 2015

Drop by to see me on the weekend! Ask for Roberta:)

Join us for Princess' Biggest Sale of the Year and BBQ to support the Sidney Lions Food Bank. Of course there will be cake and refreshments!

Select 2016 & 2017 bookings receive:

• FREE beverage package OR Prepaid Gratuities and Onboard Cash Credits*
• Reduced Deposits 
• Bonus Aeroplan 

* varies by sailing and category, contact me for details or if you would like a quote.

We look forward to seeing you! Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Sidney https://www.facebook.com/events/378356515622276/

BC Reg #2550-6

Paul Gauguin 2 Week Sale

Is Paul Gauguin on your bucketlist?

Click the image above to enlarge the poster
- or contact me for details

Don't miss the Paul Gauguin 2 week sale - on until June 13th.

Contact me for more information or to book.

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Visit https://www.facebook.com/cruisewithroberta to Like my Facebook page!

I am a little remiss on actively posting to my blog... it's happening because I have been busy getting my Facebook page up and going. That, and helping people book trips!

If you are on Facebook, you may want to "like" my page, to receive updates different from those posted here:

• If you search for "cruisetravelbug" you should find me, or
• just go to https://www.facebook.com/cruisewithroberta

Cruise With Roberta - Solo specials - May 16, 2015

I periodically send out an email of solo travel specials (see the example below). If you would like to receive these, just let me know.

Solo cruiser "selfie"
creative commons image donnieray on Flickr

With so many solo travellers looking for affordable ways to travel, without the dreaded single supplement, I am always watching for specials. Periodically, when I have time, I summarize a few into an email to send to those who may be interested.

Avalon

Avalon Waterways sails the rivers of Europe and Southeast Asia, and periodically waives the single supplement on select sailings ~ and you can book in Canadian dollars! There are many 2015 sailings right now available, these are a few that jumped out at me:

• June 15, 2015 - 11 days Burgundy & Provence - sailing from Arles to Paris
• June 16, 2015 - 12 days The Upper Rhine to the City of Music - sailing from Zurich to Vienna
• July 19, 2015 - 13 days Highlights of Germany - sailing from Munich to Basel
• August 14, 2015 - 8 days Romantic Rhine - Sailing from Zurich to Amsterdam
• October 11, 2015 - 13 days Rhine & Moselle - Zurich to Amsterdam
• October 23, 2015 - 10 days Canals, Vineyards & Paris - Sailing from Amsterdam to Paris
• October 28, 2015 - 10 days Canals, Vineyards & Paris - Sailing from Paris to Amsterdam
• Paris to Normandy 2015 - 7 nights There are solo offers on numerous 2015 sailings - contact me for availability http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=714158

Crystal

Crystal Cruises, famous for their all-inclusive luxury sailings, offers special solo fares on select voyages. Here are a few current offers that caught my eye:

August 16, 2015 - 7 nights
Sailing roundtrip from Copenhagen on the Crystal Symphony
Ports: Warnemunde (for Berlin), Helsinki, St. Petersburg (overnight) - plus 2 sea days to enjoy the ship
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-US/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=674162
Solo fare reduced from $4,285 USD to $2,885 USD - book by June 30

May 6, 2016 - 5 nights
Sailing from San Francisco to Vancouver on the Crystal Serenity Ports: Astoria, Seattle, Victoria
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-US/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=654899
Solo fare reduced from $2,735 USD to $1,735 USD - book by June 30

Celebrity

Celebrity Cruise Line offers reduced single supplements on select sailings. Here are a few of the offers coming up next week:

June 28, 2015 - 7 nights
Sailing roundtrip from Vancouver on the Celebrity Infinity http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=629006
150% reduced single supplement - book on May 19 or 20 only

June 21, 2015 - 10 nights
Sailing from Venice to Rome on the Celebrity Constellation
Ports: begin with an overnight and full day in Venice, then Dubrovnik (overnight), Kotor, Kerkyra (Corfu), Katakolon (Olympia), Valetta (Malta) http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=689824
150% reduced single supplement - book on May 19 or 20 only

July 1, 2015 - 10 nights
Sailing from Rome to Venice on the Celebrity Constellation
Ports: Sorrento (overnight), Messina, Dubrovnik (overnight), Koper (Ljubljana) - plus a full day and overnight in Venice http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=665572
150% reduced single supplement - book on May 19 or 20 only

July 11, 2015 - 8 nights
Sailing roundtrip from Venice on the Celebrity Constellation
Ports: Split, Santorini, Mykonos, Katakolon (Olympia) - plus an overnight in Venice
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=665842
150% reduced single supplement - book on May 19 or 20 only

July 19, 2015 - 14 nights
Sailing roundtrip from Venice on the Celebrity Constellation
Ports: begin with an overnight and full day in Venice, then Split, Dubrovnik, Athens, Santorini, Istanbul, Mykonos, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Rhodes
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=635212
150% reduced single supplement - book on May 19 or 20 only

Here's a bit about the history on a few of the ports of call above:

• Katakolon, Greece - this scenic small Greek port town is the stepping off point for excursions to the ancient city of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, just 45 minutes away
• Split, Croatia - imagine a town where the streets are the old hallways of an ancient castle, and you may find yourself in charming Split, rich with Roman, Greek, Venetian and Byzantine history
• I recently shared port information for Koper, Kotor, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Messini, Rhodes and Valetta - let me know if you'd like me to resend it
• Not familiar with any other ports? Drop me a line, and I'll send you information on any port you wish.

Remember that prices and availability are subject to change. If you see something you like, please get in touch as soon as possible.

Looking for something else? While reduced or waived single supplements are hard to find, they do exist, and I can help you find them. A few ships also offer solo staterooms, with no single supplement. I can also assist with tours and land vacations for solos.

Cheers,
Roberta

Cell: 250-886-8825
Office: 250-656-5441
Toll Free: 1-800-561-2350
 
Request a quote: https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact
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7 comebacks to "I Hate Cruising"

Doug Parker, aka @cruiseradio, recently received an email from a listener touting his "7 Reasons I Hate Cruising". To Doug's credit, he posted the mini-rant, politely remarked that "cruising isn't for everyone", and asked, "Weigh In. How would you respond?". Well, here is my response to each of those 7 reasons:


Before you yell "I hate cruising!", there are many different types of cruises, and not all are about crowded pool parties, far from it. Take time to pick the cruise that is right for you.

While I certainly agree that cruising isn't for everyone (I'd be last to suggest that, as I'm a pretty staunch independent traveler ~ I once spent 7 months in Europe without stepping on a cruise ship or tour bus), there is tremendous value in a floating hotel that takes you to ports of call you might not otherwise experience. I also believe that there are ways to design your own personal cruise experience in a way that works for you.

Here are my tips for enjoying a cruise vacation, if you are in the "I hate cruising" camp, but you:
A) find yourself booked on a cruise with friends or family, or
B) need a low-stress vacation but can't face another all-inclusive resort, or
C) book a last minute deal in spite of yourself!

1. "I hate doing nothing, and by nothing I mean just sitting by the pool, napping, etc."

• Doing "nothing" in this way is a choice, and you don't have to make it
• Get fit by going to the gym every day
• Pack your sneakers and "do the promenade" by walking around the ship a few times every day (most cruiselines will publish facts about how many times around a certain deck add up to a mile)
• Check out the public art on the ship ~ some of it is really quite good, and there are usually unique works down every corridor of staterooms on board
• Pack your art supplies and draw, sketch or even paint a masterpiece in your stateroom
• Take along a few books you've always wanted to read (or a Kindle loaded up with War and Peace)
• Bring along that digital SLR camera you never learned to use, find the little book, add some camera cards and a photography book or two ~ and spend your cruise learning, experimenting and taking amazing pictures
• I once took a stack of travel books, post-it notes and a world map (with a roll of masking tape to stick it on my cabin walls) on a cruise, with the intention of planning an extended trip as I read about where I wanted to go
• Heck, you could write your first novel on a ship! Or learn a new language. Or study Viking history. Or ....
• My fav: buying the New York Times Sunday Edition and savouring it for the entire voyage (make sure you hide it so the cabin stewards don't throw it out!)

2. "If I am going to travel, I want to experience a culture. Stay in one place for an extended period of time, and really immerse."

• Agreed, makes sense to me! (and here are some strategies...)
• Carefully select your embarkation and disembarkation ports, and plan extended stays pre- and post-cruise
• Consider a cruise to be a "taster" for the first time you visit a region, and identify where you want to return to
• Look for interesting repositioning cruises (book open-jaw flights to get you to and from your ship) that will take you to new destinations
• Seek out sailings that spend more than a day in port ~ common with luxury lines (which frequently spend 2 or 3 days in port), more cruiselines are adding late night departures and overnight stays in port
• My fav: cruises with an overnight stay in Venice, allowing you time to explore this magical city without the expensive accommodation (these are quite common)

3. "I don’t want preplanned meals"

• No problem - you don't have to have them!
• Skip the dining room - I have done entire cruises, even before today's "open dining" options, without once stepping into the dining room
• Indulge in flexible dining at the buffets onboard
• Pick up a few extra goodies from the buffet to take back to your stateroom (cereal boxes, juices, yogurt, pastries) - don't forget, you have a fridge!
• On the matter of a spoon for that yogurt, just "take" one from the buffet, and hide it in your room - just be courteous and leave it behind when you disembark
• Fill a tray at the buffet and carry it back to your room
• Pick a cabin with easy stair access to the lido café, making it easy to run up to grab a coffee or tea
• Order room service - typically free on most cruise lines
• If you still want table service, there are specialty dining restaurants on most ships (albeit at an extra charge), or you may be able to dine at a area of the main dining room at a flexible time
• Remember that even for 'traditional dining', it's just the time and table that are pre-planned... there are many options on the menu and you can order as many as you want
• In port, pick up local snacks to bring aboard!
• My fav: loading up a tray at the breakfast buffet, then savouring it for hours on my balcony  

4. "I don’t want to have preplanned activities"

• Great ~ you don't have to participate in anything you don't want to!
• The ONLY thing you MUST participate in is the safety drill on the first day onboard
• Pick and choose the activities you want to do, or choose to do nothing at all ~ don't become one of the people who get so busy doing every possible activity on the ship, without being able to catch their breath (unless that's what you love), and arrive home exhausted (and miserable)
• I have done entire cruises without participating in a single activity onboard
• My fav: reading the daily schedule of activities, attempting to pick out one or two that might interest me, then blowing them all off and curling up with my book (and smiling inwardly when I hear people complain about being too busy to think!)

5. "I don’t want to see canned shows"

• No problem... don't go!
• You will find that the public areas on the ship are less crowded, or almost deserted, when the big shows are on (as well as during main dining times), so it's a great time to enjoy the ship
• Pick your cruise carefully ~ find a cruise with interesting guest speakers, musicians, movies or other entertainment that is more to your liking
• And, yes, that's a picture of the Styx performing onboard as part of CarnivalLive
• My fav: using the sauna or whirlpool during the ship's "busy times"

6. "I don’t want to be surrounded by a bunch of people all the time"

• Book a large ship, with lots of public spaces (contrary to what you might think, you will find more space to yourself on a large ship, as opposed to a small ship ~ although small ships do go into smaller ports)
• Book a balcony ~ it's like having your own private ship when you are relaxing there (believe me, it makes a world of a difference!)
• When you board, make it a mission to explore the ship, and look for the little nooks and crannies, where you can grab a deck chair, or an armchair, and try them out
• Stay on the ship in port, when everyone else is off on shore excursions - you'll have the place virtually to yourself
• My fav: slipping up to my favourite deck chair at the aft of the ship during lunch or dinner, when things are less busy, then settling in for a long session of watching the horizon

7. "I like to travel with fluidity, I want to plan what I do and I want to plan when I do it."

• True that you sacrifice some flexibility when cruising, but you can save yourself from overplanning by taking ports at your own pace, rather than taking organized excursions
• If you do book shore excursions, spend some time researching your options, as you may find higher quality excursions (less people, more inclusions)
• Create your own plan, but booking a private tour, or arranging a taxi, to take you to the sight you want to see, at the time of day you wish
• Don't make a plan for ports: instead, decide what you want to do over breakfast
• Try just wandering the port city at your own pace, going to an off-the-beaten-track museum, or exploring ruins on your own (just make sure you have a plan to get back to the ship on time)
• My fav: having coffee at a spot frequented by locals and people watching

The joy of undisturbed reading time on a ship, just one of the pleasures of
setting your own pace for your cruise vacation

You have probably noticed that all these are solo activities, as my favourite way to cruise is solo. If you are travelling with others, do some research on how couples, families and other groups tailor their cruise experience to their own interests and travel style.

So, yes, it IS possible to enjoy a cruise, even if you aren't a big cruise fan.

And, of course, continue to incorporate other types of travel into your life, so that you are fulfilling your dreams, not living someone else's.

All images creativecommons on Flickr - click each photo for source info

Related resources:
Cruise lines increasingly onboard with overnights - Travel Weekly
Make the most of your overnight port call - Cruise Critic
How to Choose the Right Cruise for You - Fodor's Travel
The 10 most intimate spaces on cruise ships  - USA Today Travel

Anzac commemorations at sea

Celebrity is one of the cruiselines sailing an Anzac Day itinerary to commemorate
the 100th Anniversary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli (photo: wikicommons)

A colleague of mine will be aboard this sailing, which I found interesting, so I thought I would share it here.

The Battle of Gallipoli was a World War I campaign that took place on the Gallipoli peninsula in the Ottoman Empire between April 25, 1915 and January 6, 1916. The tiny, scenic cove where the troops came ashore is now known as Anzac Cove.

Observed on April 25th each year, Anzac Day was originally to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli. In Australia and New Zealand, Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance that broadly commemorates lives lost in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Anzac Day is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Tonga - and parts of Canada (role of the Royal Newfoundland at Gallipoli).

On April 25, 2015, the 100th anniversary of the start of the conflict, there will be a service at dawn at ANZAC Cove, which will be televised worldwide. Learn more on the Gallipoli 2015 website.

Here's how the anniversary will be commemorated on the Celebrity Constellation:

• The August 22, 2015 sailing of the Celebrity Constellation will commemorate the anniversary
• On ANZAC Day, the Constellation will sail close to Turkey's Gallipoli Peninsula at Anzac Cove, where the troops came ashore
• Passengers will be invited up on deck at dawn for the call of the bugle
• The ship's Captain will ceremoniously lay a wreath out to sea
• The televised coverage will be shown onboard, followed by a special service for passengers
• Peter Donovan, noted historian, author and keynote speaker, will make presentations onboard, and point out any discernable memorials and cemeteries
• Later in the day, the Constellation will call at nearby Canakkale for an overnight stay; this will allow passengers to visit tiny, scenic Anzac Cove the following day

There are more substantive commemorations taking place on the Azamara Journey on the official ANZAC Centenary Cruise, in partnership with the Australian National Geographic Society. Even if you aren't interested in going, the website makes for a pretty interesting read (you can even download the ANZAC Centenary Cruise brochure).

If you are interested in being onboard, as I write this there is still space on the Celebrity Constellation sailing. If you want to try to secure a cabin, or visit the area in the future, please contact me.

Cruising to/from Vancouver

You can cruise from many places to Vancouver
creativecommons image viajor on Flickr

Have you ever considered cruising to and/or from Vancouver?

Did you know you can sail from Vancouver to Fort Lauderdale, Honolulu, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Sydney, Tokyo... just to name a few.

The thrill of passing under the Lion's Gate Bridge on the Star Princess
creativecommons image hubertyu on Flickr

How about getting the flying out of the way first, and beginning your journey in Auckland, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Papeete (Tahiti) or Singapore and disembarking in Vancouver?

The Coral Princess docking in Vancouver
creativecommons image royluck on Flickr

The links above are just a sampling.

For another sampling, I maintain a list of hand-picked favourites, chosen from across the spectrum of cruiselines, from budget to luxury, from short to long, from often-sailed to once-in-a-lifetime itineraries. Please have a look for a taste of what's possible:

Cruises to and/or from Vancouver

This could be you! Ask me how...
creativecommons image prayitnophotography on Flickr

Interested? Please contact me to help you find the right cruise to or from Vancouver that fits your interests, budget and travel dreams.

I'm located in Sidney, BC, but I assist many clients remotely. Please invite me to give you a quote!

Fresh thinking needed for solo cruisers!

Note: this is an edited version of my original post yesterday

I just had some instantaneous feedback on a tweet I made during #CruiseChat today...

A8. #CruiseChat fresh thinking on single supplements! Cruiselines have NO IDEA how upset travellers are to be told 200%. Innovate people!:)

... and I was inspired to rant a little.

The kind of cruise selfie most solo cruisers resort to
creativecommons image donnieray on Flickr

It is SO true. I can't think of anything more frustrating that answering a potential cruiser's question about the cruise fare if they sail solo. If they haven't cruised before, they are shocked, say disparaging things about the cruiselines (yes, I hear things these things from even nice little old ladies!!), and - guess what - no matter how hard I work to explain single supplement policies, the cruiseline always comes out losing. We all look bad in the consumer's eyes.

Yes, explaining that "sometimes" there are reductions helps, but I can't tell them how or when those happen. And I add another name to my long list of people who want to be notified when there are waived or reduced offers....

But that doesn't really cut it. Already, the passenger has a bad taste in their mouth, and is disappointed. Hugely disappointed.

Yes, solo cabins make a difference, a BIG difference. In fact, they are one of the two things the cruise industry must do to win the trust of solo travelers.

The other is FRESH THINKING on single supplements.

FRESH THINKING on the value of solo travellers.

The solo cruiser is tired of being an afterthought, accommodated only when sailings are selling slow, or booking at the very last minute on the hope of a dream of a flash sale so low they can book by paying double of a cheap price.

What about the solo cruiser who wants to plan their dream vacation? What about the solo cruiser who isn't comfortable waiting until the last minute on the off-chance that there will be a bargain going to somewhere they want? What about the solo cruiser who knows that those last minute deals aren't really deals if you have to buy last-minute air to get there?

Everyone likes a window at sea
creativecommons image crdunn on Flickr

What about the solo cruiser who wants even a porthole to look out of, but is not able to justify booking more than an inside cabin? What about how doubly important one's stateroom is when one is cruising solo, and that a small windowless room just doesn't cut it? What about the solo cruiser who has cruised before with a friend, family member or spouse with the ease of a balcony, and now wants the same pleasure solo?

Do cruiselines even "get it" that sometimes the solo cruiser is one part of a couple that likes to travel alone on occasion? That the solo cruiser might travel at other times with friends, but also wants to travel alone, versus waiting around for a friend with the same interests and vacation time? That the solo cruiser may also be the one organizing a family reunion and might consider doing it on cruise if they weren't so put off by single-supplements?

I mean it when I say that cruiselines have NO IDEA how offended people are by these policies.

I am personally waiting for one executive at the top of a major cruiseline to have the light bulb go off on their mind, and turn the industry on its head over antiquated, unfriendly and off-putting single supplement policies.

Just in case you need some fresh thinking.....

The delight of capturing a balcony selfie
creativecommons image djs1021 on Flickr

What about offering an incentive to solo cruisers to book early? What about waiving single supplements for a promotional period when sailings first come out?

What about reducing the single supplement, say, to 125% if you book year in advance?

What about varying the single supplement on "less-desirable" cabin types? What if there were no single supplements on obstructed view staterooms?

What about waiving the single supplement for 10% of cabins booked in a group?

What about ..... well, you get the idea.

Is anyone listening?

I look forward to the day when I am not embarrassed to explain the dismal reality of cruising to a new solo cruiser sitting across my desk.

I look forward to the day when I can engage with the solo cruiser, share in their excitement of their travel dreams, spend my time asking questions to learn more about their travel style and interests, so I can help them pick the cruiseline that is the best fit for them?

The fun of seizing opportunitues to capture solo selfies at sea
creativecommons image joshfriedmantravel on Flickr

I look forward to the day when I no longer have to present a cruiseline that would otherwise be the wrong fit for a client as the only affordable option. Or presenting an itinerary that doesn't hit the mark, as there are so few that are open to them.

I look forward to the day that I can simply be compassionate when I have a widow or widower telling me about how they loved cruising with their spouse and want to continue that spirit by sailing the cruise itinerary they still had on their bucketlist? I look forward to help that long time loyal cruise customer find a balcony they love, just like the one they enjoyed when they were a couple, and facilitate healing?

I look forward to feeling proud of how the cruise industry takes care of all its guests, treating them all with equal respect, and helping them all take the cruise vacation of their dreams.

I look forward to the day when someone, anyone, with the power to make change in this industry, decides to break the mold.

FRESH THINKING. That's all it is.

~end of rant ~

Uniworld waived single supplements

Nice view of the lovely top deck of the River Beatrice
image: creativecommons, click for details

Great news for solos!

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has just announced Solo Traveler Savings on select 2015 sailings.

For an amazing all-inclusive river cruise experience, check out these select sailings:
Uniworld Solo Traveler Savings - waived single supplements

This offer is subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time.

Please contact me for more information, or if you would like to book one of these fabulous sailings!

Avalon Waterways waived single supplements

The Avalon Imagery in Munich
(image creativecommons, click for details)

Avalon Waterways has waived single supplements on select 2015 sailings in Europe.

Here is the list of sailings:
Select 2015 Avalon Waterways Europe - single supplement waived

This offer is subject to availability, and must be booked by March 24, 2015.
Please contact me and I would be happy to check availability and pricing for you!

Interested in sailing solo with Avalon in 2016? Please get in touch with me directly.

Pacific Rim Transpacific repositioning cruises

The distinctive Osanbashi Pier
in Yokohama (for Tokyo)

Have you ever considered taking a Pacific Rim Transpacific repositioning cruise? While not as popular or as available as Transatlantic sailings, they do exist.

Traditionally, Pacific Rim crossings offer very good value, as there is less demand. Recently, however, some sailings have been selling out, so it's worth planning ahead.

Please feel free to contact me to help you determine the best approach.

Here is a list of upcoming sailings, some with extensions to World Cruise segments that let you see more of Asia on your trip.

2015

March 30, 2015
44-Night World Cruises Cruise
From Singapore, Singapore to Vancouver, British Columbia
Holland America Line - ms Volendam
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=689706

The lovely Crystal Symphony is sailing
 from Asia to Vancouver this spring

April 11, 2015
30-Night Pacific Rim Cruise
From Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Vancouver, British Columbia
Crystal Cruises - Crystal Symphony
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-US/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=698682

April 13, 2015
30-Night Transpacific Cruise
From Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Vancouver, British Columbia
Holland America Line - ms Volendam
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=689707

April 15, 2015
30-Night Transpacific Cruise
From Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Vancouver, British Columbia
Holland America Line - ms Volendam
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=689707

April 23, 2015
18-Night Pacific Rim Cruise
From Tokyo, Japan to Vancouver, British Columbia
Crystal Cruises - Crystal Symphony
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-US/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=683622

April 26, 2015 - SOLD OUT
16-Night Pacific Rim Cruise
From Shanghai, China to Vancouver, British Columbia
Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Millennium




Volendam welcoming ceremony in Japan

April 27, 2015
16-Night Transpacific Cruise
From Kobe, Japan to Vancouver, British Columbia
Holland America Line - ms Volendam
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=673007

September 11, 2015 - SOLD OUT
16-Night Pacific Rim Cruise
From Vancouver, British Columbia to Shanghai, China
Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Millennium

2016

March 17, 2016
48-Night World Cruises Cruise
From Singapore, Singapore to Vancouver, British Columbia
Holland America Line - ms Volendam
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=689711

March 31, 2016
34-Night Transpacific Cruise
From Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Vancouver, British Columbia
Holland America Line - ms Volendam
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=689712

April 16, 2016
18-Night Transpacific Cruise
From Yokohama, Japan to Vancouver, British Columbia
Holland America Line - ms Volendam
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=685984

September 2, 2016
16-Night Pacific Rim Cruise
From Vancouver, British Columbia to Tokyo, Japan
Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Millennium
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=677495

Lovely verandas enjoyed by Terrace Suite guests
on the Silverseas Silver Shadow

September 15, 2016
19-Night Pacific Rim Cruise
From Vancouver, British Columbia to Tokyo, Japan
Silversea Cruises - Silver Shadow
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-US/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=667811

2017

The Celebrity Millennium has been
selling out on this itinerary

May 7, 2017
14-Night Pacific Rim Cruise
From Tokyo, Japan to Vancouver, British Columbia
Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Millennium
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=677914


Interested? Please contact me for availability, details and a quote.


All images are creative commons - click each picture for source information.

Transatlantic Voyages

Cunard's Queen Mary 2 sails regular transatlantic voyages
image wikicommons

Transatlantics are a unique category of repositioning cruises, and are a popular way or North Americans to travel to or from Europe. 

I have hand-chosen these transatlantic sailings as a sampling of options, across the spectrum, from budget-friendly deals to all-inclusive luxury escapes.

Please contact me if you would like more information on these, or other transatlantic opportunities.