Underground Montreal

Friends Luc Le Blanc and Daniel Caron spend much of their free time in Montreal exploring below ground in the city's Saint-Léonard Cavern. The cave is a registered historic site, with restricted access and guided tours.

The cavers had the surprise of their lives in October when they knocked through a limestone wall and uncovered the entrance to an immense second cave. Well, it wasn't a total surprise ~ they had been 'dowsing' , looking for water and a larger cave ~ but it was definitely an exciting discovery.

The Cavernicole Cave (or la caverne de Saint-Léonard) is a cave located underneath Pius XII Park (Parc Pie-XII) in the borough of Saint-Leonard in Montreal. It is a registered historic site with restricted access and guided tours.

A little history:

• The cave was first discovered in 1812.
• During the Patriote Rebellion of 1837, it served as an armoury, weapons cache, and hidey-hole for Les Patriotes.
• In 1968, the government deemed it a safety risk and closed off the cave.
• In 1978, the Quebec Speleology Society reopened the cave for study.
• It was subsequently declared a historic landmark, and guided tours were set up.

Until the recent discovery, the cave was thought to be relatively small, at 35 metres long and 8 metres deep. The second cave, hidden behind a limestone wall, is a massive 250 metres long.

This week, Luc and Daniel are getting their 15 minutes, as their discovery was disclosed to the general public.

Entrance to the public cave

Recent news highlights:
Spelunkers discover 15,000-year-old cavern in St-Léonard park
'This is a major discovery': Explorers find massive ice-age cavern beneath Montreal
Ice Age-Era Caves Discovered Under Montreal

Information on exploring the public cave:
Show Caves of Canada, Cavernicole de Saint-Léonard
The Secret Montreal Cave You Can Visit And Explore, Mtl Blog

Did you know you can visit Montreal on a cruise? Check out these Canada New England cruises from Montreal, or contact me for sailings to Montreal.

Top 5 Solo Picks - November 14, 2017

BRRRRR...!

Does the turn in the weather have you thinking of sunshine?

In case you missed it, be sure to read my recent blog post on Caribbean cruise deals (and be especially cautious about sailings from San Juan, as flights and hotels are still a problem): Are post-hurricane cruises really a great deal?

Here are my Top 5 Solo Cruise Picks today!

Why these sailings? There my be solo cabins, reduced/waived single supplements, a great deal overall, or simply good value on an itinerary solos can't usually afford. Fares below INCLUDE TAXES, and are subject to availability.

November 19, 2017 - 7 night Caribbean cruise sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on the Eurodam
Balcony - $1315 CAD solo
Obstructed oceanview - $953 CAD solo
Inside - $898 CAD solo

November 25, 2017 - 8 night Caribbean cruise sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on the Freedom of the Seas
Balcony - $2045 CAD solo
Oceanview - $1383 CAD solo
Promenade View - $1221 CAD solo
Inside - $1086 CAD solo

December 1, 2017 - 8 night Caribbean cruise sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on the Crown Princess
Obstructed oceanview - $1299 CAD solo
Inside - $1179 CAD solo

December 3, 2017 - 12 night Caribbean cruise sailing roundtrip from New York on the Norwegian Breakaway
Balcony - $1883 CAD solo
Oceanview - $1582 CAD solo
Inside - $1441 CAD solo

December 9, 2017 - 7 night Caribbean cruise sailing roundtrip from Port Canaveral on the Norwegian Epic
Inside "studio"- $913 CAD solo

If you see something you like, please contact me and I can send you more details.

PS. I do all types of travel, so if you are thinking of an all-inclusive resort package, I'm happy to help.

Cheers,
Roberta

About this newsletter: 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.

Want this news as soon as it comes out? Just email me with the word "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Actually, any email works fine. A human will read it (this one), not a bot.

Want more?
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cruisetravelbug
"Like" my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cruisewithroberta
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertawestwood/
Request a quote: https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact

Top 5 Solo Picks - October 14, 2017

As a solo traveller, you may be eyeing the latest Caribbean cruise deals and thinking that this might be a good time to find a good solo fare. You'd be right, but there are a few pitfalls to avoid. Learn more in my recent blog post, Are post-hurricane cruises really a great deal? Happy reading!

For those of you who like short Pacific Coastal sailings, there are actually two (2) 3-night sailings via Vancouver this winter (we don't normally see ships between November and April). The Star Princess will be going into drydock in BC, so you can sail on her:

• northbound on November 29th - you'll be the last person to sail in your cabin pre-refit, but don't tell me about your souvenirs!
• southbound on December 16th - followed by some California sun, or perhaps a Mexico or Hawaii cruise?
• better yet, sail on both, and compare the differences!
• I've included both sailings in my Top 5 list below

Here are my Top 5 Solo Cruise Picks today!

Why these sailings? There my be solo cabins, reduced/waived single supplements, a great deal overall, or simply good value on an itinerary solos can't usually afford. Fares below INCLUDE TAXES, and are subject to availability.

October 29, 2017 - 7 night Bahamas cruise sailing roundtrip from New York on the Norwegian Breakaway
Balcony - $1137 CAD solo
Oceanview - $895 CAD solo
Inside - $695 CAD solo

November 4, 2017 - 7 night Caribbean cruise sailing roundtrip San Juan on the Celebrity Summit
Oceanview - $970 CAD solo
Inside - $879 CAD solo

November 29, 2017 - 3 night Pacific Coastal cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver on the Star Princess
Balcony - $495 CAD solo
Obstructed oceanview - $423 CAD solo

December 16, 2017 - 3 night Pacific Coastal cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles on the Star Princess
Balcony - $664 CAD solo

January 6, 2018 - 5 night Caribbean cruise sailing roundtrip from Miami on the Empress of the Seas
Oceanview - $988 CAD solo
Inside - $854 CAD solo

If you see something you like, please contact me and I can send you more details.

Cheers,
Roberta

About this newsletter: 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.

Want this news as soon as it comes out? Just email me with the word "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Actually, any email works fine. A human will read it (this one), not a bot.

Want more?
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cruisetravelbug
"Like" my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cruisewithroberta
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertawestwood/
Request a quote: https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact

Are post-hurricane cruises really a great deal?

As you might imagine, there are excellent deals on Caribbean cruises at the moment.

And don't feel bad about taking advantage of the deals; the islands need your tourism dollar!

Before you leap though, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Itineraries are in flux - You should expect ports so ports of call to change. All cruiselines have been scrambling to replace visits to now-closed ports (such as St. Thomas and St. Maarten). But even the new itineraries are not etched in stone; to support local economies you should expect further itinerary changes as ports re-open.

Sailings may change or cancel - As cruiselines continue to adjust the new realities, sailings may be cancelled, as ships are redeployed to more popular gateways, or for truly unforeseen circumstances. A case in point: mere days after modifing itineraries and ensuring supports were in place to support the Carnival Fascination to continue sailing from San Juan, and announcing confirmed details, Carnival received a request from FEMA to charter the ship for 3 months to support relief efforts in the US Virgin Islands. Always ready to support the community and to help in any way possible, Carnival granted the request.

Hotel availability may be limited - In San Juan, for example, there are hotels that are closed that still have reservations on their books (I discovered this recently when I called a hotel directly), while others are overbooked (as demonstrated by the hotel that called me directly to see if my clients were still travelling). This is also a bit of an issue in larger port cities, such as Miami, as a number of displaced Florida residents are still housed in area hotels.

Flight schedules are subject to change - Airlines survive based on passenger loads, and they can't afford to service areas hit hard by hurricanes, at least not to the same levels. Case in point: my clients who had booked their November cruise from San Juan back in the spring, found themselves without flights when WestJet cut service until early in the new year. Not only did they need to find new flights, airfares would undoubtedly be higher, and availability limited as planeloads of people all need to rebook.

Does all that cause you to think twice about travelling?

If you want a specific itinerary, perhaps this isn't the best time to go... or if the very thought of changes to your planned vacation stresses you out, maybe you should make other plans.

However, if you need some sun, and are flexible, these low fares offer fabulous getaway opportunities.

If you want to go, here are a few tips to help things go more smoothly:

• This is a good time to work with a travel agent, even if that's not your usual way of doing things. Your travel agent can put that great deal on hold long enough for you to confirm that all the other parts of your trip can be planned.
• Ask your travel agent for a quote on flights, and while the seats are on hold, check out hotel availability. Booking your flights with a travel agent also means you have someone to help you if something goes sideways.
• Book hotels with refundable rates. While the price may be lower with a non-refundable rate, and you may be determined to go, things can change. Why not pay $20 more than risk holding the bag on a hotel room in a city you won't be visiting afterall?
• More than ever, it is important to travel with trip cancellation an interruption insurance!
• Travel lightly and be organized.
• Carry snacks, extra medications and reading materials, as well as a cellphone.
• Pack a sense of humour, and remember that travel is an adventure!

Feel free contact me for more information or a quote. I'd be pleased to help!

Related resources
Caribbean cruise deals
Travel insurance
Cruise Industry Passenger Bill of Rights - Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

The Orkney Islands' Ring of Brodgar

The Ring of Brodgar in the Orkney Islands

Inspired by a Lonely Planet article, Stinge Henge: eight alternative ancient stone monuments, I  have been learning about the Ring of Brodgar.

Most henges don't actually not contain stone circles; but Brodgar is a striking exception. It ranks with Avebury and, to a lesser extent, Stonehenge, among the greatest of such sites.  It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

Also known as Brogar, or Ring o' Brodgar, the henge  is situated about 10 kilometres (6 miles) north-east of the village of Stromness, on Mainland Island, in Orkney, Scotland. Mainland is the largest of the Orkney Islands, and the ring of stones stands on a small isthmus between Loch Harray and LochStenness and Harray.

It is thought that the monument was erected between 2500 BC and 2000 BC, which would make it the last of the great Neolithic monuments built on the Ness. Flint arrowheads found nearby seem to date from the Bronze Age. An excavation was undertaken in 2008 to settle the age issue, but they are still digging through the results, so to speak.

The Ring of Brodgar stone circle is 104 metres (341 feet) in diameter, the third largest in the British Isles.

While today only 27 stones remain standing, the ring originally comprised up to 60 stones. The tallest stones stand at the south and west sides of the ring. The famed "Comet Stone" stands on the southeast side. Unlike similar structures such as Avebury, there are no obvious stones inside the circle.

Part of a concentration of ancient sites, and the northernmost circle henge in Britain, the Ring of Brodgar is part of a significant ritual landscape.

Within 5.2 square kilometres (2 square miles) there are the two circle-henges, four chambered tombs, groups of standing stones, single stones, barrows, cairns, and mounds.

The Ring of Brodgar has been recognized as part of the "Heart of Neolithic Orkney" World Heritage Site in 1999. Others sites include in the designation includes Maeshowe, Skara Brae and the Standing Stones of Stenness.


Related resources

Stinge Henge: eight alternative ancient stone monuments - LonelyPlanet
The Boy with the Bronze Axe - Kathleen Fidler*

* the 1968 novel depicts the Ring of Brodgar as a male-only space in which a lamb is sacrificed in a midsummer ceremony

Top 5 Solo Picks - September 15, 2017

A number of cruilines aided in IRMA rescue effort

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." - Helen Keller

We have all watched the devastation of hurricane Irma with concern and sadness, so a bit of context for the Caribbean sailings you will see listed. As hurricane recovery continues, be aware that itineraries may change. While some ports are closed, others may have their cruise infrastructure restored faster than you might imagine. The islands depend on tourism, so cruise visitors will be welcomed. If you're flexible, you can get a great deal AND make a difference with your travel dollars.

Here are my Top 5 Solo Cruise Picks today!

Why these sailings? There my be solo cabins, reduced/waived single supplements, a great deal overall, or simply good value on an itinerary solos can't usually afford. Fares below INCLUDE TAXES, and are subject to availability.

October 10, 2017 - 12 night repositioning cruse from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale on the Zuiderdam
Obstructed oceanview - $1420 CAD solo
Inside - $1397 CAD solo

October 21, 2017 - 10 night repositioning cruise from New York to Fort Lauderdale on the Regal Princess
Balcony - $1329 CAD solo
Inside - $1199 CAD solo

October 22, 2017 - 6 night repositioning cruise from New York to San Juan on the Celebrity Summit
Obstructed oceanview - $1015 CAD solo

November 4, 2017 - 7 night Caribbean cruise sailing roundtrip from San Juan on the Celebrity Summit
Balcony - $1706 CAD solo
Obstructed oceanview - $1235 CAD solo

November 25, 2017 - 7 night Caribbean cruise sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on the Nieuw Amsterdam
Balcony - $1724 CAD solo
Obstructed oceanview - $1052 CAD solo
Inside - $1013 CAD solo

If you see something you like, please contact me and I can send you more details.

Cheers,
Roberta

About this newsletter: 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.

Want this news as soon as it comes out? Just email me with the word "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Actually, any email works fine. A human will read it (this one), not a bot.

Want more?
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cruisetravelbug
"Like" my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cruisewithroberta
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertawestwood/
Request a quote: https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact

4 Royal Caribbean ships providing aid

The Adventure of the Seas, just one Royal Caribbean ship providing aid

Details are emerging on how Royal Caribbean is responding to the crisis in the Caribbean caused by hurricane Irma.

Two ships, the Adventure of the Seas and the Majesty of the Seas, are carrying supplies into disaster zones, and carrying evacuees out. Both ships are headed to St. Maarten at this time. The Majesty will also call at St. Thomas.

Two more Royal Caribbean ships, the Empress of the Seas and the Enchantment of the Seas, have also been made available to assist in rescue and relief missions in Florida as needed.

These fully staffed ships, loaded with provisions for now cancelled cruises, are well poised to make a huge difference to thousands.

Awesome stuff Royal Caribbean.

Norwegian Sky to the rescue

The Norwegian Sky in calmer waters

Norwegian Cruise Line announced this morning that they are deploying Norwegian Sky from her current position off the coast of Cancun to St. Thomas, in the US Virgin Islands, to retrieve approximately 2,000 travelers who were unable to evacuate the island prior to the storm.

This rescue mission is being coordinated with the Governor of St. Thomas and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association. Current plans are for the ship to arrive in Miami on September 14th.

In the statement on NCL's website (click on the Weather Alert tab on the home page), the company premises this announcement this way, "Acting as a responsible corporate citizen and supporting the destinations that our ships operate in is a core value of Norwegian Cruise Line. In the wake of this devastating storm, we will be deploying Norwegian Sky..."

My 2 cents: From where I sit, Norwegian Cruise Line is doing an outstanding job of responding to this emergency. I have seen a story in the news about a passenger claiming to be left to their own devices in Florida. Not true. Every passenger aboard Norwegian's sailings that were cut short by 2 days prior to the hurricane were given a refund for the remaining days of their cruise, an offer of 50% off a future cruise, and an invitation to sail away from the storm on the Norwegian Escape. Today, the Escape is tied up outside of Cozumel, giving those who have secured flights today or tomorrow morning to disembark, if they wish. Or, they can stay aboard.

There are two sides to every story, and I don't know more than this, but I confess to my back getting up when I hear disparaging remarks about an organization that is doing so much to help their passengers and the general public alike in rescue missions like this.

Believing in the good of people, and am thankful for visionaries in positions of power who can move mountains (or cruise ships) to serve the greater good.

Related stories:
How NCL helped 4000 guests escape IRMA

How NCL helped 4000 guests escape Irma

The Norwegian Escape's distinctive hull

Norwegian Cruise Line's brilliant strategy: after cancelling cruises on 2 ships, the Norwegian Escape has sailed from the now-closed Port of Miami with 4,000 passengers aboard from both ships who weren't able to easily get home.

Destination: unknown.

Return: unknown.

Situation onboard: a whole lot of people relieved to be sailing away from the storm.

The irony, of course, is that they have escaped Hurricane Irma on the Escape!

Hurricanes and travel agents

Hurricane Irma
Source: NASA SPoRT (public domain)

Thinking of all those impacted with this crazy weather.

Those cruising in the Caribbean at this time will find their itinerary changed, or their cruise cancelled. Some may be stranded to need their flights changed.

Now ask me if it's worth booking your flights with a travel agent.

Would you rather stress over trying to get your flights changed yourself, or know someone is doing that for you?

Travel agents have access to teams of air experts at their air wholesalers who can do amazing things.

If your airline has already rebooked you, your travel agent either knows, or can quickly find out, and can inform you.

If your travel agent knows you'll be stranded overnight, they might have already grabbed one of the last hotel rooms available.

Imagine the relief of getting an email, text or phone call from your travel agent, informing you of your new flights, while those around you stand in lines, sit on floors next to power outlets, and generally look miserable. You, however, can go to the bar.

(I obviously don't have anyone impacted, this time, or I wouldn't have time to write this).

For the love of cities

Paris will steal your heart...
Photo: Paul Marshman

I'm delighted to share this city-loving travel content from one of the travel industry's top bloggers (he's also a client). Paul Marshman, aka The Travelling Boomer, has a way with words.

Long before I coined "cruisetravelbug", I was, and still am, "citytravelbug"... I love city travel, living like a local, exploring local haunts, hanging out in sidewalk cafes and coffee shops (a few bars too). What cities inspire you? I hope you enjoy Paul's piece, and if you're left craving a city break, I can help you plan your trip.

The world is full of cities. Big cities, small cities, pretty cities, rough cities – they come in every shape and size. But now and then, you travel to a city that really captures your imagination, a place where every street corner seems to hold something magical. I’ve had that experience, and I imagine you have too.

So I thought it would be fun to look at some of those special cities around the world — cities that will steal your heart and leave you with warm memories that last for year. The list isn’t long; not that many cities pass the test, at least in my judgement. In fact, a few cities that others rhapsodize about have left me a bit cold... [read more].

Want to plan a city break? Please contact me.

Top 5 Solo Picks - September 4, 2017

"The end of labour is to gain leisure." ~ Aristotle

With this perspective, I wish you a Happy Labour Day with a little inspiration on how to spend your next vacation.

Here are my Top 5 Solo Cruise Picks today!

Why these sailings? There my be solo cabins, reduced/waived single supplements, a great deal overall, or simply good value on an itinerary solos can't usually afford. Fares below INCLUDE TAXES, and are subject to availability.

October 4, 2017 - 11-Night Canada / New England Cruise from Quebec City to New York on the Crown Princess
Inside - $2266 CAD solo

November 4, 2017 - 13-Night Caribbean Cruise roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on the Oosterdam
Balcony - $2155 CAD solo
Oceanview - $1375 CAD solo
Obstructed oceanview - $1291 CAD solo
Inside - $1124 CAD solo

November 6, 2017 - 13-Night Transatlantic Cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome) to San Juan on the Jewel of the Seas
Inside - $1286 CAD solo

September 15, 2018 - 8-Night Asia / Japan Cruise roundtrip from Shanghai on the Quantum of the Seas
Studio balcony (SD) - $1153 CAD solo
Studio inside cabin with virtual balcony (SI) - $958 CAD solo

February 1, 2019 - 8-Night Australia Cruise roundtrip from Sydney on the Explorer of the Seas
Inside - $1220 CAD solo

If you see something you like, please contact me and I can send you more details.

Cheers,
Roberta

About this newsletter: 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.

Want this news as soon as it comes out? Just email me with the word "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Actually, any email works fine. A human will read it (this one), not a bot.

Want more?
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cruisetravelbug
"Like" my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cruisewithroberta
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertawestwood/
Request a quote: https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact

My Pick: Rhodes on the Pacific Princess

My pick of the day ~ a lovely cruise to Croatia and Greece, roundtrip from Venice, on the smallest ship in the Princess fleet, the much coveted Pacific Princess, with just 335 cabins.

One of the reasons I adore this itinerary is because it sails to Rhodes, where I have spent quite a bit of time. Rhodos is a well preserved ancient walled city, once the domain of the Knights Templar.

November 11, 2017: 12-Night Mediterranean Cruise, roundtrip Venice, on the Pacific Princess

Want more information? Please contact me.

Top 5 Solo Picks - August 20, 2017

Photo of the 1817 Eclipse

Happy almost-Eclipse day! Thanks for your feedback on last week's email of solo travel deals. I've added prices for my top picks this week.

Here are my Top 5 Solo Cruise Picks today!

Why these sailings? There my be solo cabins, reduced/waived single supplements, a great deal overall, or simply good value on an itinerary solos can't usually afford. Fares below INCLUDE TAXES, and are subject to availability.

September 23, 2017 - 7-Night Caribbean Cruise roundtrip from Miami on the Norwegian Escape
Oceanview - $1779 CAD solo
Inside - $1380 CAD solo

September 25, 2017 - 10-Night "Alaska" Cruise from Vancouver to San Francisco on the Norwegian Sun
Oceanview - $1985 CAD solo
Inside - $1931 CAD solo

September 25, 2017 - 12-Night Mexico Cruise from Vancouver to San Diego on the ms Oosterdam
Obstructed oceanview - $2558 CAD solo + $75 USD SBC
Inside - $2142 CAD solo + $50 USD SBC

October 15, 2017 - 14-Night Transatlantic Cruise from Copenhagen to Miami on the Norwegian Getaway
Oceanview - $2219 CAD solo
Inside - $1295 CAD solo

November 5, 2017 - 14-Night Transatlantic Repositioning Cruise from Barcelona to Tampa on the Rhapsody of the Seas
Oceanview - $2253 CAD solo +$50 USD credit
Inside - $2093 CAD solo +$50 USD credit

If you see something you like, please contact me and I can send you more details.

Cheers,
Roberta

About this newsletter: 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.

Want this news as soon as it comes out? Just email me with the word "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Actually, any email works fine. A human will read it (this one), not a bot.

Want more?
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cruisetravelbug
"Like" my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cruisewithroberta
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertawestwood/
Request a quote: https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact

Top 5 Solo Picks - August 13, 2017

It has been a long time since I've sent out any solo travel emails. I always said it would be periodic, when I had time, hence the long gap. I'm changing the format somewhat, in an attempt to get these out faster and more frequently. I welcome your feedback!

Here are my Top 5 Solo Cruise Picks today!

Why these sailings? There my be solo cabins, reduced/waived single supplements, a great deal overall, or simply good value on an itinerary solos can't usually afford.

Norwegian Gem on 10/21/2017

ms Nieuw Amsterdam on 10/28/2017

Emerald Princess on 11/26/2017

Celebrity Summit on 12/2/2017

Norwegian Spirit on 12/3/2017

If you see something you like, please contact me and I can send you more details.

Cheers,
Roberta

About this newsletter: 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.

Want this news as soon as it comes out? Just email me with the word "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Actually, any email works fine. A human will read it (this one), not a bot.

Want more?
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cruisetravelbug
"Like" my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cruisewithroberta
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertawestwood/
Request a quote: https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact

Paris: wandering the city's charming passages

August 14, 2009: Today I began to explore the covered passages of Paris. I travelled to the Bourse Metro stop and walked a couple blocks to the entrance of Passage Panoramas...

I wrote this post in 2009 when I spent a month in Paris. Continue reading: Wandering the charming Passages of Paris

New York City: The Meetles

One of my top picks for New York City is The Meetles.

The Meetles are a Beatles and 60's tribute band, playing in Central Park and other spots in the city. Their music is incredibly good, probably better than any paid concert you could go to.

You can read about the day I first stumbled on The Meetles in Central Park - it will give you a good idea why I plan to seek them out on my future NYC visits.

The Meetles play weekends on the subways, and sunny Sundays in the same spot at the 72nd Street entrance to Central Park (across the street from the Dakota, near Strawberry Fields). You can find their schedule on The Meetles Facebook page.

Able to travel? JUST GO!

I was moved to tears today when I received an email from a client, giving up their bucketlist travel dreams. They'd booked and cancelled, then almost rebooked twice, each time stymied by health issues. Only a week ago, my heart soared upon learning they were well enough to travel, and we put the wheels in motion. At 79, they could finally make their dreams come true. Then today the email saying they realized it was too much, apologizing for wasting my time on their impossible dream. How does one respond to that? With heart, of course, acknowleding what a disappoinment this realization must be. Sadder stil was reading the words of the husband, as it's his health that is the issue, impacting them both. 

THE LESSON: Travel when you can. Have your health, then go. Retired and now able to travel? Book a bunch of trips and go. Beware the temptation to spread out those important trips, one at a time, over many years ~ treat yourself to going now, not later, because you never know. This is hard for people who have worked hard, saved money, and aren't used to spending on themselves. But this is what you saved for. 

Today you can go, so go. Chase your dreams. Do the big trips now, the important ones to you when you can. 

My clients will get over not taking a particular cruise, but this very kind man is living with regrets that he never got to explore his homeland, to visit the villages where his grandparents were born. These are the dreams that matter. You know what dreams are in your heart, what you've always wanted to do. 

PLAN IT, DO IT, CREATE MEMORIES. Don't put it off.

Wave season 2017: looking for some cruise deals

Once again, I was pleased to be interviewed by Paul Marshman, a client of mine and the globetrotter behind the Travelling Boomer blog. This time, the topic was what the cruise industry calls the "wave season". Here's the piece:

Wave season 2017: looking for some cruise deals 

Wave season 2017 is here. And those who love to cruise know what that means: it’s time to plan their cruises for the year ahead. This year, that means looking for ways to add value to your cruise package.

For those who aren’t in the know, wave season is the period between January and March when the cruise lines try to fill their cabins for the season ahead. Since many of the cruises are still a ways off, they try to entice passengers by offering special deals in return for booking early. So, how are the deals in wave season 2017? ... [read the rest of the article].

I hope you found a few good tips from this piece. Paul's blog is loaded with practical travel information - I encourage you to check it out! And, of course, I'd be pleased to help you navigate the wave season offers to find that perfect cabin for you!

You can read the previous Travelling Boomer blog post I was interviewed for here:
Spring brings tempting travel deals in Europe

 

You can contact Paul Marshman here:

The Travelling Boomer blog

@Travel_boomer on Twitter

 

Related resources
Capturing travel memories
Cruise through France with Jann Arden

7 comebacks to "I hate cruising"

Fresh thinking needed for solo cruisers!

What story do you want to tell post-cruise?