Susan's Cruise Blog

Your personal symphony...

2007-10-22T09:11:00.000-07:00

If you take the time to look at a single snowflake, you will notice not only it's beauty, but the multiple facets that compose it. Similar to a symphony, each tiny crystal comes together forming truly unbelievable sights for you to inhale, experience and enjoy.

In planning a vacation, as with a snowflake, there are many facets, that when put together, properly, give you the sights, experiences and enjoyment that you so deserve. However, sometimes the thoughts of where and what you want to do exceed what is actually feasible, turning your vacation more into the "Nightmare on Elm Street" rather then "Adventures in Paradise".

So this year, give me a call so your vacation exceeds your expectations, be it to Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe or beyond by land or sea, so you can relax and enjoy your personal symphony.

Fall Foliage

2007-10-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been to New England this fall, now's the time to go before you miss the incredible colors. With only a week or two left of peak foliage, there are still great deals for lodging along with antiquing, bird watching, including the migration of the Snow Geese and so much more. Give me a call today to plan your Fall get away and experience natures pallet at it's finest...

2007-10-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

A cacophany of color

2007-09-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

The summer sounds of music in the mountains are slowly being replaced with a cacophony of color as fall arrives in Stowe, Vermont. As the maple trees change to incredible shades of red and orange and the white birch gradually fade to yellow, peak foliage is expected to last another two weeks. But don't despair, there are still great deals available on lodging in this tiny hamlet, including at the Trapp Family Lodge made famous through the Sound of Music. With Burilington Airport less than an hour away, you can have the fall get away that you've dreamed of with something for everyone to do... Visiting the Trapp Family Lodge, you can take a horsedrawn carriage ride with Bert and Rex, a stroll on their trails to the Chapel in the Woods that Werner von Trapp built upon his safe return from the war, or visit the Austrian Tearoom for some wonderful Apfel Struedel. There is also the Toll Road at Mt.Mansfield where you can drive to the top of the mountain, and on a clear day, can see across Lake Champlain to White Face Mountain in New York and beyond. For the more adventurous, there are great mountain biking trails, with bike rentals throughout the village, as well hiking from the gentle recreation path running along Little River, to climbing up the trails of the Stowe Pinnacle, where no matter how many times you hike to the top, it is always as spectacular as the first time. There's also the Farmers Market on Sunday with entertainment, great breads, jams and crafts or the shops and ski museum in the village. If you make your plans soon, you can take in the Fall Art Harvest and Food Tasting October 5 - 7.
With accommodations from B & B's to hotels with great spas, the mountains are only a short flight away. So give me a call today and I'll not only assist you plan your Fall Foliage Getaway I'll meet for coffee, or tea, at the Stowe Coffee House during your visit.

For the Winter Enthusiast

2007-09-11T15:10:00.000-07:00

If you like to ski and or snowshoe, and would like to do something a little different this winter, why not combine your vacation with the only Relay For Life NordicStyle in the country.... On March 1 -2, 2008, the 5th annual, NordicStyle Relay for Life will be held at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. Just like your spring and summer Relays, but here participants will be taking their laps on cross country skis or snowshoes and for the true winter enthusiast, camping out. Voted one of the Top 10 Winter events for 2008, by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, it should be a great time, that can be combined with a great ski vacation. Give me a call and I'll be happy to assist you with flights, accommodations at the Trapp Family Lodge or in the village, or, in picking out the best spot on the track to set up camp. Let the magic of the mountain wrap it's arms around you in the beautiful hamlet of Stowe...
Hope to see you there...

Royal Caribbean puts the WOW in cruising...

2007-05-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

I just got back from two incredible, albeit short days aboard Royal Caribbeans newly christened, Liberty of the Seas.... WOW....Wonderful...Only Royal Caribbean...Worry free... That's the best way to describe her. From the moment you board, you know you are going to have a wonderful time aboard this floating destination, with so much to do and enjoy. From rock climbing and miniature golf to surfing while sailing the beautiful Caribbean waters. Only Royal Caribbean had the vision of making this ship someplace the whole family from 1 to 101 to enjoy and still be worry free. Where else can you enjoy gourmet dining, while your children are getting a burger at Johnny Rockets...or vice versa? Or, how about taking in an ice show, or better yet, trying a turn pretending to be an Olympic skater...why not? It's all included. Royal Caribbean has also teamed up with Fisher Price for parents sailing with children under 3. It's a "great" program that is receiving rave reviews along with thier activities through the teen years. Had too much fun during the day in port or at sea, well you have a magnificant spa to work out the kinks in, along with wonderful accomodations for sweet dreams. New on the Liberty are Atrium Cabins that will accomodate a family of 6 that look out over the promenade deck. What better way for the little ones to occupy themselves while mom and dad take a nap, than watching the activity below. There is so much to see and do and I'll be happy to help you take your next cruise adventure to new heights... Call today....

Discover the joy of Family Reunions at Sea...

2007-01-24T14:56:00.000-08:00

Worried about this year's family reunion? Stop worrying and start cruising! Discover why each year thousands of families enjoy a memorable family reunion at sea. From comfortable staterooms to lavish family suites, there are accommodations for all sizes and budgets. Because all meals, entertainment and transportation are included there are no hidden surprises. Best of all EVERYONE gets to relax, rest and enjoy the activities. I have the tools to assist you with every detail. Call today and let me assist you in planning your next family reunion one you and your family will cherish for years to come.

Imagine...

2006-12-07T14:17:00.000-08:00

Imagine strolling the promenade of a grand ship where the Duke and Duchess of Windsor celebrated their great romance. Or what about sipping champagne in one of the intimate lounges that the great couples from the silver screen sat in as they sailed on the great liners of the Golden Age… Instead of imagining, why not make your dreams come true, sailing on one of the great Queens of the Cunard fleet? It’s easier and more affordable than you may imagine…..

A few years ago my husband and I set sail across the Atlantic aboard the QE2. Sailing out of New York, we sailed by the Statue of Liberty and could almost hear the voices of thousands of immigrants that came to the U.S. so many years ago, as we passed Ellis Island. The stories that the walls hold, in many cases, began on a Cunard ship when they set sail from the old country to the new world.

Sailing for five nights as we crossed the Atlantic turned into a whirlwind vacation. No ports between New York and Southampton…what were we going to do? Plenty! As with all ships and liners there were activities from dawn to the wee hours of the morning with a touch of “white star” elegance to bring us back to a kinder more gentle time. The casino was buzzing, the entertainment and lectures wonderful, and the heated indoor pool made crossing the chilly Atlantic very enjoyable. We found that there were also many families sailing, and with “nanny service” along with programs for children age 1 – 17, everyone had a wonderful time. When we arrived in Southampton we transferred to London which opened up a whole new adventure in dining, sightseeing and entertainment.

The QE2 is scheduled to sail in Europe in 2007, with the new Queen Mary 2 sailing the Trans Atlantic voyages in the true tradition of the Golden Age with one incredible modern twist. Now when you sail on the QM2, you will be able to experience one of the most complete spa programs operated by the “Canyon Ranch Spa”. This is a 20,000 square foot area complete with thermal suites, pilates, yoga classes and so much more will fill in any extra time you may be wondering what to do with.

Now picture yourself sitting in the “Lions Club” and who’s that you see across the way? ….Imagine…

The QM2 is the only ship doing regularly scheduled Trans Atlantic crossings this year and is already filling fast. If you want to be counting the days imagining what your voyage will be like, give me a call today and let your adventure begin….

Looking for gift ideas this holiday season?

2006-11-30T08:18:00.000-08:00

Why not give the "gift to travel"?

Gift certificates are available in any denomination you choose, always the perfect fit and color, and will give someone great memories long after the egg nog and fruitcake is gone...

Call today and let me put together your perfect gift package...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS.......

New Passport Requirements...

2006-11-30T06:12:00.000-08:00

Air Travel
Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United
States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required
to present a valid passport to enter (or re-enter) the United States.U.S. lawful permanent residents will continue to be able to use their Alien Registration Card(Form I-551) issued by the Department of Homeland Security or other valid evidence ofpermanent residence status to apply for entry to the United States.
Cruise Travel
As early as January 1, 2008, subject to U.S. Government amendment, ALL persons,
including U.S. citizens, traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central
and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda may be required to present a valid
passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.
Until that time, the following travel document requirements apply:
International Travel
• A valid passport is required; visas are required where they apply. This includes
Europe, Asia, Central and South America.
Domestic Travel
• For domestic travel which includes: the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the
Caribbean and Mexico, a passport (valid or expired) is highly recommended.
• In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original or a certified copy), plus a
picture ID card issued by a federal, state or local government agency is required.
• A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship.
• Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID.
My Recommendation
I strongly recommend that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. This greatly assists guests who mayneed to fly out of the United States to meet their ship at the next available port should they miss their scheduled embarkation in a U.S.port; guests entering the U.S. at the end of their cruise; and guests needing to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends,because of medical,family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ship’s departure from a port of call, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due tomisconduct, or other reasons.
Guests who cruise just prior to or after January 23, 2007, who need to fly to the UnitedStatesbefore their cruise ends will likelyexperience significant delays and complications related to booking airline tickets and entering the United States if they do not have a validU.S. passport with them.
For additional passport information visit www.travel.state.gov.

Non-U.S. Citizens
You will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. If you live in the U.S., you will also need the original copy of your Alien
Registration Card (ARC or "Green Card") and any other documentation the countries on your itinerary require due to your alien status.
Visa Waiver Program
Citizens from the Visa Waiver Program countries of: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunel, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino,
Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom seeking to enter the United States will be required to have in their
possession a machine readable passport valid for the duration of the voyage. A machine readable passport is one having an alphanumeric
code on the bottom of the picture page.
Example: P<Visa Waiver Program travelers arriving in the U.S. on or after October 26, 2005 with passports issued on or after this date must present
passports with a digital photograph.
Visa Waiver Program travelers arriving in the U.S. on or after October 26, 2006 with passports issued on or after that date must present a
biometric passport or obtain a visa for entry into the United States.
11/22/2006
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS UPDATE

Snowflake Bently...Do you know this man?

2006-11-21T07:25:00.000-08:00

If you haven't encountered Snowflake Bently, now is the time of year to do so. In the spirit of the season, Snowflake Bently, a.k.a. Wilson Bently was the first to photograph snowflakes back in 1885 in Jericho, Vermont. His work became known around the world when his book of "Snow Crystals" was published by McGraw Hill. With over 5000 photos taken before he passed away on December 23 1931, Snowflake Bently opened up an incredible wonder for all to enjoy.

If you want to visit the town where Mr. Bently was born, you can combine it with a wonderful winter vacation in Stowe, Vermont. About 20 miles away from incredible skiing, the Cold Hollow Cider Mill and Ben & Jerry's it will be a pleasant addition to your vacation.

They had snow last night in Stowe, and they're making more at Mt. Mansfield today...

I've visited and lived in Vermont and it "is" incredible Now's the time to also plan your Fall Foliage cruise or tour... The 2006 fall foliage was spectacular and the 2007 Canada - New England sailings and tours are already booking fast. You won't want to miss seeing the hills alive with the incredible colors...

How about some good cruise conversation?

2006-11-20T10:36:00.000-08:00

How about some "pro" cruise conversation with a cruise professional?
What's your favorite port of call and why?
What's your best cruise experience?
What's your favorite ship and why?
What do you like about cruising that brings you back?

Looking forward to hearing from you....