There currently are several openings for experienced speakers who can address a variety of topics on the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. Must be able to commit to an onboard contract lasting three to four months. Compensation dependent on qualifications. I am NOT the one hiring, however I would be happy to forward your resume or CV to the agency in the UK that is. Good luck!
There is so much written about the great state of Alaska it’s hard to narrow down a reading list; but for the first time visitor arriving by cruise ship I find the following books provide basic information to stimulate your interest and appreciation.
From the ship:
“Cruiser Friendly Onboard Guide to Alaska’s Inside Passage,” by Terry Breen. Complitaion of my seventeen years of onboard experience answering what YOU want to know about Alaska as we sail the Inside Passage.
“Alaska Cruise Companion,” by Joe Upton. In depth look at the Inside Passage through the eyes of an experienced fisherman; Joe’s cruise map is excellent!
Alaska History:
“Alaska,” by James Michener. Great read and, as always, well researched.
“Klondike – The Last Great Gold Rush 1896-1898,” by Pierre Berton. Mr. Berton has written many books on the history of Alaska – all worth picking up!
“The Alaska Almanac,” by Mr. Whitekeys. This fact-filled, fun book is a wonderful whacky resource for understanding Alaska. Written in the true spirit of the state!
“Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of the Land,” by Subhanken Banerjee. Timely book as we face the dilemma of high gas prices!
Natural History;
“Travels in Alaska,” by John Muir. Can’t get a better feeling for the wilderness than through the eyes of the father of US conservation efforts.
“Roadside Geology of Alaska,” by Cathy Connor. For those interested in the make-up of the landscape this is your book.
“The Oceanic Society Field Guide to Orcas” and “Humpback whales,” by Hannah Bernard and Michele Morris. When you are in port be sure to pick up these two books for insights into the world of Alaska’s cetaceans.
“Exploring Alaska’s Birds” by Richard Emanuel and George Matz. So many birds, so little time – this book will help!
“Alaska’s Mammals; A Guide to Selected Species,” by Dave Smith
Native Alaska:
“The Native Peoples of Alaska,” by David Langdon. Great introduction to Alaska’s four main Native cultural groups.
“The Tlingit History,” by George Thornton Emmons.
“Tlingit: Their Art and Culture,” by David Hancock.
“Looking at Indian Art of the Northwest Coast,” by Hillary Stewart. Primer for those interested in the exquisite art of the Northwest Coast people.
“Northwest Coast Art: Analysis of Form,” by Bill Holm. Great book to help you decipher the Native art of the Inside Passage.
First of all – right out of the gate before you start to pack that evening dress or tuxedo – check with your travel agent or cruise line to see if your ship has a Dress Code for your Alaskan cruise! In the spirit of The Last Frontier, many cruise lines have relaxed dress codes in Alaska. If that pertains to you, evening clothes traditionally warranted on a cruise ship will not be necessary. Instead, the look of “Country Club Casual” will be the norm after 6pm in all public areas; which usually means sport coats for men (no tie – yippee!) and sweater and slacks or a skirt for ladies. Please note; jeans and t-shirts after 6pm are still considered a no-no by many ships.
Now, with the fashion end of clothing aside, what should be in your suitcase? I say:
With higher fuel prices, the travel industry fears that the summer of 2008 will be one in which travel plans are curtailed or postponed. The American Automobile Association has cited changing patterns in US driving habits due to higher gas prices. Yesterday all the major US air carriers added a $20 fuel surcharge to their fares. Yours truly had to cancel a long-awaited holiday to France due to the falling dollar and rising cost of accommodations and food prices in Europe. So, what to do? Stay home?
Well it seems there still are bargains to be found and they are package tours and cruising. Like package tours, cruises are booked and paid for in advance. Many offer all inclusive programs and all advertised prices are guaranteed. Even if the cost of food or fuel goes up; you as the traveler will not be affected. Like the airlines many cruise lines have added fuel surcharges to their fares but those monies are collected at the time of booking. That means no surprises when you get onboard. So, you can relax and enjoy knowing your budget is in tact.
Every year the press scares the public with stories about virus and disease onboard cruise ships. So what are the facts?
To many the perfect cruise is basking by the pool with a piña colada in hand while the turquoise sea slips by. Though many images associated with cruising are outdoors, cruise ships are really indoor environments; self-contained, floating hotels in which surfaces are touched by thousands of people and air is re-circulated greatly increasing the potential for germs. The combination of climate change, long flights, fatigue and the excitement (anxiety) of the trip may lower resistance to any bug lingering onboard. The result could be sniffles, sneezing and tummy upsets. So, what do you do? Here are some tips from someone who has worked onboard cruise ships for the past nineteen years and has manage to stay (knock on wood) healthy – me!
Tip #1 - Bring a sweater, jacket or wrap.
Though every effort is made to keep the ship as comfortable as possible, temperature in public rooms is notoriously inconsistent. Though it is balmy and beautiful outside, the air conditioning in a restaurant or lounge may be relentless. Here’s where that sweater or wrap can save your cruise from becoming a disaster. Be prepared. Also a word of caution about the whole inside outside thing; remember if you are on the beach in St. Barth’s or a glacier in Juneau, the change of temperature from outdoors to indoors can be dramatic. Prepare accordingly by wearing layered clothing that can be adjusted depending on temperature.
Tip #2 - Wash your hands
The greatest culprit in the spread of germs is public surfaces. Hand rails, door knobs, counter tops, etc. are whipped-down everyday by crew; however it only takes one person with a virus to deposit new germs. So, wash your hands frequently and use the hand sanitizers provided before and after entering public places like gangways, gym equipment, computer rooms, buffets, etc.
Tip #3 – Watch what you eat
What? Part of the fun of being on a ship is the food! But fact is, too much of a good thing can make you sick. Excessive eating and drinking can lead to GI problems especially if you are not used to a particular kind of food. We want you to enjoy everything in moderation. Same thing is true of eating onshore; many problems treated on ship were actually caused on shore. Rule of thumb for shore side meals - when in doubt stay away from local water, ice in drinks, and raw foods that were not prepared or peeled by you.
Tip #4 – Keep up your routine
Remember to bring your medication, any vitamins you normally take and continue with your exercise routine. Many of us onboard – myself included – swear by 2,000 mg of Vitamin C everyday to help keep up resistance. Some people use preventive products like AirBourne. Personally, I also pack Grapefruit Seed Extract and Chinese Curing Pills. I take the grapefruit seed extract at the first sign of a cold and the Chinese curing pills for any weird stomach things. Both are natural and work!
Hot tubs, swimming pools, saunas and steam rooms can also harbor germs. Ironically, according to the CDC the chlorine used to clean tubs and pools loses its disinfecting properties at temperatures over 84°F. Therefore it is mandatory that the water and filters be regularly checked. Onboard this is done twice a day in compliance with the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program guidelines. Best advice is to shower before and after use of hot tubs, swimming pools, steam rooms and saunas.
Finally, in addition to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, as a cruise passenger you should know each ship sailing in US waters is required to pass regular inspection by United States Public Health. These inspections are unannounced and are meant to keep everyone on their toes. For results on your favorite ship’s ratings you can go to http://wwwn.cdc.gov/vsp/InspectionQueryTool/Forms/InspectionSearch.aspx
For my fellow Mesoamerican enthusiasts; please check out your local listings for “Cracking the Maya Code” - the Nova special on the Maya and the work that has been in the decipherment of the hieroglyphic code. The program has been airing repeatedly this month and according to my local PBS station will continue throughout the spring. Informative and entertaining the program features interviews with the premier Mayanists in the world including Michael Coe, Bill Fash, David Stuart and the late Linda Schele. It offers a very good explanation of the evolution of Maya writing and the history of its translation from Diego de Landa to Yuri Knorosov.
Recently, guests on board the Seven Seas Mariner were asked for their input in designing the next ship for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. In an open forum called the “townhall meeting” President Mark Conroy said the company was responding to the impact of $100 a barrel oil on fuel and was looking for ways to economize and conserve while staying open to the comments and suggestions of its loyal guests on how to expand and improve. Among the considerations were structural and mechanical issues; Mr. Conroy said that a new ship would have a traditional shaft and screw propulsion system rather than the problematic exterior “azipods.” He also said that longer itineraries and investment in amenities like an enhanced health spa and dedicated venues for cooking classes would emphasize a more adult oriented clientele – read “no children.”
During the “townhall meeting” the most popular topic was the bathroom; suggestions from the audience included additional electrical outlets, nightlights, handrails, two sink vanities, more clothes hooks, and the ever popular free standing shower stall. Only one guest voiced what I thought was the most important comment made and that was for a good old-fashioned, wrap-around promenade deck!
A follow-up questionnaire was distributed asking: Would you like gym equipment in your suite? Would you enjoy suites decorated by noted designers? Is spa cuisine important to you? Would you have Botox injections in the spa? Though I am sure a market research study prompted these questions I was disappointed no more practical questions were asked like: Would you like to know more about where you are going? or What kind of accurate references would help you appreciate the destinations you have chosen? But that’s just me and my priorities.
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico has to be one of the most romantic cities in the world. Streets of slate blue cobble-stones weave through colonial buildings constructed by the Spanish in the 1500’s making San Juan the oldest city under the United States flag. Popular with jet-setters since the 1950’s, San Juan is experiencing a resurgence of interest from travelers especially on cruise ships. Ships dock just steps from the historic downtown making it convenient to explore the Old City. While there I recently had a chance to make a few discoveries of my own. Here are some of my fun facts and insider’s tips;
Short-cut to the Bacardi Rum Factory – Started in Cuba in 1862, Bacardi is the second oldest rum distillery in the world after Mount Gay in Barbados. After the Revolution in 1962, the Bacardi family moved the enterprise to the nearby island of Puerto Rico where it grew into the largest rum distillery in the world. Called the Cathedral to Rum; the factory is located across the bay in Cataño. Though you can take a tour, busses must make the long drive around the bay to the factory making their stay short when there is much to see. I found out that right next to the cruise terminal is a small local ferry that runs daily. It charges only .75 cents each way and takes about ten minutes! From the ferry landing turn to your right and continue one block and you’ll find shuttle buses that leave for the factory – they charge $3.00 each way. Once there the tour is FREE and you also get two complimentary drinks! In addition to the guided tour there are beautiful grounds for relaxing and a gift shop which is the only place in the world where you can purchase special bottles of “Bacardi Reserva.”
Smallest Apartment Building in the World – With all the historic monuments to be visited in Old San Juan, leave it to me to find “The Smallest Apartment Building in The World.” Yes, it’s true. Constructed in the 16th century, this building nestled between two other large houses measures only 18 feet in width. It is very close to the Park of the Doves (or Pigeons for the less poetic) on a section of the old wall. The bright yellow structure can be seen from the ship as you enter or leave the cruise terminal. Though this house is in the Guinness Book of World’s Records no explanation is given how it came to be. Looking at the building so tightly squeezed between the other structures, there has to be a story there!
Mama mia! When the SeaDream I, sailed into Gustavia Harbor, in St. Barts - she turned heads! This sleek, sexy ship has 54 outside staterooms that measure 195 square feet. The master suite has 450 square feet with private master bedroom and bath, living and dining room and guest bath. There is a spa, fitness center, casino, 24 hour room service and boutique onboard plus beautiful bars and dining revenues. Their slogan is, “its yachting, not cruising,” and they promise once you try a SeaDream yacht you will never cruise again.
The SeaDream I is elegant and the people I met onshore were very happy with what they were experiencing. Being so impressed with the grand entrance she made, I went online to look at their website. It looks like the perfect environment for the independent, motivated traveler who wants comfort and luxury without the fuss. With longer stays in port and a more low-keyed environment onboard, it feels like one’s own yacht. Certainly it won’t be for everyone – there’s no “big” entertainment, activities or events – however, there is staff, equipment and resources for enjoying days at sea and exploring in port. As I said, I think SeaDream Yachts are ideal for the independent and self motivated traveler who wants comfort and luxury without the fuss. Sounds great to me!
The cruise ship terminal in Bridgetown, Barbados is so large it can now accommodate eight ships at one time. Not only are they calling on the island for traditional one day port stops, many cruise lines are now using Barbados as an embarkation and debarkation point port as well. Departure out of Barbados allows ships a chance to visit Caribbean and South American ports not accessible from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale on a typical seven day cruise. One such itinerary that particularly caught my eye was offered by Fred Olsen Cruises.
From Barbados the Braemar sails to Manaus and back in fifteen days. All the Amazonian stops are included like Santarem and Parintins including an encore presentation of the ever popular Boi Bumba Festival. Though most of the guests are coming from the United Kingdom, the chance to see the Amazon with the convenience and added savings of flying round-trip out of Barbados makes the opportunity an attractive one not to mention the opportunity to spend a few extra days in Barbados!