For many the highlight of their cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage is a visit to the pristine wilderness area of Tracy Arm. This glacially carved fjord winds its way past deep U-shaped valleys and dramatic granite cliffs to end dramatically at Sawyer Glacier. Over the past nineteen years that I have been on the bridge doing commentary through Tracy Arm, we rarely see another human soul. It is glorious and we do try to keep the chatter down so that the beauty can be appreciated. But now, due to a new program issued as a result of “a cooperative effort between vessel operators and the Tongass National Forest,” the new practices are meant to, “minimize the impact of tourism and vessel operations in the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness in a manner that addresses both concerns for our natural resources and operators’ concerns for safety and passenger service.”

Under these practices to “Preserve Quiet” ships are prohibited from making any announcements before 8am. Announcements can only to be made in three designated areas not to exceed 5 minutes total. Longer explanations of the area will be allowed in Holkam Bay, before entering into the fjord. It is not clear whether or not this restrictions apply to the small locally operated tour boats that go to Sawyer Glacier – are they also included in these practices? Sound travels over water; regardless of whether you are 4,000 tons or 140,000 tons it will disturb anything on the shore.

Further “Environmental Precautions” to maintain clean air by minimizing visible emissions is a blessing. There have been more than one occasion that I have noticed the blue haze of a large ship’s emissions hours after it sailed through the fjord. Under “Protecting Wildlife,” every operator does his or her best to “conduct their business in a manner which, whenever possible avoids changing the natural behavior of wildlife,” however I think it will be hard to fully comply with some of the request regarding harbor seals. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, harbor seals are protected and every cruise ship knows that. Under this new set of procedures “operators agree to remain a minimum of 100 yards from seals on icebergs whenever possible” and “agree to reduce speed when approaching hauled out seals, and to gradually increase speed when leaving their site in order to reduce wake.” That is common sense; however many wonder what penalties will be faced when the inevitable happens – seals haul out onto to the ice in front of or next to the ship without warning. Will we be in violation? And who will be monitoring compliance?

All that said, I can understand wanting to set rules for conduct – I have seen things in Tracy Arm that warrant tighter measures and I applaud the environmental community for getting this out there. However, what doesn’t sit well with me is the final exhibit in this document that says; “ 1.) … Holkam Bay is a good place to introduce Tracy Arm. Since the waterway is wide, announcements would not impact campers, kayakers, fisherman on shore, beach walkers, hunters and other users of the wilderness area.” As a passenger on a cruise ship, are you not also a user of the wilderness area? Though I am all for peace and quiet, I also think that as the majority of cruise ship guests in Alaska are US tax paying citizen, they too have rights to use and enjoy their wilderness as well. I am not saying that we as an industry should not uphold these practices – I believe we should. I take offense to what seems to be preference given to the rights of a handful of kayakers and hunters over thousands of guests on a cruise ship.

Starting tomorrow morning, I will begin to abide by these new Practices and I hope that they will start to set a new more reverential tone for our visit to Tracy Arm. And I hope that in the future when decisions such as these that regulatory bodies will seek more input from more input from the cruise industry on how to make calls on places like Tracy Arm memorable for everyone lucky enough to visit.

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

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.

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!

From Associated Press February 09, 2008 6:53 AM EST PORTLAND, Maine - Portland’s gleaming, $21 million terminal for cruise ships and ferries will open this spring. Another $7 million berth built to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships will follow next year. There’s one problem. Because of a proposed change in federal rules, the city that’s banking on cruise ships and their passengers to pump millions of dollars into its economy is now wondering how many, if any, cruise ships will be calling this summer. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection proposal would require foreign-flagged cruise ships that depart from a U.S. port to spend 48 hours in a foreign port. It would also require them to spend more than 24 hours in a foreign port for every two days ia U.S. port More time in foreign ports would mean less in U.S. ports, and fewer tourists to spill out of the ships and spend money in places like Portland. “It could be potentially devastating. There’s no question about that,” said Jeff Monroe, the city’s transportation director. The proposed change is aimed at helping U.S.-flagged cruise ships based in Hawaii to compete against foreign cruise ships sailing from California by reducing the foreign ships’ time in the islands. It would close a loophole that allowed foreign-flagged ships to sail from U.S. ports to Hawaii by stopping briefly in Mexico on the way. Critics say the sweeping change will imperil hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues and port improvements on the mainland U.S. “They’ve sunk all of this money into cruise facilities and now the government is changing the rules,” said Aaron Ellis, communications director for the American Association of Port Authorities, one of many groups trying to change the rules. The Cruise Lines International Association, which represents 24 operators including Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line and Royal Caribbean International, warns that about 10 million U.S. vacationers stand to have their cruises altered or canceled unless the federal proposal is changed. In Portland, Monroe predicts that up to 80 percent of cruise ships would have to alter their itineraries. To meet the rules, they might drop Bar Harbor and Portland from their summer and fall cruises on the East Coast. Together, the two Maine ports accounted for 120 cruise ship stops last year. More than 150,000 tourists disembarked from the ships, spending money in shops, dining in restaurants and taking shore excurisions. Other U.S. ports would be affected. Key West, Fla., for example, could get skipped altogether by cruise ships traveling from Florida’s mainland to the Caribbean. And ships departing from Seattle could be forced to spend more time in British Columbia and less time in Alaska. Alaska is one of the world’s top cruise destinations, with tourists exploring the vast glaciers, towering mountain peaks and pristine waters. “It would be tough to sell an Alaskan cruise if they could only come for one day,” said Andrew Green, the Juneau port manager for Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska. Juneau alone would lose an estimated $68 million in direct spending from cruise ships in one summer. Customs and Border Protection acknowledges that it didn’t foresee all of the potential ramifications of the change, which was intended to protect two Norwegian Cruise Line ships that fly the U.S. flag in Hawaii. Rival foreign-flagged competitors based in Los Angeles and San Diego stop briefly in Ensenada, Mexico, before traveling to Hawaii. The agency’s solution to help NCL America was a new interpretation of the 122-year-old Passenger Vessel Services Act, a federal law that forbids foreign-flagged vessels from transporting passengers directly between U.S. ports. To meet the federal requirement, those ships must make a foreign port call as part of their cruise itinerary. As it stands, foreign-flagged cruise ships traveling from Los Angeles and San Diego to Hawaii make a brief stop in Ensenada - a “touch and go” - before continuing to Hawaii. The agency’s new interpretation defines a foreign port call as a 48-hour layover, putting a crimp in the itinerary of foreign-flagged ships. The change was proposed in November and the agency declined to extend the comment period. Because of the timing, there was meager public outcry, Monroe said. “This happened very quietly and right in the middle of the Christmas shopping season,” he said. Glen Vereb, chief of cargo security, carriers and immigration for Customs and Border Protection, said the agency is reviewing more than 1,000 comments, many opposed to the change. “The door’s wide open right now. I’m not quite sure where we’re going to end with this, but people have certainly made their opinions loud and clear,” he said. “We’re taking all of those opinions into account here in making our final rule.” John Shively, Holland America Line’s vice president for government and community relations in Alaska, is not sure his company has a fallback plan. “I do think people are hopeful that enough commotion was raised that the federal government will look at it again,” said Shively. For its part, Norwegian Cruise Lines hasn’t backed down from its position that something needs to be done to protect its U.S.-flagged operation in Hawaii NCL America’s U.S.-flagged ships are at a competitive disadvantage because they’re subject to U.S. taxes and labor laws. Other major cruise ship companies fly the flags of countries like the Bahamas, Panama and Bermuda. But NCL America supports a clarification of the proposed change to make clear that it applies only to the Hawaii market, said Alan Yamamoto, vice president of Hawaii operations for NCL America, in Honolulu. Maine Sen. Susan Collins, ranking Republican on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, said she’s confident the agency will revise the rule. If not, she’ll ask for hearings. “It would kill the fledgling cruise ship business in Maine if this were to go into effect, and I’m determined to ensure that it doesn’t,” she said. DeleteDelete | ReplyReply | ForwardForward | RedirectRedirect | View Thread | Message SourceMessage Source | Save asSave as | PrintPrint Move | Copy Back to Inbox >

For those of you who are fascinated by the Panama Canal, it is now official that a third set of proposed locks have been approved by The Panama Canal Authority. When the Canal originally opened in 1914, it was believed that no ship would ever exceed the 110’ x 1000’ dimensions of the locks. Today fleets of super-ships are in service much larger than “Panamax” or the maximum size allowed through the Canal. To allow for their passage through this historic “short-cut”, a new set of locks would to be built measuring 150’ x 1500’. The approved “third locks” would parallel the existing locks. Additionally, the channel through Gatun Lake and the Galliard Cut would also have to be dredged and deepened. All at a whopping price tag of $20 billion dollars.

Critics say the cost, environmental damage and destruction of land belonging to indigenous people will prohibit the project from ever getting started. With elections now over in nearby Nicaragua, a more moderate Sandanista regime would like to see their country as the location of a competitive option – that of a super container ports linked by a transcontinental rail system. With an estimated cost of $24 billion dollars, huge ships could off-load and load thousands of piggy-back containers in record time making the Panama Canal more of a tourist attraction than the strategic commercial link it once was.

Just as sure as winter turns to spring, summer is fading into fall. Mornings are beginning to feel a little more fresh as the temperatures are starting to cool around the country. Soon we will all be moaning winter’s cold with its short dark nights, dreaming about warming our bodies on some distant tropical shore. So given that is inevitable, now is the time to start thinking about a fall or winter cruise!

It seems every time someone learns that I work on a cruise ship, they want to know which cruise is the best – especially for a first timer. Though I have my favorites, most people do not have the luxury of time and money to take a leisurely sail up the Amazon or a slow-boat to China; so what’s the best deal for an affordable winter escape?

During our northern winter months most ships reposition to the warmer climes of the Caribbean and Mexico. Most departures leave from US ports in Florida and California with some departures from Louisiana and even Texas. This cuts down on travel time and cost as low rates are available if you can book your travel in advance. Cruise lines have arrangements with certain air carriers and often offer air/sea packages.

So, Mexico or the Caribbean?

The Caribbean covers a large area. A seven day cruise cannot call upon all islands, so the region is divided up into accessible sections. Traditionally ships sail either to the eastern Caribbean (Key West, The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and U.S. Virgin Islands) or the western Caribbean (Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Yucatan Peninsula.) Ships that call upon Barbados, Dominica, St. Maarten, St. Barth, St. Kitts, Aruba, Antigua, Guadalupe, and Martinique depart from Puerto Rico. The Mexican Riviera stretches down the Pacific Coast and takes in the famous resort areas of Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Ixtapa and Zihuantenejo. For those with a time crunch or budget concerns, both destinations also offer shorter 3 and 5 days cruises.

My opinion;

The Caribbean has been welcoming cruise ships for many years and island economies depend heavily on tourism. That said the good thing is they have well established tourism infrastructure and know how to move people around. There are lots of tours and planned activities available. Down side, many places are very commercialized and lack any local culture or authenticity. However, most people who choose the Caribbean do so, not because they want to see a museum or cathedral, they want to have fun and relax! With miles and miles of beautiful white beaches, warm “swimming-pool blue” water, and plenty of rum punch, this is the perfect place. It is a paradise for sun-lovers, snorkelers, para-sailers, jet-skiers, and divers. When you are ready to move on there are plenty of internationally known stores for shopping. English is the official language of many Caribbean countries, so getting around and enjoying yourself is not a problem.

Mexico has also aggressively developed its tourism however before the cruise ships started to come, visitors were arriving by plane. The main attraction was the quaint Mexican towns with their colorful markets, great food, and reasonable accommodations located next to beautiful Pacific beaches. Those things still exist but you must hunt for them under the increasing number jewelry stores and blanket salesman. Though Spanish is officially spoke, most people in these resort towns speak English. Mexico’s Pacific coast beaches are not as pretty as those on the Caribbean side, but they do offer the advantage of ocean surf (for surfers and body boarders) and whale watching (by boat, not on the beach – that’s another story!) Mexico’s Caribbean coast along the Yucatan Peninsula offers the resort communities of Cozumel and Cancun, where you can find not only lucious white sand but post-classic Maya ruins!

Some seven day western Caribbean cruises combine both the Caribbean and Mexico!

What about weather? People always want to know about what the seas will be like. Especially first timers – they are worried about getting sea sick. First of all – STOP! – we are living in the 21^st century where cruise ships are built with state-of-the-art propulsion systems and stabilizers that make the ship one big floating hotel. I kid you not, there have been times on the Regent Seven Seas Mariner when I looked outside to see if we were moving – it is that smooth! The Caribbean has a reputation for being calm and flat (outside of hurricane season!) however it does experience its fair share of rough seas. That is to say – nothing is guaranteed. Mexico has open Pacific coastline but once you clear the off-shore winds, it’s smooth sailing – again, no guarantees. Ships spend the winter in these two areas because the weather is good and chances are very high that you will experience the perfect vacation.

If that was too diplomatic for you, I confess – I am not a beach person. Personally, I like visiting a place that has some history and culture. I like wandering off the tourist trail and finding authentic people who represent the community. So, my bias is toward Mexico. Now, some of you may ask – what about Alaska? Yes, Alaska is an incredible seven day cruise packed with spectacular scenery and wildlife seen right from the ship. Fortunately, Alaska is a summer destination giving you something to look forward to for next year!

Wherever you choose to go have a great cruise with smooth seas and happy times!

National Cruise Month is just around the corner and travel agents specializing in cruise travel are busy making preparations to take advantage of this national blitz. Here are some ideas;

Open house – Invite clients to stop buy and visit your office; watch a new cruise DVD; pick-up a brochure; buy a cruise guide book; maybe even listen to a featured presentation. Top off the evening with a drawing; participating cruise lines are happy to provide promotional items you can use; raffle a travel bag, a t-shirt, or a cruise book. You name it!

Theme night – Focus on a destination and develop the theme throughout the office. Invite your favorite clients in for an in-depth look at that cruise hot spot. Scour your yellow pages and business cards and find someone to speak. Highlight the Mediterranean and get a college professor to talk about art in ancient Greece or Rome; or concentrate on Mexico or the Caribbean and find a dance teacher to give a few pointers on salsa or meringue! If you choose Alaska or South America – you can always ask me! What better way to represent the cruise line or the destination than to have an expert giving all the exciting, juicy, first-hand details of what to see and do while on the cruise.

As Alaska is the most popular destination for cruise arrivals in the world; it is safe to say spotlighting the area would be a choice of interest to many of your clients. To make your night as successful as possible, I’d like to offer my book – “The Cruise Friendly Guide to Alaska’s Inside Passage” – at a special one-time only discounted rate for qualified travel agents and agencies. Take advantage of this offer and use the book as an incentive, a prize, or retail it in your agency. Please contact me directly for details. Good luck!

For those of us who for decades have advocated travel to South America, it comes as no surprise that the post 9/11 world is realizing the Western Hemisphere south of the border is a vast and beautiful land of safe and inviting destinations. There are many advantages to cruising South America; diverse ports of call, exotic cultures; spectacular scenery; one of a kind experiences; world class cities; sophisticated resorts; great shopping; unique flora and fauna, etc. … all this under sunny summer skies while back home North America is covered by winter’s blanket of cold and dark. For many even the time zone is the same minimizing jet-lag; and no trans-oceanic flights!

This winter season (2006/2007) over ten cruise lines will offer cruises to South America! That is a far cry for just a few years ago when only a handful of ships ventured south of the equator. Today cruisers are taking advantage of everything from great weather to great exchange rates.

Most popular South American cruise experiences include sailing the Amazon River – largest river in the world and circumnavigating legendary Cape Horn! Top destinations; where else? Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires! But don’t forget many cruises begin and end in strategic ports allowing travelers to visit more remote areas like Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands, and Iguasu Falls, in pre and post-cruise excursions. For more information on excursions ashore contact the experts at Ladatco (www.ladatco.com). After thirty years in business, no one knows South America better!

For those contemplating a cruise to South America, don’t forget your, “The Cruiser Friendly Onboard Guide.” As noted earlier, I am putting the finishing touches on three new books about the area!