Cruise West’s Spirit of Oceanus Exploration Leader, Alastair Newton, Speaks from the Heart About Our Cruise: Voyage to the Bering Sea
July 22, 2007
Hello All from the Bering Sea.
Tonight, we will be leaving the Bering Sea as we continue our voyage back towards Whittier. It has been a hard trip in the Bering Sea because we have had such a wonderful time here yet again and there have been many long faces in the communities regarding the fact that we are only doing visiting twice this year. I know that our itineraries are constantly being evaluated and I wanted to pass on some information regarding this itinerary and my experiences of doing it over the last 3 years.
When I am off the Spirit of Oceanus, back home in England, I spend some of my time visiting Travel Agents on behalf of Cruise West. When I visit them, I talk about our company and show them pictures that I have taken on voyages with the company. I often get the question "what one trip should a client take to Alaska?" I always recommend a one of the Inside Passage cruises: the Coastal Odyssey, Alaska Whales & Wilderness, or the Alaska Inside Passage Itinerary. This is classic Alaska. It is what people expect, mountains and glaciers and towns like Skagway. They then ask me which is my favorite Itinerary in Alaska and I always answer "The Voyage to the Bering Sea".
To me, this itinerary is truly aimed at those that want to go beyond what all the other visitors will see, who want to go somewhere special that is so far off the beaten path that almost no-one else visits. Last year I was in Grytviken, South Georgia and they had 56 visits from Cruise Ships! Compare that with the number of ships heading into the Bering Sea this year. This is less visited than Antarctica and more special in many ways. What does the Bering Sea have that Antarctica doesn't? The people! This itinerary gives our guests the opportunity to visit fragile communities that are thousands of years old. To see cultures that are in danger of disappearing, and to be warmly welcomed into communities whose existence hangs in the balance. Maybe Little Diomede will soon be abandoned and join King Island on the list of the Most Endangered Historic Places in the USA, or maybe it will be St. George that loses its struggle to survive as a community. But our guests have been able to visit these places and meet the people and to experience a way of life that has continued in this area for up to 10,000 years, by some estimates.
I always ask guests, at the beginning of a voyage here, what they are expecting to see. Most don't know. They were looking for something different. Maybe they have been everywhere else, or maybe they wanted to see the other face of Alaska, the Yup'ik, Inupiaq, Alutiiq and Aleut face...to have the opportunity to meet the people least impacted by Western Culture. Some guests come for the birding, or the bears or the whales. But I think no matter how good the wildlife is, it is the people of the Bering Sea that leave the lasting impression. Many guests describe this as a spiritual journey, completely to their surprise. But of course, one of the greatest highlights is the visit to Providenya and New Chaplino.
I will be honest, this year I did miss visiting some of the other sites in Russia that we have visited in the past. But the visit to Providenya and New Chaplino has always been the most important component. To have the tour of the bleak city, it gives such a fantastic backdrop to the people. There is such contrast - The remnants of Stalin and Lenin, the people struggling on the edge of a once-great empire. But then we move into the theatre. Guests are often confused by the theatre, surprisingly well appointed inside a building that is such desperate need of a coat of paint. (Could we provide that, perhaps?) And then the confusion melts away as the performance begins. It is touching, the cheering at the youngest of kids. Guests moved almost to tears by what they have seen. Guests bursting to tell them that this was the greatest ballet performance they had ever seen (this from a guest who had seen the Bolshoi, and declared the Providenya performance as the far more powerful).
This experience is then followed by the great adventure of driving to New Chaplino. The giant transports bouncing their way through the mountains. It is a journey that is not soon forgotten and is seen by some as unfortunately necessary, and by others as a a fun adventure but it is a journey that is seen by all as a small price to pay for the wonders of New Chaplino. Guests always comment on the warm welcome, the interest in seeing a native community in Russia and the interesting comparison of it to the Alaskan side. But the performance at the end is an incredible highlight...the best singing and dancing anywhere in my mind, and in many of theirs. But there is nothing that matches the power of being able to perform a dance for our hosts. With this current group of guests, we must have had over 50 of them dancing for our local hosts...all keen to show what they had learned from Jack Dalton.
The rest of the cruise honestly pales in comparison to the two days spent in Russia. For many of our well-traveled guests, they state this has been the most incredible period of travel they have experienced.
It is, of course, the southern portion of this cruise is where the majority of wildlife is seen. Ranging from the incredible bird life of the haystacks, the brown bears of Geographic Harbor. Usually by the end of the cruise, our guests have had the most incredible wildlife experiences of their lives and the most incredible cultural experiences of their lives as well. Not bad for 13 days at sea!
This is a wonderful...and I hope that someday we offer four departures in the Bering Sea, if not more. We are a part of something special up here. We are much loved by the communities we visit. If we continue visiting St. George, maybe the community will survive...and if we cease coming, maybe that will be the final nail in their coffin. "Cruise West, helping fragile communities survive." You can't beat having the only image of any kind in Providenya being an image of the Spirit of Oceanus taking up the entire end of a building...representing the fact that Providenya is the gateway to the Russian arctic...and we are depicted as. I think we set ourselves apart from all other companies in Alaska while we can still demonstrate an intent of visiting the smaller places, the harder places, and not just visiting, but 'being' in Alaska. I think this itinerary also acts as a 'Halo' product that demonstrates our commitment to Alaska. Why pick Cruise West over the competition? Because we have demonstrated the depth of our experience in Alaska by the fact that you can cruise Southeast, Southcentral, visit Denali Park and do the Bering Sea all with Cruise West. If we were to stop doing the Bering Sea, the depth of our involvement, knowledge and experience of all things Alaskan would no longer be immediately evident.
I know there are many people waiting for our swift return to their villages. Not just because we bring money, but also because they genuinely enjoy our visits. I equally know that there are many potential guests looking for the incredible experience that we can provide.
We are so excited about our new photo gallery. Several weeks ago, we quietly released it to our website. Many of our Quyana Members (past guests) have loaded their photos to the gallery. Our CEO, Dick West has also loaded his South Pacific cruise photos to the web. There's a E-Postcard feature as well as the ability to send a link of your entire album to your friends and family.
The gallery is still in beta mode and we'd love to have your feedback. What's working? What needs improvement? Email us and share your thoughts with us.
Greetings from the land of Sakura, Sumo, Sake, & the Spirit of Oceanus!!!
After a 5 weeks of cruising in Japan I MUST report on some of the fantastic things we have experienced so far this spring! First, and foremost, we have been very blessed by one of the best sakura (cherry blossoms) seasons in recent memory. One of our Japanese guides, Akiko Furutani san, called it the best hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season she's had in her entire life!
Hanami is one of the most important things in Japanese culture. The parks and gardens are flooded by families, groups of coworkers, and friends of all ages looking to relax under the sakura. Typically one participant will take a precious day off work to reserve a spot by laying a blue tarp out under the beautiful trees. The rest of the group will bring a spectacular arrangement of foods, often bought from convenience stores, grilled on hibachi, or cooked at home. The final element, and perhaps the most important, are the ice chests packed with beer and sake to be enjoyed by the masses! The crowds will stay late into the night enjoying the fabulous sakura, and more importantly, each other's company. For more information on hanami, see this page.
We have also experienced the generosity and welcoming nature of the Japanese. The two ports which put on a spectacular show without fail are Sakai Minato and Nagasaki. In Sakai Minato we we are often treated to a local fisherman's dance performed by 'Jimmy' Shibata who has performed around the globe! He often brings live eels and loach to wow the guests with. In Nagasaki we have had Taiko Drummers, Baton Twirlers, Preschool girls in Kimono, and high school bands.
One last experience I must share is our newest stop on the tour. During our day in Korea, we have started visiting a traditional Korean market! These markets are bustling with activity. From produce and fruit, to live fish and squid, to the hundreds of kinds of kimchi, it is a sight not soon forgotten.
As you can see I am thrilled to be back in Japan and Korea for my third season. This is such a special place that has touched so many of our lives. I have included a few pictures which highlight some of what we've seen thus far. This is also a trip where even I can't wait to see what's around the next corner!
Our corporate headquarters are located in downtown Seattle. With spring just around the corner, the trees are starting to bud tulips pushing through the earth, deciduous trees beginning to turn green again and the Pike Place Market is rejuvenated with locals who have been in hibernation all winter.
I love this time of the year in Seattle. There's no better place to enjoy lunch than down at the market. The sights, sounds and smells energize me and make me proud to live here.
Last week, we found another video nugget in our archives.
This video is of a "shooter." A "shooter" is a piece of ice (usually very large) that breaks off of a glacier below the surface of the water. Witnessing these events is very rare. Capturing it on video was pure luck.
Petersburg, Alaska also known as “Little Norway,” is a favorite port among our guests. That’s why when the “Our Bear Cares” team went looking for ways to give back to the areas we travel we were pleased to support the Petersburg Marine Mammal Center (PMMC).
The PMMC among many things focuses on public education of humpback whales and other marine mammals of Southeast Alaska. Their efforts help in the recovery and preservation of Alaska’s natural wonders. The PMMC serves and is served by their capable interns. So, when Cruise West asked PMMC how we could help, the intern program developed into a natural fit.
The “Our Bear Cares” Committee was delighted to donate $10,000 to help fund the PMMC Internship Program for 2007 and beyond. “Our Bear Cares,” is supported by the Company and by donations from our guests. The program places resources and measures behind ensuring responsible travel practices that protect the natural state of the environment. By partnering with local organizations like PMMC that are already making a positive difference we along with our guests can connect with the areas we travel.
To view this short video on the presentation of the donation and interview that followed click the "play"button.
Chesna Sullins is a Cruise Specialist with Cruise West and is the Alaska liason for the Our Bear Cares Committee. Her efforts in coordinating this donation and ongoing relationship are appreciated by all of us at Cruise West. Thank you, Chesna!
This post is part of our series, "My Hometown" These posts will feature the hometowns and local connections that our employees have with the ports that our guests visit. This week's post is submitted by Andy Compton, Exploration Leader Land Manager.
Q: What is your connection to Anchorage, AK? A: My family moved to Anchorage when I was 7 years old. I attended most of elementary, junior high, and high school in the Anchorage Public Schools. Since college I have returned to Anchorage to work for Cruise West.
Q: Do you have a funny story or little known fact about Anchorage you’d like to share? A: Hmmm... so many to choose from! Anchorage is loaded with wildlife. The Department of Fish & Game estimates the Anchorage moose population at around 1200. With this in mind, we encounter them all the time. In high school I was on the Cross-Country Ski Team. I remember during one race I was skiing up a very steep hill. It was about 9 kilometers into a 10 kilometer race and I was struggling. About 3/4 of the way up I look up to see four racers coming down the hill. Considering that it was a one-way race course I knew something was wrong. As they come flying by me a moose came over the hill toward me. In a split second I was heading down the hill praying I didn't fall. The only other thing I remember was skiing up that blasted hill one more time!!!
Q: What is your favorite time of year in Anchorage and why? A: May and September are a wonderful time in Anchorage. In May we typically have some of the best weather of the year. In September the rainbow trout fishing is at its peak! The fish have been gorging themselves on salmon eggs and spawned salmon and have reached their peak in size and weight. In both May and September, there are a lot fewer visitors in town. This means that visitors can explore town without the crowds that hit town in the mid-summer months.
Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Anchorage? A: PIZZA!!! Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria creates the best pizzas in Alaska if not the entire Pacific Northwest! Additionally they handcraft over a dozen different beers which rotate all the time. Live music the first Thursday of each month caps it off. There are no reservations available, and on a weekend you have to wait upwards of two hours for a table.
Q: What is on your “must see” list for visitors to Anchorage? A: Anchorage is a very diverse area loaded with things to do. For me it's all about the out of the way places. I love going up to Glen Alps and Flattop Mountain where you can have a fantastic look out on the city, especially around sunset. I will also bring visitors to the Alaska Native Medical Center for their world class displays of Alaskan Native Art.
Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Anchorage? A: THE IDITAROD!!! The first Saturday in March the Iditarod Trail Sleddog Race kicks off in Anchorage. It is loads of fun. Thousands hit the streets of downtown Anchorage and it is a wonderful atmosphere.
Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you’d recommend for visitors? A: The Anchorage dining scene is very unique in that many of the best restaurants are situated in strip malls, commercial parks, and other off the beaten path locations. My personal favorite, aside from the aforementioned Moose's Tooth, is Kincaid Grill. It offers fantastic cuisine, a solid wine list, and a great "bring your own" wine policy!
Q: Anything else you'd like to add? A: The quality of life is head and shoulders above what many other places offer. Anchorage is home to some of the greatest people you will ever meet. Though the population is up to 280,000 people, there is still a small town community feel. If I leave my car running while getting a cup of coffee in the wintertime, I know it will be there when I get back. If I get a flat tire, I know somebody will pull over and help. It is simply a great place to live and visit!
Cruise West guests visit Anchorage when they travel on our Voyage to the Bering Sea, Coastal Odyssey , Glacier Wonderland or Best of Both Worlds cruises. Anchorage is also the home base of our land tour program. If you'd like to learn more about Anchorage, consider visiting the Anchorage Convention and Visitor's Bureau website.
I think I've mentioned before, I have a fear of cooking. I'm always worried that the dish will be a flop. That said, I know that I can always count on our Head Chef, Doug Kramer, to soothe my fears and guide me toward a dish that will please a crowd. I've even been known to phone him from home, mid-recipe to ensure that I'm on track.
Last week, I asked Chef Doug for a list of his most requested recipes and found one that seems perfectly suited for a Thanksgiving Day meal. If you are looking for a quick, easy salad to prepare, our Sweet Potato Salad(pdf link) might be just what you've been looking for.
Bon appétit!
"CRUISE WEST" SWEET POTATO SALAD
Servings: 8
This recipe has been electronically scaled down from 80+ portions. Some adjustments may be necessary.
INGREDIENTS: 1 pound fresh sweet potatoes or yams, washed brown sugar, as needed 1 each red apple, cored and diced 1/4 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup red bell pepper, seeded and ribbed, finely chopped 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
DRESSING: 1 ounce sour cream 2 ounces mayonnaise 1 each lemon, zested and juiced, no seeds 1 ounce honey salt and pepper, to taste 1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, finely chopped
PROCEDURE:
Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes. Hold cut potatoes in water.
When potatoes are all cut, drain well and place in mixing bowl. Toss lightly with just a little brown sugar to coat well.
Place cut potatoes on paper lined sheet pan, single layer and bake in 350 d. oven just until tender. This will not take very long. Remove from oven, transfer to cool sheet pan, single layer and place in cooler to chill.
Prepare apples, pecans, red bell peppers, celery and red onion, place in clean mixing bowl.
Separately mix all ingredients together for dressing and blend well.
When potatoes are chilled gently toss all ingredients together.
Place in serving bowl, decorate and garnish for service.
This post is part of our series, "My Hometown" These posts will feature the hometowns and local connections that our employees have with the ports that our guests visit. This week's post is submitted by Margi Ungrodt, one of our superstar team members in Fairbanks.
Q: What is your connection to Fairbanks? A: I first visited Fairbanks in the summer of 1970, between high school and college. My brother and I stayed with my sister at the university before heading to a remote wilderness site to help them start building a log cabin. After college, my husband and I moved to Alaska in 1975 as carefree newlyweds (no debts, no jobs we were attached to, and no children), taught in the 'bush' for two years, and then moved to the Fairbanks area permanently in 1978. We have lived here and raised our two sons here; being active in school and community sports, soccer especially. We actually LIVE in North Pole, just south of town.
Q: Do you have a funny story or little known fact about Fairbanks you’d like to share? A: I saw this humorous saying on the blackboard at my favorite coffee shop a while back. "Fairbanks is not so much a city as a collective mental disorder in which people think that 17 degrees (Fahrenheit) is warm." After the temperature has been -40 degrees or so for a week or more, 17 degrees IS warm!
Q: What is your favorite time of year in Fairbanks and why? A: My first favorite time of year is summer, because of the long days and non-existent 'nights'. The joy of being able to see daylight and sunshine around the clock just gives an incredible rush of energy. Many Alaskans find themselves 'burning the candle at both ends' all summer long. My second favorite time of the year is what we call spring. That is the month of March (before break-up in April) when the sun shines twelve hours a day, the skies are clear, the snow is white, and most everyone is smiling. I guess I can't really say WHICH time of the year is my favorite, because I really enjoy living here year-round!
Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Fairbanks? A: The food that particularly reminds me of Fairbanks is salmon - smoked salmon, fresh grilled salmon, salmon chowder, baked salmon, salmon sandwiches, salmon spread/dip, etc.
Q: What is on your “must see” list for visitors to Fairbanks? A: The places on my must-see list include the Museum of the North, the Ice Museum in downtown Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs Resort (east of town about a long hour's drive), and as many of the art galleries in the downtown area as you can get to. I really enjoy the work of the local Alaskan artists who display their creations in these gift shops. If you want to hike without going out of town, try the ski trails up at the University or the shorter trails at Creamer's Wildfowl Refuge on College Road.
Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city? A: My favorite area (other than OUT of town) is downtown. It's a small downtown with many small, locally owned shops and restaurants, and the river walk area which is growing,
Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Fairbanks? A: We enjoy the many sports events from the university and the local sports teams (basketball and hockey mostly). We also enjoy First Friday which is a monthly, year-round event sponsored by all the art galleries in town. New shows are highlighted, beverages and snacks are provided, and we get to see many friends all in one night.
Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you’d recommend for visitors? A: We recommend Gambardella's or Lavelle's Bistro to folks who are going to be in the downtown area for a main meal. We've enjoyed our meals there for years.
Q: Anything else you'd like to add? A: Come up and visit us in March as well! As well as the World Ice Art Carving Championships at the Ice Park There are sprint dog sled races, ski races, and opportunities for visitors to enjoy northern light viewing most every night.
Earlier this summer a devastating fire caused severe damage to the Hooper Bay community of Southwest Alaska. The fire destroyed a school complex, 14 homes, 14 acres and several other structures of this Yupik Eskimo village.
As part of the Cruise West “Our Bear Cares” program in which guests and the company provide assistance to local communities and Native organizations in the destinations where we travel, Cruise West initially contributed funds for relief efforts in Hooper Bay. The crew of the Spirit of Oceanus, which was traveling through the region when the disaster hit decided to hold an auction. They raised $1,700 by auctioning off the ship’s flag. Guests onboard also made personal donations. In the picture you see John Kreilkamp, who is Vice President of Alaska Land Operations handing over a $4,200 donation check to Anchorage Wells Fargo Branch Manager Lisa Call for the Hooper Bay relief fund.
This money will be used to aid in the purchase of furniture for five pre-fabricated houses which have been shipped to Hooper Bay before the winter freeze up on their river.
Jack Dalton is a guest speaker who has been coming onboard Cruise West ships for the past five years. He is also a resident of Hooper Bay and he says , “The devastation in Hooper Bay was jarring, but the immediate response and overwhelming generosity of Cruise West and their guests has truly impacted the relief efforts.”
This post is part of our series, "My Hometown" These posts will feature the hometowns and local connections that our employees have with the ports that our small-ships visit. This week's post is submitted by Larry Johansen, our Southeast Division Land Manager.
Q: What is your connection to Ketchikan? A: Ketchikan is my hometown. My family first came there when Woodrow Wilson was president. Alaska was still a territory and people lived close to the land. They still do. I was taught to fish and hunt by my grandfather who lived off the land to feed his family. Encounters with wildlife were common, respect for the land was a lesson taught early.
Q: Do you have a funny story or little known fact about Ketchikan you’d like to share? A: Ketchikan is a town on an island. To get there today you need to land on a nearby island and take a short ferry ride from an airport built in the 1970's. Before that time jets could land only as close as 40 miles from Ketchikan at an old WWII airbase on Annette Island. From there they would fly to Ketchikan aboard amphibious aircraft called Grumman gooses. They took off on land and landed in the water in front of town. Sometimes the pilots would "forget" to mention that the aircraft was capable of landing in the water and sometimes first-time visitors would arrive in town with a "thrill".
Q: What is your favorite time of year in Ketchikan and why? A: May in Southeast Alaska is the nicest time to visit. It’s the driest time of the year and the scenery is the most photogenic with lots of snow still on the tops of the mountains. Lots of daylight and fewer crowds too.
Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Ketchikan? A: In Ketchikan there is a berry bush that grows abundantly here that is called a salmon berry. The fruit is ripe in two colors- bright red and bright orange. In the case of bright orange they look a lot like caviar. There is a bird called the Swainson's Thrush that has a particular fondness for these berries. The song of the Swainson's Thrush is beautiful ululating spiral of a song that fills the air in the spring. When I hear the Swainson’s thrush it reminds me of home.
Q: What is on your “must see” list for visitors to Ketchikan? A: The totem art in Ketchikan is outstanding. The art traces its hearth to the area. The collection scattered through town, and its two totem parks, is the most concentrated collection in the world.
Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city? A: Creek Street in downtown Ketchikan is a fun place to people watch and walk around. In the late summer you can see salmon jumping up the rapids on the creek and watch the local kids try to catch them before they head up stream.
Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Ketchikan? A: Ketchikan used to be known as the Salmon Capital of the World. The fishing is great anytime of the summer. I was there a couple weeks ago and landed three salmon one of which was a nice King Salmon. Ketchikan is usually at the end or beginning of a trip to Alaska and adding on a night or two here would allow time to drop a line for a day.
Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you’d recommend for visitors? A: I always liked Annabelle’s Keg & Chowder House. It’s been around for many years and has a good lunch and dinner menu. It just feels comfortable.
Q: Anything else you'd like to add? A: Bring a rain jacket but don’t be discouraged if it does rain. I played little league baseball in Ketchikan and we never cancelled a game due to rain. Not that it wasn’t raining but rain never stopped us from doing anything!
It's all over the news- off the coast of Indonesia, scientists have discovered two species of walking sharks and eight new types of shrimp. One of the best articles is on the National Geographic News website. Be sure to check out the picture. Very unusual!
Here's a quote from the article:
The two new shark species are particularly exciting, Troeng says.
The sharks are about 3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters) long and walk along the shallow reef flats on their fins, preying on shrimp, crabs, snails, and small fish.
"If they get spooked they can swim away, but the thing that stands out is their walking over the bottom," Troeng said.
What a find! While we don't actually travel to this area of Indonesia, we get pretty darn close on our South Pacific cruises. Our guests do spend quite a bit of time snorkeling and diving- who knows what we might see? My guess is that everyone will be carrying underwater cameras and keenly watching for these amazing new sharks.
Brings new meaning to the term "land shark" doesn't it?
This post is part of our series, "My Hometown" These posts will feature the hometowns and local connections that our employees have with the ports that our small-ships visit. This week's post is submitted by Betsey Shapiro, one of our San Franciso based staff members.
Q: What is your connection to San Francisco? A: I was born and raised in the Bay Area, and went to college in San Francisco, where I met my husband. We were married in San Francisco on a bluff overlooking the bay.
Q: Do you have a funny story or little known fact about San Francisco you’d like to share? A: The fortune cookie was invented in San Francisco, at the Japanese Tea Gardens in Golden Gate Park
Q: What is your favorite time of year in San Francisco and why? A: The fall is the best time of year in San Francisco. The chilly summer fog is gone, and it’s actually the warmest time of the year.
Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of San Francisco? A: Sourdough bread, of course. Fresh Dungeness crabs in the winter.
Q: What is on your "must see" list for visitors to San Francisco? A: There’s almost too much to list. Lombard Street, the Italian neighborhood of North Beach, Chinatown, the view from Twin Peaks, the Golden Gate Bridge, taking a cable car, shopping around Union Square, Golden Gate Park and the Haight/Ashbury district, the musical revue “Beach Blanket Babylon.”
Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city? A: Union Square for the theaters and shopping, especially during the Christmas season. The stores have great window decorations, and there’s a festive atmosphere .
Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in San Francisco? A: It’s a toss-up. Either visiting the food shops, restaurants and farmer’s market at the Ferry Building, or watching the Giants at AT&T Park.
Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you’d recommend for visitors? A: The Beach Chalet on a sunny day. It’s a historic building at the end of Golden Gate Park, facing the ocean. Upstairs is a restaurant and brewery with great ocean views, and downstairs is filled with 1930’s murals painted by the Federal Works Program, as well as historical displays of Golden Gate Park.
Q: Anything else you'd like to add? A:San Francisco is a great walking city, and there's very good public transportation as well.
I have to admit it, I'm a picky blog reader. I spend a lot of time looking for fun blogs, that might relate to our cruises. I do this, because I think that the way you really learn about a place is through the people who live there. Local voices are much more interesting than paid fluff meant to sell on a visitor's bureau website. Problem is, there are very few really good blogs about the destinations that we visit. Well, today, I found a really fun blog called Alaskology. It's written by Steve Edwards, of the Anchorage Daily News. Steve talks about what's going on in Anchorage, hikes he's taken, how we feels about the weather, basically, whatever strikes his fancy. That's Steve's picture on the left (hope you don' t mind, Steve!) If you want to get inside the head of an Alaskan, this is a fun blog to read.
Back to my admitted blog snobbery. I'd love to be proven wrong. Do you have a really great blog that we should know about? Send me an email and let me know: leighsATcruisewestDOTcom
This post is part of our series, "My Hometown" These posts will feature the hometowns and local connections that our employees have with the ports that our small-ships visit. This week's post is submitted by Jeff Krida, President & CEO of Cruise West.
Q: What is your connection to Washington, D.C? A: Alexandria, VA/Washington, DC - finished High School; met my wife, Rebecca, of 38 years; went to college, and got my first job there with American Airlines.
Q: Do you have a funny story or little known fact about Washington, D.C. you’d like to share? A: Many. A place I enjoy is the Torpedo Factory on the Potomac River at the foot of King Street in Old Town Alexandria. That's what it was and what it made in the 1940's. In the 1970's it was converted to artist's work/studio lofts where the public can meet the artists and buy their art. It's a great old building in a beautiful spot, but it is a turnaround in use and purpose that provokes thinking about "turning guns to plowshares" when and where we can.
Q: What is your favorite time of year in Washington, D.C. and why? A: Springtime in Washington, DC is a sea of flowers. It is also the best time to be comfortable with the weather. Nearly everywhere in D.C. in the spring is bright with flowering beauty and the reassurance of re-birth and freshness. I have had many "What a Day for a Daydream" moments in D.C in the springtime, literally tiptoeing through the tulips.
Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Washington, D.C.? A: Chesapeake Bay Bluefin crabs steamed in Old Bay seasoning, Maryland Silver Queen white sweet corn on the cob and ice-cold beer, all spread out on newspapers, enjoyed with family and friends. I am tasting it while I am writing this!
Q: What is on your “must see” list for visitors to Washington, D.C.? A: There's sooooo much! There are three places I like to go when I am back "home". Two you know about and the third you should seek out and find. Spending a few quiet moments with Honest Abe looking down the Reflecting Pool toward the Washington Monument and toward the Capitol on up The Mall from his chair is overwhelmingly humbling while you ponder the depth of his selfless greatness compared to our own personal drives and ambitions. Walking around the Tidal Basin through the Japanese Cherry trees approaching "the wise one" standing at the center of the rotunda in the Jefferson Memorial is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. My personal favorite, however, is a very small park right on the south bank of the Potomac, just north of the 14th Street Bridge on the George Washington Parkway where a sculpted monument to soldiers and sailors lost at sea suspends cruising gulls by the tips of their wings lightly touching a breaking wave.
Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city? A: I still love Georgetown and spent lots of time there as a college student. It is a neighborhood within a city and its scale is comfortable. But I also enjoy the Adams Morgan neighborhood just off Connecticut Avenue behind the Washington Hilton. It is eclectic and international with restaurants and residents of every ethnicity spewed between residential row houses, florists, bookstores and markets. It is a colorful, tasty and alive place.
Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Washington, D.C.? A: I can't stay away from the art museums: the National Gallery, the Renwick, the Corcoran, the Phillips Collection where you can have the whole room to yourself with Renoir's "The Boating Party" that is bigger than life. I still like an hour or so in the main reading room under the Rotunda in the Library of Congress. The sweet pleasure of a quiet hour in that place is to long for in our busy lives, and after all, we all own it so why not enjoy it!
Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you’d recommend for visitors? A: Maybe not for the exquisiteness of the cuisine, but I really enjoy The Dubliner at The Hotel Phoenix near Union Station. It is a genuine Irish Bar where you can sing a few choruses of "The Wild Rover" over a great dish of shepherds pie and tip a pint of Guinness, and everyone there is your friend.
Q: Anything else you'd like to add? A: There is never enough time to enjoy all the great things of Washington, D.C. and most of them are as enjoyable time after time as they were the first time you did them. Go there, often - and remember, most of it's yours!
This post has nothing to do with Cruise West- but we just loved the story and couldn't resist sharing. It made us smile and hope that you enjoy it also.
My father-in-law is one of those guys who seems to be on everyone's email list. He always forwards the jokes about the old folks' homes, the kid-who-says-exactly-the-wrong-thing stories, and the send-this-to-twelve-people-or-else emails.
Today's email was better than average: the hippo who adopts a turtle as his "mother". So adorable - in the wake of post-tsunami disaster, a 1 year-old hippo adopts a turtle... the pictures are just heartwarming.
Don't miss the stick balancing game they play together.
Mark Belanger is the Technology Program Manager for Cruise West- which means that anytime you see Cruise West represented out on the web or through email, Mark was in some way involved. From time to time, he'll be unraveling the mysteries of the internet, how we use it to enhance our products and services to you and sharing hippo love stories.
This post is part of our series, "My Hometown" These posts will feature the hometowns and local connections that our employees have with the ports that our small-ships visit. This week's post is submitted by Kristin Freng, Association Sales Manager for Cruise West.
Q: What is your connection to Juneau? A: My family moved to Juneau when I was in the second grade. I went all through school there and graduated from Juneau-Douglas High School. I've lived there off and on as an adult, although I currently live in Seattle. My parents and my sister and her family still live there. My husband, Kelly, also grew up in Juneau.
Q: What is your favorite time of year in Juneau and why? A: My favorite time of year in Juneau is the 4th of July. My hometown throws a wonderful celebration that usually starts at 12:01am on the 4th with a fantastic fireworks display. The parade is usually a lot of fun, but my favorite event is the firehose races - a competition between the different fire stations in the community.
Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Juneau? A: Heritage Coffee reminds me of my hometown. I love the caesar salad with fresh King Crab from the Twisted Fish - I'm always trying to recreate that dish. I graduated in 1985 - so just about any song from the 80's reminds me of Juneau and those days.
Q: What is on your “must see” list for visitors to Juneau? A: I feel the must see for my home town is a trip up the tram or a hike up the mountain. Juneau is beautiful from sea level, but the mountains are so magnificent and the waterways are so beautiful from that elevated spot. It's a great ride - even in the rain and fog! I also feel Juneau has a very rich mining history and political history - I suggest visitors go to the museums and the capitol to explore Juneau's past.
Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city? A: My favorite area is "out the road." Juneau only has about 70 miles of road altogether. I love to drive as far north as I can, to the very end of the road, stopping along the way to watch birds or whales or just the ocean. Second choice would be out by the Mendenhall Glacier. My friends and I used to ride our bikes out to the glacier and swim in the lake during the summer. It's seems crazy to me now, but it was great fun then.
Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Juneau? A: I have many favorite activities in Juneau - hiking and camping would be high on the list. I also think the downtown area is charming and fun to stroll through. Best of all would be enjoying a cup of coffee in my mom's living room, though.
Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you’d recommend for visitors? A: The Twisted Fish,The Douglas Cafe (on Douglas Island) and The Thai restaurant out in Auke Bay.
Cruise West vessels visit Juneau in the summer months while cruising on many of our Alaska cruise itineraries. In fact, we have a full office and support staff in Juneau to help us manage our tours, supply our vessel and take care of our guests that are overnighting at the Goldbelt Hotel. The very best way to experience all of Juneau, is to spend a few extra nights before or after your cruise. If you'd like to learn more about Juneau, consider visiting the Juneau Convention & Visitor's Bureau Website.
Today, I found an online article by Linda Garrison about cruise line tipping policies. As I read it, I found myself reliving a recent family vacation. Before we left, my husband handed me a stack of bills- ones & fives, so that I would be prepared to tip when necessary. Throughout the trip, I always kept track of my smaller bills- making sure not to spend them lest I get caught in an embarrassing situation, where a tip was required and I had nothing to give.
Several years ago, we realized that our guests had this same concern. So, we implemented our No Tipping Policy. At Cruise West, gratuites are neither expected nor required. When you cruise aboard our small ships, travel on our exclusive land tours or even enjoy one of our included shore excursions- your gratuities are covered. One less worry when you travel with us.
Linda did a great job of mentioning our policy in her article. If you'd like to see how we compare to other lines, be sure to read the article.
This post is part of our series, "My Hometown" These posts will feature the hometowns and local connections that our employees have with the ports that our small-ships visit. This week's post is submitted by Karen Kuest, Product Manager for Cruise West.
Q: What is your connection to Skagway, Alaska? A: I spent four summers living and working in the small Alaskan town.
Q: Do you have a funny story or little known fact about Skagway you'd like to share? A: Skagway is such a small town that they have one school K-12. One of our dock reps was a local girl who started working for us (Princess Tours) as a sophmore in High school, she was one of I believe six students in her class. When she was a Junior iand it was prom time we decided we would have some fun with her and her classmates. We decorated one of our motorcoaches with a custom made sign that said Keri's Limo and we proceeded to pick her and her date up and the rest of her friends took them to the restaurant for their dinner reservations and then delivered them to the school for the dance. They were having a great time and laughing about how many kids have there own personal motorcoach as a limo. It was such fun to see these teens dressed in their formals and tuxes piling out of the bus. Needless to say they were a huge hit!
It was even funnier when I began working here at Cruise West to discover that Keri was working in our Reservations Department.
Q: What is your favorite time of year in Skagway and why? A: I have never wintered there, but I loved the spring and early fall. In early May when the trees were first starting to leaf out and hills become green and then in the fall when the termination dust or first snowfall would grace the tops of the Dewey Peaks, and the reds of lowbush cranberry and aspen trees would announce the arrival of fall.
Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Skagway? A: Pumpkin Cookies. There used to be this funky little coffee/gift shop called Mable G. Smith's that served these saucer size pumpkin cookies. I used to spend my Saturday mornings there with a good cup of tea, a pumpkin cookie and write letters home to family and friends. Sadly, Mable's is no longer there, but I was fortunate enough to get the recipe for the cookies. So every fall I have request from family members for Pumpkin Cookies!
Q: What is on your "must see" list for visitors to Skagway? A: Yakatania Point. My favorite spot to escape If you cross the bridge over the Skagway River and hook a left there is a path out the point. There are these huge granite rocks that jut out into the inlet separating the Skagway Harbor from Smugglers Cove. The water shaped rocks have wonderful concave curves that are perfect for spending several hours reading book, sketching or watching the ships sail out of the harbor.
Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city? The beautiful handy work of Charlotte Jewell and her staff, Jewell Gardens. Located on Klondike Hwy 2 heading out of town is the wonderful Jewell Gardens and Tea Room. Colorful flowers and monster rhubarb plants have been creatively arranged to provide a peaceful place to wander and enjoy.
Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Skagway? Skagway is surrounded by mountains with challenging trails, including the famed Chilkoot Trail. Hiking has to be one of my favorite activities while there, and nothing beats the festive atmosphere of live local music on Tuesday nights at the Red Onion Saloon. Oh, and I don't know if they still do but they used to have these great local talent shows or "prom nights" for the summer employees. We always had a riot of a time there!
Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you'd recommend for visitors? Halibut Burgers at the Sweet Tooth Cafe. Breakfasts at the Corner Cafe.
Cruise West vessels visit Skagway in the summer months while cruising on many of our Alaska cruise itineraries. If you'd like to learn more about Skagway, consider visiting the Skagway Convention & Visitor's Bureau Website.
Sylvia isn’t sure when or where they’re going next but she does plan to go again. What does she like best about Cruise West cruises? Sylvia says, “You get to know everybody right away.”
We believe Sylvia is our oldest cruising Quyana Club Member at 98. Do you know otherwise? If so, please let us know! Call your Quyana toll-free number 1-888-851-4132
For three years, I sailed aboard the Spirit of Alaska, plying the waters of the Inside Passage from Seattle to Juneau on what is now know as our Gold Rush Inside Passage cruise. The trip took eleven days and covered over 1500 miles. It was a wonderful mix of wilderness, ports, wildlife all displayed against the spectacular backdrop of mountains that rise straight from the water. Three of the eleven days on this cruise were spent in the pristine waters of British Columbia, Canada and the San Juan Islands of Washington. My favorite moment in time on each southbound cruise occurred when we left Alaska's waters and announced our arrival into Canadian waters to the Canadian Vessel Traffic Service. Throughout our journey in Canada's Inside Passage, we were monitored by the Canadian Coast Guard. For two and a half days, we were required to call in our position when we passed designated landmarks. In the middle of the night, this connection was a welcome voice in the darkness and by day, the polite and courteous interaction made everything seem brighter, more alive. Because of this requirement, I became very familiar with every cove, point and lighthouse in Canada and now, these waters are my sentimental favorite.
Today, I found a journal entry that was submitted by the Spirit of Discovery as they navigated these waters last September. Now, as the fleet prepares for their southbound Gold Rush Inside Passage journey, I find myself restless, wishing that I were back in the wheelhouse speaking to that kind voice in the night, feeling the mist of early morning fog and the warmth of our sunny September days.
I hope that you enjoy this journal entry as much as I do:
Day 8: Northern British Columbia
This was a restful day! We began in Grenville Channel in fairly clear weather, and made our way around Princess Royal Island, looking for the elusive Kermode bear that we never did see. Helicopter logging was seen on Princess Royal Island and as we were commenting on how quick the process was a humpback came up and sounded right off our starboard side. We practiced some knots with our second mate up on the sundeck, as we pulled up to the abandoned cannery settlement of Butedale.
Day 9: Southern British Columbia
We spent the first part of the morning from Johnstone Strait to Discovery Passage, immersed in a fog bank. It wasn't until Seymour Narrows that the skies cleared up and we could see our surroundings. We passed through the Narrows in a pretty strong wind and once we were in the Strait of Georgia, we were in for it. Most of us came out of hiding once we entered Desolation Sound and we went in to Teakerne Arm to check out Cassle Lake Falls. The evening was spent on the sundeck as we read stories about Alaska.
Day 10: San Juan Islands and Friday Harbor
We awake with the whales!! Surrounded by L pod of the Southern residents—what a way to start the day! We stayed with the whales for a while and then went to check out Lime Kiln Light on the west side of San Juan Island. After a cruise through Roche Harbor, admiring the chapel by the sea “Our Lady of Good Voyage”. Next, we inspected Speiden Island for ungulates, those wonderful hoofed mammals that were left there to be part of “Safari Island”. We did a little gunkholing around the San Juan, admiring the Olympic Mountains and the state ferries and talking about the history of the area. After lunch, we made our stop at Friday Harbor, where most of us boarded the bus for the San Juan Island tour. The whale museum was a highlight, where we figured out which pod we encountered this morning. In the evening, some of the executives from the Seattle office joined us for the night and our evening slideshow.
Day 11: Seattle
A sunrise cruise through Elliot Bay to start our lovely day. We cruised through the Ballard locks and then disembarked, off to new adventures!
This post is part of our series, "My Hometown" These posts will feature the hometowns and local connections that our employees have with the ports that our small-ships visit. This week's post is submitted by Suzanne Holland, Payroll Specialist for Cruise West.
Q: What is your connection to Seattle?
A: I have lived in the Seattle, Puget Sound area since 1975, after coming from Yakima, WA. I was born and raised in Washington state and am very proud to say that I am from Seattle!
Q: Do you have a funny story or little known fact about Seattle you’d like to share? A: Seattle has been in the Top 5 for The Fittest City (according to Men's Fitness magazine). We have so many active things to in which to participate in the Seattle, Puget Sound area: bicycle trails, mountain biking trails, campgrounds, jogging trails, wonderful lakes in which to swim and boat, kayaking, roller blading, off-leash dog parks, just to name a few.
Q: What is your favorite time of year in Seattle and why? A:My favorite time of year is definitely spring and summer. All of the trees and flowers are in full bloom and it's almost always pleasant weather, not too hot, not too cold. There are so many things to do and see and so many people out and about enjoying the weather!
Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Seattle? A:Food: Well, not really food, but STARBUCKS definitely reminds me of home, whether I am in Chicago, San Francisco or New York, I always try and find a Starbucks coffee shop so I can get my Non-Fat Almond Mocha! Song: When I hear anything from the Pearl Jam, Ten album, it makes me think of Seattle.
Q: What is on your “must see” list for visitors to Seattle? A: Pike Place Market, Pacific Place mall, 6th and 7th Avenue shopping district, Nordstrom's Flagship Store, The Seattle Center, Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, the waterfront, The Space Needle, Lake Washington, a ferry ride to Bremerton, Snoqualmie Falls, and downtown Kirkland (I like playing chauffeur to guests from out of town!)
Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city? A:I LOVE the energy in the shopping district. There are a great mix of people in that area and Westlake is a fun place to sit, sip some Starbucks and people watch!
Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Seattle? A:I love the wonderful mountain biking trails we have in our area. They are some of the best in the world! I am so privileged to call this my hometown and am constantly in awe of nature being so close to a big city.
Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you’d recommend for visitors? A: While The Space Needle's Sky City has the BEST view in Seattle, I would definitely recommend visiting Cutter's Restaurant at the Northwest corner of Pike Place Market. They have a wonderful view of the water and great food.
Q: Anything else you'd like to add? A:If you have time, definitely take a trip out to the old town of Snoqualmie (a 15-20 minute drive from downtown Seattle) and visit Snoqualmie Falls. I PROMISE you will not be disappointed!
Seattle is the home port for our fleet and home to Cruise West's corporate offices. While our fleet travels the world, we do have the opportunity to serve as the host city in the Spring and Fall as our ships sail on our Goldrush Inside Passage and British Columbia voyages. If you'd like to learn more about Seattle, consider visiting the Seattle Convention & Visitor's Bureau website. And by all means, if you're in town, stop by and visit our offices. We're near the Space Needle, underneath the monorail tracks at 5th & Bell, right across from Teatro Zinzanni.
Next week, we'll explore Skagway, Alaska through the eyes of Product Manager, Karen Kuest.
My local grocery store is having a big seafood sale right now, with Alaska prawns readily available. I love shrimp & prawns, but am not very original when it comes to preparation. While I love to eat great food, I'm not much of a Chef. So, when I need to really dazzle a crowd, I turn to our Vessel Culinary Manager, Doug Kramer for advice. Doug is always happy to help me and is even happy to share advice with our guests. I've published his Shrimp Scampi recipe on our website. I hope that you enjoy the recipe. We do have a cookbook in the works, but if you have a favorite recipe that you enjoyed while onboard, just post your request in the comment section of this post and I'll be happy to publish it to our site. Bon Appétit!
With the latest news on tightened airport security, I thought it might be useful to share a few tips.
The Department of Homeland Security has published a lot of useful information on their website and I'm republishing some of it down below:
No liquids or gels of any kind will be permitted in carry on baggage. such items must be in checked baggage. This includes all beverages, shampoo, sun tan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency.
Exceptions: Baby formula and medicines*, which must be presented for inspection at the checkpoint. *Be sure that your medications are in the original, labeled pharmacy bottle and not in a pill minder.
Beverages purchased in the boarding area, beyond the checkpoint, must be consumed before boarding because they will not be permitted onboard the aircraft.
Passengers traveling from the United Kingdom to the United States will be subject to a more extensive screening process.
And now, a few helpful hints from me:
Get to the airport early, early, early.
Have your bags organized and ready to be searched.
Keep your tickets and ID in an area that is easy for you to locate.
Don't forget, TSA still expects you to take your shoes, jackets, belts when passing through security. Dress comfortably and sensibly for a smooth pass through.
All those liquid items that now must go in your carry-on luggage should be stored inside a plastic zip type bag. I've had more shampoo explode in my luggage than I care to remember!
Ladies: play it safe and pack your make-up in your checked luggage. You'd be heartbroken to throw out that favorite color that only works for you!
Pack your patience and your humor. Just think of all the great people-watching you'll get to do!
Many gift shops on the other side of security have stopped selling bottled liquids, so don't expect to be able to stock up these items once through security.
If you forget all of these tips and have to throw out your personal items, you'll find shampoo, conditioner and soap inside your cabin onboard the ship.
And finally, don't forget why you are traveling. You are headed on the trip of a lifetime and this little inconvenience will all be worth it when you receive your first of many warm, welcoming smiles and a hearty "Welcome Aboard" from our crew.
And as we sailors like to say, "Fair Winds and Following Seas."
This post is part of our series, "My Hometown." These posts will feature the hometowns and local connections that our employees have with the ports that our small-ships visit. This week's post is submitted by Elena Lassal, our ship's agent in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Russia.
Q: What is your connection to Petropavlovsk? A: I was born in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy and live here all my life.
Q: Do you have a funny story or little known fact about Petropavlovsk you'd like to share? A: It is interesting (to my mind) that inside our town there is a seal rookery (in winter time, as in summer they go to Japan). Several years ago it was a fish plant, now it doesn't work. I live about 2 km within that rookery and at night, when it is calm in the street, I can hear the roar of seals. It's really cool.
Q: What is your favorite time of year in Petropavlovsk and why? A: Summer, because we have little sun and warm here. Winter lasts about 8 months. As the first snow falls in October and melts in May. Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Petropavlovsk?
A: King Salmon, red caviar, Kamchatka crab and Kamchatka beer are visit card of Petro. Yes, there is one nice song that in Kamchatka the weather is bad for half a year. Q: What is on your "must see" list for visitors to Petropavlovsk? A: The valley of geysers, volcanoes, Nalicheva valley, beautiful nature - in Kamchatka. But in the town - several nice monuments (to St. Peter and Paul, Vitus Bering (founder of Petro), Chapel,etc); Orthodox church; Local Lore and Military Museums, view point.
Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city? A: Yes, view point, city beach, the Hill of Love (favorite place for young couples)
Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Petropavlovsk? A: Mountain biking, diving, walking in summer and cross-country and down-hill skiing, snowboarding in winter.
Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you'd recommend for visitors? A: "Russkaya gornitsa" (in Russian style), "Vechera na hutore" (in Ukrainian style).
Q: Anything else you'd like to add? A: Citizens of Petro prefer to spend their summer holidays outside, making shishkobab, sunbathing, swimming in warm lakes, picking mushrooms and berries. I also like to go to the ocean to watch beautiful waves and killer-whales or make round the Avacha bay tours.
Next week, we'll be on the other side of the Pacific, exploring Seattle, WA through the eyes of the most important person in our company, Susan Holland, Payroll Coordinator.
We are pleased to share with you a recorded narration from Cruise West Exploration Leader Peter Rumm. Peter has spent many summers in Alaska and by far, his most enjoyable was spent exploring the waters of the Inside Passage on our Wilderness Inside Passage cruise.
To hear the recording, simply press the play button on the far left or, download the mp3 file to your iPod and enjoy at your leisure.
This post is part of our series, "My Hometown" These posts will feature the hometowns and local connections that our employees have with the ports that our small-ships visit. This week's post is submitted by Josef Boyar, Chief Engineer aboard the Spirit of Endeavour. Meet Josef: My name is Josef Boyar and I am the Chief Engineer on the Spirit of Endeavour. I have been with Cruise West for seven years. During this time I have had the opportunity to sail on most of our itineraries in Alaska, British Columbia, The Columbia and Snake Rivers, California wine country, and Mexico’s Sea of Cortés.
Born a Mariner: I was born and raised in Seattle Washington on the tall ship Schooner Zodiac. She is a 124-foot topsail Schooner built in 1924. As a child I sailed through the waters of the San Juan Islands. You could say that I have been in the passenger ship industry my whole life.
Love on the High Seas: In 2004 I had the opportunity to sail in Mexico on the Spirit of Endeavour. This would forever change my life. I met my now wife and have moved to Loreto.
Home on Dry Land: Loreto is a small town in Baja California South on the Sea of Cortés and is one of the port calls for Cruise West. There is so much history in Loreto. From the oldest mission in the California’s, to the indigenes people that lived there. There are lots of things to see in Loreto if you chose to visit. The mission of Loreto built in 1697 by the Jesuit Priests. The beautiful mountain mission of San Javier, which was the second mission of the California’s and overlooks Loreto and the Sea of Cortez. Sport fishing is a major attraction in Loreto all year long. The gray whales of Magdalena Bay on the Pacific side are a must during the months of February and March.
I have lived here in Loreto for two years now and I can say that is my favorite place that Cruise West travels to.
Guests aboard the December 7, 2005 Gems of Costa Rica cruise on the Pacific Explorer were delighted with the presence of former President of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Carazo Odio and his wife, Estrella Carazo.
Their Gems of Costa Rica cruise 8-day itinerary traveled across the western coast of the country, visiting wildlife refuges, and tropical isles along the way.
Said Carazo, “Our trip with Cruise West was excellent, with superb service and attention from the crew. Costa Rica is always beautiful and just as impressive from the ocean.”
What an honor it was to have President Carazo sail with us. We believe that all of our Quyana members deserve the presidential treatment and plan to honor them regularly in our Monday blog post. Check back often to meet more our extraordinary guests.
This post is the first in our new series, "My Hometown" These posts will feature the hometowns and local connections that our employees have with the ports that our small-ships visit. This week's post is submitted by Leigh Strinsky, former Captain & now Manager of Online Initiatives.
Q: What is your connection to Charleston, S.C.? A: My brother & his family live in Charleston and many years ago, I lived there for a summer. I come from a family of boaters, so long before my brother moved to Charleston, we would spend long weekends on the waterways in and around Charleston..
Q: What is your favorite time of year in Charleston & why? A: I love spring. The azaleas are in full bloom, the weather is just about perfect. Low humidity, sunny days, light breezes.
Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Charleston? A: Boiled Peanuts! If you’ve never tried them, you have to find a roadside stand and buy a bag. Another food that comes to mind is Hoppin’ John (black-eyed peas & rice), which is a classic recipe for this area, although I must admit, I limit my consumption to New Year’s Day. (Southerner’s eat black-eyed peas and collard greens on New Year’s Day to bring luck.)
Q: What is on your “must see” list for visitors to Charleston? A: The list is pretty long, but at the top of the list, is the Market, followed by a walk along The Battery. Other great experiences including taking a carriage tour or renting a bicycle carriage. Charleston is a city that with a buzz, night & day, so, take time to walk around downtown in the evening as well.
Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Charleston? A: I love to people watch. I especially love to watch the “basket ladies” at the market. They are very talented and entertaining. Many of them still speak Gullah, so it’s very interesting to watch and listen.
Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city? A: I love downtown. It is very pedestrian friendly. Shopping is amazing and of course, the beautiful architecture, fantastic restaurants and people watching could keep anyone busy for days.
Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you’d recommend for visitors? A: That’s a tough question, because there are so many amazing restaurants in Charleston. World class, really. But, my favorite place for “roll up your sleeves” seafood is Hyman’s Seafood. My picks include the Soft-shell Crab Sandwich, Oyster Po-Boy or She-Crab Soup. Plus, they serve up complimentary boiled peanuts! Pure Heaven!
Last week, I discovered a blog post from Nunivak Island, entitled "First Cruise Ship of the Year" that chronicled the arrival of the Spirit of Oceanus and our guests, who were on our Voyage to the Bering Sea cruise. What was amazing to me, was that the ship arrived in the morning and by that evening, the post was live on their blog, complete with video.
To understand what a great find blog site is, you need to know that Nunivak Island is part Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge and the second largest island in the Bering Sea and hundreds of miles from the modern conveniences that most of us take for granted. There are only about 200 residents on the island.
Being a semi-geek, I was obsessed with figuring out how they managed:
1) To have internet connection
2) To maintain a blog so rich in content
3) To go beyond the basics of blogging and embed video, slides and other forms of media on their site
Martin Leonard, author of the post, is a faculty member at the Summer Science Field and Research Incentive Program for High School Science and Technology Students in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta. This program is sponsored by the UAF- University of Alaska-Fairbanks and their goal is to expose their students to "both the principles of Western Ecology and to Native Ways of Knowing" and is mainly open to top performing high school students that reside within the Yukon Delta who plan to attend the University of Alaska. The students pay only nominal expenses, with the funding coming from a variety of sources. There are also many sponsors, including a satellite communications company.
I love that their site is so rich in content. From historical slide shows, video clips of rare birds, to simply notes posted for friends & family - the site is an enjoyable read. Really, it is the next best thing to being there! I'm sure that our guests came away from their experience on Nunivak Island with a true appreciation for the work of these students and a deep admiration for their commitment to their culture and the environment.
Thanks, Martin, for blogging about us and for sharing your program with the world!
Who counted the number of bubbles in a bottle of Champagne?
1. In the Middle Ages, wine was used as currency. 2. There was a time when wine was frequently prescribed in the treatment of bronchitis and influenza. 3. It takes over 40 years before a Cork Oak produces cork suitable to use for wine stoppers. 4. There are approximately 50 million bubbles in a bottle of Champagne. 5. The pressure in a Champagne bottle is about 90 pounds per square inch about three times that in a car tire. 6. The longest recorded Champagne cork flight was 177 feet and 9 inches. 7. It takes about 600 to 800 grapes to produce a bottle of wine. 8. A healthy grapevine can produce about five bottles of wine per harvest. 9. Tannins come from contact with grape skins during fermentation, and also from oak aging. 10. Whereas time improves many red wines, it ruins most white wines. 11. Red wines usually become lighter in color as they age. 12. A purple tint at the edge of a red wine may indicate youth, while orange to brown indicates maturity. 13. "Good legs" (the teardrops that form when you swish a glass), may indicate a thicker body and a higher alcohol content and/or sweetness.
Mark Belanger, culinary trivia buff (check out his Nanaimo Bar post) is also the Technology Program Manager for Cruise West - which means that anytime you see Cruise West represented out on the web or through email, Mark was in some way involved. From time to time, he'll be unraveling the mysteries of the internet (and other assorted trivial facts about our cruises).
Of course, the best way to learn about the art of wine making is aboard one of our California Wine Country cruises!
After sailing from Diomede our next stop was Provideniya and Novoye Chaplino on Russia’s Chukotka Peninsula. Built during the height of the Cold War era, Provideniya was everything I ever imagined a communist city would look like. We sailed in under foggy conditions to what appeared to be a ghost town of cold concrete buildings lacking any frivolity in design or color. The city seemed so neglected with buildings in total disrepair and long forgotten by the far off government. They have a great little regional museum though. Our tour culminated at the Performing Arts Center, to be entertained by the children of Provideniya. To me it was as if all the color had been sucked out of the town and had been concentrated in the regional costumes the children were wearing, with brilliant plumage, rosy red cheeks and shy smiles they sang and danced for us.
We departed Provideniya in our transport vehicles to travel across the very bumpy tundra towards the Yupik village of Novoye Chaplino just a few miles away. I don’t believe these vehicles had shocks and sitting in the back seat I swear that my kidneys ended up somewhere near my ears! As we traveled north the weather began to improve and sun came out for a beautiful afternoon. A photo stop provided the opportunity to walk up a hillside for a shot of the sweeping mountains and tundra that greeted the chilly arctic waters. Looking down at the ground there was beauty in the starkness dotted by tiny flowers of heather and dwarf azaleas. The villagers greeted us and showed us around town. Drifting on the wind was a slightly putrid smell and I saw many a nose wiggle. We soon saw the source lying on the beach, the remains of a whale carcass that had been killed by the villagers in April. Whew!
As we were making our way back to the school gym we heard a rumbling sound getting louder and louder. I turned to see a Russian tank making its way into the center of town. I think we were all a little shell-shocked at first, thinking uh oh, what did we do? What will we do? We are in Russia, how do we get out of this situation? You could have heard a pin drop we were all so quiet and then a sigh of relief when it was explained to us that the two not so friendly looking occupants just wanted to get a look at us. We were as much a curiosity to them as they were to us! One of the guests, eleven-year-old Kevin was a huge military buff and his dad asked our guide if they could look at the tank close up. After translating a few of us were invited to climb aboard to look around. The next thing we knew we felt the gears shift and we were tearing across the tundra on the top of a Russian tank! The rush of adrenalin had our hearts beating fast as we crossed creeks and permafrost on our ride it was exhilarating if not a little bit terrifying. I was sitting next to Cruise West President and CEO Jeff Krida and we kept looking at each other and asking can you believe this? When we came to a stop we all slid off the tank wearing perma-grins and still reeling.
Our day was winding to end, but not before the community came together to dance for us, and show off the strength challenges they compete in at the annual Eskimo Olympics. We were welcomed with tea, cookies and traditional subsistence foods to sample. I was brave enough to taste the boiled walrus meat and native plants, but I just couldn’t stomach the raw sea urchin! I have been forever changed for having traveled to these communities and interacting with the people who live there and I am thankful for the chance to make a childhood dream a reality.
Karen Kuest is one of our Product Managers for the US Fleet. She manages several our of West Coast itineraries, so if you've traveled with us to Alaska, British Columbia, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Karen ultimately planned your trip. Karen got her start in the travel business behind the wheel of a motorcoach in Alaska. A woman of many talents, Karen can change a tire, route a ship or narrate on the migratory patterns of the tufted puffin with the best of them!
Friday I visited the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco. I had prearranged to meet my contact for the past year, Mark Heritage. The building, which is the old telephone company building, is clean and swept-up, but tightly secured so we had to ring a bell to be let in. We received a tour of the women's/children's shelter and the store rooms of donated clothes and supplies. We met the children you see in the first picture who, in this case, have been staying at the shelter. All the migrant workers staying there had their children out in the fields with them that day. The second picture shows the playroom for the children and the third picture shows some of the donations the workers can take from. There are three woman from a local church who have come every week to sort donations for the past 10 years. If donations come in dirty they take them home and launder them.
We learned that the majority of the migrant families are either Hispanic or Russian, with the Russian families having many children - up to 18! They come to the mission to get clothes, personal hygiene supplies and to take a shower. During the school year, they drop their kids off there to eat and shower and a bus picks them up and transports them to school.
A little background, Chris Tomsen is a retired Army Major and still uses a lot of military lingo. There was a forest fire between Fairbanks and Denali National Park that shut down the highway. We were able to work with one of our vendors, Alaska Timberline Aviation, and it's Owner/Pilot, Roger Fischer, to air-vac our 8 guests around the fire and into Denali. This is a GREAT testament to what we, at Cruise West can do to make the guest experience a great one in less than ideal circumstances. Chris & Ed did a FANTASTIC job! C hris had one guest who was very nervous about flying in such a small plane so he gave her his Audubon Society Ptarmigan with accurate bird call when squeezed, hence TEAM PTARMIGAN!
My eight guests (Team Ptarmigan) told me that Cruise West should use them for positive testimonials for their great adventure experience with the "Nenana Fire Jump" with Roger at Timberline Aviation (maybe we should make some Nenana Fire Jumper shirts?). They were totally impressed with the speed Cruise West organized a plan to bypass the Nenana fire blockade (less than an hour).
When you conveyed the message that we could "go airborne" we rolled the bus back up to the roadblock and quickly passed through. Since the fire line was about six miles down the road (a state trooper had blocked us previously at mile 298) and we only needed to go a mile to the municipal airfield, I was able to persuade the NCO manning the roadblock to let us slip through (Ed thought my 'Ranger Assn-Life' card might help). We left three fully loaded Princess tour busses sitting behind the barricade watching us drive on! At the airfield, it only took 6 minutes for the team of 8 guests to reconfigure, select critical items. Roger was right on time with his High Wing JetProp - like Sky King to the rescue, coming down skirting the column of smoke from the 12 mile long fire. In less than 10 minutes the guests (Team Ptarmigan) were airborne, jumping the fire and flying into the Alaska Range to Denali (Healy airstrip). It was only an 18 minute flight for us, but an impenetrable wall for 99% of tourists in campers, busses waiting on the fire.
In June of 2003, I was back in the Bering Sea this time sailing from Nome to Anchorage. Again, I was going to be visiting places that just boggled my mind. I grew up towards the end of the Cold War era and I remember the abject terror that was struck into every Americans mind of the thought of a nuclear war. Growing up on the west coast of Washington State I was aware of the fact that geographically there are only a few miles separating the United States from Russia and that there were listening devices and missiles pointed at us just waiting for the signal. Mine was part of the collective sigh of relief when Gorbachev came to power and we saw the melting of the Cold War fear. Now I was going to be there.
There being Little Diomede, whose inhabitants saw their families divided when the Iron Curtain, or the Ice Curtain as it was referred to in the north, went up along the international border and International Date Line that runs between US owned Little Diomede and Russian owned Big Diomede. Families that had previously been able to cross the two miles of ocean separating the two islands and countries were now irrevocably divided by politics. Eventually the residents of Big Diomede were removed from the island and relocated to the Russian mainland. We arrived on a cloudy day to see this little village perched precariously on the side of a very rocky little island. We were met by grown adults who were to be our tour guides but were soon usurped by some precocious 12 year olds who were anxious to tell us about life on the island. They led us up a rocky incline to show us where they gather Murre eggs and how they have to be on the lookout for arctic fox that get on island during the winter and will steal the eggs that part of the staple diet of the Inupiat. Polar bears that travel on the sea ice that closes in around Diomede in the winter are a also a danger. We saw the evidence of their existence in the drying hides and freshly cleaned skulls lying
videos 
booked guests 
Petersburg, Alaska also known as “Little Norway,” is a favorite port among our guests. That’s why when the “Our Bear Cares” team went looking for ways to give back to the areas we travel we were pleased to support the 
Q: What is your connection to Anchorage, AK? 
Q: What is your connection to Fairbanks? 
Q: What is on your “must see” list for visitors to Fairbanks? 
Earlier this summer a devastating fire caused severe damage to the Hooper Bay community of Southwest Alaska. The fire destroyed a school complex, 14 homes, 14 acres and several other structures of this Yupik Eskimo village. 
Q: What is your connection to Ketchikan? 
is ripe in two colors- bright red and bright orange. In the case of bright orange they look a lot like caviar. There is a bird called the Swainson's Thrush that has a particular fondness for these berries. The 
Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city? 
Q: What is your connection to San Francisco? 
I have to admit it, I'm a picky blog reader. I spend a lot of time looking for fun blogs, that might relate to our cruises. I do this, because I think that the way you really learn about a place is through the people who live there. Local voices are much more interesting than paid fluff meant to sell on a visitor's bureau website. Problem is, there are very few really good blogs about the destinations that we visit. Well, today, I found a really fun blog called 
Q: What is your connection to Washington, D.C? 
Q: What is on your “must see” list for visitors to Washington, D.C.? 
Avenue behind the Washington Hilton. It is eclectic and international with restaurants and residents of every ethnicity spewed between residential row houses, florists, bookstores and markets. It is a colorful, tasty and alive place. 
Q: What is your connection to Juneau? 
Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city? 
Q: What is your connection to Skagway, Alaska?
Sylvia Ryder has been cruising with Cruise West since the 1950s when she met Chuck West on a July 4th Alaska cruise he was running. She’s been a Cruise West fan ever since. Now 98, Sylvia has cruised with us at least six times. She and her daughter, Barbara, “Bobbie” Stoermer, have voyaged 
For three years, I sailed aboard the 
Q: What is your connection to Seattle?
see and so many people out and about enjoying the weather! 
Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city? 
My local grocery store is having a big seafood sale right now, with Alaska prawns readily available. I love shrimp & prawns, but am not very original when it comes to preparation. While I love to eat great food, I'm not much of a Chef. So, when I need to really dazzle a crowd, I turn to our Vessel Culinary Manager, Doug Kramer for advice. Doug is always happy to help me and is even happy to share advice with our guests. I've published his 
Q: What is your connection to Petropavlovsk? 
Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you'd recommend for visitors? 
Meet Josef:
Love on the High Seas:
port calls for Cruise West. There is so much history in Loreto. From the oldest mission in the California’s, to the indigenes people that lived there. There are lots of things to see in Loreto if you chose to visit. The mission of Loreto built in 1697 by the Jesuit Priests. The beautiful mountain mission of San Javier, which was the second mission of the California’s and overlooks Loreto and the Sea of Cortez. Sport fishing is a major attraction in Loreto all year long. The gray whales of Magdalena Bay on the Pacific side are a must during the months of February and March. 
Guests aboard the December 7, 2005 
Q: What is your connection to Charleston, S.C.? 
Q: What is on your “must see” list for visitors to Charleston? 
architecture, fantastic restaurants and people watching could keep anyone busy for days. 
Last week, I discovered a blog post from Nunivak Island, entitled 
Who counted the number of bubbles in a bottle of Champagne? 
After sailing from Diomede our next stop was Provideniya and Novoye Chaplino on Russia’s Chukotka Peninsula. Built during the height of the Cold War era, Provideniya was everything I ever imagined a communist city would look like. We sailed in under foggy conditions to what appeared to be a ghost town of cold concrete buildings lacking any frivolity in design or color. The city seemed so neglected with buildings in total disrepair and long forgotten by the far off government. They have a great little regional museum though. Our tour culminated at the Performing Arts Center, to be entertained by the children of Provideniya. To me it was as if all the color had been sucked out of the town and had been concentrated in the regional costumes the children were wearing, with brilliant plumage, rosy red cheeks and shy smiles they sang and danced for us. 
Friday I visited the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco. I had prearranged to meet my contact for the past year, Mark Heritage. The building, which is the old telephone company building, is clean and swept-up, but tightly secured so we had to ring a bell to be let in. We received a tour of the women's/children's shelter and the store rooms of donated clothes and supplies. We met the children you see in the first picture who, in this case, have been staying at the shelter. All the migrant workers staying there had their children out in the fields with them that day. The second picture shows the playroom for the children and the third picture shows some of the donations the workers can 
take from. There are three woman from a local church who have come every week to sort donations for the past 10 years. If donations come in dirty they take them home and launder them. 
My eight guests (Team Ptarmigan) told me that Cruise West should use them for positive testimonials for their great adventure experience with the "Nenana Fire Jump" with Roger at 
In June of 2003, I was back in the Bering Sea this time sailing from Nome to Anchorage. Again, I was going to be visiting places that just boggled my mind. I grew up towards the end of the Cold War era and I remember the abject terror that was struck into every Americans mind of the thought of a nuclear war. Growing up on the west coast of Washington State I was aware of the fact that geographically there are only a few miles separating the United States from Russia and that there were listening devices and missiles pointed at us just waiting for the signal. Mine was part of the collective sigh of relief when Gorbachev came to power and we saw the melting of the Cold War fear. Now I was going to be there.