Well, this year hasn’t been the greatest return to travel that we all had hoped. Who knew that our favorite place to travel would be threatened by war? Even though I know that Western Europe isn’t directly threatened by Russia, the war still impacts the area in other ways. The uncertainty has caused many of us to look elsewhere for our adventure – I mean, we are still itching to go somewhere, right? It’s been way too long, and I am ready to go go go…….
So, where to? What are the options? Do you want to go where everyone else is heading, or are you ready for an original adventure?
Recent travel surveys so far this year show an uptick in travel to Scandinavia, Central America, and Canada. There are plenty of adventures to be had in those locations, to be sure. However, I have decided to look into options that aren’t as popular. All inclusive Resorts? African Safari? New Zealand? Thailand? So many places to choose from!
I recently decided to look into cruising options and boy, I had NO IDEA. There are so many, it’s quite overwhelming. Question for you: If you have never been on a cruise, what is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “cruise”?
Me?- well, my first thought is huge, overwhelming, oversized ships with tons of children going crazy over the water park/roller coaster…..or other circus-type experience….and not to mention Petrie dish, right? <shudder>
However, my travel agent colleagues keep telling me that cruise line companies aren’t all the same – that I should do some research and see what other cruise options are available…..and also, the industry has really kept on top of the pandemic sitch and became the forerunners in establishing protocols (before the rest of the hospitality industry). Guess what else I have discovered?
There are smaller ships, there are yachts, there are river cruises, there are “excursions,” and even National Geographic has it’s own cruise adventures. I also realized that plenty of them are more “adult friendly” and less “middle school birthday party!”
Come to think of it, I actually DID go on a river cruise back in 1995 while I was stationed in Germany. It was an evening wine-tasting cruise with my Army unit along the Rhine River. And it was so much fun! I wish I paid more attention to the cruise line, but ah, well. It’s hard to even imagine that it was almost 30 years ago! (Wait- imagine, or admit?)
In the beginning of my research early last month, the size of the “Princess” and “Carnival” ships are what intimidated me, but now all of the other available cruise options are blowing my mind! AND THEN THE MOST AMAZING OPPORTUNITY FELL IN MY LAP!
Holland America Lines offered up a familiarization cruise to Travel Agents this August for a 7 day trip from Vancouver B.C. to Glacier Bay, Alaska!
SCORE!
I am going on my first-ever cruise with Barry (it’s his first cruise too) and I will be blogging the whole adventure on Instagram. I am so excited! Join me on Instagram @tevas_travelntours where I will be posting more information about Holland America as I do a deep dive into the company history and it’s operations. I am loving what I have found out so far!
Let’s go cruising! I can’t wait to share the adventure with you!
I could not resist commenting. Exceptionally well written!
I appreciate it, thank you!