Doreen Pendgracs
... Wizard of Words...
Box 163 Matlock, MB
CANADA - R0C 2B0
phone: (204) 389-4177
pendor@mts.net

www.wizardofwords.net

Travel Samples:

RELUCTANT CRUISERS NO MORE©
(article originally appeared on the www.travelwithachallenge.com web site)

My husband, Reg, and I had always avoided cruises like the plague. We just weren’t attracted to the idea of having to dress up on a floating Las Vegas-style hotel complete with casinos and glitzy floor shows. Luckily, a friend introduced us to World Explorer Cruises (WEC) – whose motto speaks for itself – “Adventures for the heart, mind, and soul.” Or equally apt, the motto of the onboard fitness program –  “Sound mind, sound body.” 

The WEC cruise was all that. Because of the informal nature of the cruise, both staff and fellow passengers were always smiling and approachable. The warmth was evident the moment we stepped onboard the S.S. Universe Explorer, truly making our hearts glow with enthusiasm. There were no formal airs to deal with. No one felt self-conscience about being alone as everyone was so warm and friendly.

For the mind, WEC boasts the world’s largest floating library, with more than 16,000 interesting volumes to keep any discerning reader happy. That beats a casino in my books anytime. The library’s cozily upholstered lounge is a welcome place to nestle in and read while looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the spectacular scenery floating by. And to partner with the learning theme, a team of experts educated us in the past and present history, geology, biology, and anthropology of this unique part of Alaska -- only accessible by air and sea.

To satisfy the soul, what could be better than getting in touch with nature in ‘America’s Last Frontier?’  Yes, we were off on a 14-night voyage through Alaska’s Inside Passage where we were guaranteed to see an abundance of wildlife and natural wonders. And WEC’s relaxed schedule allowed for gleefully long hours ashore at each port of call. After dark -- when we were all safely back aboard ship – a terrific assortment of classical and cultural entertainment provided something to inspire everyone.

Be warned that World Explorer Cruises is not for those seeking luxury and elaborate accommodations. The cabins are quite basic, but cleanliness is key with the crew and you’ll always find them cleaning, whether it be your cabin, in the public areas, or out in the corridors.

The onboard food was quite good and a salmon lover’s paradise, with abundance and variety to please any palate. Partaking in the onboard fitness program seemed the least we could do to ensure that it was our minds – and not our waistlines – that were expanding! So reluctant cruisers we are no more. World Explorer Cruises gave us the opportunity to learn while being pampered. What more could you ask for from a vacation?

Highlights of our 14-night sailing:

• We set sail from the beautiful city of Vancouver, British Columbia. It’s great to spend a couple of days (for a pre or post cruise visit) as Vancouver’s dynamic nature has something new to offer each time we visit.
• Our first Alaskan stop was the tiny city of Ketchikan, although on some voyages, the itinerary is reversed and Ketchikan becomes your last stop. We used our day in Ketchikan to shop, so that we could quickly cross everyone off our list.  We were told this was a good thing, as Ketchikan boasts some of the most reasonable prices along the Inside Passage and offers an extensive assortment of souvenirs.
• Our next port of call was Juneau -- Alaska’s capital -- and the largest city we would be visiting.  A float plane trip to the Taku Glacier Lodge -- where we shared our fantastic king salmon steaks with the resident black bears -- was unforgettable for the experience, the view, and the quality of the food. And Juneau comes alive at night.  Dropping into the legendary Red Dog Saloon for a beer and a friendly sing-along made us feel as though we’d stepped back in time.
• The next port we visited was Skagway, with its unique connection to the Klondike Gold Rush. We rode the White Pass & Yukon Route historic railway.  Besides being an  engineering marvel, the unending vistas were spectacular enough to inspire and excite anyone. And of course we made time to visit the equally legendary Red Onion Saloon, smiling at tales of its colorful past as a full-service bordello... page 2.

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