Carl's Cruise Capers and Travel Tips

Rangiroa, Tuomotu Islands

2011-02-22T19:55:00.000-08:00

Moorea, The Society Islands

2011-02-22T19:52:00.000-08:00

This was my second visit to Moorea in just four months. This area of the world is perhaps my favorite place on Earth.

View from the Belvedere (Viewing Point)

Sofitel Resort, Moorea

Moorea Pearl Resort

Scenes from Six Straight Days at Sea

2011-02-22T19:45:00.000-08:00

Flying Fish

Silver Spirit from Silversea Cruises

2011-02-22T19:43:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate enough to sail on the first segment of the 2011 World Cruise aboard Silversea's Silver Spirit. Silversea is one of the two top cruise lines in the world and is all-inclusive...gratuities, wine with dinner and spirits are included. We sailed from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti. Not only was it my first world cruise segment, it was the first time I had been at sea for six consecutive days. Other blog posts before and after this one show photos of our days at sea and the islands we visited.

Tahuata, Marquesas Islands

2011-02-22T19:38:00.000-08:00

Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands

2011-02-22T19:33:00.000-08:00

The NEW Oceania Marina

2011-02-12T20:35:00.000-08:00

The Miami Skyline and the Sailaway enroute to the Bahamas

2011-02-12T20:34:00.000-08:00

Yes, on one photo, that IS the moon over Miami!

The Christening and Inaugural Ceremonies

2011-02-12T20:32:00.000-08:00

Photos of the Inauguration and Christening Event for the new Oceania Marina. I was fortunate to be one of only about 1,000 to be invited to the festivities. Only a portion of the invitation list were travel agency owners.

I was especially honored to be among those chosen. I have been booking Oceania Cruises since they opened their doors and I lead many groups on the Oceania ships. I now have sailed on all four of their vessels.

Pictured in these photos are Frank Del Rio, chairman

and CEO; Bob Binder, president; Mary Hart, godmother. Also shown are the captain of the vessel and some of his crew who look on from the ship above the ceremony. It was a great event.

The Christening

2011-02-12T20:23:00.000-08:00

Here are a few photos of the actual christening event. Pictured is the champagne bottle before the ceremony...the bottle just before it hit the hull of the Marina...and the moment the bottle burst to christen the Marina.

Suites aboard the Oceania Marina

2011-02-12T20:15:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few of the photos from the interiors of the suites and balcony cabins on board. The new Marina has four Owner's Suites which each span the entire width of the vessel from port to starboard on four different decks.

Godmother of the Marina

2011-02-12T20:12:00.000-08:00

Entertainment Tonight's Mary Hart was selected as the godmother for the new Oceania Marina.

Photos of the Exterior Decks on the New Marina

2011-02-12T20:10:00.000-08:00

These are a few of the exterior shots I took aboard the brand new Marina from Oceania Cruises.

Public Rooms on the New Oceania Marina

2011-02-12T20:07:00.000-08:00

Pictured are some of the public rooms on the new Oceania Marina. Included are the Computer Room, the Library, the Spa, the Grand Staircase, the Casino and many more locales on the ship.

Dining Venues on the New Marina

2011-02-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

The new Marina from Oceania Cruises has many restaurants. These photos show just a few of the dining venues including the Grand Dining Room, The Polo Grill and Red Ginger. Chef Jaque Pepin has his first restaurant at sea on the Marina as well.

Bora Bora Sites

2010-10-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

As we left Bora Bora we were bid farewell by a great sunset and incredible rainbow.

Private Motu at Bora Bora

2010-10-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

Most of those in the findacruisedeal.com group spent the second day at Bora Bora on a private motu (island). There we enjoyed great snorkeling, crystal clear waters and perfect weather.

Ensemble Experience in Bora Bora

2010-10-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken during our Ensemble Experience private shore excursion. About half of the group were clients of findacruisedeal.com

More from Bora Bora

2010-10-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

More from Bora Bora

2010-10-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

More Photos from Bora Bora

2010-10-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

Private Bridge Tour

2010-10-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

I was able to arrange a private bridge tour for my findacruisedeal.com clients as we left Taha'a. Everyone seemed very pleased that we got this special activity. Before we went into the bridge and met the captain, we took a group photo. This was a really great group of clients...and a great trip on the Paul Gauguin.

Private Motu Beach Party

2010-10-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

Paul Gauguin Cruises threw a beach party for all passengers on a private motu (island) near Taha'a. It was a great day...yours truly spent almost the whole day in the water snorkeling.

Sail In and Sail Out from Taha'a

2010-10-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

Our day in Taha'a was perhaps everyone's favorite. Beautiful scenery as we sailed in and sailed out of the atoll to the lagoor surrounding Taha'a and Raiatea.

The Paul Gauguin

2010-10-07T12:36:00.001-07:00

Here are a few photos of our ship, the Paul Gauguin. Only 320 passengers. Small ship cruising at its best!

Rangiroa--Days 4 and 5

2010-10-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

We had two days a Rangiroa...lots of snorkeling. Saw sharks, eels, rays and many, many fish. Happy Birthday to clients Nancy and Linda!

More from Rangiroa

2010-10-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

Huahine--Stop #2

2010-10-05T19:45:00.001-07:00

This entry and the next two show a few photos from the second stop on our cruise...Huahine.

More from Huahine

2010-10-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

More from Huahine

2010-10-05T19:40:00.001-07:00

Tahiti Trip Day Two -- Raiatea

2010-10-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

We arrived yesterday in Papeete to board the Paul Gauguin for a 10-night cruise. I have 20 of my own clients plus I am host for 20 clients of other travel agencies. In this first entry are a few photos from our first evening and our first day of the trip where we visited the island of Raiatea. Great start to the trip. Snorkeling off Taha'a.

The over-the-water bungalow pictured is the one I stayed in on a previous trip to Tahiti. Beautiful resort!

Red Rocks of Sedona

2010-09-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

While I love traveling the seven continents, I am always in awe at the incredible scenery we have right here in the United States. Here are a few photos of the red rocks surrounding Sedona, Arizona.

Final Morning Walk in Hawaii

2010-09-04T15:06:00.000-07:00

On my final morning I took a walk up the ridge of the crater that cradles Hanauma Bay. On one side of the ridge there is a view of the back of Diamondhead on the other side of the ridge is Hanauma Bay. Great walk.

While on my walk I was able to think about how lucky I am to have SO many great friends....this was not a "stay in the hotel and lay on the beach" trip. It was a time of visiting with close friends and enjoying their hospitality. It was also a week to reflect on the loss of two friends who passed away while I was gone.

To the Beal/Peck and Hattingh families, I send my thoughts and prayers as I return home.

Aloha Hawaii...until next time.

USC vs. University of Hawaii

2010-09-04T01:31:00.000-07:00

The day of the big game. Everyone expected USC to dominate the game but the Warriors gave the Trojans a lot of trouble. In the end, however, USC was victorious.

Prior to the game we had a tailgate. There is not a lot of grass near Aloha Stadium so we had to settle for the parking lot. We found a nice shady tree and had a great meal.

As we entered the game a huge rainbow was overhead. It was a great day.

USC Rally in Waikiki

2010-09-04T01:17:00.000-07:00

In the top photo you can see the view from the place where I'm staying. It looks at the backside of Diamondhead.

Also pictured are some photos of the USC rally the night before the USC/University of Hawaii game. The rally was held at the Royal Hawaiian on the beach of Waikiki.

One photo is taken with my friend Sandy and another with Pat Haden...quarterback when I was at USC and now the athletic director.

Arrival on Oahu

2010-09-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

While it was tough to say farewell to Kauai, I didn't head home from there. I headed to Oahu for a few days. I was greeted at the airport by my great friend, Sandy. We went to lunch in Waikiki. Here is a photo we took at lunch that day. My great trip to the islands continued.

Private Kauai Resort

2010-09-02T14:46:00.000-07:00

These are three photos taken on my friend's property near Kilauea, Kauai. Through my agency you can rent this property. It is on ten acres which have, among other things, a private lake, a three-bedroom home a one-hole golf course and acres of native plants.

For those with larger groups, nearby cottages can also be rented. The Kilauea beaches that I have shown in other entries of this trip are nearby and the owners can let renters know where each of them are. Please contact us at findacruisedeal.com for more information.

St. Regis Princeville

2010-09-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

My third and fourth nights were spent at the luxurious St. Regis Princeville Resort on Kauai. A few photos of this property are shown here. I book a lot of Hawaii trips through findacruisedeal.com so it is good for me to stay in various resorts so I can provide feedback and advice for my clients. Let me know if I can help you with a Hawaii or other land-based vacation!

Princeville and Kilauea

2010-09-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

The top photo shows one of the great sunsets from my resort in Princeville. The person pictured with me in another photo is a fraternity brother (go Beta!) from USC. He graduated before me but I have since gotten to know him through alumni events. He gave me a tour of some of the beaches in the Kilauea area of Kauai. Most beaches are hidden so only locals know about them. Incredible places to go and get away from the crowds. Steve owns a 10-acre property which I will show in other posts.

Great time with friends

2010-09-02T13:56:00.000-07:00

On my way between Lawai and my next stop I stopped and had lunch in Kapaa with some very long-time friends from junior high and high school. The top photo shows these two friends. The restaurant owner was also a graduate of our alma mater, Redondo Union High School so he too is shown in our photo.

While on my way to my next stop, Princeville, I called my friend Don who lives on Maui, just to tell him that I was in "the islands". Don called me back to tell me that he and his family were renting a house for the week...where? Princeville! So I got together with he and his wife and their four daughters for a feast. Don also took me the next day for my first time at stand up paddling.

I had a great time with Don, Donna, their family and their friends. More great Hawaiian hospitality.

Farewell to a close friend

2010-09-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

Day three of my trip began with some sad news. My lifelong friend, Jan Beal DeAugustine Peck lost her long battle with cancer. She handled her illness with more courage than anyone I've known. I was a bit bummed to not be in town for her service as I have known her since I was a toddler.

She and her husband Russ were about to leave on an Alaska cruise. I was so hoping she would get to achieve this goal before she went to be with the Lord, but it was not meant to be.

My thoughts and prayers are with Russ, Jan's daughters, Teri, Craig, Kenny and other family members during this tough time.

I took this flower, tossed it into the sea and wished for it to land on the shores of Alaska. Needless to say this is not likely, but it was my way of saying farewell to a close and great friend.

Kauai Day One and Two Continued

2010-09-02T13:28:00.000-07:00

Pictured are three of my clients, who have become friends, who are going on my upcoming Tahiti cruise. One of the ladies pictured was my host for the first two days of my trip in Kauai. Regretfully I did not get a photo with her other half, Jeff, who was also my host for the first two days.

Their home is incredible. Pictured here is their pool and the guest house in which I stayed. I am grateful for them as clients, as friends and for their great hospitality while I was in Kauai.

Arrival in Kauai

2010-09-02T13:21:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Kauai. My first two nights were spent in the town of Lawai where I stayed with two of my clients from findacruisedeal.com. They have since become friends of mine. Here are a few shots of their property.

Carl's Favorite Travel Photos, Album One

2010-08-27T12:33:00.001-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Anchorage

2010-06-18T15:59:00.000-07:00

Anchorage...where many people have a plane in their back yard. Here's a view from my waiting area at the Anchorage airport too.

Train from Seward to Anchorage, Alaska

2010-06-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

Train from Seward to Anchorage, Alaska

2010-06-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

Train from Seward to Anchorage, Alaska

2010-06-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

Train from Seward to Anchorage, Alaska

2010-06-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

Some of the best scenery on an Alaska cruise is on the train between Seward and Anchorage!

Train from Seward to Anchorage, Alaska

2010-06-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

2010-06-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

2010-06-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

2010-06-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

Skagway, Alaska

2010-06-18T15:40:00.000-07:00

In Skagway, Alaska, I took a hike I had taken before...to Lower Dewey Lake. Here are a few photos I took during my hike. There are also some photos shown of the White Pass Railroad, the most popular shore excursion in Skagway.

Skagway, Alaska

2010-06-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

Juneau, Alaska

2010-06-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

Juneau, Alaska

2010-06-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

Icy Straight Point, Alaska

2010-06-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

Icy Straight Point is a more remote stop than are most locations visited by cruise ships.

Icy Straight Point, Alaska

2010-06-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

Icy Straight Point, Alaska

2010-06-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

Ziplining is one of the options at Icy Straight Point, Alaska.

Icy Straight Point, Alaska

2010-06-18T15:17:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Millennium

2010-06-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

On this Alaska cruise I am aboard the Celebrity Millennium. During my hike up one of the mountains in Alaska, you can see the three ships that were in Ketchikan...the Celebrity Millennium, the Celebrity Infinity and the Carnival Spirit. Two of my previous Alaska cruises were on the Infinity, a sister ship to the Millennium. Also featured is the therapy pool and the main deck pool. The view of the main pool is from Vancouver where our cruise began.

Colors of Ketchikan, Alaska

2010-06-14T11:42:00.000-07:00

During my walk through the town of Ketchikan and my mountain hike, I viewed many different colors. Here are just a few.

Creek Street, Ketchikan, Alaska

2010-06-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

Creek Street is one of the most visited sites in Ketchikan. It is scenic and filled with lots of history. The famous Dolly's is pictured here.

Bald Eagle Sightings

2010-06-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos of our bald eagle sightings...and these were on the first two days alone. Some are a bit blurry as they are crops and blow ups from already magnified photos with the zoom lens.

Inside Passage

2010-06-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

In one of these photos you can see a seaplane taking off as we departed Vancover. Our next day was spent cruising the Inside Passage, perhaps my favorite part of an Alaska cruise. It is a great place for viewing scenery and enjoying the great outdoors from the comfort of the cruise ship.

Departing Vancouver

2010-06-14T11:28:00.001-07:00

We departed Vancouver by going past Stanley Park and under the Lion's Gate Bridge...two things I did on foot early in the day.

Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC

2010-06-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

The next few posts show some photos taken on my morning 8-10 mile walk through Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia before boarding my ship.

Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC

2010-06-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC

2010-06-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

Fairmont Waterfront Hotel

2010-06-10T22:44:00.000-07:00

For years I have been booking my Alaska cruise clients in the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel and finally I get to stay here. I was upgraded to a King Deluxe Suite Room. As you can see I have a living room and a separate bedroom. You can also see the Vancouver Bay view I have. The other photos show how close the Canada Place Cruise Terminal is from the hotel. In the morning I will simply walk across the street and board my cruise ship. I've also included an exterior of the hotel, taken from the cruise terminal. I give this hotel a 5 out of 5!

Vancouver Arrival

2010-06-10T22:37:00.000-07:00

I have been to Vancouver many times. But something was new on this visit! There is now a train that goes from the airport to the Waterfront and points inbetween. Forget taxis and transfers! This is the way to go. For $10 CAD I got off my flight, got my bags, walked about 200 yards and entered the train. It took me directly to my hotel. I sat in the very front seat of the train. You can see the photos and one of the underground stations. Very clean. Very quiet. Very nice addition to Vancouver.

Beam Me Up, Scotty

2010-06-10T22:31:00.001-07:00

Those of you who know me know that traveling is in my blood. I enjoy almost every part of visiting the seven continents….except the “getting there” part. How I wish we could be like the Star Trek crew where all we have to do is beam ourselves to the starting point and from the ending point of our trips.

As a person with a strong marketing and advertising background I often question how the airlines care so little about customer service. It is always remarkable to me when I find an airline employee who treats me like they really care about me. When I was a kid, everyone seemed to smile and act as though they wanted this flight to be your best yet. Unfortunately that is gone.

I apologize to my clients for their air endeavors. I have no control over airline policies and procedures. In fact I book them as a courtesy to my clients. They don’t even pay us as travel agents any more. As I hear clients tell me stories about “flying” adventures please note that not only have I heard them all…I’ve lived them all.

There was the 12-day luxury cruise when I had 40 clients with me and the airlines lost my bags…not for two days…for all 12 days of the cruise! Each time I called the airline I got someone reading from the same script. I resorted to, “Pretend it is YOU who is on a cruise and have no clothes to wear? How would YOU feel if no one would help you?” They always went back to their script. If one person had gone to the lost baggage room in the Milan airport like I suggested they would have seen my bag there on day two.

Just today as I checked in to this flight I’m on as I type this, I was told my bag was three pounds overweight. I was going to be charged $50 extra for the three pounds. So I had to open up my bag at the ticket counter and remove a pair of shoes…put it in my carryon and then re-submit my luggage. How ridiculous is that?

I could make this a record blog entry with regard to length but I think you get my point.

Alaska Bound

2010-06-10T22:30:00.000-07:00

Well...here I go again. I'm headed off to board the Celebrity Millennium for a 7-night Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Anchorge. This is my seventh or eighth trip to Alaska so I've seen it all before...but I can't get enough of this great place. Hopefully I will help those who read my blog with an Alaska cruise some day soon.

Sites of Singapore

2010-05-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

The following few entries show some of my highlight photos of the sites of Singapore. Our cruise ended here and I spent two nights in this great city. I wish I had at least one or two more. Very clean city with a great public transportation system and a lot to do. For those of you who are shoppers, which I am not, to say there is an abundance of shopping is an understatement.

Two places I visited which are not pictured here (except on a limited basis) are the Night Safari Park and Sontesa Island...both are worth visiting while in Singapore. The photo of the large lion and the entrance to NEW Universal Studios were photographed on Sontesa Island. There is a monorail that takes you there from the main shopping mall in the harbor area.

Sites of Singapore

2010-05-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

Sites of Singapore

2010-05-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

Sites of Singapore

2010-05-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

This is the highest viewing Ferris wheel in the world...it takes about 35 minutes for one revolution and provides great views of Singapore.

Sites of Singapore

2010-05-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

Semarang, Indonesia

2010-04-23T03:05:00.000-07:00

I chose not to do a shore excursion in Samarang so I shared a taxi with two of my dinner table-mates and we went to the market in town. We only stayed about a half hour and were glad to get back to the ship...but were glad we had the experience. As I boarded the ship I took a photo with my cabin stewardess, Alina, as well. The kids at the market loved seeing people who looked so much different. Many of them called me Papa or Papi.

Indonesian Sunset

2010-04-23T02:52:00.000-07:00

This was our sunset on the day at sea between our two Indonesian ports. Last time I was near the equator I remember the sunsets being spectacular as well.

Bali, Indonesia

2010-04-23T02:13:00.000-07:00

Today we were in Bali, Indonesia. Five of the crew members let me hang out with them. We had a great time…snorkeling at a beach within view of the ship, visiting a temple, going to a monkey forest and spending some time relaxing at a nearby resort. A great day! Because we all had shorts on and the temple requires that all knees be covered, I’m sure my friends and family reading this blog will enjoy the photos of our group in sarongs. I’m glad the twenty-something crew members let this geezer hang out with them.

Bali, Indonesia

2010-04-23T02:10:00.000-07:00

Bali, Indonesia

2010-04-23T02:05:00.000-07:00

Darwin, Australia

2010-04-20T02:45:00.000-07:00

Today was the day we visited Darwin, Australia. This was the day that I led my Ensemble Group on their private shore excursion, provided by their travel agents. In the group were two of my clients and twelve clients from other agencies.

We visited Crocodylus Park and Jenny's Orchid Garden. Photos of each follow this entry. A very nice day with some very nice people!

Jenny's Garden, Darwin, Australia

2010-04-20T02:41:00.000-07:00

More Photos at Jenny's Garden

2010-04-20T02:39:00.000-07:00

Crocodylus Park, Darwin, Australia

2010-04-20T02:36:00.000-07:00

More Crocodylus Park

2010-04-20T02:33:00.000-07:00

Morning Walk Around Darwin, Australia

2010-04-20T02:29:00.000-07:00

Day at Sea Sunset

2010-04-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

More Days at Sea Shots

2010-04-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

Sites from Days at Sea--East Coast of Australia

2010-04-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

The Seven Continents & Shellback Status

2010-04-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

In a recent post to this blog I mentioned that I had finally visited all seven continents. With my arrival in Sydney on this trip I can now say that I've been in all seven in the last twelve months. And, I can say that I've sailed both southbound and northbound across the equator in that same time period...no longer a pollywog...now a shellback. I am truly a lucky man!

More Sydney Sailaway Photos

2010-04-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

Sydney Harbor Sunset Sailaway

2010-04-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

Sydney, Australia

2010-04-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos of my time in Sydney. This is one of my favorite world cities with so much to see. It is a great photo-taking city as well .

Great afternoon with clients/new friends in Sydney

2010-04-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

Jeff and Sonya

2010-04-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

Arrival in Sydney!

2010-04-10T14:58:00.000-07:00

Because I used frequent flier miles, I had to connect through San Francisco on my way to Sydney. But that ended up being a good thing as I had dinner with my niece Sonya and her husband, Jeff. I neglected to get a photo with them at the restaurant so there is not a photo of this experience in my blog (dang). But I did upload a photo from their recent baby shower. Had a great time with the two of them, soon to welcome their first child into the world!

After a long but someone comfortable flight from San Francisco I arrived in Sydney. One of my great clients, who lives in Sydney was nice enough to pick me up and take me to my hotel. For that I was very grateful! Later I met he, his wife and some other Sydney-based clients for lunch at the Waterfront Restaurant and then a visit to a local pub afterward. It was a great afternoon and a warm welcome to Sydney as I begin my trip. Here are a few photos with these great clients.

My one-night stay in Sydney before boarding this ship was at the Sydney Westin, a centrally located hotel near the port, the Rocks, shopping, Darling Harbor, the Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Rooms are very pleasant and upscale. A great hotel experience.