Alaska is one of those bucket list destinations that many want to visit. And if you're in that number, this week's ezine is for you!

 

I was fortunate to have travelled to Alaska with an extended family group with Princess a few years ago. And we had a great time. We sailed north from Vancouver to Seward, and did the inside passage, including a day cruising Glacier Bay, pictured here. It was wonderful.

 

There are so many ways to see Alaska -  do you want to just cruise, do you want to do a round trip or just sail north or just south, do you want to combine with a Rocky Mountaineer train trip (which 50% of Alaska cruisers do - see my group for Sept.22nd below or here rocky mountaineer). And what kind of ship do you want to sail on?

 

I'm just back from Virtuoso Travel road show in Toronto. Part of what I do every year is make sure I am up-to-date with my travel partners, and I strengthen relationships with those partners too. I work with a whole bunch of cruise and land travel partners who each do Alaska well. Each partner I work with offers something unique - so it's really important if you want to go that we have a chat to understand what it is you're looking to explore and experience so I might match you with the proper partner for you.

 

Mostly, Alaska is seen by ship - although adding a cruise tour, or land excursion on the end is popular for those who want to see Denali and regions. But if you want a ship, we can certainly talk about finding the right base for you. For example, if you want a large ship with many onboard activities and nightly entertainment, then Princess or Holland America may be right for you. If you want a smaller ship that emphasizes great food and great service, then maybe Oceania or Regent or Silversea might be right for you (and there are a few Silversea on our private sale included for Alaska). If you want an expedition cruising, though, where the focus is not on the ship but on the destination - then maybe Uncruise or Lindblad is right for you.

 

I have to admit I'm partial to Lindblad - if you want an experience that is focused on wildlife and the land, and want to immerse yourself in the destination, than Lindblad Expeditions is probably right for you. Sometimes the price may seem more than others, but they deliver more than others too. Scroll down to see an interview I did with Jacinta McEvoy of Lindblad Expeditions while I was at Virtuoso Travel roadshow in Toronto this week. And scroll down to see a video about how Lindblad expores Alaska too.

 

Alaska with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic means the most in-depth exploration possible. Ask me how they explore those waterways, islands, and coastal forests, and learn about the wildlife, glaciers, and vibrant undersea. Discover more

While I can work with you to find the best experience for you to Alaska, there is no doubt that Lindblad Expeditions is the best of the best. They have top naturalists and biologists and historians and scientists onboard. They partner with National Geographic to have photographers onboard. And they have the best gear and expedition staff in the industry.

 

Here's a "top 10 reasons to travel to Alaska with Lindblad. top 10

 

And - with Lindblad, now there are even more opportunities to experience all that Alaska has to offer—from thunderous, calving glaciers and majestic mountains to humpback whales, brown bears, bald eagles, and other iconic wildlife.

 

Starting this season, choose from a total of five ships—each designed and equipped to get you closer than ever to wildness—and seven thrilling itineraries, including a brand-new 6-day active voyage. Be there in 2019 and discover what makes this region so legendary..

 

Choose your Alaska with Lindblad. And contact me to arrange your bucket list consultation so I can leverage my relationships with my terrific partners to get the best experience for you.

I have access for a few more days with Silversea. It's officially over on March 18th, but I might be able to squeeze another day or two into the offer. If anything interests you, please let me know tomorrow.

 

You may see an overview of the details here private sale, and as I'd noted, it applies to Caribbean, Mediterranean, Polar, and Wild Expeditions. (but excludes world cruises and NE/NW passage)

 

I have a private sale with Silversea – including 10-15% off select dates for various select itineraries in 2019. There are a couple of Alaska sail dates, but there’s also some Europe, some Australia, some Antarctica, some Asia. If you are considering fitting in another luxury cruise this year, this might interest you.

 

Best offer, I think? I’m just booking one couple for all inclusive ANTARCTICA on expedition cruise for $12,100 cdn 16 day cruise with 6 days on continent(taking advantage of 15% off, and another 10% off if pay in full by April, 30th)– this INCLUDES AIR roundtrip air from Montreal, air between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, with all gratuities, alcohol, expeditions, butler in every suite, 6 days on the continent etc. – and it’s an expedition cruise, so your expeditions are included too.  Have a look https://www.silversea.com/destinations/south-america-cruise/buenos-aires-to-ushuaia-1925.html   #WOW - if you're considering Antarctica this year, this deal is amazing!

Here's a great one for Alaska to Tokyo.Seward to Toyko

 

And there are 4 Alaska sailings in May, June, and August that are 10% off.

 

I also have other sailings on the 10-15% in 2019 as well (and there is also generally a 5% off all 2019, 2020, and 2021 for Silversea; excluding their world cruise, and NE/ NW passage). Kindly see list here of sailings that are 10-15% off in 2019 . I also have this as a pdf as an attachment. (And – this 10-15% off is combinable with other offers, such as the 10% early bonus booking/ pay in full.)

 

Kindly note that Vision’s exclusive private sale is only on until March 18th (maybe a day or two after, if I can stretch it.)

 

It's a private sale, so I cannot share the full details of the select sailings in the email, but click here to see the overview of sailings https://www.lushlife.ca/exclusive-silversea/  Or contact me at sheila.gh@visiontravel.ca and I can provide an excel spreadsheet if you can get the link to work for you. 

Only 2 studio cabins left !! 

 

Just under $3000 CDN for a solo cabin as a studio (kindly note pricing is less if you share as double occupancy.)

 

(There's also 1 suite and 1 studio triple cabin available.)

 

Over 50 solo ladies are joining us - and - there are 5 married couples too. (Gents are welcomed!)

 

This is an amazing opportunity to travel with Shepherd's Fashions & friends - and me! We have Marlene Shepherd of Shepherd's Fashions, Kathie Donovan (happiness expert and motivational speaker, formerly of Regional Contact tv), Kathy Smart (fitness and wellness guru, and publisher of several cookbooks), and Lynn Spence (style maven of City Line TV).

 

Watch the video interview with Michelle Palma of Uniworld and U by Uniworld at Virtuoso Travel road show in Toronto this week.

 

If you want to come "Dashing through the Danube" with us on December 6, 2019, contact me today!

 

International air, transfers, pre and post cruise, insurance, alcohol are extra.

 

Full details on the website. See