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Cruising the Norwegian Star to Alaska

By Jennefer | Published July 15, 2007 | Posted in Cruises

What is freestyle cruising and what was the Norwegian Star like?

We arrived at the pier in Seattle around 1:30pm and by 2:30 we had checked our bags, registered and received our key cards, been through security, boarded the ship and were checking out our stateroom, all to say that the embarkation process ran very smoothly with no hitches.

The ship is beautiful, fully equipped with all the bells and whistles; spa, fitness center, movie theater, casino, teen club, kids club, 2 water slides in the outdoor pools as well as an indoor lap pool in the spa area.

The freestyle kicks in here since it’s mostly about eating when you want and where you want rather then having set times and dining rooms. So to give you lots of options, there was pan-Asian, Sushi, French, Italian, Tex-Mex and a Steak-house open for dinners as well as the pool bar and grill, the international buffet and the 2 large dining rooms that were open for all 3 meals per day.

We had our pick of lounges with different entertainment singers or groups as well as the evening entertainment. And then of course there are the Newlywed games, Karaoke, shopping seminars, Bingo and just generally things to see and do onboard.

Our cruise stopped in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway before heading south with a quick stop in Prince Rupert before we we’re home in Seattle. I loved Alaska’s beauty and serenity. Ketchikan is was a fun stop, we spent the morning at Totem Pole State Park and the Eagle Preserve and the afternoon was for shopping and I’m sure we spent enough to feed someone for the winter! In Juneau we saw the Mendenhall Glacier and did a whale watching boat tour where we saw a lot of whales as well as sea lions and seals. In Skagway we shopping in the morning but spent the afternoon on the Yukon-White Pass railway, again beautiful scenery and interesting history.

All in all we had a great time on the Norwegian Star, an Alaskan cruise is a good way to get a glimpse of our last frontier state… Alaska. If you’d like to know more about my cruise e-mail me or give me a ring at 800-321-7907.

Thanks,

Jennefer.

Jennefer is a Spain Specialist

By Jennefer | Published May 8, 2007 | Posted in Europe

 

Spain ~ paella and tapas, siestas, flamenco, bull fights, the running of the bulls, whitewashed villages, the Costa del sol and Mediterranean beaches.  Fabulous!
 
My first trip to Spain was in 2000 just after completing the Spain Specialist Program.  At the time I was seeing a guy that wanted to go to Spain and I didn’t know much about the country.  So I decided to take the specialist course and figured we’d travel to Spain together. 
 
Well, the guy didn’t last, but I completed the course, went to Spain and fell in love with the country.  Spain offers everything from food to culture, history, architecture and vibrant people.
 
The country is truly a melting pot.  For a time, Spain was run by the Sultans and the Alhambra Palace is a great example of the Moor’s influence. Visiting the churches and cathedrals you’ll notice the Jewish influence as well as the Christian and you can’t speak of architecture without mentioning the renowned Gaudi and all he contributed.
 
There is also a lot of African influence, with Spain just across the Straight of Gibraltar from Morocco.  And of course who can forget that Christopher Columbus sailed from Spain to find our New World so many years ago.
 
Spain remains a place for every traveler who has a spirit of adventure. If you’d like to know more about travel to Spain call me at 800-321-7907 or e-mail jennefer@totemtravel.com and we’ll start planning a trip you won’t soon forget.

7 Years as a Certified Scotland Expert!

By Jennefer | Published April 5, 2007 | Posted in Europe

In 2001, I earned the title SCOTSmaster by completing the Scotland Destination Specialist Program and have been a certified Scotland expert ever since.

To become a SCOTSmaster, I was required to complete a comprehensive course designed by the University of Scotland in Glasgow. The coursework covered geography, history, attractions, accommodations, cuisine, transportation and unique cultural attractions within Scotland.

My final test papers were graded by the University of Glasgow and, upon completion of the course, I was invited to Scotland for a special graduation ceremony complete with bagpipes and kilts. We saw the Highland Games, enjoyed lots of great food and received a tartan in recognition of our accomplishments. What a treat!

Since completing the SCOTSmaster course I have helped many clients plan a vacation to Scotland. I love the country, the history, people, scenic beauty and all the magic that is Scotland.

I have been a travel counselor for 9 years and my passion is Europe. In fact I travel internationally at least once a year. Besides the SCOTSmaster program I have completed Destination Specialist courses for Spain, Scandinavia, Britain, Germany, Northern Europe and Southern Europe. Right now I am finishing the course for France and starting one for Italy.

Call me at 425-821-4100 or e-mail jennefer@totemtravel.com for more information about Scotland or European group tours.

Riu Palace in Cabos San Lucas

By Jennefer | Published January 1, 2007 | Posted in Mexico

 

Hola and Happy New Year!
 
We recently returned from Cabo San Lucas where we stayed at the beautiful new RIU Palace all-inclusive resort. It’s located just outside town, so you can walk down the beach or take a quick cab ride to the shops and nightlife. The weather in the early part of December was perfect, hovering in the mid 80’s during the day with cooler evenings. 
 
The RIU Palace is a beautiful resort sitting on a spectacular beach with immaculate grounds and purple and red bougainvillea blooming everywhere. The infinity pool is oceanfront and the poolside service was wonderful, they bring the drinks right to you!
 
Oceanfront rooms are fully appointed with a stocked refrigerator, full wet bar and all the other amenities you’d expect at a full service resort. There are several restaurant choices in addition to an excellent buffet, nightly entertainment, children’s program and lots of optional activities like jet skiing, snorkel trips and parasailing.
 
You might also consider a spa treatment when you need a break from lounging by the beautiful pools, walking on the spectacular beach, shopping in town or resting in the beautiful Baja sun.
 
If you’d like more info about Cabo San Lucas or the RIU resort please call or email Jennefer or Sandi or check out our Mexico or All Inclusive page. We’re offering an extra $100 off qualifying vacations for bookings made in January! 
 
Jennefer & Sandi

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