Canada: the land of ice hockey and curling, polar bears and ice road trucking, North America’s vast northern country is made up of 10 provinces and three nearly uninhabitable arctic territories. The vast Canadian landscape offers up some intense weather, sure, but don't dismiss the country as just North America's Icebox. Along with it, some of the world’s greatest skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, ice climbing and mountainous panoramas await. Frozen rivers in some Canadian cities even serve as mid-winter commuter highways - and how many North American cities can claim something that distinctive?  Sure those are all cold weather activities, but they are just the tip of the iceberg. 

FOR RECOMMENDATIONS ON BEST WAYS TO VISIT CANADA, CONTACT CHRISRAKES@TOTALEXPERIENCETRAVEL.COM

Iceland’s Popularity Is Becoming A Bit of A Problem.

The island—roughly the size of Alabama and home to about 347,000 people—will welcome about 2.3 million people this year, or about 6,000 to 7,000 people per day. That’s a significant increase from 2016’s 1.8 million visitors and more than triple the number of arrivals in 2010.

To put those numbers in startling context, foreign visitors outnumbered locals by about seven to one this year, according to Bloomberg.

Now the Nordic island nation defined by its dramatic landscape of volcanos, geysers, hot springs and lava fields is trying to figure out whether the country can, or should, accommodate even more people.
“This sector is maturing and becoming a real industry in Iceland, and with that, of course, come challenges that we need to be ready to tackle,” Thordis Kolbrun R. Gylfadottir, Iceland’s tourism minister, told Bloomberg.

Iceland’s Blue Lagoon presents a microcosm of what is taking place in the country.

A pool of geothermally heated water that’s rich in minerals and said to be good for your skin, the lagoon’s creation was something of an accident, according to BBC: Locals happened upon the water and started bathing in it. Now Blue Lagoon has become a “must-do” on tourist agendas far and wide, and the number of visitors has increased from about 50,000 in 1994 to 1.3 million this year.

Though this influx is presenting logistical challenges, it has also brought significant financial benefit. Tourism has grown to be Iceland’s biggest export, pushing ahead of wholesale and retail trade, (which is now the nation’s second-biggest industry), according to Bloomberg. Just one year ago, tourism accounted for about 8.4 percent of Iceland’s gross domestic product.

Amid such growth, the country’s residents and leaders are expressing concern about repeating the mistakes of the infamous herring bonanza during the 1960s and 1970s. That episode involved the collapse of herring stocks when overfishing brought the fish to the border of extinction.

Tourism is now so important to Iceland that any impact on the industry would be a major shock to the country’s economy as a whole, according to its central bank.  At the same time, tourism also appears to be putting pressure on the local housing market, causing a surge in short-term private rentals.  

So what’s to be done?

There are a variety of measures now being considered that would, if not limit arrivals, at least improve the quality of the experience, Bloomberg reported.  “We need to map this out to see what we can do to make the tolerance higher. Sometimes it is about strengthening infrastructure, sometimes it can be about steering access to particular areas,” Gylfadottir said. “The decisions we make will affect how this sector will evolve.”

Related Cruise
16 NIGHT U. S. ATLANTIC COAST CRUISE
Related Tour
Scenic Iceland and the Northern Lights (Winter 2018-19)

For assistance in planning your trip to Iceland, contact personal travel planner ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com 919.589.2437 / 434.333.0837

Over 25 million people will take a cruise this year, and while these numbers are staggering, so is what the cruise industry is doing to attract and accommodate this growing, and increasingly demanding, clientele. Ships are larger and more spectacular than ever before, and with even the most budget-friendly cruise lines offering tiered service and an impressive list of amenities, what does it mean to take a luxury cruise these days? Of course, the definition of luxury is highly subjective, but for those looking for a truly exceptional experience, let me introduce you to the world of true luxury cruising.

What sets a true luxury cruise apart from its mass-market counterparts? First, the size of the boats. True luxury cruises from lines such as Crystal, Regent, Seabourn and Silversea rarely carry more than 500-750 passengers, with many ships topping out at around 250. This small manifest ensures a level of personalized service that is hard to achieve on a larger ship. Imagine the ambiance of a private club, where perfectly prepared cocktails are sipped in before a gourmet dinner.

If this sounds inherently dignified, that’s because it is. While ultra-luxury cruises aren’t for everyone; families with young children and those looking for an endless party might be better served elsewhere. They are an extraordinarily refined way to explore the world! Sailings are usually accompanied by renowned lecturers in the arts and sciences, onboard piano bars, host jazz singers and classical musicians. Shore excursions are often included and are small group affairs that range from private tours to authentic cultural experiences.
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The food and wine is world-class as well, and onboard restaurants often feature menus curated by internationally celebrated partners such as Thomas Keller and Relais & Châteaux. Staterooms are typically suites with spacious verandas and bathrooms. Luxuriously appointed suite staterooms, spacious well-designed public spaces and serene spas are standard on all the lines. If an authentic luxury cruise sounds like something you might enjoy, keep in mind that they can also be a very good value considering the level of service and amenities. A seven-day Caribbean cruise can cost as little as $2,500 per person including food and beverages, gratuities.  On some lines the cost even includes flights and shore excursions!

Luxury cruising is without a doubt my favorite way to travel. And, it is certainly a vacation experience you will not forget!

To learn more contact - ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com 

Love is always in the air, especially in February when Valentine’s Day rolls around. And that is great news for you, because couples in love have always loved taking cruises.

What is more romantic than a stroll on deck under the stars? Sharing an elegant dinner with a flute of something bubbly? Or having hot coffee and breakfast brought to you in bed. How about someone else making the bed and doing the cleaning?! 

Because of all the perks, couples are turning to cruises more and more to celebrate their most romantic milestones; anniversaries, honeymoons and even the wedding itself! Increasing in popularity are vow-renewal ceremonies, in which couples celebrate a major anniversary.  More often than not, couples are bringing along their, children, friends and other family members.

They are also great for multi-generational groups and second weddings. On a cruise, the captain can marry them.  On an island, the wedding planner is already included and she'll arrange everything. Professional photographers are available to capture moments and create galleries. Cruise lines, like all inclusive resorts offer wedding packages, which can be customized to include whatever the couple wants.

As an All Inclusive Expert and Honeymoon Destination Wedding Specialist, I’ve watched business grow as more travelers and engaged couples embrace the all inclusive concept. More couples are choosing a wedding in a cruise port or aboard ship because it’s easy and much less expensive that many ceremonies at home. They prefer to use their money for a down payment on a house rather than for a blow-out bash. Wedding cruises are fun, affordable and a great way to gather friends and family in a carefree setting. Planning the perfect, stress-free cruise Wedding and Honeymoon is a breeze when done properly.

Luxury cruises are also popular for upscale clients planning to renew their vows or celebrate milestone anniversaries.  Whether it is a romantic dinner for two or your group at one of the specialty restaurants, ship staff handle all the details so the process is seamless and enjoyable for you.  With chapels and reception rooms with ocean views onboard, it’s everything you dreamed and more. 

People today are more focused on their families and their return on life. They want to do experiential things that they will remember, rather than just go on vacation. Experienced travelers know that cruises are a good value and relaxing way to go. 

I love being in the happiness business and helping clients get the best value and experience for their special trip! Contact destination wedding and cruise specialist, CHRIS RAKES to get started. 

Pearl Seas Cruises’ has added a new opportunity to travel the Maine coast to the Bay of Fundy. Considered one of the seven natural wonders of North America, the Bay of Fundy itinerary sails roundtrip from Portland, Maine to call on Rockland, Maine; Eastport, Maine; St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada; St. John, New Brunswick, Canada; Grand Manan Island and Bar Harbor, Maine.
Departures are scheduled in May and October 2018. Expert guides will lead guests on a journey punctuated by timeless towns, picturesque scenery and wildlife spotting—whale-watching and bird watching among them.
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For these and other American cruise itineraries, contact ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com

Book your cruise now, during this money-saving period and begin picturing that magical day when you’ve bid a fond bon voyage to those on land and you can begin relaxing on the gentle sea waters.

Of course, if you want to book a family cruise, you need to choose a cruise line that actually specializes and caters to families. Choosing the right cruise is not just about price or itinerary, it is about finding the right 'fit' for a traveler’s needs. Every cruise line has a different personality, just like hotel chains do. Finding the right personality fit for clients is like a matchmaking process: What amenities are important in the stateroom? What ship amenities are important? What type and level of activities? How does the overall vibe of the ship match the clients' vacation personality?

When assisting clients, I look at past travel history such as: What did the client like and dislike about previous vacations?  What do they like to do on vacation? I want to maximize the cruise experience for my clients, and it starts with choosing the right cruise line.

Once you have a cruise line, make sure it has everything you need for your family.  Look at the kids’ programming to make sure they offer what you need.  Does the cruise line offer family-friendly entertainment? This was always big for my family as we enjoyed going to the evening shows together. Of course, there is a time and place for parents to break away, but if you want to share the evenings with your kids, the family-friendly entertainment is a must.

Make sure that your cabins are family-friendly as well.  Disney has a split bathroom concept and slightly larger cabins than other lines, but many of the other lines are stepping it up and offering family cabins now. For example, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian rank high for multi-gen travel now, as they both have family suites. 

When selecting a family cruise, it is best to look for a cruise line and ship that has activities for guests of all the age groups traveling.  For example, if it is a multi-gen cruise, Grandma and Grandpa might like the casino, the shows or even shuffle-board, where the parents might like the sports bar, dance club, spa or to see a comedy show. Your teens might want to zipline, climb a rock wall, learn to surf or play video games, while toddlers like to play in the splash areas and at the kids’ camp. It is important to find a ship that everyone will enjoy.

In most cases, I also suggests you book a pre-night stay near whatever port you are sailing from: This way you get to the port and onto the ship earlier than most guests, and you don't have to worry about delays or canceled flights. 

For more tips and to book your next family cruise, contact Cruise Expert, Chris Rakes! 919.589.2437

When you’re shopping for a cruise, the first price you see isn’t usually what you pay. And, if you are constantly worried about extra fees adding up while you’re on-board, it’s not much of a vacation.
No matter which of the hundreds of destinations you are looking to explore on a luxury ocean or river cruise, it’s not a low-cost purchase. But it’s one of the best values out there. Here’s why.

1. Everything is included for one price. Really.  The amount you pay to get on the ship, is NOT the how much it will cost to get off! With lines like Regent Seven Seas and Crystal Cruises your price covers everything from airfare, suite accommodations, excursions and gourmet meals. Try experiencing all that with on other cruise lines, and your final bill is likely to be much higher. 

2. You get flights and airport transfers to and from your cruise. And, depending on your cabin choice, a pre-cruise hotel stay!  You have to find and book your flights separately for most cruise vacations. On luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Crystal Cruises, international travel includes business class tickets with all the perks — airport lounges, attentive service, food and wine. Domestic itineraries like Alaska, include coach airfare. Once you land, transfers to your pre-cruise hotel or directly to the ship are part of the package!

3. You can take unlimited shore excursions.  There are hundreds of included experiences available, from active adventures to those that cater to travelers with limited mobility. You can explore museums, historical towns, art, culture and nature with guidance from local experts. Take a pub crawl in Antwerp, ; drive an ATV or birdwatch through Icy Strait Point; explore the Elephanta Caves in Mumbai; see the hilltop villages in Saint-Tropez; view ancient oracle centers in Lima; or visit the orchard region and Cu Chi tunnels in Saigon. The choice is yours. If an excursion books up early, the luxury cruise lines do their best to add more availability so you don’t miss out.
 
4. Smaller ships enrich your journey.  There are luxury ships that hold as few as 250 people and yachts and river boats that hold less than that!  My personal favorite ship size holds approximately 750 passengers.  Lines like Regent and Crystal allow you to keep the perks found on mass market lines while enhancing the entire experience further.  The entertainment options and service are Top Notch!  You get a more personalized, intimate experience with a staff-to-guest ratios of 1 to 1-1.5. Because they are smaller ships you get to less traveled ports and destinations the larger ships can't access. Closer to glaciers and waterfalls, and ports like Kotor, Montenegro or Rijeka, Croatia, for example. This is a feature that really appeals to well traveled cruisers who have visited a destination before, but now want a more in-depth experience.

5.  You get a suite.  Smaller ships mean bigger accommodations! Entry level suites are approximately the size of most hotel rooms. Ninety-eight percent of them come with private balconies. Balconies are a must when sailing to scenic destinations found in places like Alaska, Hawaii, Bora Bora and Europe. All suites include a marble bathroom, sitting area, in-suite mini-bar replenished daily, large or walk-in closet, luxury bath products like L’Occitane or Guerlain, plus a welcome bottle of champagne and fresh fruit. If you love the cabin so much you don’t want to leave, not to worry.  There is twenty-four-hour room service included so you can dine on your veranda in the complimentary plush bathrobe or silk kimono, while you take in the fresh sea air between bites!
 
6. Sophisticated but, definitely NOT pretentious. Lines like Regent Seven Seas, Crystal Cruises and Avalon Waterways have country club causal environments. Everyone is welcoming and friendly and there is no tux or black tie requirement. Of course if you enjoy getting dressed to the nines, that is your prerogative. These lines also feature fascinating lecturers who provide passionate firsthand accounts and scholarly insights about destinations on the itinerary. Speakers include television personalities, noted architects and former diplomats. Alaska cruises often include programs led by authors who have written guidebooks on the region. European voyages might spotlight archaeologists and art or culinary historians who can bring illuminating detail to each port. The featured speakers stay for the entire voyage and are there to mix and mingle with you.

7. All meals are as good as, or better than those found at your favorite restaurants.  Offering some of the best food on the seas, these lines’ on-board restaurants serve a variety of world cuisine (French, Pan-Asian and fine steakhouse fare, for example). Yes, the whole Maine lobster is included, along with choices like jumbo lump crab cakes, Korean barbecue lamb chops, Chilean sea bass and escargot in burgundy-dijon sauce. Every menu has vegetarian options, and vegan, diabetic-friendly, gluten-free options, and Kosher meals are all available upon request. Aboard Regent’s newest ship Seven Seas Explorer (“The Most Luxurious Cruise Ship Ever Built”), guests can also head into town with the Chef Instructor from the Culinary Arts Kitchen at various Mediterranean ports to shop for fresh local ingredients, and then prepare gourmet destination-specific cuisine during a hands-on cooking class.

8. Your top shelf drinks and fancy coffees are on the house.  Fine wine and premium spirits, from Montaudon Brut Champagne to Grey Goose are poured freely. So yes, you can have your Tanqueray and tonic. The in suite mini-bars are stocked with wine, beer and spirits as well. Don’t drink alcohol? These lines host daily themed tea times (often with live music) so guests can enjoy diverse teas and coffees. Ships also have coffee bars serving intricate lattes, espresso, cappuccinos and more, all included. If you have taken a mass market cruise, you know you will pay extra for the likes of these.
 
Bottom line:  If you want an all-inclusive cruise that offers a complete luxury experience, one of a few cruise lines are the way to go.  I’ve done it both ways and I can tell you there is a significant difference.  I tell my clients, “you get what you pay for” and that is the honest truth!  Can you have fun and good vacation on a mass market line? Absolutely. Will you get more for your money and have a better experience on the right luxury ocean or river line? MOST DEFINITELY without a doubt. 
 
When you are ready to explore options and start planning your next cruise, contact me 919.589.2437. I'm a cruise and all inclusive expert who will steer you in the right direction.

Pacific Northwest. Follow the path of Lewis and Clark as you travel the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Highlights include visits to The Dalles, Oregon (known as the end of the Oregon Trail) and Tri-Cities, Washington. The Pacific Northwest is home to more than great coffee and craft beer. Enjoy the best of the region’s wines as you cruise the Columbia River. Onboard tastings and wine pairings, as well as excursions to nearby vineyards, introduce passengers to the area’s famed varietals.
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​Antebellum South and Delta. The Antebellum South is yours to discover. Experience Southern culture and living history as you travel from town to town, learning about the region’s past, present and future.  Soak up the romantic spirit of the Old South as you sail past cotton fields, sugar cane plantations and Civil War battlefields. Among the highlights are visits to Oak Alley, Louisiana, and Natchez and Vicksburg, Mississippi. Journey to America’s great music capitals as you travel between Nashville and Memphis. Explore Music City and its country melodies, the sounds of New Orleans jazz and Memphis’ Delta Blues. Revel in a homespun holiday with a visit to Nashville and the chance to see a performance of the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium!

--Holiday Itineraries.  Enjoy some turkey and all the fixings on a cruise of the lower Mississippi River as you sail from Memphis to New Orleans. Along the way, you will encounter charming towns, plantations and antebellum mansions. OR, get in some last minute Christmas shopping as you visit American Queen’s exclusive lineup of Christmas markets. The pinnacle comes at Nottoway Plantation, where passengers can enjoy live music, dancing and see the ceremonial lighting of levee bonfires. Ring in the New Year as you sail along the lower Mississippi River. The ship will be specially decorated for the holidays, and passengers will celebrate the end of 2017 at a New Year’s Eve party with music and a champagne toast at midnight.

This holiday season why not opt for something out of the ordinary? Why not give the best holiday gift of all?  The gift of travel.   Learn more from your local cruise expert, Chris Rakes at Total Experience Travel

Choosing the right cruise can be cumbersome and overwhelming. Commercials draw many in, but some cruise lines don’t advertise at all. Each line and ship has its own personality. Much will depend on your travel style and interests. Work with a travel planner to help you decipher which is best for you and your family. It’s free, it’s personal, and they can objectively help you choose the cruise for you. To give you some things to think about before you contact your personal Travel Pro, check out this comparison of 12 luxury and premium cruise lines.

1. Azamara Club Cruises
Size: Small
Cost: Moderate
Style: Couples, luxury
Activity Highlights: Cruises to locales in the Far East and South America feature lots of long 2- to 3-day stays so you get an in-depth look.
Food Highlights: No end-of-cruise surprises: fares include alcohol, as well as soft drinks and tips.
Considerations: Homogenous passenger profile means you’ll be cruising with an active but older crowd.  





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​2. Celebrity Cruises
Size: Large
Cost: Moderate
Style: Couples, family, learning
Activity Highlights: Edgy offerings include art tours using iPad devices, Apple stores, and outdoor lawns (covered with real grass) for picnics. Spas are both large and well-designed.
Food Highlights: Chic bars serve molecular gastronomy cocktails.Specialty restaurants include creative Qsine, which serves sushi pops and has menus on iPad devices.
Considerations: Lots of things cost extra, from the spa’s Thalassotherapy pool and steam room to Lawn Club cabanas and some classes.

3. Crystal Cruises
Size: Medium
Cost: Moderate, expensive
Style: Couples, luxury, learning, family
Activity Highlights: Wraparound promenade deck for jogging and strolling, as well as tiered stern decks for quiet sunbathing and wake views are rare features. Free classes range from languages to computer skills, and guest lectures fill sea days with celeb sightings and food for thought.
Food Highlights: Delicious food includes sushi in the Nobu Matsuhisa-helmed restaurant and homemade pastas in the Italian specialty spot. Wines, liquors, and soft drinks bundled with fares are convenient.
Considerations: Service is great, food is impressive. If you have the money for these cruises, they’re a fabulous choice. (We’re still trying to come up with something negative to say!)

4. Cunard Line  
Size: Large
Cost: Moderate
Style: Couples, learning, family
Activity Highlights: Great lectures, the biggest libraries at sea, and impressive art and memorabilia collections make the ships as much of a learning opportunity as the destinations. The drop-off nursery for babies is a surprising perk on ships otherwise popular with older cruisers.
Food Highlights: Afternoon tea includes scones with proper clotted cream. The grand two-story main dining rooms are the most elegant grand restaurants at sea.
Considerations: Nightlife can be a real yawner; no one seems to stay up past 10 p.m.

5. Disney Cruise Line
Size: Large
Cost: Moderate, expensive
​Style: Family
Activity Highlights: Amazing kids facilities and large cabins make traveling with the whole brood a breeze; high-quality stage productions blow us away. Calling in Castaway Cay, the line’s private isle, is like visiting a resort for the day.
Food Highlights: Rotating dining program lets you take your waiters with you; Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy win over adult foodies with upscale French restaurant, Remy.
Considerations: High rollers may miss not having a casino onboard. On sold-out cruises, the packed pool deck is a mob scene, with kids elbow to elbow in the water.

6. Holland America Line
Size: Medium
Cost: Low, moderate
Style: Couples, family, learning
Activity Highlights: Extras include free movies in a real theater, impressive cooking classes, and the best combination Internet café/onboard library at sea.
Food Highlights: Look for free canapés in bars before dinner. Poolside lunch buffets (mussels and crab legs!) are impressive at this price point.
Considerations: Sleepy nightlife means you might be hanging with the staff after dinner, since other guests go to bed early.

7. Oceania Cruises  
Size: Small, medium
Cost: Expensive
Style: Couples, luxury
Activity Highlights: Standard outside and balcony cabins on the newest ships, Marina and Riviera, are super roomy. Design is elegant (picture boutique hotels rather than Las Vegas casinos). Cooking schools include plenty of do-it-yourself workstations.
Food Highlights: Newer ships have a whopping nine dining venues (unheard of for ships of their modest size). Seven are complimentary, and all have lots of tables for two. Jacques Pepin’s restaurant is sure to impress. Soft drinks and water are included.
Considerations: Nightlife sometimes peters out before it even gets dark.

8. Regent Seven Seas Cruises  
Size: Small
Cost: Expensive
Style: Couples, luxury, learning
Activity Highlights: All-inclusive fares set an industry standard, covering shore excursions, flights, airport transfers, and a free pre-cruise hotel night. Formal nights are optional, creating a more laid-back vibe. Even standard suites are large.
Food Highlights: The 4 to 5 complimentary restaurants include a steakhouse and an Italian venue. All-inclusive alcohol includes a bar setup in your cabin.
Considerations: Summer and holiday cruises can result in 100+ kids on small ships not built for them. The result during those times: packed pools.

9. Seabourn Cruise Line
Size: Small
Cost: Expensive
Style: Couples, luxury, learning
Activity Highlights: Optional formal nights mean you don’t have to wear a jacket and tie, and all-inclusive pricing means you don’t have to sign a check every time you have a drink.
Food Highlights: Gourmet dining includes the impressive Restaurant 2, serving small plates over many courses. The fresh fruit smoothies and sherbet are refreshing and healthy.
Considerations: Passengers are wealthy, well traveled, and older.

10. SeaDream Yacht Club
Size: Small
Cost: Expensive
Style: Couples, luxury
Activity Highlights: Adult toys range from mountain bikes to Wii consoles, keeping the vibe playful. The watersports platform offers easy access to kayaking, sailing, water scootering, and more. Pricing is all-inclusive, and service is over the top: 95 crew cater to 112 guests, an impressive ratio.
Food Highlights: The Champagne and caviar beach parties are the elegant, adult version of a fun college party. Diverse menus in the two restaurants include Japanese, raw food, and pan-Asian dishes.
Considerations: You won’t find one balcony, not even in penthouse suites.

11. Silversea Cruises
Size: Small
Cost: Expensive
Style: Couples, luxury, learning
Activity Highlights: Lots of 7-night cruise options around the world, plus Galapagos cruises offered year-round, give luxury seekers choices. Walk-in closets, marble-clad bathrooms with separate shower and tub, Belgian pillow chocolates, and Pratesi linens are included in the (all-inclusive) pricing.
Food Highlights: Impressive cuisine includes a pan-Asian restaurant and an art deco-style supper club serving small plate dishes on Silver Spirit.
Considerations: Older clientele, which tends to retire to bed early. Although this is the line that hosted the U.S. Olympic basketball team and Coach K in Rio!

12. Windstar Cruises  
Size: Small
Cost: Moderate
Style: Couples, offbeat
Activity Highlights: The wonderfully casual atmosphere includes sail-away sunset barbecues on deck, a no-jackets-required dress code, and a lively water sports platform.
Food Highlights: Soft drinks and bottled water are included in fares, so you won’t feel nickeled and dimed.
Considerations: These yacht-style cruises are best for outdoorsy and casual types; others may miss some of the formalities.

Looking at brochures and websites can be fun, but with so many cruise lines and options to choose from, it only makes sense to plan with a travel professional you can trust! To get the best experience and value, contact personal consultant and cruise expert Chris Rakes.