Open for Sale: An Incredible 2023-24 All-inclusive Luxury Expedition Collection

RESERVATIONS NOW OPEN! 
10- TO 28-NIGHT ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXURY EXPEDITIONS
15% REDUCED DEPOSIT BEFORE JUNE 30, 2021

Crystal Expeditions is now taking reservations on a thrilling expedition cruise aboard the world’s newest and most spacious luxury expedition yacht, the all-suite, all-verandah, all butler-serviced Crystal Endeavor. From Antarctica’s ice cathedrals and Svalbard’s polar bears to Indonesia’s magical Raja Ampat Archipelago and the windswept wonders of the Scottish Isles, the German-engineered, PC6 polar class vessel is set to explore the farthest reaches of Earth on 27 all-inclusive voyages in 2023-2024.

With a limited-time 15% reduced deposit for all voyages (normally 25%), your options range from expeditions to the Northeast Passage, Russian High Arctic or the Faroe Islands to remote offshore islands including Brazil’s Arquipélago dos Abrolhos and Uruguay’s Isla de Lobos Nature Reserve. You can cruise to Andalusia, Morocco, and the Côte d’Azur, or enjoy unique explorations by the river to dock in the heart of Seville, Rouen, and Bordeaux. Singular seasonal itineraries include springtime in the British Isles and autumn in Japan to see spectacular gardens awash in vibrant color. From Kamchatka and The Kurils to the Great Barrier Reef and Tasmania, we invite you to explore with Crystal Expedition Cruises… Where Luxury Roams Freely.

Contact me soon to secure your voyage.  The reduced deposit promotion is only valid until June 30, 2021. 

 

We're Growing Again - Announcing the Addition of New Travel Advisors to the Team

Christopher Lingren, Local Cruise Planners Travel Agency Franchise Owner, Expands His Team Once Again

(NOBLESVILLE, Indiana) – Feb 19, 2020 – Christopher Lingren, Cruise Planners travel agency franchise owner, announced today he has expanded his team with two new agents, Tiffany Hufferd, of New Orleans, Louisiana; and Rob Doenges, of Fishers, Indiana. The local travel agency is part of Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network. Lingren and his team of four travel advisors offer travelers exclusive pricing on a wide range of cruise and destination wedding packages, private cruise sales, as well as cabin upgrades. The team also offers special amenities such as shore excursions, discounted fares, travel gifts, and more. As a new Cruise Planners travel advisor, Hufferd is specializing in adventures in Southeast Asia, Australia, LGBTQ vacations, Destination Weddings, and Surprise Getaways; while Doenges is specializing in Cruises, Beach Vacations, Sports Travel, Theme Parks, LGBTQ vacations, and Woodsy Getaways.

  

“Everyone travels, and it’s important to use a trusted travel advisor to get the most value out of a vacation,” Lingren said. “As travel experts, my team and I take the stress and hassle out of planning all types of vacations for our clients. We make professional recommendations based on value, destination, group size, and seasonality, among other things to customize the best and most memorable vacation possible. Since Cruise Planners has achieved top producer status with every major cruise line and with many key travel partners, we have the resources and connections to provide our customers with the best value along with our expertise and personal touches.”

 

The cruising trend is always evolving and today’s cruisers are more diverse than ever. From the adventurous youth to the laid-back relaxed type, there is something for everyone. Many travelers are experiencing culturally immersive European river cruises, which is increasingly popular for savvy travelers. No matter the cruise line or destination, cruises offer a satisfying, convenient and value-oriented way to travel.

 

Many travelers are also opting to go on land-based vacations, enjoy all-inclusive resort stays, explore foreign countries on guided tours and experience high-adventure trips worldwide.

 

“As a Cruise Planners franchise, we sell complete vacation packages from exotic getaways to romantic retreats and culturally immersive European experiences to customized African safaris, Polar Expeditions, Alaskan adventures, and more, and of course cruises,” Lingren said. “Some people want to go on a cruise one year, then a land-based vacation the next – I offer a one-stop-shop for all things travel with trusted travel expertise and a personalized touch.”

 

As an American Express Travel Services Representative agency, Cruise Planners offers special programs for both American Express cardholders and non-cardholders, offering even more added value to vacationers.

 

About Cruise Planners

Cruise Planners, an independently owned and operated home-based franchise, is part of the American Express Travel Representative network and the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise company in the travel industry. Cruise Planners’ travel professionals independently book amazing vacation and travel experiences for their clients around the world. Cruise Planners franchise owner Christopher Lingren is based in Noblesville, Indiana with additional agents locally, as well as Reidsville, North Carolina, and now New Orleans, Louisiana, and Fishers, Indiana specializing in adventure and expedition travel. For more information, please visit www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations.

 

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Lego Fun from Down Under

As the snow falls outside, I'm having fun inside thinking back on my outback adventure during 2019, while building my Sydney Lego set, and pondering 2020 adventures to come.

Princess' BEST SALE EVER!

Travel makes an incredible gift and is the one thing you can buy that makes you richer. And Princess is offering an amazing deal that you don't want to miss! You can easily wrap it up and give it to your family this Christmas!

It's the BEST SALE EVER. You can choose any destination, any stateroom category, and any sailing after April 2020 for 3 nights or longer and receive FREE wifi, FREE gratuities, FREE beverage package (with tips included) for each guest in the room, and no hidden fees.

Alaska? The Caribbean? Hawaii? Australia/New Zealand? Asia? The Mediterranean? Northern Europe? The Panama Canal? South America & Antarctica?...it's all available! The choices are yours!

If you've been considering a cruise - or even if you haven't - reach out and let's have a conversation. You can book now, and travel later, with months to pay. Sailings are available through January 2022.

Australia is the #1 Apirational Destination for 2020

This was an incredible adventure that I got to enjoy while Down Under last month. I'd love to help you enjoy it as well. Australia is the #1 aspirational destination for 2020 according to Travel + Leisure. If you haven't been Down Under yet, as an Aussie Specialist, let me help make your Aussie Holiday dreams come true. Reach out and let's chat.

Ready to Plan a Down Under Adventure?

Sydney's laid-back outdoor lifestyle and physical allure make it one of the world's top cities to visit and live in. The stunning harbour provides a dramatic backdrop for the city's famous icons - the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydneysiders are a friendly, energetic bunch with a positive approach to life. It's a city with a genuine sense of style, a love of sport and celebrations including New Year's Eve, Mardi Gras, the Sydney Festival, and the Sydney International Art Series. You'll find plenty of things to see and do in Sydney. Sydney Harbour is a natural playground, and the views are world-class. There's a wide-ranging cultural life, a dynamic food scene and vibrant cityscape of outstanding contemporary and colonial architecture. Iconic beaches - most notably Bondi and Manly - and five major national parks deliver unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Are you ready to plan a Down Under holiday? As an Aussie Specialist, I'm ready to help you make your Down Under dreams come true. Click the link to be further inspired! Then visit my Australian Adventures page to submit your request to start planning the adventure!

Suggested Itinerary: Western Australia's THE KIMBERLEY Region

The Kimberley awaits!

Three times larger than England and with a population of less than 40,000, the Kimberley region – spread over Australia's entire north-western corner – is one of the world's last wilderness frontiers. Here you'll find prolific wildlife, majestic canyons, freshwater swimming holes, and several outback stations, as well as one of Australia's greatest 4WD road trips. Despite the area's remoteness, it's also a place of great food, luxury accommodation, friendly locals, and one of the most romantic beach towns on Earth.

Who's ready to explore this amazing destination? I'm ready to help you do it. Let's chat about your dream Aussie holiday.

All Good Adventures Must End - Returning to the US from Down Under

I had a window seat on the way back from Australia and enjoyed watching the view. As we worked our way to LAX, I snapped a photo and grabbed a screenshot of the map as I found it fun to see how after flying into total darkness, somewhere east and north of New Zealand, the light began to creep in somewhere east and south of Hawaii until the city lights of LA began to really illuminate the morning sky.

  

   

Time to Say Farewell...for Now!

Our chariot is here, ready for the nice, long flight home. See you all tomorrow (though for us it'll be a repeat of today! ). ADVENTURE!

Scheduling an Overnight Stay in Sydney But NOT Going to the Harbor? I Think Not!

Seeing Sydney was not part of our scheduled agenda, just dinner upon arrival...but this adventurer led the rebellion. Our hotel was an airport hotel and just a short drive to Circular Quay, and most of us had not been to Sydney before. We HAD to see the Opera House and the bridge at the very least! Most of our group made the quick trip and it was awesome!!

Just Passing the Time

I never could connect to the WiFi on Virgin Australia so I couldn't watch a movie on our flight to Sydney, but I did have fun tracking our flight via screenshot. Darwin to Sydney is a 3.5 hr flight, and Sydney is 1.5 hours ahead of Darwin. We left at 2:30 pm and were scheduled to arrive at 7 pm, but with lots of wind storms, we didn't arrive until after 8:15 pm...lots of circling waiting to land.

Fun for the Community!

During my walkabout in Darwin, I came across this fun, big, yellow box. Inside were some fun games. What a great way to spend a lunch break!

 

 

Exploring Darwin - Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing

On Thursday, we enjoyed a slower morning with a full circuit on the Hop On Hop Off bus around Darwin. Following that, we separated and walked around the CBD (central business district) and did some shopping, or dining, or exploring as we saw fit before heading to the airport for our flight to Sydney. More street art, and some nice views of the water and some historic buildings. Darwin is a nice, and easily navigable city.

 

 

One of My Favorite Memories of my Down Under Adventure

During our visit to Top Didj, we listened to Manuel share information about his people, the Dalabon people. He spoke and sung to us in his language, and then gave us an Aboriginal art lesson. We got to paint something in the Dalabon style, which is uniquely different from other people groups' styles. It was frustratingly fun, and one of my favorite memories from this adventure.

#ntaustralia #topdidj #culture #painting #aboriginalart #youcanbeanartisttoo #australia #makememories

At Home or Abroad, I Can Definitely Make Fire with Sticks!

Another favorite of this adventure came at the Aboriginal Culture center when I made

with sticks, the Aboriginal way!

Thanks to Scouts, Summer Camp, and Firecrafter I've done it with a bow and spindle before, but not just with my bare hands and the spindle! It was awesome! Fabulous memories were made on this adventure across the Northern Territory.

#ntaustralia #topdidj #aboriginal #firecrafter #makememories

Top Didj Cultural Experience & Art Gallery - What an Incredible Part of the Trip!

We stopped in at Top Didj for an awesome cultural experience. Upon arrival, we got to interact with several of their resident wallabies.

#ntaustralia #aussiespecialist #wildlife #culturalexperiences #takethetrip

This & That from the Outback

Living in the land down under... it's just another condiment option at every hotel's breakfast bar! Spread it THINLY on toast. Never overdo it!

It's another warm one here in the NT, and at 4pm we're still not to the day's top temperature. But it's a dry heat so it's tolerable. Add the humidity that comes in the summer and it would just be miserable. For now, we're all staying hydrated and are as clear and copious as possible, moving into the shade whenever possible, keeping our sunnies on, and regularly applying the suncream. This Scouter has been helping ensure that we've all been just fine.

And below is a compilation of signs from our hike yesterday in Maguk... ALWAYS pay attention to your surroundings! Crocs can be anywhere. And most important...whatever you do...

♫ never smile at a crocodile, no you can't get friendly with a crocodile... ♫

 

In the afternoon we arrived at Nitmiluk National Park and our Lodge for the night. We went over to the boat launch to enjoy a cruise and hike between two of the 13 gorges that make up Katherine Gorge (two cruise experiences with a hike between each gorge to get from boat to boat). It was a nice and relaxing time after much go, go, go the past few days. Not much wildlife but we did see our first freshwater crocodile.

After our two-gorge cruise and hike, we hiked back to the first gorge and were picked up by the dinner boat and then enjoyed a nice, three-course candlelight dinner cruise back through the first gorge. What an amazing adventure that was! Our own real-life "jungle cruise" has happened multiple times and in multiple ways this week. I love it. Plus, while I couldn't get great photos of them, last night was our first time to be in total darkness, and enjoy a beautifully decorated starry sky! It was simply stunning. So many wonderful experiences that you too could enjoy here in the top end of Australia's outback. And at the end of the evening, though my camera didn't capture them very well, the starfield was incredible as there was absolutely zero light pollution in the gorge. Stunning to enjoy looking at, for certain!