YOU CAN TAKE OFF YOUR MASK!

BIG NEWS!!!

FINALLY! The CDC has just announced that IF YOU ARE VACCINATED you can TAKE OFF YOUR MASK, both INSIDE and OUTSIDE. No more social distancing, for any size crowd! Oh, Happy Day! They have finally caught up with the science!

BIG NEWS for Land Lovers & Cruise Lovers Alike!

EUROPE IS SET TO REOPEN!  
CRUISING FROM US PORTS LOOKS LIKELY THIS SUMMER! 

This week has brought some wonderful news for the travel industry and economies the world over, to be sure.  In this pair of exciting articles, we find that Europe is set to reopen to vaccinated Americans this summer, AND the CDC has now said that cruising could most likely resume from US ports this July.  Both of these are wonderful and long overdue announcements!  Stay tuned for more as the news gets shared. I'm so excited to see travel ramping up as more and more countries begin to reopen or announce their pending reopenings. And it's been exciting to watch the cruise lines find ways to resume cruising worldwide, but even better to see that the US is finally coming around to allowing it from our ports as well. 

NEW! Expanded Partner Portfolio for Golf Vacations

I am very excited to announce a new partnership catering to our golf-loving friends out there. Golfpac Travel has joined the list of approved supplier partners for Cruise Planners expanding our portfolio of planning resources to help provide outstanding travel experiences for you! Golfpac Travel has been a leader in Golf Vacations for over 35 years, offering more than 600+ golf courses in the US and internationally under their Hiddenlinks division, specializing in Scotland and Ireland, plus in the Caribbean within Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Together we can customize your perfect Golf vacations, from house rentals, 5-star resorts, to securing Tee Times at the most desired golf courses in the US and UK. Contact us for more info!

Intrigued? Reach out and let's chat. Know someone who might be? Please share this with them!

317.776.1733 | clingren@cruiseplanners.com | www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations

#golfvacation #hitthelinks #golf #takethetrip #travelagent #supportsmallbusinesses #DiscoverTheUSA #landvacations #MoreThanJustCruises

Summer Getaway Idea - Grand Hotel

 Discover the USA Suggestion... GRAND HOTEL & MACKINAC ISLAND

If you have never experienced the wonder of setting off from the mainland of Michigan and seeing the expansive front porch of Grand Hotel 7 miles away in the distance... or stepping back in time to an island that doesn't allow cars... or enjoying the picturesque beauty of Lake Huron surrounding the island, with the sweeping Mackinac Bridge in the distance then perhaps this is your year to do so!!

Dating back to 1887 as a summer getaway for the railroad barons of the 19th century, this legendary diamond has dusted herself off with a recent $10M refresh and pool renovation and is waiting for you. Grand Hotel opens for the season on May 7th which runs until November 7th, and the island would love to make your acquaintance! I'd love to help you plan an amazing getaway to this charming island retreat. Give me a call at 317.776.1733, or send an email to clingren@cruiseplanners.com, or submit a request through my website!

Go Active Itinerary Suggestion: SAN JUAN ISLANDS, WASHINGTON

Suggested Itinerary - Multi-Adventure Vacation

Welcome to the San Juan Islands, where the summer sun shines, the sea glistens and the pace of life slows. Find your rhythm biking along quiet country roads, spend time kayaking in peaceful inlets and connect to nature hiking amid old-growth forests. A hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest, this natural playground is perfect for an active outdoor adventure. 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold postcard-perfect Pacific Northwest scenery as you ferry from island to island with the locals
• Bike through majestic fir and cedar forests, explore driftwood beaches, and savor the day’s fresh catch
• Sail on a wildlife cruise and keep your eyes peeled for the chance to spot whales from the open water
• Admire views of emerald islands, Mount Baker, and Canada’s coastal peaks from atop Mount Constitution 

 

There are 13 possible itinerary departures from mid-June to late September 2021. These 6 days, 5-night adventures are truly special!

 

Intrigued? Ask me! Know someone who might love this type of adventure? Share it with them!  I love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations & active adventures of all kinds. Don't let the agency name fool you...we are SO MUCH MORE than just cruises!  I am a Backroads Certified Specialist, and would love to help you find the right active adventure for you!  

 

 

Learn more about other biking and active adventures on our dedicated page! 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #discovertheusa #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #bicycletouring #bicycling #biketours #backroadscertifiedspecialist

Destination Universal Orlando!

Home of some amazing attractions, experiences, and themed adventures, Universal Orlando is a fabulous vacation option. Check out the attached video to see how they're doing things in the current environment as the covid pandemic hits the one-year mark.

 

 

 

 

There's so much to see and enjoy while maintaining the social distancing stuff too. I love helping guests discover the worlds of Harry Potter and so much more at Universal Orlando! 

 

 

Want to talk about booking your family's Universal vacation? Call, email, or message today!  

 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #experiences #florida #universalorlando #universalspecialist

Destination Florida! Summer Vacation Plans Await

Itching to travel but not yet ready to go too far? Want to have some beach & fun? Then be sure to visit the state where the sun always shines: Florida! You’ll never run out of activities and adventures in this tropical paradise. From the beautiful beaches to the amazing theme parks; the awesome natural wonders to the cultural and culinary delights; from the links to the clubs...Florida has something for everyone year-round!

Whether you're thinking of staying in a lush tropical resort, beach condo, a cute bungalow somewhere near the water, or at one of the many incredible vacation homes available to rent, I can help!

Or perhaps you want more thrills and fun at Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World...I can help with that too. Don't let the agency name fool you...we are SO MUCH MORE than simply cruises.

 

I love helping people find amazing adventures and experiences to create memories for a lifetime through land vacations, as well as cruises. Want to know more? Just ask!  

Go Active Itinerary Suggestion: CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY

 

ITINERARY SUGGESTION:  CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY: Napa & Sonoma Vineyards, Redwoods & Pacific Coast

Legendary vineyards. Soaring redwood forests. And the dramatic Pacific coast. This is Northern California. And for you, it's a fantastic week and an incredible journey. Wine tastings and gourmet meals enlighten your palate. Stunning scenery invigorates. And top-notch spas relax and rejuvenate... all in one remarkable place simply known as the Wine Country.

 

 

 

There are 24 possible itinerary departures from April to November 2021. These 6 days, 5-night adventures are truly special!

 

Intrigued? Ask me! Know someone who might love this type of adventure? Share it with them!  I love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations & active adventures of all kinds. Don't let the agency name fool you...we are SO MUCH MORE than just cruises!

 

Learn more about other biking and active adventures on our dedicated page! 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #discovertheusa #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #bicycletouring #bicycling #biketours

Did You Know We Can Book That For You? HAWAII LAND-BASED ADVENTURES

RELAX IN THE ISLANDS! HAWAII!

Home to the world’s most active volcanoes, the only royal palace in the U.S., and the welcoming aloha spirit - Hawaii is like no place on Earth! Discover the glimmering ocean, emerald valleys, and golden sands; get lost in the spiritual beauty of the hula and find out how the warmth of Hawaii’s people wonderfully complements the islands’ perfect temperatures. We invite you to explore the Islands of Aloha to find your own heavenly Hawaii experiences. Aloha.

 

 

There are six major islands to visit in Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii! Each island has its own distinct personality, adventures, activities, and sights. We invite you to explore the Islands of Aloha to find your own heavenly Hawaii experiences.

 

Whether for your first visit, or one of numerous returns, as a Hawaii Destination Expert, I'd be thrilled to help you discover the wonderful island life that is Hawaii. The islands are open for visitors, though the covid restrictions differ by island, so when you trust me to plan your Hawaiian getaway, I'll be sure to let you know the important details you'll need to enjoy your experience!

 

Intrigued? Ask me! Know someone who might be interested? I love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations and Hawaii is one of my favorite destinations to send guests to discover!  For more about Hawaii, visit my dedicated Hawaii page on the website. 

 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #getbacktonature #beachgetaway #beachvacation #hawaii

Christopher's GO ACTIVE Adventure Suggestions - WYOMING'S YELLOWSTONE & TETONS MULTI-ADVENTURE TOUR

WYOMING'S YELLOWSTONE & TETONS MULTI-ADVENTURE TOUR

 

The Tetons. Majestic peaks above, meadows, and glacial lakes below. And the Snake River winding through the valley. Yellowstone is one of a kind. Geysers really do erupt hourly. Sulfur-scented hot springs glimmer like jewels. Bison and elk are as common as tourists. As you hike, bike, kayak, raft and explore these epic regions, your experience will be just as spectacular.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle through the twisting rapids of the Snake River with a professional white-water guide

• Bike a spectacular route beneath the jagged peaks of the Teton Range, one of the most beautiful car-free paths in the west

• Hike in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a geologic wonderland and home of the park's biggest waterfall

• Experience thrilling sightings of wonderful wildlife in the air, on the water, and across the land—have your camera ready!

• Activity Level: 1-4

• 6 Days, 5 Nights | Starting at $4,099 pp double occupancy

• There are 16 available Trip dates for this tour in 2021 between June and mid-September.

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED? A LOT!

• Your Choice: Performance Road Bike, Touring Bike, Electric-Assist Bike, Carbon Bike, or Tandem Bike

• All breakfasts, 5 lunches, & 4 dinners

• Expertise & services of experienced Trip Leaders

• Snacks & beverages between meals

• Additional guides & experts from the region

• Van shuttles to support a variety of route options

• All gratuities at hotels & restaurants

• On biking & multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped titanium bike plus helmet & accessories

• Trailercycles, carriers, & kid-sized helmets for Family Trips

• Equipment & experienced guides for rafting as described

• Park & other entry fees

• Fares for trains, ferries, & other modes of travel

• Select coach transfers

• Baggage transfers & porterage

 

 

Intrigued? Ask me! Know someone who might love this type of adventure? Share it, please! I love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations & adventures of all kinds. Don't let the agency name fool you...we are SO MUCH MORE than just cruises!

 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #discovertheusa #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #kayaking #bicycletouring #bicycling #hikingadventures #rafting #raft

Time for a Land Vacation?

After a year of covid, if you're ready to get out and explore once again, I'm ready to help you plan your next adventure. Now booking, land trips all across the USA (including theme parks, cabins, beach vacations & condos, Alaska, Hawaii, & much more), along with cruises for when they start sailing again. Caribbean & Mexico getaways and all-inclusive resorts too!

PLUS! We have a number of exciting curated shared group travel itineraries that you could join including US National Parks, Colorado Rockies, America's Music Cities, New York City Holidays, and others.

Don't delay, reach out today by email, phone, or through the website.

Did You Know We Can Book That? MOUNTAIN CABINS & RENTALS

How about a nice, somewhat remote, woodsy getaway this year? How does a cabin, condo, lodge, mountain home, chalet, bungalow, or luxury villa sound? Whether for just yourself or the whole clan, we can help reserve your woodsy lodging from coast to coast. From traditional inns and hotels to 1, 2, 3 Bedrooms, and more, we've got you covered. PLUS RV rentals in Alaska, too! You might only think of me as a cruise guy because of the name of the agency, but we are SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST CRUISES.

 

Here's just a sampling of where we can find a vacation rental for you:

 

Gatlinburg | Mammoth Lakes | Sun Valley | Aspen | Adirondacks | Park City | Lake Tahoe | Branson | Petoskey | Whitefish and many more

 

 

Intrigued? Ask me! I love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations and vacation rentals!  You can learn more about what we can do and request a quote on our dedicated Mountain Cabins & Rentals page.

 

 

 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #getbacktonature #woodsygetaway #cabininthewoods #mountains #mountainvacation

2021 Winter Travel Planner Magazine is Here!

 

Our newest digital issue of the Travel Planner magazine is here!

 

If YOU are comfortable and ready to travel, I'd love to help you plan your trip! This magazine is a great source of inspiration, with some great possibilities for land-based vacations that could be enjoyed now, and when the cruise lines are able to start sailing again...river cruises in the USA and in Europe and ocean cruises all over the world. Many of the offers are valid for booking before April 30th, others are through various dates in March. If you see something that intrigues you...ask me about it!

 

I know everyone has a different comfort level at this time, but please know that a wide range of travel opportunities can be booked for this year, next year, or even 2023. This 45-page e-zine will certainly give you some great ideas to ponder and dream about in the following categories dedicated to those regions or sub-regions.

 

• Let’s Go Caribbean & Mexico

• Let’s Go USA & Hawaii

• Let’s Go Alaska

• Let’s Go Exotics & Expeditions

• Let’s Go Europe

 

It also has several featurettes sprinkled throughout, with embedded YouTube videos to continue to spark your travel imagination! When you're ready to book, please reach out to me and I will be very happy to take care of all the details for you. Just click the image to explore and start dreaming! (Plus on page 3, you could register to win a 7-night AMA WATERWAYS river cruise for two! Must enter by April 30th)

  

Alaska. A Veritable Delight!

While not my first visit there, I got to visit our 49th state in my 49th year and it was quite an amazing adventure! If you have never experienced Alaska...you really should consider it! It's a veritable delight in any season...spring, summer, fall, and yes, even winter! I was there right before all of the 2020 stay-at-home orders began, and LOVED IT! There's so much to see and experience! If you are considering an Alaskan trek of your own - whether by land or cruise ship - or both - be sure to mark your calendars for October 21 at 5pm ET and join us for an amazing virtual experience to get your planning juices flowing so you too can discover the last great frontier. This presentation...ALASKA: Discover the Last Frontier...will take you on a virtual adventure through the wilds of Alaska. Learn about the best places to catch sight of a whale breaching, how you can walk on top of a glacier and where to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. And that's just a taste of all the amazing experiences Alaska offers. Alaska is one of my top-selling destinations, and I would love to help you make your Alaskan dreams come true in 2021 or 2022. With so much pent-up demand to travel following this 2020 pandemic mess, 2021 is nearly sold out, so don't delay...if you want to make your Alaskan bucket list dream come true next year, let's start the conversation with this virtual presentation.

REGISTER BELOW and tune in on October 21 at 5pm ET to learn more about Alaska vacations.

https://tinyurl.com/VirtualAlaska

Virtual Travel Presentation - The Magical Mississippi River with Viking Cruises

Our virtual sailing along the Magical Mississippi River with Viking Cruises is tonight!! I'd love to have you join us from your own comfy chair at 7 pm EDT this evening. Please use the link below to RSVP.

https://register.gotowebinar.com/regi.../3292936578286301709

Please confirm that Christopher Lingren with Cruise Planners invited you when registering, including using my email as well as yours ~ clingren@cruiseplanners.com. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

We look forward to "sailing" with you through America's heartland!

Stay safe and let's dare to dream together! Actual sailings for this itinerary begin in 2021.

Such Amazing Beauty When You Come to Anchorage in Winter

Not my pictures since I flew overnight, but these are from one of my FAM colleagues who arrived in Anchorage this morning. Such amazing beauty when you come to Anchorage in winter. And the Iditarod is a great reason to come in winter!

#anchorage #Alaska #visitanchorage #iditarod #takethetrip #makememories #useatravelagent #icanshowyoutheworld

CP Boot Camp Continues

It's a full day ahead with panel discussions! On deck are American Cruise Lines, Clipper Vacations, Globus, Exclusive Group Travel, Trafalgar, and CP home office staff.

Great tips, education, and learning ahead to be sure!

Dining at the Carthay Circle Restaurant

Recently I dined for the very first time at the Carthay Circle Restaurant inside Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland® Resort.  I was there for an Earmarked Agent Education Program, and they treated us to a wonderful meal before heading over to the Paradise Pier area for our viewing of World of Color.  Our menu was pre-selected for us with appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert, though we could choose between three different entrees.  

Here's what I enjoyed: 

• Signature Fried Biscuits stuffed with white cheddar, bacon, jalapeno, and apricot honey.
• Carthay Circle Salad with heirloom apples, roasted walnuts, winter greens, bacon, dates, and creamy citrus vinaigrette.
• Choice of entree: I went with the Angus beef Delmonico, with chipotle sweet potatoes, bacon, and onion ketchup.
• Chocolate Cookies n Cream Cake with winter orange chantilly (but I was too full to partake of that - a couple of bites only. Good but heavy).

Dinner at the Carthay Circle was so very good and so very filling. It was a nice touch for our hosts to enjoy a delicious meal. It's definitely not what most people think of when they think of eating inside theme parks!

An Alaskan Cruise. Is Alaska on Your Bucket List?

 

When it comes to cruises, an Alaskan cruise is in a league of its own and provides an experience of a lifetime. The voyage itself is certainly different from a typical cruise headed to the warm and sunny beach destinations of the Caribbean.  An Alaskan cruise brings forth another type of awe-inspiring beauty altogether. and provides passengers the opportunity to see pristine landscapes and wildlife in a way that they might never have experienced before. A Bucket List destination for many, Alaska is a top cruise destination.

Here are just a few reasons why an Alaskan Cruise should be at the top of your travel list.

Cruise Lines Cater to All Ages

Once upon a time, it seemed that the vast majority of passengers on Alaskan cruises were elderly. However that has changed, and most major cruise lines, which cater to all ages, now travel to Alaska.  Disney Cruise Line, known for being family-oriented, cruises to this destination on the Disney Wonder, which has been specially retrofitted to enhance the Alaskan experience for her guests. Oceangoing cruise lines that serve the Alaska market include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Silversea, and Crystal Cruises. Additionally, smaller river cruise ships that serve the Alaska market include American Cruise Lines, Tauck, and UnCruise Adventures. 

Port Adventures

Regardless of age, there's something for everyone at the assorted port destinations. Examples include: children can pan for gold and watch dog sledding, adults can sample local brews and visit spectacular fjords and glaciers, and people of all ages can enjoy whale watching. For the more adventurous types, white water rafting, ziplining, or exploring glacier tops via helicopter ride can be great fun. Other more passive adventures include rides on the Alaskan railroad, shopping, and mild nature walks.  

See Glaciers

While glaciers are the most sought-after tourist attraction in Alaska, they are also endangered and are decreasing at an alarming rate. See them from the cruise ship, get closer to them via kayak, take a hiking tour, or see them from a flightseeing tour. You don't want to miss seeing this magnificent sight!

The Wildlife

Alaska is known for magnificent wildlife, which you may first glimpse from the deck of your ship. Just imagine seeing humpback whales, orca whales, beluga whales, and dolphins, as you enjoy a meal or relax. You will also have the opportunity to take port excursions, enabling you to get close to native wildlife, which may include bears, elk, bald eagles, moose, and much more. It is a bird-lovers paradise, with hundreds of different varieties just waiting to be spotted. Be sure to bring along binoculars! 

Cruise Season

The Alaskan cruise season is much shorter than in other areas of the world. The cruise ships first arrive in mid to late April, and all depart by mid-September.  
 

Itinerary Options

There are numerous itinerary options and ways to experience Alaska, which allows you to find the best fit for you. There are four basic ways to cruise Alaska:

1. Round-trip, sailing from either Vancouver, Seattle, and sometimes San Francisco, which will head north, typically through the Inside Passage, stopping in a handful of ports, and then return back to the originating port. 
2. Northbound one-way, which sails from Vancouver or Seattle heading north, again typically through the Inside Passage with multiple stops along the way, and then ending in the Anchorage area to either Whittier or Seward.  Guests then disembark the ship and board the Alaskan railroad for the 2+ hour train trip to Anchorage, where they would then fly home. 
3. Southbound one-way, which is the opposite of the northbound, as guests would fly into Anchorage, and then ride the Alaskan railroad south to Seward or Whittier to board their ship. The ship would then sail through the assorted ports of call, down through the Inside Passage, and then on to Vancouver or Seattle, where guests would disembark and fly home.
4. CruiseTour, which is a combination of a pre or post-cruise land experience coupled with the cruise itself.  Guests can choose between 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or even 7-day land experiences that include visits to Denali National Park and other exciting destinations throughout southern and central Alaska or Vancouver.  Typically a pre-cruise tour will find guests flying into Fairbanks and beginning their land experiences and ending in Anchorage for the journey south on the Alaskan railroad to board their ship for a southbound cruise; though there are land experiences that begin in the Vancouver area with guests touring Whistler and the surrounding areas of Canada. Post-cruise tours are similar, just taking place after the cruise.   

On Sale soon
The 2017 Alaskan itineraries are going to be released by the cruise lines very soon. Typically they release their coming year's schedule in late February or very early March, though Celebrity's 2017 sailings are already on sale. For more information and to learn more about Alaskan cruises, call Christopher today at 855.776.1733, or complete this link!

Featured Foto Friday - Aulani Recreation

Recreational activities abound at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii. Lounge chairs and kayaks in the morning hours await guests to come and enjoy them on the resort's shared lagoon at Ko Olina.  Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, guests have the opportunity to kayak out into open waters and enjoy!