TRAVELOGUE NO. 2
PACIFIC COASTAL CRUISE LOS ANGELES TO VANCOUVER
SUNDAY, May 9, 2010 – “Mother’s Day” – Santa Barbara, CA
We arrived in Santa Barbara early in the morning after a pleasant evening sailing up the coast from Los Angeles. Santa Barbara is a tender port, so the Sapphire Princess anchored out in the harbor and began to launch the tender boats to transport the passengers to and from the pier.
The weather could not have been more beautiful. It was about 65° with a slight breeze. The sky was blue with only a few fluffy clouds here and there in the sky. As you looked from the ship towards the city of Santa Barbara, you could not help but notice the mountains behind the city that were still green from the winter rains. With the shadows from the few clouds, the mountains almost appeared to be covered with a dark, forest green velvet cloth.
As we entered the harbor on our tender, and came around the breakwater we were greeted by hundreds of pelicans that were lining the shore. Many more were flying above and then diving straight down into the water “going fishing”. As we arrived at the pier, it seemed that the entire staff of the visitor’s bureau was out to greet us along with the harbor patrol and the police department. Everyone wished all of the ladies Happy Mother’s Day as we walked up the ramp. There were tables near the street where we could find maps of the downtown area. This is also where we were directed to our Trolley Tour.
We chose the Trolley Tour because we have only ever driven through Santa Barbara before and have not had the good fortune to explore it much – so we thought this would be a great way to introduce ourselves to this beautiful city.
Santa Barbara is called the America Riviera and is a place where food, art, history, fashion, sunshine and WINE mix to create a delightful and unique experience. The architecture is mostly Spanish and with the warm Mediterranean climate, you can take full advantage of the charming sidewalk-cafés and beautiful seaside setting.
Our Trolley driver, Mark, was quite enjoyable and explained about the history of Santa Barbara as well as pointing out popular current attractions. As he drove us through the streets of Santa Barbara, you could almost picture yourself in the Mediterranean. The Spanish and Moorish style buildings are graced with beautiful bougainvillea which was in full bloom. The streets are lined with 900 different species of trees (all of them imported). The ficus trees give a beautiful shade cover to some streets, where others are lined with tall palm trees that have their trunks full of huge bougainvillea bushes that are climbing up. Yet other streets are lined with jacaranda trees which are in full bloom with their delicate purple flowers.
You could definitely tell that Spring was here, because the rose bushes were in full bloom. There is a rose garden up at the Santa Barbara Mission across the long lawn. As you arrive at the Mission, you pass a large wooden cross in the middle of the lawn and at its’ base are a wide array of colorful flowers. The Mission is set back in a valley and up on a hill. If you turn around, you will have a beautiful panoramic view of the valley and out to the ocean. The hills that surround the Mission are gentle rolling hills that graduate up to the top of the range of only about 1,000 feet.
Though we were not able to get inside the Mission, we were able to walk around the grounds and take in the beauty. The architecture is definitely Spanish. There are two bell towers on the main part of the church; and to the left was a row of rooms that were all lined with covered archways. There was a bronze statue out front of Father Junipero Serra and a beautiful tiled fountain.
Once we left the Mission, Mark drove us down through the town and explained that the area known as Montecito is very popular with the “rich and famous”. Brad Pitt¸ Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Douglas, just to name a few, have all purchased multi-million dollar homes here. One of the most famous residents of the area is Fess Parker, best known for his role of Davy Crocket on the Disney Show many years ago. After his show business career, he bought up quite a bit of land here in Santa Barbara and started a vineyard. Fess Parker wines are among some of the best from this region.
After our tour was over, we opted to be dropped in town and walked down State Street past the refurbished train station and across the railroad tracks. At the entrance to the station, there are curved planters with four, 12 inch ceramic tiles that form the picture of a train. It was quite interesting. We were told that once a week the red-brick lined sidewalks of State Street are steam cleaned, so they remain pristine and beautiful for everyone. The streets are lined with tile fountains and beautiful planters full of colorful flowers from bougainvillea to birds of paradise to morning glorys. Most of the stores have archway entrances which are lined with vines. We walked under the freeway and continued on down to Cabrillo Street which is directly across from the beach.
There was an art fair on the lawn adjacent to the beach where the lawn was literally lined with paintings and photographs and the artists selling their work. Across the street, we could not help but notice “Rusty’s Pizza” which was in a lighthouse building. So, in honor of our Golden Retriever, Rusty, we decided to have lunch out on the terrace. We chose to enjoy the lunch “special” which was a small salad from the salad bar, a personal size pizza with two toppings and a soft drink for $6.95 each. After lunch, we walked further down the street and out onto the pier at Stearns Wharf and then headed back to the dock where we caught our tender back to the ship.
The winds came up dramatically in the mid-afternoon and this became an “issue” for the crew as it was difficult to keep the tenders steady enough to unload the passengers coming back from town. The winds actually increased to 40 knots around 4:00 p.m. and this delayed our departure as the crew had a difficult time getting the tenders secured back on the ship.
Once we finally left Santa Barbara, we expected a “rough” night because of the high winds and white-capped seas. But, we were graced within an hour of a calm Pacific and I even saw breaching gray whales off the port side of the ship. Though they were far in the distance, I still was able to capture a picture or two.
For Mother’s Day, Jim treated me to a delicious dinner of steak and lobster in the Sterling Steakhouse. The Maitre’ d, Stefan, was quite gracious and sent us a complimentary appetizer of jalapeno poppers stuffed with a light cheddar cheese and marinara dipping sauce. We each enjoyed a glass of wine and a beautiful sunset out the window as we continued sailing north out of Santa Barbara. I enjoyed a brie cheese quesadilla with mango salsa appetizer while Jim had a jumbo shrimp cocktail. Then my main course was a rib eye steak and lobster tail with a baked potato and Jim had a filet mignon with lobster tail and baked potato. For dessert (which we did NOT need) I enjoyed a raspberry crème brulee and Jim had a chocolate pecan pie.
We hope you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day and enjoyed each other.
Monday, May 10, 2010
1. Pacific Coastal WineCountry Cruise Sapphire Princess
TRAVELOGUE NO. 1
PACIFIC COASTAL CRUISE LOS ANGELES TO VANCOUVER
SATURDAY, May 8, 2010 – Embarkation and Bon Voyage Experience
Our day began with Jim’s brother Carl and sister-in-law Carol who drove us to the cruise terminal. We arrived at San Pedro and dropped off our luggage and proceeded into the embarkation area where we all showed our ID. Carl and Carol were given special passes to get on board with us. The Bon Voyage Experience is something new that Princess is offering to passengers that has not been offered since 9/11.; Carl and Carol along with about 100 other guests of passengers, were allowed to come on board with us.
We gave Carl and Carol our own tour starting in our stateroom. We have a balcony room on the port side of the ship near very near the aft end. In fact, we are only three cabins from the door that leads out onto the furthest aft deck. There is a small pool here that is about 12’ X 12’ along with several dozen lounge chairs around the wooden deck. On the next level up, there is an outside bar area with some more lounges and chairs under the shaded overhang. After we came back inside, we went back to midship in the Atrium. The Atrium has four elevators that have a filigree fascia which cover the elevator on the first couple of levels until it rises higher in the Atrium. There is a large marble dome in the center of the ceiling above and similar marble inlaid on the floor. The winding staircases will let you walk from floor to floor in the Atrium area.
The Wheelhouse Bar and the Explorers Lounge are the two largest lounge/bars on the ship. Both are tastefully decorated with a nautical theme and lots of beautiful wood. As we walked on the Promenade Deck we walked through the Photo Gallery and then on into a beautiful fine art studio. There are shops on three levels in the Atrium. There is also a coffee café next to the Pursers Desk. There are several areas on either side of the ship around the Atrium where you can sit and enjoy the musicians playing in the evening along with getting an “adult” beverage.
Lunch was served to us in the International Dining Room which is the main dining room for “traditional” dining. We had a delicious four course lunch. Both Jim and Carl had the beef tenderloin and Carl and I had the salmon. We all enjoyed the chocolate soufflé for dessert with its warm rum sauce poured in the middle.
After lunch we walked up to the Lido Deck, up to the very top of the ship where we had a bird’s eye view of the entire ship from aft to stern. It is a l-o-n-g ship! The Sapphire Princess holds 2600 passengers and 1,000 crew members. On the upper deck we saw two more pools, one with a retracting ceiling called the Conservatory. There is a 9-hole miniature golf course (Princess Links) along with a golf simulator. There is also a paddle tennis court way up front along with a 1/10 mile walking track. Yep – ten times around equals one mile.
At 3:00 Carol and Carl had to leave the ship and the actual embarkation process for us continued with our Muster Drill (Safety Drill). At 4:00p.m. sharp, the whistle blew and the crew threw the last of the ropes aside and we were on our way out of the Port of San Pedro. We sailed past Ports of Call Village and on to the breakwater and the lighthouse at the end of the small strip of land. The lighthouse had quite a bit of rust around the bottom, but it still blew its horn as we sailed past and out to the Pacific Ocean. We headed north and up towards our first stop, Santa Barbara.
We thoroughly enjoyed the Bon Voyage Experience and really appreciated that Princess allowed us to bring guests on board to share a little bit of our sail-away. Thank you Carl and Carol for driving us to the cruise terminal! Hope you enjoyed your time onboard the ship!
Bon Voyage! Our journey has begun!
PACIFIC COASTAL CRUISE LOS ANGELES TO VANCOUVER
SATURDAY, May 8, 2010 – Embarkation and Bon Voyage Experience
Our day began with Jim’s brother Carl and sister-in-law Carol who drove us to the cruise terminal. We arrived at San Pedro and dropped off our luggage and proceeded into the embarkation area where we all showed our ID. Carl and Carol were given special passes to get on board with us. The Bon Voyage Experience is something new that Princess is offering to passengers that has not been offered since 9/11.; Carl and Carol along with about 100 other guests of passengers, were allowed to come on board with us.
We gave Carl and Carol our own tour starting in our stateroom. We have a balcony room on the port side of the ship near very near the aft end. In fact, we are only three cabins from the door that leads out onto the furthest aft deck. There is a small pool here that is about 12’ X 12’ along with several dozen lounge chairs around the wooden deck. On the next level up, there is an outside bar area with some more lounges and chairs under the shaded overhang. After we came back inside, we went back to midship in the Atrium. The Atrium has four elevators that have a filigree fascia which cover the elevator on the first couple of levels until it rises higher in the Atrium. There is a large marble dome in the center of the ceiling above and similar marble inlaid on the floor. The winding staircases will let you walk from floor to floor in the Atrium area.
The Wheelhouse Bar and the Explorers Lounge are the two largest lounge/bars on the ship. Both are tastefully decorated with a nautical theme and lots of beautiful wood. As we walked on the Promenade Deck we walked through the Photo Gallery and then on into a beautiful fine art studio. There are shops on three levels in the Atrium. There is also a coffee café next to the Pursers Desk. There are several areas on either side of the ship around the Atrium where you can sit and enjoy the musicians playing in the evening along with getting an “adult” beverage.
Lunch was served to us in the International Dining Room which is the main dining room for “traditional” dining. We had a delicious four course lunch. Both Jim and Carl had the beef tenderloin and Carl and I had the salmon. We all enjoyed the chocolate soufflé for dessert with its warm rum sauce poured in the middle.
After lunch we walked up to the Lido Deck, up to the very top of the ship where we had a bird’s eye view of the entire ship from aft to stern. It is a l-o-n-g ship! The Sapphire Princess holds 2600 passengers and 1,000 crew members. On the upper deck we saw two more pools, one with a retracting ceiling called the Conservatory. There is a 9-hole miniature golf course (Princess Links) along with a golf simulator. There is also a paddle tennis court way up front along with a 1/10 mile walking track. Yep – ten times around equals one mile.
At 3:00 Carol and Carl had to leave the ship and the actual embarkation process for us continued with our Muster Drill (Safety Drill). At 4:00p.m. sharp, the whistle blew and the crew threw the last of the ropes aside and we were on our way out of the Port of San Pedro. We sailed past Ports of Call Village and on to the breakwater and the lighthouse at the end of the small strip of land. The lighthouse had quite a bit of rust around the bottom, but it still blew its horn as we sailed past and out to the Pacific Ocean. We headed north and up towards our first stop, Santa Barbara.
We thoroughly enjoyed the Bon Voyage Experience and really appreciated that Princess allowed us to bring guests on board to share a little bit of our sail-away. Thank you Carl and Carol for driving us to the cruise terminal! Hope you enjoyed your time onboard the ship!
Bon Voyage! Our journey has begun!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Don't Let Your Parents Tell You No!
Have you ever said to yourself that you wished you had asked your parents or grandparents more about what it was like for them growing up?
Several years ago, my husband and I asked my parents to go on a cruise with us. We thought that going on a cruise would be a perfect opportunity to get away for a few days and spend some quality time together. But, we had to sell them on the idea.
I’m a Baby Boomer; and if your parents are like mine, you have probably heard that they feel that they cannot travel anymore. My parents told me that it would be too difficult. My Mom has Parkinson’s disease and my Dad has every kind of arthritis known to mankind. Getting around is not easy for either one of them. But, Mom wanted to see Glacier Bay – and so it was, we booked a cruise to Alaska! Once we boarded the ship and unpacked, our wonderful journey began.
This ended up being one of the best cruises we’ve ever been on. Not because of the itinerary, not because of anything other than it was a chance to spend some quality time with my parents.
My Dad had done some genealogy research and so we had some basic information. We knew that there would be time during the cruise to bring this up in the conversation. And, so it was…Once we sat down and asked them the first few questions, we were greeted with smiles and all sorts of stories. One story would trigger another memory and another and another. They enjoyed sitting in their deck chairs; and I couldn’t write or type fast enough. We talked about their childhood, their memories of growing up during the Depression, and memories they had of their parents or grandparents. The stories we heard were fascinating. After the first time when we sat down they started asking us “What time are we going to do this again?”
During that cruise, I learned my great-grandmother was a widow with five sons. They lived back in Wisconsin. When the wife of one of her former beau’s passed away, she received a letter from him in California. He knew of her husband’s passing and asked for her hand in marriage. She packed up her five sons and her piano and boarded a train in Wisconsin and traveled all the way to Visalia, California. He met them at the train station; and they all walked across the street to the Justice of the Peace who married them on the spot. My Dad’s Dad (my Grandpa) was one of those five boys!
Think about doing something like this with your parents or grandparents before it’s too late. Don’t let your parents tell you “no”. Plan that family reunion or 90th birthday celebration! Dance one more time with your Mom or Dad or Grandma or Grandpa. Take one more picture. Live, laugh and love each other. Take advantage of your time together and find the time to sit down and ask them those questions that you’ve been telling yourself that you have been meaning to ask. Bring a thick pad of paper and plenty of pens and enjoy what is about to unfold before you.
Believe me – you’re gonna love it; and so will they. It will be the memory of a lifetime!
Several years ago, my husband and I asked my parents to go on a cruise with us. We thought that going on a cruise would be a perfect opportunity to get away for a few days and spend some quality time together. But, we had to sell them on the idea.
I’m a Baby Boomer; and if your parents are like mine, you have probably heard that they feel that they cannot travel anymore. My parents told me that it would be too difficult. My Mom has Parkinson’s disease and my Dad has every kind of arthritis known to mankind. Getting around is not easy for either one of them. But, Mom wanted to see Glacier Bay – and so it was, we booked a cruise to Alaska! Once we boarded the ship and unpacked, our wonderful journey began.
This ended up being one of the best cruises we’ve ever been on. Not because of the itinerary, not because of anything other than it was a chance to spend some quality time with my parents.
My Dad had done some genealogy research and so we had some basic information. We knew that there would be time during the cruise to bring this up in the conversation. And, so it was…Once we sat down and asked them the first few questions, we were greeted with smiles and all sorts of stories. One story would trigger another memory and another and another. They enjoyed sitting in their deck chairs; and I couldn’t write or type fast enough. We talked about their childhood, their memories of growing up during the Depression, and memories they had of their parents or grandparents. The stories we heard were fascinating. After the first time when we sat down they started asking us “What time are we going to do this again?”
During that cruise, I learned my great-grandmother was a widow with five sons. They lived back in Wisconsin. When the wife of one of her former beau’s passed away, she received a letter from him in California. He knew of her husband’s passing and asked for her hand in marriage. She packed up her five sons and her piano and boarded a train in Wisconsin and traveled all the way to Visalia, California. He met them at the train station; and they all walked across the street to the Justice of the Peace who married them on the spot. My Dad’s Dad (my Grandpa) was one of those five boys!
Think about doing something like this with your parents or grandparents before it’s too late. Don’t let your parents tell you “no”. Plan that family reunion or 90th birthday celebration! Dance one more time with your Mom or Dad or Grandma or Grandpa. Take one more picture. Live, laugh and love each other. Take advantage of your time together and find the time to sit down and ask them those questions that you’ve been telling yourself that you have been meaning to ask. Bring a thick pad of paper and plenty of pens and enjoy what is about to unfold before you.
Believe me – you’re gonna love it; and so will they. It will be the memory of a lifetime!
Friday, March 12, 2010
CRUISE SALE MARCH 15-MARCH 21, 2010
CRUISE SALE! Princess Cruise Lines and Holland America Cruise Lines CRUISE SALE!!
Next week - March 15-21, 2010. Reduced deposits of only $100 on any cruise booked with CARPENTER TRAVEL for 2010 and 2011. Fully refundable. You will also receive a coupon book from either cruise lines valued at over $325 on onboard credits to be used during your cruise.
In addition, CARPENTER TRAVEL is offering new clients a $25 onboard credit for every cabin booked.
SPECIALS INCLUDE:
7-DAY SEATTLE TO GLACIER BAY CRUISE on Holland America MS Zaandam, departing September 24, 2010 and going to the ports of Ketchiken, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Victoria. Interior cabins starting as low as $699 per person plus taxes.
14-day HAWAIIAN ISLANDS CRUISE on Holland America MS Zaandam - round trip San Diego
departing November 7, 2010 - Interior cabins starting as low as $1499 per person plus taxes.
7-day PACIFIC COAST CRUISE on Norweigan Cruise Lines Norwegian Pearl - Los Angeles to Vancouver with ports of call at San Francisco, Astoria, Victoria, Nanaimo and Vancouver. Interior cabins starting as low at $419 per person plus taxes.
All prices above are based on double occupancy and pricing available at time of booking. Cruise Lines have the option of increasing prices until time final booking is made.
CARPENTER TRAVEL always recommends purchasing travel insurance, because I want your vacation to be memorable for all the "right" reasons.
Next week - March 15-21, 2010. Reduced deposits of only $100 on any cruise booked with CARPENTER TRAVEL for 2010 and 2011. Fully refundable. You will also receive a coupon book from either cruise lines valued at over $325 on onboard credits to be used during your cruise.
In addition, CARPENTER TRAVEL is offering new clients a $25 onboard credit for every cabin booked.
SPECIALS INCLUDE:
7-DAY SEATTLE TO GLACIER BAY CRUISE on Holland America MS Zaandam, departing September 24, 2010 and going to the ports of Ketchiken, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Victoria. Interior cabins starting as low as $699 per person plus taxes.
14-day HAWAIIAN ISLANDS CRUISE on Holland America MS Zaandam - round trip San Diego
departing November 7, 2010 - Interior cabins starting as low as $1499 per person plus taxes.
7-day PACIFIC COAST CRUISE on Norweigan Cruise Lines Norwegian Pearl - Los Angeles to Vancouver with ports of call at San Francisco, Astoria, Victoria, Nanaimo and Vancouver. Interior cabins starting as low at $419 per person plus taxes.
All prices above are based on double occupancy and pricing available at time of booking. Cruise Lines have the option of increasing prices until time final booking is made.
CARPENTER TRAVEL always recommends purchasing travel insurance, because I want your vacation to be memorable for all the "right" reasons.
SAN DIEGO BUSINESS SHOWCASE - POSTSHOW REPORT
Yesterday, March 11, 2010, we participated in the San Diego Business Showcase at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. We enjoyed our time there meeting new people and getting acquainted with some a little more than others. Congratulations to Karen O. and Mark B. of San Diego who each won a travel basket sponsored by either Princess Cruise Lines or Holland America Cruise Lines!
Monday, March 1, 2010
CARPENTER TRAVEL
Your "Enthusiastic" Excursionist
Located in Rancho San Diego, CA
(619) 592-4628 or (866) 963-0546
E-mail: carpentertravel51@yahoo.com
www.carpentertravel.net
“Hawaiian Islands Cruise”
14-day San Diego to Hawaii Cruise
Round trip San Diego
HOLLAND AMERICA - MS ZAANDAM
Visiting the ports of Hilo, Honolulu, Kuaui, Lahaina and Ensenada
Interior Cabins (Category K) starting at $1,499 per person/ double occupancy
Ocean-view Cabins (Category E) starting at $1,759 per person/double occupancy
Verandah Cabins (Category AA) starting at $3,909 per person/double occupancy
EXTRA AMMENITIES ON THIS CRUISE ADD SUPERIOR VALUE!! - including Champagne and Strawberries, Deluxe Canapés, one Photo, and Dinner at the Pinnacle Grill Restaurant!
CRUISE SALE – March 15th to March 21st offering reduced deposits of $100 per person and a Holland America onboard coupon book valued at over $325. Book during that week and receive a $50 per cabin onboard credit from CARPENTER TRAVEL.
Book your cabin now with Barbara at CARPENTER TRAVEL and let her spoil and pamper you! You're going to LOVE it!
(619) 592-4628 or (866) 963-0546
E-mail: carpentertravel51@yahoo.com
www.carpentertravel.net
CARPENTER TRAVEL is a member of the East County Chamber of Commerce, SATH (Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality) and Barbara is an Alaska Destination Specialist and Accessible Lifestyle Specialist. CA Seller of Travel No. 2098385-40
Fares based on double occupancy and availability at time of booking. CARPENTER TRAVEL always recommends purchasing travel protection insurance.
CARPENTER TRAVEL
Located in Rancho San Diego, CA
(619) 592-4628 or (866) 963-0546
E-mail: carpentertravel51@yahoo.com
www.carpentertravel.net
“Alaska Cruise"
7-day Alaska Cruise to Glacier Bay
Round trip out of Seattle
HOLLAND AMERICA - MS ZAANDAM
Visiting the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Victoria
Interior Cabins (Category K) starting at $699 per person/ double occupancy
Ocean-view Cabins (Category E) starting at $799 per person/double occupancy
Verandah Cabins (Category AA) starting at $1,419 per person/double occupancy
EXTRA AMMENITIES ON THIS CRUISE ADD SUPERIOR VALUE - including Champagne and Strawberries, Deluxe Canapés, one Photo, one soda card per cabin, wine charms, Holland America cookbook and Lunch at the Pinnacle Grill Restaurant!
CRUISE SALE – March 15th to March 21st offering reduced deposits of $100 per person and a Holland America onboard coupon book valued at over $325. Book during that week and receive a $50 per cabin onboard credit from CARPENTER TRAVEL.
Book your cabin now with Barbara at CARPENTER TRAVEL and let her spoil and pamper you! You're going to LOVE it!
(619) 592-4628 or (866) 963-0546
E-mail: carpentertravel51@yahoo.com
www.carpentertravel.net
CARPENTER TRAVEL is a member of the East County Chamber of Commerce, SATH (Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality) and Barbara is an Alaska Destination Specialist and Accessible Lifestyle Specialist. CA Seller of Travel No. 209835-40
Fares based on double occupancy and availability at time of booking. CARPENTER TRAVEL always recommends purchasing travel protection insurance.
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