Margaret is heading to Alaska for her birthday!

Group Air has been lowered!  See information below.

August 3, 2018 - August 10, 2018

Explorer of the Seas

Original birth certificates or passports are required

Travel Insurance is suggested

Optional one night pre stay in Seattle makes trip August 2-10, 2018

Right now the gratuities are $94.50 per person.   

Did you Know?

• Alaska's largest lake, Lake Iliamna, is roughly the size of Connecticut.

Alaska has an estimated 100,000 glaciers, ranging from tiny cirque glaciers to huge valley glaciers. There are more active glaciers and ice fields in Alaska than in the rest of the inhabited world. The largest glacier is the Malaspina at 850 square miles. Five percent of the state, or 29,000 square miles, is covered by glaciers.

Typical sunrise and sunset in Juneau in Agust goes from 5AM- 9PM.  Lots of daylight for you!

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• Alaska is the only state that does not collect state sales tax or levy an individual income tax (some cities have sales tax, however).
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• Alaska is less than 50 miles from Russia.
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Yippee!

When the group air departure changed times, the price was also lowered by $20 per person.  You will be seeing that reflected on your invoices.  

Extra change.  Southwest groups just called to say they had added another flight from Seattle to Chicago.  It is NON STOP.  With the change it is also $50 less.  As long as we have the contracted 20 people, each person will be paying $413.  Such a deal.  We took it of course!  Now we just need 20 of you to confirm that you are using the group air/transfer/hotel.  Please contact Comfort Travel at 708-841-9100 or email us at comfortnancy@comcast.net 

 It's hard to describe the beauty of Alaska.  

From the majestic mountains to the unbelievable colors of the glaciers, there is always something to look at.  So come along with Margaret as she watches the whales breaching along side of the ship while eagles fly above.  

You will leave Seattle (Friday -4PM) and spend the next day At Sea (Saturday - cruising) before you need to Get those cameras ready as you cruise the Inside Passage (Sunday - cruising morning) That afternoonbe prepared because you will land in Juneau (Sunday - 12PM-9PM) where you can walk the city.  Remember, this is the land of the midnight sun, so even getting back on board later in the evening will still seem like mid day!  A true Alaska experience awaits you in Skagway (Monday - 7AM - 8:30PM)with its many choices of activities. ​Next you will explore the beauty of Tracy Arm Fjords & Glacier (Tuesday - cruising) .  Whew!   You need a break?  .  You didn't get a chance to take advantage of the ship actiivites?  Today you will have a relaxing day At Sea (Wednesday - cruising).  Your final day will be spent in  Victoria (Thursday - 9AM - 6PM) to wander the capital city.  Back to the ship to pack before landing the next morning in Seattle (Friday - 6AM).

  Downtown Juneau, Alaska sits snugly between Mount Juneau, Mount Roberts and Gastineau Channel, and is a maze of narrow streets running past a mix of new structures, old storefronts and quaint houses featuring early 19th century architecture left over from the town’s early gold mining days. The waterfront bustles with cruise ships, fishing boats and floatplanes zipping in and out. With no road access to Juneau, it is the only state capital in the United States that can only be reached by airplane or boat. Surrounded by fjords, forest and snow-capped mountains, Juneau is one gorgeous state capital. Its historic downtown harkens back to its gold-rush origins and you can still pan for gold. But nature is the priceless treasure.  (12:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

  Skagway, Alaska  is nestled at the northernmost reaches of the Inside Passage, the streets are lined with wooden boardwalks and restored buildings, looking much as they did 100 years ago. The great Klondike Rush lives on in Skagway’s charming downtown of restored 19th-century buildings and its historic railway. From the vintage train, admire the mountains and see the 1898 trail that fortune seekers traveled on foot. ​It is from here that visitors can take the train ride into the mountains along the path that many of the miners once travelled.  (7 AM - 8:30 PM)

 Victoria BC is the capital city of the Canadian province of British Columbia, and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada's Pacific coast.  It is a bustling city with modern touches and elegant old statues and buildings. The capital of British Columbia is filled with blooming gardens, heritage architecture and historic charm. The heart of Victoria is its scenic harbor and Old Town, compact areas that are made for strolling and easily explored on foot.  (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

      Seattle, Washington   Famously rainy and picturesque, Seattle sits on Puget Sound against a spectacular mountain backdrop. Soak up the city's scene in one the many coffeehouses or head down to the lively Pike Place Market to feast on artisanal and local foods.

Reminder you can choose to add a one night stay in Seattle before the cruise.  

Air prices will be available after February, 2018.

Call to ask about Travel Insurance.

CLICK HERE FOR IDEAS ON SHORE EXCURSIONS

Get to Know the Cities you will be visiting!

(I will continue to add information for each area so check back often.)

Seattle

One of the oldest continuously operated farmers’ markets in the United States and the 33rd most visited tourist attraction in the world, Pike Place Market is a vibrant, community-minded venue in Seattle’s downtown. The market is home to hundreds of farmers, small businesses, craftspeople and even residents, who make up the special character of this 17-acre historic district. Although it is named for one single street within the area, Pike Place Market is actually made up of several levels set against the edge of a steep hill, each one featuring a mélange of shops, restaurants, fresh product stands, crafts stalls and collectible stands. It is not for nothing that this market is officially the city’s most popular tourist destination.

HISTORY:  In 1907, Seattle City Councilman Thomas Revelle proposed the opening of a public market place so that that consumers could buy fresh product directly from farmers. The market was so popular that 70 wagons gathered in the marketplace every day to sell their wares. Soon, permanent arcades were being built to house stalls. The market has seen ups and downs over the years, and in 1971, a project named “Save the Market” was launched to prevent the planned demolition of buildings. Today, the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority ensures the continued growth of the market, all the while maintaining the neighborhood feel and quality goods that make this a leading destination for visitors and locals alike.

GOOD LUCK:  The large bronze pig is the mascot of Pike Place Market.  It is known for “bringing home the bacon” for The Market Foundation to support local services since 1986. Why not go along with the legend that if you rub the snout and make a donation, you’ll have good luck!

Recent question "Are there still cabins available?"  The answer is easy..."maybe".

  If you know what cabin you want and how many people will be sharing it, we can call and find out if one is available.  Price will be offered at time of booking.

So if you have an interest, or know someone who might be, tell them to call.

708-841-9100