Get Out the Map Oct. 14, 2011

Princess…using their heads
By Mike & Darlene Jordan

Every once in awhile, companies see the light.

The Mexican Riviera used to be one of our favorite cruise destinations. We say “used to be” because Mexico is having some serious problems with drug crime, making it difficult for us to recommend the itinerary aboard cruise ships. At the same time, we’ve started warning people off of Mexico for land vacations, as well.

We’re not alone. As we’ve mentioned in this space before, the cruise lines, themselves, have eliminated port stops at Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

At the time this started, we predicted, as did a lot of others, that the problems that started in Mexico’s interior would not be allowed to spread to the tourist areas and port cities. Tourist trade was just too important to the Mexican economy. We were wrong.

Now, Princess Cruise Lines has pulled their designated Mexican Riviera ship, the Sapphire Princess almost completely out of the Mexican Riviera. (We’ll explain “almost” in a minute.)

Beginning in the spring of 2012, Princess will begin sailing an itinerary that starts in Los Angeles and sails the coast of California. The trip will feature stops in Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and San Diego. In the fall of next year the Sapphire will enhance the itinerary by adding an overnight stay in San Francisco.

We think this is a great idea. Not only does this virtually eliminate the problems of stopping in Mexico, it also fills a niche that we’ve actually had people ask us about: “Are there any cruises you can take that don’t leave the country?” specifically the U.S. mainland.

Until now, the answer was no, with the exception of the occasional repositioning cruise. Those are very nice, but they usually only sail once or twice a year. If your vacation dates don’t match up, you’re out of luck.

OK, so why does the Sapphire Princess California Coastal cruise only “almost” or “virtually” eliminate the Mexico problem? That’s due to an old maritime law, the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly referred to as the Jones Act. The purpose of this law was to support the U.S. shipping industry by requiring that all ships that carry goods (or passengers) between U.S. ports be U.S.-flagged ships, built in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens and crewed by U.S. citizens and/or U.S. permanent residents.

Anyone who’s ever taken a cruise knows that 1. The ships are rarely flagged, owned, or built by U.S. companies and 2. U.S citizens make up a miniscule part of cruise ship crews. To get around the law, non-U.S.-flagged ships must make at least one stop at a foreign port. So…after the Sapphire Princess visits San Diego, she’ll have to stop at the coastal city of Ensenada, Mexico, about 90 miles south of San Diego, before returning to L.A.

As Mexican cities go, Ensenada has stayed out of the news during the ongoing drug war, and cruise ships stopping there as a way around the Jones Act is nothing new. Every Los Angeles or San Diego one-way or roundtrip cruise to Hawaii makes a stop there. The same law affects Alaska cruises, too. It’s why every Alaskan cruise makes a stop at either Vancouver or Victoria, British Columbia, in Canada.

We’ve sailed the California Coast before (we actually departed from Ensenada). It was a wonderful trip and we can say that you haven’t lived until you’ve sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco Bay. The views of that beautiful city from the mouth of the bay are incredible.

We commend Princess Cruises for taking the initiative and making the California Coast a regular cruise destination.

Until next time…get out the map!

Mike and Darlene Jordan are franchisees of CruiseOne., and are based in Southern Colorado. You can contact them at 800-267-7613 or by email at mjordan@cruiseone.com.
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Mike and Darlene’s Weekly DEAL Oct. 14, 2011

Hello Everyone, Happy Friday!

Our feature today? A great new West Coast cruise from Princess Cruise Line!

Princess Cruise Line has answered the call!

There is a lot of interest in cruising from Los Angeles, San Diego, or San Francisco, but those departure ports usually mean a cruise to the Mexican Riviera. While we USED to love that cruise itinerary, (we’ve done it three times) current conditions in Mexico are not so attractive to tourists these days. But there is a great new option to consider: a cruise that concentrates on the beautiful U.S. West coast!

Cruise the Golden State!

Check out this new itinerary from Princess:

Princess Cruises Sapphire Princess
7-Night California Costal, Los Angeles R/T

Sat 03/24/12 Los Angeles, California – Embark -04:00 PM Times subject to change

Sun 03/25/12 Santa Barbara, California 07:00 AM 06:00 PM

Mon 03/26/12 At Sea

Tue 03/27/12 San Francisco, California 07:00 AM 10:00 PM

Wed 03/28/12 At Sea

Thu 03/29/12 San Diego, California 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

Fri 03/30/12 Ensenada, Mexico 08:00 AM 05:00 PM

Sat 03/31/12 Los Angeles, California – Disembark -07:00 AM Times subject to change

Fares* on the March 24, 2012 sail date are very good, starting at $699 per person for an interior stateroom! Move up to an unobstructed ocean view (who wants a lifeboat in their window?) for only $849 per person, or enjoy the romance and privacy of a balcony stateroom for only $999 per person!

An easy to get to departure port, the beaches and beauty of Santa Barbara, great food, shopping and sights in San Franciso…what a great way to see the West Coast without the hassle of West Coast traffic! And there’s more! You have a full day in San Diego to check out their amazing zoo, or the Wild Animal Park (our favorite) or just stroll the Gaslight District. And you still get the flavor of Mexico in the tiny port of Ensenada, but without the problems that some of the larger Mexican ports have.

And if you like this idea, but would like more time in San Francisco, call us at 1-800-267-7613 and ask about fall West Coast cruises, with an overnight in “Frisco”, and a port call to Catalina Island! For those of you who like action, there’s not a single sea day on this one!

Call us at 1-800-267-7613, and we’ll help you plan a great trip to Sunny California! And remember, if the March 24 date won’t work for you, we’ll do our best to find a date that will!

We’re here to help you!

Until then, have a great weekend, and enjoy those fall colors!
Darlene & Mike

CruiseOne/Mike and Darlene Jordan
7131 Dunklau Rd
Ft Garland, Colorado 81133
1-800-267-7613
http://www.kdscruisesandtours.com
mjordan@cruiseone.com
kdscruises@gojade.org

*Fares are based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability. Fares include port fees. Government tax, airfare, transfers, and travel insurance are additional.
Ship’s registry: Bermuda

Mike and Darlene’s Weekly DEAL! Oct. 7, 2011

Good Morning Everyone, happy Friday!

We’ve promised to bring you great last minute DEALS, but in addition to that, we occasionally feature a not-to-be-missed itinerary…sometimes one that you might not consider on your own.

This week’s cruise is just that; an itinerary that is someplace you probably would not visit without pre-arranged tours and groups, but a place that we should all visit at least once in our lifetimes-RUSSIA!

The cruise line we’re featuring this week is Viking River Cruises, the line we used for our group cruise from Shanghai to Beijing in May of 2011. We LOVED Viking, and everyone in our group enjoyed the ship, the crew, and the itinerary. Ever since that cruise, we’ve longed to cruise with Viking again…Russia just may be our next big trip!

Viking River Cruises Helgi-August 12, 2012

This monumental 13-day itinerary includes multiple days in both Moscow and St. Petersburg, touring such landmarks as Moscow’s Kremlin and Red Square, and Catherine’s Palace and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. But, there is another side of Russia-quaint riverside towns like Yaroslavl, Uglich and Mandrogy that only a river cruise can provide. See opulent palaces, discover fortified monasteries and visit beautiful cathedrals. It is an unforgettable way to experience the history and culture of this unique and mysterious country.

Day 1 Arrive in Moscow and transfer to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner.

Day 2 Moscow
See the famed Bolshoi Theater, Red Square, the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the famous GUM Department Store. You will also get the chance to experience the city’s Metro. Stay in the city center for an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music.

Day 3 Moscow

Explore Moscow’s many buildings, parks and monuments. Or you may choose from several optional experiences-Dine aboard, then relax-or take an optional Moscow by Night tour.

Day 4 Moscow & Moscow Canal

After breakfast, travel to the Kremlin. See its many tall towers and elegant palaces, and tour inside one of the brightly colored cathedrals. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moscow Canal after lunch as you depart the city.

Day 5 Uglich

Cruise through the morning and, after lunch, disembark for your walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, one of the Golden Ring cities-ancient towns that preserve the memory of Russia’s historical events. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son Dmitry was mysteriously killed.

Day 6 Yaroslavl

Another Golden Ring city. Visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you are treated to a stirring à capella choir performance.

Day 7 Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery

Dock this morning in Kuzino, a typical Russian village; from here, you visit the renowned Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397, then enjoy more sights on a guided walk.

Day 8 Kizhi

Cruise through the morning, admiring the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second-largest lake. Arrive this afternoon at the island village of Kizhi.Day 9 Scenic Waterways & Mandrogy

Spend a relaxing day cruising across Russia’s intricate waterways.

Day 9 Scenic Waterways and Mandrogy

Sail along the scenic Svir River, traveling the 139-mile “Blue Route” as it takes you southwest from Lake Onega. Stop in Mandrogy and take some time to explore this museum village.

Day 10 St. Petersburg

Sail on the Neva River into St. Petersburg early this morning and embark on a city tour after breakfast; see noted sights including St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. After a picnic lunch, visit the Winter Palace to tour the legendary Hermitage Museum, where you marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures.

Day 11 St. Petersburg

Today’s excursion goes to the Pushkin area where you visit Catherine’s Palace, the elegant rococo 18th-century summer residence of the Russian Czars named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate décor throughout. Return to your ship for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg, “The City of 300 Bridges.” This evening, attend a ballet performance, followed by a late supper aboard.

Day 12 St. Petersburg

Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums, OR take an optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains and French Gothic interiors. In the afternoon, explore more of the city or take an optional tour of Yusupov Palace (where Grigori Rasputin met his dramatic end) and a relaxing canal cruise, or a canal cruise followed by a home-hosted visit to a traditional Kommunalka (communal apartment).

Day 13 St. Petersburg

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.*

Fares start at $4246.00 PP, and include guided tours each day! AND, if you book with us by October 31, Viking is offering discounted airfares from many departure cities.

Feel free to contact us with any questions at 1-800-267-7613.

We’re here to help you!

Sincerely,
Darlene & Mike Jordan

CruiseOne/Mike and Darlene Jordan
7131 Dunklau Rd
Ft Garland, Colorado 81133
1-800-267-7613
http://ping.fm/OmB0p

Subject: Mike and Darlene’s Weekly DEAL!
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Good Morning Everyone, happy Friday!

Thanks for subscribing to our newsletter! We’ve promised to bring you great last minute DEALS, but in addition to that, we occasionally feature a not-to-be-missed itinerary…sometimes one that you might not consider on your own.

This week’s cruise is just that; an itinerary that is someplace you probably would not visit without pre-arranged tours and groups, but a place that we should all visit at least once in our lifetimes-RUSSIA!
SPECIAL TITLE

Why a picture of China’s Great Wall? Because the cruise line we’re featuring this week is Viking River Cruises, the line we used for our group cruise from Shanghai to Beijing in May of 2011. We LOVED Viking, and everyone in our group enjoyed the ship, the crew, and the itinerary. Ever since that cruise, we’ve longed to cruise with Viking again…Russia just may be our next big trip!

Viking River Cruises Helgi-August 12, 2012

This monumental 13-day itinerary includes multiple days in both Moscow and St. Petersburg, touring such landmarks as Moscow’s Kremlin and Red Square, and Catherine’s Palace and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. But, there is another side of Russia-quaint riverside towns like Yaroslavl, Uglich and Mandrogy that only a river cruise can provide. See opulent palaces, discover fortified monasteries and visit beautiful cathedrals. It is an unforgettable way to experience the history and culture of this unique and mysterious country.

Day 1 Arrive in Moscow and transfer to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner.

Day 2 Moscow
See the famed Bolshoi Theater, Red Square, the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the famous GUM Department Store. You will also get the chance to experience the city’s Metro. Stay in the city center for an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music.

Day 3 Moscow

Explore Moscow’s many buildings, parks and monuments. Or you may choose from several optional experiences-Dine aboard, then relax-or take an optional Moscow by Night tour.

Day 4 Moscow & Moscow Canal

After breakfast, travel to the Kremlin. See its many tall towers and elegant palaces, and tour inside one of the brightly colored cathedrals. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moscow Canal after lunch as you depart the city.

Day 5 Uglich

Cruise through the morning and, after lunch, disembark for your walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, one of the Golden Ring cities-ancient towns that preserve the memory of Russia’s historical events. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son Dmitry was mysteriously killed.

Day 6 Yaroslavl

Another Golden Ring city. Visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you are treated to a stirring à capella choir performance.

Day 7 Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery

Dock this morning in Kuzino, a typical Russian village; from here, you visit the renowned Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397, then enjoy more sights on a guided walk.

Day 8 Kizhi

Cruise through the morning, admiring the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second-largest lake. Arrive this afternoon at the island village of Kizhi.Day 9 Scenic Waterways & Mandrogy

Spend a relaxing day cruising across Russia’s intricate waterways.

Day 9 Scenic Waterways and Mandrogy

Sail along the scenic Svir River, traveling the 139-mile “Blue Route” as it takes you southwest from Lake Onega. Stop in Mandrogy and take some time to explore this museum village.

Day 10 St. Petersburg

Sail on the Neva River into St. Petersburg early this morning and embark on a city tour after breakfast; see noted sights including St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. After a picnic lunch, visit the Winter Palace to tour the legendary Hermitage Museum, where you marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures.

Day 11 St. Petersburg

Today’s excursion goes to the Pushkin area where you visit Catherine’s Palace, the elegant rococo 18th-century summer residence of the Russian Czars named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate décor throughout. Return to your ship for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg, “The City of 300 Bridges.” This evening, attend a ballet performance, followed by a late supper aboard.

Day 12 St. Petersburg

Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums, OR take an optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains and French Gothic interiors. In the afternoon, explore more of the city or take an optional tour of Yusupov Palace (where Grigori Rasputin met his dramatic end) and a relaxing canal cruise, or a canal cruise followed by a home-hosted visit to a traditional Kommunalka (communal apartment).

Day 13 St. Petersburg

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.*

Fares start at $4246.00 PP, and include guided tours each day! AND, if you book with us by October 31, Viking is offering discounted airfares from many depature cities.

Feel free to contact us with any questions at 1-800-267-7613.

We’re here to help you!

Sincerely,
Darlene & Mike Jordan

CruiseOne/Mike and Darlene Jordan
7131 Dunklau Rd
Ft Garland, Colorado 81133
1-800-267-7613

Get Out the Map October 7, 2011

We’re going…where?
By Mike & Darlene Jordan

Last week we touched a little on the planning we’re doing for our upcoming transatlantic crossing. As we were going through the itinerary, it dawned on us that we know almost nothing about one of our stops before crossing the “big pond,” Funchal.

Where?

We’re not even sure how to pronounce it, but we’ve learned a lot while planning what we might do there.

Funchal is the capital city of Madeira, a small autonomous island under the control of Portugal, 542 miles west of Casablanca, Morocco, and about 400 miles north of the Canary Islands. The somewhat odd name (now we know it’s pronounced foon-shal) was given to the city by the island’s discoverers and, roughly translated, means fennel plantation. The area around the city was, apparently, awash in fennel.

OK, so now we know where it is; what the heck are we going to do there? To start with, we’ll only have 6 hours on this tiny island, so we’ll want to make the most of it.

We mentioned we’d be going to Funchal to one of our clients who’d been there. He told us we must take the sled ride down the street, so we checked it out. The excursion from the ship includes the ubiquitous city tour, but does include a cable car trip up to a village overlooking the harbor and city as well as a large church (we like looking at old churches), an outdoor market, an embroidery shop, and a wine tasting.

Sure enough, at the end of the tour you get to ride back down the hill aboard what the cruise line describes as a “wicker basket on metal runners” and guided by two “traditionally dressed” men. Based on the photo, traditionally dressed means, “porkpie hats.”

Well…maybe we’ll do that. 6 hours isn’t much time, though, and it does look like a beautiful coastal city, but we don’t want to spend much of our time there riding a bus. Royal Caribbean has conveniently included a port guide on their website and from it we can see that the ship will be docking fairly close to the “Old Town” section of the city which features a cathedral, a sculpture museum, a Madeira winery, and an outdoor market among many other things.

Further investigation presents us with another option…a taxi ride to Cabo Giräo, the second highest sea cliff in the world at 1,804 feet, just 11 miles out of town.

So, here’s an idea…we’ll get off the ship and get our bearings as to what’s where, explore for awhile, perhaps taking in some of the local food fare, then hopping a taxi to the cliff for some scenery. After that, we’ll ask the driver to drop us in the northern area of the Old City and make our way mostly downhill to the ship. Maybe we’ll even take the sled ride—you don’t have to take a cruise line shore excursion to do that.

It will probably be an exhausting afternoon, but with such limited time, we’d rather explore on our own.

We’ll let you know how it turns out.

Until next time…get out the map!

Mike and Darlene Jordan are franchisees of CruiseOne., and are based in Southern Colorado. You can contact them at 800-267-7613 or by email at mjordan@cruiseone.com.
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