Cruisescene is currently seeking expressions of interest from customers looking to cruise Alaska in 2010 with a small friendly group of fellow like-minded Australians, escorted personally by one of our Alaska Cruise Travel Professionals.

WHY AN ESCORTED CRUISE?

Travel to the US (Alaska) can appear difficult for the first time cruiser, the senior traveller or the less experienced passenger given everything we hear about heightened security, remoteness of the destination and; "It's a LONG way from home!" Alaska has long been on the 'dream list' of many cruise passengers, and rightly so. It's a magical destination however it's one many never got around to cruising and possibly never will - because it's a destination they feel they can't or won't tackle alone. Being part of a professionally escorted group means passengers will have an expert travel, cruise, dine and generally 'be there' for the duration of the holiday; assisting with transfers, accommodation details, airport & ship check-in procedures, luggage, FAQ's and peace of mind; the things that may have prevented you booking an Alaskan cruise in the past.

WHY BE PART OF A GROUP?

Being only two passengers of a ship's 2000 passenger manifest can be daunting. "Who are we dining with?", "Are there any other Australians onboard?", "How do I know we'll get along with anyone else we meet along the way?" AIRPORT CHECK-IN - SYDNEY: We meet & greet you and assist you with check-in arrangements. The group has an opportunity to get to know each other from Day 1. FLIGHT TO VANCOUVER: Cruisescene will do all things possible to see the group is seated in the same vicinity of the aircraft. ARRIVAL - VANCOUVER: Your escort will assist you through Immigration and Customs and lead you to your arranged transfer to overnight accommodation. VANCOUVER TO SHIP: The group remains together and transfers for ship's departure. Your escort will provide arrangements and assistance for easy check-in and will be available to answer any questions you have about completing necessary forms etc for your embarkation. ON BOARD SHIP: Cruisescene will ensure that passengers who want to dine with fellow members of the group; will. In earlier or later sittings - your choice. Your escort will also be available throughout the cruise to help make it is as comfortable as we possibly can assist you with. SHORE TOURS: We will show you the secrets to securing the tours you want, and those that will best accommodate your needs. We recommend customers participate in as many shore tours as possible because really, it is the only way to see the Alaskan mainland in true beauty however unless pre arranged and perfectly orchestrated, disappointment is often experienced because they fill very quickly. As part of a group, we'll help you overcome this. SHIP TO VANCOUVER: Your escort will pre-arrange a leisurely group disembarkation subject to meeting the plans of your transfer. Flights back to Australia will determine whether or not overnight accommodation is necessary however a tour of Vancouver may be included in the itinerary if this is the case. RETURN FLIGHT TO SYDNEY: With you escort aboard, it's back home for all of us!

AIRLINE

Currently, we're in negotiation with various airlines to provide air travel to and from Vancouver.

WHY VANCOUVER?

If you've been to Vancouver, you wouldn't be asking this question. Vancouver is a beautiful city, very much like the cities here in Australia. It's clean, affordable and more importantly (in our opinion) a much easier city to transit/depart & arrive in than (say) Seattle, USA. Vancouver Harbour alone is a near-on 12 hour cruise in itself. And cruising the inside passage from Vancouver means that land can be seen for much of the 7 night cruise. Immigration and Customs are friendly as are the people around town if you are wanting to fit some shopping in. In our experience, Vancouver causes less delays, less flight connections and less time getting to and from; than most cities in North America from which Alaskan cruises depart. HOWEVER: with the recent introduction of services by both Virgin A & Delta to the USA, it is feasible that we compare all all fares making sure customers get the best value.

WHEN?

We envisage the cruise will take place during May 2010. This is the best time to cruise Alaska given the glaciers are still fresh and are at their fullest. That said, Alaska is a great place to cruise anywhere between May & September and we'll be looking for the best deals on a group allotment that will benefit our customers.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

If you're interested in joining us in 2010 for what is beginning to look like a very popular choice in escorted Alaskan cruising, drop us an email at the address below so we can add you to our customer list; for when we can provide you with further information about this fantastic cruise holiday. INCLUSIONS will be as many as we can add, at an affordable price but keeping the cruise holiday at a premium level so it is one you'll never forget!

PLEASE NOTE: SERENADE OF THE SEAS` 2010 CRUISE ITINERARIES HAVE BEEN RE SCHEDULED AND THEREFORE WILL NOT SAIL ALASKA DURING THE SEASON AS A RESULT OF VOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL UNDER THE AREA'S CONSERVATION PLAN.

WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING AT GROUP RATES ON A NUMBER OF SHIPS OPERATING (INCLUDING HAL VOLENDAM), WITH FACILITIES VERY SIMILAR TO THAT OF SERENADE OF THE SEAS. WE'RE CLEVERLY BUNDLING BEST POSSIBLE AIR & CRUISE PRICES TOGETHER WITH INTIMACY, PERFORMANCE & EXPERIENCE AND VALUE.

register here by email

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