My Senior Citizen Clients Experiencing the Panama Canal

Why this is one of my best trips ever!Because this was one that opened my eyes to the wonders of our world once again, too often we get lost in our daily troubles and drama forgetting how lucky we are and how we should be more accepting of others, we should all have one goal; "to be kind to one another", isn't that the promise?

This cruise vacation exceeded all my expectations in so many ways I can only say in a short statement that this was a life changing experience!  I learned that many things I've taken for granted and not experienced should no longer be ignored, exploring the Panama Canal along with our special shore excursions made for a wonderful trip. 

Before I bring this wonderful trip back to life for you all to enjoy I think it is important to mention the challenges along with rewards of traveling with "special needs" individuals this doesn't mean they are handicapped or unable to function; they do need a strong support system on such journeys that is where I come in.  I don't coddle my clients, I do support and encourage them to safely experience life and share with me their experiences; often there is a lack of understanding when it comes to the vast changes in our fast ever changing world and seniors often feel left out!  This is why it is fair to relate to our special group trips as "special needs groups" helping our senior friends to understand, maybe not except 100% but smooth over the challenges of the fast paced world we live in now.  I encourage you to share with the greatest generation ever and explore the world with them, this gives them an opportunity to explore while expanding your own world in ways the internet or T.V. can never do!  Get out there and explore our great wonders of the world, you'll be amazed!

We started our trip with an overnight flight to Miami, stopping in Fort Lauderdale for Brunch at "The Atlantic Hotel" on the Fort Lauderdale Beach and what a wonderful brunch and beach experience. While walking on the beach we had a couple of eye opening views of people wearing bathing suits meant for two or three generations younger or even people half their size, but hey to each his or her own I guess when it comes to sunbathing on the beach, we did get a couple of good laughs as we walked along trying not to stare too much!

We boarded our ship; The Infinity one of my favorite Celebrity vessels, she is a beauty with a caring and beautiful staff some of which I've met on past cruises and some new.  They showed extreme care and compassion to our senior friends as well as some playful interaction with out fear which is nice for our friends.

This is how we started our cruise!

We had a private reception in the Constellation Lounge as we set sail to Columbia, South America.  I think they had a wonderful time for sure it was elegant and very upscale the bar staff did a wonderful job of providing juice, soda pop, wine and a few mixed beverages.
Meals and more meals, below are a few shots of our dining experience during our 16 nights on board the Infinity.  Our servers in the dining room were exceptional we had Neal and Louis with two wonderful assistant servers as well! 

Nightly we enjoyed wonderful friendship, fellowship and of course meals!  We had four tables in the corner of the dining room which made our little corner of the dining room very exciting.  I don't have a picture of the fourth table, it was seated with three couples.  I will share some pictures of our round table meetings each night prior to dinner as well, this is where we solved all the world's problems as well as enjoyed great music and dancing. 

Each night we gathered at 5:00 p.m. for a little pre-dinner drink, dancing & music!

Appears we are in a very serious resolution matter in world affairs!

Each night before dinner we did gather to listen to the bands or singers of the evening, every night several couples danced to our amazement for sure they were so good and enjoyable to watch, too often these days traditional dancing is lost to all the new free style dances of the younger crowds.

The ship had so many activities it seemed impossible to keep up with everything from educational seminars to bartenders pouring 8 drinks at a time while standing on the bar!  I have never seen such great bartenders with skills that would be hard to do on land let alone a ship that is in the middle of the Ocean rocking on the waves.  We did some many activities, nightly stage shows, cooking demonstrations, kitchen tours, food tastings, bingo, casino action, games, sun bathing and much more. This is why cruising is a great opportunity for multi generational travelers one can be as active as he or she wishes or as relaxed as they wish.  We had folks in the gym every morning others walking the track on deck 11 and some just lounging with a good book in the library or on the decks.  I can't think of a better way to entertain people of different interests in one venue and Celebrity keeps things going so no one will be without an activity if desired; I know my afternoon naps were cherished for sure.  The Infinity was recently remodeled and upgraded with new amenities that were mostly very welcomed by all especially me with the more modern staterooms and amenities.

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE:Much to my surprise the canal wasn't at all what I expected for some reason I had a vision of our ship going into a mechanical lock for hours on hours and the marvel of the cruise was the locks; where we are transferred from one ocean to another or the Atlantic to the Pacific.  Well again I was totally wrong for sure, we did go into a mechanical lock; actually three locks raising us up to the lake level in a serious of three steps that is amazing in itself but not the experience of the Panama Canal at all!  I was stunned at the marvel of the locks but even more so at the wonderful cruise across the three lakes that make up the canal.  Stunning views, history & peaceful shores along the way I don't like scenery photos as they don't mean much but I'll pop one in for you to see that the cruise isn't all about the mechanical locks it is much more - Oh - if I didn't mention Panama itself looks to be a wonderful place to vacation on it's own, very modern check out the second photo of the skyline very impressive for sure.  Many Americans move and retire here and I can see why, the climate is a very humid which might be the reason everything is so green and fresh.

 Cruising the actual canal - natural beauty all the way!

Skyline of Panama City - again, greenery, water & pleasure boats!

A quick shot next of my cabin and the nice way it is designed with many upgrades from the original Infinity, later in the blog I'll try to chat a little more about the new dining options and the over the top Martini Bar staff and shows!

My cabin (yes my computer is on) view of Cabo San Lucas from my cabin!

Our private shore excursions seemed to be just perfect for our group, we did a private tour in Costa Rica and San Diego at the other ports of call the members of our group explored on their own.  The most exciting port of call was Costa Rica funny thing about this stop, I had selected a nice quiet visit to a coffee plantation and Orchid farm only to have the group request a more exciting tour which led to our visit of the rain forest and crocodile hunt with lunch in the rain forest, yes you read correctly a crocodile hunt!  I think the pictures below are self explanatory for sure:

 Our wonderful air conditioned bus!

 A spectacular hotel we visited in the rain forest - all open to the elements!

 A traditional church of the past in a village in the rain forest!

 Yes this is a real picture taken by myself and yes this guy is in the swamp teasing the crocodile!

 Our perfect guide "Daniel" he was very smart & very proud of his country!

 Okay once in a while one of our group members did get wild! 

Dinner along the river in the rain forest after our hunt, guess what they're eating?

I can't say enough about this tour and the company who arranged this private tour for me, Costa Rica Dreams Vacations, they are based in the Georgia and have the best contacts in Costa Rica for sure.  I met with them and discussed our special needs group and they found Daniel who was perfect for this type of group he was very patient and understanding while aware of the special care needed to insure a safe and fun tour.

Cruising onto the Mexican Coast was nice but we are all very excited to get to the United States and our first stop is San Diego, one of my favorite West Coast cities next to Seattle.

San Diego, California:

 Hotel Del Coronado, rich in history, class and many secrets of the past

 One of many gardens in the park, this one has always been my favorite

 Balbao Park structure, the park is full of wonderful building from the 1914 exposition

Along the waterway with San Diego skyline in the back ground from Coronado

A very cosmopolitan city with great historical value, we only had a few hours to touch on my favorite places in the city, Hotel Del Coronado, Balboa Park and the Seaport Village Marina area; well the Seaport Village isn't historical but one of my favorite places from my past.  I lived in San Diego for some years and watched the city grow and change for the better.  One of my favorite areas that has changed for the better is the Gas Lamp District now with upscale restaurants, bars and of course the new baseball stadium for the San Diego Padres.  Horton Plaza and the "Grand Hotel" bring back wonderful memories of my past in San Diego, I lived off of Balboa Park which again has some great memories for me, walks in the park, small cafes in Hillcrest and much more even in the North Park area where I first lived in San Diego. 

Now we are heading home to Seattle:

Both sadness and joy is in my heart as we leave San Diego as this means we are ending our 17 day trip and I'll have to say good bye to all my clients, this is always a sad time for me but we have two more days at sea to share and play on the ship.  I will make the best of it, even might stay up late to catch one of the magnificent stage shows after dinner; most nights I am in bed before 10:00 p.m. I get up so early every morning to catch up with my work pending from revenue clients.  They are very kind to allow me extra time to respond to their needs when I am traveling with my special groups and they support my projects 100% of the time!  I thank them in more ways then just being understanding because without their support I wouldn't be able to share with my special groups.

Here are a few photos of the food, ship and other photos I took along the trip:

 Mini Burgers available in the new "Qusine" restaurant

 Our galley tour included fruit carving art - this is very impressive

 This bartender in the Martini Bar is pouring 6 Martinis at once - amazing

While in port the pool is often empty which is great for me and others wanting to take a swim

Well I'd like to talk more about the small details that made this a perfect trip but I think you might get the picture from this blog today or at least I hope so.  I encourage people to experience a cruise and not take the cruise itself as a vacation but a tool to explore areas in a safe environment while using the cruise as your moving hotel this will give you a true vacation experience.  Often I hear people say they won't like cruise because it is boring and only thing to do is eat, well eating is a huge part of the experience for sure but an enjoyable part and only a small part of the overall experience.  The staff works so hard to help insure your pleasure without being to invasive also having your hotel traveling with you gives you some great opportunities to explore more while creating your own budget because when you cruise you can spend as much or as little as you wish making this a value beyond belief if you take advantage of the cruise in all the ways possible.  I've heard people say they never spend a penny on the ship other then tips, others spend hundreds of dollars even more in the Casino but really the venue gives you more control of your travel budget then any other type of travel I can think of, no hotel surprises, over priced meals and complicated negotiations at a restaurant in a country that might not offer you the safety of having your own restaurant in tow? 

Give it a try, the key is to make it your own vacation and look past the structure, beyond the walls of your cabin exploring activities for all interest levels, even a good book in the library might work.  I find a nap on the Promenade Deck to be refreshing with the sound of the waves crashing against the ship with a fresh ocean breeze to ease my worries.

Happy Sailing!

2011 Las Vegas Update, Change is Good

My living room in my suite at the Tropicana

Visiting Las Vegas at least twice a year is important in keeping up with the ever changing hotels, casinos and of course my favorite the new restaurants.  This visit was hosted by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau, with little time to relax we inspected 12 hotel properties all of which have gone into the upgrade mode to meet the demands of the new Las Vegas visitor.  I am always impressed when I have a chance to visit hotels, restaurants and Spas instead of the loud music of the casino or casino bars and show rooms.  Las Vegas has made several changes in the direction of satisfying the ever changing needs of the tourist or visitor from catering to the super rich and famous to making the stay of the average person seem over the top, where luxury is now expected with room rates no longer at $39 a night they are closer to $249 a night mid-week and higher on the weekends.  Is the new rates worth the money, I'd say so with full suites offering multiple entertainment, views, spas, saunas, double vanities, walk in showers, heated bathroom floors plus wet bars and 24 hour room service.  You pay $199 for a room in the city or in New York and San Francisco an average room can range closer to $375 a night with little room to turn around in.  In Europe an upscale room will cost you close to $600 +++++ depending on the location and amenities, so the value is in Las Vegas!  It is hard to convince the old timers (like me) that the new rates are a good value until you experience the new room styles, sizes and amenities. 

I will show you some more pictures of my room below:

My bedroom at the Tropicana - all new





Spa Tub in my bedroom at the Tropicana, seats 4

The double sink back to back sinks, vanity at the Tropicana - nice for couples getting ready

View from my living room and bedroom bay windows

I didn't take pictures of the lobby as it is still not finished to the new standards and look of the New Tropicana, however; it looks promising and I'm excited they are bringing this old jewel back to life and not imploding it as they have some many other older properties.

I checked into the Planet Hollywood - formally the new Aladdin and it is very nice in its own rights, not my favorite property but none the less nice.  The key thing that I loved about the Planet Hollywood was the cafe it offered young servers with spirit, energy and knowledge.  In the "old Vegas" it wasn't uncommon for a server to come to your table with a "Vegas Voice" looking worn and torn as if they've been gambling, smoking, drinking for the past 60 years, not that anything was wrong with this type of server, often fun and funny as they've seen it all - but it is nice to see young college age servers working hard and seemingly enjoying it.  Just a different feel and look for the average visitor, with a little more class and energy.  The dancing girls at the Black Jack tables and loud music at the Planet Hollywood was not enjoyable, however; there is always a quiet spot in every casino if you seek it out to relax. 

Here is a picture of my standard room at the Planet Hollywood:  not bad at all!

The rooms are sharp and modern without too much luxury but with all the needs of a nice room at a great rate.  I would stay here again for a casual stay, not a long stay as the "suite life" is a better value in my opinion.

Here are the other properties we reviewed in no order of preference, some are of course my favorite:
PH Towers - part of the Planet Hollywood complex - full kitchens with some amazing amenities!

Monte Carlo - an MGM classic hotel, upgraded rooms, average for the newer Vegas

Aria - what can I say, this place just rocks my world, class, style, comfort, ultra cool amenities

Vdara - condo to hotel complex, limited dining, one bar, no gaming, to cold and small for my tastes
Paris - the newer "Red Rooms" are awesome in decor, I like the Paris, vibrant and fun, good rooms
Ballys - older property, pending an major upgrade and is needed, rooms are good size but dated
Bellagio - top property, three new color schemes, dreamy suites , serenity & class 100% - love it!
Golden Nugget - old time classic, love the pool area, casino, restaurants, spa suites are awesome!

Things that happen in Vegas stays in Vegas, well not when I go for sure - we had some amazing meals sponsored by the hotels and Convention Bureau a proud offering by all and they should be, one night we had a reception at a lounge in the Bellagio with finger foods that top most full service restaurants, including deep fried mac-n-cheese, sliders, lobster tacos and house made hot donuts with melted milk chocolate or / and softened peanut butter.  Our night at the Brazilian Restaurant in the Miracle Mile sponsored by the hotel was another over the top event, food was never ending and as tasty as you can imagine, my mouth is still watering.  You start with a large salad bar and then the servers start bringing the meats, seafood never ending.  Before I forget the dinner sponsored by the Tropicana at the new Beach restaurant was another spectacular meal, offered as a limited menu of a seared steak, sea bass or pasta, starting with a fresh salad and ending with a piece of Chocolate Cake that only can be described as decadent and enough for two at the minimum.  Okay, you get the point as in my previous blogs I can write about foods from Las

One more thing, the Cosmopolitan is something special in the City Center one amenity is the Chandelier Lounge, three floors of bar / lounge wrapped with a crystal chandelier, the picture isn't a good as it should be but you'll get the idea - a way cool factor for sure!

It is cool and much better in person, the drinks rock!

My last note before you fall asleep reading this blog, on the floor above this lounge there is a court area that has a pool table, to the right of the pool table is a hallway with photos all over it, no name over the door or hall - go down it and take a chance and order your choice of what they serve and let me know how good it is, what is it, well that is for you to find out, but it is $6.00 a portion and without a doubt the best I've ever eaten!  Let me know if you are brave enough to find this hideaway.





MS Amsterdam - Holland America, she's still dreamy!

Hitting the high seas has never been better!

Often I write about the cruise lines, how I enjoy the changes and modern amenities that better suit younger, forward thinking and mobile adults.  I'm not saying that the cruise line is abandoning seniors as you all know the groups I travel with are by far the greatest generation to live, the average age of my traveling companions on this trip was 75 plus!  Remember age is only a number and with life being more fulfilling than at any time in the past our friends are living longer with more vitality then the previous generations.  I truly love sharing my life with our seniors, like sailing on an Ocean Liner or as it will a cruise ship this generation is creating a much better life for us all.

MS Amsterdam, christened in 2000 is always changing, upgrading and keeping us coming back for more, she is a wonderful ship and experience on the high seas.

Docked in Victoria, B.C.



On this cruise my cabin staff or stewards were Wayan & Gede, both fine stewards with a kind word each day, without a doubt one of the things I most enjoy about Holland America is the gentle, attentive service by all its staff.  I've traveled on many lines, all have great points that separate them from each other, however; I do believe Holland America is the master at the kinder side of service.  One night as I entered my cabin I noticed a "towel animal" hanging from the ceiling to great me home for the night, just happens my steward had opened my door for me, as I stated the surprise of the hanging gift he stated "for your protection and a safe nights sleep".  I thought that was very nice while keeping with a cruise ship tradition, he didn't need to say anything but it was the appropriate thing to say or so I thought so.  I took the towel animal down and placed him on my bed as not to have the steward have to do it in the morning.  Sometimes it is the little things that make you feel at home with the new cruise line services, I can remember in the early 80's sailing on a ship and having fellow passengers say "who are those invisible people who keep cleaning up our cabins and are never seen"?  This was true, you never saw them, like a ninga in the dark or maybe hiding under my bed?  This system has changed 100% over the years, the stewards are part of your experience and they can make or break your cruise trust me!  I've had this happen with a passenger who was traveling with me with a group and the steward was abrasive to her about a situation, it may or may not of been the fault of the steward but none the less it left a bad feeling for the passenger.  This is so very rare and one must take in all the facts to draw a conclusion and I'm not going to do that, but also wanted you to know I'm realistic and not everything is perfect every day.  Okay, in my world it is, but that might be unrealistic to you.

Here is my cabin protector:

He or she is cute don't you think so?



We had a wonderful trip, hit a storm coming onto the West Coast about 2:30 a.m. and for me this was like rocking chair experience, I loved it and rocked with the ship as she bounced in and out of the water, hearing the waves and wind thrash against the side of the ship.  Not scary at all, I loved it and the next morning much to my surprise some of our traveling companions didn't even feel the storm.

Remember the new "open dining" option now available on most cruise ships, this allows you to dine when you want with whom you wish, not like the old days when you had to eat with the same people every night.  I love this option and makes the experience more like going out to dinner with your family, loved ones and friends.  Their will always be an option to do "traditional dining" as in the old days, some single cruisers like this as not to have to dine alone, but for me, I'd rather have a small table for two and take my book, even if it is an electronic one.  One of the great dining options on Holland America is the Italian option set up in the buffet area, it is call Canaletto's - a coursed traditional Italian meal served with mock Italian Waiters, fun, entertaining and the food is a nice break from the main dining room menus.  They start with an automatic basic of fresh breads to dip in your own plate of Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar and let me tell you it is quality stuff here!  At dessert time the chef prepared a little surprise for everyone in the intimate dining room and prepared Cotton Candy for each table, now that took me back a few years for sure. 

Las Vegas style full productions and that is a real treat for sure. 

We visited several ports below is a picture of our ship in the bay as we tendered to the shore, while visiting the port we enjoyed local artists and an old fashion classic Steam Engine Train to the historic saw mills many, many years ago.

Amsterdam is majestic for sure

A few other ports included some wonderful gardens while in bloom this late in the year is due to the late summer on the West Coast - enjoy the photo. 

Gardens at a local hotel in port

While in port we had the pleasure of seeing another "DAM" ship, as Holland America likes to announce their ships, it is the Oosterdam and is quite a bit larger than our modest Amsterdam with some of the newer options, still with the wonderful services of the Holland America Line.

When I cruise it allows me to escape to a peaceful place on earth, time to reflect, read and do some self discovery.  I spend time sitting on the Promenade Deck watching the ocean as we steam along the open waters or stop by the library for a quick read, puzzle or lounge on the over sized furniture and gaze out the large picture windows.  Of course there is the other side of cruising, the SPA with hot tubs, therapists, gyms massage therapy, hair studio and more.  Imagine sitting on a heated tiled bench full length while you watch the waters pass by creating an amazing sense of self!  This is a very special quiet room that if you're not into meditation this will help you unwind and rejuvenate your mind, soul and body in an inviting sense of tranquility.  The sounds of the water trickling down the center fountain to also help create the unique sense of you.  Don't miss this room even if you only take a few hours one day to try it out, you'll be hooked for sure and it will stay with you long after the cruise has ended making your return to the daily grind seem effortless.

Another unique amenity on the Amsterdam is the retracting roof over the main pool, it is closed during inclement weather creating a tropical feel so everyone can enjoy the pool in any season or location around the world.  The area is even used one night during the cruise for the "dessert" extravaganza, artful pastries, chocolates, cheeses and wines along with amazing Ice Carvings to delight even the hardest to impress.  This is one of my favorite themed events offered during most cruises, not to say that the Brunch during one of the sea days is anything to miss, but this event is held at 11:30 p.m. with special lighting along with great music to make it a real event.  You know along with daily afternoon Tea and all the other dining venues, maybe living on a cruise ship might be a great way to polish off the golden years, who knows?

I hope to see you on a cruise in the near future!

Please remember if you can take your elderly neighbor, friend, relative or even someone in need on a cruise it will not only be rewarding and a life long memory for the invited friend or soon to be your friend it will lift your own spirits and meaning.  I truly believe we each can share in our own way, this is my way and your way is just as important for sure, I just wanted to mention that if you can share, please do; happy sailing!