Just Cruises Plus

July 12 Contest Photo - Pitons of St. Lucia

We had 5 correct answers to our photo contest.  Congratulations to Bob Mandl of Coram, NY, winner of the $25 gift card.  His name was randomly selected from those who responded correctly.

The island in the photograph has two distinctions in addition to the famous Pitons featured in the photograph.

First, St Lucia has more Pulitzer prize winners per capita than any other sovereign nation in the world.  In 1978, Sir William Arthur Lewis won the prize for economics and in 1992, Derek Alton Walcott won a Pulitzer for poetry.

A second unique characteristic is that St Lucia has the only drive through volcano in the world.  Don’t worry, its dormant.  However, the smell of sulfur is still present.

The most known features are the Pitons shown in the photograph.  These two pointy mountains, known individually as “Gros” and “Petit”, are located near the southwest end of the island.  Mountain climbers are familiar with pitons which are metal spikes used in mountain climbing.

Other Views of St Lucia

St Lucia is one of many volcanic islands in the Caribbean.  While most are dormant, a famous eruption occurred on the nearby island of Martinique in 1902.  Nearly the entire town was killed in the massive eruption that is said to have had the power of 40 Hiroshima atomic bombs.  The lone survivor was a man who was in jail for drunkenness.  The walls of the jail were thick and gave him protection from the blast.  I would not want to have his hangover.

Volcanic islands are characterized by high mountains and lots of rain.  They are great for hikers and climbers and the scenery is very dramatic.  These islands have dark and/or pebble beaches and the snorkeling and diving are not the best.

Other volcanic islands in the Caribbean are Dominique, Nevis, Saba, St Kitts, Grenada, and Monsterrat.  Coral islands are the other type of islands found in the Caribbean.  The Caymans, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Antigua Anguilla, Barbados and St Martin are typical Coral islands.  They were formed over thousands of years by the death of coral which piled up to form islands.  Beaches are the more familiar colors and snorkeling and diving are outstanding on these islands.

Trivia Challenge

There is one nation in the Caribbean where one large part of the island is volcanic and the other part is coral.  Can you name the nation?   All responses must be emailed to us by Thursday, July 24.  All correct responses will be placed in a random drawing for a $25 gift card.

The cruise travel industry has become very accommodating when it comes to a traveler’s dietary, medical and accessibility needs.  Do you follow a sugar free, gluten free or low sodium diet?  Most cruise lines will go out of their way to adapt menu items to meet your needs. Need refrigeration for your insulin?  The cruise line will provide you with a mini-fridge in your stateroom.  Have trouble walking up the gangway but no problem once on board?  Most major cruise lines will provide you with wheelchair assistance at the dock.  Need distilled water for your CPAP machine?  No problem – with advanced notice, the cruise line will have distilled water available for you.

But what if you require special equipment on a more regular basis – equipment that would be unwieldy to transport on your own?

We work with two companies who are dedicated to fulfilling the special needs requirements of folks who want to travel but may need mobility aids, oxygen or other equipment. Their goal is to make travel easy, comfortable and accessible and they have partnered with most of the major cruise lines to help streamline the process.

These companies provide a broad range of equipment including wheelchair, power chair and scooter rentals, oxygen units and oxygen rentals, audio and visual aid rentals, baby crib rentals and other essential items. For your convenience, the rental equipment is delivered directly to your stateroom.

Just Cruises Plus is a full service travel agency and we are happy to coordinate these services for you.  If you do have any special needs, just be sure to let us know early on so that we can secure the special services or equipment that you need in advance of the trip.

Last week’s photo contest was submitted by one of our clients after she returned from a Celebrity cruise in the Mediterranean.

Contest Photo - June 13, 2014 - One of the villages of Cinque Terre

Only three people correctly identified the photograph of Cinque Terre (Five Lands) National Park, Italy.

Congratulations to Beverly Carr, of Philadelphia, PA, the winner of the $25 gift card.  Her name was randomly drawn from those who responded correctly.

The five “lands” are actually five highly picturesque villages near the breathtaking Ligurian coastline.  The villages are about a mile apart and are connected by trains and the Sentiero Azzureo walking trail.   These terraced towns are rife with history which dates back to the 11^th century.  Most current residents’ livelihood comes from fishing and the tourist industry which  has boomed since the 1970s.  Because of the crowds, it is best to go in the spring and fall since summer is the major tourist season.

The nearest major town is La Spezia where you can catch a train or ferry for the short ride to the villages.  People with physical challenges will have some limitations due to the terrain.  However, the trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola (Via Dell’Amore) is wheelchair friendly.

Special thanks to Sheryl Portman for sharing this special photo with us.

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Exclusive Rates Extended to 5:00 PM Friday, 10/31

Come join us for next year’s Country Western Line Dancing cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas  – sailing from the fabulous city of New Orleans to the Western Caribbean January 17, 2015.

This cruise includes multiple dance sessions with two passionate and experienced dance instructors – Carol Feldman and DJ Pete Burdack.

For each type of cabin, there are a limited number of cabins available at our special group rates, so call soon to ensure you get the cabin you want.

Our exclusive rates for this sailing beat any other current Royal Caribbean promotions.  These prices are per person and include all taxes and fees:

– Inside $609

– Oceanview $749

– Balcony $839

In addition to the dancing, your package includes a private cocktail party and a $100 shipboard credit per cabin!

Book by Friday, October 31st at 5:00 PM to take advantage of these exclusive group rates.  Call or email now to reserve your stateroom!

More about Carol Feldman

Carol Feldman has been teaching and dancing since 1992. She began her teaching at a country western club called Oakley’s. She has continued to teach in many clubs in the New Jersey area including Prospector’s, Michael’s Cafe and Katmandu to name a few. She ran dances for many years at the Hightstown Ballroom. She teaches regularly at Hillbilly Hall and often for Central Jersey Dance in Princeton.  She hosts frequent dance workshops and often volunteers in the dance community. She was awarded the Christopher Nardone Spirit of Giving Award in 2006 for her work in the dance community

More about Pete Burdack

Whether it’s line dancing, west coast swing, lindy or two step, Pete is known for his energy and enthusiasm on the dance floor. Needless to say, he transfers that intensity to his DJ style. Pete consistently delivers the “wow” factor not only for the dancers but for the spectators who just want to listen to music and be part of the scene. It is no wonder why he can be heard a several large dance venues and organizations including but not limited to the Colorado Cafe, Rhythms of the Night, and Central Jersey Dance Society.

Questions?

 – Call us: (800)783-7489 -or-

 – Email us:  info@justcruisesplus.com

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Hubbard Glacier – 4/25/14 Photo Contest

We had 47 responses to last week’s photo contest.  There were many glacier names offered, but only 5 correctly named Hubbard Glacier.  Congratulations to Pat Horne of Edison, NJ, the winner of our $25 gift card.  Her name was randomly drawn from those who responded correctly.

Our ship sailed up to Hubbard Glacier during our Southbound Alaska cruise, from Seward to Vancouver.

Hubbard Glacier is one of the few glaciers that is “advancing” (gaining mass), despite global warming.  It takes about 400 years for ice to traverse the length of the of the glacier – this means that the ice at the foot of the glacier is about 400 years old.  The glacier routinely calves off icebergs the size of a ten story building.  Where the glacier meets the shore, most of the ice is below the waterline, and newly calved icebergs can shoot up quite dramatically, so that ships must keep their distance from it as they ply their way up and down the coast.

There is really no way to describes the feeling of being so close to this glacier and to experience the calving first hand!

Passage to the glacier – a view from our veranda

Here are some things to keep in mind in preparation for your sail to a glacier while in Alaska.

Be outside. Yes, you can watch the close circuit camera images of the glacier on your television in the comfort of your cabin, but after all, why are you on this trip if not to see the grandeur of the glaciers in person.  If you have a veranda, by all means, this is the time to use it!  If you don’t have a veranda, use one of the many public decks.  Your ship will likely have commentary on the public address system, so you can learn about what you are seeing whether inside or out.  Your captain will make it a point to rotate the ship so that wherever you are on the ship, you will have the opportunity to see the glaciers.

Dress for the occasion. We sailed with a group at the end of August and even though we were comfortably warm during much of the land portion of our trip, the temperature does drop while you are outside and sailing up to the glaciers.  Be prepared with layers and for those of you who get cold easily, bring scarves, gloves and earmuffs or hats.   Our ship offered hot chocolate, which  hit the spot.

Have your camera ready.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture still photos or videos of the glaciers (only a video will capture the calving), but don’t let the camera consume you so much that you miss the experience of being there in person!

Taking a walk to the crevice

Walk on a Glacier

For the thrill of a lifetime, take a walk on a glacier.  We boarded a helicopter in Juneau and flew for about 20 minutes to one of the glaciers near Juneau.  After several attempts at landing, our skilled pilot found a fairly level spot to put down the chopper.  We got out and began our short trek with instructions not to fall in the crevices (we might not be found for centuries).  Of course, we were issued special boots which kept us from slipping on the ice.  It was an amazing experience.

Quantum of the Seas

We were shocked and disappointed when we heard that the Quantum of the Seas would be moving to China after its first inaugural season sailing from Bayonne.  The ship will move to Shanghai in May of 2015.  If you want to sail on the Quantum out of Bayonne, N.J., you must book a cruise that departs between November 18^th 2014 and April 24^th 2015.

The Quantum will be replaced in Bayonne with the Liberty of the Seas for the 2015 summer season.  As much as we love the Freedom class of ships, it’s hard to go back to an older class after experiencing the newest and most innovative ship from a local port.  We question whether the Liberty will succeed in Bayonne unless it is priced aggressively which, so far, it is not.

Royal Caribbean’s turn to the East is certainly based on research which evidently showed that China’s odd combination of communism and capitalism is creating a booming middle class ready to fill their newest ship.  With a population 4 times the size of the U.S., Royal Caribbean may be onto something by heading to Shanghai.

Royal Caribbean is Throwing Us a Bone

They will move the follow-on ship to the Quantum class, the Anthem of the Seas, to Bayonne for the winter 2015 season.  Beyond that, there is uncertainty.

A significant proportion of our clientele hate the hassle and expense of flying and would prefer to leave from a “local” port.  Philadelphia is out as an embarkation port.  It was tried in the past and discontinued.  We heard rumblings that the unions in Philadelphia were harder to work with than those in Bayonne and NYC and/or that the casinos could not be opened while the ships sailed in the Delaware Bay.  Since Philly is out, our local ports are Baltimore, Bayonne (Cape Liberty) or NYC (Manhattan and Brooklyn).

Distance is an Issue

Bermuda is the ideal port for local departures since it is located directly east from North Carolina and therefore is much closer than islands like St Thomas and St Martin which are far south and east of Florida.  Five, six and seven day Bermuda cruises are easily done from local ports.  The Bahamas can also be reached on 7 day cruises since these islands are quite close to Florida.  If you’re looking for an island like St Thomas, you’ll need more days from a local port.  Islands further south, like Barbados and Aruba, require even more time.

If you’re highly flexible with your dates and you have a generous budget, you can do pretty much what you want.  However, if you are limited to a week cruise, compromises are required.  You may need to fly in order to get the islands you want or you will need to accept Bermuda or the Bahamas as your destination.  By the way, we love Bermuda.

Woodcarver Cruise – Click on image to enlarge

Come join us for our 3rd Annual Woodcarvers Cruise aboard the beautiful Celebrity Eclipse – sailing to fantastic southern caribbean ports in January of 2015.

Book an oceanview or higher stateroom by July 31st and these special rates combine with Celebrity’s Pick-a-Perk Promotion:

You Pick one of the following Perks:

– Free Gratuities OR

– $300 Shipboard Credit OR

– Free Classic Beverage Package

This cruise includes a space-limited class with an expert woodcarving instructor. Call us soon as possible to reserve your spot. Space for this class is limited.

This is an exclusive Just Cruises Plus offer.

George Bernard Shaw once said “those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it”.  Dubrovnik (the answer to our extended photo contest) is nicknamed “Pearl of the Adriatic” and is listed as a

Dubrovnik - 1st Photo Contest Photo

UNESCO World Heritage Site — and for good reason.  It is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe.  It is on the Southern tip of Croatia on the Adriatic Sea directly across from Bari, Italy.

During the middle ages, Dubrovnik rivaled Venice as the leading trade port in Europe.  Because of its primacy in commerce, it had rivals and potential enemies and a need for forts and walls to protect the city.  These walls are now the major tourist attractions of Dubrovnik.  They circumnavigate to Old City for a total distance of about a mile and a quarter.  The views from the walls are stunning and the monasteries, palaces and churches  within the walls are perfectly preserved and represent the best of medieval architecture.

 Tips from Just Crises Plus

Cab fare to the wall is about $15 per cab and the ride is about 15 minutes. Tell the cab driver to take you to the Ploce entrance which allows for an easier walk.  Note that all walking on the wall is counterclockwise and also note that the wall is not accessible for physically challenged folks as there are a total of 1080 steps along the wall.  There are several exits from the wall if you want to take a partial walk.

Local currency (Kuna) is needed for admission (90 kuna or $16.50).  We recommend that you get this before traveling because the ATM machines frequently run out of kunas.

 Interesting Fact

HBO show “Game of Thrones” is filmed along the wall.

And the Winner Is….

We only had 6 correct answers to this week’s photo contest.  Congratulations to Kevin Carlin of Philadelphia, PA, who we randomly selected to receive the $25 gift card.

Extended Contest Photo - A view from the wall

Additional Views

It’s been a long, hard winter and we’re all in need of a little relaxation and rejuvenation.  Celebrity Cruises, with Just Cruises Plus, may have the prefect answer to help you rid yourself of the winter “blahs”.  Everyone who books a new Celebrity cruise to Europe or Bermuda in March, in a concierge level stateroom or higher, will receive a free 3 month membership to Hand & Stone Message and Facial Spa.   Your free 3 month membership will entitle you to a free monthly message or facial as well as many other member benefits.

For the location of a Hand and Stone facility near you, go to their website at http://www.handandstone.com/

To book your Celebrity cruise, call Just Cruises Plus at 215-364-3310 or email us at info@justcruisesplus.com .

For as long as we can remember, Turkey has required a visa. Currently, you purchase the visa upon arrival at the airport for $20.  Effective April 10, 2014, travelers will need to obtain a visa prior to arriving in Turkey by accessing Turkey’s new e-Visa Application System.

For those folks who do not use computers or who need assistance with the process, call Just Cruises Plus and we will help you to obtain your Turkish visa.

Is a separate e-Visa needed for each traveler?

Yes, each traveler must obtain a separate e-Visa, including infants and kids. (Even though kids/infants are included in their parent’s passports)

What information will you need to complete the e-Visa application?

A minimum 6-month-valid passport, flight (or any other possible means of transportation) reservation and a credit card (Mastercard or Visa).

Do I need an e-Visa if I am on a cruise ship?

If you are flying into or out of Turkey as part of your cruise, then you need e-Visa.

If Turkey is on your itinerary (but not at the start/end point), you do not need an e-Visa because the cruise ship will be given permission by local authorities for you to enter Turkey.

Click here for more e-Visa information and to apply for your e-Visa.

Did you miss the article on our visit to the spectacular Turkish city of Istanbul?  Click here to read.