Jan Geiser, cruise specialist, with James TravelPoints and her husband recently cruised to Canada & New England onboard the Caribbean Princess for a beautiful North American fall foliage cruise.

Our cruise began sailing from the Brooklyn Terminal in New York.  We were fortunate to enjoy our sailaway on a bright, sunny afternoon.  We had great views of Manhattan and also the Statue of Liberty on our departure.  One of the most fascinating experiences in sailing from New York is the passage under the Verrazano Bridge.  Will the height of the ship clear the bridge?  Well we did with just inches to spare!

Our first day of our cruise was At Sea.  We were able to enjoy a relaxing day onboard the beautiful Caribbean Princess exploring all that the ship had to offer.  The next day we were in Halifax, Nova Scotia where we opted to take a tour to Peggy’s Cove to visit the quaint town and most visited lighthouse on the East Coast.  The day was perfect albeit windy but so typical of the setting.

Our next port of call was Saint John, New Brunswick.  Here we took an excursion to St. Martin’s and the Bay of Fundy.  The day was spectacular for viewing the Fall colors and countryside.  Our tour included a light lunch of seafood chowder before we were able to walk the beach and visit the sea caves.

Our stop in St. Martin’s provided a photo opportunity to capture the sight of the two covered bridges…the only place in North America to do so.  Bar Harbor, Maine was our next port.  Unfortunately, the morning was rainy and foggy but we were able to visit Acadia National Park and enjoy some of the magnificent coastal views.  We made it to the summit of Cadillac Mountain; however, our brief stop was in total fog.  Upon return to Bar Harbor we enjoyed a typical Lobster bake consisting of steamed mussels, excellent whole Maine lobster and all of the accompaniments, including a fresh Maine blueberry dessert.  Our afternoon in Bar Harbor proved to be sunny and once again, we were able to stroll in town and enjoy beautiful fall foliage along the waterfront.

We were off to Boston where numerous sightseeing options were available.  We visited the city and Quincy Market on another lovely Fall day in New England.  Last day of our cruise was spent in Newport, Rhode Island.  We enjoyed the 10-mile Ocean Drive before returning to Newport for time on our own.  We visited St. Mary’s Parish Church where Jacqueline Bouvier and John Fitzgerald Kennedy were married.  We strolled the waterfront enjoying another beautiful, sunny day with vistas of sailboats in the harbor.

If you haven’t been to this part of North America, as was the case for us, I would highly recommend that you consider making this trip.  We thoroughly enjoyed this exciting and engaging escape in both Canada and New England. 

Please call Jan — James TravelPoints International — 800-274-0436X231, www.travelpoints.com.  I would love to discuss Canada/New England travel options with you! 

If you’ve ever thought about packing up the car and driving hundreds of miles to view fall foliage, we have a better idea: Let someone else take the wheel — the pilot’s wheel — and travel the rivers of America’s heartland aboard an old-fashioned paddlewheeler.

This fall, the steamboats Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen are all offering Fall Foliage vacations — allowing you to experience the spectacular scenery of the Mississippi river, the rolling hills and manicured farmland of the Ohio Valley or the serene beauty of the Cumberland, Tennessee and Illinois rivers at one of the best times of the year.

A naturalist accompanies all Fall Foliage cruises, offering onboard lectures and pointing out the flora and fauna along the riverbanks.  Passengers have a “front row” view from the decks of the steamboats, and may borrow binoculars at no charge for even closer viewing.

Fall Foliage cruises on the three steamboats travel between St. Louis and St. Paul, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, Memphis and Nashville, Nashville and Cincinnati, and St. Louis and Cincinnati.  Most of the cruises are five or seven nights.  Pre- or post-cruise hotel stays are offered in all cities to give you additional time to explore America at the prettiest time of the year.  Cruise fares include four wonderful meals a day, award-winning entertainment, nightly dancing and port charges.  For more details call our cruise experts today, J

As you ponder great vacations consider these golf destination that offer beautiful scenery, activities you and your spouse can enjoy together and an atmosphere that is “Par Excellence”.  James TravelPOINTS has some ideas for destinations that offer unique features to explore new frontiers. 

Los Cabos, Mexico
Las Ventanas Al Paraiso is on the “Hot List of the World’s Top New Hotels and Resort” reported by Conde’ Nast Traveler’s 1998.  Las Ventanas is located minutes away to one of Cabo’s four championship golf courses along with a beautiful beach and colorful surroundings.  Las Ventanas offers luxurious accommodations, roof-top terraces, a private spa and more.  A perfect way to spend a long weekend or week.

Jasper, Canada
Come stay and play at Jasper Park Lodge, the grande dame of Canadian lodges, and you’ll enjoy this spectacular golf vacation.  The 18-hole, championship, Stanley Thompson-designed course is nestled in the majestic Canadian Rockies, along picturesque Lac Beauvert, an unforgettable environment in which to perfect your game.  Packages include two nights in a mountainview suite, with fireplace, two rounds of golf, breakfast and dinner daily and much more. 

Cruise and Golf
Golf and Cruising is not a new idea but an idea that has changed for the better.  Today, many cruise lines and specialty travel companies offer a wide range of cruises with golf options.  Whether you want to play or just watch, it’s now easy to cruise to some great golf destinations anywhere in the world.  Passengers have the opportunity play some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses and enjoy all the amenities cruising offers, from outstanding cuisine to great entertainment.  Other advantages offered by a golf-cruise combination include unpacking just once, visiting multiple destinations and golf courses in one trip.  If you want a vacation on a ship and on the links, cruise offers both with their new shoreside golf program.  With guaranteed tee times at top golf resorts, cruise guest is offered an excellent combination of golf and cruising. Most of the new golf program includes green fees for scheduled rounds of golf, roundtrip transfers between the ship and course, carts, pull carts and or caddies. A perfect selection of golf blended with a relaxing cruise.  Give James TravelPOINTS a call for designing your perfect golf or fun destination gets away, 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.

Fifteen million years ago, Mexico’s Baja Peninsula and the Sea of Cortez were formed when an earthquake tore a section of land away from western Mexico.  Today, this terrain features beautiful crystal clear waters, exotic flowers and playful wildlife. 

With its whales and sea lions, isolated fishing villages and uninhabited islands Baja is a beautiful coastline of fine white beaches, peaceful bays and imposing cliffs; the interior of Baja is harsh and undeveloped. Highlights include remote mission village’s volcanic plateaus containing extraordinary rock sites and the botanical wonderland where aspens, cacti, oaks and palms grow side by side and mountain streams rush through granite canyons - a paradise for hikers.
 
An uncommon destination like the Sea of Cortes requires an unconventional approach to experience the wonder and beauty of this expansive area.   Adventure cruise lines have embarked on seven-day soft-adventure cruises featuring remote unspoiled beaches, quaint mission villages, and Mexico’s protected biosphere, where whales and other sea life abound. Each cruise line features small ships with a shallow draft to easily slip into secluded coves, narrow passages and the shallow beaches of uninhabited islands. These non-traditional cruises offer attentive service, abundant cuisine, cleverly laid out cabins, bar/lounge, observation decks and knowledgeable staff, accredited naturalists and guest lectures.  The small ships hold less than 100 passengers and depart from Cabo San Lucas or La Paz for 7-night cruise through the Sea of Cortez beginning in December through April.

The itinerary includes a stop at the mission town of Loreto, a sleepy seaside village home to the very first mission dating back 1697 with a historic walking tour.  Guided nature walks and hikes in-land and along the coast. Exploration to sea caves; bird sanctuaries and marine life aboard the inflatable Zodiac launch boats, sea kayaking with experience guides and whale watching from aboard small motorized boats.  The ships itinerary can vary and be very improvisational, with anchorages often chosen at the last minute with off-vessel activities tailored to passengers’ interests and fitness levels.  Activity days include hiking, kayaking or snorkeling.  Other days are spent whale watching, and visiting quaint fishing villages.  These cruises allow passengers to experience the destination up-close, the way nature intended.
 
If you would like to know more about these unique cruise adventures in the Sea of Cortez, please contact James TravelPOINTS at 1-800-538-7461,
www.jamestravel.com. 

In the low of the midnight sun, days linger on and on, just what one wishes in beautiful Scandinavia and captivating western Russia.  Rich with history, riddled with myths of gnomes and magical folklore, wrapped in great art and music, and stirred by clear summer air spiced with the faint scent of wildflowers, Northern Europe’s outposts are among the best of summer vacation territories. 

Warm Nordic smiles melt the winter’s cold and welcome the summer’s warmth.  Or is it the sun that brings out the smiles?  Either way, you’ll see Scandinavia, the Baltic countries and Russia at their best when you travel in summer months.

Classic Norwegian Fjords and Villages

For immersion into the culture, jump right into Norwegian Coastal Voyage’s cultural journey along the coast of Norway.  Conducted aboard the fleet you may once have known as Bergen Line, Norwegian Coastal Voyages plies the fjords and all its hamlets, along a filigree shoreline where, as the Scandinavians have it, heaven meets earth.  One of the world’s great scenic adventures, it covers an amazing 34 ports in 12 days (some are so tiny an hour’s call will do the job).  It’s an easy and full filling immersion in the country’s cultural and natural riches.  And if you have any Scandinavian heritage in you, the trip will be double rewarding since it has all the feel of a visit home.  Visitors see small fishing villages, restored wooden Hansetic architecture, museums, historical spots, trading centers, sites of the Viking explorers and islands north of the Arctic Circle. All warmed by a Gulf Stream that clings to Norway’s indescribable beautiful western coast.  This 12 day cruise aboard Norwegian Costal Voyage ship does not require passengers to dress up for dinner and English is spoken through-out.

Grander than Kings; More Powerful than Emperors

For those who know democracy, it’s hard to imagine the elevated levels of power so ingrained in Russia’s past.  The czars of Imperial Russia were actually cherished by their people as messengers of God.  And they certainly did everything they could to perpetuate the myth, building an empire of such staggering scope and luxury that even 75 years of Soviet suppression could not extinguish it.  The best way to discover Russia’s long-held and continually re-emerging glories is to get deeply into the country, past the big cities. 

No better way exists than to travel Russia’s inland waterways the same path used by the czars and nobles to move about their country’s vast expanses.  Today, traveling with Leisure Cruises aboard the comfortable river-cruiser Viking Peterhof.  See cities you’ve never heard of, like Yaroslavl, where a wonderful riverside promenade and expansive lawn mall makes an ideal territory for meeting the locals.  Or Kizhi, a Viking-era island with picture-book wooden structures that look like they came out of a fairy tale.  Or Uglich, a pretty, beloved town that will remind you of the American Midwest in the 50’s except for its story you’ll hear about the fate of the czar’s only son Dmitri and the rise of Boris Godonuv.  Lead by English-speaking guides, you’ll discover the Golden Ring and see St. Petersburg’s treasures as well as Moscow.  And you can do it all in eleven or twelve days with cruises beginning in May and running through October.  The in-land cruise uses the same path the czars and nobles used to move about their country’s vast country side.  All meals and accommodations are included aboard the river cruise.

This is just a sample of the many itineraries, cruises and tours available into Scandinavia and Russia.  James TravelPOINTS has a vast selection of different tours and cruises to match your travel expectations.  Give us a call at 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com let us help you arrange your next trip.

Cruising the Mediterranean, blue seas, white wash buildings, Greek and Roman mythology and the richness of Athens, the Acropolis and the flavor of Turkey, all gather together in a weeks cruise.  This is one of the most compelling travel itineraries in relaxing causal style.

Recently we had the opportunity to cruise the Greek Isles from Athens Greece to Istanbul Turkey aboard the M.S. Wind Spirit a small elegant 4 Mast ship.  With only 439 passengers or 74 cabins and a crew of 91, we were treated like the Greek Gods. The ambiance is causal, the cuisine and service is superb.  The cabins and lounges are stately and the staff is gracious and unobtrusive.  Sailing in the Mediterranean was smooth and clam. The itinerary is designed to allow passenger’s maximum time visiting and touring the ports of call while relaxing during the evening as the ship cruises to the next port.

Our journey begins with our first port to the Island of Mykonos and a tour through the sacred uninhabited ancient ruins on the Island of Delos.  The Island of Mykonos is famous for its picturesque, whitewashed winding narrow streets, restaurants and shops. Our next port of call was to the spectacular site of the Island of Santorini, one of the most photograph Islands for the Greek Isles.   The Day begins with travel options to the small town of Thira.  Passengers from the ship can ride up on the tram or take a leisurely hike up the cobbled stone switchbacks or ride a donkey up the steep steps to the town.  This picturesque town with its blue-domed churches, old two-story mansions and narrow cobbled stone streets are lined with restaurants and tiny shops selling hand-made ceramics, paintings and jewelry.  The journey down is also very interesting, especially if you take a frisky donkey.  

The Island of Rhodes located at the southern edge of the Aegean Sea comprises of hills and low mountains.  The city of Rhodes is separated into the old walled city built around the 400 B.C.and the new.  The old walled city is lined with local shop; restaurants and the ambiance of walking through memories of a well preserved Ancient City.  Other highlights of the Island include the Acropolis of Lindos located 30 - 40 minutes from Rhodes which stands 400 feet above the town and built around 1500 BC. From the top you can see the ancient Greek warship, carved into the Cliffside as a symbol of Lindo’s ties with the sea. 

Bodrum Turkey is one of the most charming cities and sophisticated resorts on the Aegean coast.  The name means “dungeon” in Turkish. This delightful resort located on the southern shore of the Bodrum peninsula offers visitors spectacular scenery good restaurants and wonderful shopping opportunities for leather goods and Turkish carpets.  The great landmark is “The Castle of St. Peter”. Bodrum sits where once the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus stood.  One of the seven wonders of the ancient world, it was a great tomb erected to Mausolus.

Kusadasi Turkey is a shopper’s paradise.  Turkish carpet, leather goods, jewelry and Turkish handcrafts are available in the local bazaars and markets.  Kusadasi is also the port for one of the most important sights in the Mediterranean, Ephesus.  Ephesus is a well-preserved ancient site that was once a seaport, until the sea retrenched.  Originally a principal site for worship of the goddess Artemis (to the Greeks) and/or Diana (to the Romans). Ephesus’ temple in her honor was on of the seven wonders of the ancient world. During the Golden Age (2nd century A.D.), the city had a population of over 250,000 people and was a commercial and financial power.

The last stop on our journey was Istanbul, a sprawling western style city with its European side in a maze of Mosques, Affluent Palaces and crowded oriental Bazaars.  Highlights of the city include the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Spice Market and the Grand Bazaar.  The cruise and ports of call were truly remarkable as you walk through the mammoth stone cities and crumbling marble columns.  If you would like to know about this particular cruise, please give James TravelPOINTS 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com. 

It’s time to ask the experts at James TravelPoints what they recommend for romantic getaways.

Our cruise specialist says ” You can’t go wrong on the Love Boat (Princess Cruise Lines) or Radisson Seven Seas Cruises’ ship, Paul Gauguin, cruising the islands of Tahiti.  Several agents echo her thoughts that Tahiti is truly a lovers getaway, highly recommending the “over the water bungalows” at the Hotel Bora Bora.  The tropical sunsets are out of this world.

When it comes to the Caribbean, several islands come to mind.  Sandals St. Lucia is a couple’s only resort which caters to your every need, and the location is just perfect.  Anse Chastnaet, St. Lucia is another wonderful property, ask for open hillside rooms and wake up with an unobstructed view of the Pitons.  Cayman Islands is known for it’s beautiful beaches, wonderful shopping and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving.  Turks and Caicos offers 12 miles of uninterrupted beach, a laid back attitude and an abundance of underwater life.

In Mexico it’s Shangri-La, located on the Mexican sun coast.  Where else can you relax in your hammock and listen to the sounds of the ocean.  If you prefer the pacific side, may we suggest La Casa que Canta perched on a cliff surrounded by the sea of Zihuatanejo Bay, with a magnificent panoramic view.

Any Hawaiian island offers that exciting tropical flare, but when asked to pick the most romantic Kauai is the choice, it’s those secluded beaches and the beautiful scenery.  The Hyatt Regency offers a wonderful, sophisticated setting on Poipu Beach.

It’s hard to top the ambiance of Paris, a stroll down the sidewalk, a romantic dinner at a café, the Eiffel Tower, the Louve.  It’s the history, the love of art, the exquisite taste of the entire city that make it a city for lovers. 

Close to home we recommend–Lake Tahoe, where else can you enjoy all the outdoor adventure and still have great shows and entertainment.  Enjoy a sunset over the lake as you relax with a drink in your hand. Or the wonderful city of San Francisco it’s rolling hills, China town, Little Italy the Warf, and the Golden Gate Bridge, great food and fun awaits all  visitors.  Make some time for the wine country whether you choose Sonoma or Napa you can’t go wrong.  Rent a convertible and cruise from winery to winery, stopping for lunch at quaint cafés along the way.  Settling down in a homey Bed and Breakfast at the end of romantic drive, it’s just the perfect weekend.

Well we hope we wet your appetite, whether it’s one above, one that we missed, or your own special hideaway let our James TravelPOINTS experts plan your romantic getaway 1-800-538-7461/303 442-2340, www.travelpoints.com.

Looking for a Vacation that’s pure Americana?  Try Steamboatin’!  Come discover Mark Twain’s America…on board an authentic paddlewheel steamboat!

A Steamboatin’ vacation blends every element desired by the discerning traveler — comfortable and charming accommodations, award winning entertainment, the palate-pleasing pleasures of superb cuisine, and the meticulous attention of an all-American crew.

Beyond outstanding first-class amenities, Steamboatin’ also offers delightfully diversified pleasures.  The fun of meeting people from all over the country; the joy of making new friends; the excitement of exploring quaint rivertowns; the thrill of traveling along America’s great rivers; the tranquility of watching the sunset on the river; the romance of a moonlight stroll on deck; and the reward of pure relaxation.  From brisk early morning walks to late nights in the lounge, Steamboatin’ day are filled with fun and excitement.

Like a giant tree, Old Man River stretches its branches north, south, east and west, and for nearly three thousand miles along its course the landscapes eventually make a dramatic shift from craggy bluffs and deep woods to sleepy bayous and white sandy beaches.  And while man has left his mark in many places the rivers are just as they were when Native Americans plied them in birchbark canoes and when pioneers ventured froth in keelboats and flatboats.  To travel by water and gaze at the shore is always enjoyable, but on a Steamboatin’ vacation, you’ll be gazing at America’s heartland.  From her pristine, natural beauty to her bustling industry, you’ll see it all unfold before you.

It’s an unhurried, carefree world, where you’ll feel refreshed in spirit, and physically renewed.  No matter which cruise you choose Explore the Mississippi, Columbia and Snake rivers or Alaska, every moment will be memorable on the floating palaces, it’s a cruise that’s as unique as the steamboats themselves.  So come on along, experience Steamboatin’ for yourself, James TravelPOINTS cruise experts to answer all your questions 1-800-538-7461/303 442-2340, www.travelpoints.com.