Christina Rockey - Vacation Architect
Christina Rockey - Vacation Architect
Cruise Alaska
Glacier Bay aboard Holland America Koningsdam
Let me tell you about my 20th cruise. That’s right Number 20. I’ve cruised all over the Caribbean and Mediterranean. I mean, I love fun in the sun and sand and the tropical breeze through the palm trees! I could spend all day long snorkeling, touring ruins, and just playing in the water. So, what stands out about #20? All of it! It was cool, mountainous, icy and wilderness! That’s right… #20 was in Alaska!
Let’s back up a bit to how it all happened. I spend a lot of time training with my different suppliers like the cruise lines. Through my ever-evolving connections in the travel industry I was invited to take part in an Alaska cruise hosted by Michelle Sutter, Vice President of Holland America and our fearless book club hostess. It was quite the honor, so I accepted. In my head? “Huh, kind of figured I’d eventually make it to Alaska in about 20 years.” I felt completely apprehensive about going on a cruise that wasn’t focused on fun in the sun or any kind of ancient ruins. (I’m a sucker for old buildings…see my main profile.) Dress warmly, in layers? Ooof. I don’t know. Cut my summer short to go somewhere cold? Hmmm… Well, in the name of research for clients, I decided that it would be best for you (my travelers) if I went to experience more of Holland America and this unique destination, Alaska.
IT. WAS. AMAZING.
I honestly started to get a little excited when I saw our excursion options. Did you know that you can still enjoy the water in Alaska? There are tons of opportunities to get out on small boats for up close whale watching or to even go paddling through these secluded uninhabited islands while watching for aquatic life and animals like eagles, deer, moose, bear and wolves. While kayaking I saw an eagle family and deer. No whales while kayaking. I’m still holding out for that experience sometime!Like a lot of places where you can cruise, there are a ton of different excursion options. They don’t have to be strenuous like the kayaking, some are very laid back too. We also took the White Pass train up to the top of the mountain at the Continental Divide. Riding up the mountain provided breathtaking vistas overlooking rushing mountain creeks and waterfalls and more mountains peeking from the clouds. Chugging along we crossed trestle bridges and pitch-black tunnels while riding the outdoor platform of our train car, before warming back up at the stove inside the car. The train moved at the perfect pace to even see the details of the scenery surrounding us. I saw FIVE different types of mushrooms. One was bright red!
Cruising through Alaska is pretty unique. In the Caribbean and Mediterranean you don’t see land or sail near land unless you are in port. Alaska sailings hug the coastline, so you have a continual view of the Alaskan and Canadian shoreline. Great for those that may be a little fearful of open water! Because the coast is mountainous, the shoreline gets deep quickly, so the larger cruise ships are able to sail quite close to land giving you that outstanding view. Also fun? The whales think its great to play in these passages too. I can’t tell you how many times I looked out the window of my cabin or where ever I was and tadaaaaaaa…there’s a whale! Or two, or more. Oh and look at those adorable sea otters. They are nosy little dudes. Floating around on their backs, checking you out or popping their heads up out of the water to look at the goofy creatures staring at them. (Those goofy creatures are you, btw.)
Sea days aboard an Alaskan cruise are also VERY special. Holland America knocked our socks off with stellar service, great food and music venues. These ships have spectacular hydrotherapy circuits in which we totally indulged. I watched icebergs float by from my heated tile spa lounger. Did you know that the United States has a National Park that is only accessible via cruise ship? Glacier Bay National Park is stunning. Cruise ships patiently take turns entering the bay to sail as close to the glaciers as they can get. Bigger ships stay in the center of the bay, while some smaller ships (100 passengers or less) are able to sail in even closer. The ships that enter Glacier Bay NP even welcome aboard National Park Rangers for the day to narrate over PA systems or to answer questions from viewing decks. They even bring aboard a few National Park souvenirs, so don’t forget your National Park passports to get your Glacier Bay stamp! It’s quite an awe-inspiring experience to see the blue icebergs calving from the glaciers or just take in the magnificence of nature as your ship does its 360 degree turn near the Marjorie and Grand Pacific Glaciers. It’s listening to these National Park Rangers tell us about how these glaciers are now receding and no longer growing that made me super glad that I didn’t wait 20 years longer to see Alaska. Our natural wonders are ever changing and should never be taken for granted that they will be there someday. Cruise Alaska…SOON!
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Much needed away time!
It was a pleasure assisting you!
Great support during a difficult time
Christina booked our flights, our hotel and a cruise to Mexico on Carnival Cruise Line for Spring Break 2020.
Since our trip was during the beginning of the COVID Pandemic in the US, Christina did an amazing job keeping us informed of changing plans and helping us to address the unique situation we found ourselves in. We were scheduled to sail on March 14, only every cruise sailing from the US was cancelled the night before. Christina helped us with changing flights and all the mess that happened during that time. Best support from a travel agent ever!
Thank you for the very kind words! It was definitely quite the whirlwind of last minute changes because of the cruising freeze. One day we will get back to it!
Magical Trip !!!
I am so glad you enjoyed your trip! Looking forward to working with you again.
Excellent service!
I can't wait to work with you again.
Amazing Vacation
Thank you for the kind review. I really do enjoy matching people up to the perfect location for their trip! I look forward to helping you with future vacations.
Serving the Client
She takes care of all the hard work because that’s her job; so you can do your job “Enjoy Your Vacation.”
That is certainly my goal. Looking forward to working with you again!
Great girls week
Thanks Donna. I loved helping your group find the rental and activities. Let me know when you are ready to travel again.
Great weekend with lots of friends
Thanks for the review Chris. So glad that everything went smoothly. I know we were hammered with flight changes for your group! Thanks for hanging in there. Looking forward working with you in the future.
Great anniversary gift to us
It was an absolute pleasure to plan your special Disney World trip. I look forward to working with you again!
Great trip
Thanks for taking the time for leaving a review. It was much appreciated!
We will be back!
It was a pleasure to work with you as well. I look forward to working with you again!
Anniversary Cruise!
Thank you for the kind words! I strive to keep everyone educated and everything moving as seamlessly as possible. Looking forward to working with you again in the future.
Universal Studios
It was a pleasure to assist your family again!
Atelier, Cancun - our second time!
Thank you so much! You two are pretty great to work with too. I look forward to planning with you in the future!
First of many future international trips!
A “must see” trip for everyone.
It was an absolute pleasure to help prepare you for your Alaska trip!
All my amazing trips start with Christina!!
It was an absolute pleasure to plan your epic adventure and the weekenders in between. I look forward to helping you again soon!
Ah-mazing Trip
Oh my...you are going to make me cry happy tears. I love when the trips I help plan go over so well! You have been equally as fabulous to work with and I can't wait to plan with you again!
"Grazilla Home Run Away" Trip was a success!
It was a pleasure to assist! Looking forward to working with you again sometime.
Amazing to work with.
Thanks for the great review. I love being able to help out my travelers when they need it. Looking forward to working with you again!
Last minute changes!
Thanks Lisa. Glad the family enjoyed themselves. Love the sliding rock pics.
We had a wonderful 21st anniversary!!
It was a pleasure helping you plan for your cruise and to help you again in the future!
Traveling Made Easy
Many thanks for the glowing review. I am so glad that you two got to squeak this getaway in. Looking forward to helping you again in the future!
Loved being with family and the Outer Banks!
Glad you enjoyed the trip! It was a pleasure to plan.
Wonderful vacation get away
I am so glad to be of service. I look forward to working with your family again!
Great adult trip!
It was a pleasure putting together your trip. I love Universal!
Our First Disney Trip!
Thanks Gaile! Looking forward to working with you on the next one.