Cruise Trek

(Please note: To keep abreast of our ever-evolving events, some past Updates are included herein or linked below.)

Our Pre-cruise tour to Osaka, Kyoto and /or Tokyo is coming together very nicely. Check out our Japan itinerary link for the daily timeline. And the Japan Booking info sheet link.

Below is our tour outline for Japan . . . surely as you see you will notice – indeed, we will be busy! With that, we have created the schedule so that after our day tours, there will be a couple more sites (if timing allows) to visit on your own if you so desire or we can simply walk/wonder to find a place for dinner. For instance, in Osaka you could go view the Osaka Castle and/or in Kyoto you may also be able to visit the Torri gates, then in Tokyo, the Teamlabplanet.com is open till 10pm (you may want to buy tix beforehand as this venue sells out) – yes, there is so much to explore in Japan! Obviously, we can’t get to it all – but this gives us great opportunity to explore and learn as much as we can in the time we have. . . but, also to not overdo or to do more if we choose individually.

As to the arrangements, we have arranged a highly regarded DMC to arrange our tours starting in Osaka. Along with an English-speaking guide, we will have a larger than needed buses so we all have plenty of space.

Additional items to make note of . . . The Osaka to Kyoto tour day doubles as our transfer day – a very cool transfer day! ;-) For the April 24th Tokyo transfer below we thought it best to also include an English-speaking guide (our guide is on the train and at the very busy & large stations with us) and first class train tickets to Tokyo from Kyoto. This day will also have one train transfer in Tokyo. Also, only one lunch is included for one tour and in Tokyo as adding lunch every day would otherwise add significant cost to the whole tour. And, with all our different needs we thought it best to arrange each lunch break for ourselves (typically as free time as well) to whatever food spot will inspire us. Yes, some of us do not like Sushi! Imagine that in Japan! ;-) That said – we will go to the world famous fish market on one Tokyo tour – Yes, Aaron, other foods will be available. ;-) For example on our day from Kyoto to Tokyo there is a place called Retox Works – sounds like they have incredible looking burgers and more – and at a reasonable cost. Let’s simply ask our guide for best lunch direction each day! ;-) And please know in Japan it is sometimes difficult to get tables for more than 2 or 4 – Except for maybe at our hotel restaurants.

Of course, more specifics, timing and details are to follow. Though, for those of you joining us in Tokyo – April 25th is your first day of tours.

As previously mentioned, the two of us will arrive in Osaka on the 18th and meet up with those arriving that day and the next. We are of course all at the same hotels in each city. Western owned hotel chain that will be billed to your cc upon check out in both Osaka and Kyoto. And the Tokyo hotel is to be paid in advance to the CT office. Boarding day transfer is included in the Tokyo hotel stay booked through the CT office.

One last thought in this note and for probably our whole group – please don’t count on buying clothes in Japan – typically, our sizes will be very difficult to find. Though, UniGlo is one store that may work. I mention this so that you pack smartly – appropriately – but at the same time – goodness – it would be advisable to not bring huge/many suitcases or at least to not over pack! ;-)) With that – those on the full tour – it may be possible to have your luggage shipped to Tokyo (at a cost) from our hotel in Kyoto – this, so we/you all won’t have to manage same through a huge/busy train station.

P.S. While an intimate gathering – so far almost all the CT family is either doing the full tour starting in Osaka or starting Tokyo for three nights. Please contact us for pricing on the tour and/or hotels.

Any time you wish to be taken off our list(s), simply shoot us an eMail and we will handle directly. We don’t sell, give away or share our lists with anyone never ever.

Simply a quick note to everyone – Our itinerary and booking information sheets for 2025 (Japan and back to Vancouver, BC Canada) and 2026 Mediterranean Eclipse Cruise with an optional conference by top scientists (Lisbon to Athens) are now posted here to our web site.

Post CT Mexico eclipse event pics and more are being worked on still by web master Cheryl! ;-))

Our last CT family adventure/cruise to Mexico, along with the Total Solar Eclipse, professional astronomers as guest speakers and 350 passengers was very busy for us! Though seemingly everyone had loads of fun as understood by the shares below from both Eric & Dom! ;-))

From Eric Menyuk (The Traveler) “. . . to highlight how special this trip was because of the wonderful company we had. Lori and I loved spending time with Ron [5x Emmy Award winner in Visual Effects] and Barbara Moore, along with all the people we met during the cruise. The camaraderie and laughter we shared made each moment even more memorable. One of the standout experiences for me was performing a two-man show with Dom. It was a joy to collaborate and entertain our fellow [CT Family] cruisers, and the positive feedback we received made it unforgettable. Also sharing these moments with such a vibrant group [Insight cruises astronomy types for the Total Solar Eclipse] added an extra layer of enjoyment to an already incredible journey!”

And from From Dominic Keating (Lt Malcolm Reed): “Hey guys! Just wanted to reach out and say a huge thank you to you both for the trip of a lifetime! It’s still all ringing in my ears everything I learned and desperately am trying not to forget too soon! Let’s do it again . . .”

And now to the future & speaking of doing it again! Some of you have been asking about 2025 – and yes, we are working on a more informal CT family trip for next year – however, this is a quick note to advise we have a cruise lined up for August 2026 with another Eclipse! In 2026, we will sail from Lisbon, Portugal, to Athens, Greece.

As a side note, after the very busy Eclipse & CT Family event, we went off to Europe for a bit of R & R, and to tour/cruise and visit with Eric & Deb Stillwell (STNG writer) – that was seriously cool & enjoyable – visiting everything French and much more! As most of you know – the Stillwells have retired to a lovely home in France – and they like visitors! ;-)) Hoping we can convince them to sail again in 2026. ;-))

We just finished up with 4 days of meetings and going over the TSE cruise with our Insight Cruises producers Neil & Theresa. Amazing people. So we have more info for you! ;-))

One is the article below and if you see more articles about the TSE – read them!! ;-))) Kinda fun and informative about this historical event. You may need a subscription for the below – sometimes not.

For Omni hotel stays – your name is in the system at the hotel. No paper confirmation necessary. Your name is under the Insight Cruises group and all prepaid. You will be asked to present an ID and a credit card for incidentals. As part of the included resort fee already paid, the following are included:

While the ship is suppose to supply viewing glasses (cardboard w/protective lenses) – again, you may want to purchase your own – up to you. Previous email from us provided a link for same. But, Amazon works too. We bought our own and cell phone Lens protectors too.

Most importantly – below as a PDF is the Insight Cruises Conference Program Guide. Yes, it is very extensive, and the program will keep those of you who signed up for same very busy. As you can see (and like CT), the programming is not during port times. The IC Mini Con schedule is within this same Program Guide as well – as indicated by a small blue asterisk next to the time slot.

Also important to note – the April 12th second session in the World Stage is open to Mini Con attendees even though no blue asterisk is thereon. Aaron and I will be at the doors to both conference venues. The Wajang theater is only for the Full Conference presentations and has very limited seating capacity – so, if as a full con attendee you will not attend those sessions in the Wajang theater, we kindly ask you to let us know if you will not attend one of those slots – this would be very appreciated.

Very fine printed color copies of the IC Program Guide will be handed out to all those in attendance. A pocket size version of this schedule will also be in your “kit.” So, no need to print the IC PG.

Additionally, while not in the IC program guide – we will have star gazing evenings of which all CT family will be welcome. For event day – we have a private TSE viewing area with an open bar which all CT family are welcome. Plus, all the CT family is welcome to the cocktail parties every day from 5 to 7pm. But you must wear your ID badges for CT and for IC if you are an attendee! ;-)) Lanyards are color coded. ;-))

There will also be a speaker on board hired by HAL which everyone can attend or listen to. With that we also have an informal CT schedule.

The CT schedule will be sent in the next several days. We are attempting to encompass all info above and much more on the CT schedule and its a lot of info to accomplish! ;-)))) In that schedule will also be directions and info for: transfers, hotel, boarding, baseball game, cocktail party, dining room table numbers specific to CT, check in for “IC kit (IC badges & more)”, check-in for CT shirts and badges and – very very comprehensive.

Please print out the CT schedule we send you prior to leaving home as we will have very limited copies of same – if any.

The below S & T provided note is great info! And it can apply to both conference attendees and not ;-))

Additionally, there will be the typical solar eclipse glasses available for you on board. But if you desire better – check them out on Amazon. We ordered for ourselves the hard plastic frame model as opposed to the cardboard frame.

The Great North American Solar Eclipse of 2024 is less than two months away! All of us at Sky & Telescope and Insight Cruises are grateful that you’ve chosen to experience this extraordinary celestial event on our cruise to Mexico, and we’ll do our utmost to maximize the experience for you.

[�] sic. �but, I want to take this opportunity to provide some information and insider tips about the eclipse itself . . .

First, you might be wondering what it’ll be like to observe from aboard a ship! This will be my 12th total solar eclipse at sea, so I plan to work closely with the crew aboard the Zaandam to ensure that the ship is positioned and configured optimally for the best viewing experience. Our location, not far from Mazatl�n, will be finalized on the morning of the eclipse based on weather, prevailing wind, and other factors. The partial eclipse will begin at 9:51 a.m. MST (Mazatl�n falls in the Mountain time zone and does not observe daylight time). Totality takes place from 11:07 to 11:11 a.m., lasting 4m 27s, and the partial eclipse ends at 12:32 p.m. Current plans call for the ship to maintain its position throughout the entire eclipse sequence.

Whether you plan to just watch the show or to take images/videos, we’ve got you covered. Everyone will get an approved solar viewer ahead of time, and prior to eclipse day I’ll provide a briefing with lots of detail on what to look for in the sky above.

Will this be your first total eclipse? If so, you’ll want to savor every second of it – it’s such a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional experience. So my advice is this: Let your eyes and brain record it for you, and don’t fret over getting the perfect photo. S&T always sets up a photo-sharing website after each tour, and lots of participants will upload their pictures to share with the rest of the group.

As for equipment, you can’t go wrong by just having some nice binoculars. Or bring a small telescope. It doesn’t need to be on a tracking or specialized mount, since the ship’s rocking movement will be far less than you might expect. But remember that the eclipsed Sun will be high in the sky (altitude 69�), so make sure your mount or tripod allows you to point your gear that high.

Remember: To watch the partial phases through any optical aid, you’ll need to have solar filters that can securely attach to the front end of your binoculars or scope. If you don’t have these filters yet, order them now! (Use this listing to find a reputable supplier.) Measure the outside diameter of your scope’s tube or your bino’s lens barrels, and use that when choosing which size to order.

If you plan to use a camera (or cameras!), whether something high end or just your smartphone, you’ll be able to get help from both me and from longtime S&T contributor Bob King, a retired professional news photographer and an avid astrophotographer. Bob and I plan to offer some “help sessions” once we’re all together on the ship.

Modern smartphones have surprisingly decent lenses (or even multiple lenses) that permit relatively sharp zoomed-in views of the Sun. But, once again, you’ll need to use a safe solar filter in front of the phone’s lens for the eclipse’s partial phases. You can fashion one yourself from a spare pair of “eclipse shades” – just make sure that the filter is attached securely so it won’t fly away in a sudden gust of wind.

Or consider getting Solar Snap, developed by astronomer Doug Duncan. It’s an inexpensive kit that includes solar filters for both your smartphone and your eyes – and an app (available as a free download for iPhone and Android phones) that lets you control the camera’s zoom, focus, and exposure. Other photo apps – such as Photon or NightCap Pro for iPhones and iPads, as well as Camera FV-5 or Open Camera for Android phones and tablets – also allow you to manually fine-tune the camera’s focus, exposure settings, and much more.

No matter what method you use, two essential yet inexpensive pieces of gear will greatly improve the quality of the images or video that you capture with your smartphone. One is an adapter that allows you to attach your phone to a tripod – the best way to ensure jiggle-free imaging. Another is a Bluetooth remote trigger, available online for as little as $5, which allows you to snap away without ever touching your phone.

No matter what equipment or camera you plan to use on eclipse day, start practicing now – on any clear afternoon – so that you won’t have to fumble with instructions or settings on eclipse day! After all, the partially eclipsed Sun will look much the same as it does any other sunny day.

I hope you’re getting as excited about April’s eclipse as I am. It’s going to be a fantastic experience, and I look forward to sharing it with you!

Just thought we’d share this little bit of drama regarding the “original” Enterprise Model built by my father – though kinda of a fun story – not only brings back memories or explains more to me & makes one want to go to storage locker auctions at least in the LA area – right!?

Now that we have the CT family hotel change all done to now the Omni Hotel downtown (only one cabin stayed put) and baseball game and Cocktail party set – Insightcruises leader Neil (Big Trek Fan! and CT fam member too!) has just completed the “Mini” Solar Eclipse conference Program Guide – and he wanted me to share this to any of you that are sitting on the fence about joining this very engaging program!

Please note: timing could change before actual printing of same. Seating for the full conference is sold out.

Speakers and guests will have tickets to the game as well. For those of you attending the Padres vs Giants game and staying at the Omni – tickets are $119pp – include ballpark food & drink, semi private patio access and seat – this is actually below cost! ;-))

Astronaut Garrett Reisman and family – he is sailing on the Eclipse cruise, too!

Still cabins & mini Solar Eclipse conference seats available & now added a Baseball game to our options!!

A very important change and at the same time a very engaging & unique opportunity has evolved for all the CT 24 cruising family to know about:

To start – for logistics & more reasons, our pre-cruise hotel (originally via HAL/CT) has been changed to the Downtown San Diego Omni Hotel – which in the coming days will now be reserved and arranged by CT – but, independent of the cruise line. There are a few of you currently booked independent of the cruise line – Aaron will be in communications with you directly.

To give perspective on the Omni hotel location: it is very near the Gaslamp District (Hard Rock & much more), across from the SD Convention Center, not far from the very lovely Sea Port Village with its marina views, many shops and restaurants & immediately next to Petco/Padre’s Stadium and thus quick access to an MLB game – which is indeed what we now have an opportunity to do! So, new details for the baseball game & pre-game gathering, cocktail party, and transfers are below. But please know – the Omni is a finer hotel and better yet – the hotel costs remain the same in this venue change. Plus, there is greater access to so much more in the area of this downtown hotel.

Yes, for a few, this pre-cruise hotel change may not be possible for various reasons (scheduling/access/arrival etc) and that is just fine – In any case, we can be in contact with each other and individually to determine your needs and desires.

Above said, please understand the post-cruise hotel will not change – it is still arranged by HAL (unless you are wait-listed for same) and is still at the Sheraton Marina.

(Before you read more details below and/or if all this makes sense to you and/or if you have questions – yeah, it’s a lot to grasp – please get back to us ASAP with desires and/or questions. Again, we need to finish this change prior to Christmas or a couple days after)

So to continue with explaining the new additions or changes mentioned above, the exciting addition to this pre-cruise hotel venue change is that we now have another really fun opportunity to mix & mingle with the CT family, IC science speakers & the fellow eclipse chasers. That is, the evening of March 29th, we all now have the option to attend a SD Padre’s vs SF Giants baseball game for the MLB season opening weekend game #2 on Friday, March 29th. Our stadium/game access includes access to a semi-private “Skyline Patio” with food, drinks and your seat – for those of you now staying at the Omni, the cost for the ball game is $119pp. For emphasis, inside the stadium and prior to the baseball game, food/drinks are included and served from approximately 5:30pm to 7:40pm in a semi-private terrace/patio setting. First pitch is currently scheduled at 6:40pm. Another big plus for Omni hotel guests is that we have direct access to the stadium via a pedestrian bridge between Petco stadium and the Omni hotel. A Omni hotel room key and game ticket are necessary to use this access. Direct access is a huge deal as it will be typical “ballgame/stadium busy” in the downtown area before, during and after games at Petco.

~ Do You Need Travel Insurance? ~

One option is Trip Insurance.

There are other choices, but we offer Travel Guard for informational purposes.

Additionally, there will be a joint cocktail party at the Omni hotel from approximately 4pm to 5pm. Cost for the cocktail party is still $79pp – but you may not need to combine this with the game as it is perhaps just a lot when combined with the game, food & drinks?? Up to you. Though if you are not going to attend the game and you already signed up for the cocktail party – then this cocktail party is for you.

So, as many of you have already booked and paid for the cocktail party for the original hotel stay – the math stays the same. If you want to add the game or switch attendance for either, we will work out the math.

The only issue or mitigating item for you to think about with this hotel venue change is that transfers from the SD airport to the Omni hotel will be on your own – that is, transfers are now not included from the SD airport to the Omni hotel. So, Uber or taxi transfer will be necessary – but we just checked Uber, and the fare is approximately $20 to $25.

A bus transfer will be available from the Omni to the pier starting at approximately 11am and last operations will be about 12:15pm. Though honestly, it may be more expeditious to take an Uber or taxi to the pier. Either way, please make sure all your luggage and hand carry-get on board the bus or your Uber/taxi ride and then to the porters at the pier or carried by you on board. We are currently scheduled to sail on the Zaandam at 3pm on Saturday, March 30th. There are two HAL ships in port this day. As you all well know – embarkation and disembarkation are always busy! Please don't be late!!

With all mentioned above – if it turns out that you desire or need to remain at the HAL arranged Sheraton Marina Hotel – you can certainly do so. And those included arrangements will stay the same – Except there will be no pre-cruise cocktail party. Though you can still add the ball game for $169pp – and you will have to make your own way to/from Petco stadium and access can not be made via the Omni/Petco bridge.

Pricing and availability is limited and subject to change. We really need to get this all done prior to Christmas or at the very least a few days afterwards – if not changed by then, we can’t do changes without additional fees.

Please know these types of changes keep us very busy – Thank you for your patience.

More details to follow as we get closer to sailing date. And/or additional information will be sent with your travel documents.

Aaron Cell 310-909-9685 for text and Whatsapp as well or email cruisetrek@gmail.com.

This email will be followed up by a second email to those booked for our CT 24 Solar Eclipse cruise March 30, 2024 – mentioning a hotel venue change and fabulous opportunity to mix and mingle with CT Family and Astrophysicists and amateur astronomers (eclipse chasers) by way of attending a Padres baseball game the night before our cruise departure in San Diego.

Final payment date for our Mexico CT family Eclipse event at the end March 2024 was yesterday, and we are busily processing payments. Also, we are working on some more planning as we were just in SD checking out the scene.

Space is still available for CT 24 – important for those still on the fence about booking this cruise – we still have a few cabins available for our Solar Eclipse / Science cruise. ;-)) Please get to us ASAP if you are interested.

Now if that’s not enough :-)) – we go to an additional cruise idea to ponder below:

CT family M/M Purvis and Evangos are sailing on a Snake River trip – May 6, 2024. Anyone want to join them?? ;-)) The below link will show you the itinerary. But call or email Aaron for good pricing and more.

Anyone want to join us on the above??? Supply is very limited and timely. CALL OR EMAIL US ASAP IF YOU IF ARE INTERESTED.

And we are combining Cruise Trek with a Eclipse event and an optional Science Conference on board with astronauts and more!!

For both – simply send us a booking form downloadable from our web site and we’ll take care of the rest.

Click this link to find out more about the Solar Eclipse in Mexico on April 8, 2024.

Cruise Trek 2024 guests include:
(Of course schedules permitting)

wikipedia.org/wiki/John_de_Lancie
wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Menyuk
wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_B._Moore

(Tim Russ will be on board as well with our InsightCruises eclipse conference.)

Hope this note finds you all very well. After our trip down Baja – We are back in central coast of California for a lovely spring after all our rains here.

In this note, we just wanted to let you know that our ship and cruise for next year is filling up!! With that, we have produced a new Booking Information Sheet, including an extension of discounts and sadly some price increases and/or wait listed categories. Thus, for those of you who are still maybe thinking of joining us on Cruise Trek 2024 to Mexico for a Solar eclipse from San Diego – please think about earlier than later ;-))

Going to visit the Traveler (Eric Menyuk) tomorrow – he is doing well after knee replacement, and he and Laurie should be sailing with us too next year!

Other item for CT 24 – for hotels in San Diego – as soon as we know or have more information on same, we will advise. Though again – Downtown San Diego, the airport, logistics for the cruise pier and our eventual hotel(s) is really super simple to navigate. Uber and taxi (if necessary) providers make it even quicker and easier!

Side note – looks like we are taking a couple personal trips this year – one out of Boston for 35 days (Voyage of the Vikings) and another from San Diego once again to the South Pacific including French Polynesia, Samoa, Fiji, Cook Islands, and Hawaii for 51 days. There are super specials on these itineraries – anyone want to join us and/or spend your family or children’s inheritance now??? ;-))) Let us know ;-))

Hope all the Cruise Trek Friends & Family all had a lovely Holiday Season! Thank you for all the holiday cards and notes – seriously appreciate seeing and hearing about your lives. Especially as we are both pretty much maintaining our vagabonding life! – Your communications helps us stay connected to “home & family”.

So, after our Thanksgiving cruise & Oregon Coast driving trip in December, we are now in the San Diego area and about to start an adventurous drive to the tip of Baja California. I say “adventurous” as we will stop to assist migrant orphans, drive desolate stretches in our tiny VW Bug, camp, visit hot springs, walk isolated or remote beaches and maybe swim with some big “fish”!! As such, this is all R & D for Cruise Trek 2024!

Highlights of Charlie & Aaron’s trip down Baja and the beauty of the Sea of Cortez, left to right – Vibrant Bougainvillea in Mulege; sea bird in Loreto Harbor; Aaron and our “Bug” transport on the beach in El Burro; and self -ontained campers an hour north of Loreto in Santispac Beach.

There is much more here! With many great particulars about this event, I think it’s easier to simply write more as a list. In that – we sail round trip once again from lovely San Diego, CA (very fondly remember Hawaii cruise?); an easy get to embarkation city; we sail on a 1423 passenger ship (as opposed to a gargantuan); enjoy a 14 day cruise with 4 full days at sea which all means loads of time to intimately engage (“hang time” as Tom Hanks calls it) with one another and guests; then eight ports to engage more so or explore; includes an astonishing event such as a full solar eclipse, a private area for eclipse viewing; even better is that we’ll have friendly amateur & professional astronomer scientists, an astronaut and a family of dedicated travelers who are also eclipse chasers in our private area to engage with as well!; then there is the optional choices to attend a production from Insight Cruises astronomy conference program – want to immerse yourself into exoplanets, the Webb telescope, travels to Mars and ask an astronaut questions? Yes, we are a crossover event.

Oh, yes – think I mentioned “guests” above but didn’t specifically mention that Tim Russ is an amateur astronomer and sailing. And John de Lancie just responded with “the cruise sounds like a lot of fun . . . Count Marnie and I in.” How about a Q vs Tuvok/Spock reading??

So we have a terrific opportunity to once again enjoy a different culture, learn some science, leave our comfort zone and get real! Remembering our trip to CERN and actually being able to go down into the collider tunnel?? WOW – right!?

Loads of details and choices to make – though don’t worry – the trip is easy to put together for you! Call or email with questions. Also, please leave us a message, and we’ll get back to you.

As to our past Iceland cruise over the summer – Carolyn M. – miss you & loved getting real with you. Al P. – my goodness – very personally touching your share about the exploring CT has done over these past 30+ years and the story about your son Clay having John de Lancie share an identifying moment. If I may I quote John? “Reeead!!”

We have to also mention – Aaron and I have directed many of these special events for Insight Cruises in the past – so fulfilling, educational and enlightening! Can’t say enough about the quantity of brain food passed to you!! Either way – hope you can join us for the cruise and science adventure of a full solar eclipse – if not even more – the full or limited conference. Additionally, the conference portion will sell out for sure!! So, please reserve asap. Not only that – but, for these lifetime special events – the ship will sell out as well.

Some great links to explain more of the Solar eclipse, Insight Cruises Conference speakers & more:

If you choose to join us on the above – We seriously suggest you also purchase (currently on sale) the “Have it all” @ $50 pp per day includes: $200 Shore Excursion credit, 2 Specialty Dining meals, Signature Beverage Package and basic Wifi

Anybody watch “Good Night Oppy”? – The documentary about Mars rovers Spirit & Opportunity. One thought – Poignant how scientists & engineers and how they identified with these professions and personalities as children – was/is amazing! Makes me wonder how we identity or what we identify with in Star Trek? ;-)

Treating migrant orphans to food & treats in Mexico – This photo is especially endearing – as I didn’t really notice at first the little girl in center/front with a big smile – she was so isolating and sad as we were feeding them – but, then when colorful & fun throws, toys and treats came out to all – it’s like she came alive at feeling not so “less than”!

Our web mast Cheryl has the booking info sheet for the “Bonus” cruise first announced on our website’s February 5th Update – The Caribbean and partial transit of the Panama Canal for November 21, 2022 – now loaded to the cruisetrek.com website. If you would like to join us – please complete the booking form and send it in to us via email and we’ll get back to you with final pricing and perk offer. As of this writing it’s all still pretty good! ;-)

Don’t think we mentioned last time – The cool part of this cruise (as opposed to a typical full transit) is that we are scheduled to transit the New Lock into Gatun Lake – then have an opportunity to take some really great shore excursions into Panama – for ourselves we are looking forward to a day trip to Panama City – never been there before!! ;-))))

Thing is also (at this time) you’ll have to have a valid passport to enter Panama and thus entertain the idea of participating in an excursion. It is always a good idea to have a valid passport and a must to have it valid at least 6 months prior to the start of your travel. Further on this topic: if there were ever an emergency and you had to get home from out of the country – a passport makes the transit so much easier – if not simply even possible.

Additional info is that Eric Stillwell (co-writer of ST: TNG “Yesterday’s Enterprise”) and his lovely wife Debra are sailing on our Iceland cruise this year. And Lolita Fatjo (ST: script coordinator) and her engaging/energetic man Jim look forward to joining us on our Danube III river cruise. Of course – always subject to changes/surprises/additions/subtractions. It’s a fun thing to google these two!! ;-))

Charlie & Aaron
Returning to LA, CA from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico area at the end of March

Iceland Adventure (July 31 – August 14, 2022) seems the most popular and is sure to be just that!

The ms Rotterdam – it’s really an iconic new class of ship from Holland America! Thing is, after 2 years of pandemic cancelations and this itinerary being so seasonally limited, it has less availability. However, send us a booking form, and we’ll take care of you! To learn more – this itinerary link tells of the ports, times and descriptions of a truly picturesque adventure. Booking form Iceland.

~ Do You Need Travel Insurance? ~

One option is Trip Insurance.

There are other choices, but we offer Travel Guard for informational purposes.

“Danube III – Bucharest to Budapest” River cruise (August 15 – 22, 2022) is again really a do-over for the low water issue we had the last time we tried this sailing as we missed so much of the actual cruise itinerary. Yeah, we do have in the itinerary description the possibility of going to Dracula’s castle BUT – mostly just as an FYI and for those that couldn’t do this trip the last time – none who did this “Dracula” pre cruise tour last time will do this pre cruise tour again – they are now doing the Istanbul pre cruise package this time or flying straight from Amsterdam after our “Iceland big ship” trip to Bucharest to board all together there for this truly amazing experience. So, yes, please do check out the itinerary. Booking form Danube III.

The cool news – Late last year, I communicated with one of our favorite people (also known as “Q” – John de Lancie) and if scheduling and all else works out, he would like to sail with us on this River CT Adventure. Plus, we have a couple other CT family guests in mind. Scheduling will determine.

Alright now!! – So here’s one more cruise option for 2022! Caribbean & partial Panama Canal cruise – November 21 to December 2, 2022. Want to share Thanksgiving together again?? Remember New Orleans and dinner at the Ritz Carlton a few years ago? I still remember that very fondly! That is, still not intrigued enough by the two fabulous overseas trips above?? And you are thinking you simply want to partake in something a bit closer to home and maybe over a holiday time frame – Well, maybe we got the ticket??? Aaron and I – along with some friends/ neighbors will be cruising over Thanksgiving on another amazing newer ship from Celebrity Cruise Line. Want to join us?? Let’s make it a holiday party! We’ll have one of the few two story suites on board! Please come join us! Yup – Party in Charlie & Aaron’s cabin! As always, you never know who might jump at the chance to share this potential CT “family” time. The itinerary includes stops at Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Colon/Panama, Panama Canal cruising and Cartagena/Colombia.

We can book this one for you, and we’ll send invite to our entire goings onboard. No booking form just yet on this – maybe to follow – but send a note or call us, and we can give you more info and get you booked when the time is right.

PS
Hey, so – any questions what so ever – availability, guest, trip, safety and protocols – please feel free to reach out. You can call us even while we are here in Puerto Vallarta – just call the office number and we’ll pick up here! And if we don’t pick up – please leave a message and we’ll get back to you. Phone calls are better if you need specifics or nuances answered. Otherwise send an eMail – that always works. And we can always call you as well. At any rate, always nice to hear from you all.

(Note: This update is a bit more on the personal – Feb 5th is more trip specific)

Highlights of Charlie & Aaron’s cruise, left to right – the Panama Canal; ship docked in Huatulco, Mexico; and the famous Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Been way too long! Hope all the Cruise Trek Family is very well considering the ever-changing world pandemic of Covid� Goodness, is this going to end, or do we just have a bit different way of life? In any case, while we have communicated with or seen many of you over the last several months – thought it time to get this communique out to you all once again.

Considering all – the holidays were a mixed bag this year – sometimes very quiet and secluded and at other times busy with traveling and getting out and about – thank goodness!! We enjoyed a driving trip to Las Vegas and visit/stay with Ron & Barb Moore again this year in December – they took us to see a UNLV production of “Little Shop of Horrors” – that was fun! “Feed me, Seymour!”

Then to “Ma & Pa” Menyuk several times as well and again, which is always dynamic and energetic! Plus, we had a really fun lunch date with Karen & Lisa in SD previous to those. So, yeah we got out a bit and semi back to normal – mostly still also just careful – like sanitized and masked. With those experiences, we also felt comfortable enough (being fully vaccinated and boosted) to test the waters further – with that, we took a 14-day Panama Canal cruise from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale!!

“Fascinating” (as Spock would say) – it was really very nice! Similar to our wonderful French River cruises over this last summer the ship was way less than half full, and the staff were so kind and welcoming – probably, either just happy to be working again or just to see humanity out and about! And, yes, cruise lines protocols are in order for good structure and best direction in times of COVID – all in a positive way. And for the most part they all work really very well. Again, those of the CT family that cruised this last summer – saw how it all came together.

Similarly, it certainly takes a bit of strength of character and as well, the ability to roll with the fluidity of change – with that, our Panama Canal cruise was really very enjoyable. People just seemed to understand the new dynamic and thus made it work. And when things changed, we rolled with it. Sure and as always there were a few “grumpies” or “moments” – But honestly, I have traveled in times of global & more local consternation and to places both close and far away – turns out those were the most experientially rewarding trips ever as was this opportunity to visit the canal once again. Happily, the desire for engagement & thus goodness seemingly comes to the larger majority.

As a side note – the third time through the canal for me – was the best!! The human accomplishment, the struggle and the discoveries during the build – much more impactful this time – amazing what humans can do when they we need to overcome adversity – again – strength of good character and decency come to mind.

Speaking of travel – currently I write to you from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! How about that!? And it is busy here! We notice rentals are in high demand, thus costs are much higher. And while shopping or indoors, people do mask, while outdoors there is a mixture. Seems similar to most everywhere we have been – home and abroad. Therefore, it seems people are more relaxed about travel – but careful when they need to be – simple – conceptually really. And with that – people seem to be enjoying the hotel, apartment or resort location they inhabit even more than going out. Thing is, science & Data seems to be saying if you have your shots and follow necessary protocols when needed for the whole – we’ll all be ok!

Another fun-filled CT Family Cruise in 2021! ~ Photo courtesy of Brent Stein.

Looks like Web Master Cheryl will be a bit longer delayed in getting our site update with next year cruise information – so we thought we would forward same directly to you. Cheryl is selling family home and will be driving home to PA from CA.

Please forgive us if you receive this more than once and please delete the additional emails. ;-)))

Those of you that sailed this year know all worked very well – more to follow on web site. However, Dom’s note below says a lot! ;-))

She asked me to send the below to you all – and wish you the best as well... ~

Page Updated – November 18, 2024

HOME

Interested in a
Regular Cruise?
We know the cruise biz!
Please Contact Us!

Follow CT On ~

Facebook

CT Family Links ~

Check Out Our Favorites

Our Next Events ~

Cruise Trek 2025 ~
“Tokyo, Japan, to Alaska & Vancouver”
April 25 to May 11, 2025
Itinerary
Booking Information Sheet

Cruise Trek 2026 ~
“Lisbon to Athens”
August 9-22, 2026
Itinerary
Booking Information Sheet

What’s CruiseTrek All About?

CruiseTrek – The Cruising Adventure
Is Just Beginning

More About CT ~

About Cruise Trek and
Our Special Guests

Past Cruise Trek Voyages

Cruise Trek Family

Contact Us / About Us

Privacy Policy

Join the CT Mailing List

Want to translate this website
into another language?

Click here!

New cruises coming in 2025 and 2026!!
Find out more below!

What’s Cruise Trek all about?
Tune into this YouTube video and find out ~
CruiseTrek – The Cruising Adventure Is Just Beginning