Granite Boulder Outcrop. Click photo for larger view.
Hiking in Scottsdale, Arizona
We are greatly blessed here in the Valley of the Sun to have our city ringed with beautiful parks that offer hundreds and hundreds of miles of hiking trails.
Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve is one of the largest of the parks with over 30,000 acres of land and 200+ miles of hiking trails.
Ordinarily, we would be out hiking long before March 23rd. But, we have had such a wet and cold winter, this was actually our first hike of the year.
And, the reward of a wet Arizona winter is what is commonly called a wildflower super bloom. So, beyond the beauty of hiking in the desert southwest, we were also looking to experience our second wildflower super bloom since we moved to Scottsdale back in 2006.
The Pima-Dynamite Trailhead is one Scottsdale’s newest parks (not yet officially open) adding another 15,000 acres of trails just to the north of the Sonoran Preserve. While the park is not yet complete, we decided to make this our first outing in search of wildflowers.
Unfortunately, at this elevation, we were still a little early for the bloom. But, we did find this fairly rare crested saguaro during our hike.
If you’re planning to visit the Scottsdale area in the spring, I would strongly encourage you to get out and explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. And if you hit it just right, you might also get to explore it during our coming wildflower super bloom.
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Viking Launches Seven New Ships Putting Their Fleet of Longships at 57
It has been great fun for Carol and me to watch our business grow over the past five years.
And, as we’ve grown to become the #2 producing travel advisors for Viking in the world, it has also been very rewarding to ride the Viking wave as baby boomers flock to us to help them book passage on their ocean and river cruise ships.
Just this week, Viking was celebrating the launch of seven new river ships in Basel, Switzerland.
Here is the press release from Viking:
“Viking® (www.vikingcruises.com) today welcomed the latest additions to its river fleet, with the naming of seven new river ships during a celebration on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland. Of the seven ships, six are Viking Longships – Viking Einar, Viking Sigrun, Viking Sigyn, Viking Tir, Viking Ullur and Viking Vali – which will be deployed on Viking’s most popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. The seventh new ship – Viking Helgrim – was inspired by the Longships design and built specifically for the Douro River, bringing the company’s total number of sister ships in Portugal to four.
This launch of new river ships is Viking’s latest milestone as the company continues to expand and dominate industry awards. Just two weeks ago, Viking swept Cruise Critic’s 2019 Cruisers’ Choice Awards with 11 First Place Wins – including the new “Best for River Cruises” category – and just last month the company took delivery of its sixth ocean ship, Viking Jupiter, which will be named in Oslo on June 6. In addition, Viking was again named the #1 River Cruise Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards, and Travel + Leisure readers named Viking a #1 Ocean Cruise Line and one of the World’s Best River Cruise Lines in the 2018 World’s Best Awards.
“We began hosting guests on the rivers of Russia 22 years ago, and we have always done things differently. We focus on the destination, and we provide travel experiences that allow our guests to learn, to enrich their lives and to explore the world in comfort. It is ‘The Viking Difference’ that has made us the leading river cruise line in the world – and has helped river cruising become one of the fastest-growing segments of travel,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “As the leader, it is also important that we recognize those who have helped us achieve success. This year I am especially proud to honor members of the Viking family as godmothers of our newest river ships.”
Viking Naming Ceremony
In keeping with a maritime tradition that dates back thousands of years, Viking invited seven long-serving employees and important members of the company’s family to serve as honorary godmothers of the new ships.
Leah Talactac, Godmother of Viking Einar
Natalia Hofmann, Godmother of Viking Helgrim
Wendy Atkin-Smith, Godmother of Viking Sigrun
Rikke Semb Pertile, Godmother of Viking Sigyn
Gisela Rückert, Godmother of Viking Tir
Linh Banh, Godmother of Viking Ullur
Minxuan Zhao, Godmother of Viking Vali
The naming event was executed by connecting the new ships via satellite across four European cities. Viking Einar and Viking Sigrun were docked in Basel and named by in-person by their godmothers. The other five ships were “virtually” named by their godmothers: Viking Sigyn and Viking Ullur in Rostock, Germany; Viking Tir and Viking Vali in Brunsbüttel, Germany; and Viking Helgrim in Porto, Portugal. In keeping with another maritime tradition, a bottle of Gammel Opland aquavit was broken on the bow of each new ship. Gammel Opland hails from the same county in Norway where Chairman Hagen’s mother, Ragnhild – also lovingly known as “Mamsen” – was born and was her favorite brand of aquavit. Following the naming event, guests enjoyed dinner at Basel’s Foundation Beyeler museum, set amidst the museum’s newest and most ambitious exhibition: The Young Picasso. Blue and Rose Periods. Guests were also treated to a performance by Alma Deutscher, the 14-year-old English composer, pianist, violinist, and child prodigy – who is a favorite of Chairman Hagen’s.
Carol with Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen.
The Viking Difference
Designed for discerning travelers with interests in history, art, music and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port and more overnights. On board, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is both beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. With the most al fresco dining opportunities whether on the rivers or at sea, featuring regional cuisine and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences on shore and on board. And only The Viking Way® of exploration provides guests with itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences. Local Life excursions shine a light on everyday activities and include experiences such as Viking Chef-hosted trips to local farmers markets, tea at home with local residents and visits with local schoolchildren. Working World excursions feature behind-the-scenes “making of” experiences, illuminating destinations through their most famous exports, such as factory and farm visits. Privileged Access excursions include experiences like The Oxford & Highclere Castle program, Viking’s highest-rated Pre/Post Extension that visits “The Real Downton Abbey;” a private tour of Göttweig Abbey, where Viking guests have a rare opportunity to dine with the Abbey’s monks at Stift Göttweig and receive a special Traveler’s blessing; and an exclusive dinner in the Churchill War Rooms in London as part Viking’s new Churchill’s London Pre/Post Extension .
In addition, Viking offers a compelling value compared to other cruise lines. Every cruise fare includes an outside stateroom, a complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; Wi-Fi; and cultural performances as part of the Viking’s Cultural Curriculum® onboard programming.”
OK. So that’s 57 Longships, 4 ships in Portugal, 2 ships each on the Elbe and in Egypt, 1 ship each in China and Ukraine, and 6 ocean ships with more on the way. And now we’re hearing about ships being built for the Mississippi and two more for expedition cruising.
Wow. That’s a lot of ships.
To learn more about booking an exciting Viking ocean or river cruise, call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we will reach out to you.
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
A month from now, it is quite possible that Carol and I will be sipping on a piping-hot cup of espresso in the Café Van Gogh in Arles, France. You see, we’re going back to do a river cruise on the River Rhône sailing with our friends at Uniworld River Cruises.
Arles is renowned for quite a number of things, none the least of which is that Vincent van Gogh lived there for more than a year and experienced great productivity before his mental breakdown.
My photograph above features a local cafe from one of Van Gogh’s paintings on the right and my photograph of the same cafe from our visit in 2015.
Carol and I have grown to LOVE the south of France and we can’t wait to go back to again sample the history, the cuisine, the wine, and the natural beauty of the area. If you have yet to visit the south of France, we highly recommend it.
Be on the lookout in about a month for our Facebook Page, Instagram Page, and this website to be flooded with new images and memories.
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
HOLIDAY JAZZ CRUISE FEATURING JAZZ TRUMPETER RICK BRAUN
Join AmaWaterways on December 13, 2019, for a swingin’ Magical Christmas Markets cruise!
Discover the magic of the season with AmaWaterways aboard AmaSonata during a special holiday jazz cruise featuring smooth jazz trumpeter and producer Rick Braun! Enjoy four exclusive Rick Braun Unplugged performances as you sail for 7 nights along the Danube River from Vienna, Austria to Nuremberg, Germany, exploring Europe’s spectacular Christmas markets at the most festive time of year.
Admire colorful handicrafts, like Nuremberg’s iconic “plum people,” and taste local delicacies from spicy sausages with mustard to sweet lebkuchen (gingerbread) and hot mulled wine. Plus, gaze up at illuminated town squares beneath glorious architecture, like Regensburg’s Thurn and Taxis Castle. And on board, the smooth sounds of jazz combined with cheerful holiday décor and the warmth of our extraordinary crew will make this a most unforgettable river cruise experience!
Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year and nearly 20 years into his solo career, Rick Braun has done just about everything, from backing the likes of Rod Stewart and Sade, to stepping out into the spotlight as a vocalist and a master of the trumpet and flugelhorn. Rick’s jazz trumpet playing heroes include Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard as well as Chet Baker and Clifford Brown. And his first inspiration was trumpeter Herb Alpert, leader of the Tijuana Brass. Rick has released several albums and is currently working on a new solo recording that you might get a sneak listen to on this cruise!
Please note: due to high demand for this special sailing, there is limited stateroom availability.
To learn more about this magical smooth jazz river cruise with Rick Braun, CLICK HERE.
Plus, when you book this fun river cruise with Roaming Boomers Travel Services, we’ve got a special $100 shipboard credit for you to enjoy a very special bottle of wine on us.
To learn more, or to book this fun Smooth Jazz river cruise with AmaWaterways, call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we will reach out to you.
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
Is Regent Seven Seas Cruises the Best Value in Luxury Cruises?
Regent Seven Seas Cruises makes a bold claim that they are the best value in luxury cruises.
And interestingly, they seem to be willing to back up their claim each year with written comparisons between themselves and other luxury cruise providers.
While I am one who strongly feels that you shouldn’t judge a luxury travel experience solely by price, as so many are want to do, it certainly makes sense to bring the value proposition into the decision making process.
I’ve seen these claims from the folks at Regent Seven Seas Cruises over the years, but I was reluctant to put too much of our reputation on the line until Carol and I had actually sailed with them.
Well, we had the chance last summer as we sailed with Regent Seven Seas Cruises on a wonderful 11-night journey from Vancouver to Anchorage on the recently refurbished Seven Seas Mariner. We LOVED the journey. The photograph above is one that I shot through the trees in the little village of Hoonah on the Icy Point Strait.
Click Image for a Larger View a to Read the Comparison Guide
You Can’t Judge a Book by its Cover
One of the mistakes luxury travelers make when considering Regent Seven Seas Cruises is to imagine that all prices are created equal and that the inclusions with one cruise line might be the same as another.
But with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, that couldn’t be further from the truth as they are the most inclusive luxury cruise line on the planet.
In fact, you would be hard pressed to spend a dime when sailing with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. And remarkably, that also includes business-class airlines tickets when sailing on one of their overseas journeys.
Take a peek at what is included on a Regent Seven Seas Cruise:
2-for-1 All-Inclusive Fares
Early Booking Savings
FREE Roundtrip Air*
FREE Roundtrip Business Class Air* on European Voyages
FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions
FREE Luxury Hotel Package in Concierge Suites and Higher
FREE Specialty Restaurants
FREE Unlimited Beverages Including Fine Wines and Premium Spirits
FREE Open Bars and Lounges PLUS
In-Suite Mini-bar Replenished Daily
FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities
FREE WiFi Throughout the Ship*
FREE Transfers Between Airport and Ship
FREE 24-Hour Room Service
Plus, take a look at these other exciting benefits of sailing on a Regent Seven Seas Cruise:
With an enviable staff-to-guest ratio of 1 to 1.5, our mid-sized ships have a maximum capacity for only 490 or 700 guests, resulting in stellar service, no lines, and no waiting
All-suite accommodations, 97% with private balconies
Up to four gourmet restaurants, including the iconic steakhouse Prime 7, our authentic Italian evening restaurant Sette Mari at La Veranda, Haute French cuisine at Signatures and classic Continental dining at Compass Rose, plus casual indoor and outdoor dining at La Veranda and the al fresco Pool Grill
World-famous Canyon Ranch SpaClub®
An enriching onboard experience brought to life through The Smithsonian Collection by Smithsonian Journeys – an engaging enrichment program, spectacular Broadway-style shows, virtuoso performances, culinary demonstrations, and wine tastings and Canyon Ranch SpaClub® wellness programs
Wireless internet access available throughout the ship
Elegant Casual Dress Code
The comfort of smoke-free environments throughout almost the entirety of our ships
Enticing voyages to more than 250 ports around the world, with easy access to intimate ports that larger vessels cannot reach
Now that you understand that Regent Seven Seas Cruises really is “The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience”, click here to explore the various comparisons between themselves and their competitors.
While the itinerary is certainly a major factor in deciding this cruise line or that, all things being equal, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has stepped into the position as our go-to 5-star luxury cruise line.
We’ve got a few more luxury ocean cruise lines to sample before we place all of our weight behind that statement, but Carol and I are very confident of this: if Regent Seven Seas Cruises has an itinerary that makes your heart go pitter-pat, you will be hard pressed to find a 5-star luxury cruise line that can bring you a better value than Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Plus, as many of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises are a part of our Virtuoso Voyages sailings, we can bring you an even greater value when you book your Regent cruises through Roaming Boomers Travel Services.
To learn more, or to book a fun Regent Seven Seas Voyages sailing, call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we will reach out to you.
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
The Roaming Boomers
