Havana in Alaska 2009 - July 22-29

The next Havana in Alaska cruise has been booked!! SIGN UP NOW for the Early Bird Discount

We sail from Vancouver, BC July 22!!

Here are the cruise rates. They are actually CHEAPER than last year!! Hurry to book because the cheapest rooms go fast! Call Mary at 907-479-2323 or BETTER YET! Click here to sign up on line! 

A minimum $200 deposit to Carnival Cruiselines is required upon booking! 

Party Passes and Workshop/Party Passes are separate.  Prices are $200 for a full pass and $100 for parties only. Due upon booking and nonrefundable. ASK US ABOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE!

EARLY BIRDS get a discount on our Full and Party Passes - Full passes are NOW BEING SOLD for $100 and Party Passes for $50 until NOVEMBER 15!

INSIDE CABINS

4B - $535                4C - $545                4D - $555

  +    $383.97*                + $383.97*                + $383.97*

  +    $70 tips               +  70 tips                     + $ 70 tips

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=      $988.97                $998.97                    $1008.97

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BALCONIES

8B  - $1085 8C - $1105

          $383.97 *   $ 383.97*

          $  70 tips       $   70 tips

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=       $1538.97   $1558.97

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3RD AND 4TH PERSON RATES - Subject to change until booked. 

Book early for the best 3rd or 4th person rates.

Inside cabins Balconies

$390              $450

$348.97*        $348.97*

$70 tips           $70

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= $808.97             $868.97

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Oceanviews and Suites are booked individually and must be booked through us to participate in our on board parties and workshops.

Call Mary at 907-479-2323 for pricing and booking.

* These are cruise charges that include port charges, environmental tax and the new fuel supplement.

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Flights are booked separately. Book Flights Here or call Victoria

at 646-279-3239. See our Flight price update blog below.

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CRUISE AND WORKSHOP/PARTY PASS PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Due upon booking:

       1. $200 deposit for Carnival Cruiselines

        2. $100 fullworkshop/party pass - Early Bird Discount special only until Nov. 15!

                  or $50 party pass until Nov. 15!

Due on February 16, 2009

       $150 remaining deposit to Carnival Cruiselines

Due on May 1, 2009

       Final payment to Carnival Cruiselines

BOOK NOW to get your Early Bird Discount on our workshop and Party Pass fee.

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A word about the deposits - Carnival Cruiselines deposits ARE REFUNDABLE until the Final Payment due date of  May 1, 2009.

The Full Workshop Pass or Party Pass fees are NONREFUNDABLE.

A Fabulous Time on the Carnival Spirit in 2008

It was truly Havana in Alaska on The Carnival Spirit from August 13 to 20th in 2008.

A warm and wonderful bunch of people came together for learning, dancing and exploring and a fabulous time was had by all!!

A BIG THANK YOU to all who made the week so successful and especially to Sidney Weaverling, Ryan Mead, Victoria Hadar Harel, Martín Vicente, Julián Mejía, Felix Bambury Webbe and David Figueroa.

I am adding links to photos and videos on the side bar as they come in so check back often!

Here is Sidney and Ryan's wonderful Review of the Moves we learned on the ship!! I love all the vistas around Cordova



And Here they are doing Salsa Suelta in Denali National Park in between the traffic!! What a view!



and finally - WHAT A GREAT MEMORY!!!

Sitka Walks

Greetings! - This information will be edited later today as more information about walks around Sitka is gathered.

Sitka National Historical Park Trail - National Park Service trail
This trail is located at the east end of Lincoln Street at the Sitka National Historical Park. It begins and ends at the National Park Service Visitor Center with numerous loop trails that are popular with walkers and joggers. This is an easy well-maintained, dry, level trail about 1.5 miles in length that is available year round. This trail is made to order for the stroller who wants a taste of southeast Alaska's forests and waters in a non-strenuous setting. The well-maintained trail is in Sitka spruce-western hemlock forest and parallels the shoreline of the Eastern Channel. There are numerous spur trails to the adjacent pebble and sand beach. At the southwestern end of the park there are a series of paths running through the beach meadows and grass flats. The main trail leads along Indian River where pink, chum, and coho salmon return to spawn during late summer and early fall. The best fish-watching viewpoint is the arched bridge. Cross the bridge and follow another loop trail southeast along the river past the Russian Monument or northwest through the forest back to the bridge. Dogs must be leashed while on this trail.

Carved History - Sitka Alaska National Totem Historical Park
The totem poles in the park are exhibited along a scenic coastal trail. Traditionally, the totems would not have been arranged in such a neat line. Where would the totem poles have stood? Just for a moment, imagine that you are an explorer in the early 19th century, sailing through southeast Alaska. As you come around a point, a native village comes into view. Close by the water are numerous single story rectangular houses. And towering above the houses, at the corners and in front of them, are carved poles with striking designs and colors.

With their striking designs and colors, totem poles are bold statements of the identities and stories of the people who carved them. A totem pole generally served one of four purposes.

Crest poles give the ancestry of particular family. - History poles record the history of a clan. - Legend poles illustrate folklore or real life experiences. - Memorial poles commemorate a particular individual.

Many poles exhibited along the park's wooded pathways are copies of deteriorating originals now in storage. Alaska's District Governor John G. Brady brought a sizable collection of totem poles to Sitka in 1905. These histories carved in cedar were rounded up from villages throughout southeastern Alaska. Only a few poles are originally from Sitka, although this art form is very much a part of Tlingit tradition.

Operating Hours & Seasons - Sitka Alaska National Totem Historical Park
Mid-May through September 30: The visitor center is open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Russian Bishop's House is open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
October through Mid-May: The Visitor Center is open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Russian Bishop's House is open by appointment only.

How to Pass the Time of Day in Skagway

If you can't find enough to do for free around Skagway they have a dazzling array of awesome activities to choose from. I have only highlighted a few in this blog so for the complete list and booking click on the BOOK SHORE EXCURSION link to the right, then click on the EXTRAS tab and then on the SHORE EXCURSIONS button. From there go to the list of Shore excursions for Skagway.

1. CHILKAT BALD EAGLE PRESERVE & RAFT ADVENTURE - 5 hours - $169 -

One of the most popular trips in the Alaskan wilderness it begins with a scenic boat cruise across Lynn Canal on a Fast shuttle, high speed boat to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. There your river guide will take you on a float down the Chilkat River Valley. Be prepared to see the natural wonders of the magnificient Chilkat Valley of the Eagles with its stunning mountain peaks and icy blue glaciers.

Since there is no white water, this float can be experienced by everyone aged 5 and over. Rubber boots, life jackets and rain ponchos are provided. Be sure to bring extra socks, gloves and layered clothing.

2. GLACIER FLIGHT SEEING AND CHILKAT EAGLE PRESERVE RAFT TRIP - 5.5 Hours - $308
You will meet your representative at the cruise ship pier and transfer to the airport where you will take a 1 hr spectacular scenic glacier flight over the Lynn Fjord and the northern escarpment of Glacier Bay National Park. You will land at the Haines Airport where you will be transported to the raft put in in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.

Your rower/guides will position your raft to assist you in your effort to capture that "once in a lifetime" wildlife photograph. Expect to view the scenic grandeur of glacier-laden peaks rising 7,000 feet directly from the river valley and possibly spot a bear, wolf or moose along the river banks.

After a snack at the take-out site you will be shuttled by van to a catamaran ferry for a 35 minute crossing back to the Skagway Harbor.

3. THE GREAT FRONTIER - Skagway and Summit bus excursion - 2. 5 hours - $46

Included is a historic downtown tour with full narration, a trip the the Gold Rush Cemetery, and a drive up the Klondike Highway to the summit with the famous "moonscape" of the "Tormented" Valley with its crystal blue Summit Lake. The return trip takes you to the Skagway overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the town, harbor and cruise ships.

4. SUMMIT BUS & RAIL/GOLD PANNING - 4. 5 hours - $158

The White Pass Railway, completed in 1900, has a narrow gauge track that takes the visitor into the White Pass. Your eyes will follow the spectacular views while you listen to historic narration as you make your way up to the summit.

Upon your arrival at the summit you will climb into a step-on van for a more personal view as you drive down the mountainside with stops along the way for fabulous photos of scenic vistas.

The best stop is at the interactive Gold Dredge where you can try your hand at Gold Panning. You won't walk away without gold.

ABOVE are the highlights of a trip to Skagway. For even more adventure click on the BOOK SHORE EXCURSION link for more ways to see and enjoy Skagway that include:

5. LIARSVILLE GOLD RUSH TRAIL CAMP & SALMON BAKE - 2 HOURS - $48

6. SKAGWAY RIVER FLOAT - 3 hours - $89

7. WHITE PASS RAIL AND YUKON EXPLORATION TOUR - 7 HOURS - $186

8. YUKON & SLED DOG TOUR - 6 HOURS - $189

9. YUKON ADVENTURE BY 4 X 4 - 6 HOURS - $209

10. YUKON ATV/YUKON TOUR - 6 HOURS - $229

11. YUKON HORSEBACK ADVENTURE - 6 HOURS - $179

12. YUKON JEEP STAMPEDE - 4 HOURS - $118

Click on BOOK SHORE EXCURSIONS to read all about the above excursions.

Skagway for Free

Skagway is a National Historic Park as the Gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898. The entire town is a Museum with many Free Attractions.

1. BEGIN WITH THE WALKING TOUR. Click on the Skagway Walking Tour link to have a look at the map of the walking tour.

The tour starts at the White Pass and Yukon Railroad Depot which houses the NATIONAL PARK SERVICE VISITOR CENTER. You can enjoy the film, "Days of Adventure/Dream of Gold", a walking tour with a National Park Service ranger, and other activities. You will also find the NPS GOLD RUSH MUSEUM in the fancy yellow colored building.

Skagway, during the goldrush era, was known for its "characters" and you will find out more about one of its most famous, Soapy Smith, in his saloon, Jeff Smith's Parlor, which is still looking much as it did during gold rush day. Continue up broadway past many of Skagway's original buildings which were constructed between 1897 and 1900. Continue on to one of Skagway's best-known watering holes, The Red Onion Saloon.

Next you'll come to the Arctic Brotherhood Hall, the facade, which has been called a prime example of Victorian Rustic Architecture. You'll find the Skagway Convention & Visitor's Bureau housed in this historic treasure.

Your tour will continue with stops at the Golden North Hotel, Mascot Block, many more of Skagway's oldest structures,the Skagway Museum and City Hall, Skagway's once thriving Red Light District, and ending with the scene of the infamous Reid-Smith Gun Battle.

2. VISIT THE MUSEUMS

CORRINGTON MUSEUM OF ALASKAN HISTORY - Free

MASCOT SALOON EXHIBIT AND MOORE HOUSE - Free

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER - Exhibits, films, guided walks and programs - Free

SKAGWAY MUSEUM - Adults $2 - Children $1

TRAIL OF '98 MUSEUM - ??

3. WONDERFUL WALKS AROUND SKAGWAY

Take the two mile walk to Gold Rush Cemetery, a delightfully creepy place just north of town beyond the rail yards. You will find hundreds of graves beside the Skagway River deep in the forest. Look for the restored graves of the villinous "Soapy" Smith and Frank Reid, the town hero. They both died in a shootout on Broadway.

About 1/4 mile beyond the cemetery you will find Reid Falls. Trail maps are available at the Skagway Visitor Center and if you feel like a less strenuous day you can take the city bus to the 23rd Avenue stop near the cemetery.

LOWER DEWEY LAKE is a short 20 minute wak from Skagway starting at 4th Avenue and Spring Street where you will head toward the mountain, cross the foot bridge over Pullen Creek and follow the trail uphill to the lake.

HIKE THE A.B. MOUNTAIN TRAIL - A difficult all day hike of 10 miles and 4,900 feet of elevation gain it takes you from Dyea Road to the ridgeline. You can hike this trail for about 30 minutes to a large rock off the trail to the right for a good view of Skagway.

STROLL out to Yakutania Point. The Yakutania Point Trail begins at the footbridge over the Skagway River at the southwest corner of town and winds for half a mile to Yakutania Point. This well traveled trail is one of the easiest hikes in Skagway and it is a good spot to look for harbor seals, ducks, and shorebirds. Look for the gray headed seals from the point, while standing on the footbridge over the river.

The small MOLLY WALSH PARK on 7th Avenue is a great play park for kids and in nearby PULLEN CREEK PARK at the boat harbor you can see spawning silver salmon.

Take Dyea Road to the SKAGWAY OVERLOOK at Mile 2. There is a wooden bench and a wonderful view of the downtown Skagway District and Waterfront, and the peaks above Skagway.

HIKING INFORMATION

The National Park Visitor Center at 2nd and Broadway is the best place to find more information about hiking trails and walks as well as ranger led tours.

What's Free In Juneau

Juneau is a great place for wondering. It's quaint downtown area is within easy walking distance of the cruise ships and it is absolutely FULL of souvenir shops many of which follow the cruise ships to the Caribbean Islands for the winter.

If you like shopping please look for the signs in the windows that say, "This business is owned by an Alaskan Family". There are two places that stand out in Juneau. One is HERITAGE COFFEE for the best latte's in Juneau and the other is THE JADE MINE which features an amazing collection of Jade items made with Jade from the nearby Jade Mine.

As you know FREE means walking and Juneau is very enjoyable to walk around. Here are some of the areas to explore. But, another thing comes to mind and that is DANCING! There are lots of great places to set down a boom box and dance a little RUEDA. Maybe some Juneau dancers will join us.

1. Historic Downtown Juneau Walking tour. Pick up a guide at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. But for now click on this post title to take a look at the downtown map.
Stops on the tour include the:
-ALASKA STATE CAPITOL
-JUNEAU-DOUGLAS CITY MUSEUM - $4.00 admission includes film: Juneau, City Built on Gold
-GOVERNOR'S MANSION - built in 1912 for $40,000.
-GOLD CREEK - A strenuous walk from peaceful Cope Park to the top of the town could start here.
-The WICKERSHAM HOUSE State Historic Site
-ST. NICOLAS ORTHODOX CHURCH

2. Extended Walk - This walk of roughly 3 miles includes some steep stairways and streets. Follow the walking tour until you reach Gold Creek. Cross the creek and stay on the same road (which goes under various names), bearing right as it becomes Martin Street. On the left is the EVERGREEN CEMETERY - The cemetery slopes toward the ocean, opening a wonderful vista over the clear green lawn. One reason the view is so broad and open is that the markers are flush with the ground. The old Alaska Native graves are in the wooded portion on the far side. Joe Juneau and Richard Harris, the city's founders, are buried near the cross at the top of the cemetery, near where you arrive on the walk.

Across the road from the cross, Hermit Street reaches a little way into the mountainside.

Follow the steep public stairs next to house no. 430 up to the bottom of Pine Street. This is the walk I described in the introduction The views get better and better as you rise to the top of Pine Street then go right on Evergreen Street, following the road to where it dissipates into a trail among shadowy spruce and western hemlock. Continue on the peaceful forest trail among the ferns and evergreens up the valley, coming to the ABANDONED WOODEN FLUME.

Once the town's aqueduct, the flume now is maintained as a boardwalk ito the forest. Since it carried water, it's nearly level, but watch your step in wet weather, as it crosses some high trestles over gullies.

At the end of the flume, cross over the valley to Basin Road. Stop here to see the LAST CHANCE MINING MUSEUM. To the left is the Perseverance Trail, which continues up between the mountains; the Perseverance also leads to the trail head for a challenging hike up Mount Juneau.

To get back to town, follow Basin Road 1 1/2 miles back down the valley. Taking the first right will put you at the top of Gold Street. Descend a block to 7th and pick up the walking tour at the WICKERSHAM HOUSE.


3. The waterfront - It is an easy walk to the Seaplane Dock, Marine Park and a little further to Harris Harbor.

4. Hike to the top of Mount Roberts - It IS indeed possible to get to the top of Mount Roberts without the tram. The trailhead starts at the top of Sixth Street on Star HIll. The lower trail climbs above Starr Hill with superb views over the Juneau townsite and Gastineau Channel. The best overlook, about 600 yards up the trail, has been the source of many calendar and magazine photos of downtown Juneau. From the Trailhead, the trail leads to the wooden cross (2.5 miles), Gastineau Peak (3 miles) and Mount Roberts (4.5 miles).

Past the overlook, the trail continues upward over a small creek (the only water) to a series of switchbacks above Gold Creek and Last Chance Basin until it reaches the ridgeline. The trail then follows the ridgeline over mudholes and boardwalks with alternate views of Mount Juneau and beautiful downtown Douglas and Gastineau Channel. About 2 miles up, the trail reaches the tram complex near treeline. From there, two alternative trails have been improved and maintained as far as the wooden cross (2,500 feet), mostly to accommodate tram passengers hiking the area above treeline.

The lower Mount Roberts Trail is generally safe from May through October, and often negotiable in late fall and early spring. If you encounter ice, you should most certainly turn back. It may be easy to go up but bruisingly difficult to go down.

Most hikers who travel beyond the cross go as far as the vegetated "false" summit of Gastineau Peak, before the narrow rocky ridgeline that leads to the top of Gastineau Peak (3,666 feet). Few hikers go on to Mount Roberts (3,819 feet), which requires a descent before a final climb up talus slopes to the summit.

Fun Things to Do in Alaska's Port Cities

HOW TO BOOK SHORE EXCURSIONS WITH US

STEP 1: Click on BOOK SHORE EXCURSION LINK to the right

STEP 2: Click on the EXTRAS tab. See tabs across top. It is in the middle.

STEP 3: Click on the EXCURSIONS button. Right side. Middle

STEP 4: Click on ALASKA and go from there.


OR - call Mary - 907-479-2323. We WILL be setting up Independent bookings with some vendors. Those will be noted.

Vancouver Hotels - Coming soon

Anchorage Hotels - Coming Soon - I am still researching a group booking.

KETCHIKAN - Our First Port City and the Rainiest City in Alaska

1. FREE THINGS TO DO - The answer is WALK!! Ketchikan has an excellent walking tour. Go to the KETCHIKAN WALKS AND NEXT TO NOTHING ATTRACTIONS blog to read about what is free to do in Ketchikan.

2. SAXMAN TOTEM VILLAGE - There are two options.
ONE: KETCHIKAN CITY & SAXMAN TOTEM TOUR - 2 hours - $44
TWO: WILDLIFE, WILDERNESS SPECTACULAR - 2.5 hours - $62

The difference between the two appears to be that the first includes
the downtown city tour which you can do for nothing and the second
includes visits to some secluded spots including Rainbow Falls.

3. KAYAKING - Again there are two options
ONE: KETCHIKAN KAYAKING - 2 hours - $97
Leaves from the downtown area to go island hopping near Ketchikan
TWO: ORCAS COVE SEA KAYAKING - 4 hours - $161.00
Includes a 20 minute boat ride to Orcas Cove for Kayaking and
wildlife observation

4. CHARTERED SALMON FISHING - 4 hours - $216 includes license and tags

5. MISTY FJORDS SEAPLANE ADVENTURE - 2 hours - $226

6. TONGASS RAINFOREST HIKING EXPEDITION - 3 hours - $89
THIS hike takes you to Ward Creek Trail which is a few miles out
of town. For FREE hiking accessible from downtown check the other blog.

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JUNEAU - our second port city and the capital of Alaska
1. For FREE THINGS to do check out our WHAT'S FREE IN JUNEAU blog entry.

2. The Mount Roberts Tramway is located just across from the ship dock and it
takes you to the top of Mt. Roberts where you can enjoy breathtaking views
of the Lynn Canal and Gastineau Chanel, native Artists demonstrations, hiking
and alpine flowers, a nature center, the Juneau Raptor Center Bald Eagle
Display, the Chilkat Theater and more.

The Tramway is owned by Goldbelt, Incorporated, a corporation of the Tlingit
people of Southeast Alaska so they present the native view of Alaska's history

The $25 price includes all day unlimited rides.

3. JUNEAU CITY AND MENDENHALL GLACIER TOUR - Departing the dock area, our buses
will wind their way through the city's streets as our local guide points out
the highlights and folklore that has made Juneau famous. The excursion will
then take you to the Mendenhall Glacier where there are breathtaking views
of the Glacier and a bear viewing area (If you are lucky). 2.5 hours - $42

4. WHALE WATCHING - We have made special arrangements for a group tour for
only __________.

5. GLACIER VIEW SEA KAYAKING - 3.5 hours - $98
Transfer by bus to North Douglas Island for scenic views of the Mendenhall
Glacier and Auke Bay. You will hopefully be led to Mendenhall Wetlands where
you may have the opportunity to view Mendenhall Glacier as well as wildlife
including dolphins, seals, sea lions, eagles, herons and perhaps even
whales. There is nothing like being on a kayak on a nice day around Juneau
with the sea, islands and glacier in view.
Click on the Shore Excursions link to book this trip.

6. Helicopter Dog Sledding - 3.5 Hours - $438

7. Above and Beyond Helicopter - 2 hours - $229
This trip takes you up and over the Mendenhall Glaciers to the
spectacular icefields beyond. You will actually land on the Herbert Glacier
where you will disembark and set foot on this "river of ice".
Click on Shore Excursions link to book this trip. See instructions
at top of this page.

Ketchikan Walks and Next to Nothing Attractions

Ketchikan, Alaska is an interesting place to visit especially for its many Totem Poles which are located all around town.

FREE WALKING TOUR

The best FREE thing to do in any port of call is walk and Ketchikan has plenty of interesting places to walk to in its downtown area. For starters you can take a Free Walking tour which includes 25 points of interest within the downtown area. The two mile walk takes about two hours. Maps are available at many of the area merchants downtown.

Some of the sights you will see along the way include:

Creek Street - a wooden street or board walk in the old "red light district" on which Ketchikan's famous Dolly's House is located. Creek Street today is a collection of museums, historic homes, and shops resting on pilings above Ketchikan Creek. From the board walk you can take a tram up the mountainside to a restaurant for lunch with a wonderful view of the city. The board walk starts at 203 Stedman Street, just upstream from the Thomas Basin boat harbor—another point of interest. (on the walking tour)

Ketchikan's Museum & Library - is housed in the same building on Dock Street in downtown Ketchikan. The museum has an ever-changing display of Alaskan memorabilia and an excellent collection of Indian artifacts and old photos. In the library you will, of course find—books on Alaska. A wonderful place to spend a rainy afternoon! (on the walking tour)

Ketchikan Creek and Falls:
is downtown adjacent to the library, at the end of Creek Street. Enjoy the excellent views of the salmon runs that have made our town famous. (on the walking tour)

Totem Poles:
Ketchikan has one of the world's largest collection of totems. You will find totems in the Totem Heritage Center, downtown and scattered throughout the city. (The best collection of totems is at the Saxman Native Village. Check our other blog entrys.)

Ketchikan Totem Heritage Center - Admission $5
adjacent to the City Park between Deermount and Woodland Streets, The center contains some 33 original totem poles or pieces of poles collected from abandoned Tlingit or Haida Indian villages. A craft center provides a workshop for artisans and craftsmen, there are classes at the center that teach native Alaskans such arts as carving, tool making and basketry. A free 15-minute guided tour is available during regular summer hours. (on the walking tour)

Deer Mountain Hatchery:
adjacent to the Totem Heritage Center within walking distance of downtown, releases tens of thousands of coho and king salmon smolts (two-year-olds) each year. The $1 million facility has observation platforms and educational displays concerning the salmon's life cycle. It is the only municipally-owned facility of its kind in the state. (on the walking tour)

The Eagle Center:
is located next to the Deer Mountain Hatchery. This is your chance to see eagles up close. Make sure you bring your camera! (on the walking tour)

Liquid Sunshine Gauge:
graphically shows Ketchikan's 162-in. average rainfall—in feet. Located near the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau on the dock in downtown Ketchikan.

Deer Mountain Trail:
There are many hiking trails in Ketchikan. One of the most accessible is the Deer Mountain Trail. It is 3.1 miles and the trailhead is located at the end of Fair Street on the southeast side of town. Moderate hike. Recommended to pack rain gear. Excellent view of the ocean, mountain peaks around, local islands, and the forest.
A longer hike to Blue Lake is available, additional 2.0 miles of moderate hiking which will give you a wonderful view of the lake and the local mountain peaks. Wildflowers and wildlife can be seen all along the trail in direction of Blue Lake.

Salmon walk 1.75 miles
In downtown Ketchikan, Trail head begins at the Visitor Center. Easy hike with lots of interests about the pulse of Ketchikan. Salmon viewing, nice stream following the town.

Nob Hill walk 1.5 miles
Trail head in town at Eagle Park on the waterfront. Moderate walk due to lots of steep stairs, plan 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Interesting history of the town along the way and very nice view of the town on the hill top.

Waterfront walk 0.5 miles
Trail head on the north side of downtown at Harbor View Park. Easy walk along the water edge of the harbor offering several views of the town and numerous floating docks and piers that parallel the business district.

SHOPPING IN KETCHIKAN

OK - Shopping isn't really free but there is one MUST SEE gallery in Ketchikan and that is the SOHO COHO Contemporary Art and Craft Gallery which you will find in the historic Star Building at #5 Creek Street. I Include this because it is owned an operated by Ray Troll and his family. Ray Troll is one of the funniest and fishiest artists around Alaska and is well known throughout the state. Check out www.trollart.com

For the rest of your Ketchikan shopping discoveries you will find most of that along Creek Street.

Workshop and Party Extras

When we are onboard the Carnival Spirit it will NOT be Possible for us to take money on board so we won't be able to allow people without passes into the classes or parties. Here is a list of extras that we will offer but they MUST be purchased and paid for before we get on board the ship. They are nonrefundable.

Workshop and Party Pass - $200

Due upon booking and non refundable.

Party Pass Only - $100

Private Lessons with Julían Mejía or any other teacher - $75 for 1 hour lesson
(you don't have to specify the teacher until you are on the ship)

Individual Classes - $20 per class
For people who did not purchase a workshop/party pass

1st/last party passes - For people not participating in the workshops. Contact Mary if interested

Individual parties -
$25 each

Please make payments for the Workshop/Party Pass, Party Passes and all extras to Sabor Cubano Dance Productions. Call or email Mary to make your payment. 907-479-2323 or themagiccarpet@gci.net.

Workshop Schedule is COMING SOON!
Please email us with what you would like to see offered!

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Below is the Curriculum that Sidney and Ryan currently use for teaching Intermediate Rueda. Please look at that and let us know if this curriculum will be new to you. We want to present NEW and interesting material for the experienced dancer.

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INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOP CURRICULUM
Each class includes fundamental moves as well as exciting variations -- we'll start with the basics and cover extra material if we have time!
4/27/08 - Intermediate 1
Vacila
Vacila con una
Vacila y dame
Vacila y dame con una vuelta
Vacila con la mano
Medio sombrero
Sombrero
Sombrero y medio

5/4/08 - Intermediate 2
Siete
Coca-cola
Siete con coca-cola
Siete no
Siete moderno
Siete por debajo
Diet coke
Diet coke led with the shoulder
Jackie Chan

5/11/08 - Intermediate 3
Dedo
Montaña
Dedo guarapo y bótala
Montaña Rusa
Vacílense los dos
Sombrero Doble
Dedo con alarde
El dos
Juana la cubana

5/18/08 - Intermediate 4
Setenta miami
Setenta miami con alarde
Setenta miami con ganchos
Setenta Omar
Setenta complicado
Siete setenta
El suéter
Azuquita
Setenta complicado con engancha

5/25/08 - Intermediate 5
Abanico
Abrázala
Beso
Balsero
Sabor
Abanico Complicado

6/1/08 - Intermediate 6
Pasea y complícate
La Jenny
Setenta Nuevo
Setenta complicado al derecho y al reves
La cuadra
Regístrala

Current Flight Prices

CURRENT FLIGHT PRICES - Updated - November 5, 2008.

Please click on the Book Flights link or this BLOG TITLE to book your fight.

We will be happy to do this for you if you like.
Mary - themagiccarpet@gci.net
Victoria - bailatina@hotmail.com.

Two one way tickets are necessary - your city to Vancouver and Anchorage, AK to your
city.

SOME FLIGHT PRICES HAVE GONE DOWN - BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS SOON!!

Alaska Airlines offers one way mileage tickets for only 10,000 miles to many of these cities.

Alaska Airlines has also announced a Spring Sale from many West Coast Cities. United and Continental also have Spring Sales. Compare these prices with the prices on our website below to find the best possible deal.

Prices on CanDoTours - Click on link at right for search engine.

Anchorage - $351

Albuquerque - $278 + $256 = $534

Atlanta - $341 + $440 = $781

Boston - $303 + $363 = $666

Calgary - $223 + $345 = $568

Chicago - $327 + $347 = $674

Dallas - $303 + $358 = $651

Denver - $274 + $329 = $603

Detroit -$388 + $406 = $794

Edmonton - $219 + $339 = $558

Fairbanks - $438 + $129 = 567

Honolulu - $376 + $377 = $753

Houston - $383 + $417 = $800

Los Angeles - $221 + $360 = $581

Miami - $344 + $465 = $809

Minneapolis - $265 + 360 = $625

Newark, NJ - $334 + 383= $717

JFK, NYC - $320 + $316 = $636

Phoenix - $270 + $337 = $607

Portland - $130 + $270 = $400

San Diego - $305 + $284= $589

San Francisco - $178 + $288 = $466

Seattle - $130 + $225 = $355

St. Louis - $311 + $369 = $680

Toronto- $379 + $351 = $730

Washington DC - $328 + $403 = $731

Los Angeles Flight

I forgot to add this price below - Los Angeles to Vancouver - $249
There are cheaper flights that arrive in Vancouver too late. Please book flights
that arrive in Vancouver before 2 pm because you will have to be on the ship by 4 pm.

Cabin Updates

Cabin Updates

There is ONE 4B inside cabin available - It is the cheapest cabin available!!

Some Oceanview Cabins have opened up. These are a great value.