Christmas 2020

Merry Christmas

Holidays are about families, and what better example of a happy family then spending time together on a cruise ship.

Unfortunately, 2020 was not a year that would be possible.  However, with the promise of vaccines and improved treatments for COVID-19, we are hopeful that next holiday season it will be possible to sail the seven seas again during this time of year.

Holiday time is a great time to sail on a cruise ship.  Ships have festive decorations, usually starting early, so sailing before Christmas is also a special treat if you want to be home for Christmas.  You do need to plan in advance if you want to sail on the holiday itself as those cabins sell out quickly.

Celebrity Edge Martini Bar

We've had several opportunities to sail during the holiday season.   We thought we'd share a few images from those journeys in this post.

Celebrity Edge

This giant Christmas tree stands in the atrium of Celebrity Edge.  Listen to music or enjoy a martini while watching this tree come to life with lights and music or listen to one of the other performances throughout the evening.

This isn't the only tree you'll find onboard the Edge.   Everywhere you turn there are some holiday decorations. They come in many sizes and shapes.

We hope that your Christmas tree is filled with many special gifts this year.   Perhaps one of them contains a gift certificate for a cruise or resort stay on Celebrity Cruise Line or any of our other travel partners.

Even if you didn't have a cruise vacation wrapped up in a box under your tree, there's still plenty of opportunity for you to surprise your family in the New Year with a trip that they will remember for years to come.

Make some memories in 2021 with your family and friends.

Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives this holiday season and throughout the year.  We hope that you've enjoyed our gift of stories and photos from our cruise and land trips.

We would be happy to help you plan for your next vacation.

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Where have you explored? 

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Thank You Mariners

National Maritime Day is a United States holiday created to recognize the maritime industry. It is observed on May 22, the date in 1819 that the American steamship Savannah set sail from Savannah, Georgia on the first ever transoceanic voyage under steam power. The holiday was created by the United States Congress on May 20, 1933.

Due to Covid-19 pandemic, National Maritime Day ceremony held virtually:

Proclamation on National Maritime Day, 2020

"Since the founding of our great Nation, we have relied on merchant mariners to deliver goods to market and strengthen our national security.  On National Maritime Day, we recognize the United States Merchant Marine for all it does to facilitate our commerce and protect our interests at sea."

"This year, as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, we pay tribute to the United States merchant mariners who served as the “Fourth Arm of Defense” for our Nation during the war. Earlier this year, I was proud to sign into law long-overdue legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the valiant civilian merchant mariners who maintained critical supply lines to our overseas troops and allies during the Second World War."U.S. Ports Thank Mariners and Longshoremen on National Maritime Day  (read full proclamation:)

President Donald J. Trump Proclaims May 22, 2020, as National Maritime Day

U.S. Ports Thank Mariners and Longshoremen on National Maritime Day

 BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE 05-21-2020 04:59:31

"On Friday, seaports across America will celebrate the contributions of the maritime industry by commemorating National Maritime Day. 

The American Association of Port Authorities has called on vessels moored at all American ports to sound their horns at 1200 hours local time Friday. This "Sound Off for National Maritime Day" event is focused on the COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery effort, and it recognizes the sacrificies made by seafarers and port workers in slowing the spread while ensuring a steady flow of commerce."    (Read More)

Additional Resources

• National Maritime Day – MARAD
• National Maritime Day Reflections in the Era of COVID-19 (Captain Jim Tobin is the President of the USMMA Alumni Association and Foundation)
• National Maritime Day: Merchant Mariners of Military Sealift Command
• Behind the Scenes Seafarers' House

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Coming to America

America in Images

As the 4th of July holiday approached, we scanned through our photo archives for a few fitting memories from past trips.

These images were captured during one of our cruises out of New York.   Just imagine what the immigrants who were coming to America thought as they saw Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. 

click images to enlarge

Statue of Liberty

On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated.  It was later designated as a National Monument in 1924, restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986, and in 2011, underwent a renovation of the 125 year old pedestal and the 200 year old fort base from which the statue rises.

A gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States... The Statue of Liberty is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.

 Sailing in or out of NY Harbor is something you should put on your bucket list if you haven't already done so.  Some cruises that you could select include trans-Atlantic voyages, Bermuda, and Canada / New England itineraries.

What Images of America come to your mind?

If you like Travel & Photography join us each  Wednesday for #FoodTravelChat!   For some thoughts on the 4th of July, see our previous blog post:

Land of the Free Because of the Brave

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Tis The Season To Give Travel

Meet Us at Streamwood High School

Select from Cruises, Resorts, & Tours

We have a booth at Streamwood High School's Holiday Arts Extravaganza sponsored by Streamwood Choral Society.  For those in the area, it is your chance to meet us in person to discuss your vacation plans, pick up some brochures, and take advantage of our exclusive offers.

What will be under your tree this Holiday Season?  Where will you be spending your holidays?  It is already snowing here in Chicagoland, so odds are we will have a white Christmas.  Wouldn't you rather be on a white sandy beach than shoveling snow?   Can't get away until after the holidays, wrap up a gift that will be remembered for years to come.  We can help you plan a cruise, resort, or tour for a winter get away.  We can even help with the gift wrapping.  Stop by our booth to talk about it, and your wishes could come true. 

Exclusive Offers

Even if you aren't able to visit us at our booth, you can still take advantage of our special offers like this one from Celebrity Cruises.

Celebrity Edge, the most anticipated new ship this year, will be arriving in Florida next week. We'll be attending an special Press and Trade Event onboard the new ship after Thanksgiving. We will be sharing live images from the ship during the event, so be sure to follow us on our various social media accounts.  For a limited time, your tips are on us for select Celebrity Edge cruises.

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Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat