Tag: travel

Club Mobay

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Imagine as you are getting off your plane in Montego Bay, you are greeted by a VIP Representative. They are holding a sign with your name and greet you warmly. They then Fast Track you through Customs and Immigration. After finishing the security process, they take you to their lounge where you can wait for the transfer to your resort. Going through customs and immigration can be stressful – it’s so nice to have someone to guide you through the entire process!

Club Mobay does not provide transfers, but they help coordinate transfers you have booked.

In the lounge, you will have Wi-Fi, snacks, beverages and can enjoy a drink at the bar. They have TV’s, a play area for children and private restrooms. If you are staying in Negril or Ocho Rios, make sure to make use of those restrooms before leaving for the resort. Your trip can be 1.5 – 2 hours long.

If your resort offers their own private lounge, you will be escorted there so you can check in. Before covid, you could check in with your resort and go back to Club Mobay while you were waiting. When I was there last time, they seemed to want you to stay with your resort lounge. It really didn’t matter though… the Sandals lounge was very nice and it was only a few minutes before they were escorting us to our driver. The two pictures below are in the Sandals lounge.

Departure service is also very worthwhile. You go through a separate line for security and it tends to be much shorter than the other security line. Once through, you can make your way to the Club Mobay Departure Lounge and and enjoy some delicious food and beverages. Since you really aren’t getting much (if any) food on planes today, it is nice to be able to eat before boarding. Below is a picture of what my travel buddies were eating and two stock photos of the departure lounge.

I haven’t been able to eat gluten in about 15 years. I didn’t have high hopes that Club Mobay would have much for me to eat. But when I told the server about my allergy, the chef came out to go over the menu with me and explain to me what he could make. I ended up with jerk chicken and some BBQ. It was absolutely delicious!

Club Mobay not only offers the Arrival Meet and Greet and the Departure service, they also help with the following:

Destination Weddings… Along with Arrival service and helping with your gown, they also offer a lounge that you can reserve for the wedding party to hang out together one last time before you get on your flight. They even offer mini spa services.

Groups... 25 people or more qualify for group rates. Each representative will take a 6 people max from the group through the customs and immigration process. They will coordinate the transfers you have booked for the group. They offer a business center and complimentary phone calls to the US and Canada.

Unaccompanied Minors… Help relive some of your stress when your child is traveling alone. The trained and dedicated representative will escort your child through the customs and immigration and take them to Club Mobay to have fun in the kid’s play area.

Club Mobay is also perfect for Business Travelers and Senior Citizens. Actually, I think everyone would enjoy this service! If you travel to Jamaica often, you can get a Annual Card and save some money.

Arriving at the Kingston Airport? Club Kingston offers similar amenities. It’s a little smaller, but has the same type of service.

If you would like more information about Club Mobay, let me know!

Couples Negril

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On my familiarization trip with the Jamaican Tourism Board (JTB), we visited 9 resorts in total. I hadn’t had the opportunity to visit a Couples resort before and was really looking forward to this one. Couples Resorts are popular with a lot of travel agents and I have to say, I was not disappointed!

Couples Negril is a lovely property that is on the smaller side with just 234 rooms and suites. This makes getting around very easy. Everything was very clean and the staff was amazing. As the name implies, this is a resort for couples only. No singles or families.

Couples resorts include the things you would expect such as multiple restaurants and bars, unlimited premium cocktails and wine, nightly entertainment, etc… But a lot of people don’t realize all the fun extras you get included in the price! Here are some examples:

  • Scuba diving is included. If you are a certified diver, the tanks, gear and boat ride to the dive site are all included.
  • Glass bottom boat rides
  • Snorkeling – they will take you out on a boat to get to the best snorkel sites
  • Hobie Cat Sailing
  • Waterskiing
  • Windsurfing
  • Paddleboarding
  • Kayaking
  • Wakeboarding

  • Round trip transfers to the Montego Bay airport
  • Unlimited Golf – Green Fees and Transfers (Clubs, carts and mandatory caddies are extra)
  • Unlimited Tennis Courts – Free Lessons available
  • Some Couples Resorts even have Pickle Ball
  • Complementary Off Site excursions
  • Trips to Margaritaville
  • Catamaran Cruise

  • Complimentary Wedding Ceremony with a 3 night stay
  • Complimentary Honeymoon Package with a 6 night stay

Also, the resort has a strict No Tipping policy. When pricing a resort, all of these inclusions are very important to consider. You might be surprised how fast things can add up once you include all the extras.

We had the opportunity to tour one of the Garden Suites. The room is quite spacious and I found the colors and setting very serene. Personally, when my husband and I go to the beach, we always want a room with an ocean view. But at this resort, I thought the garden views were so pretty that I would enjoy this as much as their ocean view rooms.

After our tour of the property, we were invited to stay for lunch. Eating out can be difficult for me because I am can’t eat anything with gluten. If I accidently eat gluten, I get sick very quickly, so eating at unknown restaurants always causes stress. The chef came to my table and talked about what would be good options for me. I felt very confident after the discussion because it was clear that the chef understood gluten intolerance very well. I selected the Lamb Chops but was very nervous at first because it arrived to the table with sauce. It’s very unusual to get a gluten free sauce in a restaurant and I’m used to the sauce being left off. I even questioned the server about it. She double checked with the chef and confirmed it was safe for me to eat. It was delicious and I am happy to report that I didn’t have any issues at all after eating it! It was so nice to have a gluten free meal with lots of flavor.

The beaches in Negril are beautiful and the water is very calm. The beach at Couples was very inviting and we all wished we could stay and play on the beach for a while. This is a resort that I would like to stay as a guest and I know that we will be back. I would definitely recommend this resort to my clients that are looking for a relaxed all-inclusive at a great price point.

If you would like to read about my travel experience to and from Jamaica during covid, click here. The article covers the process of getting tested before leaving for Jamaica and how I was tested at my resort to get back to the US. I also cover what it is like to fly at this time and any other documentation that is needed to enter travel.

If you would like more information about this resort or travel in general, you can reach me at:

Karen Boss
KBoss Travel by Dream Vacations
919-346-7779
kboss@dreamvacations.com
www.kboss.dreamvacations.com

Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa

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On my familiarization trip with the Jamaican Tourism Board (JTB), we visited about 9 resorts in total. Our first property was the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa. It is listed as being located in Montego Bay but it’s actually in the town of Lucea. It’s close to the airport compared to going to Negril or Ocho Rios and will take about 45 minutes to drive there. This was my view as I got ready to check in!

The check-in process was pleasant. The porters took our bags and pointed us the the little bar set up nearby to get our welcome drink. From there we walked over to the front desk and got our room information. We were a little early, but they were able to find rooms for all of us to go to right away. Had they had not been able to give us access to our rooms right away, they would have held our luggage for us while we enjoyed the resort. One of the porters put our luggage on a large golf cart and drove us to our rooms.

Here was the view from my balcony. This would be considered an “Ocean View” room. If I had an Ocean Front room, it would directly face the water. Each resort may have different definitions of “views”, so if the view is important to you, make sure you let your travel agent know exactly what you want to see. But remember… with a better view comes a higher price point. The grounds were actually very pretty – I just happened to overlook a brown patch below. There were lots of people working on the landscaping, so I’m sure this was a recent issue and would be taken care of.

Here are some pictures of my room. I thought the room was nice looking and I was able to keep the temperature cool enough for me. This is not always easy when in these tropical locations! At some resorts, the cooling system has a hard time keeping up.

We were invited to a cocktail reception that evening. They had a lovely violinist playing which we all enjoyed thoroughly. The sunset from the reception area was beautiful.

Here is a look at the Adult Only pool. And close by is a secluded area for topless sunbathing.

This is a nice setting for a destination wedding. They have locations all over the resort where you can choose to have your ceremony.

One thing I love about this resort is that they grow some of their vegetables right on the property!

They also have a large, wonderful spa area!

This all inclusive resort is a beautiful property and the staff were wonderful. They were always smiling, friendly and helpful. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to experience it.

If you would like to read about my travel experience to and from Jamaica during covid, click here. The article covers the process of getting tested before leaving for Jamaica and how I was tested at my resort to get back to the US. I also cover what it is like to fly at this time and any other documentation that is needed to enter travel.

If you would like more information about this resort or travel in general, you can reach me at:

Karen Boss
KBoss Travel by Dream Vacations
919-346-7779
kboss@dreamvacations.com
www.kboss.dreamvacations.com

2nd Trip to Jamaica During Covid – April 2021

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The Purpose of my Trip and What I Needed to do to Enter Jamaica and to Return to the US

I was invited by the Jamaican Tourism Board (JTB) to go on a Familiarization Trip with a small group of travel agents. This is something they do on a regular basis to help agents get familiar with resorts they may not have stayed at before. It also gave us the opportunity to meet with key management personal at each resort. Our group stayed at two resorts and toured 7 others.

Before I could enter Jamaica, I needed to fill out my Travel Authorization (no more than 7 days prior to leaving). This is a very simple online form that asks basic questions (name, date of birth, address, etc.) I also needed to have a covid test from an approved location no more than 3 days before travel. I made an appointment with CVS and the process was very simple. I had the rapid test, so I was able to wait in my car for my results. After about 20 minutes, they called me and I went inside to get the paperwork.

Since information about what is required to enter other countries can change quickly, it is best to always check with your travel advisor to make sure you have the latest information.

I flew Delta regular economy and the process was very smooth. For those that have not flown internationally since covid began, you may find that you cannot check in on line. If that happens, don’t be concerned. Since most countries require some sort of covid testing or vaccine before you can enter, some airlines want you check in at the airport so they can go over all of your documents. They need to be sure you have everything needed to be allowed into the country you’re visiting. Some airlines now have an app that allows you to download your required paperwork and information in advance. So, depending on which airline and what airport, your experience can vary.

I had my paperwork and passport organized and ready so check-in was quick and painless at the Delta counter. The line for security was fairly long, but luckily it moved really quickly. Of course masks were required throughout the airport and on the plane unless you were actively eat or drinking. Throughout the airports and the flights (both directions), everything was clean and lots of hand sanitizer was available everywhere you turned. I thought everyone that I encountered that worked for Delta during this trip (and my July trip) were extremely friendly and somehow seemed glad to be at work. I noticed several that went out of their way to just chat with customers about how they were doing, where they were staying, what they wanted to do while there, etc. It was nice to see everyone so cheerful!

On my last trip during covid, I flew Delta and was in the Comfort+ section. This included alcoholic drinks, snacks and earphones. This time I was in the main cabin and the experience is just a little different. We received a very small bottle of water and two snacks. I couldn’t eat the cheese crackers in the snack bag due to gluten issues, but I was in luck – my other item was almonds! Even though I always travel with my own gluten free munchies, it was nice to get something I enjoy and could eat.

JTB had arranged for Club Mobay service for our group. If you’re not familiar, Club Mobay provides VIP service through the Montego Bay airport. They wait for you (holding a sign with your name) as you exit the plane, fast track you through immigration, and then take you to their lounge to wait for your transfer to your resort. While in the lounge, you can enjoy the Wi-Fi, order drinks and food – everything is included in the price. They also have departure service. On the return trip, there was a line to expedite through security, but it didn’t seem to make much difference – at least not when we went through. But, I would still get it next time I go. Most resorts will try to get you to the airport 3 hours prior to departure. This can leave you with quite a bit of time hanging around the airport with not much to do. The departure lounge includes Wi-Fi, food and drinks. The service was great and they made sure our drinks were never empty. With limited service on the planes right now, you may not get a chance to eat much, but if you have been to Club Mobay, you may have had enough food for the rest of the day! They will keep bringing out more food if your are interested. Also, just a side note… I had to inquire about gluten free options. I thought there really wouldn’t be much for me, but I’m used to that when I travel. But, the chef came out and talked to me about things on the menu I could eat and how he could prepare things. I was thrilled and had some really fabulous food. If you want to purchase the bundle of both arrival and departure service, it is currently around $80 per person.

For my return trip, I needed to have a covid test as this is required to enter the US from any foreign country. I had my test taken at my 2nd resort (Secrets St. James) and it was a very easy process. The concierge made the appointment for the test when I checked in. When I went to take the test, there were a couple of chairs outside and I waited until someone came out to invite me in. I filled out a simple form and they gave me the test. I went to the next room and waited outside until the called me in for my results. They gave me the paperwork at that time and we were done! There was no charge for the test.

These are the resorts I toured and/or stayed at while on my trip. I will create a new post for each property to let you know what the experience was like.

Did You Know that I am Travel Safety Verified ?

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While much in the world has changed as it relates to travel, one thing that has remained the same is my role as a travel advisor. I am an advocate for you – I work directly with resorts, cruise lines and other suppliers – so you don’t have to worry about anything but having fun on vacation. I am here to answer your questions, and now with new guidelines, I know you’ll have many.

It is my duty to make sure you understand the latest recommendations for healthy and safe travel. I am excited to share that I have completed an extensive training program to become a Travel Safety Verified travel advisor. The training covered health and safety best practices while traveling; travel protection health policies; safety protocols in place at resorts, airlines and cruises; and how to address customer concerns for various scenarios.

By being Travel Safety Verified and part of Dream Vacations, I am equipped to answer your tough questions about what to expect when traveling on an airplane, at a resort or on a cruise vacation; what documentation is needed; where to get tested while on vacation; what is covered under travel protection; and much more.

Now more than ever it is important to book a vacation with a travel advisor. I will to walk you step-by-step through the entire booking and planning process, from selecting destinations and excursions based on your interests to providing enhanced packing lists and guidance on what to expect when traveling. By booking with a Travel Safety Verified travel advisor, you can rest assured that I am well-informed on the current travel environment and will share my expertise with you so you can travel with additional peace of mind.

Sandals Negril During COVID – July 2020

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Have you been thinking about going to Sandals but wonder what it would be like on the resort during COVID-19? I was wondering too!

If you decide to travel at this time, the best advice I can give is to be open to changes. It could be anything from flights needing to be rescheduled to new Covid testing requirements. The entry requirements for all the Caribbean islands is constantly changing. Each country is learning what works for them and what needs improvement. They are doing everything they can to make your vacation safe and wonderful. I am on calls and webinars almost daily with key representatives of these countries to keep up on all the changes and the latest information so if you have any questions, I would be happy to help!

If you are interested in my airport and flight experience, you can view my post “Traveling to Jamaica During COVID-19“

When we arrived, our temperature was taken, we were directed to the hand sanitizer station and then taken to the Club Sandals room to wait for our butler. We were given a welcome drink and a snack. Our butler escorted us to our room and were given a phone to contact him for anything we might need. The entire staff was amazing. Any time we saw someone, they would ask how we were doing and if there was anything we needed. I forgot to snap a picture of Club Sandals, so here is one of the lobby.

The staff follows very strict protocols to avoid the spread of Covid. They always wear a mask and distance when possible. They have hand sanitizer stations all over the resort, so you do not need to worry about having your own. They ask that guests wear masks when inside areas such as the lobby, photo shop and spa but there was not a requirement to wear one outside. They were constantly cleaning chairs, tables, loungers and anywhere people may have been touching. I felt extremely safe.

If you are not familiar with Sandals, just about everything is included! Of course food (all restaurants), alcohol, Wi-Fi and entertainment are included. Even the transfers to and from Sandals. Tipping is not allowed with the exception of your butlers and the spa staff. Here are some of the activities that are included:

Water Sports:

  • Paddle Boarding
  • Aqua Trikes
  • Snorkeling (equipment is included).  You can sign up for the snorkel boat that takes you to a great spot.  The team will allow you to explore on your own if you are comfortable or give you lots of guidance if you are not as experienced.
  • Scuba diving.  That’s right!  If you are a certified diver, you can dive daily at no cost.  The dive boat will take you to some excellent dive sites.  If you are not certified or would like a refresher course, they do offer this at an additional cost.
  • Glass bottom boat tour
  • Sailing on Hobie Cats
  • Wind Surfing
  • Kayaking
  • Knee Boarding, Tubing, Waterskiing and Wakeboarding

Land Activities:

  • Board Games
  • Bocce Ball
  • Croquet
  • Pool Tables
  • Giant Chess
  • Shuffleboard
  • Table Tennis
  • Tennis Courts (2, both lit for night play)
  • Volleyball (beach and pool)

We tried most of the activities available. Although we are both certified divers, we opted for snorkeling as we are getting older and it is just easier! Everything we did was so much fun! We didn’t leave the resort all week and we were never bored.

We stayed in a Honeymoon Beachfront Butler Suite. The room is large, decorated beautifully and has a well stocked bar with juice, soda, local beer, wine and and several bottles of alcohol (we had Appleton Rum and Absolut Vodka). The bar was replenished daily.

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We had two butlers that worked different shifts. They were both wonderful and couldn’t seem to do enough for us. Every morning at 7:00 am (I’m an early riser) they would set up tea for me on the patio and come by again about 8:00 with breakfast (by then my husband would be up). It was amazing to enjoy my tea and breakfast overlooking the beach each day. We requested a room on the first floor as my husband has some mobility issues, but most people seem to prefer the 2nd floor for better views.

The butlers set up loungers with an umbrella, towels and a cooler of our favorite beverages on the beach each morning. Every day we would let them know what restaurant we wanted to dine in and in the evening they would walk us to dinner to make sure we would get the best table available. The butlers also signed us up for any activities we wanted to do on property that day.

The large main pool played music and had a swim up bar that was shaded if you needed to get out of the sun for a while. We played group trivia a couple of times, but most days, there just weren’t enough people in the pool to get activities going.

We spent a lot of time in the smaller pool close to our room. It didn’t have a swim up bar, but someone was usually walking around offering to get us a drink. If no one was available, we simply walked over to the bar as it was located right next to the pool. There was a hot tub here and no one was ever in it, so we never had to wait.

Sandals has photographers walking around the resort offering to take your picture. I almost always let them take the picture because there was no obligation to purchase anything. Towards the end of the week, we decided to go ahead and set up a photo shoot session. Again, there is no cost for this service. We were able to go into the photo shop and browse through our pictures without any pressure. We decided on a small package and have been thrilled to finally have some professional photos of ourselves!

There’s certainly is a lot to think about before deciding to travel at this time, but if you are ready, Sandals would be a great option! Whether you are ready to travel now or want to make a plan to travel later, give me a call and we can design a trip of your dreams! Where would you like to go?

The World is Now More Accessible Than Ever – Explore and Enjoy It!

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The world is now more accessible than ever before. Twenty percent (62 million) of the U.S. population has some form of disability, and the number of these individuals is increasing daily. These people need to, want to, and can travel. If you’re part of that twenty percent, a world of travel awaits you.

Travel professionals such as myself who are accessible travel advocates certified by Special Needs Group www.specialneedsgroup.com, the leading global provider of special needs equipment for the travel industry, have unique, specialized knowledge about how to help individuals with disabilities enjoy a wonderful, hassle-free and memorable trip.

Here are a few tips from Special Needs Group to ensure that when your next travel opportunity arises, you are ready to go.

Outline Your Travel Needs

Take time to evaluate the logistics of your trip in relation to your ability to keep pace. What modes of transportation will you be using? Airplane, motor coach, train, ship, transit vans for ground transfers? Make a list, referring to relevant brochures, your trip organizer or travel agent to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Now, make a list of your specific requirements. Be honest: what types of special needs equipment do you depend on at home? What do you use or need (or wish you had!) when shopping, sightseeing locally, dining out or going to the movies, attending concerts, the theater, street fairs or sporting events at home?  

Can you hear and see clearly without special auditory equipment or visual aides?  How far can you walk without a rest break? Are stairs difficult? Can you get in and out of the tub or shower at home without handgrips or other assistance?

Travel, whether solo or in a group, is no time for roughing it or trying to “tough it out.” If a wheelchair, scooter or portable oxygen will make your trip easier, place that item on your list. Many people who do not use wheelchairs or walkers at home feel more comfortable using these mobility aides for tour and excursions. In fact, most of Special Needs Group’s wheelchair and scooter rentals are to individuals who only use such aides when traveling.   

Plan Ahead

If you already own a scooter or portable oxygen, it’s important to know the policy and procedures for bringing that equipment onboard all the transport vehicles included in your itinerary, from planes to taxis to ferry boats. Does that transport have a way to stow your scooter or wheelchair? Is oxygen allowed on board? Some airlines prohibit certain types of batteries, such as wet cell batteries, or oxygen cylinders. Airlines operate under strict rules, so there may be packing procedures to follow if they do allow the equipment. Keep in mind, most airlines need at least 48 hours’ notice to make special arrangements, and be prepared to fill out forms. 

Overall, cruise ships are more lenient in allowing oxygen, but some disallow certain types of oxygen. All require that the oxygen be delivered to the ship, and that you have enough for the entire voyage. Oxygen may never be brought aboard in your luggage. Requirements vary, so check your cruise line for proper instructions.  Again, documentation and paperwork are required. 

Whether you are headed for a cruise ship, hotel or all-inclusive resort, double check for wheelchair access at that venue, plus any venues you will be visiting on the trip.  Confirm that accessible hotel rooms, resort accommodations or ship staterooms are available for your travel dates. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing fully accessible accommodations. And early booking increases your chances of securing a ground floor hotel room or cruise stateroom near the elevator, if these issues are important.

Check on the access to public rooms, restaurants, bars, toilets, the swimming pool, hot tub, beach area and other amenities. Are there TDD phone devices? How will you get in and out of the shower or bathtub? Are there flashing lights to accommodate hearing? Braille room numbers? Knowing in advance the scope of your needs gives you time to arrange advance rentals of any necessary equipment, scheduled to arrive when you do. Everything from scooters, lifts, ramps, TDD kits and special mattresses, including special needs cribs, is available for rental.

Will road travel or car excursions be part of the trip? Many car rental companies have vehicles that are modified for drivers or passengers with mobility limitations. Check ahead to make sure a suitable vehicle will be available for your travel dates. If you will be hiring a car or van, make sure the company is aware of your special needs.

When traveling with a limitation or disability, full travel insurance for medical coverage abroad and trip cancellation insurance are even more important and strongly advised.

Ask the Right Questions

When making the final bookings, be sure you ask the right questions, even if the accommodations or cruise stateroom are categorized as “accessible.”

For Example:

  • Are doorways wide enough for the largest wheelchairs? Do the doors open outwards or into the room? 
  • Are all the public areas of the hotel, resort or ship accessible? Do you need to make special arrangements in the dining room to accommodate the wheelchair or scooter?
  • Will the bathroom facilities truly fit your needs? Is the bathroom large enough for the wheelchair or scooter? Is there a roll-in shower? Grab-bars?
  • Are there facilities for companion/assistance animals?
  • Are there shopping and entertainment facilities close by if you are staying at a hotel or resort? 
  • On shore excursions or tours, does the van have a lift and method for transporting wheelchairs and scooters? 

Simply stated, don’t take anything for granted. It’s easy to arrange for almost every situation, and the world is wonderfully accessible, once you know what’s needed, what’s available and how to find the necessary equipment.

I look forward to helping you with all of your accessible travel needs!

Alaska Cruise with a Mobility Scooter

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  • Cruising near Sawyer Glacier

The first time I went to Alaska was 10 years ago.  Since it was the first week in May, it was not very crowded yet.   Today, you will find that there are more ships than ever before, so it is can be fairly busy in the cruise ports.  Don’t let that deter you!  There are lots of great excursions to take you away from the crowds! 

Below are the ports we’ve been to, excursions we enjoyed as well as information about how accessible the various places were for those in wheelchairs and scooters.

Juneau – We rented a car and went to a local park that a friend had recommended called National Shrine of St. Therese.  We didn’t actually go there to see the church; it was to enjoy the park.  The park was beautiful with walking trails that overlooked the Lynn Canal.  Seeing the outside of the chapel was a nice bonus as it was gorgeous. Unfortunately it was closed so we could not see the inside.  Oh, and just an FYI… Since they don’t allow buses, it will likely never be very crowded!

Location – It is in the Tongass National Forest, approximately 22 miles north of downtown Juneau. Address is 21425 Glacier Highway, Juneau, Alaska 99801.

  • National Shrine of St. Therese Chapel

After spending some time at the park, we headed back to Juneau to visit the Mendenhall Glacier.  Most of the tours had finished by this time and we had the place to ourselves.  It was great!  We were very lucky with our timing – as we were leaving, there were some other tours coming in.  

  • Mendenhall Glacier

Details and logistics for us in Juneau – there were 4 adults on this trip and the car rental company (Avis) is located right at the port.  We walked off the ship and across the parking lot – so easy!  I don’t remember what the total cost was for the car rental, gas and Mendenhall daily fee ($5 each is current price), but it was much less than buying four excursion tickets.  Plus, we had the added bonus of spending a beautiful morning in a park that didn’t have any other visitors that morning!

Wheelchair and Scooter information – There are actually some trails that are accessible for wheelchairs and scooters at National Shrine of St. Therese.  As far as the Mendenhall Glacier is concerned, there are 2 accessible entrances to the visitor’s center with lots to see in there.  Also, the Photo Point Trail and salmon viewing area can be accessed by wheelchair and scooter.

Skagway – We took the White Pass Scenic Railway excursion offered by the cruiseline.  The train platform was right off the ship, so it was really nice that we didn’t need to board a bus like so many other excursions we have been on.  This happened to be a really cold day and that turned out to work in our favor.  The rail cars all had wood burning stoves and we were toasty warm the entire trip!  They gave us complimentary bottled water which was a nice touch.  In case you are wondering – yes, there are restrooms on each car of the train.

It is 40 miles roundtrip (about 2.5 – 3 hours) and the seats are fairly comfortable.  The windows are large so you will be able to see out both sides of the train easily and take pictures. You can also open the windows to get better pictures.

Wheelchair and Scooter information from the White Pass website – All Excursion trains are wheelchair accessible. However, space is limited in lift-equipped cars.  Please let us know when reserving your seats if you or anyone in your party will require the lift to get onto the train.

This is a shot we took from the train – just to give you an idea of how close it was to the ship.  Everyone lined up by the yellow poles and then we were loaded into multiple cars at the same time. It was quick and easy.   In case you are wondering, the ship is the Norwegian Star.

  • View from the Train

Ketchikan – We decided not to do an excursion here.  We wanted to check out the town and just enjoy a slow-paced day.  We skipped the cruise ship owned shops like Diamonds International and tried to stick to locally owned businesses.  I can’t say for sure if the places we went to were locally owned at the time, but we believed they were. 

One of the stores we went to was the Dockside Trading Company (now known as Tongass Trading Company) and bought some of the usual tourist type of stuff – t-shirts, magnets, shot glasses, etc.  We then found a bar/restaurant where the locals were hanging out.  We had a great lunch talking to people who lived there and listening to their stories.

  • View from our Balcony

Wheelchair and Scooter information – Ketchikan is a short distance from the cruise dock.  It is fairly easy to get around with a wheelchair or scooter and you will be able to easily access most shops and restaurants.  You can also walk/roll to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show and it’s probably less than 10 minutes from the dock.  There is accessible seating at the show in the front row.

I know a lot has changed over the years, but I have researched to make sure my information in this article is current. I hope this helps paint a picture for your trip to Alaska!

KBoss Travel By Dream Vacations

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Hello and welcome to my blog! I’m Karen Boss – owner of KBoss Travel by Dream Vacations. As a Navy veteran, I developed a travel bug early in life and my love of travel has grown exponentially ever since. I now have the pleasure of planning travel every day!

There are a lot of great travel agents out there. How do you choose one? You can ask what type of travel they specialize in and see if it aligns with your travel goals. Also, ask what type of training they participate in and certifications they earn to keep their skills current. I am always working on continuing education to assure I can give the highest level of service to my clients.

I specialize in resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico as well as cruising. With that being said, I work with my vendors and suppliers on land tours and vacations all over the world and take as much training as possible to keep my knowledge base strong.

Professional Certifications:

  • Certified Autism Travel Professional
  • Special Needs at Sea Certified Accessible Travel Advocate
  • Travel Safety Certified
  • Certified Sandals Specialist
  • Jamaica Specialist
  • St. Kitts Specialist
  • Regent Seven Seas – Luxury Cruise Expert
  • Norwegian Cruise Lines Master’s Degree
  • Virgin Voyages Certified
  • Avalon Waterways Specialist
  • National Geographic Journeys Specialist (and a member of the G Adventures Agent Advisory Panel)
  • Certified Globus Tour Expert/ Globus +Cosmos Specialist
  • MBA – Monograms Booking Agent Independent Travel Specialist
  • Universal Orlando Resort Specialist
  • Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
  • CLIA Member (Cruise Lines International Association) – CLIA supports policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment and is dedicated to promoting the cruise travel experience. They also provide travel agents with valuable training and industry information.

Where would you like to go next? Let’s talk about your next adventure!

To visit my website, go to: kboss.dreamvacations.com