To mardi Gras — and beyond
This year is a special one for me: this summer marks a full decade since I first began writing about cruises. In the fall of 2009, I had been laid off from a lucrative career as an editor in Vancouver’s animated television industry, and in order to pass the time while waiting for employment callbacks that never came, I began writing about my favourite form of travel.
To my surprise, my love of ships and the ocean translated well into a career. I left animation for good in early 2012, and have been cruising along ever since. I’ve been cruising for 21 years now, personally and professionally, and what really amazes me is that, after all this time, I can still find itineraries and ships that excite me.
The other unexpected benefit has been the opportunity for me to host cruises in different places around the world. I’ve met readers of Ports + Bows on ships all over the world, and even people who knew me from before my Postmedia days. It’s something I enjoy and look forward to immensely.
This coming February, I’ll be taking a group of Expedia guests on board Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Reflection for a very unique cruise. It is an itinerary I’ve never seen before, and one that I am really excited about, as it spends three full days in New Orleans during the famous Mardi Gras festival.
Here’s what’s going to happen: Celebrity Reflection departs from sunny Fort Lauderdale,
Fla., and we sail over to New Orleans for a two-night, threeday stay in the city. That gives guests plenty of time to explore the Big Easy and take in the famed Mardi Gras celebrations. Even when Celebrity Reflection finally does leave, it does so at 10 p.m., allowing for three evenings of nightlife and fun.
Two days cruising the Caribbean Sea follow our New Orleans stop, before Celebrity Reflection arrives in Grand Cayman. I love Grand Cayman: It’s a small and unassuming island that has a laid-back vibe to it.
Next, Celebrity Reflection heads for Cozumel. No matter how many times I’m in Cozumel, I always enjoy myself. You can do the stereotypical tequila tasting shore excursion and have a great time. You can visit the ancient seaside ruins of Tulum or venture inland to explore the remains of Chichen Itza. Or, just hit the beach and grab a cold one.
After that, it’s back to Fort Lauderdale and the conclusion of the most interesting 10-night Caribbean cruise I’ve seen in a long time.
For more information on how
to be a part of this exciting hosted voyage, or to reserve your spot on board, be sure to visit cruise. center/mardigras or call 1-800410-4744.
Happy cruising.
Visit portsandbows.com, sponsored by Expedia Cruiseshipcenters, 1-800-707-7327, www.cruiseshipcenters.com, for daily updates on the latest cruise news, best deals and behind-the-scenes stories from the industry. You can also sign up for an email newsletter on the site for even more cruise information. Aaron Saunders may be contacted directly at portsandbowsaaron@gmail.com