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5 Musts for Your First Trip to Alaska
There’s a reason that Alaska is a bucket list destination for so many people. When you see photos of Alaska, they are absolutely majestic – and you just can’t help but want to experience it for yourself. As an Alaskan Cruise Specialist, I love guiding my clients through every step of their Alaskan Cruise Adventure.
From snow capped mountains and glaciers to whale sightings and bald eagles, there’s just so much to see and experience in Alaska. But taking your first trip can be so overwhelming – where do you start? As a travel advisor, who has traveled to Alaska myself, I help guide my clients through every step of their trip. From must-do activities to packing suggestions, I provide guidance and travel tips so my clients are completely ready for their first trip to Alaska. Here are my Top 5 Musts for your first trip to Alaska.
See Alaska From a Cruise ShipEveryone knows that the state of Alaska is massive. But did you know it's as wide as the lower states and larger than Texas, California, and Montana combined. It’s impossible to be able to see and do everything on your first trip to Alaska – so I always suggest taking an Alaskan Cruise to get a great sampling of some of the most bucket list Alaskan Adventures.
Bring BinocularsExpect to see the most amazing variety of wildlife that you just can’t see anywhere else. Not only will you have an opportunity to spot bears, but you may also encounter moose, bald eagles, Alaskan salmon, harbor seals, sea lions, and, my favorite sighting, humpback and orca whales! These are my favorite binoculars.
Book a Balcony CabinWhile you could go out onto your cruise ship’s deck to view wildlife and glaciers, there’s nothing quite as impressive and memorable as spotting a breaching whale and hearing the white thunder of glacier’s calving from your own private balcony on your Alaskan Cruise. Grab your binoculars, your travel mug full of hot cocoa or coffee and your favorite cozy blanket and take it all in.
Wear Layers & Great ShoesAlaskan weather is hard to predict and can change from day to day! And while I don’t suggest lugging your entire closet from home, it is essential to wear layers and have comfortable shoes for walking. If you’re cruising by glaciers while on your ship you may want to put on that hat, gloves and scarf, but while exploring a quaint Alaskan town you may want to peel off that outer layer, wear short sleeves and take a hike.
Have Plenty of Camera BatteryMore than anything on your Alaskan Adventure, you can expect to take a ton of pictures to capture all of those once-in-a-lifetime memories, so the last thing you want to do is run out of battery! I suggest bringing a spare battery – and plenty of charging devices. Be prepared to come home with a camera full of stunning photos that might include mountains, whales and even the most adorable dog sledding puppies.
If Alaska isn’t on your bucket list – it should be! And if it’s been on your bucket list for a while, it’s time to experience it for yourself and get it checked off your bucket list! Let's book your Alaskan Cruise today!
Email me to get started: Jessica.Pratt@VincentVacations.com
Jessica Pratt, Alaskan Cruise Specialist
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Jessica Pratt
Ever since my husband and I got married in Mexico, we made a promise to ourselves to plan romantic getaways and adults only vacations every year, even after we had kids. Our favorite destinations so far are the Hawaiian Islands, Sandals Resorts - specifically in Jamaica, the Bahamas and Antigua - and our unforgettable Alaskan Cruise. I’m passionate about helping other couples plan time away from everyday responsibilities and take time to rest, relax and reconnect. We are committed to continuing to travel, just the two of us, but now we are also introducing our two kids to traveling the world and making memories together as a family. As a Hawaiian Destination Expert, our family's ever-growing bucket list includes visiting every Hawaiian Island, and we are well on our way!
Overwhelmed with travel planning? My job is to take away the work, worry and hours and hours of research, preparation and planning of your getaway so that you can enjoy your much-deserved vacation time. I love getting to know my clients and working directly with them to create a trip that is exactly what they were dreaming of.
I’m excited to work with you to create your dream adults only escape to make memories that will last a lifetime. Contact me so we can get started today!
Jessica Pratt, Travel Agent, Edmond, Oklahoma Vincent Vacations Jessica.Pratt@VincentVacations.com
Jessica Pratt
5 Musts for Your First Trip to Alaska
Edmond, OK Travel Agent Near Me
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Ever since my husband and I got married in Mexico, we made a promise to ourselves to plan romantic getaways and adults only vacations every year, even after we had kids. Our favorite destinations so far are the Hawaiian Islands, Sandals Resorts - specifically in Jamaica, the Bahamas and Antigua - and our unforgettable Alaskan Cruise. I’m passionate about helping other couples plan time away from everyday responsibilities and take time to rest, relax and reconnect. We are committed to continuing to travel, just the two of us, but now we are also introducing our two kids to traveling the world ... Read More >>>
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
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Viking Cruise lines is consistently rated #1 in River Cruises, Ocean Cruises and Expedition cruises year after year. I love helping clients create the most amazing experiences they've had on water through Viking.
Travel Alaska Certified Expert
There's something magical about visiting Alaska that you just can't experience anywhere else. From snow capped mountains and glaciers to whale sightings and bald eagles, there’s just so much to see and experience in Alaska. Whether you are interested in an Alaskan Cruise or adventuring by land, I can't wait to help you experience it for yourself!
Certified Sandals Specialist
Couples that are looking for the perfect romantic escape should look no further than a Sandals Resort. Sandals Resorts bring a standard of excellence and inclusions that are unmatched. But matching you to the perfect Sandals Resort Destination is where I excel. Each Sandals resort has it's own unique atmosphere and vibe and I love helping couples find their perfect Sandals.
Whether you love adventure, romance or relaxation (or a combination of all of the above), Hawaii is a destination you'll never forget! From beaches and mountains, to waterfalls and hiking and everything in between, you'll dream of going to Hawaii again and again. And if you’ve never experienced the Aloha Spirit – the warm welcome you will receive at every turn in Hawaii – well, it’s not really something I can put into words – you just need to experience it for yourself. I can't wait to send you there!
Princess Cruises Alaska Expert
Princess Cruise line is consistently rated the #1 cruise line in Alaska - for good reason! Offering so many cruise and cruisetour choices, there's something for everyone. I've experienced Alaska first-hand on Princess and will help you choose the best itinerary for your bucket-list Alaskan Adventure!
Aruba Certified Expert
Aruba, affectionately know as 'One Happy Island,' is beloved for its year-round sunshine and ideal location on the outside fringes of the hurricane belt. It's the perfect destination for both families and honeymooners and all types of vacationers in between. Let me send you to Aruba to experience 'One Happy Island' for yourself.
Greater Miami and the Beaches Specialist
From activities and events to accommodations and attractions, Miami offers a myriad of exciting things to do, see, taste and experience. Make it a vacation destination or a pre- or post-cruise experience. Clients from all interests will find something they love in Miami - from the amazing cuisine to the arts to outdoor life.
Key West's Key Lime Academy
The Florida Keys has so much to offer. I loved learning about the unique charm of the Keys with insider tips on attractions, photo ops, restaurants and amazing places worth discovering. In Key West, you can find a little bit of everything: sun and sand, adventure and entertainment, culture and romance. I'd love to send you to discover Key West!
La Coleccion Resorts
I'm so excited to have completed the La Colección Resorts certification process. La Coleccion Resorts encompass 15 distinctive resorts in Mexico and Dominican Republic's most sought-after destinations. I'm here to help exceed my client's expectations on the very best resort vacation experience and the La Coleccion brand brings it home.
AMResorts Master Agent
Some of my favorite resorts to send clients to are AMResorts Brands. These include Secrets, Dreams and Breathless, to name a few. This award-winning resort collection offers fantastic service, wonderful amenities and my clients always return from their trip with amazing reviews.
Universal Studios Parks & Resorts Specialist
I love to help families plan trips to Universal Studios! There's magic in entering Diagon Alley for the first time and seeing everything you've read in the Harry Potter series come to life. Standing next to life-sized Transformers, going on adventures with Minions and braving Jurassic World are among some of the memories you will bring home after your Universal Studios Vacation. I've completed the official training, sent numerous families on Universal Studios Vacations and experienced Universal Studios myself - I'd love to send you too!
17 Reviews & Success stories
Dream Hawaiian Vacation
We just got back from a dream vacation in Hawaii!! We are so thankful to Jessica!! She listened and took into account our families wants and planned according!! We had the perfect mix of super fun activities and relaxing by the pool and beach!! (She didn’t even get mad when I forgot the time difference and texted her at 1am 😬) we can’t wait to start planning our next adventure with her!!❤️ ---Danae S
Italy Babymoon was amazing
Jessica Pratt is the best. She is very helpful even when there is a 7+ hour time difference between us. Very grateful for her being our travel agent. -- Ashtin B.
We LOVED Sandals Royal Bahamian
We absolutely loved Sandals Royal Bahamian!! The trip was incredibly relaxing. We will definitely go back. The water was the prettiest I’ve ever been to. Our favorite part was the private island. The restaurant was absolutely delicious!!
The room was wonderful. Our view was great. We could sit on our balcony and watch the people in the pool and see the ocean. Housekeeping and the cleanliness of the resort was fabulous!!!!
Thank you for helping make this an amazing vacation for us. You are amazing - always so attentive and so helpful!
Sandals Royal Bahamian was the perfect destination to celebrate our 10th Anniversary
We absolutely LOVED our trip. Our favorite part was by far the private island. I think if you asked my husband, he would say the chocolate cookies at the coffee food truck (Sweets N Tings) - amazing!
We rented Jet Skis and That was AMAZING and so glad we did it. Food and Drinks were awesome! All of the restaurants were SOO good. We really enjoyed our butler’s. Thanks for all of your help with our 10 year anniversary, Jessica. You helped us pick the PERFECT Sandals Resort and It was the most perfect trip!!!
-Katie H
Magnificent Alaskan Cruise
Everything about that trip was magnificent! You did so well on that trip for me and dad that I will take your recommendations on all future trips - thank you for all the work you did! -- Kathy
Alaskan Adventure
We had the time of our lives! Thank you for all of your help. We could have never taken our whole family on an Alaskan Cruise without your guidance. What an adventure! -- Clint & Jill
Dream Hawaiian Anniversary
There's no way we would have known about all these wonderful things you have booked for us. Thank you for planning a perfect anniversary trip. Hawaii was everything and more than we could have dreamed of. -- Jimmy & Karen
Paradise in Hawaii
Jessica told us things that we would have never have known to do (in Maui) if we had planned the vacation ourselves. She listened to what we wanted to do, and offered us suggestions accordingly. We truly enjoyed planning our dream vacation to Maui with her and will use y her again in the future. I have already recommended her to my friends. -Rhonda
The most incredible honeymoon!!!
Jessica answered any and all of my questions and created such an amazing vacation experience for us (Trip: Unico Riviera Maya, All-inclusive, Adults only). -Jordan
Beach Getaway
Jessica was extremely organized, thorough, and easy to work with. (Trip: Eden Roc, Miami, Florida) -Tina
Best family trip we've taken!
The entire experience was seamless and exceptional! From start to finish we were please. She thought of everything and took into account all our request. Will be using her again. (Trip: DisneyWorld, Orlando, Florida) -A.W.
Disney with ease!
I had a great experience and will be booking again! (Trip: DisneyWorld, Orlando, Florida) -Haley
Amazing Time Away
Jessica was great! she listened to our wants and needs then delivered exactly what we were looking for. (Trip to Secrets Los Cabos, Mexico) -KKapp
Great Getaway to Captiva Island
Jessica was very helpful and was always pleasant and a pleasure to work with. (Trip to Captiva Island, Florida) -Senior Citizen
Disney Wishes and Epcot Dreams
Jessica actually planned two trips for us because the first one got cancelled. She was great both times and was very timely and thorough in her responses. The first trip we planned was easy because we had taken cruises before but the second trip, Disney (Orlando, Florida), we were out of our comfort zone. Jessica guided us along the way making sure we were able to plan a great trip in a very short timeframe with COVID limitations on top of all of it. -Jessica J.
Happy Boy Momma - Universal Studios
I’m gonna brag on Jessica Pratt a whole lot right now!! She made our trip to Universal Studios (Orlando, Florida) very amazing.. as a single mom it’s hard to save up and do for the kids. But she made everything I wanted possible! I just will sing her praises from the roof tops! We will definitely use her again.. and I highly recommend using her!! -K Beck
Jessica was awesome to work with. She was very helpful and patient with me as my plans changed multiple times before the final trip was booked. We had a great trip (Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, Naples, Florida) and will be using Jessica again in the future. -Coconut Point
There's something about the holiday season that just brings along a sense of wonder and magic with it.
And if you love surrounding yourself with the sights, smells and feelings of the festive holiday spirit like I do, then you will want to embark on a Christmas market river cruise with AmaWaterways.
Imagine sailing along Europe's most scenic rivers, stopping at charming towns along the way that are draped with holiday lights. Here's a glimpse into what makes an AmaWaterways Christmas market river cruise a truly magical experience.
Shopping for Unique Holiday Gifts
From hand-carved wooden ornaments to stunning glassware and delicious local treats like Lebkuchen and Stollen, you will find something special for everyone on your list. It is so fun to shop for these local treasures that you will never find in mass market stores.
Strolling Through Famous European Christmas Markets
One of the highlights of a Christmas market river cruise is the opportunity to visit some of Europe's most famous and charming markets including: Nuremberg, Germany, one of the oldest and most famous in Germany; Vienna, Austria, the Austrian capital with several stunning and iconic Christmas markets; and Budapest, Hungary, with its traditional Hungarian chimney cakes.
Experiencing Onboard Holiday Festivities
The magic of the holiday season is not just in your time at the Christmas markets on land, but your time onboard the ship as well. AmaWaterways ensures that your cruise is filled with festive cheer with holiday-themed activities and entertainment. Christmas caroling, tree decorating, and special holiday feasts are all a part of the onboard Christmas magic.
Enjoying A Stress-Free Holiday Experience
One of the things I love most about a Christmas market river cruise is the stress-free experience it offers. From guided tours of the markets to seamless transportation between destinations, every detail is meticulously planned so you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the festive spirit.
Creating Unforgettable Memories
I don't think of a Christmas market river cruise as a vacation; it's exploring the breathtaking scenery of unique destinations, it's creating precious memories with your loved ones and it's a holiday experience that you will truly never forget.
If you are looking for the perfect way to experience the magic of the holiday season, let's start planning your Christmas Market River Cruise.
Have you dreamed of visiting Europe but are a little overwhelmed by it all? A River Cruise is the perfect answer for a unique and relaxing way to explore Europe without the overwhelm.
Check out my five reasons why a River Cruise is the perfect way to explore Europe:
Explore multiple destinations with ease. No one wants to travel all the way over to Europe to just see one city. And the idea of staying in 4-5 different hotels in one trip to be able to see various areas is exhausting. River cruises offer an excellent way to see multiple destinations without the hassle. As you gently sail down the river, it is absolutely dreamy to marvel at the unbelievable scenery and see so much of the the world go by as you make your way to your next destination.
Enjoy luxurious amenities - While the River Cruise is transporting you from destination to destination you'll be enjoying the most comfortable accommodations, fine dining and on-board entertainment. You'll be able to continue to enjoy everything that your cruise has to offer onboard instead of the hustle and bustle of trying to get to your next destination.
Experience the culture - River cruises offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the places you visit. Whether you're exploring the medieval castles along the Rhine or the stunning architecture of Budapest, you'll be able to get up close and personal with the local culture.
Unpack just once - Unlike traditional land-based travel, you only need to unpack once on a river cruise. This means you can continue to relax and enjoy your trip without worrying about constantly packing and unpacking your bags.
It's a stress-free way to travel - River cruises are a stress-free way to travel. All the details are taken care of for you, from your accommodations to your meals and excursions. You can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey as you explore the beautiful rivers of Europe.
With multiple destinations, luxurious amenities, cultural experiences, stress-free travel, and the opportunity to unpack just once, a River Cruise is the perfect way to explore new destinations in Europe.
As a travel advisor, I often get asked about river cruising. While river cruises are definitely growing in popularity, if you've never done it before, you likely still have a lot of questions.
Here are the top five questions I get asked about river cruising and how I guide my clients to find the trip that's perfect for them.
1. What’s the Difference Between River Cruises and Ocean Cruises?
This is the number one question I hear, and it's a great one! The two main differences between River Cruises and Ocean Cruises is 1)the size and style of the ships and 2)the overall experience you are going to have. River cruise ships are much smaller, typically carrying around 100 to 200 passengers, compared to ocean liners that can accommodate thousands. This means that on a River Cruise, you are going to experience a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere with personalized service. Also, river cruises often dock in the heart of cities and towns, giving you easy access to local attractions, whereas ocean cruises usually stop at larger ports, sometimes requiring longer travel times to reach the main sights.
2. What Are the Activities Like?
With River cruising, you can expect a lot more relaxation onboard the ship with lounges, libraries and scenic views. Many cruise lines also offer special activities such as cooking classes and wine tastings. The pace is unhurried, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Each day typically includes stops at different destinations where you can join guided tours, visit historic sites, or explore on your own.
3. Will I Get Seasick on a River Cruise?
Good news for those prone to seasickness: river cruises are completely different from the feeling of an ocean cruise and are typically very smooth and stable. Rivers are typically calm, with little to no waves, so the motion of the boat is minimal compared to the ocean. River cruise ships are designed to sail smoothly through these gentle waters. If you're worried about seasickness, a river cruise is a really great option.
4. Is a River Cruise a Good Way to See Europe for the First Time?
Absolutely! River cruises are such a great way to experience Europe, especially for first-timers. You'll visit multiple countries and cities without the need for constant packing and unpacking. River cruises are like a floating hotel while giving you the opportunity to explore bucket list destinations like Paris, Vienna, and Amsterdam without the hassle of having to navigate logistics between destinations. You'll actually be able to see Europe's countryside in a way that's not possible with other forms of travel by seeing it from the water AND on land. It couldn't be more perfect.
5. Are River Cruises All-Inclusive?
Many river cruises are pretty close to all-inclusive, but we'll definitely go over this during our vacation planning process. Typically, a river cruise will include accommodations, meals, most beverages, and a range of shore excursions. Some cruise lines also include gratuities, Wi-Fi, and airport transportation. Certain premium excursions, specialty dining, and beverages like fine wines or spirits may cost extra.
River cruising is gaining popularity, and for good reason - it's such an incredible way to travel, offering a mix of relaxation, cultural immersion and scenic beauty.
I can't wait to help you experience the beauty of Europe through a River Cruise!