Wishes for a Happy and Prosperous 2009 from everyone at Enrichment Voyages!

With 2009 upon us, now is the time to act on your resolution to travel more - and our Passage Through Panama voyages scheduled for this May are just the ticket! Enjoy a full transit of the Panama Canal, visits to both the Pacific and Caribbean shores of Costa Rica and, when you book now, "Better Than 2-for-1" savings and free round trip air. You can even extend your stay in Costa Rica with a 4-night pre- or post-cruise package that will offer unique sightseeing opportunities, deluxe accommodations and more. Click here for details on the Passage Through Panama sailings. Fares for the 14 night voyages begin as low as $1,999 per person, including air.

Sharon's "live" updates direct from the MV Explorer will resume in the coming days.

Manaus is one of the world’s largest cities that is not accessible by road. That fact only emphasizes the importance of this mighty superhighway that is the Amazon River and it is mind boggling to think that every single item in this bustling city arrived here by plane or more likely by boat. And like a superhighway you’ll find floating gas stations in the river as you approach this metropolis by ship.

                         On the "road" to Manaus, passengers brave a light rain to take in the sites

                             

                                            The Manaus waterfront welcomes the MV Explorer

We’re especially prepared for our Field Programs today as Dan Everett’s Enrichment Session included the pre-port briefing. Dan, who is currently Professor of Linguistics, Anthropology, and Biological Sciences at Illinois State University, has lived and conducted field studies in the Amazon for over 30 years. He is most famous for his findings about the Piraha people and was able to master their language by understanding how their thoughts were shaped by circumstances. In linguistic terms his theorems are as revolutionary to his field as the discovery that the earth is round and not flat was to map makers. So you see our port briefing prepares us not only with typical tourist tips on safety, currency and sightseeing but an understanding of why everything is the way it is. Thanks to his Enrichment Sessions we have a deeper appreciation of this strange and exotic land and its inhabitants.

                            The pre-port Enrichment Session for Manaus was especially informative

With the variety of Field Programs to choose from it was hard to decide on what to do. The excursions run the gamut from simple city tours that give you the basic lay of the land to more adventurous ones that require a higher level of physical fortitude. As an Enrichment Voyage we are very proud of our Scientific Tour for those who crave a more advanced look at the biological aspects of our destination and our Community Service Tour for the unique opportunity to raise social awareness.  

                       

                               The walkway at the Manaus Opera House features a mosaic design

                   that evokes the legendary Meeting of the Waters. Photo Courtesy Janey Smith

It’s satisfying to know that our guests are customizing their adventures at their own comfort levels. Imagine, at the same time, we have guests visiting one of the most spectacular opera houses in the world, a private concert illustrating for them what perfect acoustics means and on the opposite end of the spectrum there is a small but fearless band of explorers spending an overnight in the jungle in hammocks with mosquito netting! A professional survivalist who was trained by the military’s Center for Intensive Guerilla War in Rain Forest guides them so, you see, this is not your average collection of shore excursions.                                  
I’m on a tour called the Meeting of the Waters. We are picked up at the foot of our ship by one of the ubiquitous open air, double-decker riverboats that service the Amazon community. We have 50 guests on each, which affords us loads of space to move around in either a shaded area or in the sun. We’re taken up river to the Rio Negro where we disembark our boat and board smaller covered canoes, very stable by the way, in groups of just ten. We are so close to the water yet protected, and I feel like I’m part of this land, this flooded forest.

 

                                                 A covered canoe is perfect for sightseeing

I’ve been paying close attention to Dr Allan Schoenherr, our resident Biologist, Geologist and recognized author of two major books on the Natural History of California. His lectures on the indigenous tropical birds and plants has been fascinating and his colorful slides have prepared me to go forth and hopefully get to see some of the species for which I now know the names. I might even be able to contribute to the “Birder’s List”, an impromptu posting in the library that was started by some of our bird watchers. Every time they see a rare exotic species they list it and the location where it was seen! I love the sharing of knowledge here aboard the MV Explorer.

                                                A local "resident" stops by to visit our canoe

Our guides, river dwellers themselves, point out not only the flora and fauna but make a case for ecological awareness that they hope we will spread to others on our return home.

                                                 If I had to bring a pet home from the Amazon,

                                                      I think I'd choose the one on the right ;-)                              

The next stop is the confluence of the Rio Solimoes and the Rio Negro, the Meeting of the Waters as it is called. Here the natural phenomenon of two rivers join to help form the mighty Amazon but do not mix, a phenomenon that must be seen to be fully appreciated. Due to their differing temperatures, mineral content and speeds, their waters meet but do not mix. This would not be readily apparent or even intriguing to laymen like myself except for the fact that the waters are distinctly different colors, flowing side by side. The guides say one is like coffee with cream and the other is like chocolate!

 

                                      The Meeting of the Waters. Photo Courtesy Janey Smith

Our tour also took us on a short trek to see giant water lilies. The moderately strenuous hike took us over a rough hewn boardwalk, the type you would expect to see in a jungle rain forest, to a still and swampy area that we could inspect from the safety of our treetop viewing platform.

 

Soon it was time to return home with our snapshots and our stories. A golden sunset and a cool breeze were our rewards for a day well spent in this primordial land. How nice it is to be junior explorers for a day. To be able to simply take a taste of what some of our esteemed colleagues have endured in this harsh environment yet return to the comforts of our cruise ship, the MV Explorer.

 

On Christmas Eve we approached the mouth of the Amazon River and the city of Macapa where we picked up the pilot who would guide our ship along this vast waterway. In the morning light of Christmas day it was surprising to see no land on either side of us. It could have been like any other day on the open sea except for the muddy look of the water, which reminded us of where we were. Yes, the Amazon is so vast that the mouth of the river is 200 miles wide.

In the spirit of Eco Tourism and social conscience, which is what an Enrichment Voyage is all about, we are voluntarily making efforts to conserve water. We will be on the Amazon for nearly a week and we cannot take on water for the duration. Our small contribution simply involves taking shorter showers or hanging our towels to be used twice instead of just once and not letting the water run as we brush our teeth; painless efforts that go a long way for the sake of the environment.

As we cruised through Christmas day we eventually caught sight of the riverbanks that narrowed on us the further upstream we sailed. The lush green vistas were only occasionally broken by the sight of a windowless hut on stilts or a small dugout canoe gliding silently by. It’s at this point that we were joined by some of the “locals”. Some lovely moths about the size of Shaquille O’Neil’s hand had come to take a break with us on deck and seemed to pose as we snapped photos.

Our adventure is truly that for remoteness such as this is still a hard concept for us North Americans to grasp even as we penetrate the heart of this rare frontier. As one of our ranks asked Dan Everett, Professor of Linguistics, Anthropology, and Biological Sciences at Illinois State University, and who has lived and worked in the Amazon for over 30 years, “What about mail service?” He was lecturing about the Caboclo, the Amazonian River Dwellers, and advised us that news is only gotten by radio or passing riverboats and gently reminded us that most all of the Caboclo are illiterate anyways. Many shook their heads as they tried to imagine life without cell phones, email or even hardcopy mail.

                                 Christmas Day Family Celebrations in the Piano Lounge Onboard

Christmas aboard was filled with carols performed by the Enrichment Voyages staff, a folk dancing exhibition, a festive tea dance, a visit by Santa and a gala dinner. All was warm and cozy aboard and lots of people actually dressed for the occasion although it was certainly not required. I expect that the Enrichment Voyages in May will be even more casual as there will be no holidays as big as Christmas or New Year’s Eve.

Everyone is now anxious to stretch some legs in Manaus. See you there!

Three days before Christmas and we’re getting warmer as we near the equator and call on Bridgetown, Barbados. And who do you think comes aboard the MV Explorer to greet us? It’s the world famous Royal Barbados Police Band. Along with them we have Trevor Marshall, history lecturer from Barbados Community College, who not only shares his knowledge with us but also treats us to a clever and slightly ribald calypso tune. The band then serenaded us with Christmas music island style. It was a real crowd pleaser.


                             The Royal Barbados Police band performs aboard the MV Explorer

As if that was not enough of a greeting we found brightly costumed cultural performers awaiting us on the pier. Lovely ladies twirled their traditional Barbadian costumes, sequined stilt dancers glistened in the morning sunlight and a tiny band delighted guests as they debarked for the day.


                                                       Traditional Barbadian Costume




                                                     He's completely off the ground!


                                                           Colorful Carnivale Costumes

I chose a travel poster kind of day; I went to the beach. Almost any beach will do in Barbados; they’re all good. It was everything a travel ad might promise: sugary white sand, stunning blue waters and beautiful people. For a break from the sun there’s nothing like trying out the local food and beverage at a seaside café. I enjoyed flying-fish fingers and a Mount Gay rum, the amber colored nectar made here in sugar cane central.


                                 Accra Beach on Barbados... This could be where they take all     
                                   those Caribbean beach photos you see in travel magazines

One of my longtime clients informed me that he and his wife took themselves to the opposite end of the island by local bus! They said the cost was about $3.60 for the both of them roundtrip! Now that’s an intrepid traveler. For the majority of us who preferred a more structured look around there were field programs that included visits to a traditional Great House, an Exotic Garden, and Wildlife center.

Dinner aboard that evening was offered both in the Aquamarine Dining Room where the seating is open and out by the pool where we had a great barbeque. It’s so nice that casual attire is accepted in all venues for dinner especially after busy days in port.


                                                The Barbados House of Parliament

It was a perfectly temperate evening on deck and the smell of the grilling foods while the sky presented its sunset slideshow of colors made for a tantalizing combination. We feasted on marinated pork loin that melted in your mouth, grilled fresh tuna steak and chicken breasts. There was a Caesar salad station, a make your own potato skins bar featuring the chef’s homemade duck chili and a sundae table. I couldn’t even bear to look at the late night snack at 10pm after all that.

To top off the evening Judy Lunn entertained us with her wonderful vocals and guitar. I say it like I’m surprised because I was. You see Judy is also one of our IT experts aboard. That means she is one of the ladies who assists us on the computers. She and Rita Enders are so helpful when it comes to anything internet-related. They also gave a "Circles of Interest" session featuring how to organize, transfer, edit and email photos. So you see, in the spirit of Semester At Sea where it seems everyone is multi-talented, Judy was also wearing several hats. And may I say that this hat she wears as an entertainer fits her to a tee. When she sang the song “Calypso” about the Cousteau vessel she could have been singing about the MV Explorer. It seemed to move the audience and they all sang along.


                                    The MV Explorer gets some TLC and fresh paint in port

We’re getting closer to our feature destination, the Amazon River, and I can feel the excitement building amongst the guests. Stay with us as we take the ultimate field trip aboard the MV Explorer!

                                     Enrichment Voyages' AV Coordinator Courtney Miller with                                               a house that looks good enough to eat!

From everyone aboard the MV Explorer, Season's Greetings!

“Can you smell the money?” Dr Milt, our sharp-witted ship’s physician, asks me. We’re on the tender from the MV Explorer making our way through the yacht studded harbor of St Bart’s. And yes, I’m beginning to see what he means. These sailboats are some toys and as we near the island the motor yachts lining the quay seem to grow to enormous dimensions.

                                              Big Boys and their land and sea toys on St. Bart's

At first glance it looks like your generic Caribbean port but on closer inspection you notice there is no Senor Frogs or Margaritaville or even a Diamonds International for that matter! What kind of island is this? That’s when I started noticing familiar names like Hermes, Chopard and Louis Vuitton and realized it was 5th Avenue or more appropriately, the Champs Elysee, on vacation. Like their well-heeled clientele, these vendors have come to St Bart’s to shed their formal marble and brass storefronts and have donned their colorful tropical looks both inside and out. I just can’t picture orange ostrich skin purses anywhere else but in the Caribbean. And not on every island at that.

                                       The old fort on the hill stands guard over Gustavia, St. Barts

 Our guests are enjoying numerous field programs on the water and throughout the island. I get reports from some about the charming neighborhoods near the old fort that watches over Gustavia from the hilltop on one side of the yacht haven. We gasp as we watch a seaplane descending sharply to land at an unseen strip behind the red and white lighthouse that tops the opposite cliff. This is a picture perfect day.

It’s Sunday and when we return from port there is an interdenominational service with many guests participating by reading from their favorite scriptures and singing hymns.

The next activity is one that really illustrates how much more you get from an Enrichment Voyage compared to the everyday cruise experience. Our port briefing for Barbados is not about shopping for duty-free jewelry and rums it is an historical and cultural overview and a prep session for the field programs. Our speakers are Dr Bernard Strenecky who was at one time a leader in the travel industry and is now Honorary Consul for Barbados and Philip St Hill, the Deputy Consul General for Barbados. Their information would help us get so much more from our excursions. What better sources of information could you ask for?

My favorite happening of the day was yet another example of how unique an Enrichment Voyage is. Our resident geologist, Richard Lozinsky, mentioned that we would be passing a volcano on our way to Barbados. Located on the island of Montserrat the volcano has been active for many years but of late has been showing increased signs of life. [Editor's Note: The then-dormant Montserrat volcano was the inspiration for the hit Jimmy Buffet song "Volcano" written when he was recording the album of the same name in in Montserrat in 1979.] How do you like this, the Captain modified our course to get us within view of Montserrat. Based on the day’s geological data we were hoping to see the glow from a new lava flow. So at 7pm we met Richard who gave us a quick briefing and we headed out onto the deck to see what we could see……..which ended up being nothing. But despite not seeing anything the guests were so pleased with the efforts our staff took to give us this spur of the moment opportunity and they giggled as they braced themselves against the stiff winds out on deck. On what other ship would you see that kind of consideration?

                                   Passengers "Volcano Spotting" from Deck 7 of the MV Explorer

We’re off to the land of sugar cane and sugary sand beaches. See you there!

"Bonus Night" is what we call the optional add-on day we offered for the Amazon Expedition aboard the MV Explorer. Considering the time of year and the weather concerns along with travel issues in general these days we suggested that many guests might like to arrive a day before we sailed from Nassau just in case. Was that ever a good idea! [Editor's Note:  the 1 night pre-cruise package, which included accommodations and meals aboard the MV Explorer, was offered to those passengers with a substantial air journey to reach the ship in Nassau.] 

Given the numerous flight delays due to weather, which naturally lead to baggage issues, Bonus Night was a blessing for many. And the majority of the truant luggage had a chance to be delivered to the ship before we sailed from Nassau.

We provided a private check-in terminal just for the Enrichment Voyages’ guests which was separate from the one that all the other cruise lines share. Not only was it protected from the elements but the  location was directly in front of the gangway.

Soon enough we had our intrepid travelers aboard and we set sail for a leisurely two-day cruise to St Barthelemy, a.k.a. St Bart’s, an idyllic, French island hideaway for the rich and famous. Can’t wait to see that!

                             Sunset in Nassau Harbor on Wednesday, Dec. 17 (aka Bonus Night)

This being an Enrichment Voyage our two days are filled with Enrichment sessions featuring a variety of topics relevant to our itinerary. We are so fortunate to have aboard with us several scholars/authors sharing their insights on anthropology, biology, art history, geology, environmental concerns & economic development issues. Whew, that’s a wealth of knowledge we have here!

During our May 2008 Enrichment Voyage, our artist in residence, Ciel Duke,  gave classes that were so popular we’ve invited her back and this time she has a larger classroom and double sessions. And let’s not forget our international folk dancers and many wonderful entertainers that I’ll tell you more about later.

Not only is the level of interest high judging from the packed audiences but our guests are truly engaged in the topics. One of our speakers was so impressed that they could ask her such a relevant and up to the minute question that she did not readily have an answer. She’s delighted to have the challenge and has already dispatched her assistants to investigate.

                                   Enrichment Voyage passengers enjoy time on deck as the

                                  MV Explorer cruises along at 17.3 knots toward St. Bart's

 

There’s more to come soon. See you in St Bart’s!

"Never say no to a trip" is what my friend Kathy told me years ago. I always heeded that wise little tidbit and luckily for me I've had numerous opportunities to follow her advice. This time around I got short notice for an assignment; just  10 days to prepare for a 3 week trip to the Amazon aboard the MV Explorer.

This particular Enrichment Voyage, which is a joint venture between ISE, the Institute for Shipboard Education, and Online Vacation Center, is one that does indeed require advance preparation. A Brazilian Visa and a shot for Yellow Fever must be obtained prior to boarding the ship. But I never say no to a trip. Living just one hour from Miami made it possible to get the visa in 48 hours and visiting the local health department saved me over $100 for the vaccination.

I was on the MV Explorer in May and was excited to be returning. It's like getting together with an old friend, the adventurous friend. You know the kind, the one who tugs at your sleeve and says, "You've got to see this!" and always shows you something new and exciting. You follow willingly, unable to refuse for you know there are ever-changing horizons and brand new experiences whenever you travel with this friend. It's good to be back aboard.

  

The MV Explorer - one of the  fastest, safest and most technologically-advanced ships in the world

As you may know the MV Explorer is a working school ship and serious academia is her  focus. Twice yearly she packs up the college students and ventures out for 100-day semesters calling on far flung destinations and continues in the summer with a 60-day itinerary. As well as the students, "lifelong learners" are also welcomed and may also earn college credits awarded by the University of Virginia

In all the descriptions of the experience Semester at Sea provides for both its students & staff I regularly hear the phrase "life changing." The bonds made on this ship are significant and enduring as was evident when we gathered for the safety drill today where face after face lit up with the thrill of seeing long time buddies once again.

Now most of us cannot possibly manage 100 days away from home so 2 to 3 week Enrichment Voyages in between the semesters are viable options for enjoying a taste of this life. Some of our guests for the Amazon Expedition will be returning Alumni of the SAS program and are always pleased to have the opportunity for a homecoming at their Alma Mater. It is, after all, every bit a campus as well as a ship. But having said that, this campus would have to be classified as an exclusive, boutique-style institution.

Yes, I'm anxious to see how our first time visitors will enjoy the comforts and  ambiance of the MV Explorer. Because, like the students she nurtures, the ship is young, vital and fit. In fact, not only is she the fastest passenger ship in the world but she also scored 100% at her US Health Department inspection two days ago. That's the 4th time in a row. I don't know of any other cruise ship that can make the same claim.

So we're off to Nassau to fetch our guests and whisk them off to points south. Follow along with us as we sail up the Amazon River to explore some of the most sparsely populated areas on earth. Enjoy the ride.

Enrichment Voyages' Sharon Miceli will be onboard the MV Explorer for the 21 night Amazon Expedition sailing that begins this Thursday.

Visit us here at the EnrichmentVoyages.com blog for regular updates, photos and details of all the holiday celebrations onboard for the next several weeks.

You can review the nearly complete list of optional Field Programs for the Amazon Expedition sailing in December by accessing this link.

There are dozens of programs spanning a wide range of interests, and prices begin as low as $27 per person.

Looks like there are some great choices.

 

 

A quick update for those passengers booked aboard the May 22, 2009 Passage Through Panama Enrichment Voyage.

Due to a change in the MV Explorer's schedule, this sailing that departs Puntarenas, Costa Rica will now disembark in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida instead of Nassau, Bahamas on June 5. For those passengers who are using the FREE AIR included in the Enrichment Voyage fare, your air arrangements will automatically be updated.

If you have any questions, call us at 800-709-9520 or contact your Travel Agent.

 

We're pleased to welcome an additional Enrichment Presenter/Expert aboard our Amazon Expedition Holiday voyage this December.

Louis Patler, an award-winning author, speaker and consultant, and president of B.I.T. Consulting Group will be joining us to present Enrichment Sessions on the topics Legacy Leadership: African Influences on Brazil and Brazil's Current Economic Development, Innovating for Results and Generational Values by Age Groups and Nations. You can view his full biography here.

Mr. Patler joins a distinguished group of authors, professors and business leaders who will be sharing their expertise with passengers aboard the Amazon Expedition sailing.

A limited number of staterooms still remain, and we're continuing to honor the Early Booking Discount and include FREE Roundtrip Air from select gateways, so now is the time to make your plans if you want to join us this December. Complete details of the Amazon Expedition Enrichment Voyage can be found here. You can book Online, call Online Vacation Center at 800-709-9520 or contact your local travel agent to reserve your place.

 

Just a quick note to let you know that if you're considering joining us onboard the MV Explorer for one of the Passage Through Panama sailings next May, now is the time to reserve your place.

Our Revenue Management team has advised me that rates will increase this Friday, 8/15. Current rates will be honored through 8 pm ET on Thursday 8/14, so you'll want to make your reservation early this week for one of these great sailings that transit the Panama Canal, call on both the Pacific and Caribbean shores of Costa Rica and visit five other Central American nations. It's a great itinerary, and since FREE Air is included from a number of convenient gateway cities, these Enrichment Voyages are also a great value.

Our Personal Vacation Managers are standing by at 800-709-9520, or you can contact your local travel agent.

Hope to see you onboard an Enrichment Voyage very soon.

Enrichment Voyages has released a partial list of Enrichment Session experts and presenters for the Amazon Expedition sailing this December.

Onboard the MV Explorer, Amazon Expedition guests will sail with:

• Dan Everett, Professor of Linguistics, Anthropology, and Biological Sciences at Illinois State University. His new book, Don't Sleep There are Snakes: Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle  will be released in November. His lectures onboard will focus on the Piraha People, Languages of the Amazon Today, Culture of the Amazonian River Dwellers, and Brazilian Culture.
• Manuel Aguilar, Assistant Professor of Art History at California State University, Los Angeles. Dr. Aguilar is an expert on Maya culture and hieroglyphics and has extensive research experience in Latin and South America. His Enrichment Sesions will include History of Decipherment of the Maya Hieroglyphic Writing, Maya Art and Culture and History of Mariachi Music.
• Martha Madden, president of mMadden Associates. Dr. Madden will bring years of experience consulting in the environmental, energy, education and economic development arenas to bear when she presents Sessions on Global Environmental Issues of the Caribbean and Amazon Environmental Concerns. Additionally, Dr. Madden will present "Wake Up, it's GAP-TIME," a guided tour to transitioning and planning for your retirement dreams that is based on her new book.
• Richard Lozinsky, Professor of Earth Sciences at Fullerton College in Orange County, California. Dr. Lozinsky teaches courses in geology and oceanography, specializing in natural disasters and has  written several natural history field guides on portions of New Mexico and Southern California. His Enrichment Sessions will focus on the amazing Amazon River Basin, earthquake and volcanic hazards in the area, and weather and ocean patterns.
• Allan Schoenherr, retired Professor of Ecology at Fullerton College in southern California. Dr. Schoenherr is a published and  well-respected natural history expert. His Enrichment Sessions will include Whales and Other Marine Mammals, Wildlife of Tropical Forests, Island Wildlife, and Environmental/Ecology Issues in the Caribbean and Amazon.
• Ciel Duke, Artist-in-Residence. Ms Duke received rave reviews aboard the Passport to Central America Enrichment Voyage this past May, and she will be returning to the MV Explorer for the Amazon Expedition. She will provide art workshops such as sketching, water colors and copper tooling, as well as Enrichment Sessions on the artists, Frida Kahlo and Earl Bailly.

More information and full biographies on each of these presenters can be found here, and additional presenters and entertainers will be announced in the near future.

It is not too late to join us aboard the Amazon Expedition Enrichment Voyage. There are a limited number of staterooms remaining, but they are filling quickly. For itinerary and pricing details, visit our Amazon Expedition page, then contact your Personal Vacation Manager at 800-709-9520 or your local tavel agent to reserve your place.