Press Release
Cruising Alaska.
May, 2007 by Gloria Cherafat
Third Time is a Charm for Ben and Mary Pecora.
Can you imagine? Standing on a wraparound teak deck, marveling at the majestic glaciers when, with a sound like thunder, a chunk of ice splits and crashes into the sea. Or sailing through a misty fjord, you see a humpback whale break the surface only to disappear with a resounding splash into silvery-smooth waters. For Ben and Mary Pecora, they've experienced these wonders of Alaska. And they will return for the third time—this trip with Global Connections.
"Alaska is a place you can always go back to," explains Mary. "We've been on 14 cruises between us but Alaska is so beautiful, it's a place we want to return to again and again."
Can you imagine? Standing on a wraparound teak deck, marveling at the majestic glaciers when, with a sound like thunder, a chunk of ice splits and crashes into the sea.
How can you question them, considering these seasoned travelers' experiences? The couple has been whale watching, searched for and found great bald eagles and biked down highways with Glaciers as their backdrop. All are highlights that come standard with any Alaska trip. What doesn't is how they got there.
"We've sailed on Holland America before, and we're doing it again on a group cruise," says Mary. "With the wonderful crew plus the private, exclusive group events, we'll enjoy perks only offered by Global Connections. These will make this trip even more memorable."
The couple will rediscover Alaska in classic elegance on board Holland America's ms Noordam. This new ship was designed for Alaska cruising, featuring wraparound teak decks, wide-open bows and 270° panoramic views from the Crow's Nest lounge. Perhaps more important, are the number of balcony cabins with unobstructed views, allowing passengers to better marvel at the beautiful scenery.
But that's not all. As a guest on a Global Group Cruise, Ben and Mary will enjoy the popular Kansas City entertainer, Tony Antonucci, as he performs the hits of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and a host of many other memorable artists at a private cocktail party and again during an "Evening of Music and Dance." In fact, it's their experience with Tony on a Global Group Cruise to the Caribbean that clinched their decision to sail with Global again to Alaska.
"We learned about Global Connections' Group Cruise at Tony's show in a restaurant in St. Joseph, MO. His performance was the best show on our last cruise," says Mary. "And with a group, the cruise is more personable since you meet people from other parts of the country. It's nice to see friendly faces at the events on board."
Ben and Mary won't have to wait long to experience the beauty of Alaska plus the hospitality of Global Connections. The ms Noordam sails out of Seattle's lovely Puget Sound bound for forested isles, icy-blue glaciers and charming frontier ports on June 24, 2007. Many consider this a once in a lifetime trip. For the Pecoras, they'll watch in wonder as whales, puffins and the park's active tidewater glaciers come into view for the third time in their lives.
Adds Mary, "We're excited once again to sail on another group cruise! With Global Connections and their on board representative, we'll feel more welcome."
Gloria Cherafat is the Manager of Global Connections Travel, a full–service agency offering cruises for groups and individuals, domestic and international tour packages, hotel reservations, car reservations and more.
She and her staff can customize tours for new and seasoned travelers. With the office based in Overland Park, Kansas, you can contact Gloria or her staff of travel consultants by calling 913.498.0960 or Toll-Free 800.299.9617