A Tale of Three Upcoming Voyages

From Costa Rica to India, Three Unique Voyage Reports Are Coming Soon

The next two months promise to be some very exciting times here on From the Deck Chair, with three decidedly unique Voyage Reports that will take us into March. From big mainstream ships to small expedition-style vessels to river cruising one of the world’s most exotic and least-understood rivers, these three voyages show just how different and diverse cruising can be.

January – Un-Cruising Through Costa Rica and Panama

First up, I’ll be joining Un-Cruise Adventures on January 14 for a weeklong, small-ship expedition voyage through Costa Rica and Panama. Departing from San Jose and concluding in Colon, Panama on the Caribbean side of the Panama Canal, it’s not so dissimilar from the trip I did last year aboard Windstar Cruises’ Star Breeze.
But while the itinerary may look the same, the experience will be decidedly different. I love the Un-Cruise way of seeing the world, aboard relaxed, intimate ships that offer plenty of inclusions with the kind of personable, friendly crews you’d expect on a family member’s private yacht. Having sailed with the line in Alaska, the Sea of Cortes and on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, I’ve felt instantly at home every time I’ve stepped aboard an Un-Cruise ship, and it’s one of the many things that keep the line’s loyal guests coming back.
I’m also looking forward to experiencing the newly-refitted Safari Voyager. Capable of carrying just 62 guests, she was stripped down to the steel last year for a massive overhaul that touched nearly every technical, public and accommodations space onboard.
The 174-foot long ship now sports a magnificent Owner’s Suite in place of the former Library all the way forward, and the ship’s Restaurant and Lounge have been graced with new furniture, wall treatments and soft furnishings. All 32 guest staterooms have been completely redone with new air conditioning, wall treatments, mattresses, soft furnishings and amenities, and the ship has been outfitted with Un-Cruise’s trademark E-Z Launch platform for kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, which I am looking forward to taking advantage of in Costa Rica.
Of course, the other thing I like about Un-Cruise Adventures is that the line doesn’t offer Wi-Fi internet access on any of its ships. I’d written late last year that I was discontinuing trying to post “live” in favor of posting more polished reports when I return, so this seems like the perfect voyage to enforce that new policy.

Sailing: January 14 – 22, 2017. Voyage Report: January 23 – 31, 2017.

February – Baja Mexico aboard Carnival Inspiration

In February, we’re setting out aboard Carnival Inspiration for a quick run to Baja Mexico. Photo by Andy Newman/Carnival Cruise Lines

I am seriously excited about this four-day voyage to Baja Mexico from Long Beach, California aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Inspiration. Why? Because it’s chocked full of firsts for me, and I’m hoping it will acta as a good insight for those who have always thought about popping down to Los Angeles for a quick cruise to Mexico and back, but weren’t sure what to expect from the experience.
The itinerary is your basic Baja Mexico run, with a call on Catalina Island, California; Ensenada, Mexico; and an always enjoyable

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