Getting Certified - NCL Freestyle Specialist - my newest acheivement...

I am so excited to have received my NCL Freestyle Specialist Certification!  This is the highest level of certification that NCL currently offers.

Denise Hile, Freestyle Certified

An insert from the press release:

Norwegian Cruise Line is proud to announce that Denise Hile has earned the necessary credits to graduate from its online travel agent university, NCL University. This progressive, state-of-the art online school is geared to deliver an enhanced level of knowledge and insight into Norwegian Cruise Line’s unique Freestyle Cruising philosophy, cruising destinations, ship programs and operations, and many other “behind-the-scenes” elements not available anywhere else. Each graduate is required, within one year, to earn a minimum number of credits through a choice of accredited courses and electives. The rigorous curriculum includes testing at every level in order to move forward. 

Carnival's New Brand - Impact Travel

Carnival's New Brand - Impact Travel....

If you are looking for a way to give back or pay it forward, then you will be excited about the news from Carnival on the Fathom Travel program.   The inaugural destination is the Dominican Republic.

Here is an insert from the news release...

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, N.Y. (June 4, 2015) – Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest travel and leisure company, today launched a new brand called fathom™, defining a new travel category it is calling “social impact travel,” that will offer consumers authentic, meaningful impact travel experiences to work alongside locals as they tackle community needs. What sets fathom apart is the long-term, systematic partnership approach with its partner countries paired with the unique business model that allows for sustained impact and lasting development. fathom’s scale and global vision reach beyond what the world has ever seen. The company’s first destination will be the Dominican Republic, a country known for its spectacular beauty but also a country where the average household income is approximately $6,000 USD a year and more than two million Dominicans do not have access to piped water.

To read more, click on this link:  CCL - Fathom Travel

A glimpse of San Juan...

A day well spent in San Juan, learning a little about the history and viewing the beautiful landscape. This day trip involved mostly a visit to El Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th century citadel, part of the San Juan Historic Site.  There is more to see than time permitted, so if you have the opportunity to explore San Juan, you may want to have a few days.  It would be well spent and provide you with lots of cultural knowledge of this beautiful place.

 A view of San Juan Harbor from the deck of a cruise ship... beautiful to see 

Hubby at the entrance to tour San Juan National Historic Site.  This was a worthwhile visit to recommend for a half-day to full day tour.  The Historic Site includes the forts of San Cristóbal, San Felipe del Morro, San Juan de la Cruz (El Cañuelo) and the city walls.

A view of the port from inside the Historic Site.  The Carnival Breeze cruise ship is docked at the pier.

A glimpse of the soldier quarters.  Notice the small, narrow stairway in the background of the photo... used by the soldiers.

The shore line view from the top of the Historic Site.  

A section of the San Juan Bay and business district.