Holland America exciting news!

Holland America just announced this:

On Tuesday, September 12, you can secure your next cruise or cruise tour with a $1 deposit and save 60% on Shore Excursions, Specialty Dining, free prepaid Crew Appreciation, our Low-Price Guarantee, and free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. 

With more than 500 journeys to choose from, they’re sure to have the time of their lives in Alaska, Europe and beyond with Holland America Line.

I don't normally publicize this, but with the rising cruise and air travel prices, if you are even thinking of a cruise next year, this will secure the price.  I've watched prices continually rise and rarely do they ever go down.  This year by mid-August all Alaska cruises were sold out!  Bookings for next year are strong!

If you are interested, email or DM me and I'll hold a spot for you on your next cruise vacation.  Holland America has three ships doing 7 days return Vancouver.  They are all nice ships but my favorite is the Koningsdam.  I booked the Koningsdam for April 5, 2025 from Vancouver to Honolulu for 17 nights return.  I did it to secure the price and the room I wanted.  I always get a refundable deposit because things change.

I doubt any long cruise will be offered on the $1 deposit but I would hope Alaska will be.  The list will be out tomorrow.  I guess I'll be checking my calendar.  Anyone want to join me?

Margaritaville (cat version)

This is one of my favorite songs.  I enjoy when people change the words to songs and this one was quite cute.  I will miss Jimmy Buffet but when I'm in Las Vegas or Key West I will continue to visit his restaurants.  I will always think of him when I order a margarita. 

More from Indian Hills

 These people are very creative!

Virgin River is back for Season 5!

Thanks to my cousin from Nottingham for telling me about this excellent Netflix series.  She asked if it was filmed close to where I live.  Yes it is and the scenery is amazing.  I think it's time we had a day trip to Squamish.  I won't post any spoilers but so far it's very good.

Netflix announced that season 5 will be split into two parts: The first 10 episodes will air on September 7, with two special holiday-themed episodes streaming on November 30. Luckily for Virgin River fans, Netflix has already confirmed the series for a sixth season. Filming has not yet begun due to the ongoing writers' and actors' strikes, but there will be more from Mel and Jack in the future.

I love the Indian Hills Community Center signs!

 

Passport Renewal

 

Our current passports expire in February.  I know it's no problem to use a passport that expires in less than 6 months to the US, but today I realized we are going to some Caribbean Islands and Mexico.  Mexico is a three month expiry, but the British Virgin Islands requires a six months valid passport!  Why didn't I think of this before?  I renewed my passport today, the day after a long weekend which would be a busier day at Service Canada.

We have a Service Canada Office right by our house and they now offer passport applications and renewals!  I took both completed passport renewal applications and the pictures we had done at London Drugs to this office.  It took only 90 minutes until I was done!  I paid an extra $20 for the 10 day service.  We need to go to the Central City Passport Office to pick them up, not a problem.  I go away with my daughter in 21 days but I could use my Nexus card if I had to.  

Cec and I are going to the Caribbean in 49 days and we get to use the new passport with the cover that curls!

https://nationalpost.com/news/canadian-passports-prone-to-bending

We have leather passport holders, but I will put both of them in a zip lock bag when we are in hot climates just to be safe.

Back to School

 The kiddos are going back to school.  I was fortunate, I never changed schools.  I know people who did and it wasn't easy for them.  I wish this was posted in every school.