FINAL UPDATE from ALEX & TED

Hi Cruisers,     

Unfortunately, Ted and Alex are unable to join you all on this fascinating trip through Asia. Alex has been plagued lately with a series of medical issues that she keeps overcoming but they seem to keep coming! We've waited as late as we can to see if her health issues get better, but at this time, I'm afraid that we have to face the reality that it's not going to happen.  She recently had emergency oral surgery to remove a cracked molar and a bone graft done in preparation for an implant. Her Periodontist has advised her against traveling to a third world country at a time when she might need to seek dental care. As if that wasn't enough, she needs to have another cancerous skin mole removed from her forearm which has been delayed until her mouth heals. When it rains, it pours sometimes.

Everything is set in place for your trip and you will be well taken care of by both Trails of Indochina and Princess Cruises. From the moment you come out of Customs in Bangkok, there will be a Trails of Indochina representative with a sign board stating INNOVATIVE TRAVEL and your name. Those of you in a group of 6, arriving on Philippine Airlines and Korean Airlines, the sign board will have INNOVATIVE TRAVEL and one lead name from the group. Korean Airlines group will have LOVENDUSKI as the lead name and the Philippine Airlines group will have ALBY as the lead name. From there, you will be taken to the beautiful Shangri-La Hotel where you will spend 2 nights.  Your first day of touring starts the morning of April 16th.

On April 17th, you will have a 1/2 day tour and then be taken to the ship by Trails of Indochina. Those of you getting off the cruise in Beijing, will be picked up by a Trails of Indochina representative and taken to the Crowne Plaza Hotel where you will spend 2 nights. The tour operators will be there to help you with anything that you may need.  You will enjoy 2 days of touring in Beijing including the Great Wall of China. Please take plenty of pictures for us!!

On May 5, you will be transferred to the Beijing airport and you'll be on your way home…catching up with the day you lost flying West.

We wish you all a safe and wondrous adventure through so many fascinating cultures.

We will be thinking of you everyday as you embark on a new port.  We will really miss being there with you.

Bon Voyage!

Ted & Alex

Innovative Travel

SOME FINAL THOUGHTS......By Roger

OK, unless you’re in a coma, you’ve got to realize that the big cruise departure date is fast approaching.  I don’t know about you, but I’m getting sweaty palms, feeling nervous, have 'bouts of diarrhea, can’t sleep, have to pee all the time, short-term memory loss, light headedness, upset stomach, can’t drink, and a general sense of agitation.  WTF!!!  

Whoa, hold on, it’s not the upcoming cruise, I feel this way all the time.......must be this old age thing that everyone keeps telling me about.  Wait, did someone already tell me about this??.......and, I really do enjoy meeting all you new folks again and again and again!!

On a serious note, embarkation is approaching fast and both Diana and I are becoming more excited day-by-day.  Be sure to read Diana’s blogs as there is a lot of useful information contained in these tomes.

I still have a few clothing items to purchase before we leave on April 10th. for some extra time in Bangkok.  Don’t forget to pack your white polo shirt.......we’ll be doing a group photo once we’re on board the cruise ship....no shirt---no photo!!  And, don’t forget to bring your door label!!  As in past cruises, there will be incredible prizes given away for the “best” door label as determined by a highly regarded door label decorating judging committee.  You absolutely don’t want to miss out on this event!!

Bon Voyage,
Roger