By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life

Day 3 of our "Alaska Explorer" cruise on American Constellation finds us docked at Haines, a town of less than 2,000 people set against the backdrop of the majestic, snow-capped Chilkat Range mountains. Known as one of the key gateways to the Klondike gold fields, as well as a Tlingit trading post, Pam and I are going on the "Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Kayak Adventure" excursion, along with another couple.

We load into our guide's Jeep and drive along Chikoot Lake State Park and the Chikoot River, where the Sockeye Salmon are currently running. Biologists from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game monitor their numbers using weirs, which herds the fish through a narrow opening for counting.

Soon we arrive at Lake Chilkoot, a stunning, turquoise lake ringed by mountains and waterfalls. The guide and his assistant outfit us in the proper attire for kayaking, and after some safety instructions, Pam and I ease our dual-person kayak into the lake waters. With our guide close at hand in his own kayak, we'll spend the next few hours learning about the region and the area wildlife as we paddle our way into one scenic spot after another.

We are by no mean experts at kayaking, but on this serene lake, you don't have to be. Several times we stopped paddling and just enjoyed the beauty and quiet of the moment.

On the way back to the American Constellation, our guide took us for a tour of the town, where we passed what I assume was the very last Radio Shack in the United States. There's also the Hammer Museum, featuring more than 2,000 hammers on display. Also here is Fort William H. Seward, the only U.S. Army post in Alaska prior to WW II. Its barracks and buildings are now repurposed for other uses. 

The town has found a fun way to use one of the fort's cannons: Every 4th of July they stage the "Bloomer Blast" to see how far you can shoot some bloomer undergarments. The record is almost 300 feet.
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(Press Release) Here’s a tip seasoned cruisers swear by; where you stay before or after your cruise can set the tone for the whole trip.

It’s no secret that cruising is on the rise, with 34.6 million passengers setting sail in 2024 (a 9% increase from 2023) and 37.7 million people are expected to cruise in 2025. But now, 69% of passengers stay at least one night in a hotel before or after their cruise as well, meaning more travelers are looking for hotels that are innovative, affordable, and just steps from the ship.

(Press Release) River cruising has always been praised as an accessible and high value choice for travelers to discover Europe’s most breathtaking destinations. Whether exploring charming cities by foot or watching picturesque landscapes pass by on the river, most itineraries require minimal physical demand while offering maximum cultural immersion.

But for the active travelers yearning for adventure, Riviera Travel offers itineraries with elevated experiences and tailored excursions that push the bounds of discovery.

(Press Release) CELEBRATION KEY, July 25, 2025 – Carnival Cruise Line celebrated another milestone today at Celebration Key as Mardi Gras, the first Excel-class ship in the fleet to visit the brand-new destination on Grand Bahama, docked alongside Carnival Pride. Together, the two ships brought 9,000 guests to Celebration Key for the ultimate day in paradise.

(Press Release) West Palm Beach, FLA. (July 21, 2025) - The Belgrove Resort & Spa West Palm Beach, an Autograph Collection by Marriott property, announces the appointment of Brittany Drenth to General Manager. A valued leader within Pyramid Global Hospitality, Drenth brings a wealth of experience, passion, and proven success to her new role at The Belgrove Resort & Spa West Palm Beach. In her new role, Drenth will oversee all operations, ensuring the property continues to deliver world-class service and remains a leading destination as the only resort in West Palm Beach.

By GERRY BARKER
Splash Magazines Worldwide

Carnival Cruises just made a splash heard throughout the Caribbean with the official opening of their newest exclusive destination -- Celebration Key on Grand Bahama island.

After a day of travel on Brightline and Uber, we joined 35 travel advisor contest winners, media and Carnival personnel for a private charter flight to Grand Bahama island, where we joined by Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein, Carnival President Christine Duffy and more media, coming off Carnival Vista.

Costing $600 million and years in the making, Celebration Key had its official debut on Saturday, July 19, to fireworks, marching bands and cheering crowds, including thousands of guests from Carnival Vista, the first ship to arrive.

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