hotels articles

Mon 6/16/08 Bright, Shinny, and Optimistic Day

Its going to be a bright, shinny, and optimistic day under the Sagittarius Moon. There may be a few problems late morning (mid morning west coast), and we may find work takes president over play. The rest of the day will be great for trips and laughing, so get outside and enjoy!

Major Planetary Events Today: None

Tue 6/17/08 Excitement in Romance

We should find it easy to shrug things off today, and romance may get rather exciting for some of us. There may be a little too much flirting going on, and jealousy could be a response. Some of us may go to excess with whatever we are doing, so try to stay grounded. We may find a few problems with the morning commute (very early west coast), but emotions should stay rather balanced the rest of the day.

Major Planetary Events Today: None

Wed 6/18/08 A Few Explosions and Romantic Changes

There could be some issues with loved ones today, and our emotions may go to excess on this Sagittarius Full Moon. Venus and Pluto are also going to line up with this Full Moon, so get ready for a few explosions. Some of us may decide its time to end a relationship, or we may find ourselves dealing with a financial problem. There is also a potential for a new romance or financial opportunity (you never know when Pluto is involved). Mercury will be turning direct tomorrow, so watch out for communication and travel problems for the next few days. We may find ourselves dealing with some emotional issues with loved ones late this afternoon and this evening. Our patience will return tonight.

Major Planetary Events Today: Venus Oppose Pluto, Venus Enters Cancer, Full Moon 1:30 PM EDT

Thu 6/19/08 Mercury at Direct Station - Communication Problems

Mercury will be turning direct today at 10:31 AM (7:31 AM pacific), and there could be lots of miscommunications and transportation delays and detours. People could also be aggressive today, and we may make a few stupid decisions. It will be a good day to get some work done under the Capricorn Moon, and around lunch time (mid morning west coast) we should find that our patience is strong and we accomplish a project or two.

Major Planetary Events Today: Mercury Direct Station

Fri 6/20/08 Explosive First Day of Summer

The Sun will enter Cancer at 7:59 PM eastern time (4:59 PM pacific), and thus begins the Summer Solstice. But, Pluto is charging the Sun a toll to enter, so there could be some explosive behavior today. The Moon will go void of course at 3:02 PM (12:02 PM pacific), and our emotions should calm down a bit. But, our wisdom will be off, and we may do something we will regret later. There is a potential for some career advancements, but we have to be sure to think before we act.

Major Planetary Events Today: Sun Oppose Pluto, Sun Enters Cancer (Summer Solstice)

Sat 6/21/08 Forcing Our Ideals on Others

The Moon will enter Aquarius early this morning, and we will be in the mood for something different. But, we may try to force our new ideals on others, and that could lead to fights. In fact, we may want to sit down and prop our feet up, and tell everyone else what to do. There is also a tendency to overindulge in euphoric substances. If we can practice moderation in everything we do today, we may come through the day unscathed.

Major Planetary Events Today: Venus Sextile Saturn, Mars Oppose Neptune

Sun 6/22/08 Ready to Breakout of Our Ruts

We can breathe a sigh of relief today. All the negative major planetary aspects are over until the July 4th weekend. Its going to be smooth sailing for the next week and a half. We will be ready to breakout of our ruts today, and demonstrate the unique individuals that we are. Those of us up early should find it easy to make decisions. Schedules may not work out today, but we should find it easy to adjust to the changes.

f it is a holiday or a birthday and you want to buy a gift online, the way you search is different than when it is not a special holiday or special occasion. If you are not ready to buy and are browsing around, you are using search terms that show your intent - to gather information. Or, if you need that gift right away because it needs to be shipped and get here before the event, you are using specific search terms in this case that show that intent - find it and pay.

When it comes to search terms used in the search engines, not all searches are created equal, because not all searches have the same intent. When you enter search terms to perform a search, there is a distinct psychology of search. This psychology of search can be broken down into several general types of intent. The different stages of intent typically follow a progression. Let’s use use a story to illustrate a typical progression of a person’s search intent:

A person might say or think:

“I like that new Mustang that is out now, looks awesome. I’ve seen some cruising around. I’ve always liked those Mustangs! I’m going to go online and look at Mustangs and all sports cars out there.”

(Comment 1: This part of the story is the “Hey, I like that! Or, “I think I might want that.” A typical search term would be pretty general and might be “sports cars” or “retro cars”)

“Well, the other day I saw that a neighbor had just bought home a new Mustang. I wonder what he has to say about it. I wonder what dealership sells those cars…”

(Comment 2: This person is gradually trying to get more general information. Sort of a “discovery” stage. A typical search might be “sports car dealers” or “fast cars” )

Man, I talked to that neighbor the other day, he said his Mustang was awesome. He told me about the horsepower, the color choices, the gear ratios. He started it up and it sounded awesome. I gotta know more!”

(Comment 3: Our friend is getting more specific, now this person is likely to search for features, at different types of Mustangs, and if he or she is brave, might take a first peek to find a retail price. At this stage, these might be some searches: “Mustang features,” or “Specs for Ford Mustang.”)

“Well, I found out online that there are at least 3 different types of Mustangs. I wonder which one would be best? And where to get the best price?”

(Comment 4: Comparing features and comparison shopping. This person will likely do searches along these lines: “Ford Mustang reviews” or “Best Features for Ford Mustang.”)

“That’s it. I’ve been waiting and I’m not getting any younger. I’m going online to find the one I want for the price I want to spend!”

(Comment 5: This person has decided to buy. Now, just needs to find the place. Types of searches at this phase would be “best blue Mustang GT prices” or “special prices Mustang GT.”)

I hope you enjoyed that story. Here are the different search phases of that story, condensed to see the phases more clearly.

* Hey, I like ! OR, I think I want X.
* Where did you get it?
* What are the features?
* What are the best ones?
* What is the price range?

To put a final summary on it, that story represents types of searching people do. Generally going from broad to specific as their intent or interest develops. And, if the person is ready to buy - the search terms can get very, very specific. Here it is described more generally - 4 levels of searching:

1. Broad information, information gathering and discovery.

2. Research: More specific searching, what are the features, what are the accessories

3. Comparison: Which is the best choice, most reliable, etc..

4. Buy: the money is out, product/service acquisition

And, that’s the article on “Psychology of Search Terms.”

River cruising may not have the glamorous image of travelling by ocean liner, but it does have several advantages. First, of course, there is always something to look at - not the case on many seafaring ships. Second, river boats are, by necessity, more intimate: they rarely carry more than 300 passengers, whereas ocean- going ships can hold up to 4,000. And thirdly, river cruises tend to be more informal than the traditional cruise.

Yesterday, in Amsterdam, a boat named easy Cruise Tivo set off on her maiden voyage. Following on from the success of his easy Cruise One, serving the French and Italian Riviera and the Caribbean, Stelios HajiIoannou is now running river cruises in Holland and Belgium.

Sort of. In the hope of living up to its motto, “luxe for less”, easyCruise is dropping the neon orange for what it hopes is a more sophisticated livery. On its refurbished riverboat, the company has replaced its trademark orange hull and large-lettered website address with a grey hull, orange beading and a new logo. On board, the furnishings, and even the menus, also mark a shift upmarket from those of the original easyCruise ship.

As for the itinerary, easyCruise Two follows a weekly route through Holland and Belgium, from Amsterdam to Antwerp via Rotterdam and Brussels. Dropping anchor by lunchtime each day, passengers should be able to spend plenty of time ashore. And, as with easyCruise One, they will also be able to hop on and off the cruise whenever they like, subject to a minimum two-night stay.

As with easyJet, prices vary dramatically according to demand’ in August you could pay as much as pounds 352 per person for a week (www.easy-Cruise.com’ or 0906 292 9000 at 25p per minute)’ for the lowest rates, aim for later in the season, which runs until November, when a two-night trip could cost under pounds 14 per person.

WHERE NEXT?

Europe’s most popular rivers for cruising are its two biggest rivers: the Rhine and the Danube. Both provide the opportunity for sailing past historic cities, medieval towns, pretty European villages, romantic castles and forests. Bear in mind that most cruises operate only between March and October.

Classic trips on the Danube include a 13-day holiday with Great Rail Journeys (01904 521980′ www.greatrail.co.uk) which features a week on the river. You travel to Germany by rail and visit Cologne and Nuremberg before boarding the vessel in the German town of Passau. The cruise visits Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Prices start at pounds 1,990 per person, including rail travel, a full- board seven-night cruise, five nights’ half-board hotel accommodation, and excursions.

On the Rhine, a four-day taster cruise with Moswin (08700 625040′ www.moswin.com) sails from Basle to Cologne, calling at Strasbourg, Speyer and Konigswinter en route. Prices start at pounds 575, including return BA flights from Heathrow, transfers and all meals.

Other popular river-cruising destinations in Europe include the Elbe in the Czech Republic, the Seine and Rhone in France, the Douro in Portugal and the Po in Italy. The luxurious one-week Elbe trips run by Peter Deilmann (020-7436 2931′ wwwpeter-deilmann-river- cruises.co.uk), for instance, run between Potsdam and Prague via Magdenberg, Wittenberg, Meissen, Dresden and Melnick. Prices start at pounds 1,099 for departures from 14 October, including flights from Heathrow to Berlin, and back from Prague to Heathrow on British Airways, transfers and all meals.

For other European river cruises, try Travelscope (0870 380 3333′ www.travelscope.co.uk)’ Noble Caledonia (020-7752 0000′ wwwnoble- caledonia.co.uk)’ or a specialist agent such as Cruise Direct (0871226 0964′ www.cruisedirect.co.uk)’ Cruise Finders (0870 041 1000′ www.cruise finders.co.uk)’ or The Leading Cruise Agents (www.thelca.com).

WILL I GET CABIN FEVER?

You shouldn’t, since most cruise operators schedule in plenty of time for messing about off the river. Destination Portugal (01993 773269′ vww.destinationportugal. com), for example, runs eight- night round-trip cruises along the Douro, and there are opportunities to visit Porto’ Peso da Regua, centre of the port- producing region’ an 11th-century monastery’ and the wine estates of Vila Real and Pinhao. There’s also an excursion across the Spanish border to visit the historic city of Salamanca. Prices start at pounds 789 per person, including accommodation, most meals and transport, but not international travel.

In Italy, Archers Direct (0870 460 3894′ www.archersdirect.co.uk) offers five-night trips to Venice and the Po that include excursions to the basilica of St Anthony in Padua, the medieval towns of Mantua and Verona, the fishing port of Chioggia, and Venice itself, with plenty of free time for exploring. Prices start at pounds 585, including flights from Heathrow to Venice on BMI, all meals and transfers but not all excursions.

NEW SPEAKERS ON BOARD FOR LUXURY VOYAGE! ace strategist DICK MORRIS and conservative Rep. PAT TOOMEY join renowned author VICTOR DAVIS HANSON, Islam expert BERNARD LEWIS, GOP chairman ED GILLESPIE, author DINESH D’SOUZA, military authority JOHN HILLEN, Club for Growth president STEPHEN MOORE, columnist MICHELLE MALKIN, and NR editors RICH LOWRY, JAY NORDLINGER, RAMESH PONNURU, JOHN O’SULLIVAN, and JOHN DERBYSHIRE

It’s hard to believe, but The National Review 2004 Post-Election Caribbean Cruise now features an even bigger and even better cast of celebrity speakers!

This spectacular and affordable journey (prices start at just $1,549 per person, and “singles” can get a luxurious room for only $1,899!) aboard Holland America Line’s luxurious MS Zuiderdam will provide you the unique opportunity to meet America’s preeminent authorities on politics and the critical issues of our day. New speakers are Dick Morris, the ace political strategist and author (and expert on all things Clinton/Rodham), Congressman Pat Toomey, a true conservative champion who waged a valiant Republican senate primary challenge in Pennsylvania earlier this year, and super-bright military/terrorism guru John Hillen (who’s also an NR contributor). They’ll be joining an impressive ensemble including esteemed author Victor Davis Hanson (the renowned academic is one of the most influential writers on terrorism and American culture), Bernard Lewis (the eminent Princeton professor is the world expert on Islam’s bloody history with the West–his What Went Wrong? and The Crisis of Islam are must-reads), Republican National Committee chairman Ed Gillespie, economist and Club for Growth president Stephen Moore, acclaimed author (of so many important books) Dinesh D’Souza, syndicated columnist and author Michelle Malkin (her 2003 immigration work, Invasion, caused a sensation), National Review Online favorite John Derbyshire, NR editor Rich Lowry, senior editor Ramesh Ponnuru, managing editor Jay Nordlinger, and editor-atlarge (and editor of The National Interest) John O’Sullivan. That’s a veritable “Murderers’ Row” line-up!–you simply must join them for seven relaxing days and nights of politics and policy, conservative revelry, and luxury cruising.

As NR cruise alumni (there are thousands!) know, our trips are remarkable events, marked by scintillating political shoptalk, wonderful socializing, intimate dining with our editors and speakers, making new friends, the rekindling of old friendships–and, of course, grand cruising. That’s what’s in store for you on the National Review 2004 Post-Election Caribbean Cruise.

There are countless reasons to come, but none bigger than the luminaries who will be joining us for this luxury trip! It may be the best ensemble we’ve ever had, which guarantees that our seminar sessions–featuring ample audience “Q & A”–will be fascinating.

[check] Who can give a better overview than Dick Morris about the ongoing antics of Bubba and future political designs of Hillary (as well as give special analysis of the post-election playing field)?!

[check] Where does one begin to question Bernard Lewis about the brutal revival of the millenium-old struggle between Islam and the West?!

[check] Ditto for Victor Davis Hanson, who will share his expertise on the moral struggle required for America and democratic nations to battle terrorism and defend freedom, as will John Hillen, the NR contributing editor who’s in the know about all matters military.

[check] Who are better positioned to discuss the state of the Republican Party than chairman Ed Gillespie (who wrote for NR once upon a time before running the GOP), and true-believing conservative Congressman Pat Toomey (a rising political star)?!

[check] Who can give keener insight on the war between conservatives and RINOs (Republicans In Name Only) than Club for Growth boss Stephen Moore? Or a sounder assessment of red-hot cultural issues (immigration, campus “diversity,” etc.) than the brilliant Michelle Malkin and Dinesh D’Souza (we’ll also look for his take on the legacy of Ronald Reagan)?!

[check] And they’ll be joined in all the elucidating and analyzing of the 2004 elections and their aftermath by NR’s editorial heavyweights: Rich Lowry, John O’Sullivan, Ramesh Ponnuru, Jay Nordlinger, and NRO headliner John Derbyshire.

We so want you to “experience” these conservative luminaries that we’ve engineered our lowest prices ever, starting at only as $1,549 (p/p). And singles can get their own cabin for just $1,899! That includes all those “extras” like port fees, taxes, and gratuities! Just look at the chart on the left and check out our phenomenal rates.

Of course, the special “extras” that NR brings–the seminars, receptions, and intimate dining with speakers–come on top of the great cruise, which takes place on the beautiful MS Zuiderdam. Still gleaming from her recent inaugural, she’s Holland America’s classiest vessel. You’ll find the accommodations to be truly luxurious, matched only by the indulgent, courteous staff, superior cuisine, and top-notch entertainment and excursions.

NEW SPEAKERS ON BOARD FOR LUXURY VOYAGE! ace strategist DICK MORRIS and conservative Rep. PAT TOOMEY join renowned author VICTOR DAVIS HANSON, Islam expert BERNARD LEWIS, GOP chairman ED GILLESPIE, author DINESH D’SOUZA, military authority JOHN HILLEN, Club for Growth president STEPHEN MOORE, columnist MICHELLE MALKIN, and NReditors RICH LOWRY, JAY NORDLINGER, RAMESH PONNURU, JOHN O’SULLIVAN, and JOHN DERBYSHIRE

It’s hard to believe, but The National Review 2004 Post-Election Caribbean Cruise now features an even bigger and even better cast of celebrity speakers!

This spectacular and affordable journey (prices start at just $1,549 per person, and “singles” can get a luxurious room for only $1,899!) aboard Holland America Line’s luxurious MS Zuiderdam will provide you the unique opportunity to meet America’s preeminent authorities on politics and the critical issues of our day. New speakers are Dick Morris, the ace political strategist and author (and expert on all things Clinton/Rodham), Congressman Pat Toomey, a true conservative champion who waged a valiant Republican senate primary challenge in Pennsylvania earlier this year, and super-bright military/terrorism guru John Hillen (who’s also an NR contributor). They’ll be joining an impressive ensemble including esteemed author Victor Davis Hanson (the renowned academic is one of the most influential writers on terrorism and American culture), Bernard Lewis (the eminent Princeton professor is the world expert on Islam’s bloody history with the West–his What Went Wrong? and The Crisis of Islam are must-reads), Republican National Committee chairman Ed Gillespie, economist and Club for Growth president Stephen Moore, acclaimed author (of so many important books) Dinesh D’Souza, syndicated columnist and author Michelle Malkin (her 2003 immigration work, Invasion, caused a sensation), National Review Online favorite John Derbyshire, NR editor Rich Lowry, senior editor Ramesh Ponnuru, managing editor Jay Nordlinger, and editor-atlarge (and editor of The National Interest) John O’Sullivan. That’s a veritable “Murderers’ Row” line-up!–you simply must join them for seven relaxing days and nights of politics and policy, conservative revelry, and luxury cruising.

As NR cruise alumni (there are thousands!) know, our trips are remarkable events, marked by scintillating political shoptalk, wonderful socializing, intimate dining with our editors and speakers, making new friends, the rekindling of old friendships–and, of course, grand cruising. That’s what’s in store for you on the National Review 2004 Post-Election Caribbean Cruise.

There are countless reasons to come, but none bigger than the luminaries who will be joining us for this luxury trip! It may be the best ensemble we’ve ever had, which guarantees that our seminar sessions–featuring ample audience “Q & A”–will be fascinating.

[check] Who can give a better overview than Dick Morris about the ongoing antics of Bubba and future political designs of Hillary (as well as give special analysis of the post-election playing field)?!

[check] Where does one begin to question Bernard Lewis about the brutal revival of the millenium-old struggle between Islam and the West?!

[check] Ditto for Victor Davis Hanson, who will share his expertise on the moral struggle required for America and democratic nations to battle terrorism and defend freedom, as will John Hillen, the NR contributing editor who’s in the know about all matters military.

[check] Who are better positioned to discuss the state of the Republican Party than chairman Ed Gillespie (who wrote for NR once upon a time before running the GOP), and true-believing conservative Congressman Pat Toomey (a rising political star)?!

[check] Who can give keener insight on the war between conservatives and RINOs (Republicans In Name Only) than Club for Growth boss Stephen Moore? Or a sounder assessment of red-hot cultural issues (immigration, campus “diversity,” etc.) than the brilliant Michelle Malkin and Dinesh D’Souza (we’ll also look for his take on the legacy of Ronald Reagan)?!

[check] And they’ll be joined in all the elucidating and analyzing of the 2004 elections and their aftermath by NR’s editorial heavyweights: Rich Lowry, John O’Sullivan, Ramesh Ponnuru, Jay Nordlinger, and NRO headliner John Derbyshire.

We so want you to “experience” these conservative luminaries that we’ve engineered our lowest prices ever, starting at only as $1,549 (p/p). And singles can get their own cabin for just $1,899! That includes all those “extras” like port fees, taxes, and gratuities! Just look at the chart on the left and check out our phenomenal rates.

Of course, the special “extras” that NR brings–the seminars, receptions, and intimate dining with speakers–come on top of the great cruise, which takes place on the beautiful MS Zuiderdam. Still gleaming from her recent inaugural, she’s Holland America’s classiest vessel. You’ll find the accommodations to be truly luxurious, matched only by the indulgent, courteous staff, superior cuisine, and top-notch entertainment and excursions.

It’s summer in the city and the annual fleet of ships, boats and yacht tours sailing the urban waters of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan are bustling along.

Nearly two dozen vessels await boarding at cultural landmarks ranging from the lower Michigan Avenue Bridge and Navy Pier to the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium and across from Buckingham Fountain.

Many of the vessels offer guided tours of Chicago’s architecture, city landmarks and purported haunted places. Others serve simply as water taxis or river buses. Still others offer dinner and lunch cruises as well as cash bars. To get our sea legs ready for the season, we talked with four captains navigating Chicago waters:

NAME: Eddie Vega

TITLE: Captain for Chicago First Lady Cruiselines

NAME OF THE BOAT: Chicago’s Little Lady.

YEARS WITH THE BOAT COMPANY: 24.

SEAFARING BACKGROUND: I acquired a captain’s license 26 years ago.

BEST PART OF THE JOB: I like to check things out in the morning and make sure everything is fine and in proper order to be operated. I also like the architecture tours because you get to learn a lot about Chicago,

WORST PART OF THE JOB: When you come in in the morning and have to deal with downtown traffic.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT ON THE BOAT: In 1981, someone jumped off the bridge and I had to jump in with all my clothes on and fish him out. It was quite an experience.

MOST INTERESTING THING YOU’VE LEARNED ABOUT CHICAGO FROM THIS JOB: That Chicago is a progressive city.

MOST UNUSUAL QUESTION A PASSENGER HAS ASKED: They usually ask what kind of engines the boat has and how long it is.

BEST KEPT SECRET ABOUT CHICAGO YOU’LL LEARN ON THE TOUR: You learn a lot of interesting things about the different kinds of buildings.

GINGER, OR MARY ANN? Mary Anne. She was kind of quiet and I liked the way she dressed.

THE COOLEST THING ABOUT BEING A CAPTAIN: The chance to be on the water every day. It’s like being in another world.

- - -

NAME: Arthur Haight

TITLE: Captain for Wendella Boats.

BOAT: The Wendella.

YEARS WITH COMPANY: 6.

SEAFARING BACKGROUND: Captain and bridgemate, Hollywood Casino City of Lights I and II in Aurora from 1995 to 2003.

BEST PART OF THE JOB: Driving a boat on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan all day and getting paid to do it. It’s like a holiday every day!

WORST PART OF JOB: Sorry, I haven’t discovered that yet.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT: We were tied up in the lock and it was raining. I stepped out of the pilot house and there were 20 kids sitting on a bench seat under the canopy. Jokingly, I said, “My seat is wet, can I have yours?” All of them looked at me like I was crazy. All except one little 7- or 8-year-old girl who jumped up with a big smile on her face and said, “You can have mine.” What a beautiful child. She stole my heart instantly.

MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT CHICAGO: There are several, such as the building of the lock and the creation of the Streeterville neighborhood. Also, the fact that there is a statue of Grant in Lincoln Park and a statue of Lincoln in Grant Park. They were delivered on the same day to the wrong parks and never corrected by the city.

MOST UNUSUAL QUESTION ASKED BY PASSENGER: How do they keep the river green?

BEST KEPT SECRET ABOUT CHICAGO YOU’LL LEARN ON THE TOUR: You will learn all about the exciting events that are happening in the Chicago area every day.

GINGER, or MARY ANNE? Without a doubt, Ginger.

COOLEST THING ABOUT BEING A CAPTAIN: The respect you get for being a captain for the best and the first tour boat company in Chicago and the happy faces you see leaving the boat.

- - -

NAME: Douglas Chyna

TITLE: Captain for Wendella Boats.

BOAT: Bravo, a river bus.

YEARS WITH THE BOAT COMPANY: 5.

SEAFARING BACKGROUND: I’ve been a pleasure boater for 15 years. I had a friend working at Wendella and I had a big love of boats. So, I went to school and got a captain’s license.

BEST PART OF THE JOB: Working for the oldest boat company in Chicago. Everybody knows the Wendella. It’s like an honor.

WORST PART OF THE JOB: When I have to pull people out of the water. It’s usually a suicide and they usually jump off a bridge. Over the years I’ve saved three lives.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT ON THE BOAT: Every day is like vacation because it’s such an enjoyable job.

MOST INTERESTING THING YOU’VE LEARNED ABOUT CHICAGO FROM THIS JOB: The architecture. I’m from the suburbs, so I didn’t know much about the city. Working as a captain you get to know the architecture.

MOST UNUSUAL QUESTION A PASSENGER HAS ASKED: Does my boat have brakes?

GINGER or MARY ANN? Mary Anne. I like dark hair.

THE COOLEST THING ABOUT BEING A CAPTAIN: Being on the water every day. The city is so beautiful when you see it from the water.

ABOARD THE POLYNESIA — The sails flap weakly as they climb the four huge masts. “Ride of the Valkyrie” blares from the speakers as a cannon booms, then fires again.

Catching the wind, the ship slowly turns, the sails fill, masts creak and 248 feet of oceangoing history is on its way. Bagpipes and “Amazing Grace” replace the martial music. The sailors, some new to the sea, some crusty old salts, all share the same shiver of emotion.

This is no Errol Flynn movie. And, as the T-shirt says, “This ain’t no foo foo ship.”

And this is no ordinary cruise.

Some people will never understand the attraction of Windjammer Barefoot Cruises. Those who get it, do so immediately and will start planning their next trip as soon as they get home.

A disclaimer: I’m one of the believers — 27 weeks aboard since 1996. And that’s compared to some who have sailed more than 100 weeks.

Windjammer’s four sailing legends, plus a charming old tub, ease into some of the more obscure ports up and down the Caribbean each week on their own itineraries. The steamer Amazing Grace even made its way to Tahiti for a series of sails in 2005.

In port, a few dozen Windjammer passengers — ships range from 64 to 122 passengers — go ashore to explore and experience, unlike the thousands who disgorge from the gleaming white cruise ships — derisively known as “foo foos” among Windjammer faithful — to overwhelm the small islands.

The size of Windjammer ships makes visiting out-of-the-way islands possible: Mayreau, Bequia, Tobago Cays, Dominica, Carriacou, St. Barts or Norman Island, all in the Caribbean. There are no casinos aboard, though crab races might be in the offing one night if you want to wager a dollar or two; no elaborate production shows, unless you count costume night where the passengers double as the entertainment; no dressing for dinner, though your shipmates would appreciate a clean T-shirt. Going ashore usually means climbing into a rocking launch, disembarking on a pier or climbing down a ladder onto a beach for a “wet landing.”

This is cruising of a different sort. It helps if you’re a bit adventurous, open and none-too-formal. Unlike aboard the monster ships, you’ll meet more than the six or eight people at your assigned table and you’re liable to know most of your fellow passengers by the end of the week. And the bartender, on the Poly, the incomparable Warren Sinclair, will probably know your favorite libation by midweek.

Contrary to myth, WJ passengers don’t have to work, unless you count time spent on their tan. Cabin stewards make the bed every morning, and meals are served, though you do have to make your own way to the bar. But if you’d like, you can help raise sails or even take a turn at the wheel, the one that really does turn the ship.

There’s even a captain’s dinner, but you also see him every morning at “Storytime,” when the day’s events are recited, tours arranged and jokes told. On the Poly, it is Neil Carmichael, a redheaded, usually bearded Scotsman who may just be the prototypical Windjammer skipper — a bit bawdy, a touch of a pirate’s heart, engaging and in love with his work, his golf game, two kids and a wife. Don’t ask him to put them in order. He’s been fired a time or five and always manages to make it back aboard.

He might lead the judging for costume night or arrange boat races, which are not what you might think.

Like Carmichael, the Poly has a few stories to tell. Built in 1938, the ship began life as a Portuguese fishing boat off the grand banks. The Argus, as she was known then, was featured in a 1952 National Geographic article.

Cabins are, well, sparse, but functional. In fact, you can do anything needed in the bathroom without ever getting off the toilet. Don’t bring a hard-sided suitcase because there’s nowhere to put it. But you can also sleep on deck — just bring your pillow and blanket from the cabin and make a bed on one of the blue floating mats that double for beach duty during the day. Especially while the ship is sailing, sleeping under the stars is an experience not to be missed.

My recent week aboard was Carmichael’s first back since his, ah, unsatisfactory foray into real estate. This trip, in late November, was a repositioning cruise as the ship moved from its hurricane- season home in Aruba to its winter home of weekly sails out of St. Maarten.

The crowd is fairly typical, a significant percentage of veteran ‘Jammers along with some newbies, ages ranging from mid-20s to 60s and more. Days spent ashore can be on tours arranged through the ship or just wandering the alleyways and hideaway restaurants of Dominica or Isles de Saintes. Scuba diving is available at many islands, and there is a dive mate aboard. There might even be swimming off the ship, including dives off the gangplank.

Evenings start with snacks and rum swizzles promptly at 5. The rest is up to you. You might dine ashore, or attend the dining room seating of your choice. First Mate Cesar Lopez, a Panamanian with a wry sense of humor, might conduct sailing or knot-tying classes. Or you might just land near the bar exchanging tall tales.

GREAT SLAVE LAKE, Canada — If the good ship Norweta, cruising on the Mackenzie River in Canada’s Northwest Territories, had arrived earlier, we wouldn’t have missed the wedding.

But it was nine o’clock on a July evening when we disembarked at Fort Good Hope, 25 miles south of the Arctic Circle. By that time, the bride and groom, dressed in their best beaded moccasins, had left the church and walked to the park.

In southern climes, the celebration would have been half over. But here in the western Arctic, where the summer sun shines 22/7, the party was just beginning. The guests, gathered at picnic tables, stared in surprise at the strangers suddenly in their midst. A bonfire crackled and strips of moose sizzled on a dozen barbecues. On the dance floor, a low wooden deck, the musicians had started to play.

“C’mon, let’s dance,” whispered Adele Clilli, the Norweta’s cabin stewardess, a member of the Dene (Athabascan Indian) people. She smiled shyly and tapped her foot as nine wiry men, each holding a large, flat hand-held drum, began to pound out an insistent rhythm.

“I have a second cousin here, and they’ve invited us,” she said, tugging on my sleeve. In a minute, we had met the newlyweds and were circling with two dozen other dancers to the thundering beat of a traditional dance.

A wedding was the last thing we’d expected when we booked a cruise on the 103-foot Norweta, sailing from mid-June through July on the Mackenzie River, or Deh Cho, “Big River,” as the Dene people call it. But surprise is what makes this cruise so unusual.

“These are communities, not tourist destinations,” said Margaret Whitlock, 68, the Norweta’s co-owner and a fourth-generation resident of Hay River, on the south shore of Great Slave Lake. “We’re never sure what we’ll find until we get there, but it’s always interesting, and definitely historic.”

The ship’s eight- and 10-day cruises, between Great Slave Lake and Inuvik, an Inuit town on the Mackenzie River Delta, follow the historic route pioneered in 1789 by explorer Alexander Mackenzie.

Along the 1,000-mile journey, the ship docks at a half-dozen sleepy outposts — Dene and Gwich’in villages, historic forts and towns built around former fur trading posts — where we and the other 18 passengers disembark to explore.

In Norman Wells, we found a small but attractively designed museum with detailed exhibits and a shop selling beaded moosehide moccasins, hand-knitted hats, jewelry and baskets. In Fort Good Hope, we visited the church, decorated with classic folk art designs, and recently restored. In Tsiigehtchic (TZIG-eh-chik), where the Arctic Red River flows into the Mackenzie, we arrived just in time to watch a local hunter pull up to the shore with a moose — just shot — stuffed into his motorboat.

The Mackenzie River, North America’s second-longest river system (after the Mississippi,) is a mammoth body of water, draining one- fifth of Canada. Flowing from southeast to northwest, it bisects the Northwest Territories, a region twice the size of Texas but with a population of just 45,000.

In an odd twist of fate, the river was busier in the 19th century than it is now. Travelers heading downstream wrote of seeing Indians fishing from their canoes, trappers laden with furs for the trading posts and riverboats ferrying cargo and passengers. But as the fur trade vanished, so did the traffic. The advent of the airplane put the riverboats out of business.

Today the trip is a wilderness adventure, past mountains, cliffs, islands and forests. There are so many trees, in fact, that each summer, 30 or 40 lightning-started forest fires burn at any one time, fated to smolder until winter snows put them out.

“No one pays any attention to them, not unless they’re threatening a town,” said George Whitlock, 73, the Norweta’s co- owner, and Margaret’s husband, as he scanned the smoke on the horizon. “It’s part of the natural cycle. But there isn’t much else out there, you know. Just a few hunters.”

The Norweta, with four decks, is a small but functional ship, built for deep water but maneuverable on the river. The engines and crew cabins are on Deck 1, below the water line. The 10 guest cabins, on Deck 2, have large private bathrooms with showers, built- in furniture and drawers for clothes. Screens on the portholes keep out mosquitoes. You can close the inside hatch to block out the midnight sun, or pull the curtains.

The combination lounge and dining room are on Deck 3, with a narrow promenade deck around the perimeter. The sun deck, behind the bridge on Deck 4, is surfaced with artificial turf and equipped with deck furniture. Because of the ship’s small size, the cabins near the engines can be noisy. We were prepared, however, since earplugs and noise-cancelling earphones are now part of our standard travel kit.

The meals, mostly American cuisine, are delicious but not fussy, prepared with first-class ingredients. Late evening snacks, of cookies, cake and fruit are also laid out. You can purchase wine, beer or mixed drinks.

It’s summer in the city and the annual fleet of ships, boats and yacht tours sailing the urban waters of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan are bustling along.

Nearly two dozen vessels await boarding at cultural landmarks ranging from the lower Michigan Avenue Bridge and Navy Pier to the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium and across from Buckingham Fountain.

Many of the vessels offer guided tours of Chicago’s architecture, city landmarks and purported haunted places. Others serve simply as water taxis or river buses. Still others offer dinner and lunch cruises as well as cash bars. To get our sea legs ready for the season, we talked with four captains navigating Chicago waters:

BEST PART OF THE JOB: I like to check things out in the morning and make sure everything is fine and in proper order to be operated. I also like the architecture tours because you get to learn a lot about Chicago,

WORST PART OF THE JOB: When you come in in the morning and have to deal with downtown traffic.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT ON THE BOAT: In 1981, someone jumped off the bridge and I had to jump in with all my clothes on and fish him out. It was quite an experience.

MOST INTERESTING THING YOU’VE LEARNED ABOUT CHICAGO FROM THIS JOB: That Chicago is a progressive city.

MOST UNUSUAL QUESTION A PASSENGER HAS ASKED: They usually ask what kind of engines the boat has and how long it is.

BEST KEPT SECRET ABOUT CHICAGO YOU’LL LEARN ON THE TOUR: You learn a lot of interesting things about the different kinds of buildings.

GINGER, OR MARY ANN? Mary Anne. She was kind of quiet and I liked the way she dressed.

THE COOLEST THING ABOUT BEING A CAPTAIN: The chance to be on the water every day. It’s like being in another world.

This secluded 140-acre Caribbean hideaway–set on the lagoon side of Virgin Gorda island and just steps away from white-sand beaches–stocks each guest suite with bikes for cruising the property’s trails (remember to ride on the left!). Or, if mellow waves are more your speed, choose from Hobie Cats, single-person Sunfish sailboats, windsurfers, sea kayaks and motorized Boston Whaler dinghies, all included in the nightly rate. Windsurfing and sailing lessons also are complimentary, as are local snorkeling excursions (snorkeling trips to other islands start at $25).

After so many activities, you’ll need to fill up on healthful dishes such as the grilled grouper with herbed couscous, green beans and salsa at the resort’s hilltop restaurant, which offers stunning views of the North Sound. Top off your stay with the Island Cooler massage and aloe wrap, a signature treatment featuring fresh-picked aloe and a scrub with sea salt from neighboring Salt Island ($145; 90 minutes).