Caribou, Moose and Bears, oh my! Alaska is a naturalist’s wonderland. It’s a place where glaciers thunder, whales breach and eagles soar. There’s no better way to discover the breathtaking beauty of Alaska than on a cruise vacation. You’ll have captivating on-board activities and endless onshore options to challenge, entertain and delight.

One of the most dramatic ways to experience a Sarasota sunset is aboard a cruise. There are several to choose from, and all afford opportunities to witness the area’s sea life, blazing sunset and opulent waterfront mansions. Whether you prefer a party boat, dinner cruise or a quiet romantic sail, you’ll find a satisfying venue at Marina Jack in downtown Sarasota.

You’ve booked and paid for the cruise. Whether low- or high-end, you’ve predetermined your vacation budget. Problem is, many novice cruisers neglect to factor in unexpected and less than obvious costs. Cruise lines are in business to not only encourage loyalty from their guests with their stellar offerings, but also to profit from ancillary services that just sort of well, add up. The good news is that it’s possible to contain some of those costs.

The Novelty

The inaugural Worship On Water (WOW) departed from Cortez Village, Florida, last Sunday. It was an historical event. Little did I know when I guiltily packed my tiny camera – leaving behind my larger conspicuous one (it is church, after all) – that there would be hoards of reporters, photographers and no less than three TV station crews present. The event certainly received its share of publicity. (Click here for the Bradenton-Herald story.)

However, in reviewing the media accounts, I was stricken by the realization that not one that I came across focused on the message. Granted, being the only chapel at sea in America, and, one of just two in the world, the vessel itself is certainly newsworthy. Oh, and it happens to be gorgeous, with wooden pews, stained glass windows and laden with fresh flowers. And any reporter that didn’t recount the fact that this was the first worship service at sea would have been missing the mark.

But, having actually attended the service, I concluded that the bigger “mark” was the message, delivered by spiritual teacher, Gloria Ponziano.

The Perfect Storm

Gloria’s message, themed, “Get out of the boat before you’re thrown out” was based on the biblical account of Jonah, a Jewish prophet. God instructed him to travel to Nineveh, a country whose people cavalierly killed, maimed and tortured. “Go,” said God, “and tell them I love them.” Today, Gloria explained, it would be like telling this to Bin Laden.

Jonah was repulsed by the very thought of it. He rounded up his crew and deliberately set sail in the opposite direction. God retaliated, creating a violent storm – one that makes “The Perfect Storm” look like a sun shower. The sailors rightly feared for their lives until Jonah admitted his blame. The solution, Jonah cried, was for them to toss him overboard. So they did! The storm stopped; the seas became calm.

Where is the Love?

The drama didn’t stop there. He was swallowed by a big fish, later believed to be a whale. Turns out, Gloria explained, it was a giant grouper! For three days and three nights, Jonah was battered about in the belly of the fish, which ultimately regurgitated him on the very shores of Nineveh. This time, God ordered him to warn the city of its ensuing destruction lest they not repent. Jonah obeyed, but secretly hoped for the city’s demise.

Nineveh was heat-stroke hot. God caused a shade tree to grow over Jonah’s camp to protect him from the blazing sun, where he sat, in comfort, eagerly awaiting a merciless outcome. But the King of Nineveh ordered a fast, and all the people prayed and repented.

Jonah was not a happy camper; he did not want them to be spared! God caused the shade tree to die, which made Jonah furious. It was then that all hell broke loose, so to speak. God sorely admonished Jonah for caring more about the tree than the people – and the animals – of the city.

Letting Go

Though it took almost drowning in a horrific storm, being swallowed by a monstrous fish and nearly fainting from the heat, Jonah finally let go of the poisonous sentiments he harbored. Gloria urged us to let go of ours.

Are there people we haven’t forgiven? Anger that’s eating us up? Is there something we know in our hearts that we must do, but don’t, because we are afraid? Do we want to get thrown off the boat? (She meant this metaphorically, of course!)

After the message, the entire congregation gathered outside the chapel, onto the deck overlooking Palma Sola Bay. It was then that Gloria ceremoniously released three white doves into the clear blue sky, in a moving and symbolic act. She prayed that we find the freedom in spirit that God desires of us. As we cruised back to the yacht basin, she prayed for His blessing on all of us. Amen.

If you go:  Services will be held every Sunday, from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Boarding begins at 10:30 a.m. from the Seafood Shack Yacht Basin, on the mainland side of Cortez Bridge. Be sure to arrive early, as admittance is first-come, first-served. There is no cost to attend, but a Love donation is appreciated. Plans are in the offing for additional services. Please visit Worship On Water for complete details, weather updates and more.

Article by Lisa Codianne Fowler; Photos by Anna Kearns and courtesy Weddings On Water

For an art lover, Canal & Company’s seven-day autumn riverboat cruise on France’s Oise River may be the perfect getaway for viewing the quaint villages and tranquil landscapes of France. It’s a relaxing way to become immersed in the creations of the Impressionist artists, who glorified nature’s light and color.

Sell the farm, mortgage the kids, postpone the Botox treatments. Do whatever you have to do to get to the Amazon River in Peru – and five’ll get you ten, the adventure of your dreams awaits in that part of the world.

Sarasota is a sailor’s delight. Dolphins leap along side starboard and port, and manatees lumber in our tepid waters; exotic birds nest on mangrove islands and scamper along sandy beaches. Our picturesque gulf, bays and inlets are perfect for dropping anchor, and reveal the secrets of Sarasota’s beauty by sea.

Join us on a not-so-ordinary sailing trip throughout the British Virgin Islands. Of course, the islands are gorgeous. But so are the owner-operated boats that comprise the membership of the Charter Yacht Society of the BVI. This non-profit organization represents the cream of the crop – both in vessels and crew.

We spent two nights each aboard Nutmeg Charters, Blue Bayou, and finally on land at the Sugar Mill Hotel – a luxury boutique resort at once in the hills and on the shores of Tortola. The best part?  The people. We made lifelong friends from all over the world.

Travel video produced by Lisa Codianne Fowler

From denizens of the deep to divas of the media, the IFWTWA Conference at Sea on Holland America’s ms Eurodam was a multi-sensory delight. Enlightening workshops and wine tastings at sea punctuated ports of call that included Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay. Beautiful, historic and sizzling hot meccas all.

Of course, the cruise ship is a destination in itself, complete with culinary school, computer workshops, fitness center, luxury spa, theatre, nightclub, casino and more.

Talking Travel with Roy Lowey is a production of Travel Talk Radio Network at WTMY 1280 AM. It is broadcast live Sundays at 5 p.m., and AVAILABLE 24/7, WORLDWIDE, at www.ttrn.com.

Lisa is a frequent guest and occasional co-host on the show.  Click on a segment to listen!

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