Just a quick note, before reading this post, don´t forget to check out my other cruises article “Rhapsody of the sea cruises“:)
If the executives in the main office for Saga cruises find themselves looking for a new way to promote their ocean voyages, then they ought to learn about an upcoming anniversary. Those that want to be a part of that anniversary might care to reserve a space on a Saga cruise 2010. That way they can experience a ship that was much like the vessel taken in 1912 by a Persian named Abdu’l-Baha.
Before traveling from Palestine to the United States, Abdu’l-Baha did not seek out the most expensive Saga cruise. In fact, he ignored suggestions that he reserve a berth on the new Titanic. He did not want to pay for the luxuries that were going to be provided to upper class passengers on that ship’s maiden voyage.
That aversion to luxury did not keep that traveling Persian from appreciating the broad decks that existed on each passenger ship in the early 20th Century. Abdu’l-Baha welcomed the opportunity to stroll back and forth on such a deck. He loved to walk and meditate. Today, anyone taking one of the Saga rose cruises should feel free to walk up on deck, much the way one strangely robed man did back in the year 1912.
In 1912, anyone who decides to commemorate the Persian’s journey by taking a Saga Rose cruise might also want to travel cross country on a train. That is what Abdu’l-Baha did almost 100 years ago. He rode the rails all the way from New York to California. If a person cares to re-create that trip in 2012, then he or she might want to add a stopover in Los Angeles.
While the man from Persia did not spend time in the City of the Angels, he did attend a ceremony at a cemetery in Inglewood. Moreover, plans for a 1913 Anniversary provide a reason for including L.A. in any anniversary tour. That is the one hundredth birthday for the Los Angeles’ County Museum of Natural History. So how does that birthday relate to any commemoration of the cruise and train trip taken by Abdu’l-Baha?
Well, the turban wearing man from Persia spent a recorded block of time walking and praying in a 1912 garden. In fact, one film maker had his camera rolling, as the Persian strode up and down the garden’s many paths. Today, in the absence of a true 1912 garden, anyone on an anniversary tour might care to visit the copy of a 1913 garden. Such a delight has been created at L.A.’s Museum of Natural History.
Now if one of the aspiring cruise goers cannot find space on a Saga ship with the “rose” designation, then he or she might want to book space on a Saga Ruby Cruise Ship. Such a booking would be especially appropriate if it happens to coincide with the month for which the ruby serves as the designated birthstone. Creation of a list of birthstones did not exist before the year 1912. It was put together during the course of that year by members of the Association of American Jewelers.
Each Saga Ruby cruise provides the traveler with access to more than just broad decks. It also insures the availability of elegant furnishings. The furniture on each Saga cruise ship resembles closely the look of those pieces that sat on the deck of a classic cruising ship. Of course, the present day pieces feature the latest weatherproofing aids. Therefore they can withstand exposure to salt spray, precipitation and changing temperatures.
By the same token, each vessel piloted by a captain from Saga features an unusually friendly size. Unlike the large cruise ships that normally carry sea going passengers, the Saga vessels have a size that harks back to the early years of the 20th Century, the time when Abdu’l-Baha crossed the ocean, and sailed into a port in New York City. That captain enjoyed the assistance of a friendly staff. Today, the typical Saga ship can provide its guests with equally friendly service.
At the same time, a Saga arranged tour puts tourists in touch with those that can help to guarantee enjoyment of the planned trip. Before setting out on their journey, they have a chance to talk with a travel consultant. Once they reach a hotel, then they can talk with one of Saga’s resort representatives. If they care to do any independent sightseeing, or take in any big evening social gatherings, then those tourists need to talk with one of Saga’s tour managers.
Anyone who decides to follow as closely as possible the path taken by Abdu’l-Baha should expect to spend a good deal of time talking with a tour manager. As that robe-wearing Persian crossed the U.S., he frequently took side trips. If he had reserved space on one of the Saga cruises, then he would have kept any tour manager very busy!