Every once in awhile you strike it lucky, a little bit like winning at the slot machines or striking gold in the Yukon. This time we were fortunate enough to organise an interview with the very experienced and knowledgeable Celebrity Solstice Hotel Director, Mario Valentino. The fact he was completely 'hot' was just a bonus (like winning the special feature..........10 times).
The ferry terminal was only a few hundred metres from the centre of town. In Commercial Street (the main thoroughfare through town), it was no surprise to see hundreds of gay men of all ages, shapes and sizes, mmasses of rainbow flags and billboards chocked full of gay events. The first big street banner to catch our attention was a welcome to the National Gay Pilots Association. They were in town for the long weekend. How perfect, we were ready to fly.
We are on our way to Alaska, the last frontier, not by dog sled to find gold in the Yukon, but a more modern, luxurious style of transport, the beautiful Celebrity Solstice. It's a brilliant, hot, late summer afternoon in Seattle harbour for our departure. The sun, gracefully setting over the crowded marina, provided perfect pink and lilac hues. That must be the cocktail hour ambiance we preordered. We are on our way to see magnificent glaciers, towering fiords, breaching whales and wild bears in one of the world's most pristine environments.