Book a trip to Alaska with Relay friends

Alaska cruise in August of 2014 to raise money for cancer society

Relay For Life is a great way for friends to bond together and raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Have you ever thought that it might be possible to book a cruise to Alaska with a group of friends and raise money for CCS at the same time?

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CruiseShipCenters from Woodstock sets $20,000 goal

Total of 90 cabins booked by Expedia for Alaska adventure

By Mark Schadenberg

WOODSTOCK -- A vacation is a great way to go on an adventure of a lifetime, but it can also be an opportunity to enjoy time with friends, perhaps see the gold-rush heritage, ice-capped mountains, and the natural beauty of the north.

Planning a trip can also take a lot of time and energy.

A solution could be to take a vacation cruise with friends to Alaska, and now you can even make a contribution to the Canadian Cancer Society at the same time.

The Woodstock office of Expedia CruiseShipCenters has booked 90 cabins aboard a Holland America Line cruise ship (The Oosterdam) for Aug. 17, 2014 – for a seven-night cruise to Alaska.

A portion of the proceeds from each booking in the group tour will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and the Expedia office at 442A Dundas Street has set a target of $20,000 to raise for the charity.

Franchise partner Bill Shaw explained the fundraising idea began with a suggestion from travel consultant Elizabeth Ross, and evolved into the name Lean On Me Project.

“This is one way to recognize and support people going through their fight with cancer,” says Shaw. “We wanted to contribute to the local (CCS) because we also know the costs they have to run their programs, and we know the number of volunteer hours also involved in this organization.”

Shaw describes an Alaska cruise as one of the most returned-to destinations in the world. In other words, vacationers usually take a second cruise after enjoying their initial scenic visit up the west coast of Canada. The cruise will depart from Vancouver and has three price points depending on size and view of the room selected.

“The cruise offers an impeccable scenery, amazing wildlife, whale watching and glaciers,” added Shaw.

The one-year lead time is important as Bill Shaw notes many couples plan vacations with significant advance time.

Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Anchorage are among the docking points. A second option for this vacation is to continue on a further four-day inland railway journey to Denali National Park, Fairbanks and Mt McKinley.

For additional details and breakdowns on the pricing, contact Expedia cruiseshipcenters at (519) 537-8333 or visit them in Downtown Woodstock.