Double Vision Alaska Cruise 2022

02/08/2024

The gang’s starting to arrive and breakfast is served at Sitka’s B&B this morning! The Ididacruise Let’s Get Together Reunion Cruise is about to begin!

26/12/2022

It’s all about the food!

09/08/2022

Breakfast innGlacier Bay!

31/07/2022

Enjoying lunch with my Jim Carpenter at Anthony’s in Des Moines/Seattle after taking our last shipment of boxes for Ididacruise to Alaska Air Cargo. Final packing this afternoon and wheels up for us early tomorrow morning! Anchorage here we come! T-minus 20 hours and counting! It’s happening! Follow my FB posts and Travelogues as we travel to our Happy Place!

28/06/2022

Most people know that Iditarod's dog care is top notch ... Scores of experienced Veterinarians are on the trail to Nome every year , each dog is checked at each checkpoint again and again , with the mushers vet log book signed ... Prior to the race , dogs are given a through examination , including EKGs ... Well I'm happy to announce The Old iditarod Gang's Double Vision IDIDACRUISE , has gone a step further .. By ensuring additional excellent care , not only for the Iditarod dogs , but also to insure the Alaskan Native villages can be helped .. Villages such as Nikolai , Kaltag , Unalakleet , Shaktoolik , to name just a few can be helped too ... As you may know all the money raised on board during our cruise , in auctions , talks , etc. etc. that are donated to Iditarod Foundation or Jr. Iditarod , is specifically ear marked for EXEMPLARY DOG CARE ... We spent several days In our research of talking to many of today's mushers , Vets , sponsors , etc. in finding a specific care that additional funding for excellent dog care can go towards , many ideas were presented , but only one idea consistently kept coming up from those we asked ... worming medicine ... So we have decided , those funds will specifically be dedicated to go to purchasing the absolute best worming medications that are administered to each dog prior to the race .. This particular worming medicine prevents ALL worms , especially tape worms , which are the worst and highly contagious .. This worming medicine is also extremely expensive , therefor many dogs are not vaccinated with it because of the cost .. By being able to afford these meds from our funding ,The Iditarod Foundation is not only helping Iditarod dogs , but helping the villages in their quest to eliminate dangerous tape and other worms in their village dogs ... Helping the Iditarod dogs AND the native villages ... It's a WIN WIN situation ... A program that the IDIDACRUISE is very proud to initiate , and just one more exciting thing to look forward to ...... To learn more about the cruise, visit

ARE YOU READY TO GET OFF YOUR COUCH FOR AN EPIC ADVENTURE? Experience Alaska through the eyes of creative Alaskans

09/05/2022

Hot out of the oven! House is still filled with wonderful aromas of deliciousness! What you probably don’t know is that our oven broke right after Christmas and it took over 3 months for them to fix it. So - I’ve been having serious baking withdrawals! I’m making up for it now!

03/05/2022

03/05/2022

Thank you “ Last Frontier. Creations ” for your generous donation to our charity auction during The Old Iditarod Gang’s Double Vision Alaska Cruise aka IDIDACRUISE.

This and so much more will be auctioned off for our charities - The Iditarod Trail Race Fiundation - Jr. Iditarod and The American Cancer Society. From fabulous vacation packages to private photo tours to original art , homemade quilts, mukluks, jewelry, Iditarod memorabilia and so much more. We hope to raise the roof!

During the Double Vision Alaska Cruise 2022 you will enjoy stories and experiences from Iditarod icon DeeDee Jonrowe - watch official Iditarod artist Jon Van Zyle complete an original painting and Alaska watercolor artist Teresa Ascone as she creates a stunning piece of art - listen to inspiring stories from Teachers on the Trail Jen Reiter and Jim Deprez - listen to tips on photography from official Iditarod photographer Jeff Schultz - enjoy hearing the latest stories from Arctic musher Joe Henderson . This will be a once-in-a-lifetime trip! Check Alaska off your Bucket List and come along!

We will set sail August 7, 2022 from Anchorage/Whittier aboard Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam for 7 days visiting Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan before arriving in Vancouver BC.

Visit our website at www.doublevisionalaska cruise.com. Our “Enthusiastic” Excursionist and Master Cruise Counselor - Barbara Carpenter - will help you book your cruise and welcome you to IDIDACRUISE!

Call today! (619) 208-7170 - Barbara can answer all of your questions! We know you want to come along! That’s why we are all going!

26/04/2022

To all dog lovers, dog mushers and foundation members - we cordially invite you to come along on The Old Iditarod Gang's Double Vision Alaska Cruise aka IDIDACRUISE - a charity event benefitting The Iditarod Trail Race Foundation and Jr. Iditarod along with The American Cancer Society.

We will be sailing on Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam August 7-14, 2022 from Anchorage/Whittier southbound visiting Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and the Inside Passage before arriving in Vancouver BC. During the cruise, you will have the opportunity to hear wonderful stories and experiences from Iditarod mushing icon, DeeDee Jonrowe - Arctic musher Joe Henderson - Iditarod Teachers on the Trail Jim Deprez and Jen Reiter - Official Iditarod photographer Jeff Schultz, Official Iditarod artist Jon Van Zyle along with Alaska watercolor artist Teresa Ascone.

While cruising through southeast Alaska and experiencing the fabulous sights along the way, we will also enjoy the delicious cuisine and entertainment on board. From dueling pianos to production shows to learning about Glacier Bay through the eyes of a native Tlingit and a National Parks Ranger and so much more - we guarantee you will have the trip of a lifetime. Has an Alaska cruise been on your Bucket List? This is the perfect time to check it off your list and be part of an extraordinary fundraising event.

For more information - please visit our website at http://www.doublevisionalaskacruise.com and our Double Vision Alaska Cruise 2022 FB page or call Barbara Carpenter - our "Enthusiastic" Excursionist and Master Cruise Counselor at (619) 208-7170 for more information.

26/04/2022

Good morning IDIDACRUIZERS!

Just a reminder that these are just a few of the VAN ZYLE CRUIZERS that I designed and made in my Bobbin Hood for our auctions during IDIDACRUISE 2022!

Each overnight/weekender bag measures 20" long X 14" tall and 10" deep. Each bag is a one-of-a-kind and completely custom and incorporates Jon Van Zyle's beautiful fabrics somewhere in the bag.
They have pockets - zippered pockets - key rings - and trolley sleeves to make it easy for you to just slip over the handles of your carry-on bag.

Which one do you like?

18/04/2022

Has an Alaska cruise been on your Bucket List?

We have an extraordinary opportunity for you to visit Alaska and share in celebrating 50 years of mushing dogs. Hear stories from Iditarod icons like DeeDee Jonrowe and Arctic musher Joe Henderson; Jen Koehler Reiter and Jim Deprez - Iditarod Teachers on the Trail; Teresa Ascone, Jeff Schultz and Jon Jona Van Zyle will be along to share their artistic talents. All that while visiting Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage where eagles will soar over your head - moose, bear and sheep will grace the landscape - where the sky is bluer - the massive rivers of ice flow down through glacier where they meet the icy waters of Glacier Bay and calve off chunks of ice larger than skyscrapers - whales, dolphins and sea otters will put on a marine show unlike no other - and you can enjoy it all from your floating resort - Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam!

EXTRA SPACE JUST RELEASED TO US!

WE NOW HAVE MORE CABINS AVAILABLE THAT ARE WAITING FOR YOU TO BOOK THEM AND JOIN US!

Get off the Couch and join us for IDIDACRUISE 2022!
The Old Iditarod Gang Invites you to join us on
THE INAUGURAL DOUBLE VISION ALASKA CRUISE IN 2022 AKA "IDIDACRUISE"

This is a charity event benefiting the exceptional care of dogs - celebrating the past 50 years and looking to the future! Our 501 (c) (3) charities include The Iditarod Trail Race Foundation, Jr. Iditarod and The American Cancer Society.

Thanks to our generous sponsors and donators this fundraising event will be most exceptional: Ultima Thule Lodge, Alaska Railroad, Major Marine Tours, Changing Tides Quilt Shop, Scanlon Galleries, Snow City Cafe', Humpy's Ale House, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, we will be offering some incredible packages up for auction during the cruise.

During the cruise you will have the opportunity to meet Iditarod Icons including DeeDee Jonrowe, official Iditarod photographer Jeff Schultz; official Iditarod artist Jon Van Zyle; former and current Teachers on the Trail Jennifer Reiter and Jim Deprez ; Arctic Musher Joe Henderson; and Alaska artist Teresa Ascone. During our optional exclusive pre-cruise land packages you could meet Martin Buser, Barbara & Raymie Redington, and more!

Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam – August 7-14, 2022

Departing Anchorage/Whittier southbound through the Inside Passage to Vancouver, BC

ITINERARY

Sunday, August 7, 2022 – Embarkation – Anchorage/Whittier – Sail-away 10:00 pm
Monday, August 8, 2022 – Cruising Hubbard Glacier – 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Tuesday, August 9, 2022 – Cruising Glacier Bay – 8:30 am – all day
Wednesday, August 10, 2022 – Skagway – 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Thursday, August 11, 2022 – Juneau – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Friday, August 12, 2022 – Ketchikan – 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Saturday, August 13, 2022 – Cruising Inside Passage – all day
Sunday, August 14, 2022 – Disembarkation Vancouver, BC – 7:00 am

Pricing based on current promotions through Holland America
Cabin pricing is based on double occupancy and availability at time of booking.

TRAVEL INSURANCE is REQUIRED for this event. Quotes will be provided at time of booking from either Holland America or Allianz Travel Insurance.

Transfers from airport to ship in Anchorage and ship to airport in Vancouver, BC are optional at an additional cost of $88 per person.
Pre-cruise and post-cruise hotel options will be available through Holland America.

IDIDACRUISE EVENT PACKAGE - $125.00 pp or $225 for family of two (Valued at over $275 per person)
This exclusive package will be your only ticket to group events during the cruise. Please visit out website for more details. www.doublevisionalaskacruise.com There will be door prizes and raffle prizes throughout the cruise too! (Prices subject to change without notice) You will receive copies of three books - "Iditarod the First Ten Years" - "Memories of the Iditarod" and "Icons of the Iditarod". In addition - you will receive a Jon Van Zyle tote bag, our exclusive Ididacruise baseball hat, journal and Ididacruise pen, Ididacruise hand sanitizer, lanyards and nametags, $75 onboard credit, and MUCH MUCH more!

OPTIONAL EXCLUSIVE PRE-CRUISE LAND PACKAGES
Several exclusive pre-cruise land packages will be available – Details available on our website www.doublevisionalaskacruise.com under “Details”

DON’T MISS THE BOAT!!

Call Barbara Carpenter (619) 208-7170

This event is EXCLUSIVELY offered through
BARBARA CARPENTER

Your “Enthusiastic” Excursionist
(Master Cruise Counselor and Alaska Destination Specialist)

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
[email protected] or
[email protected]
Call Today! (619) 208-7170

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17/04/2022

“THE BIRTH OF IDIDACRUISE”



During the past two years that we have been organizing and promoting IDIDACRUISE, I’ve received many e-mails, phone calls, and Facebook messages asking how this all came about. My fingers have become tired of typing – my voice has gotten horse – and so I have now decided to do this “Tell All Post” (so-to-speak…)

It all began with a visit to our home and studio by the new Executive Director of Iditarod a couple of years ago. The topic of conversation soon became funding the race – perhaps because he knew of my early funding efforts with my art. Jona immediately joined in with the idea of a “fundraising cruise” – an event that would focus on the care of dogs. We all agreed that it was a great concept. Thus – this crazy idea was born.

I immediately got on the phone with Barbara Carpenter in Washington. She is a travel agent, a Master Cruise Counselor AND an Alaska Destination Specialist. Jona and I initially met Barb and her husband Jim at a gallery in Juneau several years ago where I was doing an exhibit. She and Jim came over to the gallery hoping I would sign some of my fabric that she had purchased at Changing Tides Quilt Shop.

Shortly after that, Barb invited me to be Guest Speaker on a Quilting Cruise through Southeast Alaska. She knew I designed Alaska themed fabric for P & B Textiles. I agreed – and during that cruise, I was so impressed with her organizational skills and the care she gave to her group of 75. Because of that, I felt certain she would be the right person to handle all aspects of putting together an event for us. Once we approached her, Barb began negotiating with several cruise lines; and Holland America was chosen to be our “floating resort”.

As things progressed in the early planning stages, the focus shifted and eventually we became known as “The Old Iditarod Gang’s Double Vision Alaska Cruise and then “Ididacruise”. Our vision remained the same – offering a charity fundraiser event benefitting The Iditarod Trail Race Foundation and Jr. Iditarod. The American Cancer Society was added to the list because both Barb & Jim and Jona and I have suffered the terrible effects of cancer, as many of us have.

Thanks to Barb’s efforts, the project grew enormously. She negotiated terms with Holland America to add value to our guest’s vacation packages including extra onboard credit and other goodies. She helped put together the group of incredible guest speakers that we now have including Iditarod icons, famous photographers and artists, and authors who will be offering presentations and sharing stories during the cruise. In addition to donating thousands of dollars of her own money to put this all together, her passion for this event grew. During Covid, she spent endless hours designing and sewing several beautiful quilts, travel/overnight bags, stuffed animals, Alaskan Kuspuks, dolls dressed in their own “designer Kuspuks”, tote bags and so much more. She even made all of the lanyards for each of us that will hold our name tags. Many of you have already received your box of swag from our Event Package – another one of Barb’s ideas. The www.doublevisionsalaskacruise.com website and our pages are all her work. We could not have accomplished what we have without her.

To all of you who have donated auction items, your time and talents to join us on this adventure – and especially Barb – thank you for helping us put together this event in honor of our four-legged friends. It truly has been a labor of love (and continues to be) and about giving forward. And – it’s all about the dogs! Jon & Jona Van Zyle

13/04/2022

Small people...HUGE landscape. THAT'S my type of photo. These small people are on a cruise ship in Southeast, Alaska. This August I will be onboard a Holland America cruise ship like this with a gaggle of other Iditarod folks for a special "IDIDACRUISE".

This a VERY unique, first of it's kind, type of cruise. There's good number of "celebrity" Iditaroders on this such as musher DeeDee Jonrowe, Official artist and musher Jon Van Zyle, 2 "Teachers on the Trail" Jen Reiter and Jim Deprez, arctic dog mushing explorer Joe Henderson, artist Teresa Ascone and more... including Jon's wife Jona and my wife Joan.

It's a great opportunity to mingle with your fellow Iditarod fans and experience a number of special presentations by each of us. Jon and I will be giving a presentation on creating our "DOUBLE VISION ALASKA" artwork.

This is a charity event as well. There will be Silent & Live Auctions to raise money for our designated charities – The Iditarod Trail Race Foundation, The Jr. Iditarod and The American Cancer Society. -- some REALLY cool stuff in the auctions.

What a cool way to see Alaska in style. Read more and sign up for this exclusive, first of it's kind IDIDACRUISE here: https://doublevisionalaskacruise.com/

12/04/2022

I'M WORKIN' ON IT !

Good morning everyone - I want to let you know that I've been working with Holland America to finalize all of your bookings and will be sending out final payment information and insurance quotes within the next few days.

AND - I have good news! Holland America has extended my final payment deadline for this group from May 1 to May 5th. That is the absolute last day payments can be made. No exceptions.

Because of some recent cancellations, we have been given some additional group space. If you know anyone who might be interested in joining us, please have them contact me! The more the merrier!

I'll be in touch soon!

30/03/2022

EXTRA SPACE JUST RELEASED TO US!
** AND **

ANNOUNCING A REDUCED DEPOSIT SALE!
April 2-9, 2022

SPACE JUST BECAME AVAILABLE FOR OUR PRE-CRUISE
JON & JONA VAN ZYLE STUDIO TOUR
DUE TO AN UNFORESEEN CANCELLATION - THIS IS A GREAT CHANCE FOR YOU TO JOIN US FOR THIS INCREDIBLE AFTERNOON WITH OFFICIAL IDITAROD ARTIST JON VAN ZYLE AND HIS GIFTED AND TALENTED WIFE JONA.

WE HAVE MORE CABINS AVAILABLE FOR THE CRUISE THAT ARE WAITING FOR YOU TO BOOK THEM AND JOIN US!

Has an Alaska cruise been on your Bucket List? Now is the perfect time to cross that off and join us for an incredible week aboard Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam.

The Old Iditarod Gang Invites you to join us on
THE INAUGURAL DOUBLE VISION ALASKA CRUISE IN 2022 AKA "IDIDACRUISE"

This is a charity event benefiting the exceptional care of dogs - celebrating the past 50 years and looking to the future!
During the cruise you will have the opportunity to meet Iditarod Icons including DeeDee Jonrowe, official Iditarod photographer Jeff Schultz; official Iditarod artist Jon Van Zyle; former and current Teachers on the Trail Jennifer Reiter and Jim Deprez ; Arctic Musher Joe Henderson; and Alaska artist Teresa Ascone. During our optional exclusive pre-cruise land packages you could meet Martin Buser, Barbara & Raymie Redington, and more!

Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam – August 7-14, 2022

Departing Anchorage/Whittier southbound through the Inside Passage to Vancouver, BC

ITINERARY

Sunday, August 7, 2022 – Embarkation – Anchorage/Whittier – Sail-away 10:00 pm

Monday, August 8, 2022 – Cruising Hubbard Glacier – 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Tuesday, August 9, 2022 – Cruising Glacier Bay – 8:30 am – all day

Wednesday, August 10, 2022 – Skagway – 7:00 am to 9:00 pm

Thursday, August 11, 2022 – Juneau – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Friday, August 12, 2022 – Ketchikan – 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

Saturday, August 13, 2022 – Cruising Inside Passage – all day

Sunday, August 14, 2022 – Disembarkation Vancouver, BC – 7:00 am

Deposit will only be $100 per person during Sale (regular deposit is $350 per person/$700 per cabin) Fully refundable until final payment is made. Final payment date is May 1, 2022.

Cabin pricing is based on double occupancy and availability at time of booking.

TRAVEL INSURANCE is REQUIRED for this event. Quotes will be provided at time of booking from either Holland America or Allianz Travel Insurance.

Transfers from airport to ship in Anchorage and ship to airport in Vancouver, BC are optional at an additional cost of $88 per person.
Pre-cruise and post-cruise hotel options will be available through Holland America.

IDIDACRUISE EVENT PACKAGE - $125.00 pp or $225 for family of two (Valued at over $275 per person) This exclusive package will be your only ticket to group events during the cruise. Please visit out website for more details. www.doublevisionalaskacruise.com There will be door prizes and raffle prizes throughout the cruise too! (Prices subject to change without notice) You will receive copies of three books - "Iditarod the First Ten Years" - "Memories of the Iditarod" and "Icons of the Iditarod". In addition - you will receive a Jon Van Zyle tote bag, journal and Ididacruise pen, Ididacruise hand sanitizer, lanyards and nametags, $75 onboard credit, and MUCH MUCH more!

AND! SPACE HAS JUST OPENED FOR THE JON & JONA VAN ZYLE STUDIO PRE-CRUISE TOUR!

Several exclusive pre-cruise land packages will be available – Details available on our website www.doublevisionalaskacruise.com under “Details”
DON’T MISS THE BOAT!!
Call (619) 208-7170 to book today
This event is EXCLUSIVELY offered through
BARBARA CARPENTER
Your “Enthusiastic” Excursionist
(Master Cruise Counselor and Alaska Destination Specialist)
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
[email protected] or [email protected]
Call Today! 253-290-0171 or (619) 208-7170
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