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Headlines:May 25, 1979: American Airlines flight #191 crashed, no survivors
August 16, 1987: Northwest Airlines flight #255 crashed, 1 survivor
November 15, 1987: Continental Airlines flight #1713 crashed, 56 survivors
When I was a teenager, I loved the song by Shelby Flint called “Angel on My Shoulder.” I played that 45 rpm vinyl record over and over and over again. When I wasn’t listening to it, I was at school or at my first real job in a travel agency handwriting airline tickets. I loved it!
In my twenties, I landed a dream sales position with a deluxe cruise line that involved extensive air travel. In the “olden days,” the airlines required an actual paper ticket. When I traveled, I thoroughly enjoyed examining my airline tickets because it took me back to my days at the travel agency.
On May 25, 1979, I was scheduled to travel home on American Airlines flight #191 out of Chicago O’Hare Airport. While in Chicago I was able to get everything accomplished and flew home sooner on American. The flight that I was originally booked on, and held a seat assignment on, crashed moments after takeoff from O’Hare on May 25, 1979. No survivors – 258 passengers and 13 crew members lost their lives.
In Michigan, in August 1987, I was able to squeeze all my business appointments into one day and thus got to leave for home a day early. I was able to change my existing ticket on Northwest flight #255 out of Detroit Metro on August 16 to an earlier flight. The original flight I was ticketed on, crashed with one lone survivor, a 4-year-old little girl. There were 156 fatalities.
Getting ready for a trip to Denver in November 1987, I purchased a ticket on Continental Airlines. Everything was set. Then, at the last minute, I had a series of meeting changes and was forced to reschedule my trip. I had to have my ticket reissued. I was holding a confirmed seat on Continental #1713 on November 15. That flight crashed, and 26 out of the 82 passengers were killed.
National Airlines is no longer in business, but I flew with them on several occasions primarily in the southern United States. One time I was seated in the front row with no bulkhead, facing the stewardesses (what they were called back then) in the jump seat next to the main cabin boarding door. After the crew did the usual “close doors and cross check,” I noticed that the large entry door was not shut tight. I pointed this out to a stewardess. She assured me it was fine. She thought I was nervous because it might be my first flight. I assured her that it wasn’t, but she ignored me.
So I spoke to another stewardess and then another. They all thought I had pre-flight jitters. After we started taxiing down the runway, I got out of my seat and knocked on the door of the cockpit. (Can you imagine attempting that today!) I explained to the captain that the main cabin door was not shut and I was concerned. The co-pilot came back and confirmed my observation, and we returned to the gate to fix the problem.
While I was waiting in the terminal for the repairs to be done on the airliner, there was an oldies station playing. I heard Shelby Flint’s beautiful angelic voice filling the terminal with her rendition of “Angel on My Shoulder.” I gazed out at the waiting plane with its vast, expansive wings and realized I truly must have the wings of an angel on my shoulder every time I fly.
MEDITERRANEAN ISLAND HOPPING ADVENTURES
Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Mahon Alghero, Amalfi, Catania, Valletta, Gythion, Athens
Set on an unforgettable course from busy Barcelona to the silent ruins and relics high above Athens. Savor spicy tapas plates and fruity sangrias at a Palma de Mallorca beachside café. Delve into Bronze-age catacombs and learn Menorca’s strategic importance for Roman and Carthaginian trade. Visit a local winemaker’s Sardinian farmhouse and learn about Vermentino, Cagnulari, and Cannonau grapes as you sip and sample blends and vintages. Wander among imposing Greek statues and monuments in the Neapolis Archaeological Park outside of Catania, Sicily. Lean against the towering arches of Valletta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens as you take in breathtaking views of a fortified harbor unclaimed by centuries of kings and conquerors. This extraordinary passage along many Mediterranean island stops concludes in Athens, the cradle of democracy and Western Civilization. Take in the viewpoints from the Acropolis ruins over the city skyline or share your photos and memories in a quiet garden café among family, friends and grilled gyros paired with cool tzatziki. To learn more and click here.
Star Legend welcomes 312 pampered guests or less in 156 suites, including two deluxe Owners’ Suites, four beautiful Classic Suites. The ship is having a “face lift” and will be sparkling new in July of 2020. Just in time for us! Star Legend is large enough to pamper and entertain you, yet small enough to tuck into delightful tiny harbors and hidden coves that others can’t reach.
Special discounted rate including taxes and port charges
$100 per person shipboard credit
9 nights accommodations on the ship
Watersports Platform
All meals including 24-hour room service
All non-alcoholic drinks including cappuccino and expresso
Welcome cocktails at reception
Unlimited use of the Fitness Center
Optional wellness seminars on days at sea with Dianne
What’s not included:
Airfare is not included, but is available through Windstar and we can arrange that.
Single supplements are at 175%, but we will “match you up” if you desire.
Pre and post hotel packages are available that include transfers.
We highly recommend trip cancellation insurance that is available through Sonoma Travel Service, our booking agent.
Tipping, WiFi, and alcohol are not included, however there is an optional discounted package.
Optional shore excursions
Deposit Terms:
Immediate deposit of 15% of booking total is required within 3 days of booking to secure a reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Terms:
Bookings cancelled at 121 days or greater from travel will be subject to a $50 per person cancellation fee. A full refund, excluding the cancellation fee, will be made for cancellations received by Windstar Cruises at 121 days or greater from travel by any mode of transportation booked through Windstar Cruises (sea or land, air travel is non-refundable once purchased).
For more information on Windstar Cruises click here.
Your escorts: Keith O’Brien and Dianne Deering
Dianne has almost 50 years of experience in the travel industry. She worked for Seabourn Cruise Line as the Director of Charter Sales when the Star Legend was in the Seabourn fleet, so she knows the ship well. Dianne opened Sonoma Travel Service in 1974 where she and Keith worked together for many years. There are only a handful of countries on the planet that she has not traveled to and escorted groups. To secure your space on the ship, please call Dianne at 760-880-0374 or deeringdian