April 2, 2004

Cleary's Food and Wine Festival
Cruise more popular than ever

By Sean Eastwood
Special to the Times

Mike and Mary Ann Cleary have announced their 8th Annual Food and Wine Festival Cruise to Alaska, departing roundtrip from San Francisco on July 29, 2004.

The Cleary group will cruise the West Coast, sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge to Alaska aboard the Crystal Harmony. The Harmony is a six star luxury cruise ship operated by the worlds highest rated cruise line, Crystal.

According to Mike Cleary, the 12-day cruise is more popular than ever, as more than 200 people have already placed a deposit for the 12 day Food and Wine Festival. He encouraged Willow Glen travelers to join the group for a once in a lifetime experience. "We are planning to host special private events during the cruise that will be a lot of fun for everyone.

"The only way in and out of the bay is under the Golden Gate Bridge, and this is an experience you'll cherish forever," explained Cleary. "Everyone has a great time, especially when we toast our champagne glasses as we sail under the bridge."

"Alaska is, perhaps, one of the most exciting parts of the world to explore by ship," said Cleary. "Shore excursions allow guests to do everything from catch-and-release fishing to kayaking, dog-sledding on a glacier to hiking the Chilkoot Trail. Less strenuous excursions include a rich variety of tours such as whale watching and Yukon train rides."

The Cleary's have made special arrangements though the cruise line and with All Cruise Travel, located in Willow Glen.

"We are giving each person a discount of $200 and also a $200 shipboard credit," said Bill Knight, President of All Cruise Travel. "In addition, another $225 discount is available for all Crystal Society Members," he said. "All three discounts can be combined for an incredible savings. We also have an additional offer that we can not make public," added Knight. In addition, children 12 and under may cruise free with two paying adults.

Mike and Mary Ann Cleary produce and distribute a weekly syndicated radio show called "Food and Travel Radio." Mike and Mary Ann are the co-hosts of the hour-long show which is broadcast on 960 KABL in the Bay Area and other stations throughout California. Prior to their travel show, Mike spent 30 years at KABL and NBC-owned KNBR where he co-hosted the station's popular morning show with Frank Dill.

For information regarding this special group sailing, call All Cruise Travel, (408) 295-1200, or 800 2 CRUISE (800-227-8473), 1213 Lincoln Ave. Suite 205, San Jose, CA 95125. www.allcruise.com.