Life is a celebration.

It seems as though everyone on the UI Alumni Association EXPLORERS tour, "Cruising the Inside Passage and Alaska," signed on to celebrate a special occasion of some sort: 50th wedding anniversaries; 70th birthdays; a 50th birthday; a 16th birthday; and even a 28-year "re-birthday," as one cancer survivor (among several) describes it.

So here we are, about to explore the beautiful wilds of America's last frontier as a way to embrace the world, our lives and being with those we love.

We also happen to be on the beautiful, six (count 'em)-star Silver Shadow of the Silversea Cruise Line. Our Illinois travelers are being pampered and tended to by very polite, accommodating staff that includes a butler service. Yes, that's right. So if you want to find a new, fun way to celebrate your own occasion, you need to sign on for an EXPLORERS alumni tour like this one.

Here's a picture of most of the 20 in our Illinois group; they're from California to Virginia, and a few states in between. UI Alumni Association staff often hear how friendly and nice our Illinois travelers are -- and this group is no exception.

The first port of call is Ketchikan -- can't wait to hear about everyone's adventures for the day when we meet up on board later today to set sail again before dinner. Hope to fill you in when we reach our next port of call, and I can find another local cafe with free wi-fi. :-)