As the EXPLORERS tour, Cruising Alaska's Glaciers and the Inside Passage, comes to a successful conclusion, our travelers are treated to a sumptuous feast for the eyes, as well as the palate.

The morning of our last day at sea begins with the oohs and aahs of early-risers gathered on the top deck being treated to a spectacular view of the six-mile-wide Hubbard Glacier, while below in the Galley, numerous chefs and kitchen staff are busy putting the finishing touches on an amazing array of artistically prepared foods for a lunch buffet to beat all lunch buffets.

The U of I group gets to be the first to gather and behold the untouched splendor of numerous tableaux of beautifully arranged delectables -- salads, breads and cheeses, fruits and vegetables, meats and side dishes, piles of seafood, etc., etc. Each station is its own work of art. When the travelers emerge from the Galley, the 30-foot-long tabling of intricate, elaborate desserts prompt another round of oohs and aahs at the Eiffel Tower of white chocolate with a flowing fountain of chocolate fondue beside it, the edible scenes of desert cacti and birds and musical instruments, colorful tarts, cakes, petit fours and more. It was complete sensory overload!

This was a great crescendo of a celebration to top off an amazing, luxurious EXPLORERS tour during which everyone came together one last time to revel in the experience, to share stories with each other of their shore excursion adventures and even to reminisce about fun times spent back at the University of Illinois.

Yes, life is a celebration. Bon appetit, indeed!