Casting Tranquility: Autumn Artistry at Bellagio’s Conservatory

September 28, 2026 ~ Spence's Girl ~ Leave a comment

Timing is everything as I was able to see both Bellagio’s Summer themed “Paradise: Nature’s Most Beautiful Creations” and the new Autumn display while on the same vacation.

Considered one of Vegas’s top attractions, this is always a must-see when I visit. It is free, full of photo-ops and pure enjoyment of a magical space adjacent to Bellagio’s elegant lobby, which itself features a magnificent Chihuly lighting installation. It’s so worth your time if you find yourself in Vegas…

And more beauty….

Bellagio Conservatory- Summer 2026

September 21, 2026 ~ Spence's Girl ~ 3 Comments

The Bellagio Conservatory has been a “must see” experience each time I visit Las Vegas. My sister (who lives there) keeps track of the display changes five times a year as there is a dark week each time they change to the next season’s theme and it should not be missed.

Since I arrived on the next to last day of their Summer display we drove to Bellagio straight from the airport. We were back the following evening and after seeing “O” – the long running Cirque du Soleil show, we experienced it after dark – a first night viewing for me which was amazing. The photos that follow are from both visits.

I was still in Vegas when the Autumn display debuted so expect a post from that day soon….

SUMMER DISPLAY – Daytime

SUMMER DISPLAY – Nighttime

Back to Alaska part thirteen

June 4, 2026 ~ Spence's Girl ~ Leave a comment

This is the last installment of Back to Alaska. I’m including photos taken from my balcony suite as the views were so stunning to witness. The sea is ever-changing, reflecting clouds, mountains, sunrises and sunsets. It’s surreal and mystical.

In short, it was a trip I’ll never forget!

Back to Alaska part eleven

May 30, 2026 ~ Spence's Girl ~ 5 Comments

Another glorious day at sea was the viewing of the College Fjords and Hubbard Glacier. I love how the water creates a mirror image reflection.

Back to Alaska part 10

May 29, 2026 ~ Spence's Girl ~ Leave a comment

On the cruise ship Discovery Princess, you can count on delicious salads, starters, entrees and yes, the desserts. And some days a light breakfast of almond croissants fresh from the oven or my Brie croissant sandwich with arugula, orange marmalade and toasted walnuts. Chef’s kiss!

Back to Alaska part nine

May 28, 2026 ~ Spence's Girl ~ Leave a comment

Our at-sea day of viewing Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve was one of my favorites. Starting with hot chocolate and cookies delivered to my suite, I prepared myself for the most spectacular 180° views as the ship slowly rotated a full 360° over the course of several hours. To sit on my balcony and bear witness to this magnificent place is hard to describe. The mirror-like reflections in the sea made for stunning photos.

Back to Alaska part eight

May 27, 2026 ~ Spence's Girl ~ Leave a comment

Our next stop was Skagway and we took one of their most popular excursions, the Skagway White Pass Railroad Summit Excursion

You board the train in Skagway and travel 20 miles from tidewater to the Summit of the White Pass – a 2,865-foot elevation.

Traveling in vintage passenger coaches you retrace the original route to the White Pass summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. We enjoyed viewing mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles, and historic sites along the White Pass Railroad. The railroad cars are each heated with a potbelly stove and we were comfortable.

Back to Alaska part six

May 26, 2026 ~ Spence's Girl ~ Leave a comment

When people ask me why I love cruises?

Why is a balcony so important?

This represents the ocean on May 11th and 12th. The ocean is the attraction with ever changing views that take my breath away.

I’m mesmerized……

Back to Alaska part five

May 26, 2026 ~ Spence's Girl ~ Leave a comment

Our first stop was Ketchikan, Alaska where we took a Waterfront & Wildlife Cruise. We saw a lot of eagles and these are some of my favorite photos from the day.

It started off cool but by the time we returned to the ship I was barefoot on my sunny balcony sipping prosecco!

Back to Alaska part two

May 25, 2026 ~ Spence's Girl ~ Leave a comment

My two week Alaskan cruise embarked from Vancouver, a city I’ve never been to. After a long day of flying across multiple time zones, I had a fabulous meal then crashed out. I wanted to show up for my first day on the Discovery Princess well rested.