Hello, my name is Tom Guiney

The Ocean Ranger

Hello, my name is Tom.  I was born in Boston, MA.  It seems as though Bostonians are born of curiosity.  I like to say that we are born with particular genes that include sports;.   Patriots, Bruins, Red Sox and Celtics as well as the Boston Marathon.  We are known for our love of history, the arts and adventure.  As a Mariner I have worked aboard cargo ships including container ships, steam engine paddle wheelers carrying passengers on the Mississippi River and large commercial passenger vessels operating in the waters of the State of Alaska. 

I would say the most satisfying and fulfilling position I have held during these past ten years was that of an Ocean Ranger working aboard cruise ships in the waters of the State of Alaska. 

State of Alaska is the only state to have a law on the books that requires the cruise ships to have a United States Coast Guard Licensed Engineer onboard while in the waters of the State.  The role of the Ocean Ranger is that of an observer.  We would monitor, observe and report information relevant to sanitation, the health and well-being of the passengers, crew, citizens of Alaska and the Environment.  It was a position that I and my fellow Ocean Rangers were proud to perform in support of the requirements set forth by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. 

Environmental Conservation and the citizens of Alaska in accordance with Alaska Statute Sec. 46.03.476.  Unfortunately, the program as it was initially created in which I participated, has been discontinued.  Those of us that have participated in the program for several years, still maintain a commitment to the safety, health and well-being of the passengers, crew, citizens of whichever state or country a ship may land and to the environment. 

My goal in creating the blog is to provide personal insights and observations with regards to the cruising experiences, travels in the USA and abroad.  My aim is to provide information that you may find of use as you embark on what may be your first or your one hundredth cruise as well as your land adventures. 

As more blogs are created, there will be links to other resources and information where you will find other areas of interest. I have no doubt that my blogs will provide information of interest and some humor in the form of an occasional ‘sea story’. 

The photos attached are but some of those I have taken over the years.  In future blogs, I may add comments on individual ports of call in Alaska.  However, I think introducing myself and presenting the first of several blogs of the beauty of Alaska is a good way for me to introduce myself to you and you to the beauty of Alaska. 

My blogs will expand to include other areas of interest that I will share with you.  Travels to countries in Europe to share my impressions, experiences and insights. 

Your comments and queries will be welcome.  So, I will ask of you!  What type of traveler are you?  So many questions.  Are you a frequent traveler or planning your trip of a lifetime?  Is there a bucket list?  A cruise on a yacht, cruise ship or riverboat?  Perhaps a train ride on the iconic Orient Express in Europe or the Far East?  So many choices!  Choose wisely!  Choose often! 

To assist you in your planning and suggestions for your consideration, we suggest you download our PREPARE guide to address some of the many aspects to be considered.  The Guide is general in nature as it will cover areas common to most means and areas of travel. 

I look forward to sharing our adventures.