Cruising

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October 6

I love visiting Mexico any time an opportunity comes around, I’ll sign up for it, but I’d never cruise the Mexican Riviera and when I received an invitation from Carnival for their educational seminar at seas, I didn’t even think twice about it, I signing up. The itinerary included Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta out of the port of Los Angeles.

On the day of our cruise, I took the first flight out to make sure I arrived to Los Angeles with plenty of time before my embarkation. I had purchased the transfers with Carnival and when I was picking up my luggage I spotted the Carnival Representative dressed up in his uniform and holding a Carnival logo. I walked up to him, told him my name and after a few more guests showed up he escorted us to the Carnival motor coach.

We arrived to the pier at about 11:15 am which I thought it may have been too early to check in, but after a welcome speech from a Carnival staff we were allowed to get off and gather our suit case to then proceed to the check in. I really liked the check in process, being that our shuttle was the second bus to arrive, there were no crowds so our check in process was perhaps 30 – 40 minutes before arriving to the Lido Deck where one can find the buffet. Boy was I happy to be able to sit down and enjoy a meal. A few hours went by, and as I was doing a ship inspection of the top decks, an announcement came on the loud speaker, our cabin was ready and everyone could now go to their cabins. I of course was ready for a small siesta after over eating at the buffet so I headed to my cabin.

I just returned from a “Simple Sophistication” U.S. River Cruise experience from New Orleans up the great Mississippi River. I was on their newest ship the “American Song”. The ship was beautiful and sleek; with lots of windows and spacious cabins. American Cruise LInes delivers culture, history and enlightenment without casinos and buffets. They have personalized exploration, well-designed enrichment programs on board and ashore. There was a good variety of food selections on each daily menu (without black tie and formal gatherings); plus hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza on the top deck. One can enjoy the rich history and culture of the Mississippi River with customized excursions in New Orleans, Oak Alley, Natchez, and Vicksburg just to name a few.

First there is the dream of sailing on the magnificent Danube that you have heard about all of your life. Then comes the excitement of planning your personal vacation loaded with the anticipation of experiencing something you have never done before. The day finally arrives and after a trip across the Atlantic Ocean you get a first glance at your sleek AMA Waterways river cruise ship. You are greeted warmly and very quickly made to feel at home. The cabins are nicely appointed and the crew is searching for ways they can serve you.

The ship sets sail smoothly and quietly on this beautiful river that is surrounded by the hills and forests of Bavaria. It is now time for a marvelous dinner with excellent choices and served with care. On many of the nights there was entertainment after dinner on a small scale but high quality.

The inside passage cruises round-trip from Seattle which is convenient because you don’t have to do a pre/post night and you don’t have to have a passport. The inside passage makes stops in Skagway, Ketchikan, Juneau, and usually a night stop in Victoria. It also includes one day seeing a glacier from the ship either Glacier bay, or Tracy Arm my favorite being Glacier Bay where you feel like you are right in the middle of the glacier.

In my opinion none of the main cruise lines do a better job of cruising the inside passage than Princess does. They add extra touches that are special just for Alaska. Which includes having naturalists on board, seminars about Alaska,and special tours because they partner with Animal planet and Discovery, Alaskan food, and a new favorite of mine: puppies!

In the piazza where they bring Alaska sled dog puppies on to the ship and yes you can hold them.

Also, if you have anybody in your family/party who loves crab the restaurant at the top of Mount Roberts Tram offers an all you eat crab plate for $62.00 that includes sides, Crab bib and bucket. Delicious!

I would be happy to help you with any of your Alaska cruise requests either email or give me a call.

Amber Lee Johanson

Phone: 801.483.6314

Salzburg Germany vacationI recently enjoyed the opportunity of sailing on the Romantic Danube Cruise with AMA Waterways. This was my second River Cruise with AMA and won’t be my last.

We started our adventure with a few days in Munich, Germany. What a vibrant city full of culture & history. We stayed at the Le Meridien Hotel which is perfectly located adjacent to the train station and walking distance to the Marienplatz which is where you can see the New Town Hall, Old Town Hall, the Column of St. Mary, and the Glockenspiel Clock Tower. While in Munich we took a hop on & off city tour which is always a great way to get oriented to a new city. We also enjoyed a day trip to the beautiful city of Salzburg and another day on the Romantic Road stopping at Harburg Castle and Rothenburg, one of the best preserved medieval towns in Germany.

After our stay in Munich we took the train to Vilshofen where we boarded the AmaCerto for our 7 day cruise on the Danube River. We had a lovely stateroom including plenty of space and a French balcony which we were able to open and enjoy the striking views and fresh air. Our first evening we enjoyed a welcome dinner onboard and then we were treated to a traditional Okotberfest Celebration on shore with live music & dancing. Back on board the ship we found our sign-up sheet waiting in our room so we could choose our included tour choices for the entire cruise.