Author Archive
Posted in
Canada,
Cruise Vacations,
US Vacations by
Jan on November 4, 2008
Jan Geiser, cruise specialist, with James TravelPoints and her husband recently cruised to Canada & New England onboard the Caribbean Princess for a beautiful North American fall foliage cruise.
Our cruise began sailing from the Brooklyn Terminal in New York. We were fortunate to enjoy our sailaway on a bright, sunny afternoon. We had great views of Manhattan and also the Statue of Liberty on our departure. One of the most fascinating experiences in sailing from New York is the passage under the Verrazano Bridge. Will the height of the ship clear the bridge? Well we did with just inches to spare!
Our first day of our cruise was At Sea. We were able to enjoy a relaxing day onboard the beautiful Caribbean Princess exploring all that the ship had to offer. The next day we were in Halifax, Nova Scotia where we opted to take a tour to Peggy’s Cove to visit the quaint town and most visited lighthouse on the East Coast. The day was perfect albeit windy but so typical of the setting.
Our next port of call was Saint John, New Brunswick. Here we took an excursion to St. Martin’s and the Bay of Fundy. The day was spectacular for viewing the Fall colors and countryside. Our tour included a light lunch of seafood chowder before we were able to walk the beach and visit the sea caves.
Our stop in St. Martin’s provided a photo opportunity to capture the sight of the two covered bridges…the only place in North America to do so. Bar Harbor, Maine was our next port. Unfortunately, the morning was rainy and foggy but we were able to visit Acadia National Park and enjoy some of the magnificent coastal views. We made it to the summit of Cadillac Mountain; however, our brief stop was in total fog. Upon return to Bar Harbor we enjoyed a typical Lobster bake consisting of steamed mussels, excellent whole Maine lobster and all of the accompaniments, including a fresh Maine blueberry dessert. Our afternoon in Bar Harbor proved to be sunny and once again, we were able to stroll in town and enjoy beautiful fall foliage along the waterfront.
We were off to Boston where numerous sightseeing options were available. We visited the city and Quincy Market on another lovely Fall day in New England. Last day of our cruise was spent in Newport, Rhode Island. We enjoyed the 10-mile Ocean Drive before returning to Newport for time on our own. We visited St. Mary’s Parish Church where Jacqueline Bouvier and John Fitzgerald Kennedy were married. We strolled the waterfront enjoying another beautiful, sunny day with vistas of sailboats in the harbor.
If you haven’t been to this part of North America, as was the case for us, I would highly recommend that you consider making this trip. We thoroughly enjoyed this exciting and engaging escape in both Canada and New England.
Please call Jan — James TravelPoints International — 800-274-0436X231, www.travelpoints.com. I would love to discuss Canada/New England travel options with you!
Secrets Resorts & Spa located on the Riviera Maya just south of Cancun Mexico is a luxury all-inclusive resort for honeymooners and romatice couples looking for a beach vacation getaway. Jan Geiser, CTC, with James TravelPoints International recently visited this Resort & Spa on the Riviera Maya in Mexico and is considered a Master Agent for Secrets Resorts & Spas.
I had the wonderful opportunity to stay at Secrets newest resorts — Secrets Silversands and Secrets Maroma Beach. I also re-visited Secrets Capri where I had previously stayed.
Secrets Maroma Beach and Secrets Silversands are both exceptional resorts. Secrets Maroma Beach is set on Maroma Beach, voted the World’s Best Beach by the Travel Channel four years in a row. You will understand why the moment you step foot on this beautiful white sand beach. This impressive all-suite resorts offers an infinity pool that breaks off into 12 smaller pools providing direct swim-out access to many of the suites.
Food, service and entertainment were excellent! So if you are looking for luxury and opulence in an Adults only resort, Secrets Maroma Beach is the perfect match
Secrets Silversands is a chic, upscale and contemporary resort. It too is an Adults-only, all-suite, unlimited luxury property. It features oversized suites with Jacuzzis for 2, suspended king-size beds, captivating lighting and alluring décor. It offers 43,000 sq.ft. of pool area. Not to mention excellent food, service, and entertainment!
Finally, Secrets Capri is still a gem. Its design reflects the charm of a Mexican hacienda.
All 290 rooms and suites offer superior amenities. And, every floor has a private concierge! Its newest addition is an enlarged Secrets Spa by Pevonia.
So, whether you would like to plan your Wedding, Honeymoon, Special Occasion, or a well-deserved vacation, I am certain that there is a Secrets Resort perfect for you!
Please call Jan at 800-274-0436X231 or 303-442-2340X231 so that we can discuss your Secrets’ Unlimited-Luxury Vacation.
Posted in
Cruise Vacations by
Jan on May 29, 2008
Jan Geiser is a Cruise Specialist at James TravelPOINTS.
Many families have already begun planning their spring or summer vacation. Families are looking at alternative vacations that offer a variety of activities a colorful destination and value. Families are becoming aware of the value of a cruise.
Cruises are becoming increasingly popular with families because they offer the opportunities for adventure, luxury, service, fine cuisine and exotic destination at affordable rates. They offer an all-inclusive experience, which is very popular for families. A cruise allows families to budget their vacation and relieves the anxiety of hidden cost. Many cruise companies provide a reduced-rate for children sharing the same cabin. Families don’t have to worry about finding a restaurant every day or having their teenagers go hungry. Most cruise ships offer many options and choices for dining. Breakfast and lunch is usually offered in a formal setting or buffet style by the pool. Mid after-noon snacks range from finger sandwiches to pizza. Dinner is offered in a fine restaurant style with full table settings and a variety of courses and dishes. A mid-night snack or room service is usually available to quench the hungriest passenger appetite.
Imagine cruising along the Caribbean Island and exploring each port with the diversity of cultures and lifestyles. Learn about each port destination from lectures provided on board. Cruise ships will offer a variety of shore excursions and independent activities available while in port. Passengers can explore the Ports of Call on your own, or take a pre-planned shore excursion. Families can pick and choose different shore excursion activities ranging from snorkeling and diving to shopping or sightseeing. Some members of the family may just want to relax on the beautiful beaches.
Onboard the ships there are a variety of activities. Passengers can walk the decks and explore the ship. Attend exercise and dance classes, play basketball or volleyball, play bingo, visiting the fitness center, watch a movie, go skeet shooting, learn about port destination, shop on board or simply enjoy the pool and the sea air and enjoy the dining experience. In the evening there are Broadway-type shows and Las Vegas style revues in the main showrooms. Dancing and live entertainment are usually available in the nightclub lounges and discos. Most ships offer a Movie Theater and entertainment into the wee hours.
If you are looking for an alternative vacation experience which allows a family to spend quality time with their children while having some quiet time alone. Cruises are an ideal choice. All the family members are able to choose their favorite activities in a safe environment. Everyone can enjoy a cruise vacation. If you are thinking about a cruise vacation let James TravelPOINTS help you select the right cruise ship that best suits your needs and budget 1-800-538-7461/303 442-2340, www.travelpoints.com.
Posted in
Adventure Travel,
US Vacations by
Jan on May 27, 2008
Jan Geiser is a cruise and Alaska specialist at James TravelPOINTS
Alaska is America’s last frontier, blessed with natural wonders. This immense landscape supports an incredible variety of animal and bird species. Imagine a brown bear rambling up one side of a mountain valley while Caribou trek across the tundra in their yearly migration, whales inhabit the oceans and eagles soar in the clear clean air. Just picture yourself sitting in your kayak or on a wonderful cruise ship as you view a five-mile-wide glacier calve ice off its face, these are experience of natural beauty that permanently change your way of thinking.
Alaska is by far the largest state; the animal populations outnumber the humans. The moose population is around 150,00, black-tailed deer, caribou, mountain goat, Dall sheep, bears and wolves are frequently seen picnicking from the urban border to the hidden interior. Harbor seals, porpoises, dolphins, humpback and minke whales, sea lions, sea otters and walruses are all common marine mammals, making an arctic ccean plunge an undeniably social affair. The sky is alive with over 200 species of birds, most notably the impressive bald eagle that has a wingspan that often reach 8 feet. The flora of Alaska is diverse, changing dramatically from on region to the next.
The people of Alaska are renowned for their traditional arts and crafts primarily because of their use of limited natural materials. Roots, ivory, birch bark, grasses and soapstone were used creatively to produce ceremonial regalia and other artwork. The best known example of Native Alaskan craft is the totemic art apparent in every community in the southeast, as well as the classic freestanding poles. The totemic art is also carved on houses and other clan structures.
Anchorage is home to almost half of Alaska’s (human) residents and is a city of prosperity and much debate. There are many excellent day hikes that begin on the outskirts of the city and quickly lead into beautiful alpine areas, you can see the sights via small aircraft, or head off on a fishing adventure.
Kenai Peninsula has become the state’s top recreational area. The peninsula is a conglomeration of mountains, fjords, icefields and glaciers with an abundance of marine wildlife.
Denali National Park is the nation’s premier subarctic national park, encompassing 6 million acres. The wildlife-watching opportunities are abundant and Mt. McKinley is a spectacular site. The park offers hiking, backpacking, mountain biking and white-water rafting.
Call the experts at James TravelPOINTS to plan your trip to Alaska 1-800-538-7461/303 442-2340, www.travelpoints.com
Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing
Jan Geiser, Cruise Specialist, with James TravelPoints International recently crossed the Atlantic from Southampton to New York onboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. Having taken a number of previous cruises encompassing the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Alaska, and Panama Canal, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was certainly the highlight of her cruise experiences. The journey was not only a historic adventure but also romantic. It provided six splendidly carefree days at sea — between the old world and the new. The ship’s whistle signaled the beginning of one of travel’s greatest adventures. As Cunard has been crossing the Atlantic since 1940, this fabled voyage was perfect.The sophisticated, splendid Queen Mary 2 represents the pinnacle of the Transatlantic experience. This magnificent ocean liner was built for this very journey. Jan and her husband were pampered with Cunard’s legendary White Star Service. Leisure time to enjoy — the opportunity to sip traditional Afternoon Tea, to dress up, to dine in extravagant style, to dance the night away, to mingle with guests from the world over — just a sample of The Crossing. Literally, there are 101 Things to Do on a Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing. Not to mention numerous Show Stoppers such as the stylish G32 nightclub, the Royal Court Theatre with extravagant performances, Illuminations — the only Planetarium at sea — with an enlightening film about the cosmos, and live jazz in the Chart Room. The Queen Mary 2 offers the largest library at sea with over 8,000 books. The fascinating Maritime Quest Exhibit will remind you of your own place in the historic legacy of this incredible journey. The Canyon Ranch SpaClub (20,000 sq. ft.) provides full-service spa treatments that are provided by staff of the renowned Canyon Ranch Spa in Tucson, Arizona. These are just merely a small fraction of the whole crossing experience onboard the Queen Mary 2!
Dining venues included the celebrated British custom of Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room, complete with scones, fresh cream, strawberry jam and white-gloved servers. We enjoyed a jolly-good pub lunch — fish & chips — in The Golden Lion Pub. The Kings Court hosts four alternate dining options — La Piazza (authentic Italian dining), Chef’s Galley (unique interactive dining experience with the chef), Lotus (delightful tastes of the Far East), and the Carvery (British-style dining). Specialty dining by reservation is available in the trendy Todd English restaurant which offers Mediterranean cuisine of Boston‘s star chef. The full-service Dining Rooms in the Britannia Restaurant, Princess and Queen Grills, are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner where you can try Canyon Ranch Spa Selections. And you can even order in from room service — available 24 hours a day!
Six days aboard the Queen Mary 2 is not nearly enough time — it was more than we imagined!
For nearly a week we lived like royalty on the most magnificent ocean liner at sea.
We returned home with new perspectives, enriched by every experience that we had onboard.
Time slowed down, minutes seemed like hours, and our six days at sea became a luminous dream of charmed memories. Our dream to cross again. May I help you with your crossing or future travel plans?
Please call Jan at 800-274-0436X231, 303-442-2340X231, or visit our website at www.travelpoints.com.
Posted in
Cruise Vacations by
Jan on May 22, 2008
Jan Geiser, Cruise Specialist, with James TravelPoints International cruised to Alaska onboard Celebrity Cruises “Summit” on a Northbound Glacier itinerary from Vancouver to Seward.Alaska, “The Last Frontier”, is truly a must-see destination. Whether you are a first-time visitor or are returning, there is always an adventure waiting to be discovered. My husband and I had the opportunity to re-visit Alaska. Our journey began with a flight to Seattle for an overnight. The next morning we awoke to bright blue, sunny skies with a fantastic view of the mountains. Little did we know that our next seven days would be the same. After breakfast, we shuttled back to Sea-Tac Airport to check-in with Celebrity Cruises for our motor coach transfer to Vancouver, B.C. Grayline of Seattle provided our transportation. Much to our surprise, we were treated to a box lunch upon boarding the motor coach. Our trip was very comfortable and we were given a narrated, guided sightseeing tour enroute during the 3-½ trip.
Upon arrival in Vancouver after U.S. and Canadian immigration/customs formalities, we boarded our cruise ship, the Summit. What a magnificent vessel! We were welcomed onboard with a complimentary glass of champagne. We were then escorted to our ocean view stateroom by one of the white-gloved staff members. This was just the beginning of the personal service with a taste of luxury that Celebrity Cruises provides.
After briefly getting settled in our stateroom, we set our to explore the Summit, our home for the next seven days. The Summit is BEAUTIFUL! The generous use of glass and teak — “the feeling of being aboard a luxurious cathedral overlooking a watery dominion” describes this ship perfectly. It certainly explains why readers of Conde Nast Traveler have ranked five of Celebrity Cruises’ ships rank among the ten best in the world.
The Summit is a relatively large ship yet it still manages to be intimate. Dining venues include the 2-level Cosmopolitan Restaurant. Alternate dining is available in the Waterfall Grill, the Waterfall Café, the Spa Café, and also, the Normandie Restaurant (at a nominal charge for dinner). Food and service are exceptional. There is even a Sushi Bar available as a dinner option…not to mention 24-hour room service (great salads, pizzas, and chocolate chip cookies).
Other features onboard the Summit include the AquaSpa, a Fitness Center, Fortunes Casino, the Emporium Shops and Art Gallery, several lounges and a Disco. Enrichment lectures were offered. For families traveling with children, Ship Mates Fun Factory and Video Arcade, are available. The Waterfall Pool and adjoining whirlpools complement a thalassotherapy pool that is available to all guests. Additional options, a Fairway golf simulator, Notes - a music library, Words - a library, and Online @ Celebrity, an internet site, offer additional choices. With so many onboard options, it was difficult for us to imagine leaving the ship for our Alaskan ports-of-call.
Our first full day was spent at sea cruising the Inside Passage. Protected by offshore islands and tempered by the Japanese current, the Inside Passage of deep channels, quiet bays, and lovely forested lands is one of the world’s most interesting and scenic cruise routes. And the sun was shining!
Ketchikan, a Tlingit Indian name, was our first Alaskan port-of-call. Ketchikan is surrounded by a vast wilderness and impassable mountains. It is a small town, its long main street skirts a waterfront built on pilings over the sea. Because of its past — fishing, canneries, and mining — a famous (or infamous) area is a former red-light district called Creek Street. We walked from our downtown cruise ship dock to explore Creek Street and the fishing harbor on a crisp, sunny day in Ketchikan.
We visited Skagway the following day. Skagway is where the Yukon gold rush began. An excellent option that we previously enjoyed to experience that era is the White Pass & Yukon Railway trip. The half-day adventure parallels the Trail of ‘98. The town of Skagway is a short, pleasant walk from the cruise ship docks. We visited the rustic pioneer town that has been maintained through the years on another incredible day filled with sunshine and bright blue skies.
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, has a wealth of historical, cultural, and natural points of interest. We opted to visit Mendenhall Glacier on our own by taking a shuttle (former school bus) at a cost of $10.00 round-trip. Mendenhall Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in Alaska that is accessible by road. It is a spectacular sight. We enjoyed sights, trails, and the Visitors’ Center at our own pace. Upon returning to Juneau, we stopped at the Red Dog Saloon for a quick bite and cool brew. Our day in Juneau was not only sunny but also quite warm.
Our next port was a new Alaskan experience in Icy Strait Point. This exclusive “private island” experience allows only one ship to visit Icy Strait Point’s scenic and pristine wilderness at a time. It is located just south of Glacier Bay. It was definitely our favorite port of call. There were hiking trails, a cannery museum, little shops and first and foremost, an opportunity to meet some of the locals, Tlingit Indians.
We enjoyed our lunch of fresh halibut on the deck of a local café overlooking the bay under a magnificent sunny sky.
We cruised to Hubbard Glacier at the head of Yakutat Bay. This glacier is one of Alaska’s largest and most unpredictable. To experience Hubbard Glacier was an unbelievable event. Our cruise ship, the Summit, was able to approach the face of the glacier within 2 blocks. The sounds emanating from within the glacier were awesome. We enjoyed the sights and sounds of “calving” where the ice cliffs crack and crash into the bay. For almost one hour our ship was in a 360 degree navigational rotation enabling all passengers superb views. The sunny morning made our visit perfect.
We cruised to Seward for our disembarkation. My husband and I opted for the Grandview train transfer to Anchorage. As if our entire cruise had not been filled with wonderful sights, the train trip was the perfect ending. We boarded the train at the cruise ship dock in Seward for our 7:00AM departure. The train is operated by the Alaska Railroad and offers comfortable seating and large viewing windows. Our sights enroute were spectacular. We saw moose, elk, Dall sheep, and bald eagles. We were able to get upclose and personal with glaciers and pristine forests and lakes. As we approached Anchorage from the Chugach National Forest, our train skirted the Captain Cook Inlet. During a brief stop at the Anchorage Airport, we were able to see Mt. McKinley in the distance…another picture-perfect day!
Is Alaska in your future travel plans? Nothing in the lower 48 compares! I welcome the opportunity to assist with your travel plans to Alaska. Please call Jan at 800-274-0436X231 or 303-442-2340X231 or visit our website at www.travelpoints.com.
Cruising Mexico
by Jan Geiser, Cruise Specialist at James TravelPOINTS.Visited East & West Coasts of Mexico? Been there, done that! Looking for something different? We definitely were and Holland America Line offered a 10-day Mexican Riviera & Sea of Cortez itinerary that provided just that. Our ports of call included Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Topolobampo, Loreto, Pichilingue, and Cabo San Lucas.My husband and I flew to San Diego a couple of days prior to our cruise. San Diego is a destination in itself. We spent our time exploring and enjoying its sights and the beauty of its harbor side location. Our weather was great and we took full advantage of it. We dined al Fresco on the waterfront. We visited Coronado Island by ferry and toured the historic Hotel del Coronado. We literally walked miles during stay.On Monday we boarded our ship, the ms Ryndam in Downtown San Diego. Embarkation was an easy process. As we arrived early, we were directed to the Lido Restaurant where a buffet luncheon was being served. Shortly thereafter an announcement was made that staterooms were available for occupancy. Our stateroom, our home away from home for the next 10 days, was spacious and comfortably appointed. Our sail away from San Diego provided us with a beautiful sunset and magnificent views of the skyline of San Diego.
The next two days at sea gave us an opportunity to enjoy the amenities and beauty of the ms Ryndam and its “Signature of Excellence” enhancements. Holland America Line recently invested $225 million dollars fleet wide to upgrade onboard facilities. These features include an Explorations Café powered by the New York Times. Here you can be quiet and comfortable reading the latest novel. You can surf the Internet and stay up on what’s happening in the world with free access to nytimes.com. Exploration Speaker Series are featured on select cruises providing fun, informative lectures by global experts. Our cruise speaker, Dave Levesque, presented three programs — “Cortes & the Conquest of Mexico”, “European Exploration of the Pacific Coast”, and “Libre Mexican: 100 Years of Rebellion & Revolution”. A Culinary Arts Center which features overhead mirror and cameras to project close-ups of the action onto large plasma screens provided a theater for fine food. Select Culinary Signature Cruises bring acclaimed celebrity and regional chefs on board.
Our guest chef was Chocolatier Fran Bigelow of Fran’s Chocolates, Seattle, Washington. Fran has been named the best chocolatier in America by some of the most venerated food publications in America including “The Book of Chocolate”. Being lovers of chocolate, we attended her complimentary chocolate demonstration where we enjoyed her delightful preparations of a Chocolate EspressoTorte and Chocolate Princess Pudding. Both to die for! We also participated in her Chocolate Tasting program for a nominal fee. Here we learned about the history of chocolate and its properties. Truly a fun event!
The Culinary Events Center was also used by the Executive Chef to present a cooking demonstration. His presentation included the preparation of a Mangospacho Soup, Tilapia Veracruz Style, and Crepes with a Mexican Chocolate Sauce. We then had the opportunity to sample all three and collect nicely printed recipe cards.
We also participated in a Wine Tasting Seminar hosted by the Sommelier. That afternoon provided not only tastings of excellent wines but also paired the wines with foods.
Our days at sea went by very quickly. Now we were in Mexico! Our first ports of call were Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. We enjoyed our return to both. Third port of call was new and exciting — Topolobampo. This port is located on the Sea of Cortez. It is an industrial port and one of Mexico’s deepest. It also serves as a ferry terminal with service to La Paz. This port offers cruise passengers the opportunity to take a shore excursion to the famous Copper Canyon. It is a very early departure and rather long day but most participants felt it was certainly worth it. Other options include a visit to the colonial town of Los Mochis where the locals welcomed and hosted a folkloric program for the cruise passengers. That evening our onboard entertainment was a Mexican Folkloric Ballet presented by dancers from the State of Sinaloa.
Quite a colorful production and beautifully done.
The next morning we arrived in Loreto. The historic town of Loreto is the oldest European settlement in Baja California. Established in 1697 by the Jesuits, the desert oasis, framed by the majestic Sierra de la Giganta range, was the capital of Baja California Sur until 1830 when the administrative center moved to La Paz. Without a doubt, Loreto was our favorite — quaint and charming. The main street was arched with trees pruned to form a nice, shady tunnel. The shopping was limited but offered some unusual arts and crafts. The beautiful Mission Nuestra Senora Loreto glistened in the sun under bright, blue skies.
The following morning we arrived in Pichilingue. Pichilingue is referred to as the entry point to La Paz. Many consider La Paz to be Baja Peninsula’s commercial, cultural, and political center. One can definitely savor the serene flavor of the Baja Peninsula when one visits La Paz. Despite being the capital of Baja California Sur and the second largest city in the region, La Paz maintains a tranquil feeling. In fact, La Paz means “peace” in Spanish. We enjoyed walking in a real Mexican town along the Malecon which fronts Bahia de la Paz and the Sea of Cortez. We visited the beautiful Cathedral located across from the Plaza Constitucion. We definitely envied the locals and their lifestyle.
Our last port was Cabo San Lucas. It has been many years since our last visit. And with the passage of time, the town has definitely grown. We opted to take a local bus (fare was $2.00USD per person) to ride along the coast to San Jose del Cabo. The scenery enroute was spectacular. We enjoyed a couple of hours on the beach sunning and watching the surf. Our departure from Cabo provided great vistas of the coast and the rock formation known as El Arco (”the arch”).
Our last day of the cruise was at sea. As it was our Anniversary, we had previously made reservations to celebrate our special day with dinner in the Pinnacle Grill. The Pinnacle Grill is a specialty restaurant onboard Holland America’s ships that requires reservations and charges a modest cover charge. We were not disappointed. Sterling Silver Beef cuts are featured. In addition, the menu offers fish, poultry and lamb, my favorite. Personalized service in a small dining venue is their focus. At the conclusion of our excellent meal, we were presented with a lovely chocolate cake in honor of our anniversary.
All too soon our 10 day cruise was over…wonderful entertainment, great memories, exciting ports of call, and new friendships! Holland America Line offers this itinerary on a very limited basis. Please call me if I can assist you in planning your cruise…Jan at James TravelPoints…800-274-0436X231 or 303-442-2340X231 or visit or website at www.travelpoints.com.
Posted in
Cruise Vacations by
Jan on May 20, 2008
CROWN PRINCESS…cruising beyond compare
by Jan Geiser, Cruise Specialist, with James TravelPOINTS
Having read numerous reviews about the newest Princess ship the Crown Princess, we were quite anxious to board and explore this beautiful vessel. Our itinerary offered 6 ports of call on a 7 night cruise so we knew our time at sea and onboard the ship would be rather limited. We were definitely not disappointed in our decision to board early. The Crown Princess was everything that we had anticipated…and more. The Crown Princess is a Grand Class ship … nearly 900 balcony staterooms … with an entire deck of mini-suites. We were not sure that we would enjoy a ship this large with 3,000+ passengers. Well, we were surprised. Princess Cruises has always created their ships with the intimate ambience of a smaller ship, offering multiple amenities and the warm, cozy spaces that passengers love. The design is innovative, including a dramatic piazza-style atrium and new casual dining venues. Not to mention a 24-hour Internet Café and The Sanctuary — a peaceful new concept in relaxation, where you can truly escape. We opted for traditional dining — late sitting in the Botticelli Dining Room. Personal Choice Dining is also available. This flexible dining option enables passengers to savor delicious cuisine when, where and with whom they want. We also enjoyed a couple of Princess specialty dining venues. Sabatini’s is a signature Italian trattoria. This restaurant features a spectacular view of the ocean plus, and intimate, adjoining bar, Adagio. The evening was enjoyable and most certainly, a memorable dining experience. The Crown Grill, the premium steak and seafood restaurant, was also another nice choice. Both restaurants are available at a small surcharge. Reservations are definitely required. Another special dining option that we enjoyed as a part of our cruise was our Balcony Breakfast for Two, a truly wonderful way to start the day.Another onboard feature of Princess Cruises is their Larger-than-Life Entertainment — Movies Under the Stars. The 300-square-foot LED screen and 69,000-watt stereo system — lights up your day and night. You can watch the latest Hollywood hits, major sporting events — the Broncos vs. Chargers –(while we were onboard) or concert videos, from a plush chaise lounge — or even a hot tub! Complimentary popcorn and pizza are available.
Please call Jan Geiser, if you would like to discuss the Crown Princess or any other exciting Princess Cruises’ ships or itineraries. I can be reached at James TravelPOINTS 800-274-0436X231 or 303-442-2340X231 or visit our website at www.travelpoints.com.
