Just Back from an Eastern Caribbean Cruise/April 29-May 06, 2006
Noted by Ginger Bennett
What a way to relax! My husband Tony, and I just returned from a seven night Princess cruise on the beautiful Golden Princess. We embarked in San Juan, Puerto Rico where a smooth departure from the cruise ship pier was enjoyed by many of the passengers out on the decks in the twilight. We passed other cruise ships still in port, and along side the peninsula we viewed the city wall and Punta del Morro.
Our first port of call was St. Thomas and the Mountain Top Scenic Tour excursion gave us gorgeous views as we ascended and descended the mountain and the entire time we enjoyed a cool, gentle breeze. Antigua was the second port of call and we went to check out the Sandals Antigua Caribbean Village & Spa by taking a five-minute taxi ride. We enjoyed the pool, the light brown sugar-colored sand beach and warm turquoise water. We rode the Aqua Bike and enjoyed pedaling at our leisure. For the third port we took a quick water-taxi ride to St. Maarten to enjoy shopping for souvenirs and stopped and enjoyed a cold drink under a shaded table on the beach. The storefronts are brightly painted and the town is neat and clean.
Now about the lovely ship-Golden Princess: The crew from the cabin attendant, waiters, to the cruise director were very professional, friendly and rendered great service. The food was excellent. It sure is an opportunity to try a variety of fancy foods. We enjoy trying to make up our minds. The last formal night we both enjoyed a generous dinner of lobster tail. We chose Personal Choice dining which allowed us to show up to the dining room when we were “good and ready” and the maitre d’ would always ask if we wanted to share a table. In the evening, we dined by ourselves at an intimate table for two, and on all of the other nights we enjoyed the company of so many interesting people with shared dining. By the way, we also enjoyed good ol’ pizza and burgers on the Lido deck and the delicious buffet choices at lunch.
The last three days of sailing were days at sea as we headed to the new port in Brooklyn, New York. There is plenty of room to sunbathe, several pools, and lots of onboard activities. We enjoyed a mini concert by Eddie Holman the writer and performer of “Hey There Lonely Girl”, two different comic acts, and a Princess song and dance presentation on stage of hit movie songs. The ship also had showings of recent movies and we took in a couple of those.
A cruise get-away is a sure way to escape the busy lifestyle and relax and enjoy, but also be waited on and enjoy beautiful destinations while just unpacking once! We recommend it. What a good investment in a couple’s relationship.
Searching for the Unusual...
Searching for the "unusual" in travel? Here are 10 suggestions:
1) The Peruvian Amazon Explore the myths, mysteries and magic of the world's most exotic jungle, and then step from the tropics into the air-conditioned comforts of Ceiba Tops, a deluxe resort, over-looking the Amazon River.
2) Alaska Fishing Alaska offers some of the most diverse and incredible fishing opportunities in the world. Catch your fish in the streams along the roadside, in a fresh water lake or in the deeper waters by boat. Ship your catch and a later enjoy a wonderful meal in your home!
3) Egypt and the Nile The Great Pyramids of Cairo are only the beginning of your voyage into history and legend of Egypt. From the Temple of Amon Ra at Karnak, to the Ruins of Luxor and to the rescued monuments of Abu Simbel....see the birthplace of civilization in an unforgettable adventure.
4) Australia Experience a relaxing cruise of the Great Barrier Reef, the quiet solitude of the Red Center or the excitement of Sydney. Shop in Melbourne, dine with the camels at Ayers Rock or relax at one of Queensland's stunning island resorts. Australia is a country filled with wonder.
5) African Safari Get up-close to elephants and lions in the safari country of East Africa. Stay in a "Luxury Tented Camp" with all the amenities of a 5 star deluxe hotel. Visit the Serengeti Plain in Tanzania, famous for their annual wildlife migrations. View the snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro or travel to Botswana to see the awesome oasis of the Okavango Delta. Africa is calling you.
6) Yangtze River Cruise A cruise on board a luxurious cruise ship is the best way to experience the power and majesty of this mighty river, tracing Chinese culture and history along the way. Visit the Three Gorges Dam. The dam, scheduled for completion in 2009, will eventually submerge the beautiful scenery that has inspired classical Chinese literature and paintings for millennium.
7) Wedding (or renew vows) at Disney World What can be more romantic than a Disney Fairy Tale Wedding. From the ceremony and cake-cutting reception to music, officicant services, coordination and more. Make every moment of this special occasion memorable, and let the magic begin even before the words, "I do". You'll even receive a Disney Wedding Certificate signed by Mickey and Minnie Mouse!
8) Tulum, Mayan Ruins in Mexico Step back in history as you explore the only ancient Mayan city built on the Caribbean Coast. Looming dramatically on a cliff overlooking the crystal clear blue waters, you will see the vestiges of former civilization in its many temples, sanctuaries, tombs and platforms, surrounded by what was, long ago, a great stone wall. The sixty-plus well-preserved buildings represent strong Toltec influence. You will be in awe at the work put in to the architecture of each structure.
9) Tall, Sailing Ship in Tahiti What better way to discover Tahiti and Her Islands then to sail Her waters in a tall, sailing ship....The Wind Star. One easily falls under the spell of a thousand swaying palms, the intoxicating aromas of hibiscus and vanilla, the pulsating rhythms of a Tahitian fire dance, and the brilliance of clear emerald waters. The best part of all....sailing each magnificent lagoon on board a ship built for exploring Tahiti's every secret corner.
10) Greece Experience the culture of ancient Greece by walking with the gods in the Acropolis, especially in the shadow of the Parthenon. Cruise the magical islands aboard a luxurious yacht. From the cities of Athens and Olympia to the islands of Odysseus, Mykonos and Santorini, the mystic of Greek mrthology comes alive!
Each one of these exciting destinations listed have been experienced by one or more of our consultants. CALL Elite Travel Authority for additional information! 800-441-5880
|
