The Cruise Professional

12/25/2023

10/17/2023

Our River Cruise day was in Osijek , Croatia. Walking tour through the Fort. The highlight was the lunch in a personal home. Thank you so much for the hospitality and amazing experience !!!💕

10/16/2023

Thought it might be interesting to know how much laundry is free when sailing with Scenic on a River Cruise. We put the full bag on the bed in the laundry bag before supper and by noon the next day we had it back nicely folded. There is a lot you can fit into the bag!

04/13/2023

A full day in Cozumel. Chocolate tasting, vanilla, Mayan Honey and tequila tasting. We covered it all today.

04/13/2023

We enjoyed Costa Maya today. Glass bottom boat tour - saw a turtle, coral and the fish of the reef. Small tour with a ton of information. Only 2 ships in port so not as crowded. 🐠 🐟

04/11/2023

Sailing on the Celebrity Beyond this week. She is a beautiful ship and living up to her name. Beyond expectations!

12/24/2020

Wishing all a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with holiday dreams. May 2021 allow us to make our travel plans a reality. 🎄🎉

12/17/2020

Indulge your taste buds in exquisite, locally-inspired cuisine. Delight in a sweet Dutch stroopwafel with your morning coffee or have authentic wiener schnitzel for dinner after a day of exploring while cruising down the Danube or Rhine Rivers.

As you cruise along the river, gourmet chefs will craft traditional menus using locally sourced ingredients from every destination along your journey. The expert wait staff on board can even suggest the perfect wine pairing to accompany your meal.

Contact me today to begin planning your next culinary adventure.

12/03/2020

Did you know that AmaWaterways is a family-owned and operated company that was founded by three families?

We understand and value the importance of spending time with family and friends and believe that taking a trip is one of the best ways to reconnect and spend quality time together.

Share old memories and make new ones on a river cruise through some of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Share these special times with your loved ones aboard a river cruise and strive to create an experience that will last a lifetime.

Connect with me today to begin booking your next trip.

11/19/2020

Soak up the sun with a casual swim/soak on the sundeck as you cruise along the river past charming villages and enchanting European castles.

After a day of shore excursions, spend time getting to know your fellow passengers while sharing stories about your most recent adventure.

The sundeck aboard any River Cruise ship is always a great spot to end the day, and with a fully stocked swim-up bar on some of our ships, you are never far from a crisp and refreshing drink.

Let all your worries float down the river as you relax into your ultimate vacation experience.

Let me help you discover the beauty of river cruising. Contact me today to learn more.

11/05/2020

Uncover the magic and mystery of Gothic architecture as you take a stroll around the Cologne Cathedral. Positioned along the Rhine River, the magnificent Cologne Cathedral towers above the city and is a must-see attraction.

This renowned monument of German Catholicism has even declared a world heritage site in 1996.

Once you've had a tour of the cathedral, enjoy a casual picnic in the nearby park or wander through the streets of Cologne with a few of your fellow cruisers. Spend time immersing yourself in the local culture of this historic German city.

Come see what else you will discover when you book a river cruise. Connect with me today to learn more.

10/22/2020

Explore Europe’s amazing sights as the locals do. Each AmaWaterways ship carries an entire fleet of complimentary bicycles so you can experience biking alongside enchanting riverside pathways and through city centers.

Cruise through the city streets like a local and stop at a pub for lunch or pick up souvenirs from a nearby shop to commemorate the trip.

Whether you feel like joining one of the exclusive guided bike tours or want to go discover on your own, there are so many ways for you to explore during your cruise.

Contact me today to begin booking your next adventure.

10/08/2020

Imagine enjoying a glass of Rieslings from the Wachau Valley that is straight from the local vineyard you visited earlier in the day.

Sit back and take in the scenery as an expert waiter introduces you to the extensive onboard wine selection.
On each day of your cruise, you will have the chance to savor different wines from each destination.

The reds and whites are of the highest quality and come from local wineries and vineyards along your journey. It is a fantastic way to savor the flavor of each region you are visiting.

Connect with me today for more information.

10/02/2020

Tracy Arm Fjord - Sail through this deep and narrow passage that extends over 30 miles alongside the wilderness of Tongass National Park, Alaska.

View spectacular cliffs, 1000-foot waterfalls as well as abundant native wildlife. Watch deep blue icebergs float past you as you explore this amazing sight that mother nature has given us.

At the end of the fjord you will find the spectacular Twin Sawyer Glaciers. Connect with me to learn more.

09/25/2020

Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia
Did you know that it took 6 years to build the Sydney Harbour Bridge? It links Milton's Point on the north shore to Dawes Point. Is opened in 1932 and was an engineering marvel. I found this video showing the work in progress. Enjoy a bit of history in the making.
https://youtu.be/Jy5cZ-IO0Eg

Made by the Cinema Branch 1933. Directed by Lyn T Maplestone. Officially opened on 19 March 1932, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was a massive engineering underta...

09/24/2020

Whether you are celebrating something special or just enjoying some quality time together, there is always a reason to have a toast.

Along the Rhine River take in the panoramic views on a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue.

Afterward, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. To finish the day set sail through the river’s gorge with its fabled legends and regal castles.

Whatever the occasion, let river cruising be a part of your celebration and help make your trip one to remember.

Email me today to start planning your cruise down the Rhine River.

09/17/2020

Engaged? Do you want to get married in 2022 on a beach or in a tropical location? Learn all about destination weddings by visiting our Virtual Expo Sep 26-30th. Be sure to RSVP for the show, you MUST register in order to qualify for some of the fabulous prize giveaways! www.adestinationweddingexpo.com

This is such a beautiful Virtual Wedding Show that my colleagues have put together! If you know someone considering a Destination Wedding, please share this post. Amazing prizes, fabulous content and so much inspiration for any brides!

09/07/2020

Seward / Anchorage
Seward is where your Alaska cruise comes to an end. It is situated at the inlet of Kenai Peninsula and is such a quaint , small and charming town. Most will head from here to Anchorage for their flight home.

I would suggest that you take at least an additional day to explore the Anchorage area. Anchorage is known as Alaska’s Big Apple. It blends cosmopolitan excitement with the great outdoors. There are 60 glaciers located within an hour’s drive.

Or stop in at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and it will give you an excellent introduction to the traditions and culture of the native people of Alaska.

If you have arrived during the Salmon Run (late July through August) you have a chance to spot big Chinook salmon as they make their way upstream to breed. There are several viewing spots downtown. One being the viewing dock on the Potter Marsh boardwalk.

There are many other options to extend your stay in Alaska and explore Denali National Park. If you wish more information or if you’d like me to assist in finding the best Alaska Cruise Adventure for you, please contact me any time.

Ineke Palmer, The Cruise Professional - 519-633-6300

09/06/2020

Hubbard Glacier is one of Alaska’s most exciting natural treasures. Witness stunning icy landscapes as your ship makes its way through the frigid waters. From Yakutat Bay into the narrow Disenchantment Bay, come face-to-face with towering Hubbard Glacier.

The strong currents and riptides that flow in this area cause calving to occur daily, sending large chunks of ice crashing into Disenchantment Bay. With naturalists on board explaining the details of the area, you can spot the whales, harbor seals and otters that play in the bay.

If you wish a closer look at Hubbard Glacier, why not choose the small boat tour that gets you up close and personal with the wildlife as well as the glacier. Capture the dramatic displays of calving as the captain weaves through the maze of icebergs. What an amazing experience!

09/05/2020

Skagway
The great Klondike Gold Rush lives on in Skagway’s charming downtown of restored 19th century buildings and its historic railway. This small town saw its fare share of gold rush, get rich dreamers pass through. Be sure to head to Klondike Gold Rush National Park Museum for an in-depth look at Klondike and the two routes out of Skagway.

The most well known and must do is The White Pass & Yukon Railroad, which runs the vintage locomotives through the famously steep Chilkoot Trail. It offers sweeping mountain views during its climb toward Canada.

Something not to be missed is a Sled Dog Experience. During the gold rush era the nearby ghost town of Dyea was the location of the biggest competition during the gold rush era. You can experience just a little bit of the trill on the special-wheeled summertime sled. Hold on as your dog team pulls you down a mile-long trail full of twists and turn through the crisp mountain air. How exhilarating! I memory worth sharing with family at home.

09/04/2020

Juneau is the capital of Alaska and is only accessible by water or air. Gold mining was the major industry during the Gold Rush Era. Today the biggest draw is Mendenhall Glacier. Begin at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre and take off on a beautiful, scenic hike or stand at one of the viewpoints to watch icebergs calve off the glacier into Mendenhall Lake.

The port terminal is for some, a bit of a walk so hop on the shuttle and you will be dropped off at the tramway station. If you are wishing a breathtaking view of the area purchase a ticket on the Mt Roberts Tramway.

I always make a point on my travels to savor the local flavor. Be sure to stop at Tracy’s King Crab Shack for a taste of fresh, locally caught crab legs, bisque and other delicious seafood bites.

09/03/2020

Icy Strait Point is located just outside of the village of Hoonah, Alaska. The well-known salmon cannery, built in 1912, has been fully restored and now features a museum, restaurants and craft shops owned by the local native community.

Icy Strait Point offers some of the best whale watching in the world. It is an excellent location to spot humpback whales and orcas. If you are looking for some adventure why not try zip lining or get up close and personal with a whale or some seals kayaking along the shoreline.

Icy Strait Point gives you the Alaska destination you’ve been dreaming of.

# adventurecruising

09/02/2020

Ketchikan – known as the rainiest town in southeast Alaska. Don’t be surprised if this sleepy town is shrouded in mist from the nearby fjords.

Next to the water you will find the neat row of wooden buildings, known as Creek Street just a short walk from the cruise terminal. Creek Street was once Ketchikan’s red-light district. Today the buildings are brightly painted boutiques.

Don’t miss seeing the Northwest totem poles. They each offer their own story through the visual art and carvings.

For those who are interested in some adventure, soar over the rainforest canopy on an adrenaline-pumping ride at the Rainforest Canopy and Zipline Expedition. There are over 6,0000 feet of high tension cables and three aerial bridges. At a height of over 135 feet in the air you have an amazing view of the stunning beauty of the Alaskan rainforest.

09/01/2020

The Inside Passage
As you sail from Vancouver, you will sail through the protected waters of the Inside Passage. The complex labyrinth of fjords, bays and lush green islands is home to an abundance of wildlife. Depending on the time of year you could see orca, mountain goats, bald eagles, bears, puffins, sea otters and so much more.

There will be plenty of opportunities for photos. This is when a balcony cabin comes in very handy when you spot whales breaching out of the water.

08/31/2020

Vancouver, BC - Many Alaska Cruises begin in Vancouver. This beautiful city is nestled among beautiful and majestic snowcapped mountains, gorgeous sandy beaches, and a lush green rainforest. The Port of Vancouver is located downtown at Canada Place Cruise Terminal. You are just a short 30-minute drive from the Vancouver International Airport.

You will wish to arrive a couple of days prior to sailing to explore. Stroll through Stanley Park, Vancouver’s #1 attraction, which includes historical landmarks, cultural hotspots, local wildlife, hiking trails, Canada’s largest aquarium and so much more.

For those who wish a thrill - cross the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge which is almost 140 meters long and hangs 85 meters over the Capilano River.

Don’t forget to visit Granville Island. This is Vancouver’s premier artistic and cultural hub and is rich in industrial and maritime heritage as well as showcasing the culture of the area. You will find the famous Granville Island Public Market with more than 50 food vendors who contribute to the Island’s appeal as a renowned culinary destination. The Net Loft Shops and Railspur District is home to many of Canada’s best artists and designer.

There is so much more to explore in this vibrant city.

08/30/2020

Alaska Cruise. Just because our travel plans are on hold doesn’t mean we can’t dream. Join me next week and we will explore Alaska together and spark some excitement. Let me introduce you to what could be experienced on an Alaska Cruise from Vancouver to Seward. Come explore with me.

08/25/2020

Here is an interesting fact that I never knew about Santorini. Tell me if you know of any others.

08/17/2020

Start your day off slow and then taper off from there. Relax into the rhythm of the day as the river gently carries you past magnificent castles and charming cities that dot the banks of the Rhine River.

Sit back with friends as the melodies of the river carry you from one city to another on a regal journey through time.

See first-hand how the Rhine River has inspired centuries of artists and shaped the storied cities that make this riverbank so unique.

We’d love to match your personal travel style with the right ship and itinerary. Contact me for more information on river cruises.

08/14/2020

Fresh and locally sourced ingredients are two things you will always find on a river cruise.

The chefs onboard pride themselves on preparing dishes inspired by the regions around them. Using local ingredients and herbs from the gardens onboard ensures that every meal is being made using only the freshest ingredients.

Dine with new friends and old as you discover the savory and award-winning cuisine that river cruising has to offer.

Contact me today to book your next culinary journey.

08/10/2020

Marion from Elgin Travel was able to get a first hand view of travelling to BC. She shared her experiences with the St Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.