Busy days

On 9/27/09, I had the opportunity to tour the Carnival Conquest which sails out of Galveston. What a beautiful, exciting ship! We enjoyed a delicious lunch and the chocolate dessert was beyond mouthwatering. It was notable to see how detailed the childrens' area is and all the activities that are available.



Have a look at my website: glineberry.cruisesinc.com. There are some terrific sales during this month and I'd love to help you reserve your cabin for next year. Or, if you can get away on short notice there are cruises with cabins still available.



Remembering the years gone by, I loved traveling with my parents. Our first move (that I remember) was to Germany, a town called Boblingen, which is near Stuttgart. More on that later.

Did I say I LOVE to cruise?!

I am thinking about the many different cruise possibilities there are and the choices resemble a deluxe buffet - every type of cruise for every taste. It is just phenomenal! I have prepared a Cruise Facebook page: Cruises Inc - Gales_Cruises. I will try to keep short term specials listed on it. On 9/27/09 I have the opportunity to tour the Carnival Conquest and I am excited about that!

Back to my memory journey, I found some more pictures. I believe they show a centerpiece. My first thought was that it might have been a cake decorated accordingly, but after looking at them repeatedly, I think it is a centerpiece. I hope you enjoy it!

Journey Down Memory Lane

I know I have pictures in my house taken from the ship on our transatlantic crossing when we passed by and were able to see the White Cliffs of Dover. So far, I have been unable to find them. It is mysterious how photos can become "missing." I did find some very good pictures to share with you. This blog journey is very nostalgic for me. My daughter and I recently saw "Julie and Julia" and it truly was a walk down memory lane for me. The clothing and hair styles reminded me of my mother. Julia's husband worked for the same organization that my dad worked for. Watching it was sweet, sad, precious and very special to me.

Today there are several cruise lines which sail certain itineraries that allow an opportunity to view the cliffs: Holland America Lines, Princess Cruise Lines, Yachts of Seabourn, Oceania, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Disney Cruise Lines plus more.

September Specials

There are various booking opportunities this month that are interesting. Royal Caribbean is offering different weekly deals. Disney Cruise Lines still has their 'kids sail free' option (select dates and cruise itineraries) if you book now. There are year-round weekly and long weekend departures from Galveston, TX on Carnival Cruise Lines. Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas, will also sail from Galveston from Jan - April 2010. These are good deals ready for that fun getaway!

Today's featured ship is the Carnival Conquest, home-based at Galveston, TX and is the largest cruise ship to sail from Galveston. Fares for an inside cabin sailing Sept. 13, 2009 begin at $479.

"With its wide array of exhilarating onboard activities and family entertainment, including Children's World and a teen club/video arcade, this ship is 110,000 tons of fun for the whole family. For a more intimate setting, dine in this reservations-only supper club. Every Carnival guest is assured of spacious, comfortable accommodations. All staterooms have carpeting, ample drawer and closet space, private facilities (shower, basin and toilet), telephone and color television showing first-run films." (Galveston Cruises.com)

What an Epic!!!

Another webinar, and another wealth of information. This time the topic was Norwegian Cruise Lines. Coming next summer is the Norwegian Epic. It is a fantastic ship and will thrill any cruiser. NCL is now the youngest ship line with many new and updated ships...and the extras!!! It is indeed an EPIC!

Still continuing my journey back in 1949. I look at the photos...black and white...many of them a very small size...and I realize how MANY changes have occurred in the past 60 years. Needless to say, I am very thankful for the photos.

Excursions - Explorations

Yesterday's webinar provided information about excursion opportunities. Now, there is a way to have a 'customized' excursion if you are interested in that. One of the very fun activities about cruising is the opportunity to go on an excursion. Depending on the cruise itinerary, you can choose from quite a variety of experiences ranging from city tours to snorkeling to exploring Mayan ruins and much more.

I'm glad you are on this journey with me. A passport is required for many cruises. I've included my passport photo (with my wonderful Mom) for our 1949 ocean crossing.

Journey to Retirement

Back to my first voyage. I'm glad I have some photos from the journey. My parents were terrific and we considered each new assignment and home place as the learning opportunity that it was. Today's photo shows me playing on the deck chair. What?? Those are deck chairs...good grief!

My husband has retired - again. Yesterday was the big day and now he enters the world of unstructured schedule.

I will enjoy a Webinar this morning and will share any highlights of interest. Webinars are online seminars which provide training for 'at home' cruise agents. Special news!! Disney Cruise Lines is offering a terrific deal from Jan - April 2010 - kids under 17 sail free (with paying adult)! WOW!! That is a surprising treat! The only catch...limited cabins available for this special.

Cruising before the advent of "Cruise Ships"

You are about to join me on a journey...a journey through time and a journey of travels. A recent wonderful part of my journey began August 8, 2009 when I received my credentials to become a cruise agent...WOW!! A Personal Cruise Specialist - how fun and exciting does that sound!

But, my first experience with ships was not one of the marvelous assortment of cruise ships with their varied itineraries that we have to select from today.

For my first ship travel, we will journey back in time to a post-World War II military family being PCS'd ("permanent change of station" for any who don't speak "militaryese") to Germany, in November, 1949. This photo, taken while onboard ship, shows my precious Dad holding me.