Fall aboard the Miracle

In the fall as previously blogged, we will be cruising aboard the Carnival Miracle. Our cruise will depart the Port of Tampa heading for the Western Caribbean. In 2006, we cruised aboard the Miracle on the same basic itinerary. On that cruise we stayed in an obstructed balcony (lifeboat below) stateroom. On our upcoming cruise we will be in an aft extended balcony stateroom.
The Miracle was in drydock in 2015 and had Carnival 2.0 upgrades added. These included the Red Frog Pub and an update to the Sports Bar. It also includes an aft adults only pool called Serenity. The Miracle was designed by the iconic Carnival designer Joe Farcus. The decor is loosely base on all things Miraculous.

Cruising Elegance

Cruising affords many adventurous opportunities. Just being on the open sea and knowing that there are exotic experiences to come makes  me open to possibilities. It is a time to relax and get in tune with my soul and reconnect to what is important. If you have never been on a cruise it is hard to explain the experiences that occur.
We have met new friends, visited places I never imagined I would go to and dined in elegance. On a typical seven day cruise there are two elegant nights. It is a time to dress up and experience life from a different era. Now I know some people hesitate to dress up however this is one of those times that I get to accompany my beautiful wife and bask in her glow. So here we are on formal night on the Carnival Miracle. Five months and counting until we board her again.

Ready to Cruise Again

It has been way to long since I posted a cruising blog. Life and work balance came first. Now I am ready to dive back in (pun intended) and discuss my upcoming fall cruise (post hurricane season) to the Western Caribbean aboard the Carnival Miracle departing from the port of Tampa.  This has very special meaning as the Miracle is the first cruise ship my wife and I went on together. As fate would have it we are sailing from the same cruise port. In coming blogs I will discuss the benefits of cruising fromTampa, the sights to see and places to stay.
Our ports of call will be Cozumel (diving shore excursion), Belize, Roatan Honduras (diving excursion) and the Grand Caymans. We will arrive on Friday and spend a couple of nights in Tampa before cruising and one night after we return. We are privileged to have an aft extended balcony stateroom on deck 6.
Enjoy the drone video of the Miracle leaving Long Beach.

Puerto Vallarta

Our Lady of Guadalope

     Puerto Vallarta was just a sleepy fishing village before John Huston decided to film "The Night of the Iguanas".  He a very famous star named Richard Burton who brought his mistress, Elizabeth Taylor, to accompany him during filming. The rest they say is history.

    Puerto Vallarta is located on the Bahia de Banderas (one of the largest bays in the world). It contains old world charm with modern conveniences. Cruise ships pull into the terminal that is approximately  3 miles from the famous downtown Malecon. A $3 taxi ride will have you there in about 10 minutes.

Puerto Vallarta Malecon

     Along the Malecon there are plenty of shops and restuarants. As you stroll along the Malecon you will view the spectacular Bahia de Banderas. Along the shoreline there are sand sculptures. As you conitnue south you will come to the central plaza and gazebo. Here you will find artisans selling their paintings and crafts. This is also where the iconic church comes into view.

Sand Scultures

     As you stroll south along the water you will come to a bridge that overlooks the Rio Cuale. This is my favorite part of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Take the steps down and walk along the shaded river. Here there are fine restuarants and local vendors. The prices for souvenirs are lower here. If you look carefully into the trees you will notice that you are surrounded by iguanas. Once you are able to spot one you will be amazed.

Rio Cuale

          There are some amazing excursion that are available. Puerto Vallarta has some of the finest oceanside golf courses. Outside the city you will find tequila factories giving tours and samples. If you venture further into the jungle hills you can go ziplining. I must say this was probably the coolest shore excursion I have ever done. My wife and I thouroughly enjoyed the experience. From the ride out of town to sailing through the canopy 70ft in the air the experience was breathtaking.

Ziplining

         Here is a little trivia about the Mexican Riviera. The ports of Cabo, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta were the destinations cruised to by Captain Stubing and "The Love Boat" crew. That television series introduced cruising to the masses and made the Mexican Riviera a must see tourist destination. I am looking forward to my next cruise to Mexico. The people are warm and welcoming and the scenery is stunning. Well until my next post Bon Voyage.

Cabo San Lucas

Los Arcos

     The iconic Los Arcos greets cruisers when they arrive at Cabo San Lucas. If it is the last port of call then it is directly across from the bow of the ship with the beautiful morning light playing on the rock face. If it is the first stop then climb on deck and view the Baja coast as the ship cruises around Land's End before droping anchor. Either way it is an extrordinary site.

     The first time I visited Cabo was in 1997. Then it was still a sleepy resort community. The timeshare boom had not begun and the first shopping consisted of a dusty flea market before you arrived at downtown. Now it has a modern cruise port where ship's tenders drop off passengers and then the shopping begins.

     A stroll through the shopping and restuarants along the harbor will bring you to the downtown area and from there you can keep walking to Medano Beach or just hang out aroung the harbor. There will be plenty of vendors trying to vie for yor business. The most prominent are the water taxis that will take you to Medano Beach or out to Lovers Beach. The round trip is about $7 per person.

Lovers Beach

      Lovers Beach is definetyl worth the the taxi fare. There are no facilities at the beach so bring your own water (or other beverage of choice) and a towel and be prepared to enjoy a few hours in the sun at this natural wonder.  Lovers Beach is located on the Sea of Cortez side of the Baja Penisula. Through the gap in the rocks you can walk over to Divorce Beach which faces the Pacific Ocean. Why the different names you might ask? At Lovers Beach it is possible to swim and snorkle in the relative calm of the Sea of Cortez waters. Divorce Beach is another matter. Here the water of the Pacific crash against a beach that has a steep drop off. The rip tides that are created are extremely dangerous and swimming is out of the question. Hence if you are looking to "dump" a significan other just push them into the Pacific.

     The weather in Cabo is wonderful in January with high temperature usually in the low to mid 80's and the lows in the mid to high 60's. In the morning the Sea of Cortez is typically smooth as glass and the sport fishing boats are headed out to open ocean. In Cabo fishing for marlin is a way of life. Also, from November to April the humpback whales are present in these warm waters feeding and calving. From the cruise ship you can watch for whale spouts.

Frigate Bird

      Overhead you will find Frigate Birds circling. There are the everpresent sea gulls and some of the most beautiful Pelicans. Seals line the rocks heading out to Los Arcos and they have been known to follow the water taxis. You will also spot dolphins.

downtown Cabo

      So what do you do with your time. Cabo has plenty of duty free shops were you can buy anything from t-shirts to fine jewelry. Here you can find some wonderful Mexican Vanilla but I would suggest waiting to purchase tequila until you visit Puerto Vallarta.



shopping plaza



      If you get thirsty there are plenty of places to purchase reasonably priced libations. You can usually find a Pacifico for $1.50 a bottle. Typically meals are also vary affordable. The people in Cabo are friendly and willing to help point you in the right direction. I am looking forward to spending 2 days in this port. My wife and high have a snorkle excursion planned to Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Bay. Next up Pueto Vallarta.            

Cabo Restuarant

Final Video



     So here is the final video from my 2006 cruise to the Western Caribbean.  The final 2 ports that are on this video are Belize and Costa Maya. I must say it is hard to believe that it was 6 years ago that I was on the Carnival Miracle. The Miracle is a Spirit Class ship whose sisters include the Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride and Carnival Legend.

    I am very excited because the Miracle is repositioning to the West Coast to replace the Splendor on the Mexican Riviera itinerary. I look forward to being aboard her again. Well enjoy. 



Ports of Call

Costa Maya Mexico

          Where would you like to visit? How long would you like to cruise? These are a couple of  questions that cruisers have to ask themselves. From the warmth of the Caribbean to the spectacular scenery of Alaska; the ancient ruins of Greece to the canals of Venice. Of course there are always those who don't care where the cruise because the ship is the destination. Three days, seven days, ten days, fourteen days or how about a 103 day cruise around the world.  There is a cruise length and itinerary for everyone.

Belize

     In January I am headed to one of my favorite destinations the Mexican Riviera. Though it has been much maligned in the news it is still a very safe and beautiful destination. Since I live on the west coast in beautiful Oceanside California it is easy to drive to Long Beach, San Pedro or San Diego to embark on a 7 day cruise. Just load up the luggage and head for the cruise terminal without the extra stress associated with flying.  

San Diego

   

     I like to research the port stops and decide what I would like to do while there. With limited time it pays to have a game plan. Since I have been to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta several times I usually play it be ear and just kind of hang out. However this year my wife and I have booked a snorkle shore excursion in Cabo. We are going to Santa Maria and Chilean bay. My wife is an avid diver and I enjoy snorkling so we are looking forward to visiting this marine sanctuary in the Sea of Cortez.

     In latter posts I will go in to greater detail about my up coming ports of call. In the meantime enjoy my next installment of our cruise to the Western Caribbean.





    

Cruise Ship Evening Activities and Excursions



     So after a day of laying in the sun, eating at the buffet, laughing at the hairy chest contest, playing trivia, contributing to the Casino fund or line dancing, the time has come for the night time excitement.  Most cruise lines continue the tradition of elegant night. On a seven day cruise there are usually 2.

     I know a lot of people complain about having to get dressed up on vacation, however, I am not one of them. I love putting on my tux (yes I own one) while my wife puts on a great evening or cocktail dress and strolling the ship before dinner.

     The ship's staff has several photo stations set up and they take the best formal pictures. It is a joy to watch couples, friends and families smiling as the pose. The next day you can go to the photo area and look at your pictures and decide whether to purchase them. I know several people who wait till they are on a cruise to do formal pictures.

     Of course on elegant night the ship's chefs prepare a wonderful feast. Our favorite it Lobster night. The courses are prepared to perfection and are presented with an artistic flare. Add a nice bottle of wine and it makes for a grand evening.

      After dinner it is time to head to the show and then some dancing to burn off the calories. I am often asked why I enjoy dressing up for the formal nights. In our busy lives I believe we don't take enought time to enjoy the finer things. This is an opportunity outside of a wedding or a funereal to get dressed to the nines and have fun.

     People cruise for a variety of reasons. Exploring new places and sampling other cultures is one of my favorites. I have cruised the Mexican Riviera and visited Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Iztapa and Manzanillo. In the Caribbean I enjoyed Cozumel, Grand Caymans, Costa Maya, Belize, Grand Turk, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Princess Cays. I experienced the majestic beauty of the Alaskan Inside Passage with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, the Glacier in Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway and Victoria Island B.C.

  I have taken shore excurison and explored on my own. I must say that Lyndelle and I decide to try ziplining in Puerto Vallarta. It was one of the best experiences we ever had in a Port of Call. The guides were incredible and the views were spectacular. At the end of all of the zipling we had to repel from a 70 ft platform. I don't know if I would ever be physically fit enough to do it again but I sure would give it another try.

     I hope you have time to check out the video below. It  begins at the end of the hairy chest competition followed by the first formal night and captain's cocktail party. It ends with the first half of a shore excursion on Grand Cayman. Enjoy.

Cruising on Carnival

   So what is a Carnial Cruise like. Well it depends on who you ask. So let me share with you my experience of Cruising with Carnival. My very first cruise was on the Carnival Jubilee in 1997. By today's standards she was a very small ship. Since then I have cruised on the Carnival Miracle and the Carnival Spirit and in January I will be aboard the Carnival Splendor.
  The days and nights are filled with a plethera of activities from the staid to the zany and everthing in between. You can participate in a trivia game, go and watch the men's hairy chest competion or take a ballroom or line dancing class. Do as much or as little as you like.Rest and lounge by the pool or try you luck at the casino. After you have built up an appetite head for the buffet for lunch and make sure to go to the dining room for dinner and enjoy a 5 course meal finished with chocolate melting cake.
  I thoroughly enjoy Carnival. The staterooms are some of the largest at sea and range from inside cabins of appoximately 165 sqft. to ocean view cabins that  are 200 sqft. The balconies add another 40 sqft of balcony and the suites are spacious.
  Lyndelle and I really enjoy lounging by the pool especially the aft pool with a view of the wake. There are usually less kids and it is a tamer spot. We always try and find the ping pong tables so we can continue are marital rivalry. The hot tubs are great and with the breathtaking views it is an experience to be savored. After all that I have to climb to the top of the waterslide and enjoy the 300 ft trip down.
 The buffet aboard a Carnival ship has great traffic flow and several specialty food stations. There is a New York Style deli that serves the best hot pastrami sandwiches. Also, the self serve drink stations are wonderful serving coffee, iced or hot tea, and a variety of juices. Plus there is the free soft serve ice cream.
 So after all that calorie intake I need to mention the large gym. The Splendor has a 2 deck 40,000 sqft spa. The work out equipment is top notch from treadmills to stairmasters to elipticals to stationary bikes. There are yoga and spinning classes.
  Once the sun goes down it is time to head to the dining room and be served great delicacies. We love the night that escargo is served. After dinner it is time to head to the theater for a great show followed by karoake or dancing.
 So check out the video below. It is from our 2006 cruise aboard the Carnival Miracle where we visited Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize and Costa Maya. The first part is an overview of the ship and the various public spaces. The Miracle is smaller than the Splendor. This will give you an idea of what a Carnival Ship looks like with the 14 deck atrium that is standard aboard all Carnival ships. The second half is the sailaway out of Tampa, Ice Carving, a Fun Day at Sea.and the always popular Hairy Chest Competion. In coming posts I will share other events from that cruise as well as re-introduce everyone to the much maligned but beautiful Mexican Riviera.

Lyndelle Stonicks 2013 Art Cruise Workshop

     In six months we sail again along the Mexican Riviera for seven days aboard the Carnival Splendor. It is the Splendor's farewell cruise from Long Beach prior to repositioning in the Caribbean for 2013. We are headed back to the Mexican Riviera by popular demand. No flights if you live in Southern California and all you have to do is unpack once to enjoy our ports of call in Cabo San Lucas for 2 nights and the lovely Puerto Vallerta located on the Bay of Banderas.
   The pricing for this cruise is only $589 per person double occupancy for an unobstructed ocean view stateroom. Balconies are $889 per person double occupancy. For artists who would like to participate in the workshop "Capturing Elusive Light" the cost is and additional $200 per artitst. For more info on the workshop visit www.lyndelle.com.

I will be posting more shortly. Here is a taste of the fun times that Carnival offers onboard. If you would like more information please contact me.

Ruby Princess a Work of Art

Launched in 2008 the Ruby Princess is the newest ship of the Princess Fleet. The moment you step onboard you will know that you are on vacation. The central Piazza is the hub of the ship. Here you will find the Internation Cafe with plenty of snacks and specialty coffees. Nearby is Vines a wine bar where you can sample a vintage of your choice. In the upper decks of the Atrium is the fine shops of Princess. Here you will find plenty of duty free shopping right onboard.

Ruby Princess has a wrap around outdoor promenade where three times around equals one mile. Here you will also find steamer lounge chairs. I personally like this area when I want some quite time to read a book or just take in the sea air.

The ship has four pools and the Lotus Pool is adults only. Plus it has a swim against the current machine for a nice workout. Speaking of working out with all the food available from the Main dining rooms, specialty restuarants and the buffet including the first Caribbean specialty buffet at sea, you might want to avail yourself of the gym and the variety of classes that are offered.

From the casino to the show lounges you will find plenty to keep you busy. So stay tuned as I take you on a mini-tour in upcoming blogs.

Lyndelle's Eastern Caribbean Cruise Workshop

It is that time again for the art adventure of a lifetime as Lyndelle's "Savor the Moment" art/cruise workshop embarks on a 7-day Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the Ruby Princess. We will set sail on January 29, 2012 from Ft.Lauderdale visiting the exotic ports of Princess Cays, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Grand Turk.

Cruise fares begin at only $579pp based on double occupancy and exclude port charges and taxes and always remember that prices are subject to change without notice. You can hold you space for only a 25% deposit that is fully refundable until November 15, 2011.

The art workshop is only $165pp for 3-days of onboard instruction where the focus will be "Capturing Elusive Light". There will also be an optional plein air painting day at Princess Cays. The optional day is and additional $60pp however if you book by the end of September the cost for both will only $200pp. Each session will be between 2.5- 3.0 hours with ample one on one time with Lyndelle.

When asked what is "Capturing Elusive Light"? Lyndelle responds, "Either in the studio or outside, the most exciting element is the light and how it is used. Take your skills to new levels of creativity by 'turning on the light' for powerful paintings that captivate your audience."

Artists will be able indulge in art and relaxation where you can experience the beauty of both land and sea. Relax, eat to your hearts content, paint, create, play and bring along a love one to accompany you.

Even if you are not an artist you are invited to join our group and experience the Eastern Caribbean with us.

If you have any questions please feel free to email us at travelsolutions@cox.net. Also check out Lyndelle's website at lyndelle.com. We look forward to hearing from you. Keep checking back as I will be posting information about the ship and the destinations.

Final Stop Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is our final port of call. Situated at "Land's End" and dividing the Pacific Ocean from the Sea of Cortex, Cabo is a resort and fisherman's paradise. Over the years the port area has blossomed with shops, restaurants and bars to entertain the "weary" cruise passenger. Cruise guests are greeted by the familar Los Arcos rock formation. Many times I have stood on deck in the early morning to gaze at the formation as the sunlight hits the rocks. It is a very tranquil scene and one that I never tire of. Speeding pass the ship are sport fishing boats on their way to find the right spot for the big catch. I also keep my eyes open for whales. Every time I have visited Cabo I have been able to spot them from the ship.

This is the view of Lover's Beach. It is located on the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez. Looking through the gap you can view Divorce Beach where the crashing waves of the Pacific beat the beach creating a hazardous undertow. Once you visit their you understand how the beaches got their names.

Downtown Cabo San Lucas has many local shops and bars. It is worth walking around. There are also resorts where you can enjoy their beach amenities. San Jose Del Cabo is about a 30 minute drive north. It is the "quiet and quaint" Mexican Village. It has cobblestone streets and many local artisans. If your ship is in port long enough I would recommend heading there. All vessels anchor in the Sea of Cortez and tender passengers ashore. Just remember to get back to the tender terminal on time or the ship might leave without you.

Cabo has much to offer. You can chose to golf or go on an ATV adventure. Take a whale watching trip or go snorkeling or diving. Hang out at the beach or just lounge on the ship and enjoy the view. What will your Cabo expierence be?

Second Port of Call Mazatlan

Our second port is Mazatlan. Many people comment that there is not much to see in Mazatlan because they only view the city from the cruise ship. The ships dock in a working industrial port and if you stay on board you miss a city filled with old world charm and 21st century resorts. There are several hidden corners of Mazatlan but lets start with the ones that stand out.

Outside the cruise terminal you will find pulmonias. These are open air cabs that can be hired for about $5 per person. The name pulmonia comes from the belief that riding in the open air can cause pneumonia. The pulmonia can take you on a 5 minute ride to Plaza Republica in the heart of the old town. It is also only a 15 minute walk (I have walked from there back to the ship).

A lovely plaza with a gazebo surrounded by vendors and shoe shiners. It is quaint and a very enjoyable place to hang out for awhile. Next to the plaza you will find the Cathedral of the Immaculate Concepcion. A very beautiful church. Not far way there is the Mercado with merchants selling everything from t-shirts to pigs heads. It is a very interesting place that gives the flavor of the local enviroment.

A 5 minute stroll back towards the cruise ship along Benito Juarez is the Plaza Machado. It is an artist colony surrounded by galleries, cafes and a restored theatre that houses an art insitute. It is a great place to stop for lunch and a cerveza.

After experiencing the old town grab a pulmonia and head out to Zona Dorado (Golden Zone). There you will find resorts, high end shopping and jewelry stores. Also, you will find the infamous Senor Frogs. Worth seeing at least once. We enjoy hanging out at the Las Flores resort directly across the street from the jewelry stores. The beach is lovely with a view of Stone Island. You are also welcome to use their pool and beach chairs. This is an excellent place for lunch and the staff is very friendly and attentive.

Mazatlan is also home to a bird sanctuary and some great nature hikes. Outside the city there are charming villages in the Sierra Madres if one is inclined to take a day trip. Mazatlan is also home of the Pacifico Brewery and a sports fisherman's paradise. Since time is limited a second, third or fourth visit is recommended.

First Port of Call Puerto Vallarta

We are fortunate that our first port call is from 8am till 8 pm.This will give everyone a chance to experience a long taste of Puerto Vallarta. From a shore excursion into the Sierra Madres to sipping a margarita or drinking a cervezas at a local restuarant you will enjoy your visit here.

Situated on Bahia de Bandera (bay of Flags) Puerto Vallarta has grown from a sleepy fishing village and secret getway of the Stars (Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton) into one of Mexico's shining tourism jewels. The Bay itself is Mexico's largest and one of the largest in the world. In some places the depth of the bay is 3,000ft. There is great contrast here. Across from the cruise terminal is a high end mall called the Galleria with Wal-Mart next door. 3 miles south you arrive at the old town and the Malecon (boardwalk) with cobblestone streets and plenty of restuarants and shops.

The iconic image of Puerto Vallarta is the crown on the bell tower of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. Nearby is the main square with a gazebo and normally artist painting and selling their work. As you walk along the Malecon you will notice unique sculptures as well as sand sculptures along the beach.

Just south of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Rio Cuale. One of my favorite places where you will find local merchants in their shops. This tree covered river area is also home to numerous iguanas. If you look carefully in the trees you will be able to spot them. This is also a great place to step into an upscale restuarant and have a margarita. The charm along the Rio Cuale will stay in your heart for years to come. It is one of the reasons we continue to return to Puerto Vallarta.

Take a moment and get a video taste of Puerto Vallarta.

Cruise Countdown

There are so many things to do in each port of call. A few years ago Lyndelle and I participated in the Zipline Canopy Tour. We had a great time. It was very exhilarating. Take a look at the video for just a small taste. Holland America is unique when it comes to cruising the Mexican Riviera. They have a special Sea of Cortez itinerary that visits La Paz, Loreto and Topolabambo- where you can take a train ride to the famed "Copper Canyon".

What will your Mexican adventure be? Will you visit the quaint Rio Cuale in Puerto Vallarta for its local artisan shops as well as iquanas in the trees? You can settle in one of the restuarants and enjoy a margarita. Maybe a tequilla tour at a hacienda where you can sample some exotic blends.
In Mazatlan there is a hidden jewel not far from the famed church in Old Town. About 3 blocks south on Benito Juarez you will find the Plaza Machado. This small plaza is surrounded by street front cafes and aritst galleries. It is truly a small artist enclave. Of course there is always the Zona Dorado (Golden Zone) filled with high end jewelry stores. Right across the street is the Las Flores resort. Here you can have a wonderful lunch and enjoy the beach.

Cruise/Workshop Update

Cruising with a group is so much fun and the fun just got better now that the price for an obstructed ocean view cabin has been reduced. For our 2011 Cruise Workshop aboard the Oosterdam the pricing is now $449pp for an inside stateroom; $499pp for an obstructed oceanview stateroom; $699pp for a verandah stateroom and $949pp for a veranday suite. Fares do not include port charges, taxes and tips.

We are hoping you can join us for this spectacular adventure. Please check the previous post for more information. And do not hesitate to contact us directly at travlesolutions@cox.net.

Lyndelle Stonick's 2011 Cruise Workshop "Capturing Ellusive Light"

Once again it is time for Lyndelle's 4th annual Cruise-Workshop to the beautiful Mexican Riviera. This year we will be cruising out of the port of San Diego aboard the premium cruiseline Holland America's Vista Class vessel the Oosterdam.

We will visit the ports of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. Oceanview cruise fares start at $599 per person excluding tax, port charges and tips. Fares are subject to change without notice and space is extremely limited. The Oosterdam carries less than 2,000 passengers and space books up quickly.

Lyndelle will be providing 3 days worth of onboard instruction with an optional plein air painting day to secluded Yelapa Beach in Puerto Vallarta where you will learn to "Savor the Moment". The theme of this workshop will be "Capturing Ellusive Light." The Cost of the Workshop is $150.The optional plein air painting excursion is $65. For more info visit http://www.lyndelle.com/ or email me at travelsolutions@cox.net.

You will be amazed at how much fun you will have with your fellow artists and their companions aboard this Premuim Cruise Line. Let your creativity soar. In each session you will receive group instruction as well as one on one time with Lyndelle. Here are a few comments from past students pictured on the right.

Carolyn H. from California (2nd from the right)-"A wonderful experience in an inspirational setting! Thank you for your abilities in quickly assessing our stengths and weaknesses and directing us toward better painting."
Marlene and Donna from California (1st and 3rd from the right respectively)-"Thanks so much! This has been a great art experience thanks to you. We really enjoyed every part of it and we hope you many more successful cruises."

You will notice all of the genuine smiles. The artists creativity soared as all of their cares where wisked away while onboard the cruise. Days and nights of pampering, laying by the pool or reading a good book plus art instruction. Treat yourself to this unique experience.

After sailing on Princess Cruises (2008 &2010) and on Carnival Cruises (2009), we are going to be sailing aboard the premium cruise line Holland America. World renowned for its nautical tradition since 1873, you will be pampered the moment you step on board. There is 1 crew member for every 2 guests, ever available to cater to your every need. The cabins onboard are larger than most cabins on ships of similar size plus the Oosterdam holds fewer guests than ships of a similar class. With fewer than 2,000 passengers onboard you will have room to relax and enjoy your painting experience. Plus, all oceanview staterooms have a full size bathtub.

Take a moment and experience Holland America.




Picturesque Mexico, the hidden jewel of cruising on the west coast, offers a wide array of natural beauty and old Mexican charm. The first port of call is Puerto Vallarta, nestled bewteen the Sierra Madres and the Pacific Ocean. Charming cobblestoned streets accompanied by cafes, shops and cervezas will bring a smile to your face. Here you will have from 8 am until 8 pm to enjoy the splendors of this jewel of the Pacific. There are plenty of excursions to chose from or just wander the streets either way you will find the place and the people to be warm and inviting.





Our next stop is considered by many to be "The Pearl of the Pacific" Home to the Pacifico Brewery and a wonderful array of galleries, artisans, shop and cafes, Mazatlan has much to offer. The stunning old town with its central plaza ,the Mercardo and the hidden treasure of downtown Plaza Machado awaits the curious visitor. Out in the "Golden Zone" you will find high end shopping and wonderful resorts where you can lay on the beach and have a wonderful lunch and margarita. Our port time is 8-5


Our final stop is at "Land's End" in Cabo San Lucas. We will be anchored here from 8-5. Cabo has much to offer. Some of the finest sports fishing in the world takes place in the waters of Cabo San Lucas. For the water enthusiasts there is plenty of snorkling, sailing or beach time available within close proximity of the port. And as always you can shop til you drop or better yet till your thirsty.



We really hope you decide to join us. To whet your appetite a little more, view this video of "Mexico Holland America Style"

Unbelievable Cruise Fares

My first cruise was in 1997 aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Jubilee. Alas, the ship was sold to another line several years ago. That cruise cost $800 per person for an ocean view. On January 30, 2010 my wife and I sail aboard the Sapphire Princess a ship 3 times the size of the Jubilee. We are pay $469 per person for an ocean view and we received a 9 category upgrade.

I am amazed at the pricing but I am more amazed at the people who are still reluctant to try a cruise vacation. There is not a better value for a person's vacation dollar. Our cruise fare with taxes and insurance totals about $1100. Where else can you vacation for $1100 for the week with all meals and entertainment included.

Jump off and take the plunge into cruising you will not regret it.

Lyndelle Stonick's 2010 Mexican Riviera Cruise/Workshop Your Stateroom Accommodations

Princess has accommodations for every taste. No matter what category your room steward will attend to all of your needs. Come and Join us for Painting, Exploring and Relaxing with Lyndelle Stonick aboard the Sapphire Princess January 30- February 6, 2010.