VP Corner

Cruise Lady LDS Shore Excursions

2009-06-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

Click the link to see the tour details.

Western Caribbean
Grand Cayman - snorkle with Stingrays
Belize City - Lamanai and the New River
Cozumel - Tulum
Guatemala - Quirigua
Costa Maya - Kohunlich
Progresso - Chichen Itza
Roatan - Zipline and City Tour

Alaska
Ketchikan - Land and Sea
Juneau - Mendenhall Glacier
Skagway - Highlights of Skagway
Victoria - Butchart Gardens
Tracy Arm Fjord

Russia/Baltic

Canada/New England

LDS Shore Excursons - Canada

2009-04-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK CITY - We do this cruise in the latter part of September for optimum fall foliage viewing. Some years are better than others for color but always we will see some places in most of the ports with brilliant oranges and reds. We depart from the New York cruise passenger terminal after having an opportunity to see the Big Apple on a pre-cruise package. If you decide to join us early our full day sightseeing tour of New York is not to be missed. Our local guide steps on the bus and directs us around the busy streets of the city. Along the way our stops are the LDS Manhattan Temple, St. Patrick's Cathedral, a breathtaking view from the "Top of the Rock" and the very unusual but satisfying "noshing" lunch. Noshing means we begin in the ethnic villages on foot and our guide buys various food items from the neighborhood stores. We have enjoyed kosher pickles from the Jewish sector, all kinds of Chinese food in Chinatown, and breads, meats and cheeses from Little Italy. It is a 2 hour lunch with some free time between courses for shopping and sightseeing in these amazing villages. After seeing most of the noteworthy sites in New York including Macy's, Central Park, Harlem and the Empire State Building we end the tour on a solemn note when we visit Ground Zero. The viewing platform from the World Trade Center gives us a bird's eye view into the crater and the current construction. From the wharf area near the World Trade Center we can catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. Just take a minute and say hello because when we sail out of the harbor departing New York we will sail right past the Grand Ole Lady.

On the other side of the ship is the spectacular skyline of Manhattan making the departure from New York Harbor a great start to a wonderful trip.

BOSTON - The very next day we find ourselves in Boston for a nice US heritage tour. We don't get there until the early afternoon so we stay out late on this tour. As we leave the cruise terminal area we come quickly upon Old Ironsides, the USS Constitution lying in the waters and on display. In the interest of time we only stop for pictures and maybe a quick look in the gift shop, then we have to move on to visit the Old Town and the venerable Old North Church.

Just outside the church we can take a quick snapshot of Paul Revere on his horse, the statue that is. We enter the old church and listen as a local guide tells us all about the patriots of that era. Check out the private pews in the church, especially the one decorated as it may have been back in the day. We will continue to walk through the Old Town to our waiting bus on the other side. If you get a minute take a quick peek into the cemetery on your right just at the top of the hill. You'll see it from the sidewalk. You might enjoy some of the history found therein. As we leave Boston we drive past Harvard and numerous homes of famous authors. We will take a 15 minute picture stop at the LDS temple as we travel out to Concord and Lexington. The grounds are beautiful and very peaceful at the temple so it is a perfect stop from the busy afternoon we just completed. As we approach Lexington notice the beautiful homes and well kept yards along both sides of the street. We will stop at the village green in Lexington and learn from our guide the history of the fledgling US and the fight with the British for freedom. Back on April 19, 1775 the first blood was spilt in the conflict right here on the green. Eight Minutemen lost their lives in that battle and the monument you see in the park was built in their memory.

We continue on the freedom trail to Concord to see the Old North Bridge. The setting couldn't be more perfect as we walk from the parking area down a dirt path lined with trees surrounded by fields and forest. The bridge is small, as is the river it crosses but here the British troops who had just marched from Concord were beaten back by the ragtag US Minutemen, providing a source of pride for the undermanned and under equipped men.

We are here at the monument in the early evening just as a Minuteman statue is silhouetted in the gold setting sun. You can linger for a few minutes and contemplate the events that took place before loading back on the bus for the short ride to the Colonial Inn for dinner. Parts of the old inn date back to 1716 and a building on the grounds was used to store ammunition for the Minutemen in 1775. We will enjoy a splendid meal here at the inn and then take a few minutes after dinner to visit the bookstore in the lobby or the haunted room, number 24 on the second level, for some hair raising photos!

PORTLAND, MAINE

If you ever wanted a calendar quality picture to show off to friends and neighbors, this is the place to take it. After a brief visit to the city of Portland we will go to the coastal area to visit the Portland Head Lighthouse. The setting is magnificent as the lighthouse stands on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, protecting those sailors who enter the harbor from the treacherous rocks below. As you approach the lighthouse go to the right along the chain link fence to the little viewing point looking back at the structure. I don't care how poor your photography might be, from this vantage point this is a sure fire calendar picture, just point and click.

If you like to explore, there are several walking paths along the ridge, all offering various views of the lighthouse and the rugged shoreline and all offering spectacular scenery. We will spend an hour here before leaving and traveling to the cities of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. As we approach the city the guide will point out the different architectural styles of the beautiful homes in the area. I am sure you will find one to suit your style. The two cities are separated by a river but in reality they are the same place. This village is the perfect New England coastal town and can be best viewed on foot. This is also our lunch stop where we will eat in one of the quaint restaurants along the coast. After lunch we'll take a few minutes to explore the town, shop and take pictures. The chocolate shop is a favorite of mine, stop by if you have time.

We will also ride out near President Bush's home on an island. The bus can't stop here but the driver will go slowly so we can get a few pictures. It will be on our right. If time allows, we stop at one of the finer beaches in the area so we can dip our toes in the ocean. Dipping is all we will want to do, the water here is very cold!

SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK

This is our first foreign port on the cruise and they make our arrival special for us by passing out roses, lapel pins and even providing live entertainment welcoming us to the city. We will be tempted to visit the large tented area housing the local merchants and their handicrafts but we need to exercise some self discipline and walk on by, this time. I promise we will be back with plenty of time to shop on the return. This tour revolves around the ocean and the amazing tidal change that takes place in the Bay of Fundy. The water level can change 50 feet in just a matter of hours. This surge can actually reverse the flow of rivers coming from the land to the ocean. We will view one such river and depending on the time table we may actually get to see the tide push the river backwards for almost 10 miles, or see the river emptying this large amount of water back to the ocean, or if we are there just right we get to see it doing both. There are viewing platforms over the river that let us see this phenomenon up close.

We will also explore the tidal change at the Bay of Fundy where we can actually walk on the ocean floor when the tide is out.

While at the Bay of Fundy we have a light lunch at a small cafe on the rocky beach. They have won several awards for the fish chowder they are about to serve so enjoy the moment. If you don't like fish try the chicken although I must tell you they haven't won any awards for that. Next stop is just down the road in a local village. If we position ourselves just right we can take a picture that includes two wooden covered bridges and a lighthouse. How's that for an interesting picture?

If the tide is out we will see several boats in the harbor resting on the ocean floor, that is how great the tidal change is here. Of course for the shoppers there are several vendors around with handicrafts at this very same spot. To conclude the tour we will visit the LDS Stake Center where the local Stake President gives a short PowerPoint lecture and explains how the church was started in this area and shares with us the stories of people from the past that made the sacrifices necessary to build the church in this area. It really is a nice way to end the tour.

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA

If you like fishing villages, UNESCO Heritage sites, and lighthouses - this is the tour to take. We will visit the city of Halifax and learn from our guide the history surrounding the founding of the city and view some of the more historic places. After seeing these highlights the bus takes us out of town to the fishing village of Mahone Bay where we will have free time to explore.

We get off at one end of the city and walk through the town to the bus waiting on the other side. There are a couple of churches worth looking into and many speciality shops along the way. One of the most famous is Amos Pewter and it is worth a stop even if we just look at the delicate artwork that is part of the collection. From here we will travel to the fishing village of Lunenburg, one the designated Heritage sites as they have tried to stay true to the original buildings and plans of the original city built in 1753. Our lunch is in a nice restaurant overlooking the bay and seems to be a place to linger in the warm sunshine glowing through the windows. We can take advantage of the free time to shop and visit the sites of this historic city or even the interesting fishing museum that is next to the restaurant (entrance fee required). Be sure and walk up to the wooden church and look inside. The interior is done in hardwoods and is very beautiful. Our journey now turns and heads back towards the city of Halifax and on the way we stop at what has to be one of the most beautiful lighthouses around. Peggy's Cove is the destination and the lighthouse is situated on some large granite boulders strewn up and down the coast. If the tide is in, waves will sometimes crash in close proximity to the lighthouse. It is always fun to walk in this wonderland and view the ocean perched high on a rock. Take your passport with you, so you can get a Peggy's Cove stamp put in it at the lighthouse. If the office is closed in the lighthouse just ask at the large souvenir shop, they'll have a desk where you can obtain the stamp. Don't miss Peggy's Cove, it will be one of the highlights of your trip.

LDS Russia/Baltic Shore Excursions - Stockholm

2008-12-31T12:41:00.000-08:00

Stockholm, Sweden

Half the fun is getting there! You might have to get up early to find a nice place on the deck and watch the ship progress through the archipelago surrounding Stockholm, Sweden but it will be well worth the effort! Small islands dot the waterscape as you wind your way towards the pier. The pier is situated away from the city center so walking to town on your own can be done but it will take 30 to 40 minutes each way. Our tour takes in the main points of interest in the Stockholm area so you won't miss much in the full day trip. First up we have the City Hall - a nice looking building built along the water. It's main claim to fame is the Nobel Peace Prize banquet.

Our inside visit to this beautiful hall with the sweeping marble staircases conjures up the image of the world's brightest and most promising people dining on elegant tables placed throughout the large expanse. We will ascend the staircases and move into the Gold Room, aptly named for the thousands of mosaic tiles gilded in gold. The entire room shimmers and showcases the artwork, all done in mosaics.

Don't miss the gold sarcophagus at the back of the building! Once we have taken in all this opulence we move on to the Old Town, the Gamla Stam. Here we determine a meeting place and time and then turn you loose for some independent exploring and maybe a bit of lunch on your own. The city was founded between 1300 and 1500 and features narrow cobbled-stone little streets filled with shops of every kind. The main street is punctuated every once in a while by open plazas with water fountains and benches, a perfect place to relax after eating or shopping.

Also in the area and of interest is the Royal Palace with a changing of the guards and several old churches and bell towers. It doesn't matter if you are a history buff, a shopper or gourmet eater you'll find it all in the Gamla Stam. Final stop is a visit to the Vasa Museum which houses the 64- gun warship, the Vasa. The ship was built in 1628 but promptly sank on her maiden voyage! The museum has the distinction of being the most visited museum in all of Scandinavia. It is a visit sure to please. Interspersed with these 3 major stops is local sightseeing and a few photo stops with great views of the city. Keep in mind the city is built on a series of 14 different islands. Watch as you travel along and see if you can determine when you move from one island to another. It isn't always easy but if you watch closely you will see it happen. I am sure you will enjoy this beautiful city and will be charmed by the local people.

Helsinki, Finland

You will find Helsinki to be a comfortable town, one easily seen by walking. Our tour first stops by the Senate Square for some free time to visit inside the beautiful Helsinki Cathedral. The white gleaming walls and green onion domes dominate the skyline in this area as the Lutheran Church sits majestically on a hill overlooking the harbor and Senate Square. There are a great number of steps from the square to reach the Cathedral so start early and take your time.

There are also a number of shops on the square for a few minutes of shopping. After this visit we load up and travel to the Temppeliaukio Kirkko in a residential district. Ok, most people know this by the more common name, the Rock Church. This edifice is built underground in a small rock hill and has some interesting architecture. We take a few minutes to explore inside the church and while there please be respectful and quiet. It is after all a church.

Two small convenience stores are on each corner of the road outside the church so if you need an ice cream or snack to hold you over to lunch this is the place to get them. As we board the bus sit back and enjoy the scenery as we now travel outside the city limits to the small town of Espoo for lunch. Our destination is a country manor house located in the woods near a lake. We never know what will be on the buffet menu but we have enjoyed moose and caribou on several occasions along with a Finnish version of home-made rootbeer.

We can take a few minutes to walk along the paths in the forest or walk down to the lake. After a satisfying lunch we depart Espoo and travel to the LDS Temple for a quick picture taking moment. We usually end the tour with an hour or two of free time for shopping back in Helsinki for those that would like to participate. Our tour bus will drop us at the cruise line shuttle station where we can begin to explore the city and shops. If not, you are welcome to travel back to the ship on the bus. If you do decide to stay, walk along the Esplande street, either in the park place in the center or along the sidewalk near the shops. It is enjoyable either way. At the end of the street you will find Market Square in the harbor area. During the morning hours it has vendors selling food and fresh produce. In the afternoon it all changes over to vendors selling handicrafts and souvenirs. Return back the way you came to the shuttle station but don't miss Stockman's Department Store. On an upper floor there are souvenirs and on the bottom floor interesting foods can be found. I always have to buy a bottle of Cloud Berry jam while I am there but you are sure to find something unique as you browse around. Once you reach the drop off point you will find the cruise line shuttle buses running to the ship. The cost is $5 per person to ride and that is at your own expense. Keep an eye on the time, you don't want to miss the ship.

St. Petersburg, Russia

This is the stop most of you have come for! A chance to enter Russia and learn about the people, the history and the tsars. You will do all of that and more with our exclusive private tours. We divide up in groups of 10 or 12 with a driver and English speaking guide as we begin our adventure in this beautiful city. Over the next 2 days and 1 night we will wear you out but you will be oh so glad you went. The order of visting the sites can change from trip to trip so I will tell you about the places we visit during the stay, not in any particular order. Let's start our tour by leaving the city of St. Petersburg and traveling to the countryside enroute to the summer palace of the Tsars, Peterhof. The palace is , well, just that, a palace.

The inside visit will include a trip into the Amber Room, certainly one of the highlights and one of the most impressive rooms you will see on the trip. Amber, in all types and sizes and colors, awaits you. It is hard to imagine the wealth in just that room let alone the gold gilded statues and artifacts throughout the palace. I think you will agree, gold was the Tsar's favorite color. The expansive grounds outside the palace will be visited with the enormous fountains and once again the gold statues.

We return to St. Petersburg via a high speed hydro-foil boat just in case you have been missing the water! In the city we will visit the world renowned Hermitage Museum. We couldn't see all the exhibits in days let alone a few hours but we'll try to see as much as we can. This is where we will most appreciate the private guides leading the tour. They have some kind of magical power as they whisk us to the front of the long line of people with no waiting time at all. And when we see the Masters' paintings inside we will be able to hear the guide talk and actually see the paintings unlike the 40 plus passenger bus tours that won't hear or see a thing. Another favorite stop in the city is the Church of the Spilled Blood. The church has classic architectural style with colorful onion domes topping the building and the almost hard to believe mosaics inside.

The entire interior is covered in small mosaic tiles, it makes me tired just thinking of the painstaking time it must have taken to complete the work. Next door is an open market for shopping.

Here we will barter and we will also pay in cash. The dollar or the euro work just fine and the vendors understand enough English to give you a good go for the money. Russian stacking dolls, lacquer finished boxes, etc. can be found here at very good prices. Look carefully at the quality, this is more for a souvenir than a keepsake. Sometime in the tour we will stop at the Red October store for shopping. This store has better quality items which are a little more expensive but still good prices. On one of the days we make another excursion to the countryside, to Puskin, for a visit to Katheryn's Palace. The palace itself is a mile long! And the grounds too!

Once again we get a glimpse into the world of the mighty tsars. During the tour we visit too many places to list in this brief description but be assured you will see as much as possible. And finally I want to tell you about something extra special. We provide for our groups a lunch in a Russian family's home. We get to go into an actual dwelling, usually an apartment in a large building and meet the owners and have them cook lunch for us featuring local specialties. Often they don't speak English so the guide will translate for us but we can usually make known what we are asking for with sign language and smiles. Maybe the most important thing about this visit is understanding these are people just like you and me. All they want is a good life for their children and a comfortable living. I think the world would be a better place if we all came to this understanding and this is our chance to shine and let them know what Americans are all about.

In addition to the day tours above we throw in an evening performance at the local theater for a Folkloric Festival. Tap your feet and sing along (if you knowRussian) with the high energy singers and dancers as they portray local dance and song thoughout the evening. I know, you will be tired by the time these two days are over but think of all the memories you will have for a lifetime.

Tallin, Estonia

This small Baltic country was once part of the communist bloc but oh how it has changed. Outshining even the medieval Old Town are the people of Estonia.

They are friendly and genuine and we will see this first-hand as the wonderful guides lead us on a walking tour through the historic area of town. The tour begins in the upper old town for a bird's eye view over the red tile roofs and the ancient walls surrounding the city. As we work our way down to the lower town we will see churches, government buildings and cobblestone streets.

In the lower town the tour crosses the town square which is filled with picture perfect outdoor cafes that ring the area. We conclude the tour with a lively folkloric show where once again the people are the highlight. We may be invited to join in with the dancers during our private show so you can show us your stuff. This lively event is the culmination of our tour and you can't help but come away with an upbeat attitude. Some free time will be given after the show for shopping and exploring. Sweaters are a popular buy from the many stalls in the lower town and the flower market is always a pleasant visit. Oh and don't forget to get a picture of the tiny golden arches as you depart through the main city gate. Look to the right just before you get there for a little slice of America in Estonia.

Gdynia, Poland

Get ready for a nice suprise, Poland is a fun country to visit. We will see some of the sites of Gdynia and Gdansk Poland as we leave the ship and travel out in the country. Our destination is the Teutonic Knight castle of Malbork. This old castle still has a moat around it, still has drawbridges and still has holes above the entrances for hot oil to be dumped on unwanted visitors. Good thing we are invited guests! The exterior of the castle has more to offer than the inside rooms.

Although it is interesting to tour, the rooms are bare, not much for furniture or elegance but interesting none the less. Of more interest inside the castle is the restaurant where we have lunch. The restaurant is right out of the movies with large wooden tables, rock pillars throughout holding up the ceiling and a few old glass windows. The meal is unique and delicious and most important of all we can count ourselves among just a few people who ever had lunch in a medieval Teutonic Knight castle.

After lunch and the castle tour we return to Gdansk to explore the large market square with bustling shops and eateries. Throw in a church or two and you have a perfect place to spend an hour before returning to the ship. I hear amber is a great buy here so if you want a piece of jewelry this might be the place to shop. Ask the guide to recommend a shop. Enjoy.

Oslo, Norway

The 60 mile long fjord entering the city of Norway is a good start to this beautiful city. It maybe isn't what you picture in your mind when you think fjord, it doesn't have high granite walls that tower over us, more like gentle hills dotted with small summer cottages or an old fortress here and there. The ship moves slowly along the narrow section of water and at times we are close enough to the homes to hear the children laughing and playing. If you don't see it early in the morning as you enter Oslo be sure and spend some time as you leave in the afternoon. As we enter the harbor area it is dominated by the fortress on the hill. The ship will most often port right below the imposing fortress giving us a good view of the rugged buildings and cannons. The tour here is usually 5 hours long and full of history. We start by taking a walk through a park. Not any park, this is Vigiland Park and it is full of sculptures by one of Norway's most gifted artists, ...Vigiland. The park setting is beautiful and outside of a few steps at the end of the journey it is easy to do.

One word of caution, all of the sculptures are nudes. The fountain is especially worth a few minutes of our time, it is the cycle of life. Begin at one corner with a baby being born and walk around the entire fountain to observe the different stages of life including childhood, teen years, falling in love, getting married and finally death.

Along with the sculptures are beautiful flowers and gardens. At the end of the park where we reboard the bus is a granite monolith depicting life from the artist's point of view.

Our next stop is the Viking Ship Museum. Several ships are on display in all their splendor. Recovered from peat bogs or muddy river bottoms these authentic ships give us a glimpse into the life of a Viking. Notice the intricate carving on the ship, these were not made in a day. There is even a ship used in a funeral and be sure and climb the stairs to view the inside of the ship.

There are several staircases around so venture up and take a look. Our final stop is the Kon-tiki Museum to see Thor Heyerdahl's famous rafts. Of special interest to the LDS audience are the rafts that were used to float without power from Africa to Central America proving you can travel by ship across the Atlantic.

As we return to the city of Oslo we can ask to be dropped off in the shopping area for those last minute gifts. It is a nice leasurely walk from the shopping area to the ship. We can also choose to continue on with the bus to the ship. If you choose this option you will have enough time to walk up to the castle and tour the grounds. There is no cost to enter but the several museums located within the walls do charge a fee. There are also a couple of buildings next to the ship for shopping and usually some beautiful flower pots next to the benches around the harbor area.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Our Russia / Baltic cruises usually begin and end in Copenhagen. Many of you may have Danish heritage in your family tree. I know I do and it feels like home whenever I am in town. If you join our pre or post cruise tour in this stately city, here is what you can look forward to. No visit is complete without seeing the Vor Frue Kirke just off the Strodet pedestrian shopping area. The original Christus statue can be viewed here as well as sculptures depicting the twelve apostles. This is the same statue that inspired the statue in the Salt Lake Vistor's Center found in Temple Square. It is most exquisite and the artistry is magnificent. You almost want to touch the robes to be certain they are of stone and not cloth. Throughout the day we will see not-to-be missed sites, those like the Little Mermaid (and she is little), the government buildings, churches and castles. We have an inside visit to Rosburg Castle hosting the crown jewels of Denmark. We will see the jewels and visit many other rooms as we tour the castle. My favorite room is the one with the ceiling paintings suddenly sprouting an arm or leg that actually projects out of the painting and into the room, but then what do I know about paintings. Lunch today is in a restaurant garden served Scandinavian style. Interesting to be sure and very enjoyable. Last stop for the day tour is the LDS Temple. We can usually get a matron to come outside and tell us about the church in Denmark and if time allows we can even visit the chapel in the highrise apartment building behind the chapel. We will return to our hotel by early afternoon allowing time for dinner and maybe a quick peek at Tivoli Gardens. These gardens were the inspiration for Walt Disney as he developed Disneyland. Go late afternoon to evening and enjoy the various free concerts and shows as well as the beautiful gardens. Hey, you may even want to ride the carnival rides if the inner kid in you escapes.

LDS Shore Excursions - Chichen Itza

2008-11-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

Recently voted as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World Chichen Itza is all you have hoped for in a Mayan ruin and more. If you are visiting by cruise ship it takes about 2 hours by bus to get to the ruins. We start off leaving the port of Progreso by local shuttle and going to the city center where we meet our local LDS guide Helaman and then we transfer to a tour bus for the longer ride to the site. The ride is comfortable and is also a learning experience as Helaman tells us about the church in Mexico and gives a brief explanation of the people that built Chichen Itza. Once we arrive at the parking lot it is just a short walk into the ruins. Beautifully restored, the ruins stretch out over a large area giving you a feel for the city as it must have been in its prime. The center piece is the large pyramid, El Castillo, standing guard in the middle of a grassy plaza.

Climbing the pyramid is an on-again and off-again proposition with the current situation restricting climbing, but you will still be in awe of the structure as it towers above you. The adjacent ball court is unique as compared with most ball courts that you see at other ruins. I found it much bigger with the hoops much higher than other places I have visited. The engravings on the wall tell the story of this sporting event including the beheading of the winning team's captain, or at least the guides like to tell you it was an honor for the winning captain to give his life.

The observatory is in beautiful condition and you will learn the people of Chichen Itza were very advanced in mathematics and astrology.

Other structures of interest include the Warrior's Temple

and the Nunnery. In the complex you will find a museum that is worth a visit and a shop that makes Mayan calendars on parchment. Just outside the gates of Chichen Itza you will find many shops set up by the locals with handicrafts and clothing. Be sure and stop by and bring your best bargaining skills along because everything is on sale for the best price you can get!

When given the opportunity don't miss the chance to visit Chichen Itza!

LDS Alaska Shore Excursions - Tracy Arm

2008-08-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

Tracy Arm isn't a shore excursion or even a port of call. It is scenic viewing at its best! For about 4 hours the ship sails up and then back through the Tracy Arm Fjord. You will want to be out on the deck for this adventure because the view is best enjoyed with 360 degree vision. The fjord is narrow, the waterfalls spectacular and the ice floes so thick sometimes the ship can't make it all the way to the end.

Wildlife is abundant so keep your eyes open. You might see a brown bear fishing alongside the shore, or a seal sunning on a small iceberg, or perhaps a whale. A naturalist will be on the ship and he or she will share over the loud speaker system some interesting facts about the area. You will learn about glaciers and how they formed the fjord as well as some of the "U" shaped valleys in the area.

The naturalist is also very good at spotting wildlife and directing your attention to the area where you can view them.
We are usually in this area during the morning hours so don't sleep in, you just have to see this to believe it.

LDS Alaskan Shore Excursions - Victoria BC

2008-08-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

Victoria is a jewel of a city. It has a European atmosphere and an old world feel. Old style light poles line the streets draped with hanging flower baskets. The old Empress Hotel has ivy growing up the walls and the city is teeming with people. A very vibrant city indeed. The ship ports on the backside of the city and the walk can be too much for most people. If you just want to visit the town you will need to ride the shuttle bus provided by the ship at a nominal fee. Our tour is going to take you through the city center and our guide will point out the local attractions from the bus. Our ultimate destination on this tour is the Butchart Gardens but along the way you will pass beautiful ocean vistas and view the city from a lofty vantage point above the city. It takes an hour before we arrive at the gardens and once we arrive the time is yours to spend as you see fit. We will give you a map and flower guide along with the ticket for entrance. Once inside you can shop, choose to eat something from the snack bar or sit down at several full service restaurants, or just start off exploring.

There are flowers and amazing landscapes everywhere so take your time and enjoy. We are here in the evening and the soft light as the sun goes down casts some unusual tones over the gardens so take some time at sunset to as they say, smell the roses!

For those on a cruise in July and August the gardens display fireworks at dusk and we will stay for those on our tour. It is primarily seating on the grass and the fireworks are some of the best I have seen. After the fireworks it is a mad dash back to the ship as we cut the time very close by the time the fireworks are complete.

LDS Alaskan Shore Excursions - Skagway

2008-08-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

Well folks Skagway is the epitome of the real wild west. The town consists of one long main street with wooden boardwalks, general stores, ice cream parlors (one owned by the local Bishop), and boutique shops. Oh, there are some small side streets to explore as well but you'll get that old west feeling just walking along Main Street.

When in town watch for the LDS church building. It is a log cabin, maybe the only building we have made that way. Our tour in Skagway runs parallel to the Yukon Trail. We travel by bus along the highway all the way to Canada with interesting stops along the way.

For example you will stop at Liarsville for some honest to goodness gold panning. While you won't get rich you will come away with a few flakes of gold and if you come each year with us it won't be long before you actually have an ounce, and with the current price of gold you could almost pay for another cruise. The local guide will show you how it is done and even give you a plastic bag, think small bag, to hold your gold.

We continue on our way toward Canada, Yukon Territory along this scenic highway. There are several pullouts with spectacular views and our guide will give you a few minutes at several of them to get that awesome picture.

You even get to stop at a waterfall where a plastic cup will be issued to taste the pure mountain water as it cascades from the tops of the mountains. Eventually we make it to the US/Canada border, pass through Canadian customs, and into Canada. We turn the bus around a few miles later after stopping on a plateau for pictures and a bathroom.

On the return journey down the same road, we stop for pictures at the US border. Seems like everyone has to have their picture taken by the large "Welcome to Alaska" sign. The tour concludes with a visit to the local graveyard where you will learn the local folk tales of Soapy Smith.

You may choose to stop off in town for shopping or continue on the bus to the ship for a lunch and nap.

LDS Alaskan Shore Excursons - Juneau

2008-08-05T16:13:00.001-07:00

Juneau is the capital city of Alaska and an unusual capital it is. You can't drive here, there are no roads into or out of the city so you have to fly or come by water, those are the only options. You will see why it is so inaccessible once you look at the imposing mountains and cascading waterfalls that surround the area.

You can easily walk through the entire town and when you do watch the narrow alleys you pass. Many of them have long, steep wooden walkways that are impressive. At least they are impressive if you don't have to walk up them, probably not so cool if you do. And don't forget to stop by the Red Dog Saloon and get your picture taken coming out of the swinging doors.

We only offer one tour here in Juneau but it combines the better parts of what you can see and do in the area. We start off with a city tour which doesn't really take too long but our guides seem to like to point out every building and tell you the entire history of each one. Once out of the city the road runs alongside the ocean with the mountains on the other side. Keep your eyes open when you cross the streams in this area. It is prime salmon fishing ground for Bald Eagles and often you will see 10 or 12 eagles scouring the banks looking for dinner. In fact it is the same dinner you are about to have in a couple of hours. About 40 minutes later we approach the Mendenhall Glacier Park.

Alaskans like to call this a "drive in" glacier and while you do get close it is still a few miles away. We get to spend an hour here, or maybe a few minutes but the view is inspiring and the glacier massive. Take along your binoculars and just look at the rugged, craggy peaks of ice as they flow ever so slowly down the mountain side. The bright blue color you might see along the face of the glacier indicates a new iceberg calved from that place not too long ago revealing the new ice beneath. There is a nice visitor center here with panoramic windows from which to view the glacier, especially good if the weather is less than perfect. There is also a movie about glaciers if you want to take the time to see it.

Most of our passengers like to set off on foot along the many paths leading down to the lake directly in front of the glacier face. It isn't a hard walk and the paths are smooth and even. Once we have spent our time here we board the bus once again and start off towards the surrounding mountains to visit the chapel in the mountains. It is a picturesque little chapel and the full length picture windows in the front of the chapel look out directly towards Mendenhall Glacier. You will enjoy this bird's eye view of the glacier not to mention the beautiful mountain flowers.

This is just a short 15 or 20 minute break and then we are off to the Salmon Bake. The outdoor village is situated at the base of a mountain and the picnic tables are garnished with red and white table cloths and protected overhead with canvas tarps. The specialty here is salmon of course. The fresh salmon is BBQ'd on a grill right in front of you with a special sweet sauce. A salad bar rounds out the main course along with ribs and chicken if salmon isn't your thing. Don't forget to look around for the campfire. Wander by, grab a stick and roast some marshmellows for dessert. Once you are done with dinner you have a choice to make.

There is a shuttle offered by the Salmon Bake every 20 minutes that will take you back to town for shopping or exploring or to the ship. You may choose to linger a little while and hike the short path up the mountain to a waterfall. It is nice and if the salmon are running you will see them along the creek bed spawning.

You will still have some time to shop in town so take a few minutes and take the hike. Once you get back in town try to count the numerous waterfalls on the surrounding mountains, you'll be amazed at the number you can spot. By the way just a recommendation from the VP, stop by the Alaskan Fudge Shop in town, it can't be beat.

LDS Alaskan Shore Excursion - Ketchikan

2008-08-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

Alaska is the final frontier. I think that is why it is so popular and one of my favorites from a North American gateway. Ketchikan is one of the first stops on an inside passage itinerary and a perfect port to begin exploring and seeing those things that Alaska brings to mind. Salmon fishing is one of those Alaskan things and Ketchikan is known as the Salmon fishing capital of the world. Totem Poles also are a big part of visiting Alaska and this is a great place to get to know something about them. And don't forget the quaint shopping area called Creek Street, shops built on stilts over a river. On a sunny day there isn't a nicer place than Creek Street and the glimmering river below.

Of course Ketchikan also holds another record beside the Salmon Capital, it is also the wettest spot in Alaska so finding that sunny day might be elusive. Plan on rain and if you get a sunny day it will be a nice unexpected extra.

We are able to offer 3 different shore excursions on this trip and I want you to become acquainted with Ketchikan through these tours.

Totem Poles and Lumberjacks. This tour starts with a 2 1/2 to 3 hour trip that highlights Totem Bight Park. The park is situated in a cove along the ocean, also known as a bight and features trails through old rain forest growth. The foliage is almost tropical as you view large ferns and green grasses. After a short walk along the trail you enter an open area surrounded by totem poles of various sizes and shapes. The local guide will tell you what the figures mean and how placement on the pole has specific meaning.

A Clan House has been restored in the same area where you can sit inside and listen to folkloric tales from the area tribes. There is some free time to explore and take pictures once you exit the Clan House. Be sure and take the boardwalk near the ocean edge, if the Fireweed is in bloom you are in for a real treat. You may spend your free time visiting the bookstore in the park, or the souvenir shop just up the road a few paces. Included in the tour is a quick overview of Ketchikan. You can be dropped off in the shopping district, at the ship, or continue on the "Sea" portion of our next tour, Ketchikan Land and Sea.

The Lumberjack Show is a continuation of the Totem Bight tour. Once you have completed the tour listed above you will then be dropped off at the Lumberjack Show in the middle of Ketchikan. You will divide up into cheering teams and encourage your lumberjack team to win the title. The competition consists of pole climbing, log sawing, a log roll and many other events.

This show is featured on ESPN when they air the Lumberjack Championships each year.

The show will last about an hour and once it is finished you will have some free time to explore Ketchikan on your own or you can choose to walk back to the ship for lunch . The city is small and you are in the middle of town so nothing is very far away. Enjoy!

LDS Shore Excursions - Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala

2008-06-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

“QUIRIGUA RUINS & GUATEMALAN ADVENTURE”

This tour offers the best overall experience in spectacular Quatemala. We start our scenic journey to the amazing archaeological site of the Quirigua ruins. This site contains the largest stelae ever discovered in the Mayan world. The Prophet Joseph Smith stated, “…Quirigua..the ruins of the city in question,…[is] one of those referred to in the Book of Mormon.” Jeffrey, our Guatemalan LDS guide, will point out incredible signs of interest to our group and how this site relates to the Book of Mormon. This peaceful and picturesque site offers amazing Kodak moments. We will explore these unforgettable ruins for a couple hours.

We will then drive to the Rio Dulce (Sweet River) and board riverboats for a scenic ride by Bird Island, a dense area lined with lush vegetation, awe-inspiring scenery, and inhabited by many species of tropical birds. We will sail by the Castillo de San Felipe, a Spanish fortress built back in the late 16th century to protect the area from Caribbean pirates. This is an enjoyable river trip so don’t forget your cameras!

We will then enjoy an authentic Guatemalan all-you-can-eat buffet lunch at a beautiful restaurant on the river which is included in the price of the tour. The gourmet cuisine includes soup, a chicken, beef, or fish choice, vegetables, salads, rice, dessert, and a local juice drink. The restaurant has a beautiful swimming pool that will tempt many of us for a quick refreshing dip, time permitting.

When we return to the port, tired but smiling, we will have some souvenir shopping time available prior to boarding our ship. The countryside of Guatemala is absolutely beautiful ---this tour gives you the opportunity to really experience it and remember it!

Duration: 9 hours
Tour includes: bus, boat ride, English-speaking guides, Guatemalan lunch, & entrance fee to Quirigua.
Gratuities for the bus drivers, boat drivers, and guides are NOT included.

LDS Shore Excursions - Roatan, Honduras

2008-06-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

In between all the hustle and bustle of Mayan ruins it is sometimes nice to have a slower paced relaxing day and Roatan, Honduras fits the bill. Roatan is an island and understandably its strong points are the beach and the ocean. When you visit Roatan take my advice and leave the port area, either on our tour or with someone else because the port doesn't reflect the real beauty of the island or the people. One of the first distinguishing things you will notice is mountains. Most all the other Western Caribbean ports we visit are flat so mountains are a nice surprise and offer an outstanding view of the ocean and beaches. There are many improvements going on at the port now, including a new facility just down the road for the older dock that will open soon. Just outside the port gates you will find some shopping areas.

The shops seem to be growing each visit. I can remember several years ago when there was a collection of handicraft shops gathered under one roof and that was about it. Today that same collection of shops is across the street from the port but now the entire main road into the port area is lined with every imaginable product.

This is one of the few ports where we offer 2 private tours and both start off right from the pier. Our first option is a nice city tour with a local guide aboard to show us and explain to us the sights of Roatan. You will see the city, visit one of the mountain tops for a photo opportunity, see some of the resort areas and eventually end up at the Iguana Farm. Now forget what you know about zoos because here the Iguana's run loose and there are hundreds of them, big ones, little ones, green ones, red ones and the list goes on and on. If it is a warm day they will be sunning themselves on the concrete walk where you can feed them leaves, touch them and take close up pictures. From the Iguana area you can walk down to the beach and observe some sea life in a contained area and view the coastline. There are a couple of monkeys in a cage but hold on to anything loose, they have a way of reaching outside the cage and grabbing anything they can!

After this visit we move on to a private beach resort and are allowed to use their facilities. There are places to change and even an outdoor shower to wash off the saltwater. There are beach chairs available for those that want to lie back and watch the world go by, or you can rent snorkel gear and visit the coral reef and there are several small shops to visit to pick up that special souvenir. If you are hungry there is a restaurant on the beach that serves good food but at a very slow pace (at your own expense). We usually have close to 2 hours at the beach resort and then we begin the journey back to the ship.

Along the way we stop for pictures at the LDS church perched on one of the hills and the ship is below in the harbor. This is a beautiful church and the members are very proud to have such a facility in which to meet. If we are lucky the church will be open and we can look inside for a few minutes and maybe even sing a hymn together. This chapel has special meaning for Cruise Lady and many of our past guests as the piano inside the chapel was purchased and shipped to the church from donations made over several months by our clients. What a special privilege that was for all of us as we visited the island of Roatan. From the church it is only 5 minutes to the shopping area where you can be dropped off to visit the stores for 30 - 45 minutes, or you can continue on to the pier and board the ship.

Option #2

If the slow paced tour above doesn't suit your lifestyle you can get some action by choosing the "Indiana Jones" zip line tour. Instead of the city tour / Iguana farm you go straight to the hills for this jungle canopy adventure. When you arrive they will fit you with a harness and safety gear and a few instructions to help you prepare for the ride. It takes a while for everyone to get fitted so stop by and visit the monkey Pancho off to the side of the fitting room. He isn't in a cage but rather runs loose slowed down only by a long chain around his foot. One word of caution for the ladies, he doesn't particularly like you. Sorry, but he loves to cling to the men and will sit on their shoulders or arms but when a woman approaches he will hiss and run away. Still you will get some great pictures while you wait for everyone to get ready.

Once we are in the harnesses we go via mini-van to the top of the mountain and prepare to slide down cable wires and endure rope ladders, suspension bridges and tightrope wires. There will be at least 2 guides to help and you will always have a safety cable attached to the wires. It does take some energy and you need to be physically fit to accomplish the course but it is great fun sliding through the jungle.

Once the course is completed this group goes to the beach resort and joins up with the city tour group for some swimming and relaxing. Please be aware that the speed of completing the zip line course determines how much time this group gets at the beach. It can be anywhere from an hour to just 30 minutes. You will also visit the church and then be dropped off for shopping or return to the ship just as the first group will do.

LDS Shore Excursion - Costa Maya, Mexico

2008-06-16T08:48:00.000-07:00

Next in my series of shore excursion reviews is Costa Maya, Mexico. This port is a little different than the other ports we visit in that it really isn't a city but rather a small community built and serviced by the cruise lines. There is really no surrounding infrastructure for tourism, so the Costa Maya village is where you will spend your time unless you leave the premises on an organized tour. First a few words about the village. In August of 2007 the village took a direct hit from hurricane Dean totally devastating the area. After a great deal of effort the docks have been repaired and the port is accepting cruise ships. You will find a couple of restaurants serving food and drinks, a swimming pool for cruise passenger use, a dozen shops featuring local goods and an area where local residents present handicraft items. The village fronts the ocean but it isn't suited for swimming and because of the rocky shoreline it is barely suitable for sunbathing. It wouldn't take more than a couple of hours to see everything and visit every shop.

If you choose to participate in our tour you won't have much time in the village, just a short visit as we walk through to our bus, and maybe a half hour at the end of the tour before boarding the ship. The Cruise Lady tour in Costa Maya visits the serene and peaceful Mayan ruin of Kohunlich. As we disembark the ship be prepared for a rather long walk along the pier. There may be a trolley operating along the pier for those who need some assistance, but with our early start it is usually not operating, although it would be available on the return trip. Once off the ship and gathered up we walk through the shops and meet our guide. In Mexico our guide is always Helaman, a member of the church and licensed guide in Mexico. It is always enjoyable to listen to his lectures on the 2 1/4 hour long bus ride to the archaeological site. Helaman makes the time short by enlightening us on the gospel and sharing the history of the saints in Mexico. Once we arrive at Kohunlich we enter the ruins through some high trees and see the open grassy expanse of the site. The tropical foliage surrounding the area adds to the peaceful feelings.

Helaman points out the features of the structures that compare to those found in Solomon's Temple. There are no high temples to climb here, but there is one smaller unique temple with stone masks or faces carved on both sides of the steps. Be sure and walk up and take a look.

Some of our "headliners" point out there is a spirit of the place and I personally can say I feel that special spirit as we visit Kohunlich. After the tour a lunch is provided, sometimes at a local restaurant and sometimes a box lunch on the bus. The amount of port time for each visit determines the dining choice. Bring your swimsuit, if we eat at the restaurant you can take a quick dip in the water.

What goes up must come down, or in this case the 2 1/4 hour bus ride out results in a 2 1/4 hour bus ride back! It is a long day on the bus but well worth the visit and effort to see these incredible ruins.

LDS Shore Excursion Grand Cayman

2008-06-12T14:12:00.000-07:00

What's not to like about Grand Cayman? A beautiful island known world over for its famous 7 mile beach. I like to call it an upscale Caribbean Island because the standard of living is higher than many other islands. The number one attraction in Grand Cayman over the past 20 years is Stingray City and we wouldn't want anyone to miss out on this unique excursion so we combine a stop with the Stingrays with a stop at the Coral Gardens for a pleasant half day tour.

Grand Cayman is another of those islands which cannot support large cruise ships at the dock so a tender is once again in order to visit this island. It is just a short boat ride from the ship to the nice new docks and there we meet our guide / bus driver for a 20 minute ride to the snorkeling boat on the other side of the island. The boat is equipped with all the snorkel equipment you will need and some cold beverages for after the swim. Another 20 to 30 minutes travel time and we will be at Stingray City getting instructions from the captain on how to enter the water and handle and feed the stingrays. Into the water you go! What a unique experience to jump into the water in the middle of the ocean and land on a sandbar only 3 feet deep! If nothing else the crystal clear water will amaze you but I think the stingrays steal the show. The guide will be in the water with you and will handle the stingrays, holding them near the top of the water for your pleasure. You can touch them, hold them, and for the most stouthearted you can kiss them for good luck. Or so they say. If you don't swim come along anyway. The clarity of the water makes viewing from the boat easy to do and the guides will bring the stingrays over to you so you can have the up close and personal experience of seeing a stingray.

After 45 minutes at this location we then move a short distance to the coral reef where once again you enter the water with your snorkel gear. This is a different world, an undersea world with coral of all kinds, fish, eel, and sea shells all viewed in just a small area. You don't need to be an Olympic swimmer to enjoy this, just float on the top of the ocean and watch the action below.

This tour ends with the short ride back to the dock followed by the bus transfer back to the pier. From here you can return to the ship for lunch and a change of clothes, or stay in town and shop the souvenir stands up and down the beach front road or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

LDS Shore excursion in Belize City, Belize

2008-06-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

Hello again from the VP corner at Cruise Lady, Inc. In my continuing essay of Caribbean shore excursions today I will highlight the shore excursion in Belize. This has to be the most exotic and adventurous of all our excursions and my personal favorite. A large part of the success of this tour has to be credited to our awesome tour guides, Errol and Nate. In Belize we need to tender from the ship to the pier (like taking a ferry from the ship). The water is so shallow due to the coral reef which forms a barrier that prevents large ships from entering the port. Once this ordeal is past we meet our guides at the port of Belize City and begin what will be a bus ride of just over an hour. Along the way some of the highlights of the city will be pointed out and once we start out in the country the guides will share with you the history of Belize, its people and culture. At the end of the bus ride we find ourselves at the boat dock along side the New River. This river is slow moving and surrounded with tropical foliage, exotic birds and an occasional sighting of crocodiles. The boats we use will hold 30 passengers and have big outboard motors that propel us in fast fashion along the gleaming water.

The boat ride takes about an hour and then we arrive at the archaeological site of Lamanai. There are 3 distinct sites to visit in Lamanai, the Temple of the Jaguar, the High Temple and the Temple of the Mask. Make no mistake, these ruins are in the middle of the jungle and we walk on uneven paths through thick jungle growth. Howler Monkeys in the trees make a loud growling sound as you pass by causing some question as to if whether that is really a monkey or if it is a Jaguar lurking in the shadows? The Temple of the Jaguar is viewed first from a large grassy courtyard. The outline of a Jaguar face can be seen on both sides of the temple.

The High Temple comes next giving us the opportunity to climb, and climb we will, all the way to the top to see the inspiring view over the jungle canopy and off into distant lands.

The final stop at the sight is the Temple of the Mask, a 14' high engraving depicting a face of an ancient inhabitant of Lamanai.

After our visit at this final stop we hike back out of the jungle to board our boats and return via the same river to the boat dock. There won't be much stopping on the return trip so hang on to your hats! Once we reach the dock we are treated to a great buffet lunch consisting of chicken, rice and beans and other local fare. Note the interesting taste of the rice and beans. They are cooked in coconut milk giving them a local and unusual taste. After lunch we travel by bus for another hour to reach Belize City. Our guides take this opportunity to tell us more about Belize and answer questions. We usually reach Belize City just in time to line up for the last tenders back to our waiting ship. Occasionally we have 30 extra minutes for shopping but you have to move fast, you don't want to miss last call to return on the tender.

LDS Shore Excursions in Cozumel

2008-06-04T15:43:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to the VP corner. As Vice President of Cruise Lady, Inc I hope to share with you information about our company and the cruises and tours we provide. One of the questions I get asked most often is what private shore excursions do you offer and can you describe them. As pictures represent a 1,000 words I'll post a few highlighting the tours we offer in the Caribbean as well as share thoughts on each. We mix the exotic and beautiful Mayan ruins with fun in the sun activities at the beach. Let's get started!

Cozumel, Mexico. Almost every cruise we offer has a port call at Cozumel Mexico. This island took a direct hit from hurricane Wilma in 2005 causing extensive damage but there are little remaining signs of that devastating storm. Our tour begins in Cozumel at the state ferry dock as we board comfortable hydrofoil boats that whisk us to the mainland city of Playa del Carmen in less than 45 minutes. The seating is comfortable with a handy snack bar and bathrooms available. It can be rough sometimes so bring your meds for sea sickness. Once we arrive in the town of Playa del Carmen we walk to the end of the pier and are welcomed by our local, licensed LDS guide Helaman. He will be with us the next 4 to 5 hours to tell us about the church in Mexico and show us the ruins from an LDS perspective. We get to know him during the hour drive as we depart from Playa del Carmen to the eloquent Mayan ruins at Tulum. He is so knowledgeable and so genuine you can't help but fall in love him and his presentation. Once we arrive at the archaeological site we leave the bus for a short walk through the shopping village and board a tram to the ruins. For those with a little more energy the tram can be bypassed and a 15 minute walk brings you to the entrance. Tulum is the most picturesque spot of all the places we visit. The temple is perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea and contrasting with the pure white sand it will take your breath away. Helaman will guide us throughout this walled city and give us insights into the life of the Maya people and point out facts that only relate to the LDS faith. You will have some free time at the conclusion of the tour for perhaps a quick dip in the ocean or to buy a few souvenirs at the shops. Once we board the bus for the return drive to Playa del Carmen a Subway sandwich lunch will be served including a drink. During the hour drive Helaman will share his testimony and provide more insight into the things we have just witnessed. Once we return to Playa del Carmen we board the ferry for the return trip to the island of Cozumel with only 45 minutes to look around before we have to board ship.