As our travel agency is affiliated with MAST, we were able to achieve the top ranking of all-star member for the first time this year. This special group of top agencies is invited on an annual trip and this fall the destination was Orlando and the beautiful Disney Wonder.

We arrived at the Grand Floridian for the first night ( no castle stay for us this time) and while we had toured the property before this was our first stay here. A great property with immaculate grounds located on the monorail just outside the Magic Kingdom. The room at the Floridian was slightly larger than an average hotel room with a balcony and a large bathroom, as well as a minifridge and coffeemaker in the room.

Luggage is transported by Disney from your room to the ship- but bags had to be ready to go at 8am! Our Disney Cruise motorcoach left at 11am for the 90 minute ride to Port Canaveral. The design and color scheme of the Disney ships make them stand out against the Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships in port that day-very distinctive.

As everyone had checked in on line prior to arrival ( make sure you do this), a quick trip through the security scanners brought us to the checkin counters. After verifying out passports we received our welcome packets and were directed to the photo counter where our pictures were taken and imbedded into our room key cards. Then Welcome Aboard! we gave our names to the hostess and were introduced to all those within earshot of the main atrium. But first things first it was on to the top deck buffet. Very good selection of food and eager bartenders to serve.

After the usual lifeboat drill, section O for us, it was time to sail away. I really enjoy this part as you slide out to sea with bystanders lining the shore and waving or honking goodbye-and the unique musical blasts from the Disney horn!

The cabins on board are great for couples or families. Our balcony cabin had a queen bed with a pullout sofa and above that a bed would pull out.This area could be separated by a privacy curtain. The bathroom was actually split in two with a shower and sink in one room and a sink and toilet in the other. Very handy if sleeping four in the room. See photos below-

We got to eat in the one  specialty restaurant, Palo, that evening which is for adults only and requires reservations and an upcharge of $15.00 each. Having not tried this before on other cruise lines- hey the food is included why pay more, but after experiencing Palo it’s- why wouldn’t I want a nice relaxing atmosphere with great views by the window and a superb food and wine menu to choose from- excellent sea bass and rack of lamb,decadent desserts.

The dining onboard is a unique cruising experience as you get to enjoy each restaurant  on board a different night. You rotate between each and your waitstaff goes with you from Parrot Cay to Tritons to Animators Palate.

Lots of choices to make after dinner, see a movie in the theater, or go topside to the pool deck and see what is playing on the giant outdoor screen, several lounges for adults with comedy,karaoke,newlywed type games and family entertainment. We chose to see the musical Toy Story brought to life onstage, long time since I saw Woody, Andy and Buzz Lightyear,  great show!

Kids have loads of fun in there own program areas operated at 4 different age levels from age 3 to 17.  We toured them all, met the enthusiastic crewmembers and looked at several of the projects being worked on in the labs. Of course, it would not be Disney without visits from various onboard characters including Mickey and Minnie who arrive in the atrium for photographs the last evening. Lots of little Princess’s that night.

You can’t miss Pirate Night as lots of make believe-maybe even some real pirates come out to celebrate on the pool deck beneath the big screen with Capt Hook and Mr Smee leading the singing and dancing- the whole deck is almost rocking until finally the fireworks begin – yes real fireworks at sea launched from the smokestack over the dark Atlantic Sea-what a sight, hope we didn’t wake any fish!

And then there is the awesome port of call at Disney’s own Bahamian Island Castaway Cay. The ship slips into its own dock early in the morning and you can either walk the 7 minute hike to the beach or take a tram. The tram services both the nearby large family beach or continues on to the other side of the island to the relaxing and quiet adults only beach. We tried both!

A great island meal is included- ribs,chicken, fish-load up! Sun, blue waters, good food and drink and friends- We’re on vacation now!

Sadly, we head for home late in the afternoon to arrive at Port Canaveral at 6:00am. Any checked bags have to be out of the room by 11pm the night before as they get to go through customs first. After a last breakfast on deck, or in the dining room if you prefer, the announcement came at 7:30am that we have cleared customs and we were now free to disembark. Very smooth.

We had the good fortune, at our annual meeting of MAST travel agencies, to win a one night stay in Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World in Orlando.  This stay was good for up to four people and while we didn’t think our adult boys would be interested in this,  they both  jumped at the chance. They’re certainly glad they did.

We stayed a few days at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, did both water parks and as much of Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom that we could.

Then Saturday morning a car from the Royal Castle arrived to pick us up and wisk us away to the back side of the Magic Kingdom. There we were met by Steve, our personal tour guide for the rest of our stay. Right away he escorted us to the Haunted Mansion and with his special entry card, we went through secret passages to arrive deep inside the mansion and right onto the ride. Then over to Thunder Mountain for a wild roller coaster thrill and again the “Extreme Steve Pass” got us  thru some dark passageways to the front of the line- ride the last 2 cars for the best ride he rightfully advised. After 2 more rides it was over to the castle to check out the only guest room in the castle.

Another secret door through the main passage in the castle led us to a small room with an elevator and with the swipe of a card the door opened and we were transported to the third floor. The foyer had inlayed tile of the pumpkin coach, wood and glass case containing THE MAGIC SLIPPER and paintings on the stone walls. Notice all clocks in paintings are stopped a few minutes before midnight- you know why! Inside was a beautiful suite with 2 canopied beds, real antique  furniture, stained glass windows , fireplace, a separate bedroom with pullout sofa sleeper, and flat screen tv’s that looked like a mirror when turned off. The large bathroom contained a separate shower and full size jacuzzi tub with multicolored lighting and a ceiling that changed to twinkling stars at the press of a button.

We were then taken back downstairs to meet the Princess and have our pictures taken before dining at the Royal Table. After a great meal, Steve took us on a few more front of the line rides and then to VIP seating in time for the night parade. Fireworks followed over ” our castle” and then it was suggested maybe we should try the Buzz Lightyear ride. It was like being in a giant video game and points were scored by hitting the targets from your laser gun. Of course, Steve knew where to shoot for the most points and by the third time around the ride our oldest had mastered the game, scoring to the max 999,999- he was quite proud of himself!

After the park closed we got a chance to see underground Disney. Our personal guide took us down  a couple levels where the underground network of tunnels connected points throughout the park. The Magic Kingdom is actually raised about 45 feet above sea level and these tunnels go down to the original ground level- quite fascinating!

We then walked around the now closed and deserted park and the ever knowledgeable Steve regaled us with stories about Walt and Roy Disney, the building of the park  and showed us various points of interest and humorous touches added by the imagineers.

By now we had run out of steam and it was time to turn in to our suite. A turndown service had been provided including a pumpkin coach pulled by horses made from white chocolate  containing chocolate covered strawberries. A quick photo was all I got before 2 hungry boys attacked the treat.

A deluxe continental breakfast was delivered to our room the next morning before we said goodbye and and left the magic behind. This was truly a once in a lifetime family experience!

John, Joan, Matthew and Bryan

After a long SAS flight from Chicago we arrived in Bergen,Norway and while it is the 2nd largest city in the country, the area around the harbor felt like a small town.  The Unesco recognized old wooden storefronts along Bryggen St. really gave this city character. On the recommendations of our taxi driver we tried the local fish specialty, Steinbrit, and I can say  it was truly delicious along with a Rignes beer.

 The Augustin Hotel was our base for the next two days and it’s central location, friendly staff and included excellent buffet breakfasts made for a wonderful starting point. I don’t know how I’ll survive without 5 kinds of herring to choose from each morning—

 The local fish and shopping market set up each morning at harbor’s edge and what a selection they had, flowers, handmade items , furs and lots of fresh fish. Just browse and you are offered samples from caviar to whale and invited to purchase a sandwich made from your choice of fresh fish. While we were there a motorcade whizzed by and we got a glimpse of Queen Sonja of Norway.

 The Floibanen funicular from city center up Mt Floyen is a must see for the incredible views of the city and harbor area.  On a really clear day you can see the oil platforms in the North Sea from here ( we didn’t). If you choose to walk down it’s worth the trip on an easy path that takes about an hour at a leisurely pace. What better way to end the day than with a pint of Guiness at Scruffy Murphy’s Pub at waters edge (we’re not that far from Ireland!).

 An early start on the Fjord 1 ferry to Balestrand – on this high speed ferry we made several stops along the way at quaint villages, some only accessible by boat. About 4 hours later we arrived in beautiful Balestrand and the incredible Kiviknes Hotel. This hotel has been in the family for over 100 years and is ideally set on the waterfront. Our room, as did most, had a small balcony and fantastic views of the fjord. 

 Several hiking trails begin here and we chose one of the easier ones ( for a Norwegian!) to get a good view from above.  So we climbed and climbed and every time we asked someone coming down about how far to the lookout point it was always “20 minutes” so we climbed some more. Finally, a light rain begin and we almost turned back until Bryan went ahead a little further and yelled back he found it. What a stunning view - it was worth every step. I just wish we could have gone on to the glacier but that would have taken another “‘20 minutes”.  A lavish dinner buffet was included that evening and we savored the meal as well as the table at the window overlooking the fjords and snowcapped mountains in the ever changing evening light. At the same latitude as Anchorage nightime here in May comes between 11 pm and 3 am!

 Our short journey through Norway continued the next day up Sognefjord- 2nd longest in the world to Flam. The fairytale views just got better with every turn and I would have enjoyed staying aboard the whole day, but Flam was in site and we had a train to catch.

 The famous Flam Railroad was completed in 1940 after 20 years of labor. It climbs from sea level to almost 3,000 ft in 12 miles through 20 tunnels in about an hour with a stop at Kjosfossen waterfall where you are able to get off and feel the power of the surging water- beware the siren song!

 Myrdal station is the end of the line and the connection point for the train that runs between Bergen and Oslo. A 6 hour ride over the top of the mountains and down to Oslo brings us to the end of our journey.

 We’d love to come back again and bring the hiking boots and backpacks and do some real hiking along the fjords, which honestly offer some of the most incredible views you’ll find anywhere in the world!

John, Joan and Bryan

 Our 3rd group trip to Ireland brings our happy travelers to the Southwestern region of this fascinating country. From Shannon airport we make our way directly to the Cliffs of Moher for an incredible view from the top 700′ below to the Atlantic Ocean. As if to make a statement, mother nature threw in 30mph winds a little drizzle and plenty of salt spray from below to appreciate the wild nature of the coast. Great new visitor’s center has opened since our last visit- well done!

 Next up, a stop at Lahinch and a pint at O’Looneys pub overlooking the Atlantic as we watch some crazed surfers ( or was it the Guinness) brave the elements in wet suits.

 Tony, our driver/guide for our stay, then took us on our motorcoach by ferry across the River Shannon and on to Killarney- home base for the next 3 nights. And what a great place to be, right downtown at the Killarney Plaza with their supurb breakfast and wonderful staff!

 Next day, on to the Dingle peninsula for some of the most incredible views ( glad I wasn’t driving). The unique Beehive Dwellings from the 12th century dotted the area and made for an interesting stop along the way. Arrive at the quaint seaside village of Dingle just in time for lunch- so many delicious places to eat -how to choose just one!

 Gotta have that photo with Fungi the resident dolphin.

 Another fun evening in Killarney, someone’s still looking for that Leprechaun, and off the next morning to the Rebel County-County Clare and the home of the Blarney Stone. The rain stopped just as we pulled into the parking lot and held off for the rest of the day, who found the 4-leaf clover! After the kiss to obtain the “Gift of Eloquence”, like several in our group needed more, there was plenty of time to shop the Blarney Woolen Mills.

 Next day we traveled to Adare with a stop at the Foynes Flying Boat Museum. What a fascinating story of aviation history from 1939-1945 with the arrival of Pan Am’s Yankee Clipper  air service and commercial air travel across the Atlantic. And if you’re not into aviation history, how about the fact that the local chef, Joe Sheridan, invented Irish Coffee here, to serve the tired, damp and cold patrons passing through the terminal- works for me.

 Bill Chawkes pub in Adare has prepared our group a great lunch of homemade soup and sandwiches. What a great little community complete with thatched roofs, original churches and friendly people.

 Adare Manor is our stay for the final night of this trip and what an impressive castle this is. We have time in the afternoon to explore the 840 acre grounds and the Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf course, but most of us eventually find ourselves in the cozy confines of the castle pub. That evening some of us treat ourselves to a wonderful 6-course meal at the castle and then retreat to the piano bar in the basement ( or was it the dungeon).

 Morning comes too early ( it usually does) and we make our way back to Shannon and our waiting Aer Lingus flight home.  Sad to leave Ireland and our great group of travelers, but hey, we can always do it again!

John and Joan

From Budapest to Passau on Uniworld’s River Princess– traveling up the Danube in early spring was a great journey. This was our first European River Cruise and we were excited to experience it firsthand. These small cruising ships- long and narrow- that ply these waterways are able to transport you from one historic city to another while you view fascinating sights along the way. Each day brought a new city, and even country, to explore.

 Uniworld began each stop with a guided tour(included in the cruise cost) with only 20-25 in each group. Also the Quietvox headsets we wore allowed us to easily hear our guide speaking from many feet away without all the street noise and distractions- no yelling!

 After the tour, if you had not signed up for one of the other optional sightseeing trips you were free to return to the boat or explore on your own. Each evening we were briefed in the lounge by our very knowledgeable cruise director on the next day’s activities. She would suggest places to see, great cafe’s and coffee shops and where to find the best shopping. She answered any questions and then provided everyone with a city map and list of things you may want to see.

 The River Princess, built in 2001, accommodates 132 passengers and a crew of about 40. All meals are open seating and there are tables from 2-8 scattered throughout the dining area. There is not a bad view from anywhere as you are located aft  surrounded by floor to ceiling windows.  The food is buffet style for breakfast and lunch, while most dinners are served. There is usually some congestion around the centrally located serving area in the dining room, but you just have to be patient. There is a good variety of food available with special choices for dinner each evening- and the wine is included!

 The bar and lounge is located forward and again is open to great views. This time of year it was too chilly to enjoy the vast open air deck for any length of time, but it would be a great place to relax later in the season. 

 Most travelling was done at night although we did get to experience some of the 13 locks daytime on this trip. Great places we visited along the way included Bratislava,Vienna,Durstein and Melk, Salzburg and Passau. On our stop in the small village of Durstein, the wine growing area along the Danube, we took a hike to the castle above town for spectacular views and a look at the place where Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned for a time!

 Without a doubt, this is a wonderful way to see Europe and a great value too. Transportation, meals, guided tours and nightly entertainment were all included- and did I mention wine at dinner! And on a ship this size you get to know the crew members pretty quickly as well as the other passengers.

Uniworld has 8 cruise ships sailing the various rivers of Europe, so plenty of choices for those vacations to come.

John & Joan

       Salzburg                    Springtime        MV River Princess

Durstein          Vienna Cathederal–meeting of Mast minds!

If I only had a bike–          Melk                         Prosit!  

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 Wrapping up our city tour of San Francisco before crossing the famous Golden Gate Bridge and a brunch stop in Sausalito- Karen and Terry where are you?

 First wine tour was the Gloria Ferrer champagne caves near Sonoma. For a novice about wine operations this was a very informative tour- and great tasting!

 Then a short hop to Roche wines and a wonderful setting on top of the hill as we pulled up our lawn chairs for our second tasting of the day. Mara had us in tears as she talked about wine and entertained us with stories of “Darwin dating” and the “running of the Rednecks” and more! And the wine was great, too!

With our wonderful and knowledgeable guide Linda, we arrived at the beautiful Napa Marriott just in time for the nightly complimentary wine and cheese party.

The next two days found us in both the Sonoma and Napa valleys as we toured Sterling Wineries accessed by gondola with great views of the valley near Calistoga and Simi Winery, from 1896, near the quaint little town of Healdsburg and finally a unique chance to blend our own wines at Ravenswood, “No Wimpy Wines”.

But wait did someone say Tin City (Jerry,Terry) and an “Eye of the Hawk” brewski- in wine country no less! Carolyn meets Nelson and………

What better way to wrap up this fun filled extended weekend than to have a fine dining experience at the Greystone Restaurant of the Culinary Institute of America.  Josh Anderson, our chef, prepared a superb grilled Angus hanger steak while others had the just as mouth watering potato crusted Alaskan halibut.  Top it all off with creme brulee or the molten lava chocolate cake and we were ready to call it a day!!

 And thanks to Bob for the encouragement ( and the lyrics ) so that we could sing our way home to the tune “Bottle of Wine”- not too bad really!

Great wines, wonderful food and good friends-we’re ready to do it again!

-John and Joan