Sailing A Californian Dream: A Princess Adventure
Yolanda McGee
Southlake, TX
Luxury Cruise Advisor
Like anyone who joins the travel industry, I have always loved to travel. Growing up as a not-so-rich kid in a big state we did many road trips. My parents would pack u the car with me and my younger and older brother and away we would go. The fun...
Like anyone who joins the travel industry, I have always loved to travel. Growing up as a not-so-rich kid in a big state we did many road trips. My parents would pack u the car with me and my younger and older brother and away we would go. The funny thing about it is that as kids we didn’t know where we were going, and I rarely remember even asking. I just wanted a window seat so I could see the world passing by.
Flash forward to adulthood and I still want the window seat on planes so I can watch the world go by. I still enjoy plane rides and spending time immersing myself in a destination, but I have discovered my passion for cruising. On a cruise, I am still that little girl looking out the window. Well, actually I am either sitting on the balcony or lounging at the wake amazed by the beauty and sounds of the ocean. Cruising for me is more than one destination because the ship itself is a destination. I love the opportunity of waking up in a different county every morning. Spending time at sea for me is paradise. I will admit to being a bit of a culture junkie. I love beaches as much as anyone else, I also enjoy reading the history of the locations I visit. This is the reason I decided to join the travel industry. I have been planning and scheduling trips for family and friends for years. I have always done more than just make reservations; I made itineraries. I tailored trips for whoever asked. I did not realize at the time I was developing the skills that I would need to be a successful cruise-advisor.
I honestly wish that I could say that I have many, many years of cruise experience, but I don’t. What I lack in experience I make up for in knowledge. I study cruise lines, ports of call, and excursions. What I want for every client is exactly what I expect of myself and that is to have an amazing travel experience. I want them to participate in all the fun activities aboard the ship as well as discover those quiet spaces that can be found even on the most crowded vessel. Cruising is more than beaches, there are cooking classes and dancing classes with locals. You should never be board on a cruise unless you want, and I can help with that as well. I believe even if you have never thought about a cruise there is still a perfect ship for everyone. It’s my task to find that cruise. My goal is to make sure clients have an experience not only to remember but they will seek to do it again and again.
Can Be Reached At
1-817-891-4432
July 2023 - a month to remember! I eagerly boarded the Emerald Princess for an unforgettable 5-day cruise. This wasn't just any cruise; it was an exciting first-time adventure for my goddaughter before she headed off to college in the fall. Although she’s more into urban vibes than sandy shores, she was thrilled about her maiden voyage to California, and the itinerary was absolutely spot-on. Our pit-stop in Ensenada was perfect for her to brush up on her Spanish and snag some unique souvenirs.
More than anything, we soaked up the experiences on the ship itself. I wanted her first cruise to be etched in her memory forever, and Princess delivered above and beyond! Despite being an older vessel, the Emerald Princess sparkled with charm and thoughtful refurbishments. We were on a mission for relaxation, and boy, did we find it. With three main dining rooms each flaunting its unique decor and seating – we had the same menu but loved picking a fresh spot each night. And oh, the specialty dining! The Gastro Pub was a treat, but Sabatini’s stole the culinary show.
The staff and entertainment? Simply fantastic. Our stateroom was impeccably serviced twice daily – nothing beats coming back to a tidy cabin after a day of adventure or leisure.
Our second port was the iconic San Francisco. Although I’ve visited several times, nothing compares to the bucket-list experience of gliding beneath the Golden Gate Bridge on a majestic cruise ship. Typically a Caribbean cruiser, this West Coast jaunt offered a refreshing change. From sunrise to fireworks in the bay, witnessing hundreds of ships in the harbor from the bow of our colossal vessel with the thundering horn was sheer magic.
The highlights? Too many to count! Lounging in the adult-only areas, diving into the pool, unwinding in hot tubs, and enjoying meals delivered straight to our lounge chairs on the top deck. The aft loungers with a view and the serene bliss of Serenity's most comfortable loungers on our last sea day were heavenly. And let’s not forget – the best afternoon tea experience I’ve had at sea.
Sailing with Princess is truly a refined, adult-centric experience. While there were families aboard, you could always find peaceful, adults-only retreats. The aft pool was delightfully deep and child-free, and dinner and entertainment took a sophisticated, formal tone. For mature sailors seeking luxury, Princess is your ideal choice. Ready to experience the Princess magic? I'm here to help you set sail!
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