Archive for May, 2012

Steamboatin’

May 29, 2012

Steamboatin’  – a truly unique way to enjoy a Mississippi  river cruise and experience the history, heritage and the true culture of America’s heartland. Gracious, elegant, and modern in her amenities, the American Queen takes you back to a time when travel was an unhurried and relaxing experience.   The largest steamboat ever built, the grand American Queen is a gracious and elegant triumph of American ingenuity.

When you join this fascinating Interlude, you’ll discover a side of our country that few ever see, from the indescribable perspective of the river itself.   Forget speed, forget lines, forget all the hustle and bustle of deadlines, etc.  and step on board a bit of Americana for a journey that will long be remembered.  Combining the best of the old and the new, this beautiful lady of the river epitomizes the grace and grandeur of a bygone time.  Steamboatin’  is a treasured American tradition and once you are on board you will understand why.

You know I’m always about the food. Are you ever in for a treat!! Run by a celebrated American chef who draws her inspiration from our great Heartland, the kitchens aboard the Queen offer a veritable and delectable movable feast. From piping hot beignets and bananas foster French toast for breakfast to succulent five-course dinners, every day celebrates the culinary senses.   The food – superb, as are the well-appointed choices of dining venues on board – all are waiting just for you.   The opulent J.M. White Dining Saloon is the centerpiece, serving breakfasts, lunches and dinners that are extraordinarily grand. The Front Porch of America offers a wide variety of classic American favorites that will satisfy any craving, AND it’s open 24 hours a day – the kitchen that never sleeps!. The Calliope Grill serves up views that every bit as spectacular as the grilled fare and fresh salads and offers romantic, alfresco dining in the evenings.  And …you also must seek out the delightful Moonlight Supper in the Engine Room Bar which offers midnight delights to those who just need a “little something” before retiring from a thoroughly wonderful day.

Do you love to sing – well every evening you can sing away in the Main Deck Lounge before enjoying a lavishly luscious show in the two-deck-tall, not to be believed, Grand Saloon – an elegant showstopper on the river and that’s before the show even starts.

Because packing can often be a dilemma, I went right to the source to see what advice was offered.   Please see below:

We suggest you check a national weather source, such as the Weather Channel, its website at http://www.weather.com, or the national weather listings in your newspaper to plan what to pack for your voyage. For daytime, dress is casual. Be sure to bring sportswear and comfortable, nonslip walking shoes for ports of call and shore excursions. Slacks and shorts are acceptable in all public areas of the steamboat and ashore. You may want to bring a swimsuit for the pool or for lounging on the Sun Deck. For evenings, we suggest a dress, a dressy skirt and blouse, or a pants suit for ladies. While gentlemen may wish to wear a sport coat, one is not necessary and formal wear is not required any evening onboard. We recommend that you pack a raincoat and for spring and fall trips, a sweater or jacket and perhaps a hat or scarf. Though the boat is usually down south during the winter, occasionally it can still get chilly. A warm coat is recommended.

Fall is a wonderful time to explore the Northern exposures of the Mighty Mississippi and become embraced by the vibrancy of the changing season.  Experience what two centuries of travel on the river can provide, the locks, the quaint towns, the immeasurable pleasure of steamboatin’.  Celebrate with us as we pay homage to our glorious heartland and the expansive river that provided so much to the lure and legend we all cherish. Check out the impressive itinerary and call today to reserve your place – cabin space is limited!! Then look forward to “rollin on the river.”

Steamboatin’ Fall Colors Cruise & Tour (click here for itinerary)
October 16-22, 2012 (7 days, 6 nights)

Eadie – Interlude blog team

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Nicaragua 2012: What our customers are saying.

May 10, 2012

Farewell Dinner – Bistro Estrada

What a congenial group!  Traveling in a small group gave us flexibility and time to get to know our fellow travelers.  Our local guide, Julio, was so informative.  His English is excellent and he is very easy to understand. But the best part was his charm…he has obvious pride and enthusiasm for Nicaragua and he is eager to share its history and natural wonders.  Ruth R. 

Hotel Convento, Leon

 Who would have expected the food to be so wonderful? What could be better than starting your day with breakfast served ovelooking our lush hotel courtyard?  We had fabulous meals each day with organically grown fresh ingredients. The fresh fruit was abundant, and meal choices ranged from fresh caught fish to grass fed beef and chicken attractively presented.  Sally D.

What photo ops! From natural wonders including volcanoes, birds and rain forests to charming rural scenes of a simple life to historic colonial architecture…bring your camera, you won’t be disappointed.  Karen B.

Poneloya Beach

Basilica Cathedral de Leon Rooftop

Road from Leon to Esteli

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Nicaraguan people are so gracious…and what endearing children we met on our school tour.  This is the only tour I’ve taken that I would do again.  Donna S.

Rey Solomon School Nicaragua

People have asked me if I felt safe.  Never for a moment did I not feel safe.  I found the Nicaraguan people to be very friendly and truly eager to please. We felt free to walk around the colonial cities on our own without concern, and traveling with our U.S. hosts, Dennis and JoAnn, who knew Nicaragua well was also helpful.  Maureen & John H.

Ometepe Ferry

 Ziplining down the volcano and over the coffee plantation…what an experience!  Our equipment was excellent, we traversed 15 platforms with our congenial guides…felt like a kid again!  Phil & Diana P.

Mombacho Canopy Tour

Please take a look at the full itinerary by clicking on the link below.  The group size is limited to 18 guests, so sign up soon!

Natural Notable Nicaragua (click here for itinerary)
February 3-12, 2013 – or – February 17-26, 2013 
(10 days, 9 nights)

Jo Ann Carr
– President, Interlude Tours

•For immediate service, please call (317) 913-0387 or email us
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