JUNE 2012
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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‘Majestic landscapes, the contrasts of ancient and modern culture, world-class gastronomy, outdoor activities, or simply experience life in another part of the world, you will find it all on a Northern European cruise.’
From the Mississippi River to the Baltic Sea CruiseOne can find the cruise just right for you
C
onsidering a cruise but looking for something a little different from the typical Alaskan or Caribbean destination? Then a
Baltic Sea cruise may be for you! “Whether you are looking for majestic landscapes, the contrasts of ancient and modern culture, world-class gastronomy, outdoor activities, or simply want to experience life in another part of the world, you will find it all on a Northern European cruise,” says Mike Ziegenbalg of CruiseOne. The Baltic Sea is one of the newer European cruise destinations, extending from the British Isles to St. Petersburg, Russia. The season typically runs from May through August and choices of cruise lines range from the mainstream cruise ships such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises to the deluxe lines such as Azamara, Oceania or Regent Cruise Line. Depending on what countries are on the
itinerary, tours generally run anywhere from 10 to 14 days. Denmark, Norway, Lithuania, Russia, Estonia, Finland, Germany and Sweden are just a few of the countries that have outlets on the Baltic Sea. “Shore excursions typically include
fascinating museums, palaces, castles and cathedrals,” says Ziegenbalg. “The close proximity of the Baltic landmarks makes it easy to see a lot in a small amount of time.” One of the highlights of most Baltic cruises is St. Petersburg, Russia, where guests visit historic sites such as the Peterhof Palace, Hermitage and Church of
T R A V E L
‘A steamboat was as beautiful as a wedding cake without the complications!’ – Mark Twain
the Savior on Spilled Blood. Many cruise lines offer a day trip to Berlin or a trip through the Kiel Canal in Germany. Other favorite stops include Oslo, Scandinavia’s oldest capital; Porvoo, Finland’s second oldest city; and the old town area of Tallinn, Estonia. Options are endless on a Baltic cruise.
Cruising closer to home Looking for something different but closer to home? How about stepping back in time and exploring the heartland of America aboard an authentic, overnight, paddlewheel steamboat? Steamboat travel returned to the Mississippi River April 27 in Memphis with the christening of the American Queen by Priscilla Presley, ex-wife of late musician Elvis Presley. The 418-foot-long American Queen is the largest steamboat in the world and can carry up to 436 passengers. The boat was originally built in 1995 but was retired in 2008 when the Majestic America Line shut down. The Great American Steamboat Company purchased the American Queen in August 2011 and invested $6 million in renovations. The American Queen has 222
The Church of the Spilled Blood is one of the top sights of St. Petersburg, Russia.
staterooms, ranging from elegantly furnished suites with a private veranda to single-occupancy inside staterooms. Staterooms are decorated with a Victorian flavor and carefully selected antiques. All
staterooms feature gourmet coffee brewers and Starbucks coffee, complimentary bottled water and fresh fruit. Award-winning American chef Regina Charboneau is the American Queen’s culinary director who selects only the best seasonal and local ingredients to create her own unique creations, as well as classic dishes. Every voyage features a New Orleans Jazz Brunch with fresh baked breads, a salad station, a carving station, seafood galore and, of course, dessert. Several dining venues are available, all at no additional charge. Professional showboat-style entertainment and dancing are offered nightly. Voyages include upper-Mississippi cruises
(St. Louis to Minneapolis/St. Paul), lower- Mississippi cruises (St. Louis to New Orleans) and Ohio and Tennessee River voyages (Pittsburg to Louisville). The American Queen also offers special theme voyages, or “Themeboating Adventures,” that allow you to choose the vacation that matches your interests, be it the Civil War, music, Southern culture or holiday-themed vacations. Regardless of what type of cruise you decide to book, Ziegenbalg has the experience and training to provide you with expert cruising advice. CruiseOne does not charge for research, consultation, recommendations or booking services. The CruiseOne staff will also monitor price drops or promotional rates up until
The Hermitage Museum in the Palace Square of St. Petersburg, Russia, houses one of the finest art collections in the world.
your final payment, so you can book with peace of mind. When it’s time to cruise, CruiseOne should definitely be your “first port of call.”
CruiseOne*
30 N. Gate Station Dr, Marble Hill, GA 30148 (706) 579-5005
Email:
mziegenbalg@cruiseone.com
Website:
www.CruisesByMike.com *CruiseOne is independently owned and operated by Mike Ziegenbalg
• • •
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES Seven-year Big Canoe resident and 20+ years of travel/cruise experience. For the seasoned cruiser or first-timer,
Mike Ziegenbalg of CruiseOne can take you step by step through the cruising process. CruiseOne offers unique, memorable experiences and exceptional services at the right price that always equal value. CruiseOne is in North Gate Station under the clock tower.
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Other times by appointment.
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