Jackie Sheckler Finch Archives

CMV Announces First-Ever Cruise Sailing from Puerto Peñasco – Rocky Point

April 12, 2019 by Jackie Scheckler Finch

Some of the best treasures of Mexico will be visited on a new cruise, the first ever sailing from Puerto Peñasco – Rocky Point, located just a few hours drive from Phoenix and Tucson. Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) announced at Seatrade 2019 in Miami the group’s first foray into the soft expedition cruise sector, inaugurating a new “Voyages of Exploration.” “This is an exciting project that we have been very much looking forward to announcing …

Holland America Line Announces Name of Newest Ship

April 8, 2019April 8, 2019 by Jackie Scheckler Finch

The newest ship in the Holland America Line will have an old name. Due for delivery in May 2021, the next Pinnacle Class ship will be called – drum roll, please – Ryndam. Holland America Line’s president Orlando Ashford announced the name at a media luncheon aboard Nieuw Statendam before the official start of Seatrade 2019 in Miami. It will be the fourth ship in the company’s history to carry the Ryndam name. “Holland America Line …

Visiting the Canary Islands: Dragon Trees Said to Spill ‘Dragon Blood’

March 6, 2019 by Jackie Scheckler Finch

Legend says that when dragons die, they become dragon trees. So the liqueur I am drinking is named dragon’s blood since it came from the legendary dragon tree. “It is called Drag,” tour guide Cathy Michel says while I savor a drink at La Casa del Drago. “It comes from the dragon tree. It tastes good and is good for you.” The first time I saw one of these historic trees on the island of Tenerife, …

Visiting Santa Cruz: Calatrava Auditorium is Striking Tenerife Landmark

March 4, 2019 by Jackie Scheckler Finch

It’s a large winged bird. It’s a sailing ship. It’s a giant’s eyelid. It’s a sea creature rising from the deep. It’s Auditorio de Tenerife, the landmark theater perched along the Atlantic Ocean in Santa Cruz, largest of the Canary Islands and a popular cruise ship stop. Designed by famed architect Santiago Calatrava – who also did the Milwaukee Art Museum, among others – the auditorium opened in 2003 and quickly became a symbol of the …

Tenerife Port City of Santa Cruz Ready to Celebrate Annual Carnival

February 21, 2019 by Jackie Scheckler Finch

Streets are draped in mourning. Wailing “widows” in fishnet stockings and miniskirts lament loudly. Paraders dressed as popes, bishops and nuns bless onlookers and each other. It’s “El Entierro de la Sardina” or the “Burial of the Sardine” in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, capital of the largest of the Canary Islands. It’s when a gigantic 30-foot papier mache fish is carried through city streets and thrown on a massive bonfire. As the huge fish goes up in …

Winter a Great Time for Regal Princess Cruise to Caribbean

January 30, 2019January 28, 2019 by Jackie Scheckler Finch

Day 1: Winter a great time for Regal Princess cruise to Caribbean A bitter winter wind has stripped the autumn leaves from trees. The last of my roses was nipped by an overnight freeze. Winter in Indiana is a good time to head to some warmer place, particularly aboard a cruise ship. So I’m packing for a week on the Regal Princess. We will be cruising round trip from Ft. Lauderdale in Florida to Princess Cays, St. …

Regal Princess – This ship has a name befitting her elegant beauty

December 19, 2018December 21, 2018 by Jackie Scheckler Finch

ABOARD THE REGAL PRINCESS – A Christmas tree adorned with gold and silver ornaments glows with twinkling lights. Sparkling wreaths decorate doors and entryways. Garlands are draped on banisters and columns. Battery-powered candles cast a soft light on tabletops. And I didn’t have to do any of it. One of the pleasures of holiday cruising is seeing the cruise ship all decked out in lovely Christmas finery. Elves must work through the night while we sleep to …

Regal Princess – My stateroom has all that is needed for a comfy cruise

December 19, 2018December 20, 2018 by Jackie Scheckler Finch

ABOARD THE REGAL PRINCESS – Opening the door to my Regal Princess cabin, I knew this was the perfect place for me. A balcony will be a great spot to watch the ocean roll. It has two chairs and a small table, plus privacy screens on both sides. The lower half of the balcony is Plexiglas so the ocean view is not obstructed. Large sliding glass doors lead outside to my balcony so I can see the …

Regal Princess – Technology helps boarding process

December 19, 2018December 19, 2018 by Jackie Scheckler Finch

Seeing the long line waiting to board the Regal Princess, I thought I would be standing there for quite a while. I was wrong. Boarding the big cruise ship was a breeze. What made embarking so efficient and quick? The well-organized Princess staff kept the line moving quickly and most passengers had prepared their pre-boarding forms via computer at home. That meant passengers arrived with boarding passes in their hands. Ah, the joys of technology! In …

Winter a great time for a Regal Princess cruise to the Caribbean

December 18, 2018December 18, 2018 by Jackie Scheckler Finch

A bitter winter wind has stripped the autumn leaves from trees. The last of my roses was nipped by an overnight freeze. Winter in Indiana is a good time to head to some warmer place, particularly aboard a cruise ship. So I’m packing for a week on the Regal Princess. We will be cruising round trip from Ft. Lauderdale in Florida to Princess Cays, St. Thomas and St. Maarten in the Caribbean with three days at sea. …