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COMMENTS, REVIEWS AND PICTURES FROM OUR GUESTS: Great cruise! New Friends! Great memories! Thanks for your help! Marilyn Gesica Zelechowski says: "I love CRUISES! It's like a sample platter, The places You like the most, You end going back for seconds!!!!" To Gayle and First Choice Travel and Cruise,
I have just returned from my first cruise on Royal Caribbean on the "Adventure of the Seas"!
Everything was perfect. Our Junior suite was much larger than I thought and very comfortable.
I so appreciate your service and would definately recommend you and First Choice Travel and Cruise to my friends.
You are great. My heartfelt thanks.
Darlene Mills
Family Cruisers on NCL Gayle,
We had an awesome time. Kids were totally surprised by the cruise. They want to make it a yearly event around this time of year. Of course the food was plentiful and awesome. But any time I don't have to cook and food is ready for us any time we want, it is awesome.
Thank you for helping us surprise the kids with a wonderful family vacation. I am happy to say we will be cruising again with them some time in the future.
Sarah
Mary,
We really enjoyed sailing with Royal Caribbean. We received A-1 service. It was wonderful to be able to relax and rest when we wanted to and also enjoy everything the ship had to offer and excursions on our schedule. We returned home very satisfied and rested. We are looking forward to sailing with Royal Caribbean again and again.
Robert and Theretha
Hi Lisa, We had a wonderful cruise. The service and food were both excellent. We did not try any of the specialty restaurants because the dinners in the main dining room were so good. We also enjoyed the fact that, even though we had Select Dining and ate at different times each night, they still kept us in the same area, with the same wait staff each night. We also had good breakfasts in the MDR, the buffet, and at the Aqua Spa Cafe. We both liked the pizza in the buffet as well.
As for our ports, we walked around on our own in Key West, as we had 10 hours and everything was within a few miles.
In Costa Maya, we booked our own day at an all inclusive called Maya Chan. They provided transportation, drinks, and wonderful food for $59/each. They also provide kayaks, snorkel gear, paddle boards, and flotation chairs. Every group gets a private palapa or pergola, chairs, day bed, etc. and limit the visitors.
In Cozumel we did the Jose Cuervo experience at Discover Mexico through the ship. That was also a lot of fun.
In Grand Cayman we also did a ship tour that visited the turtle farm, the rum cake store, Hell, and a 2 + hour trip out to Stingray City. Again it was a small group and we got a lot of time with the stingrays.
All of the excursions were great. Weather was cold in Fort Lauderdale but 80 and sunny at each of our ports.
Thanks for your help. We are happy we chose Celebrity. Very relaxing.
Judy and John
Special Cruises! THE STARCLIPPER CRUISE
Hi Gayle,
HURTIGRUTEN NORWEGIAN COASTAL CRUISE
Gayle and Mary, What a great trip - everything worked out fine. We arrived in London and went to the Downton Abbey for our tour. No pictures were allowed. They film the show in a studio about an hour and a half away. Our hotel was just around the corner from Selfridges, a fantastic store which was revolutionary with sales that shook up the rather stodgy London crowd. Got the train to see Harry Potter's Platform for the Hogwart's Express and Kathy got her picture taken as if she was entering the brick wall. Edinburough was quite a surprise as their Festival was held that week. Aside from the melee, it was fun! In Bergen, Norway the weather was great. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves especially the food. They had tents at the wharf with seafood including salmon, lobster, king crabs, local fish and Spanish favorites. Anyone taking the Hurtigruten should certainly go a day early to take a couple of tours, enjoy the eats and sites.
Our Hurtigruten ship (pronounced Sheep) was a surprise in that it was much larger than expected. We had a beautiful suite with a large bay window that proved to be the best seat for watching port activities and the beautiful scenery. The food was outstanding and the service tops. Most significant to us were: Trondheim - the Ringve Museum of Musical History A great trip - very relaxing - would absolutely recommend it. The four hotels we also very good and conveniently located. K&K
1ST TIME CRUISERS...Royal Caribbean Oh. My. Gosh.....did we get lucky or what? We outran Rafael and got home before Sandy. It's like it was meant to be.... Even the hotel at Port Canaveral was a treat, and having our rides arranged in advance took away even that little stress. Thanks so, so much, Gayle. So nice to have a cruise-expert helping us out.
Sister Cruisers
 Gayle,
Our cruise was awesome!!!! Or cabin was tops. We had plenty of room for everything. On Honduras we took a tour of the island and danced with some of the Mayan people. Loved it! Our excursion on Belize was canceled due to not enough signed up for the rafting. We shopped instead.
On Costa Maya we toured the Mayan ruins and loved every minute of it. The site was beautiful. We had to walk through about 2 blocks thru a beautiful forest. No mosquitoes in sight. In Cozumel we went snorkeling and that was a new experience for me. I loved it. The water was clear and there were lots of fish on the reef. We saw a barracuda, a jellyfish, a stingray, a moray eel, and numerous other beautiful fish. Our ship was smaller than the last time but our suite was awesome. We had a double balcony and Sue fell asleep outside one night.
We had gold cards and got lots of special attention. That's for your help Gayle. We had an awesome time. We drank every night and laughed until our bellies hurt more than a few times. Can't wait for the next one! Next time we will take our hubbies with us! At the end of the day we loved everything about the ship and our time on it!!!!!!!! Oh- it only rained lightly one morning but it didn't ruin any of our plans.
Kathy
A Group of friends were celebrating their 40th anniversaries on Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas Gayle, We had a very good time. We learned something on every island but our favorite excursion was the one in Barbados Tiami and swimming with the turtles. It was a beautiful day and the snorkeling was great and the beach we stopped at was so nice. The whole experience was great. The ship was clean and everyone was so friendly and helpful. Although the casino was very tight. We don't have our pictures yet, but the whole group got along so well and all tried new things. We decided what we did on the ship stayed on the ship. We had a couple nights of lots of fun. Unfortunately Dominica was a little depressing with so many poor and the problems they've had in the past with hurricanes and mud slides. They are working really hard to get it together. St. Kitts is also pretty poor and it really makes you feel how fortunate we are here, the way we live. Education seems really important to them and I give them a lot of credit for that.
We do miss the beautiful water, can't believe how clear it is. Serenade of the Seas is definitely a nice ship. Karen
1st Time Cruisers Rave over their Disney Magic Cruise Hi Sara! We had so much fun on the cruise - the kids talk about it constantly. Natalie misses the beach and Joshua misses Mickey. The weather was fabulous and best of all we missed the snowstorm of the decade. I've included a small sample of pictures - I took over 300! I can't believe the detail to service on the cruise. The kids didn't do the Oceaneer's Club very much as they loved the pool and just walking around looking at everything. I loved our servers and they were very good to the kids. We talked to so many people both on our cruise and other cruises at the ports and everyone claims no one does it like Disney. I don't have anything to compare to since this was our first cruise but I have to say I was very impressed. I am glad we did the room with the verandah as that was well worth the extra money. It also made the room feel so much larger. The kids couldn't wait to get back to the room after the show to see what character the towels would be on the bed! The food was fabulous and I think we all gained 5 lbs. and the entertainment was incredible. Thank you for the autograph books as we carried them with us constantly to get the autographs of the characters. We got to see everyone and some of them several times. Wait times weren't that bad - usually about 15-20 minutes except for the Princesses - that was over an hour. I just can't say enough about the cruise - it was unforgettable. Thank you so much for walking us through our very first cruise and we are so glad we did the Disney one. Carrie
DISNEY CRUISE We loved it! We didn't have any delays on our flights. Nicole Griesbach
   The Basso, Hartel and Griesbach family Disney Cruise was a success!
10 Day Southern Caribbean on the Royal Princess We loved our Princess Cruise and are ready to go back again! Thank you Sheri
Ken and Sandy Schmitt
HEY CRUISING ISN'T JUST SITTING ON A SHIP!!! ITS A CELEBRATION! Dave and Gay Gilliland celebrated a special anniversary on a AVALON RIVER CRUISE! Gayle, Our picture window was wonderful. When we woke up the next morning we saw all these beautiful swans swimming right outside our cabin! Royal Caribbean Holiday Cruise We really enjoyed sailing with Royal Caribbean. We received A-1 service. It was wonderful to be able to relax and rest when we wanted to and also enjoy everything the ship had to offer and excursions on our schedule. We returned home very satisfied and rested. We are looking forward to sailing with Royal Caribbean again and again.
Robert and Theretha
CELEBRATE LIFE CRUISIN WITH THE GIRLS!
The girls from HR HAIR DESIGN sure know how to have fun! They cruised with a group of women on RCCL's the Adventure of the Seas! They loved it so much they will be going again next year! Colleen, Lori, Nadyne, Tammi & Sandy last day of cruise watching the sunset as we leave port. Pat, Sandy and Colleen on the catamaran.
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CELEBRATE A GRADUATION OR SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY ON A CRUISE! Start a BALTIC CRUISE out right traveling a day ahead and staying in Copenhagen. Pictured below are Betty Ewald, Audrey Lehner, Gayle Zielke, Andy Lehner and Aubrieanna Swartz (Lehner's lucky granddaughter) in Copenhagen. The Baltic Cruise started and ended here. Everyone agreed that we learned so much history and of course geography on this cruise that it was more than we expected!!! Andy and Audrey Lehner took their grandaughter Abrieanna on this Baltic Cruise for her graduation!! Wow what a way to celebrate. Imagine the education Aubrieanna had experiencing each port of call in the Baltics! Here is another educational picture of the group in Sweden at the ICE BAR!!!
Betty and Brian Ewald, Gary and Gayle Zielke celebrated an anniversary and joined the Lehners for this once in a lifetime trip to Norway, Sweden, Russia, Denmark and Poland.
Royal Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans
Karen, We had a great time, both of us. The night in New Orleans was fabulous. Got some great restaurants. Thanks, Ted
CELEBRATE A BIRTHDAY ON A CRUISE!
Hi Pat, We had great time on the cruise. The ship is newer, quite large and beautifully decorated. Food was good and our room was spacious and very comfortable with a good size window, and of course great view. Enclosing a picture that was taken on David's birthday - May 7th. Thanks for all of your help in planning our wonderful vacation in the The Zweifels - David and Corinne |
CELEBRATE YOUR HONEYMOON ON A CRUISE!!
Pat
Thank You for making our honeymoon cruise an event to remember. John and
I traveled on the Dawn Princess for a 7 night Southern Caribbean cruise.
The vessle was absolutley beautiful. We toured 5 different islands in 7
days and loved St. Marteen. The crew, staff, and other patrons on the
ship were so genuine and helpful all throughtout our travel time. We
were able to get on and off the ship as we pleased at each island, and
the itenaraies that were delivered each night were so helpful in us
planning the days events ahead of time.
To First Choice Travel and Cruise - We appreciate all your
recommendations for cruising and our travel package suited us just
perferctly. We can't wait to cruise again!
John and Heidi Pietenpol
Milwaukee
CELEBRATE SOME SISTER TIME!
Hi, Gayle. The cruise was more than wonderful. My sisters and I had a wonderful time. The islands were beautiful, the ship was beautiful and the staff was more than accommodating. We were all very impressed. The food was a little to good as we all gained 10 pounds or more but that is what vacation is for right? Our families proved to survive without us for 8 days so we will surely be doing this again in the future. Thanks for everything. Missy
CELEBRATE WITH SOME OLD FRIENDS AND MEET SOME NEW FRIENDS!!
Here are a couple of pictures from our Australia and New Zealand Cruise group on Princess Cruises! We all had a wonderful time and will never forget it!
Pictured below is Cookie and Bob Brock, Tammy and Geoff Luther, Gayle and Gary Zielke.
It wasn't easy getting this Australia group together at one time but WE DID IT!!!
Australia was amazing and New Zealand a real surprise bonus!!!
HOT TIP for any cruise vacation. ALWAYS travel to the destination at least one day prior. A huge snowstorm in Milwaukee almost cost us missing out on our cruise!! Sometimes it is almost easier traveling from Chicago on a direct flight. First Choice Travel agents can set you up with a limo or van transfer from Milwaukee to Chicago so you do not have to worry about driving or missing your flights for any reason!
Pictured below are Geoff and Tammy Luther from Illinois, Mary Ann and Joe Mundwiler from North Prairie, Carol and Wally Zeck from Arizona, Greg and Carol Apuli from Hartland, Dan and Roxy Slane from New Berlin, Bob and Cookie from Merrimac, James Zechinati and Peggy O'Neill from Kentucky and Gary and Gayle Zielke from Big Bend!!! We all met up in Sydney, Australia for this once in a lifetime cruise. All of us did not know each other before the cruise but we certainly had a great time together!
Pictured below are the BALTIC Cruisers on the Star Princess. Pat and Steve Busalacchi from Muskego, Audrey, Andy Lehner and Aubrieanna Schwartz from Colgate, Betty and Brian Ewald of Oconomowoc, Ted and Helen Haasch from New Berlin and Gary and Gayle Zielke from Big Bend.
A trip to the Baltics would NOT be complete unless you visited the famous ICE BAR in Stockholm, Sweden!! It was definately a highlight of the trip! VERY COOL!! Betty and Brian Ewald
Baltic Cruise
The cruise was excellent. We truly enjoyed it. The only negative was the luggage problem. I lost one piece going; it showed up in
We have lots of wonderful memories the trip; we'd do it again.
Helen and Ted Haasch
Diane Brown and Saku Lindhen cruised this special once a year 12 day cruise to Iceland, Norway, the fjords and the British Isles. They met up in London a couple of days prior to the cruise which worked out great!
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND CRUISE
Sydney was very nice. Ridiculously expensive!!!! I have never seen so many high end designer stores in my life!!! We enjoyed our location and did the hop on hop off Captain Cook ferry for the 3 days we were there. We went to the Sydney Zoo, Manly island, and the BEST part- the Fish market!!! We at fresh sushi, and it was WAY cool!!!!! The sushi in Sydney was FANTASTIC!!!!
The best part of the trip for me was going to Bonorong wildlife sanctuary. Feeding the kangaroos! That was soooo cool! I felt like a little kid! The Geothermal pools in Tauranga was really neat also. We saw mud pools boiling and geyser going off. In Auckland we did the glow worm grotto which was really neat too. Great recommendation on that! The lunch at a private farm home was SPECTACULAR also! Great food and so pretty! The best lunch I have ever had on an excursion by Princess.
The food on the ship was fantastic! The shows were really good.
Great experience, checked it off my list.
Thanks for all your help!!! I did enjoy it ! LOL
Cheers!
Karen
Our Cruise and vacation was GREAT! We went during a perfect week with the freezing cold weather around here! We visited the
Looks like they had some quality alone time without the kids too on this great family vacation! See our Family Vacations page for more pictures.
MORE CRUISING FUN!
Barb and Carl Lancelle sent Judi this photo of the two of them enjoying their cruise.
Your first day of the cruise is always fun! Barb and Carl sure did have a great time!
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO PARTY AWAY IN PORT OR ON YOUR CRUISE!
Gayle,
Cruising is one of the best vacations for women!!! See so many places to visit in one week or longer. No driving, unpacking or packing and being pampered the whole week! Shopping, sightseeing and fun with the GIRLS! What could be better?
More cruise pictures in ALASKA and other destinations.
Gayle;
Our vacation to France was a really great experience. We saw what we consider the highlights of the country, from the French Rivera (Cannes to Nice), wineries, medieval structures to the Roman aqueduct.
The cruise up the Rhone was relaxing with just the right amount of tourists on board. The people were friendly and we spent considerable time with a few other couples. The tours off the boat were informative and gave us insight as to what we were seeing. We always take in the optional tours and have seldom been disappointed.
After leaving the cruise and proceeding to Paris, we took in the optional tour of the Louvre which was great and highly recommended. Cameras are allowed everywhere. A small group of us asked the guide if he could get us outside for photos of the pyramid and he was able to accommodate us through an exit and then get us back in. (extra gratuity here)
A great vacation that met or exceeded our expectations.
Krumrai/Marifke Group
Hey Gayle,
We had a great time. Just did the usual cruise stuff, nothing too crazy. I've got plenty of pictures for you to comb through. Here is a link to the gallery:
https://picasaweb.google.com/LaddSpencer/2012Cruise?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Joe T.
Our Avalon River Cruise was so exciting! Prague, Vienna, Linz, Germany, Budapest were just some of the unique destinations we visited!!! Happy to say our whole group was amazing and a lot of fun. Imagine old friends + new friends + this outstanding itinerary = way too much fun + awesome memories for all of us!!
For more pictures and quotes on our Danube River Cruise!
AVALON RIVER CRUISE
Gayle,
I remember that you wanted some feedback on the river cruise you arranged for my wife and myself on the Avalon Luminary. We went from Budapest to Amsterdam, and then a stop over in Dublin.
On the whole everything went very well.
The boat was modern and clean, with the wait staff being friendly and helpful. The room, though compact, was comfortable. As a warning for future bookings, be careful booking people into rooms near the rear of the boat, where the engine room is. The engines were quite noisy, even on the third level. We were about 6 rooms forward and the noise was not too bad. I think this could be the situation for most of the boats since they seem to all be constructed the same way.
We had a chance to compare notes with some passengers on the Viking Njord, who seemed to be on a similar schedule. We had lunch with these passengers at Regensberg, and found that our Avalon boat had special entertainment most nights, where the Njord had virtually none.
To see most of the towns that we stopped at required walking. You tended to walk almost every day. Avalon had some easy walking groups, but these also required walking. The extra side trips were easy to sign up for on the ship. We took one to Salzburg. Sometimes the schedule had to be altered (generally due to delays at the locks), but the cruise director made the adjustments almost seamless. In one instance, while we were on a trip to a town, the captain decided to go through the next lock and then meet us down stream. To get us aboard, he had to build us a bridge from the shore.
We had a good time on the trip. I'm glad you switched us to Avalon, the better choice. I hope this helps you in advising future clients. We appreciate your efforts in making our trip a successful one.
Alan Thompson
Contact one of our Cruise Specialists today for more information on the latest cruise specials and cruise sales!
By phone: 262-542-5955
Cruise comments and pictures in: EUROPE, TAHITI, HAWAII, ALASKA, AUSTRALIA,
