Relaxing on the River

OVER THE YEARS my wife and I have been on three cruises on ocean-going vessels - and they were all wonderful! Our cruise adventures have taken us to the western Caribbean, Alaska, and Scandinavia. These trips solidified in our minds that we did in fact enjoy the total experience of being on the water in the luxurious ships of the Royal Caribbean and Princess lines. But perhaps our most unique amphibious journey occurred when we had the opportunity of relaxing on the river - the Mississippi River. For seven days, we were aboard the Mississippi Queen, a riverboat from the Delta Steamboat Lines. And, it also was wonderful! No doubt, the timing of the trip influenced our evaluation - at least to some extent.

Our riverboat cruise was a celebration of retirement from long professional careers for both of us, and it provided an anniversary extravaganza. It was a gift from our son. The trip began only two weeks after my wife's last day of work, and it ended only two weeks before we headed south for our first winter on the Emerald Coast. Especially for my wife, the riverboat experience was the perfect transitional activity from the world of work to the joys of a lifestyle of leisure.

The Mississippi Queen left port in St. Louis and headed north toward St. Paul. We had a room with a large window - and a veranda - which provided great views of the river and the constantly changing shoreline. As we proceeded northward, autumn leaves became increasingly more brilliant in an array of fall colors. Ports-of-call along the way, and the opportunity for short shore excursions, made our journey even more interesting and exciting. Arrivals and departures of our big boat at the various ports-of-call were always fun! In some places we were greeted with bands; in other places we had crowds on the dock to welcome us, and also to wave good-bye when we steamed out of port. At every stop, the Queen's own calliope sounded out it's musical happy notes!

While steaming up the river, the paddle-wheeler had several decks to explore, and various ways to stay busy for passengers who were so inclined. Many of us took advantage of the deck chairs and the art of "decking" - just sitting on the deck, perhaps visiting, relaxing, and watching the world float by. And, it was quite interesting to be on board as the Queen passed through several locks during her northward journey. A historian of river lore - a "riverloreian" - held special appeal for several of us.
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There was room for over 400 passengers and 157 crew members aboard the Mississippi Queen. In addition to the cabins for passengers and crew, the riverboat featured a dining room, ballroom, fitness center, library, movie theater, beauty salon, barber shop, swimming pool, and shops! Bikes could be brought on board and used during shore excursions. There was plenty to do and multiple opportunities to be active; and yet ample space to do nothing at all. It was always easy to find the time - and a variety of places - to simply relax.
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Meals were exceptionally good throughout our cruise. My wife and I delighted in the fellowship and fun times with our table-mates. All of these individuals became instant friends, and my wife and I have maintained close and long-lasting relationships with four of these fine folks. Along with our table-mates, we decided that shrimp and chocolate goodies were two of the best choices offered at our table - and they quickly became favorites.
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Entertainment and shows on the MQ were top-notch! The performances thrilled us with music, drama, colorful costumes, and good variety. It was a special time that everyone seemed to enjoy each and every evening.

Various steamboat companies offer riverboat cruises on the inland waterways of the United States and other countries. But, I can't imagine anyone doing it better than the Delta Steamboat Lines. If this type of adventure sounds like a good vacation option, check out all the possibilities online - or with any travel agent. From my own personal perspective, a riverboat cruise is an excellent leisure choice. And, the best thing about the entire adventure are the innumerable opportunities for relaxing on the river!

Ride the Rails!

AT FIRST, the thought of a cross-country train trip may not sound very exciting. However, let me assure you that it truly can be! In fact, it was for my wife and me as we boarded an Amtrak in the Midwest and started rolling toward the West Coast. It was a grand three-day journey, a unique vacation, and a wonderful leisure experience.

In St. Louis we caught the Texas Eagle and were immediately escorted to our roomette located in the Pullman - or sleeping car. This space was going to be our home for the next three days, and it proved to be a very relaxing and comfortable space. We had our own private bathroom, shower, lavatory, sofa, recliner, desk, and storage areas. During the day our main quarters provided us with what felt like a small living room or den. A large window gave us great views of passing scenery from the chair, sofa, or anywhere in the room. And, if we opened the curtains on the door of our room, we could see out a window on the other side of the train. At night this same space became our bedroom: the sofa was made into a bed, and a Murphy-style bed could be dropped down from the wall above the sofa.

Of course we were free to go to any of the public areas at any time. The sky dome lounge was a special Amtrak car which allowed us to have an elevated panoramic view of the territory surrounding the moving train. The snack car was a fun place to find light refreshments most anytime during our trip. And, the dining car was an elegant place to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Gourmet meals were served on linen table cloths with fine china, silver tableware, and fresh flowers. Large windows extended the length of the car - on both sides of the train - giving all diners great sights of the passing countryside.

During a stop in Texas, our sleeping car was transferred to become part of the Sunset Limited, the major east-west, cross-country Amtrak train on the southern route to Los Angeles. A couple of days later upon our arrival in L.A., we then transferred to another train heading south for a relatively short ride to San Diego - our final destination.

In San Diego we had three more days to enjoy a comfortable hotel and the sights, food, atmosphere, and culture of the southern California city and nearby areas. A boat tour of the Bay, the city's famous zoo, and a visit to Coronado were some of the highlights for us. When the time came for our adventure to end, we simply boarded a plane and flew home.

This was one of those rare vacations where the journey was at least as much fun - if not more so - as the destination. The train trip gave us opportunities to meet new friends especially during meals or during our times in the lounge areas. Also, it was very interesting to see new towns, new parts of cities, and new open country that we had never before seen. We discovered that train tracks do not often parallel streets, roads, highways, or areas that have perhaps been seen previously from inside an automobile!

Any travel agent can make arrangements for a train/plane travel getaway. For us, this leisure experience is on a long list of our most enjoyable vacations. We are now always ready and eager to pass along this recommendation to anyone who is interested: yes, ride the rails for a great journey that will live in your memory for a long, long time!