Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/107892
takefive takefive JAUNTS & JOURNEYS Lido pool on the ms Veendam. Ship Shape by Luana Wingert Travel Consultant, CAA Regina East A fter boarding Holland America's ms Veendam, I was welcomed everywhere I went with friendly greetings. From "Good morning, Luana, how is your day?" to "Good evening, Luana," there was a smile from every staff member I spoke with or just passed by. Our lovely ocean-view stateroom offered lots of closet and drawer space, and room for our suitcases under the bed. The bathroom even had a bathtub. And, oh, the food. The chocolate soufflé was heavenly, and I had one of the most delicious and divine steaks ever at the specialty restaurant, Pinnacle Grill. Occasionally, we'd dine to a live chamber music orchestra. Holland America ships, with their varying itineraries and sizes, exude an elegant yet homey feel. I took in the water views from the several comfortable seating areas around the ship. And the piano entertainment, wide-open show lounge, Internet café with specialty coffees and movie theatre were fantastic. Everyday there were things to keep us busy — if we wanted to be busy. The choices included fitness classes or personal trainer sessions, gambling, culinary shows and classes from the ship's masterful chefs, wine tastings with appetizer pairings, spa treatments, sports such as basketball and shuffleboard, daily bridge clubs and kids clubs. We visited wonderful ports of call along the East coast, from Boston to Montreal. Holland America offered different shore excursions at each stop; we enjoyed a lighthouse tour, a trip to Peggy's Cove and city tours in Boston and Montreal. From a short family voyage in the Caribbean to group departures such as the annual CAA Chairman of the Board cruise, rest assured, travellers can cruise anywhere in comfort, beauty and style. 42 W e s t w o r l d p40-45_Take_5.indd 42 >> spri n g 2 0 1 3 Great EsCAApes Exclusive CAA Group Departures With us, it's not just a destination June 12-27, 2013: The Best of Ireland and Scotland If you haven't seen the ever-changing shades of green on the Emerald Isle or heard the haunting lament of the pipes in Scotland, this is for you. Join CAA as we travel around Ireland and Scotland with our partner, Insight Vacations. Great hospitality and gorgeous scenery await. Ireland highlights: Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Galway, Londonderry, Giant's Causeway and the Antrim Coast. Join us for the Gathering in 2013, when Ireland invites friends and family from Historic Ireland. around the world to special events across the country. Scotland highlights: Robert Burns country and Glasgow, Loch Lomond, the Highlands and Inverness, St. Andrews and Edinburgh. Book before February 28 and save $250 per person. CAA Vacations Holland America welcomes its CAA guests from across Canada June 29-July 6, 2013: Alaska Friendship Cruise Always a favourite! Sail the Inside Passage roundtrip from Vancouver aboard the ms Zuiderdam for front-row views of natural beauty and wildlife The ms Zuiderdam in Alaska. WestWorld Tours April 29-May 10, 2013: Victoria Based one block from Victoria's Inner Harbour, explore this fun city for seven nights. Couple that with great touring and sightseeing at the Butchart Gardens, Salt Spring Island, Cathedral Grove, Victoria Butterfly Gardens and a winery and cidery. Welcome, spring! June 12-July 1, 2013 (all coach): Alaska and the Yukon Alaska and the Yukon are home to some of nature's most pristine areas. This comprehensive tour shows you the best of the "Great Land." (Ireland) courtesy Judy Phillips, (ships) Holland America 13-01-21 12:47 PM