Reply #5: I did go there and it's a cool site. [View All]

However, I decided to strike while the iron was hot (i.e. Mr. Longhorn in agreement. ;)) So I went to a travel agent and she booked us on the Dawn Princess out of Seattle. We got a room with a balcony. We figured if we ever go on a cruise, on this continent anyway, where a balcony is extra nice, this is it! The agent booked the flights, transfers, insurance, etc.

I probably could have saved some money putting this all together on my own but I know if they go through Princess, then they have to hold the ship and rearrange your travel arrangements if your flight is late or you miss your flight home because the ship is late.

I figure people hire my husband to remodel their homes because he knows more about it than they do -- and the travel agent knows more about this stuff than I do. :)

Thanks for the advice, though! When (and if) I'm a seasoned cruiser, I'll probably feel more comfortable doing this myself. I'll say again, that America West Cruise sure sounds fantastic. Mr. L and I really like jazz -- maybe we'll go on one of their jazz cruises some time.