April 2015

Mike and Shari Johnson are, by now, well-seasoned cruisers. They’ve been on four all together, three in the last two years, and from a variety of ports. There’s been Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas out of New Orleans, LA (NOLA); Princess’ Caribbean Princess from Ft Lauderdale, FL; Star Princess sailing from Los Angeles to Hawaii; and Majesty of the Seas out of Miami. And they’re not done yet, with a cruise booked for the Inside Passage in Alaska in mid-September on the Crown Princess.

So I asked them, “What is it about cruising that you like so much?”

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Visiting foreign countries is an enriching experience in so many ways. The memories of experiencing a different culture, beautiful nature, and places of historical interest stay with you long after you’ve stepped off the ship and headed home. If you’re lucky enough you’ll find that special something to purchase, a trinket, a piece of art, an indigenous handicraft, which can be lovingly displayed as a conversation piece about your trip.

Are you able to use American currency to buy these wonderful conversational pieces, or must you convert it every time you stop at a different port of call?

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