By Meghan Streit
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

When an adventurous group of Monarch Landing and Sedgebrook residents returned from a 12-day cruise on the Mediterranean Sea, they came home not only with souvenirs and photographs but also lasting memories and friendships.

The 13 travelers departed from London on a luxurious Norwegian Cruise Lines ship in late September. On their first night aboard the cruiser, the Erickson group was treated to a private cocktail party organized by their travel agent. The following day, they sailed to Paris where they enjoyed a lunch of classic French cuisine on the scenic River Seine, which Monarch Landing residents Marilyn Erwin and Nancy Godlewski said was their favorite meal.

Choose your own adventure
In addition to typical cruising entertainment like a casino and live musical performances, this trip catered to adventure-seekers, with stops in Portugal, Italy, and Spain. Travelers designed their own land tours, depending on their preferences. Art buffs took in famous museums in Florence, while the fashionconscious scoured Rome’s designer shops. 

This was Monarch Landing resident Elaine Brinkman’s 81st cruise. The former cruise ship singer and experienced traveler said she was most fascinated by the Rock of Gibraltar off the coast of the United Kingdom.

Traveling with friends ‘makes all the difference’
Back on the ship, the Erickson travelers got VIP treatment one evening when they enjoyed a lavish dinner together at the captain’s table.

Erwin says the best part of the trip was traveling with a lively group of friends.

“That was the attraction for me,” Erwin says. “It makes all the difference.”