Ilene Weiner took to the seas for the first time on Fair Princess in 1989 and she fell in love with the experience. Thirty years later, Weiner has become Princess Cruises' most traveled guest having just taken her 282nd cruise, putting her at 2,500 days at sea.
"We're incredibly honored to have the loyalty and passion for Princess Cruises that Ms. Weiner exudes as our most-traveled guest," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. "Not only has she celebrated her own milestones throughout the years, she's found pure joy and happiness in discovering the world's beauty and local cultures from a cruise ship."
Weiner's 280th cruise was a 28-day expedition to Hawaii, Tahiti and the South Pacific on the Golden Princess. It ended in Australia, Weiner's favorite destination in the world. Her most recent trip was on the Crown Princess during the winter holidays, during which she explored Eastern and Southern Caribbean.
Princess Cruises sat down with Weiner and asked her about her favorite cruise memories and travel tips. This is what she said:
From all your cruises with Princess, what is your favorite destination and why?
Without a doubt Australia! No matter how many times you go, there is always something new to see. This past year was my first time visiting Western Australia, which is very different than my previous visits to East Coast and Northern Australia.
If you had to pick one city to visit with Princess, what city would you select?
St Petersburg. I just completed my fourth visit this past summer and I'm still amazed that each time I find new sites to experience and meet the most interesting people.
What is your most memorable experience ashore? Any insider tips to share on must-do activities?
I recently visited Petra in Jordan and found this to be a memorable shore excursion. Gazing at The Treasury, I just imagined the archeological marvel that was upon me and was filled with wonder knowing it was built thousands of years ago. During that same trip, I did an evening Jeep Safari in Dubai to a Bedouin Camp. WHAT FUN!
What is your favorite port to sail in or out of?
Sydney Harbor spectacular every time. It's different when you sail in early in the morning and experience the quiet calm of a sleeping city. When you sail out of Sydney, it's alive with the hustle and bustle of locals and tourists alike. And, I can't leave out Ft. Lauderdale since that's where I'm from.
Where was your most memorable sunset?
Last December 29, 2017 sitting in the Crown Grill Steakhouse aboard Emerald Princess, sailing between The Falkland Islands and Puerto Madryn, Argentina and our window seat gave us a spectacular colorful pink and blue sunset.
Where and what was your most memorable meal?
In Aruba at the Flying Fishbone Restaurant - I had the freshest seafood I've ever tasted, caught that very morning. I'd heard about it on a cruise and booked it the next trip. I was in Aruba when the ship stayed late enough to go to dinner. My favorite meal on a ship was aboard Royal Princess at the Chef's Table - spectacular food and ambiance with the crystal curtains.
What is your favorite souvenir from your travels with Princess?
When I was aboard Pacific Princess upon reaching my 250th cruise, the officers and captain surprised me at the champagne waterfall with four-stripe epaulettes, the same as worn by the Captain. The picture they gave me of this event is my favorite souvenir.
What is next on your bucket list?
Africa is first on my bucket list. I have seen very little of that continent and would like to explore there more and see the countryside, wildlife and meet the locals.
What destination would you suggest to a first-time cruiser?
For a first cruise, I would suggest going to the Mediterranean. It's both beautiful and historical with so much to see and taste!
What destination is the most romantic?
After my husband Howard passed away in 2014, I continued to cruise on my own. Sure enough, I met my partner, Carl, on a cruise aboard Crown Princess heading from Scandinavia to New York. It was a true "Love Boat" experience and still is today. For me, the Princess ships are the most romantic destination - so many possibilities and endless activities to truly connect with someone special. And, you can even watch "The Love Boat" in your stateroom!
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