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Posted by Madelyn Martin on May 9, 2012 at 12:23 PM under
• 0 commentsIt is almost Mother’s Day, the day that we celebrate the woman who raised us and made us the person we are today.
Mother’s Day Facts:
- Mothers day was named a national holiday in 1914 by President Wilson.
- Mothers day always falls on the Second Sunday in May (so mark your calendars… it’s the same every year so there is no excuse for forgetting!)
- According to the US Census there are 84.5 million mothers in the US
- 152 million – Number of Mother’s Day cards given in the United States last year, making Mother’s Day the third-largest card-sending occasion
We all love our mom, probably because no matter what she always seems to be there. She was the one who taught us right from wrong, made us chicken noodle soup when we were sick, and always had advice when we were having a bad day, but believe it or not… her job did not stop there. On average Mothers typically spend 120 hours changing diapers (per child), and each year mothers wash 330 loads of laundry. So this mother’s day be sure to thank your mom for all of the little things that she has done for you.
If you are still looking for the perfect way to thank your mother for all that she has done, let us help you out! While perfume, jewelry and flowers are wonderful gifts, get your mom something extra special this year and bring her aboard the Volunteer Princess for one of our mother’s day cruises! Already have mother’s day plans? NO worries! You can always make reservations for a different day… after all your mom has done so much for you, why just spend one day celebrating she deserves to be thanked all year long!
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Posted by Devon Swanson on March 28, 2012 at 9:43 AM under
• 0 commentsSpring is here and there is so much to look forward to – baseball games, picnics, trips to the beach, and also the highly-anticipated Easter holiday on April 8th. If you’re looking for some fun and inexpensive things to do with the kids that weekend, look no further! We've put together a list of egg-cellent crafts (there has to be at least one "egg" pun) and easy games and recipes for your enjoyment.
BUNNY EARS
Let the kids "hop" around in this cute and easy-to-make craft!
What You Will Need:
White poster board
Pink construction paper
Scissors and glue
Tape or stapler
How to Make It:
1. Cut a strip of poster board about 2” wide by about 24” long for the headband.
2. Cut 2 ears out of poster board each about 8" long by 3" wide.
3. Cut 2 smaller ears out of pink construction paper.
4. Glue the pink ears inside the white ears.
5. Glue the ears inside the band, positioning to fit behind the head.
6. Decorate as you please with stickers, markers, crayons or colored pencils!
7. Tape or staple the band to fit the child's head. Cut off any excess.
COTTON BALL EASTER BUNNY
Not only can the kids play with this (carefully), it makes for a cute decoration!
What You Will Need:
Cotton balls
Foam (polystyrene) egg
White and pink pipe cleaners
Wiggle eyes
Small pink pom-pom
Thin Wire
Wire cutters
Cardboard
Scissors and hot glue
How to Make It:
1. Glue cotton balls on foam egg for tail and feet.
2. Bend white pipe cleaner around a thicker pink pipe cleaner for the ears. Stick a pair at the top of the egg.
3. Glue on wiggle eyes, a small pink pom-pom nose and thin wire whiskers.
4. Place on a cardboard circle with hole cut out for base of egg to rest in.
DECORATE EASTER EGGS
Here is a less-messy, but equally as cute, version of this tale-old activity.
What You Will Need:
Crayons
Boiled eggs
Neon food coloring and white vinegar (optional)
How to Make It:
1. Use crayons to draw designs on the boiled egg. Be sure to hold the egg gently so it doesn't crack!
2. Optional: Mix 1 tbsp of white vinegar into a coffee mug of water (filled 3/4 full). Then add several drops of food coloring.
3. Dip the crayon-colored egg into the dye and let it sit for about a minute.
4. Remove and let dry. The dye makes the crayon look brighter, especially if you use neon food coloring.
DEVILED EGGS RECIPE
Save some of those eggs you're dyeing (or coloring) to make this yummy appetizer.
What You Will Need:
8 eggs
½ tsp mustard
1 tbsp creamy salad dressing
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pinch of paprika
How to Make Them:
1. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Cover, remove from heat, and let eggs sit in hot water for 10-12 minutes. Remove from hot water and cool.
2. Peel and cut in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks and combine with mustard, salad dressing, and salt and pepper. Mix together until smooth.
3. Refill each egg half with the yolk mixture and sprinkle with paprika. Enjoy!
EASTER EGG HUNT
This classic activity has been around for years and it's not just for the kids, adults love it too!
What You Will Need:
Either plastic eggs or real decorated eggs
Baskets or bags for gathering
Candy
How to Do It:
Hide the eggs in hard-to-find places, either outside or inside, for the hunters to find. You can set a time limit or just search at your own pace for hunters to explore and place any eggs they find in their baskets. At the end of the hunt, the one with the most eggs wins the candy!
Now for our all-time favorite activity and number one suggestion of what to do this Easter Sunday…
COME ABOARD THE VOLUNTEER PRINCESS FOR EASTER BRUNCH!
Join us for a delicious brunch, accompanied by great service, a relaxing atmosphere and breathtaking views. We are offering two opportunities to enjoy this wonderful brunch – an early cruise at 11:30 a.m. and a later cruise at 2:00 p.m. Each cruise will depart the Volunteer Landing Marina and travel down the historic Tennessee River, returning an hour and a half later – just in time for that Easter Egg Hunt you’re planning!
Tickets are $42.95 per person and the best part is KIDS CRUISE FOR FREE! Bring the whole family and don’t miss out on this fun and unique way to celebrate Easter Sunday. Make your reservations today, these cruises sell out fast!
Call 865-541-4556 or book online at http://www.volunteerprincess.com/holiday/easter.
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Posted by Devon Swanson on January 25, 2012 at 10:28 AM under
• 1 commentAs the holiday of love quickly approaches, it's hard not to wonder how this popular day filled with chocolates, roses, Hallmark cards and balloons came about in the first place. Single women across the country typically dread the 14th of February, while happy couples tend to look forward to this day of romance. Regardless of marital status, everyone acknowledges this holiday in one way or another, and flower shops and chocolate producers prepare for their busiest day months in advance.
V-Day Stats:
- Roughly 180 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year, making V-Day the second-most popular greeting-card- giving occasion.
- 24.3 pounds of candy is consumed per capita in America.
- The average consumer usually spends about $100 on gifts, meals and entertainment.
- 73% of flower-purchasers are men, while only 27% are women.
- 15% of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day.
- About 3% of pet owners give V-Day gifts to their pets.
So where did it all start? How did the all the fuss about love and romance come about? There are several different theories on the origin of this hyped-up holiday but the most popular story dates back to the Roman Empire. Legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome under the reign of Emperor Claudius II. The Emperor didn’t want men to marry because he believed single men made better and stronger soldiers. Valentine thought this was unfair and decided to marry young couples secretly. For this, Valentine was thrown into jail and sentenced to death on February 14th. While he was imprisoned, he supposedly wrote a love letter to the jailor’s daughter and signed it, “Your Valentine.” Sound familiar?
More Fun Facts:
- Young ladies of medieval times ate bizarre foods on St. Valentine’s Day to make them dream of their future spouse.
- In the Middle Ages, men and women drew names out of a bowl to see who would be their Valentine. They wore that name pinned on their sleeve for the next week. Hence the expression, “to wear your heart on your sleeve.”
- Physicians of the 1800’s advised patients to eat chocolate to calm their pining for lost love. Guess chocolate really is the best break-up cure!
- The red rose was the favorite flower of Venus, the goddess of love.
- Teachers receive the most Valentine’s Day cards each year!
Can’t think of anything to get your significant other that day? This website has tons of gift ideas that are sure to help you out: http://www.gifts.com/ideas/valentines-day
Need a great date option? Volunteer Princess Cruises is offering TEN different cruises with several special romantic package options. Check them out here: http://www.volunteerprincess.com/holiday/valentinesday. We couldn’t think of a more memorable way to spend the holiday than cruising down the beautiful Tennessee River with your sweetheart!
So break out your mushy side and get ready for Valentine’s Day 2012! It will be here before we know it!
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Posted by Maggie Nichols on December 5, 2011 at 9:16 AM under
• 0 commentsThe holiday season is full of delicious meals, festive
treats and decadent desserts. But by New Year’s, most have had their fill of
glazed ham and reindeer cookies. This season, experiment with holiday cocktails
(adults only)! Though eggnog is a classic winter staple, it’s not the only
drink that tastes like Christmas in a cup. Here are 15 holiday cocktail recipes
that will make you wish it was December all year long. Cheers!
Beverages perfect for
brunch: 
Jingle Juice
Jingle Juice, a delicious blend of juices and orange liquor,
is the perfect way to start your morning. Fix yourself one in the a.m. and
you’ll be jingling all day!
Spiced Caramel Apple Martini
Martinis for breakfast or lunch may seem odd, but this
recipe is light enough to accompany any morning or afternoon meal. The
combination of lemon juice and apple cider will keep you warm all day.
Blushing Mimosas
Mimosas, full of orange juice and pineapple juice, are a
traditional morning drink. This spin adds grenadine, which gives it a perfect holiday
glow.
Tasty cocktails for
appetizers 
Cranberry Ginger Fizz
This is a temptingly sweet, juicy drink that adds a punch to
any cocktail hour. It’s great for parties, too!
The Grinch
Don’t let the name fool you; this drink is anything but
grinchy. Melon flavored Midori makes a rich green drink with a splash of lemon
juice for a sour kick. Garnish it with a cherry or candy cane for a sweet touch.
Candy Cane Lane
A minty blend of peppermint schnapps and grenadine is an
ideal pre-dinner cocktail. This drink is named perfectly; properly made, it
looks just like a candy cane.
Gourmet dinner drinks 
Christmas Jones
The Christmas Jones pairs great with any entrée. A
lemon-lime soda turns into a tasty evening beverage with just vodka and fruit.
Top with a mint garnish and you have a lovely holiday drink.
Eggnog Martini
A clever spin-off of classic eggnog, this martini adds
sugar, cornstarch and a splash of pumpkin-pie spice. Warning: after trying,
you’ll never want plain eggnog again.
Christmas Champagne
A perfect solution for Christmas toasts, orange-flavored
vodka and a sugar cube turn regular champagne into a delicious holiday
cocktail.
Delicious treats for
dessert 
Godiva Chocolate Martini
Nothing could be more suited for a dessert cocktail than a
martini made with Godiva chocolate. This cocktail is the ideal balance of
chocolate and vodka without being too heavy. Enjoy!
Cake Batter Martini
Skip the cake and head straight for this martini. Made with
Pinnacle whipped cream vodka, crème de cacao and heavy cream, this drink tastes
just like a slice of cake. Don’t forget to coat the rim of the glass with
frosting and sprinkles!
Kringle Kocoa
Mix hot chocolate and Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka and
what do you get? A deliciously rich, chocolate cocktail. Garnish with
marshmallows on a skewer and you’ll feel like you’re sitting around a campfire.
Festive shooters for
late night fun 
Santa Shooter
A blend of mint and grenadine taste like a candy cane in a
shot. Serve your friends these before a night on the town and you’ll be as
jolly as Santa Claus himself.
Christmas Tree Jello Shot
Add vodka and bourbon to green Jello and red sugar for a
Christmas tree that’s good enough to drink.
Snowball
A winter wonderland in a shot glass! Mint, white chocolate
and a splash of brandy will have you ready to make snow angels in no time.
We hope you’ve found some drink recipes that are perfect for
meals, parties and after dark. Remember, if you plan to try any of our ideas,
arrange to have someone else drive. Here is a link for an awesome taxi service
in Knoxville: Knoxville World Class Taxi. Eat, drink and be merry this holiday season!
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Posted by Maggie Nichols on November 11, 2011 at 11:30 AM under
• 0 comments
The
frosty, glistening white months of the winter season provide great times to get
married. This time of year allows brides to be festively creative with their
special day. Here are some particular things to consider when planning your
winter wedding.
For
winter brides, the date is
especially important because many of your guests travel for the holidays. If
your wedding isn’t on Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s Day, be cautious of
setting your date too close to the actual holiday. However, if you’re planning
a Christmas wedding, give your guests extra time to evaluate their holiday
plans. The beginning of December is usually a better time for guests as opposed
to the end. If you give your guests enough time to plan accordingly most will
be able to make it.
The venue throws brides a twist if cold
temperatures are likely. While you may want to hold your ceremony outdoors and
hope for a snowy evening under the twinkling stars, you should consider having an
indoor reception. It’s very difficult for your guests to enjoy your wedding when
they’re forming icicles. Look for banquet halls with adjacent gardens or large
outdoor areas. This way, you can have a starlight celebration outside and head
indoors for some fun in the heat. For example, the Volunteer Princess is an
ideal venue for winter weddings. You and your guests will be indoors (in the
heat) without having to comprise on scenery. Talk about a win/win situation!
Putting
creative touches on the menu gives
you the chance to showcase your style. A unique idea for winter weddings is a
hot chocolate bar. Set up hot chocolate dispensers at one end of the bar, and
have different toppings and garnishes next to it. Whipped cream, chocolate
sprinkles, marshmallows, cinnamon or cinnamon sticks are delicious ways to
dress up hot chocolate. 
Try serving warm cocktails, such as an apple cider
margarita [*see below for the recipe!]. Drinks such as this allow guests to
stay warm while enjoying the party. Also, consider having a soup bar. Soup is a
winter staple; it tastes great and will keep your guests warm inside! Be sure
to have several different kinds available and serve with crackers or toasted
bread. The
majority of your posed pictures are
probably going to be taken outside. With that being said, you should lay out a
plan for the different poses you will capture and who will be in each picture.
Because it will be cold outside, it will be much less painful for you and your
bridal party and are able to get out of the cold as quickly as possible.
Being
prepared for bad weather is crucial
for winter weddings. If a snowstorm were to happen during the ceremony or
reception, you need to have a plan of what your bridal party and guests will
do. Remember, safety first! If ice is likely to be a problem, valet parking is
a great solution. Your guests won’t have to walk far in the cold, and you won’t
have to have an emergency trip to the hospital because someone slipped on ice.
All
weddings cause stress for brides, but if you remember these winter points, you
should be in the clear. Have fun, take pictures and hope for snow (but not too
much…)
* Here is a great recipe for apple cider
margaritas from How Sweet Eats
1 ounce Grand Marnier
1 ounce gold tequila
5-6 ounces sweet apple cider
Orange segments and apple slices
Cinnamon, cane sugar and coarse sugar for the glass rim
Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Add a few spoonfuls of cane sugar, coarse
sugar and cinnamon to a plate. Run an orange segment around the edge of the
glass, then press into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat the rim. Place a few
orange slices in the bottom of the glass, fill with ice and then add the Grand
Marnier, tequila and apple cider. Stir, then garnish with apple slices and
cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!
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Posted by Maggie Nichols on October 24, 2011 at 12:00 PM under
• 0 commentsFall is here and Halloween is just around the corner. If
you’ve grown tired of trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving, here are some more
exciting ways to celebrate Halloween in Knoxville.
Haunted Knoxville Ghost Tours: Knoxville
is home to several reportedly haunted locations. Take a ghost tour to have a
real paranormal investigator (not
an actor) guide you through Knoxville
to see the haunts for yourself. The walking tour lasts for approximately two
hours, spending around 15 minutes at each haunted spot. Reservations are
required, so visit Knox Ghost Tour for tour dates and times.
Scare in the Square:
If you’re looking for Halloween fun the whole family can enjoy, head to Market Square on
Friday, October 28 for Slamdot’s 3rd annual Scare in the Square. It
lasts from 5:30-9:00 p.m. and admission is free. There will be live music and
performances, costume and pumpkin carving contests, face painting and fortune
telling. An assortment of creepy critters from the Knoxville Zoo is scheduled
to make an appearance, as well. Food
will available from Bread of Heaven BBQ, Scooter Doo’s Hot Dogs and Rita’s
Italian Ice, so be sure to come hungry! For anyone with an abnormally large
sweet tooth, the candy crawl is going to hit the spot. For more information, check out
Scare in the Square.
Boo Cruise on the Volunteer Princess: If you are 21 or
older, join us for a Boo Cruise on October 31 from 9-11 p.m. Hosted by Star
102.1, it’s sure to be a fun-filled night with eerie surprises at every turn.
Guests should plan to arrive in costume and enjoy two hours of cruising down
the Tennessee River while snacking on
delicious food from Wild Wing Café. Please see Star 102.1 for a spooky night on the river!
Freaky Friday Fright Nite: Farragut will be hosting its 15th
annual Freaky Friday Fright Nite on Friday, October 28 from 5 – 7 p.m. Children ages 12 and under are invited to
Mayor Bob Leonard Park for trick-or-treating, cookie decorating and games.
Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House, so you’ll be having fun for a good
cause. Don’t forget your costume! To learn more, visit Town of Farragut.
Dead Man’s Farm: Dead Man’s Farm is home to the only Haunted
House in Knoxville
that is proven “truly haunted.” You and
a group of 10-12 others will take a self-guided tour through a house of
werewolves, gypsies and any other haunts you could imagine. Children 12 and
under must have parental supervision. Chicken runs are available for those who
can’t handle the fear! Are you brave enough? Find out at Dead Man's Farm.
Oakes Farm: Oakes Farm offers the best of both worlds with a
corn maze and a Trail of Doom (the haunted version). Those looking for a
scare-free challenge should test their luck in the corn maze. The maze is an
intricate design that will test even the most logical minds. The goal is to
find each of the 12 hidden posts throughout the maze, and then find the exit.
Those who want a little fear with their fun should embark on the Trail of Doom.
The Trail of Doom is Knoxville’s
largest and longest running haunted attraction and uses special effects, actors
and props to frighten its visitors. For days and times of operation, visit Oakes Farm.
So whether you choose to take the kids to Bob
Leonard Park for trick-or-treating or try your luck on the Trail of Doom, your
Halloween should be one to remember. Take pictures, enjoy the beautiful weather
and eat enough candy to last you until next year!
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Posted by Meghan Slater on October 17, 2011 at 11:14 AM under
• 0 commentsThis blog has taken away my Monday blues, and hopefully,
will lift your ghoulish spirit for this season!
I love autumn and everything that comes with it: the smell
of hot tea and the warmth it brings, the colorful cardigans brought out from
storage, grandmother’s home cooking and the shades of the leaves (especially
around here at the Princess; it’s such a beautiful site).
But, especially, I love the treats!
Lately, I’ve had some free time on my hands to search for
the latest trends in Halloween treats. I’m going to try to push for Beverly (if you don't know her, see crew page; she's our great VP) to add these on
our Halloween Star 102.1 Boocruise menu.
Star 102.1 Boocruise
If not, I think I’ll just make the entire crew come in and
make them with me. Mauahaha. Just kidding…maybe.
These are a few great ideas you should try yourself!
Of course, I will start with a cake! This Chocolate Pumpkin Cake says “Big Orange” and adds a touch of mystery with the dark chocolate
glaze running over the sides.
Chocolate Pumpkin Cake
Rice Krispies treats never go out of style. The gooey,
melted marshmallows will always bring an air of your childhood back to you.
With these pumpkin twists, it’s a fun way to create an edible jack o’ lantern.
Pumpkin Rice Krispies
Easy-peasy, orange squeezy. No, this treat has nothing to do
with oranges, but it IS amazingly simply and I want one now. Oreos are dipped
in whatever chocolate your taste buds crave at the time, decorated with
Halloween candy.
Oreo Pops
Want to stay on the healthy side? Obviously, I
found an alternative for all of us watching our treat-eating this season…or
trying to watch. You can add anything you want in these mini lanterns, but
I suggest sticking with the fruit salad.
Alright, I know these aren’t technically labeled as a
Halloween treat, but you can decorate any kind of face on these cupcakes. Think
of it as a nice little monster. Be careful though, if I was making them, most
of the ingredients would be in my stomach by the time the cupcakes cool off!
Little Monster Cupcakes
If you don’t have time to bake and make, just go with a
simple candy dish as this one. It’s festive and easy (to eat).
Halloween Candy Jar
By no means are we saying you should try just these recipes.
There is a whole world of bloggers and food enthusiasts who create wonderful,
seasonal treats. If you have any ideas of what we should try on the yacht, by
all means, let us know!
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Posted by Maggie Nichols on October 14, 2011 at 11:09 AM under
• 0 commentsThrowing
a great party for all of your friends is fun and exciting. Making your party
one to remember can take some serious creativity; creativity, which, let’s be
honest, doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Here is how you can be sure to wow
your friends: put a unique spin on every aspect of the party.
Venue: Your
friends have been to your house plenty of times. Try somewhere new! Knoxville is an amazing
city that has many different places perfect for private parties. - Rent
out a section of your favorite restaurant
- Host your
party at an outdoor location, such as World’s Fair Park
- Take
your party to the water and host an event on the Volunteer Princess yacht
- Host
your part at a traditional Knoxville
landmark that doubles as an elegant and exciting party venue, for example, the
Sunsphere
Anything that is new to your friends is surely
going to be a good time.
Theme: A
great way to wow your friends is to host a themed party. Incorporate your theme
through entertainment, party activities, decorations, food, music, etc. Here
are great party theme: - Decades
- Hollywood or Las Vegas
- Luau
- Fiesta
- Black
Tie
- Under
the Sea
You
get the idea! If your group of friends has a favorite movie, try hosting a
party themed after the film. This is always a good call you can invite your
guests to show up in themed costumes!
Entertainment:
Having extra entertainment available is always a good idea. Hire a live band or
a DJ to get your party rockin’ and rolllin’. Other live acts can be a blast as
well; stand up comedians and magicians do private events for great prices. You
could also have party activities to keep your guests entertained: games, a
scavenger hunt, karaoke and contests are always a hit.
Food: The
food is one of the most important aspects of your party. There are many options
to offer: snacks, heavy hors d’oeuvres or a full course meal. The food is
another great way to incorporate your theme. If your budget allows it, have
your party catered. The food will be delicious and it will take a lot of work
off your shoulders. Don’t forget about dessert; instead of having a typical
cake, try a cupcake stand, fondue station or sundae bar!
Decorations: Theme!
Theme! Theme! No theme? Decorations can still liven up a party and make it a
really special event. Balloons, signs, pictures, streamers and other décor ensures
your guests are in party mode.
Don’t
forget the details! Often it’s the little aspects of a party that count.
Handing out party favors to your guests as they leave gives them a way to
remember your party. Sending home extra food always makes happy guests, too!
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Posted by Meghan Slater on September 12, 2011 at 9:19 AM under
• 0 commentsBoomsday was a blast this year- literally. People had so
much fun that the excitement in the air even caught the railroad bridge on
fire. Don’t worry, no rocks or rails were injured in the accident and the Knoxville
Fire Department quickly extinguished the flames.
[See WBIR for details.]
The Volunteer Princess swayed to both the waves from the Tennessee River’s ships and the rock and blues rhythm of
our onboard band: The Blue Heavy.
The band rocked out downstairs and played covers such as Wanted Dead or Alive, Satisfaction, My Generation and Ain't No Sunshine. Every guest loved them, hence the loud clapping and dangerous head banging.
The numbers onboard were incredible: 90 cruisers! The night
was filled with drinking, eating, dancing and, of course, socializing. Our
entire fleet of crew members joined us on board to help the LeMasuriers with
the celebration.
Maggie Nichols, our newest crew member, was amazed of the
numbers and the electrifying atmosphere. “It was fun! It was really stressful,
but it was fun!” said Nichols.
The rainy weather did not damper our outing. We passed boats
of all shapes and sizes and cruised to Looney Island
before our personal chauffeurs, the Coast Guard, asked us to halt our journey.
“Looney Island was the best area to turn around because
there are only so many places on the river the Princess can make a complete 180
degree turn,” said Captain Chris, “There were so many people, we cruised at
three miles an hour through the crowd, but our guests still enjoyed every
minute.”
The Coast Guard led us back through the mass of river spectators
and safely back to our dockside-sweet-dockside, where each guest had a great
view of the firework and light display. The crew joined the upper deck party
while guests danced and sang the night away!
If you or anyone you know wants to be a part of next year’s
2012 Boomsday Cruise, we are taking reservations. Call us at 865.541.4556.
Thanks to all guests and crew for joining us on our 2011
Boomsday Cruise!
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