All language subtitles for Ch5 Cruising the USA with Jane McDonald 1080p.eng

I'm Jane McDonald,
and I love to cruise.

It's massive!

For 20 years,
the sea has been my home -

first, below deck,
as a cruise ship singer,

and now above as a passenger.

I've learned the ropes,

and now it's your turn.

I want to show you how
to cruise with confidence.

It's very, very wet!

We'll explore famous landmarks...

San Francisco!

..and uncover unique hideaways...

Fancy having a house like this.

..so come on board with me
for a journey of discovery,

as I invite you to join me
cruising the USA!

On this trip,
I'm going to take you to

the cold northern snow fields
of Alaska.

This is huge.
This is what's huge. Look.

Then across to the Great Lakes,

straddling the border between
the US and Canada.

Every house has its own story.

Every house has its own island!

Delving down to the Deep South
and along the Mississippi river...

You feel like you're going to meet
Clark Gable on there.

..and finally, we're Hollywood-bound

as we finish up on the west coast
in the California sunshine.

Look at that sea and the sun
and the sand, and...

Oh, look!

It's gonna be epic!

The United States of America
is made up of 50 states

that stretch from the snow-capped
peaks of Alaska

down to the sun-drenched beaches
of California.

Covering just under
4 million square miles,

the UK could fit into America
nearly 25 times.

Now, that's big!

Cruising the USA will take me to

four different parts of this
epic American continent.

It's just over 14 hours flying time

from my Wakefield home to Vancouver,

over on the west coast,
for the start of my tour.

My first cruise will sail around
the far northwest corner of Alaska.

Then I'll travel 3,553 miles west

to the Great Lakes in north Chicago.

Then 1,040 miles down to
the Deep South and Mississippi.

And finally,

1,942 miles across to California.

Phew! Now, that's an adventure!

The first leg of cruising the USA

is actually starting in
Vancouver, Canada,

with my plan being to gradually
make my way down to the sunshine.

Which is just as well,
as it's raining here!

This is actually my
first-ever cold cruise.

I have never, ever booked or even
worked on one that's been cold.

When I worked for Celebrity
all them years ago,

as soon as it stopped doing
the Caribbean,

I used to go home and do the clubs.

Because I knew it were going off
to Alaska

and yet everyone used to rave and
get excited about going to Alaska.

Due to the extreme weather,

the Alaskan cruising season
runs from May to September.

And with winter temperatures
averaging minus 30 degrees,

I can see why!

Here's my home for the next eight
days, the Nieuw Amsterdam.

Which has 1,500 cabins,

staterooms and suites
for up to 2,100 passengers.

Wow - that is a beautiful ship.

It's got nice lines, great colour.

A handsome ship, I would say.

Handsome.

It looks like it's going to be nice
and classy on there.

It's lovely...

I'm looking forward to getting
on now - yay!

Alaska has been a cruise destination

for more than 100 years,

and last year 1.4 million tourists
visited the area.

Hello, there.
Welcome to the Amsterdam.

Thank you, thanks very much.

Hello. I hope you have
a wonderful cruise.

I am sure I will.

You're all set to go right that way.
It's exciting, now, innit?

It's raining like mad
but it doesn't matter,

cos we're going on us holidays.

Everyone in Canada has been
so polite - it's just lovely.

I'm a bit sad to be leaving...

No, I'm not - I'm off to Alaska!

Come in here!

I love getting on a new ship
and finding my cabin.

It's always exciting,

cos even though you've seen it
in the brochure,

you never know what
it's going to like

till you get in there
and check it out.

Ah - nice comfy bed.

Look at all this.

Isn't that lovely? Thank you.

Like to give you a quick tour.
Yes, please do.

Come on.

SHE CHUCKLES

Wow, you've got Elemis in here!
Yeah.

Elemis is like one of the best!

Oh, really? Yeah.

I love this. Oh, look at that -
you can get your smalls on there.

It's nice to have a line, you know?
Not everybody does that.

Oh, it is posh.
This is nice, I like it.

Setting off from Vancouver,

The Nieuw Amsterdam will sail up the
Inside Passage - ooh, Matron! -

to Juneau, the capital of Alaska,

and then on to Skagway -
the furthest point of our journey.

We then head into to Glacier Bay

and finally south to Ketchikan and
back to Vancouver.

As we sail out of Vancouver,

it's time to head to the
sail-away party

in the crow's nest bar.

Oh, it's a lively little place,
this, isn't it?

These parties are a great way
to meet your fellow passengers.

Every cruise has one,
so don't feel shy,

just go and mingle and say hello
to everyone -

remember a stranger is just a friend
you haven't met yet.

What are you looking forward to most
about Alaska?

I think some of the wildlife
we might see up there.

Yeah? And, obviously, the scenery.

Is this a holiday of a lifetime,
then, for you?

Oh, it must be nice.

It's a lovely to be retired!
Oh, it's lovely.

I mean, look how
open-plan it all is.

There is a bar,
you've got your coffee shop.

This looks like it could be
a dance floor as well.

It looks like it's going to be
a lively crowd, this.

I quite like it, don't you?

They're a young bunch on here.
Everybody is sort of up for a party.

And, erm, you can tell cos
they're all drinking

and it's only half past five!

Coming up - I take a helicopter...

Oh, wow! Look at that!

..to go sledding...

And later, I get swept off my feet.

In all my years of cruising,
either working on the ships

or just me on me jollies,

I've never been on a
cold water cruise - till now.

As I sail around Alaska
on my four-stop cruise adventure

round the USA.

Good morning!
Hello, how did you sleep?

Really well, actually.
I sleep like a log on here.

I'm on my way to Alaska.

The scenery is breathtaking

and I'm wondering
why I never did this before.

The sun was coming through the
window at ten past six this morning.

It was when I saw that and I
thought, whoa!

So it was like the sun was knocking
on the door going,

"Come on!
You're in Alaska, come on!"

Our first stop is Juneau,
the capital of Alaska.

A unique place,
as it's only accessible

by air or sea,

and sits at the foot
of the Mendenhall glacier.

At this time of year,

the temperature can be anything
between three and ten degrees.

So perfect weather and location to
go dog-sledding.

And there's only one way
to get up to the dog camp

on top of the glacier -

and that's by a 15-minute
helicopter ride.

I can't say I'm not really nervous -

cos I am...but it looks
so cool to do!

Hey-hey!

Right, I'm ready.

This ice field, which covers
1,500 square miles,

was first formed over
3,000 years ago.

It is invaluable to scientists
studying climate change.

By drilling into it, they can
discover

how weather patterns have evolved
over thousands of years.

This cruise has just turned into one
of the best things I have ever done.

Very exciting.

I am a very lucky singer from
Wakefield. That's all I can say.

Wow.

Every day, 12 helicopters
ferry a maximum of 200 people

up to the glacier for dog sledding

or just the chance to walk here

and discover the majesty
of these mountains.

Ooh!

Wow - just look at this,
just look at this.

I can't tell you and I have been
really rather blase all day,

thinking, "Yeah, I am going dog
sledding or whatever it is, yeah."

And then I saw the helicopters
coming in,

and I swear I nearly wet my pants,
I nearly did. It's just...

so...exciting!

It's brilliant.

BARKING

People have been using dogs to
pull sleds since around the time

the glacier formed.

Nowadays, skidoos
are faster and easier to keep,

so most dog camps like this are for
tourists like me

and to keep the tradition alive.

This camp is 3,300 ft up on the
glacier -

the handlers and their dogs,

huskies, malamutes and some cross
breeds - live and work up here until

winter starts
in September or October.

My guide today is Matt.

This is our team today.

Hello. This is Black Sabbath.

Oh, hi, there. And this is
Motorhead. Motorhead?

I got... There is a theme here.
I know. You liking that?

We got the heavy metal band and the
crowd pleaser, Mr Led Zeppelin. Oh.

Mr Led Zeppelin.

Are you going to take me on a
Stairway To Heaven?

DOGS BAY AND YAP

Ready to go bonkers?
Yeah. Right, here we go.

Right, here we go...
Three, two...

hey!

JANE WHOOPS AND CHUCKLES

OK, you're going to have to lean to
the left...

right about here.

# Dashing through the snow... #

Very good. So they get pretty
excited like that...

Yeah, I can imagine, yeah.
They love to go.

Sleds are pulled by teams of up
to 16 dogs.

The dogs are paired to work together
by personality type.

The older, stronger and more
experienced dogs are at the front

with the younger ones
behind watching and learning.

When we approach an option in the
trail,

I'll just talk to the lead dogs

and tell them which way I want them
to go.

They know that? Yeah.

Wow. Yeah, I speak dog language.

H-A-W means go to your left and the
letters G-E-E mean go to the right.

There you go. All right.

Gee! To the right, there you go.

So all of these dogs will eventually
one day run in the Iditarod which is

a world famous dog sled race. Yeah.

And that's what we train for
specifically, just for that race.

The Iditarod course is
1,049 miles long...

..and Matt has entered seven times.

His best effort was in 2014,
when he was placed 15th.

It took him 9 days, 16 hours,
42 minutes and 30 seconds.

Ooh, very good, you guys.

Oh, wow.

Well, how was your ride?
Oh, I loved it.

You liked it? Absolutely loved it.
Thank you so much.

Having the most handsome man
in the world

just look after me
and drive me around

and then just come and put a blanket
on my knees and get me a heater...

This cold Alaskan adventure, we got
to keep you...

Oh, really...? Yeah... Thank you.

Stay warm... I will, my darling,
thank you very much.

Think I am in love...

He's gorgeous!

He's too young, anyway - bless him.

From Juneau, we steam 102 miles
north,

up the Inside Passage to Skagway.

Once the gold rush capital of
the Klondike,

Skagway is entertainment-focussed
for the passing cruise ships.

However, you can still try your hand
at gold-panning as well.

You never know your luck!

And now it's full steam ahead
to our next destination,

Glacier Bay.

Despite their size and might,

glaciers are fragile things
and to protect them

and their environment,

only two cruise liners a day are
allowed in here.

Good grief, that's a view you
don't see every day, innit?

This is the Margery Glacier.

It's 350 feet tall and stretches
back 21 miles into the mountains

in the distance.

Just look at that, it's just
breathtaking.

It's like being in Game Of Thrones,
innit?

RUMBLE

Oh, I heard that, then!

WOMAN: It was like breaking ice.
It was, wasn't it?

The noises were the icebergs
creaking

and a lot of them fall, so that's
what the big thunder claps were.

Ooh.

When you see something as grand as
this and nature's force,

you realise how insignificant
you are, compared to the...

the wonderment of what you are
surrounded by.

This is huge,
this is what's huge, look.

This is nature at its finest.

This is...

such an experience.

This is definitely not my
typical cruise holiday

and I'm mad with myself for missing
out on such great trips.

I want experiences
and adventures in life,

and this has been the start.

Been fantastic.

We've travelled 1,400 miles so far
and are now heading to Ketchikan

and I am quite excited because
I have heard

it's the lumberjack capital
of Alaska.

Ketchikan used to be at the heart
of the Alaskan timber trade,

but nowadays its biggest
money-spinner is tourism

and catering for cruise
passengers just like me.

And who can say no
to a lumberjack show?

I never thought I'd be interested
in wood or timber -

how wrong could I be?

These guys are all proper working
lumberjacks

as well as great entertainers.

AUDIENCE CHEER

And this show is based on things
they really do when they're...

well, lumberjacking.

Oh, my God, he just fell and he...

astride...

Bang! Right on his...nuts.

..a logger's worst nightmare.
How does it feel?

It's not good,
there's a huge crack.

LAUGHTER

Good fun.

I enjoyed that.

This is a family business,

and Cassandra has just got married
to one of the lumberjacks.

Which one is yours, then?

Um... He is on the far left
in the silver hat...

I know. Yeah.

It's Thomas. Damn.

Those biceps could be
a little bigger,

but we won't hold that against him.

He looks fine to me.
He is so funny!

What is the attraction
of a lumberjack?

I think it's the fact
that you get the athletic side

of someone who is in great shape,

gets out there and does
a dangerous job every day...

Erm, they are always fun, they are
always really good-looking.

Just like an all-round man's man,
in my opinion.

Yeah, yeah, and you married one,
didn't you? I did.

Yeah. My mistake.

Hello, boys. That was absolutely
great. Thank you very much.

Thanks. I'm Jane. Really nice
to meet you. How are you doing?

Nice to meet you. Hi, Thomas,
nice to meet you too.

Hi, Julian, really nice to meet you.

How's the, erm...? Oh, you know,
the water is cold, so, erm...

Yeah... Wedding tackle -
not great.

Great to meet you.

Hi. So you're all athletes
and everything, aren't you?

Yeah, we all keep track of when
we win, when we lose

what events we're winning and losing
and everything...

Nobody likes to lose.

No. So we're out here,
we're trying, yeah.

So how do you keep so fit, then?

Do you have a routine
or a special diet?

We're doing this four times a day.

That will keep you fit. And you just
got married to Cassandra.

I did, yes. And the broken hearts -

there is people with broken
hearts...

I am so sorry.
..all over the nation...

Are you all married? No.

So, hey, girls and boys, there is
still single -

still some lumberjacks
just up for grabs.

Once you lumberjack,
you never lumber back.

God, you're real, sort of, men,
aren't you?

LUMBERJACKS: Yeah!

I want to be her.

Left hand on top, right hand
on the bottom...

Anything to stay a little longer,

so I agreed to see if I had
what it took.

It's almost like taking a step up.

Hey!
SHE LAUGHS

That's how it works! There you go.
Now pull that rope up... Right.

THEY CHEER

Careful. You're trying to use
that rope

to pull yourself across from
the tree.

CHEERING

CHEERING
There you go.

THEY CHEER

SHE WHOOPS

SHE SQUEALS

It's not for me,
it's a bit too manly.

HORN HONKS
Ooh, morning.

It's almost time to say goodbye

to this beautiful scenery
and landscape.

I have never imagined in
a million years

that I would see the sights that
I have seen on this trip.

It's something I never would
have booked

but it's something I am so glad
that I have done.

Coming up, I head west
across the States

to start my next cruise
around the Great Lakes.

Right on the Canadian-US border.

It is unbelievable!

It's amazing.

I'm cruising the USA
on four separate cruises

and starting my second leg
in the Great Lakes.

Straddling the border
between the US and Canada,

these natural wonders
are roughly the size

of the entire UK.

But, despite being so vast,

only a handful of cruise lines
sail them.

For those that do,

one of the favourite departure
points is Detroit.

It's a 9-hour flight from Vancouver

to the home to America's
auto industry.

And the world's legendary
record labels.

Hi, I'm Jane.

Jane McDonald.
Hang on one second, ma'am.

McDonald, Jane -
you're in room 407. Yep.

OK, you got it on your tag here?
I have. All right.

We'll have the baggage handlers take
the bag for you, ma'am.

Go ahead and enjoy your cruise.
Thank you so much.

You're welcome. Bye. Bye-bye.

Nice fella, in't he?

The Victory II is 20 years old

and feels like a cross
between an ocean liner

and a traditional river cruiser.

She's got five decks and 101 cabins

for up to 200 passengers.

I've also heard
she's just been spruced up,

so I can't wait to check her out.

Hi! Welcome on board.

Nice to see you! And you!

How are you doing?

Now, sea cruise,
river cruise, lake cruise,

whichever one you go for,
it's the same deal.

Oh, this is nice, in't it?

Step one,
check in and collect your room key.

OK, here is your room key.
The Wi-Fi password is on the back.

Step two, go to the purser's office.

This is where you
register your credit card,

so then it's not real money -

all you use is that.
Don't be fooled.

So, everything that you get,
goes on your credit card,

so don't think it's like
Monopoly cos it's not.

It comes out of your bank account.

Miss Jane McDonald. That's the one.

Step three, check what's actually
included in your package,

and remember, even if your food
and drinks are covered,

you will probably have to pay
for any extras

like a posh bottle of wine...

..or three.

Gorgeous day.

Step four, find your cabin.

409...

407, here we go.

Oh, it helps if you use your key.

Right.

Oh, wow, this is lovely and cosy!

Aw, this is really nice.

There's all the mod cons
you'd expect -

air conditioning, satellite TV

and a fridge with free sodas.

The Great Lakes are made up of five

sometimes freezing
stretches of water.

I'll be taking in the sights of
two of them, Erie and Ontario.

We'll be cruising down to Cleveland,

before nipping over
the Canadian border at Niagra.

And after taking in Toronto,

up the coast by Kingston, and
then catch the sights in Quebec.

We'll then head back down
the Saint Lawrence River

before making our final call
in Montreal.

10pm and sail away.

Say what you like
about American cities,

but the skylines illuminated
at night and reflected on the water

really are spectacular.

But, for me, with nine days of
action-packed cruising ahead,

I think it's time for lights out.

We've sailed 87 miles
south on Lake Erie overnight,

and now we're in Cleveland!

Once a factory town,

it's enjoying a resurgence with
a host of attractions

for the tourists,

including the West Side Market

which we're off to visit today.

Thank you very much. You're welcome.

I've got my red ticket. I'm off.

Good morning. Good morning.

Welcome aboard Lolly the Trolley.

My name is Rosalind and I will
be your driver and guide today.

Don't worry, blue skies are coming.

You don't have to be
part of a cruise to book this,

as Lolly and the other trolleys
do public excursions.

They start at £13 for an hour -

a snip when you've got Rosalind
to share her local knowledge.

Well, Cleveland was founded

in 1796

by a Connecticut Yankee

named Moses Cleaveland.

The city's position on the lake
made it ideal for manufacturing

and transporting goods.

In the 1800s,

it became a magnet for eastern
European immigrants

looking for work.

The West Side Market was built
to cater for them

and other communities

and, a century on,
it's still a hotbed of diversity.

This 44-feet-high tiled arch

is a masterpiece.

No wonder the market's been voted
one of America's

ten great public places.

This says this popcorn is hot.

How hot is it? Let me try one.

Ooh.

Ooh, it is hot. It is hot?

Oh!

Oh! Oh-ho-ho!

That is really spicy.
Whoopsy!

And outside the market
is where you'll apparently find

the best comfort food you'll ever
taste. The Polish Boy sausage.

Seti and wife Marsha launched
their Polish Boy 20 years ago,

and it's since been voted
one of the best sandwiches

in all of America.

Oh!

Right, I'm sorry, I'm going in.
Oh, she's going in.

Oh, my God. There's a lot of fries
on there. Yeah. Mm!

Oh, my goodness.

Mm. It's really bad...

But it's really good.

After years of decline,

Cleveland's a city on the way up,

and this is one of the reasons why -

the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,

now attracting nearly 600,000
visitors each year.

Now loads of American cities
are linked to music,

but, here's why they plonked
the Hall of Fame in this one -

the term "rock and roll"
was born right here

by a guy called
Alan Freed, who was a DJ.

He was also one of the first
broadcasters to play R&B

on his radio show back in the '50s.

Not only that,

he hosted the world's
first rock and roll concert -

the Moondog Coronation Ball,

right here in Cleveland.

True, it ended in a riot

when 20,000 teens turned up,

but it did cement
the city's place

in popular music history.

To get into the Hall of Fame,

you have to have been in the music
business for at least 25 years

or if, like me,
you're a fresh-faced wannabe

with all your career still
ahead of you,

then you can queue up and pay around
twenty five quid to get in

like everybody else.

Hi! Hi, Jane!

Hi. So good to see you.
Good to see you.

My guide Anwaka is taking me
on a tour of seven floors,

all of them rammed with memorabilia.

So, this is...

Jane, this is
Aretha Franklin's dress.

This is her gown. This is what she
wore at her Radio City performance.

Wow.

You know, you don't realise what
impact that has,

just looking at that. Right.

Because you can just
picture her in it.

The exhibits are arranged
by artist, style,

city and era.

I think Anwaka's guessed
my favourite.

Dusty Springfield's jacket! Yes.

Here, on this side,
we have a beautiful gown

from Petula Clark. Petula Clark!

Petula!

Yes, absolutely, I mean...

Such a star, Pet Clark. Right?

Right? Amazing songs.

Well, what a treat that was

and what a shrine to some
of the greatest names in music.

So, after saying cheerio to Ohio,

we're now heading 180 miles north
on Lake Erie

to the Niagara River.

Here, we'll sail through
Welland Canal,

then hop on a bus

to one of the great natural
wonders of the world.

Right.

It's an hour's
drive from the ship to Niagara.

But what a drive.

And what a first
impression of Canada.

So exciting. I've just been waiting
for this, for such a long time.

And I am finally here.

Our excursion of the Falls
comes as part of the cruise package.

There's so much to see,
if you are doing the Great Lakes,

but I wouldn't miss this
one for the world.

Are you ready for this excitement?

Do you know,

I am,
I am really excited about this.

Wait till you get under that rush.

We're booked on the Hornblower
Catamaran which will take us

right up to the base of the Falls,
all for an £18 ticket.

One thing to remember,

is more than 12 million people
visit here every year,

so, plan your trip well in advance,
and consider booking ahead online.

Wow, look at that! Look at that!

The catamarans leave
every 15 minutes, they hold up to

700 passengers, who all get
the complimentary ponchos.

Fetching, eh?

Ooh!

Everybody has made
their way upstairs,

because they think
that's the best view.

It isn't, it's here.
Exactly the same view,

but there's a lot more protection.

The Falls were
formed at the end of the Ice Age,

when masses of melting glacier
water gushed through

the Niagara River, cascading over
cliffs, into Lake Ontario.

And it was the water's force,

that gave the Falls their renowned
horseshoe shape.

You know, Niagara was an
Indigenous word.

Aha.

From "Onguiaahra", which means
"thunder of waters".

Wow.

That's why we have... It's the
roaring water, from the Falls.

Thunder of waters.

Amazing. Now we are going to get
really wet.

Going to get wet.

Let's just go in there.

SHE LAUGHS

We're getting wet.
We're getting wet!

You know what, I am just going
to go out there and embrace it,

I am going to go out.

Look at this.

Look at this!

Wow!

It's very, very wet,
but it is unbelievable.

It's amazing!

This has been fascinating, I have
come to the Falls numerous times.

Really?

Never taken the boat over. Wow!

It's the power of nature.
It is the power of nature.

Fantastic.

SHE LAUGHS

Oh, my gosh!

I am absolutely wet through,
it was like being in a car wash.

It was...

Or a big tumble dryer.

But it was exhilarating,
to see nature like that

and the force of water.

It was so exciting.

Just loved every single minute!

And, you know what, there's an
equally spectacular way to see it!

A few years ago, some bright spark
came up with a novel idea.

Put a zip wire
across the Niagara River, he said.

Well, in 2016,
they did it, and in 2019

I'm going to try it.

Like the catamarans, it's wise to
book the zip wire ahead, to avoid

the queues, because the longer the
wait, the more frayed the nerves.

Must admit, my mouth
and my throat have gone really dry.

Because I, erm...

My adrenaline is going like mad.

When I saw it online, I thought,
"Oh, gosh, that looks great,

"let's have a go,"
but actually, I am

here waiting to queue up and it's...

It's a long way down.

220 feet,
or 67 metres down, to be exact.

And the zip wire
stretches nearly 700 metres.

And if that's not scary enough,

I'll be flying through the air
at 40mph.

I think I'm going to be fine,

I'm just going to watch
a couple of people.

My mouth is so dry
I can't even begin to tell you.

I don't know why...

..why I'm doing this but...

I'll be fine.

Pull it up, and then over your
shoulders like a backpack.

Ah-ha. Are you nervous?

Yes. Don't be, it's not that bad.

I know.

Whoo.

All right, can you put
your left leg up for me?

Yeah. Right. Oh, hello.

Oh, that chafes a bit.

All right, sit down. It's going to
be the comfiest thing

you ever sit on. Oh! Yeah.
Lean back a bit. Yeah. All right.

Why am I doing this?
Oh, my God.

Aaaah!

SHE LAUGHS
Whoo!

Oh, my God, this is amazing!

Oh, wow!

Oh!

Oh, this is fabulous!
Look at me!

Whoo!

Aaaah!

Yay! Wow!

Look at this day!

Oh, whoa!

Yes!

Yes, here we go! Oh, my! Aaaah!

SHE LAUGHS
Oh, God.

OK, it may not have been the most
graceful landing in the world,

but who cares when you're having
so much fun!

Oh, my God! Oh. How was your flight?

Oh, it was brilliant.

It was so good.

It was much better than I thought.

Bye, Niagara. I've definitely
fallen for you.

Coming up, a very British tradition
in the heart of French Quebec.

I presume the Changing of the Guards

is all about the guards
changing over!

And a bit of ooh-la-la thrown in.

SHE LAUGHS

I'm on the second leg of my trip

cruising the USA,

and now exploring
the Great Lakes of North America.

During the night,
my ship, Victory II,

left the splendour of Niagara Falls,
and headed north on Lake Ontario,

to hip and happening Toronto.

To help us get our bearings,

the cruise line's
laid on a city bus tour

and given us a lovely guide
named Phil.

It's my job to tell you probably
more than you need to know,

over the next few hours
about Toronto.

Canada was part of the British
Empire for over 100 years.

And Toronto was originally named
York! Now I do feel at home.

It's just stunning.
Absolutely stunning.

This is a place I could live.

Especially in one of them houses!

Please.

The architecture here is so varied,
from the futuristic CN Tower,

once the world's tallest,
to this Gothic style castle,

Castle Loma.

Thank you.

But there are more great sights off
the usual tourist trail, like this.

It's a fountain of dogs!

Berczy Park was an old parking lot,
until it was brought to life

with the unveiling of
its canine fountain, in 2017.

It's called Jacob's Ladder
and there's 27 dogs,

plus one lonely cat.

I like the fact they've got
a bone on the very top.

The local artist was commissioned
to design the piece after

winning a public competition.

He gets my vote, too.

I think it's really quirky,
and I think it's really great.

Time for a farewell cocktail,
and maybe an early night.

Ta-ra! And au revoir!

Toodle-ooh, Toronto,
what a fabulous day.

It's exceeded all my expectations,
I've had a fabulous time.

Cheers, everyone.

OK, hangover successfully avoided.
I'm on the next leg of my journey.

After leaving
Toronto behind overnight,

we're heading north
towards Kingston.

It's where we'll join
the Saint Lawrence River

and say bonjour to
Canada's French province, Quebec.

Two days it'll take us, but then,
there's a lot of water to cover.

It's really hard to believe
that I am on a lake cruise,

because it's so big,
it feels like I'm on the ocean.

It feels like I'm at sea,
but all that water is fresh.

And, it was all frozen at one point.

So, all the lakes, the US lakes
and the Canadian lakes,

come from a glacier.

Which is quite incredible,
really, isn't it?

We're now cruising up
the Saint Lawrence River,

where you will find
The Thousand Islands.

Sound familiar?

Well, yes, the dressing really did
get its name from here -

thanks to a fisherman's wife,

who made the sauce to serve with
her husband's fish supper.

Or so the story goes.

What's definitely true is
that the islands have been

a retreat for the American
and Canadian rich

since the nineteenth century,

and they're still home to
some of the most elaborate mansions.

Every house is different,
every house has its own story.

Every house has its own island.

The Saint Lawrence river is
740 miles of waterway

connecting the Great Lakes
to the Atlantic Ocean.

And taking in our next destination,
Quebec.

I'm heading out to explore
the old part of the city.

It was originally a fur trading
post, and the French were

the first Europeans to settle here,
way back in 1608.

Now it says here on Interweb that
Place-Royale - which is this,

Old Quebec - is one of the oldest
cities in North America,

and the birthplace
of French Canada.

This really is a handsome city,

and though it may be
3,000 miles from France,

there's an unmistakably
Parisian vibe.

SHE LAUGHS

Now, I know I've been saying
this place is very French,

but there is also something
very, well...British.

TRUMPET PLAYS

I never thought
I would travel to Quebec in Canada

to watch the Changing Of The Guards.

The Citadelle of Quebec is
Canada's oldest military barracks,

and home to its only
French-speaking regiment -

the Royal 22nd, or Van Doos.

Created just after Canada left the
British Empire, it took inspiration

from our own Grenadier Guards,
right down to the bearskin hats.

Its colonel-in-chief is the Queen,
who even stays here whenever she's

in town, and every day, you can
come and watch the guards changing,

just like Buck House.

I presume
the Changing Of The Guards,

is all about the guards
changing over.

SHE LAUGHS

What's lovely about this is that
so many French Canadians turn

out to watch, even though
it conjures up thoughts of Britain.

Still, I've said it before,
wherever you

are in the world, there's something
about men and women in uniform.

Over the last nine days,
I've been blown away by the beauty

and splendour of North
America's Great Lakes.

But like all adventures,
this one has come to an end.

Overnight, my ship headed back
down the Saint Lawrence River to

make its final stop, in Montreal.

So I could go and explore
some of the city's great sights,

like the Olympic stadium,
or this giant snow dome.

But no, I'm a sucker for punishment.

I'm off on a boat ride
across the rapids!

And I've been warned,

like Marti Pellow used to say,
it'll be wet, wet, wet!

Are you ready to get wet, wild and
crazy? Oh, am I going to get wet?

Oh, for sure. This is like a
submarine ride in a convertible.

Oh! We guarantee
you're going to be wet,

otherwise we throw you overboard.

Oh, dear.

I booked this
ride in advance online.

More fool me.

They show you a video which,
quite frankly,

frightens the life out of you.

Then, you get to put on
your safety gear.

I've opted for as much of it
as possible.

Hiya.

INDISTINCT

Banana!
SHE LAUGHS

I don't suppose this is
the best look I've ever had.

Other more flattering
safety outfits are available,

as demonstrated by my fellow
passengers.

OK, you look so...
But I look like a minion!

SHE LAUGHS
That's funny.

This is not funny, is it?

I mean, you look really buff
and gorgeous,

I look like something
that the cat dragged in.

Ooh.

Right, I haven't even set off yet,
and I've got white knuckles.

This boat was specially designed
to cope with the rapids

and can reach up to 50mph,
which is fun! Apparently.

SCREAMING

Now, usually, at this point,
I'd give

you an interesting fact or two
about what I'm doing, but not now -

not when I'm stuck on a spin cycle.

And just for the record, the yellow
poncho doesn't keep the water out.

Finally, it's all over.

It's been an experience, and while
I'm not quite sure I'd do it again,

it's taken me
out of my comfort zone,

which is what adventures
are all about.

You know, before I booked this trip,

I could see it was geared towards
the older cruiser,

who likes a gentle pace.

But, if you plan ahead,
you can add some action-packed stops

and enjoy the best of both worlds.

It's an eight-hour flight
from Montreal to New Orleans

in the Deep South,

and that's where I'll be starting
the next chapter

in my great American adventure.

A cruise up the Mississippi.

I'm starting my adventure
down in New Orleans,

the largest city in Louisiana.

The French first founded it
300 years ago.

It's here in the French Quarter
where we'll find our Southern belle.

That's me, by the way.

And it's fair to say that these
streets are right up my...

Er, well, street.

What is it?

I'd love to show you my moves
but I've got to get off.

I've got me a date!

This river fairing beauty
recalls the golden

beginnings of southern cruising.

Pleasure boats have been
transporting

tourists along the Mississippi
for more than 200 years.

Wow! Look, just look!

She's just everything
that you want it to be.

You feel like you're going back
in history.

It's like going on that film,
Showboat.

And for anybody who is under 40,

you haven't got a clue
what I'm talking about.

It was an epic tale of singing
and dancing,

gambling and gallivanting,
all set around a century ago.

And this boat looks like
she's come from that same era.

She's six decks high
but only a modest 127m long,

so, for once,
I shouldn't be getting lost.

She still squeezes in four bars,
though.

So staying sober might be trickier.

Instantly recognisable by her black
smoke stacks and red paddle wheel,

the American Queen is
straight out of vintage Hollywood.

You feel like you're going to meet
Clark Gable on there, you know,

and he's going to come up and go,

"Frankly, Jane,
I don't give a damn."

And talking of movies,
who fancies a musical?

BAND PLAYS PROUD MARY

# And we're rolling, rolling

# Rolling on a river... #

Whoo!

# Big wheels keep on turning

# Proud Mary keep on burning

# Ba-da-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-da-da... #

Hiya! Welcome aboard.

It's good to see you.

Hey, y'all,
it's the Mississippi River.

That's four S's and two P's.

It's officially the longest river
in North America,

running for over 2,000 miles.

Jazz hands at the ready as we leave
New Orleans.

First, we steam into the best
and worst of American history

at Oak Alley Plantation.

Then we carry on through swamp
country to Natchez

and across the heartland
of the American Civil War.

Finally,
to complete the 500 mile journey,

we power on northward to the home of
the little-known singer in Memphis.

Oh, come on, give the lad a chance.

Thank you. Welcome to New Orleans
and welcome aboard. Thank you.

My name is Adam and I'm going to
be your butler, my dear.

Oh, I've got a butler? Yes, ma'am.

I've got a butler! It's exciting.

That's wonderful. Come on in,
please. Thank you. You're welcome.

I start from shining the shoes
all the way to get you

the cab going home.

I can bring you breakfast
to your room, I can do your laundry.

I can unpack your clothes
if you wanted me to.

Honestly, that's a lot of clothes.

That is a lot of clothes,
but thank you.

Imagine your face
when you saw that thinking,

"Oh, God, I hope she doesn't want me
to open her clothes."

In a rush for anything, you need it,
leave me a love note.

Oh, a love note. Say, "Adam, I need
this, I need that, and something."

Lots of love...

Lots of love and when I see it, I
will not be mad, I just look at it.

Thank you so very much, ma'am.
Thank you. Thank you very much.

You are welcome. Bye.

I've got my own butler.
Isn't he lovely?

Anything I want, as long as I leave
him a love note, I can have it.

I'm loving this cruise already.

SHE LAUGHS

Look at it, look at it!

Now, though, time for a nosy round.

PIPE ORGAN PLAYS

Come and have a look
at what all the racket is.

PIPE ORGAN PLAYS

It's really loud!

Can you imagine if you lived
in that flat?

It's called a calliope.

Its whistles are powered by steam
and I could listen to it all...

Well, for about five minutes,
actually. Get me inside.

ORCHESTRA MUSIC PLAYS

Gosh, look at this,
look at this, look at this!

This is like a proper ship, ship.
A ship, ship, ship.

You know like you see on...

Look, it's got all wooden panels
and it's just gorgeous. Library.

I'll tell you what it has got,
it's got proper furniture.

Hey, Adam. I'm just having
a look around the ship. All right.

Cool, I can show you the balcony.
Yeah? Yes. Is that right?

Let's have a look at the balcony.
Come on in, guys.

Look at this, look at this,
look at this!

SINGING

And they are her rehearse-ling.

Rehearse-ling? Marvellous.

Fabulous. Woo! Hi!

Hi, there. I'm right at home here.
I'm right at home.

Coming up, I visit
a stunning plantation house

with a dark history.

I love the windows, though.
I mean...

To have a bedroom
and look out to that every morning?

That just is...

Fantastic.

You do feel like Scarlett O'Hara.

And walk in the footsteps
of the king of rock and roll,

Elvis Presley.

Look at that!
I just love the chandelier.

I'm on the trip of a lifetime

cruising the USA.

And today we're sailing up the
Mississippi in the Deep South.

Overnight, we've wound 60 miles
along the river to a classic

slice of Louisiana history,
Oak Alley Plantation.

They call Oak Alley Grand Dame of
the Great River Road

and I can see why.

This place might
look familiar to you.

More than a dozen films
and music videos have been

filmed in this Greek revival style
mansion and in its 25 acre grounds.

Feel like I've stepped out my cabin
straight into a movie scene.

Morning. Morning. Morning.

28 Southern live oak trees create an
800 foot long alley...

That'll be a path.

..leading up to the mansion which
was built way back in 1839.

Oak Alley is a testament to the
turbulent history of the South.

Utter breathtaking
beauty at the front but with a dark

and hidden past.

Fancy having a house like this.

Thank you. OK.

Hi. Look at this.
We're going to start in here. Hi.

Oh, my goodness me.

The family who lived here were
wealthy plantation owners.

In this cabinet, we have here
some of the original china.

Look at that for a cup, though,
that's a proper decent cup. Yes.

I don't like these piddly
little cups.

Oh, they weren't playing with those.
No. Absolutely not.

That's enough coffee to give you
rocket fuel, isn't it?

It's very easy to get carried away.

It's just sheer opulence, isn't it?

I love the windows, though.

To have a bedroom
and look out to that every morning.

That just is fantastic.

You do feel like Scarlett O'Hara.

And you don't even know who
that is, do you?

CAMERAMAN: Sorry.
I can't believe that.

I can't believe he doesn't know
who Scarlett O'Hara is.

You just can't get the staff.

Oh, just look at that.

Oh, my goodness me.

SHE SIGHS

It's just absolutely beautiful,
isn't it?

Now, about the dark past.

The money that built this stunning
estate all flowed from sugar cane

profits fuelled by slavery which was
rife in the American South.

It's a harrowing story and one
they don't shy away from telling.

It's funny because I feel quite
naive about American history.

I've only seen it on films.

All this opulence and beauty
is only possible

because of what
we're going to see here.

Let's go and have a look. Come on.

How many people would've
lived in these houses?

It would've varied
from house-to-house.

Could be four people in a cabin,

there could be 16 people
in a cabin. It just depended.

These are replica cabins,

here as a reminder of the slaves
that worked on the plantation.

More than 200 of them
are commemorated on this wall.

Each one of these names is more
than just a statistic.

They're more than just
names on a wall.

These are living, breathing humans.

This is the sad,
shameful parts of history.

But it's important to talk about it

because to not do so is a disservice
to the 220 men, women and children.

Not just these 220, but hundreds,
thousands,

millions of people who have ever
been enslaved.

Looking back is pretty
uncomfortable sometimes.

But this is an American history
cruise and we can only

understand the present by knowing
what's gone on in the past.

It's certainly been an eye-opener.

We've arrived at our next stop,
Natchez.

Named after the Native American
tribe that first settled here,

Natchez came to prominence back
when cotton was king.

It was an industry
that made fortunes.

Around half the millionaires
in the USA lived right here.

And you can still see
the evidence of it today.

Where we have stately homes
and stockbroker belts,

America has Natchez
and its sprawling mansions.

Look at this street! I wouldn't mind
a bit of this!

IN US DRAWL:
Sitting on the front porch.

With yer cup of coffee.

Is that the right...?
Glass of sweet tea.

A glass of sweet tea.

See, in England I'm a northerner

but I think in America
I'd be a Southerner.

Some of these properties
have been owned

and occupied by the same
families for over 150 years.

And they do love their traditions.

Since 1932, southern belles have
been opening their doors to

travellers in an annual custom known
as the Natchez Spring Pilgrimage.

And if you're going to make
that pilgrimage,

it just wouldn't be complete without
meeting Ginger Hyland.

She is a legend around these parts.

Think Hyacinth Bucket,
except she's actually got money.

Talking to someone on the ship
and I said,

"Tell me a little bit about Ginger,"
and they said,

"She's very eccentric, she has more
money than God

"and she likes collecting things."

I thought, "That's my type of girl."

How are you doing? Hello. Good
afternoon.

Good evening, London. How are you?
You're not Ginger Hyland.

No. How fabulous is that house!

Outside there's over
20 bronze statues

but it's inside
that we're all here to see.

GASPS

It's wonderland! Oh, my goodness me!

Look at this!

GASPS

Look at this place!

Well, this is the Blue Parlour

and this is my favourite
room in our house...

If Ginger's the southern belle,

hubby James must
be the southern beau.

The walls are actually covered in
Scalamandre silk fabric,

a great illusion to the eye.

It makes it look like that corner
might match that corner because

as you know in these old homes,
nothing is level, square or plumbed.

You're not going to believe that,

but that fabric on the wall
I've got in my lounge.

Yes! That means I'm posh! Oh, yes.

Over the years, Ginger's expanded
her collection of costume jewellery.

It now includes antique laces,
purses,

tiaras and trinkets from the 1800s.

Outrageously expensive
and impossibly glamorous.

See the wonderful green
necklace that's on the centre?

We have one that belonged to
Elizabeth Taylor.

These three necklaces
came from the Titanic movie.

This is actually one of the Heart
Of The Ocean necklaces that was
used in the filming,

so it's great to have those
wonderful pieces. Not half!

That alone is worth more
than my house.

Do you think they'll notice
if I walk out with it?

You'll find out on my tours
that I collect friends

and Ginger collects everything else.

If Ginger don't own it,
it probably ain't worth having.

Wonder Woman, eat your heart out!

Come on!

And they're just fabulous,
but they're not made for comfort.

But if it's beautiful, who cares? If
it's glitzy, I'm going to have it.

She's like the oracle.

Huge, huge belt
here by Kenneth Lane in the '70s

and the biggest brooch
I have ever seen.

So you would wear it
on a heavy winter coat

and it also doubles as a weapon
if need be.

This has been a true southern treat.

You've got all these
beautiful things

and you're letting people
like me come in and see them.

People don't get a chance to see
many of these things.

And so here they can see the
beautiful creations from yesterday.

I love the fact also that you've got
a shop. I know! I know!

But if I'm going to collect all of
this, it's an outlet for me.

I can always say,
"I'll put it in the shop."

You've been one of the most
favourite people

I've ever met in my life.

Come out and spend a day with us
and sit in the yard

and have a glass of champagne.
I'm never leaving.

She has an open invitation.
JANE LAUGHS

Thank you so much. You're welcome.

You're a joy. Thank you. Can I
have a hug? Yes. Yes indeed.

What a pleasure it's been.

You're gorgeous.
Absolutely stunning as well.

You and your husband,
a perfect match.

Well, I think I've found
my fairy godmother.

Anyways, back to the real world.

And around these parts
it's only too real.

Our cruise takes us
through Vicksburg,

site of one of the American Civil
War's fiercest battles.

The Confederate defeat here marked
the beginning of the end

for slavery across the whole nation.

For history buffs,
there are old battle sites

all over the state of Mississippi.

As for me,
I've got something else to explore.

Hello, how are you? I'm great.
How are you?

Are you having a bit of a steam
there? You can call it that.

IN SOUTHERN DRAWL: Boys,
I need a proper southern drink.

I would definitely do a mint julep.
I think it's a must-have.

All right. You give me a must-have,
Anthony.

Just crushing the ice up, just the
traditional way that a mint julep
is served. OK.

Would it be quicker to just put
it in a whizzer?

You could do that
but it loses some of the love.

I'm liking making it with love.

You're in the south, where
everything's made with love.

I'm ready for it.
Janet, this could be a long night.

A mint julep is the traditional
drink of the Kentucky Derby.

Around 80,000 are served during the
event.

Got some fresh mint right here.

The method is simple but effective.

Place the mint
and sugar into a julep cup

- your fanciest glass will do -

muddle well to dissolve the sugar

and to release the oil
and aroma of the mint.

So now you're caressing it, really,
aren't you? Yeah. OK.

Next, add the bourbon.

Then add a bit more.
LAUGHS

That's a heck of a drink!

And serve to an over eager English
lady. There you are, my dear.

Thanks. Tell me what you think.

Oh, that's nice. That's lovely.
It's the love. I told you.

It's made with love.

It isn't bad having two gorgeous
men serving me drinks.

I'm having a lovely time.
Cheers, boys.

BOTH: Cheers.

This cruise has been chock-a-block
with strange yet fascinating

cultural tours but towards the end
we're in more familiar territory.

Because it's Sunday and we're in
the South I thought, what about...

..the church?

Let's hear a gospel choir.

You just can't escape Mississippi's
deep music culture.

It trickles through to every street
corner,

every shop front and every church.

THEY SING

So many great singers began their
careers in places just like this.

Right, we have
sailed on up to Memphis,

a city that does more than just
attract tourists, it draws pilgrims.

Blues, Country and Soul smash
together here thanks

to its proud African American
heritage.

This cruise has taught me
so much about the Deep South,

a bit of the world I'd only
seen in movies.

But now it's
time for my specialist subject.

# Well, I quit my job down at the
car wash, I left my mama... #

The King, the Big E,
the Country Cat,

Fire Eyes, Wiggle Hips,

Tiger Man, Mr Dynamite,
Memphis Flash, Sir Swivel Hips,

Mr Wiggle And Shake,
the King Of Hearts.

The King Of Love,
the King Of Swoon,

ladies and gentlemen, it's only
Elvis blooming Presley!

I'm so excited, so excited,
so excited!

I'm at Graceland.

Elvis bought this place when he was
only 22, shelling out $102,000.

That is knocking on for a million
in today's money.

But still pretty modest for the man
who invented rock and roll.

We're nearly there. I can already
spot a fantastic chandelier.

Now, 10,000 fans visit his home
every week and I am one of them.

Wow. Look at that.

I just love a chandelier.

Look, white carpet,
it is very me.

This is going to sound silly

but it is amazing how normal
the house feels.

Just frozen in time in 1977.

I'm really so happy that they've
kept it as he lived in it

because it gives you
an insight into who he really was.

And I love him
even more just being in his house.

This is the dining room.

Another chandelier. Just gorgeous.

And look at that for a punchbowl.

I bet that were filled a few times.

This is so exciting. Just have to
put the camera down. OK.

There is a no camera policy upstairs

so welcome to Jane FM broadcasting
live from Elvis's spare bedroom.

Oh, look at this with mirrors.

That's a bit kinky, isn't it?
I like that.

That is brilliant, isn't it?

Sorry, I am a bit of a fan.

Look - carpet on walls. It's great.

He's even cooler than I thought.

I never expected this. I love it.

Did I say it was normal earlier?

Let's upgrade that to a bit quirky.

I could move in now,
it's right on my taste now.

It says a lot about me.

Fancy having a house like that

because you've been blessed with the
gift of singing and entertaining.

Wow. Just wow.

I wonder who did all his grass?

I wonder who mowed the lawn? There's
a lot of upkeep, isn't there,
in things like this?

I love seeing how other people live.

Of course, the pinnacle of any Elvis
pilgrimage is located out back.

This is the meditation gardens.

# A very old friend
came by today... #

What I was expecting Graceland to
be like, I was expecting it to be

very extravagant, very over the top,
but actually it was a normal home.

What a finale to the cruise.

I never thought I'd get to
pay my respects to such

an incredible man.

This really has been an unbelievable
musical and cultural journey.

It's opened my eyes to both the good
and the bad in this amazing country.

It's been
so different to any other cruise.

In fact, I have been embraced by it.

Never in my wildest dreams would
I have chosen a history cruise

but what a mistake that
would have been.

Good afternoon, steamboaters.

On behalf of the American Queen,

we would like to thank
Jane McDonald for coming on board

and sailing with us this week and
we hope that she comes back soon.

That says it all.

Coming up,
we leave the Deep South behind

and head to the
boulevards of Hollywood.

I've actually got my own
star in Wakefield.

It's outside Yorkshire Bank.

Plus, a taste of some classic
American cuisine.

Look at this.
I've got onion rings, fries,

a root beer, chilli dog with onions.

I'm going to have terrible wind,
aren't I?

I'm cruising the USA and ending
my amazing trip on the west coast.

Welcome to LA, in the US of A!

We've got everything here.

We've got blue skies, palm trees and
the sea.

The queen of cruising,

that's me, by the way, meets the
Princess of the Seas!

Which is her!

Let's go cruising!

Whooooo!

It just looks so nice,
doesn't it?

I know that you all think I am
bonkers,

but I really do get so excited just
as I see the vessel.

You're almost running. I know, I
can't wait to get on.

Aah, we're nearly there!

We're nearly there.

I'm on the ship.

Everything's bigger in America and
the Ruby Princess is no exception.

Over a thousand crew, three times as
many passengers,

and more than enough bars and
restaurants to satisfy anyone.

Even me.

Then there's the four swimming
pools,

an outdoor cinema and even a
theatre.

Ooh, wonder what the singer's like.

I love the feel of the ship. Oh, my
goodness, look at this,

it's like a ballroom.

Wow.

You know, loads of people say
that all ships are the same,

they are not.

Every single one of them has their
own personality, their own magic,

their own speciality, and this is
beautiful.

Everybody has their own favourite
ship.

But don't ever say that they're all
the same, because, trust me,

they're not.

One slight problem with a ship this
size,

it can take ages to get to your
cabin.

Hope the long walk's been worth it.
Oh, look, I'm nearly there.

Nearly there.

Ooh, look, my cabin.

Oh, love it, love it,
love it, love it.

Look at me cabin.

It's so bright and airy and gorgeous
and...

..wine! Ha-ha.

Red roses, how sweet is that?

Aaaah, they're real as well.

I've got chocolate covered
strawberries.

I've got Champagne.

Ooh, look at this, I've got a
balcony.

There's LA. Los Angeles.

You know what, this is my first time
in LA.

So, I am going to do a bit of you
know, stuff that people do in LA.

I am going.

I'll see you later, bye!

I've got a full morning to explore
the home of the beautiful people.

But where do you start in a city as
big and exciting as this?

You see.

We've arrived, we're in La La Land.

I suppose it has to be Hollywood.

The place where wannabe actors,
entertainers and directors,

have been coming to follow their
dreams for more than a century.

The lucky ones have found themselves
immortalised on the world famous

mile-long Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Which is very impressive - if you're
not used to this kind of thing.

I've actually got my own star in
Wakefield.

Its outside Yorkshire Bank.

Snoopy.

Gloria Estefan.

The Simpsons. Kenny G.

Saxophonist.

I feel quite special really.

Because, these people...

Kim Basinger and Pierce Brosnan,

they haven't got one in Wakefield,
have they?

I 'ave!

When Hollywood stars are feeling
peckish,

they not only head for the smart
restaurants of Beverly Hills.

They come here, for that time
honoured American belly buster, the
hot dog.

Thank you very much.

You're welcome. What have you got,
Jane?

Oh, ha-ha!

Look at this. I've got onion rings,

fries, a root beer, chilli dog with
onions.

I'm gonna have terrible wind!

It's a good job I am in that
cabin on me own.

Hi. Hi, Jane, welcome to Pink's. I
am Gloria Pink. Gloria,

nice to meet you. Nice to meet you.

Please have a seat. I will, thank
you very much.

We put up these celebrity photos on
our wall. Ah.

Got Sharon Osbourne. You see James
Corden? James Corden, yeah.

We've got everybody. We've got
Dolly Parton.

Aaaah! Aretha Franklin.

Wow!

Where do they all come from? Well,
you know, we've been here 78 years,

but back in the day, upcoming actors
who wanted to be discovered

would just tack their photo on

the wall in hopes that a producer
or a director would come by,

and see that photo and contact them.

That's such a good idea. It is.

Jane, have a seat and enjoy your
meal. I will,

thank you so much. Sure.

Oh, lovely.

I can't believe, there
is Sharon Osbourne,

Michael Jackson, there is...

There is everybody here.

I really am in the presence of
greatness.

Absolutely.

Mm. Mm.

Right, I've had my fix of land,
now it's time for sea.

Hollywood, I'll be back in a few
days.

But between now and then,

I'm exploring a few other great
things California has to offer.

From Los Angeles I'll be sailing
north,

to the steep and funky streets of
San Francisco.

We're then travelling back down
south, to San Diego,

near the Mexican border.

And finally, we'll return to the
bright lights of LA.

It's our first morning after leaving
LA.

And we've got another 24 hours
sailing before we get to San

Francisco. So, no rushing around
today, just relaxation.

Which for me means a chocolate body
scrub at the spa.

Deliciously indulgent.

Ready? Yeah, go on, then. Slap it on
me.

Oooh.

Oh, this just feels wrong.

Of course, I could have gone for
one of the other 42 treatments,

the spa offers but this is just too
luxurious to miss.

D'you know what it feels like? It
feels indulgent.

And, erm, it feels slightly naughty.

But also...

..fabulous.

And that's because it rehydrates and
mineralises the skin.

At least, according to Andrea.

I have never been smothered in
chocolate and things like that.

Saying that, we were lucky to get
Pond cream in the chemist in my day.

Mm.

My old man's in for a treat.

I'll get the Nutella out when I get
'ome.

Yeah.

Other sweetened hazelnut
chocolate spreads are available.

Right, I am feeling like a new
woman,

so I am off out to celebrate at
Captain's Cocktails.

I love parties like this, at the
start of a cruise,

they're a great excuse to dress up,
and enjoy a few drinks.

And if you're travelling on your
own,

it's the ideal way to make new
friends for the rest of the journey.

We're fellow UKs so we want to say
hello.

Oh, how are ya? Fellow northerners.

Oh, where you from?
Blackpool. Blackpool.

I love Blackpool!

Are you enjoying yourselves?
Yes, yes.

Yeah, it's fabulous, innit? Oh,

got to do it, haven't you? Yeah, you
have, actually.

Look I've got a young fan and
everything!

Can you take a picture of us?

POP!
Wow! Hey!

D'you know, I love that sound,
don't you?

Sounds great, doesn't it?

Cork popping.

Everyone 'ere looks like they're
having the time of their lives.

I'm not doing so bad myself.

Life is a lot shorter than we think,

and if you feel like you
wanna go on a cruise,

or visit a part of the world that
you've always wanted to go -

do it now!

Make some memories.

Let's say, cheers, happy holidays.

Cheers. Cheers. Happy holiday.

Ah, brilliant.

Cheers, everyone.

Here we go.

It's a new day in Californ-I-A.

And nearly 40 hours after leaving
LA, we arrive at our first stop,

in San Francisco.

This is a city built on hills,

with some of the steepest streets in
the whole of the USA.

San Francisco!

Oh, my God.
It's like an episode of CHiPs.

They just look really cool.

The cruise company offers so many
excursions around the city,

I am a bit spoilt for choice, and
sometimes,

the simplest tours are the best.

I don't really know what to go and
have a look at, so I thought,

I tell you what, I am going to get
on a bus.

And have a look at it all.

You do learn so much on these tours.

I never knew the Golden Gate Bridge
is painted orange

so it stands out in San Francisco's
famous fog.

Or, that these cable cars have been
running for nearly 150 years.

Hippies made this place their home,
in the '60s,

and it seems to have featured in
songs and on screens forever.

I have seen all this on movies, I
have seen it on telly.

And now, I'm in it. I'm in it for
real.

Have to say, this is one of the best
places I have ever seen.

It's just full of old and new,

and excitement and beauty and
architecture.

And this is the perfect way to see
it.

Can't stay on a bus forever though.

It's time to hit the streets of San
Francisco on foot.

It's lovely, but it's hilly.

Flippin' 'eck. I thought I could
live here at first but

you can't just go out for a walk
'ere, it's like climbing Everest.

I mean, look at this.

I could do with a rope - look at
that.

I've loved my short time in San
Francisco.

And I could honestly stay here and
keep exploring for days.

But I can't.

The Princess is about to sail.

So it's bye to the bridge, and out
to the bay.

Coming up,

an audience with a TV icon.
Look who's got a backstage pass.

Camomile tea. Camomile tea,
you're an angel. Do you want that?

And I head to the
coastline of sunny San Diego.

It's just...gorgeous!

I'm on a sailing adventure, cruising
the USA.

And today, it's a sea day on the
California coast.

Morning! You all right?

This is the best part of cruising,

personally for me.

Balcony, cup of tea, seeing the
vastness and beauty of the ocean.

I love it.

Love it.

And what makes it even better.

Breakfast in your cabin, looking out
over your balcony.

Ah, pure bliss.

But you can't stay in your cabin all
day.

And what better excuse to venture
out than to see

the legendary actress, Linda Gray,
giving a talk.

Yes, THE Linda Gray.

The Linda Gray who played Sue Ellen
in Dallas.

I've been given a backstage pass.

I just hope I don't get lost for
words.

So, Sue Ellen I think was a gift
to a lot of women.

Cos you played it so well.

And, I think you were probably one
of the first women to have an

alcohol problem on television.

As an actor, erm, I adored when Sue
Ellen went down with the drink.

And, erm, because it gave me

major amount of freedom as an
actor.

I had that, that freedom to just be.

Hey, tell me about panto, you did
panto.

Oh, I loved panto. Erm, to go from
Sue Ellen Ewing

to the Fairy Godmother in
Cinderella, you know, with the
tiara.

Yeah. And the wand.

Heaven. Yeah. And, you know, I just,
I absolutely loved it,

and I had no idea what to expect, I
thought, "Oh, my gosh,

"what am I doing doing panto?"

Any plans to come back?

I don't know. I love the UK, I have
many, many friends there.

And, erm, you never know.

Ah, you should. Keep it open, always
open.

You have saved my life.

I don't think so. No, it
was a long day. It was. Thank you.

My pleasure. Thank you.

And cheers for the camomile.
Cheers, my love.

Thank you so much. My pleasure.

Really is. Ah, wasn't she lovely?

Certainly deserved better than JR.

Our last few days at sea have taken
us all the way south to San Diego.

Perched just above the Mexican
border, the temperature here

rarely drops below the 70s.

Even in winter.

That means fun in the sun all year
round.

Look at that sea and the sun and
the sand.

And...

Oh!

Look.

It's just...

..gorgeous!

Oh, leave me here.

SHE SIGHS

I'm in paradise right now.

I think this is probably one of the
best cruises I've ever done,

without a doubt.

Just, just everything about

this coastline for me,
I just love it.

You just

take in the California way of life.

You've got absolutely everything in
San Diego.

You've got the city life and then
you've got this beach.

I am jealous.

Look, there is a funfair 'ere.

Oh, I do love a good ride, me.

I just thought that said all riders
must be at least 50.

I thought, well I'm in there, then.

Don't you just love a funfair with
palm trees?

It's lovely, this.

This is the thing that me dad
always brought me on as a child.

So I am feeling very nostalgic and
as if me dad's sat with me.

Yeah.

Ha-ha-ha! Yes!

I won a banana with a monkey.

What am I going to do with that?

The climax of any funfair though are
the ups and downs of the
roller-coaster. Wahey!

Aaaah!

Oh, we've got to do it, haven't we?

Let's do it.

Okey dokey.

Quite excited I've got front as
well.

What am I doing at the front?
I should...

Oh, what am I sat here for?

"We are not responsible for items
lost on this ride."

And that includes your lunch!

Woohoo!

SHE SQUEALS

Oh!

SHE SCREAMS

Oh, my God.

Oh, oh.

Oh, that were a bit scary, wasn't
it?

Ooh. I think that was all right,
I am still in one piece.

Having cruised up to San Francisco,
then down to San Diego on my

American adventure, I have now
returned to where it all began.

I am back in LA!

And you can't come to LA without
checking out that Pacific playground
to the stars.

Santa Monica, famous
for its beach and its pier,

it's also the place to buy kooky
gifts. And you know what?

It's about time I did some shopping.

Ooh, I've found a shop.

I'll see you later.

Oh, I just love sunglasses.

These are...

..really nice. They're only 16
bucks.

Oh, 16 bucks, is that it? Yeah.

I can afford 16 bucks. It's not
that expensive to look this cheap!

Hello, love! You all right, lass!

Yeah. How are you? Good. How are
you? I am really well.

Oh, my God. Whereabouts are you
from then?

Erm, Leeds. Originally, yeah.

Well, you're up road, aren't ya? I
know, right up road.

You still doing singing on TV shows?
I am, love, yes.
Do you live 'ere then?

Yeah, been here for ten years.

Oh, my God. It's too bloody hot
though.

Ha-ha! Don't you think?

I am used to rain. Nice to meet you.
Lovely to meet you, Jane.

That's so cool. Oh, I am made
up, love. How exciting.

Ha-ha, they're still filming.
Stop it!

Now, as I am in Santa Monica, there
is another place I have to see.

The people behind it reckon they
can get your mind,

body and life all working in unison
to reach the ultimate you.

How LA is that?

They even promise to supercharge
your body and upgrade your brain,

all without you having to break a
sweat. I'm in.

Hello. Hi, I am Anna.

Hello, Anna. I am Jane, nice to meet
you.

And what is your name? I am Matt.
Matt.

Now listen, I am not the fittest
person in the world.

Wonderful. Does this place really
get you fit without breaking a
sweat, is that right?

Yeah, but it's gonna be good. It's
gonna to be fun and you are going to

get fit. Am I? And you're wearing
the perfect outfit for it.

Believe it or not. Really?

This is wonderful. What we do is we
exercise the body from the inside,

out. So everything happens at a
cellular level.

Oh, I see.

Why don't we try the vibration
platform? Oh, fantastic. OK?

Is that a bit like being on top of
your washing machine or something?

ANNA LAUGHS

Kind of. You ready? Yeah.

Ooh! Oh, my God!

Oh... Oh!

Can you...?

See, so this is going to supercharge
your training. Is it really?

Yeah. What training?

It's going to increase your balance.
Yeah.

Good circulation.

Ooh!

CLATTERING

That's what's happening in me right
now.

And the whole thing

was just like an electric shock
right through your body.

But of course it's the speed of the
vibration but apparently that's very

good for me.

OK? Great. Better than a washing
machine.

It is. I must admit that
was very close.

Well, that weren't too bad.

I could certainly spend an afternoon
vibrating me troubles away.
What's next?

So, is this going to make me feel
like I am going to die as well? No.

What's this? This is
called our virtual float tank.

But really it's a meditation pod.

So there is going to be a
combination of flashing lights.

That are synchronised with rhythm in
your ears.

This entire machine spins at the
same speed as the Earth so it's a

grounding while you're in it. I'm
rubbish on the Waltzers.

This machine is supposed to put your
brain into a state of deep

relaxation, like the ultimate power
nap.

So you're going to keep your
eyes closed.

OK. Right. Mm-hm.

All right now...

The pod helps to take all
distractions away

leaving you with just your brain for
company.

They reckon just 30 minutes can
relieve stress and awaken your mind.

Well, it's certainly had an effect
on mine.

Oh, my God.

How was it?

Oh, I am sobbing - that's really
emotional.

Wow!

Blimey, that's your brain.

That's your brain doing that to ya.

Mm-hm.

Gosh. You know when you hear these
stories of...

..of people dying and they follow
the light.

Right. That's how it felt.

That's blown my mind, absolutely
blown my mind, has that.

Thank goodness that we did that.

That's something I will never
forget.

Thank you so much. Thank you.

Wow.

Thank you so much.

I'm off again.

Gosh, that's, erm...

It's emotional.

Turn that thing off. Ha!

I am now so bought into LA
I could even make an Oscars

acceptance speech.

Bye.

But you can't blame me.

I've spent a magical week going to
all the places I've grown up with,

thanks to movies and songs,

TV and musicals, and I've been on a
ship that's perfect for anyone

wanting to escape and relax, enjoy
the sun, the shopping, and the sand.

It's been a long wait to see the
Golden State, but from now on,

I'll be dreaming of nothing else.

SHE SIGHS

# All the leaves are brown
All the leaves are brown

# And the sky is grey
And the sky is grey

# I've been for a walk
I've been for a walk

# On a winter's day
On a winter's day

# I'd be safe and warm
I'd be safe and warm

# If I was in LA
If I was in LA

# California dreamin'
California dreamin'

# On such a winter's day

# Stopped into a church

# I passed along the way

# Well, I got down on my knees
Got down on my knees

# And I pretend to pray
I pretend to pray

# You know the preacher
liked the cold

# Preacher liked the cold

# He knows I'm gonna stay
Knows I'm gonna stay

# California dreamin'
California dreamin'

# On such a winter's day

# California dreamin'

# On such a winter's day

# California dreamin'

# On such a winter's day. #

LAUGHTER

What?

Subtitles by Red Bee Media