Lake Powell, the second largest manmade lake in the US, is located on the border of Utah and Arizona in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and offers nearly 2,000 miles of spectacular shoreline with towering red rock sandstone cliffs, more than 90 major canyons, blue-green water and sandy beaches. It's best viewed from the water and is an ideal family recreation area in summer, as chronicled in Roger Cox's account of his Lake Powell houseboating family reunion.

Last year, the region drew a record number of visitors from the opening of Castle Rock Cut -- a shortcut that shaves 12 miles off travel between the upper and lower ends of Lake Powell. The shortcut allows visitors to save on time and gas, and is said to make it easier to access remote and unspoiled canyons and beaches, including the Rainbow Bridge National Monument (the largest natural bridge in the world), Padre Bay and Warm Creek Bay. To prolong the boating season, this year the National Park Service committed to deepening the Cut and removed nearly 87,000 cubic yards of material. They succeeded in lowering the depth of the cut by approximately 8 feet to 3,607 feet in elevation.

To kick off the high water and summer season, Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas is offering three new package deals, ranging in price. The company offers Voyager, Navigator, Adventurer and Discovery XL class houseboats, plus powerboat rentals, and 62-foot luxury class houseboats line called "Journey" available for rent at Wahweap Marina. This new line of houseboats sleeps up to 16 people and features an open, spacious cabin area, with an upgraded kitchen. They include three staterooms with queen beds, one lower berth, 2 3/4 bathrooms, a convertible sofa with cushions on the upper deck for anyone who enjoys stargazing and sleeping outside. Other amenities include an eight-person hot tub, 42-inch LCD TV, GPS, and an outdoor gas grill just to name a few.

Other services include audio headsets with interpretive narration on all scenic cruise adventure tours booked in 2009; available in English, German, French, Italian and Japanese.  The Meals On Board program provides vacationers with various dining options prepared by Galley Gourmet, the professional chefs at the Lake Powell Resort & Marinas. If mom wants to spend even less time in the galley, families can book a Chef On Board program.

And there are good deals to be had on land, at their resort. Details on all two-night packages:  Rooms are traditional, Lakeview, or Deluxe Lakeview rooms at Lake Powell Resort; each rate quoted does not include taxes or other park fees; there are blackout days when no specials are available; and rates vary by season.

The Great Lake Powell Water Adventure package, starting at $515, includes full-day use of 19' power boat to explore red rock canyons and alcoves, plus daily breakfast for two, a savings of 33%. The package is available April 15, 2009 to October 31, 2009.

The Rainbow Bridge Centennial Excursion package, starting at $460, includes room and breakfast, plus 2 tickets for the 1/2 day Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour; a savings of 33%. The package is available April 15, 2009 to October 31, 2009.

The Bed, Boat & Breakfast package, starting at $227, includes 1 night stay in a Lakeview room and breakfast for two, plus tickets for the Antelope Canyon Scenic boat tour, a 22% savings. The package is available April 15, 2009 to October 31, 2009 when individual room nights vary in price from $189 in the low season to $269 peak season, single/double occupancy, plus taxes and fees for the first night.

To book these hotel packages, please call 888/486-4665 or visit www.lakepowell.com.  To book a houseboat vacation or to learn more about the new programs at Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, check out the website or call 888/896-3829.