What do you really need to pack for an All-Inclusive Vacation?

It all depends where you are going.  Your best source of information is your Travel Agent who has personally stayed at many of the resorts and knows activities, amenities and services.  All inclusive resorts will include the basic toiletries such as soap, shampoo, lotion etc.  If there is a special item you cannot live without, you should bring your own along with your toothbrush, makeup, curling iron, razor and such.  Most important, don't forget the sunscreen!
All inclusive resorts for families and couples specialize in fun.  No need to bring your own beach towels, snorkeling equipment, games or movies - these and other items are at the resort.
Clothing can be a little trickier.  When in doubt ask your travel agent.  Most resorts are on the beach, so bathing suites, cover-ups, shorts and t-shirts are a must. Sandals, and tennis shoes are also a good idea.  If you plan to play golf or tennis, the appropriate clothing may be required.  Dinner and clubs usually require more than t shirts and shorts.  Slacks for men and a nice sundress or slacks for women is usually just fine.  



Luggage Question - Check or Ship??

With the high costs many airlines are charging to check luggage is there really a benefit to shipping your luggage via a national shipper?  In some cases yes.  If you are packing for an extended period of time and know you will have to check several bags when you fly shipping your luggage might be more cost effective.  But there are several other things to consider before shipping your luggage to your next destination:.

Domestic flights usually charge one fee for the first bag and an additional higher fee for the second.  IF either bag is overweight, the fees are even higher.  Consider shipping your bags Fed Ex or UPS.  Shipped with a national carrier you can track the whereabouts of your personal items and avoid the pushing and shoving that often occurs at the baggage claim area after a long flight.   
Most international flights allow at least one fee free bag per passenger and the weight limits are usually higher. You are probably better off checking your bag with the airline.
If you decide to ship your luggage, pay a little more for the insurance and make sure there will be someone at the other end to sign for your stuff.  
Ski season is here - instead of shipping your skis, it may be cheaper to rent them once you get to the slopes.  Use this as a chance to test a different brand or style especially if you are in the market for something new.

What NOT to pack for your cruise

When packing for a cruise, most people feel like they should take everything but the kitchen sink, you know "just in case".  Yes a flashlight and clock are really necessary as well as nail clippers, post-it paper and highlighters.  However there are some things that are not allowed on a cruise ship and will be confiscated when found and in some cases not returned.  Firearms, ammunition, realistic replicas of firearms and illegal drugs are pretty obvious no-nos.  But consider these other no-no's:
Candles & Incense
Coffee Makers and Hot Plates (there is plenty of food and coffee on the Lido deck, or call for room service)
Clothes Irons
Baseball Bats, Hockey Sticks, Bows & Arrows, Cricket Bats, Lacrosse Sticks
Flammable liquids and explosives
Chemicals including bleach and paint

LEGOLAND® FLORIDA – JUST ADD WATER!

Central Florida’s Newest Theme Park Announces Water Park Expansion
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (November, 28, 2011) – Just six weeks after its official grand opening,
LEGOLAND® Florida today released details of its first expansion – LEGOLAND Water Park.
Scheduled to open in time for summer 2012, the water park will feature a wave pool, Build-A-Raft lazy river, tube slides, body slides and an interactive water-play structure - DUPLO® Safari. The water park attraction is designed for families with children ages 2 to 12.

Disney Hotel Rooms for Large Families

Walt Disney World ResortImage via Wikipedia

Value Resort Hotels up to 6 guests
Located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the All Star Music Resort has family suites that sleep up to SIX guests.  The suite includes a separate bedroom with pull-out sofas in the living room and a small kitchenette.  Best of all there are TWO bathrooms!
Opening in the summer of 2012, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort suites will sleep up to SIX guests and will have THREE separate sleeping areas including a private master bedroom.

Moderate Resort Hotels up to 6 guests
The cabins at the Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort sleep SIX guests and include more than 500 square feet of living, dining and sleeping area with a fully equipped kitchen.  Each cabin has a private patio with a BBQ grill and picnic table.  Magical bonus, the kitchen is cleaned every day!

Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels up to 8 guests
One and two bedroom deluxe villas are as comfy as home!  They can sleep SIX or EIGHT guests and include a full kitchen, whirlpool tub, DVD player and washer and dryer.

Tree House Villas up to 9 guests
There are 60 stand-alone Deluxe Villas are nestled in the forest just outside Downtown Disney.  The three bedroom Tree House Villas will sleep up to NINE guests and are 10 feet off the ground, designed to blend into the lush wilderness.  They feature modern luxuries including cathedral ceilings, granite counter tops and flat panel TVs.  

Enhanced by Zemanta

More Family Friendly choices from Port Canaveral

L'avant du carnival ecstasyImage via Wikipedia

The Carnival Ecstasy has a new home port as of November 7.  The Ecstasy has joined the Carnival Dream and Sensation to sail from Port Canaveral.  She will be sailing four and five day itineraries to the Bahamas with ports including Nassau, Freeport and Half Moon Cay.  


With the arrival of the Ecstasy, the $60.1 million state-of the-art Cruise Terminal 6 scheduled to open this summer will relive some of the congestion at the popular port.  ,
Thinking of new, the Carnival Ecstasy with its crew of 920 had a major refurbishment in 2009.  The upgrade included many family friendly zones such as the WaterWorks aqua park with a 300-foot-long spiral water slide, a tropical-themed resort-style main pool area.  For parents who want a little time off, Serenity is the new adults-only retreat.  Upgrades for family travel include ninety-eight balconies that were added to existing staterooms.


Port Canaveral cruises are perfect for the drive market.  Family Travel now has a variety of choices for three to seven day cruises on the Family Fun Ships
Enhanced by Zemanta

Crown & Anchor Friends and Family Cruise

Freedom of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Internat...Image by Timothy Wildey via Flickr
FRIENDSHIP, NOW EVEN MORE REWARDING
It’s pretty special when you can share something you love with someone who’s never experienced it! 
Exclusive to Crown & Anchor® Society members only, you can earn an onboard credit of $25* simply by bringing a friend or family member who is a first time Royal Caribbean® cruiser along with you on your next Royal Caribbean 
International® cruise.  
It has to be the same cruise and your friends must be first time Royal Caribbean cruisers.  Message me for more information and how to get the OBC for your next family cruise!




Enhanced by Zemanta

Passports, are they necessary?

Another popular question among new cruisers is "do I really need a passport?"  My canned answer:  "If you depart from a US port and return to the same US port via cruise ship, technically you do not need a passport.  HOWEVER, if you are in another country and have an emergency and need to fly home, you will not be allowed to fly back to the US."

After Hurricane Irene caused so much trouble in the Caribbean this summer, I have a slight change in my perspective.  Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines departing San Juan the weekend of Hurricane Irene's arrival, were instructed by the port authority to depart several hours prior to the scheduled departure.  Some passengers arrived in San Juan in time for their stated departure, only to find their ship had sailed.  Normal procedure is for the passengers fly to the next port of call and join the cruise.  Things generally work out fine if you have a passport.

Passports are not required for United States citizens flying to San Juan and cruises departing San Juan do not require passports for United States citizens. Many cruise passengers take advantage of this opportunity to visit more exotic destinations.

Once the ship left San Juan passengers without a passport had limited options to catch up to their ship.  If the cruise stopped at another US territory, such as St Thomas, left behind passengers might have caught a break.

Cruises leaving New York and Boston departed early due to the arrival of Hurricane Irene.  Without a passport, cruisers going to Bermuda or Nassau Bahamas were out of luck.

The moral of this story is TECHNICALLY passports are not required for closed loop cruises, however they are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!

Legoland Florida Opens October 15

Florida's newest theme park is opening Oct. 15. Situated in little Winter Haven, 45 minutes from Disney and the other Orlando-area attractions, Legoland Florida is aimed at kids from two to 12.  One of the most popular questions  - "Is that real?" will be asked hundreds of times a day.  Read more from Mitch Stacy in The Globe and Mail
Enhanced by Zemanta

Future Cruise Investment

Cruising is one of the most cost effective vacations for families with teenagers and children who love to eat.  For one price, you get your room, room steward, shipboard activities, nightly entertainment, children's activities, and food 24-7 in most cases. Once you have cruised with children, you know you can never take them on vacation again for one price and keep them full and happy.

For the best return on your vacation investment, consider buying  a Future Cruise Credit while on your family cruise.  For a modest investment, you are guaranteed the value of your investment applied to the deposit of your next cruise AND an additional on board credit.  
Carnival Cruise Line offers Future Cruise Vacation Vouchers for $100 during your family cruise.  Invest $100 into a FCV, use the invested $100 toward the deposit of your next cruise and depending on the length of the cruise and the cabin type, receive additional on board cabin credit - minimum of $25.  Not a bad investment return.
Princess Cruises offers Future Cruise Deposits to their guests on board.  For a $100 per person deposit you can secure your next Princess Cruise and collect on board credit for each passenger for all  7+ day cruises.  Inside cabins get $25 pp and outside cabins $50 per person on board credit. That is a 50% return on your investment for an outside cabin on your next 7 day Princess Cruise.  
Of course these are just examples and there is some "fine print" at the bottom of these certificates. Most certificates are good for at least a year from date of purchase and are combinable with other promotions.  Restrictions vary by cruise line so remember to ask questions.  

Travel Insurance - is it important??

In the wake of Hurricane Irene, a story from Cruise Critic, Lost in Irene's Wake,  is a perfect example of why travelers should purchase Travel Insurance.

As a travel professional, sometimes it is hard to convince clients that travel insurance is necessary, especially for a Caribbean cruise. Most cruise contracts state in tiny print, the cruise line is not responsible for itinerary changes do to weather related instances.  I have been on several Caribbean cruises when we had to visit a different port because of inclement weather or skip a port day all together.  In some cases, the cruise line may offer on board credit or free drinks as compensation for the schedule change.  However they are under no obligation to do so.  If a port is skipped the cruise line is obligated to refund each passenger the port charge for the missed port.  Is a cancelled port or itinerary change covered by travel insurance?  Most likely no.

Hurricane Irene will wreck havoc on the northeast coast this weekend.  Planning to fly to Miami to catch a cruise this weekend?  If you miss the boat due to flight delays because of weather, your travel insurance should cover the costs of flight changes, hotel stays, and additional flights or transportation to catch up to the cruise.

It is worth noting, travel insurance is not only for good for cancelled flights and missed connections due to inclement weather.  If you are hurt while on vacation, you health insurance coverage may not cover all the expenses, your travel insurance should make up the difference.

It is very important to read the fine print on the cruise contract and the travel insurance policy.


Free Dining at Walt Disney World Resorts

For a limited time book a 5 night stay at select Walt Disney Resorts in Florida and get the Disney Dining Plan FREE!  Must purchase accommodations and tickets (Base Ticket or Hooper Ticket) to receive the Free Dining offer.  Call Leisure Travel Enterprises at 877-843-0815

Dining Dress Codes on a Cruise Ship

Dining room dress codes have changed over the years, thankfully to a more casual style. One of the most asked questions is "What do I wear to dinner?"

The casual dining dress code:  For men: sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts. For women: Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans 

Elegant Night dress code:  For men: Dress slacks and dress shirts. A sport coat is suggested. Suites and tuxedos (tuxedo rentals are available on the ship) are also more than welcomed. For women: Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses. Evening gowns are also a nice way to get dressed up.

If you are having a difficult time trying to decide, think about what will look great in a picture.  Most ships have many photographers stationed along the way to the dining room waiting to capture you at your best.  

Princess Cruises on Board Smoking Update

Princess CruisesImage via Wikipedia


Princess Cruises will be introducing more restrictive smoking policies, and will prohibit smoking in passenger staterooms and balconies for all voyages departing after January 15, 2012.


Countries around the world from North America to Europe are moving to more restrictive smoking policies and our latest consumer studies show that smokers are a small minority of our passengers. In fact, the vast majority of cruisers value having their primary living space (both stateroom and balcony) smoke-free. As you know, balconies are a hallmark of Princess Cruises and we believe it is important to keep this peaceful space clear of smoke. 


Of course we still welcome passengers who smoke, and will continue to provide convenient smoking areas throughout each ship, including cigar lounges, a section of the nightclub and casino, and a portion of the open decks.




Enhanced by Zemanta

Hidden Cost of Cruising # 9

9. Photos and Camera Equipment 

What You'll Pay: Cruise travelers are often lured into dropping big bucks at the onboard photo gallery, where an 8x10 photo can easily cost $20 or more. Buying additional batteries, memory cards and other camera supplies will not only cost you more money than they do back home, but will eat up precious vacation time, as well. 

Savings Tip: If you're worried about blowing your budget on photos, just say no thanks when the ship's photographer asks to take your picture. Or, resist the urge to "just check out" the photo in the gallery -- once you see the printed version, you're more likely to want it. Take your own pictures, and rely sparingly, if at all, on the ship's photographers. On the equipment side, buy plenty of batteries and other camera supplies at home -- and bring more than you think you will need, just in case.

My Cruise Outlet Royal Caribbean WOW Sale

Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas luxury c...Image via Wikipedia
For two special days—May 3 and 4, 2011—take advantage of this My Cruise Outlet exclusive offer to get the most out of your Royal Caribbean International family cruise.


Book any sailing Royal Caribbean Cruise that departs after August 1, 2011 and pay only 50% of the deposit!  That's right, a discounted cruise deposit.  And receive up to $200 on board credit!  


Now is the time to book your Royal Caribbean Cruise with My Cruise Outlet!

Enhanced by Zemanta

Hidden Cost of Cruising # 10

10. Internet 

What You'll Pay: Whether you bring your own laptop and take advantage of shipboard Wi-Fi or park yourself at the computer center onboard, you will pay extremely high rates for often slow Internet connections. Most lines charge about 75 cents a minute for pay-as-you-go plans and offer packages that reduce the cost to around 55 cents a minute for buying Internet time in bulk. 

Savings Tip: You can usually find cheaper Internet centers in port, if you don't mind using some of your onshore time to check your e-mail and surf the Web. Check Cruise Critic's port profiles for Internet cafes close to your ship. If you bring your own laptop, look for cafes and other establishments with free Wi-Fi. 

Visiting Disney World

Compliments of TodayatWDW:
Did you know: All four theme parks have Tip Boards where you can check attraction wait times and show times

Hidden Costs of Cruising # 6

6. Laundry 

What You'll Pay: As at land-based resorts, laundry and dry-cleaning charges on a cruise can be steep. Self-service launderette are the best choice. (Typically, washing and drying one load of clothes comes to between $2 and $4). 

Savings Tip: You have two options here: pack enough changes of clothes for the cruise, and do the wash back home, or bring your own travel-sized detergent, wash necessities in your cabin sink, and hang-dry them in the shower.

Hidden Costs of Cruising # 3

the perfect martiniImage by chris.corwin via Flickr8. Carbonated and Alcoholic Beverages 

Hidden Costs: In general, most cruise lines charge for all carbonated and alcoholic beverages along with bottled water, specialty coffees and wine at dinner.   

Save your Money: Watch for happy hour or two-for-one specials. Watch for activities with free drinks, such as Champagne art auctions or Captain's cocktail parties. Order a bottle of wine at dinner (yes you have to pay for it) whatever you don't drink, will be tagged with with name and served at your next meal upon request.  Most cruise lines offer wine packages, by three or more bottles at a reduced rate.  Unlimited soda packages are also available on most cruise ships.  Bottled water will be a premium on the ship, get your own in port for a fraction of the price.  
Enhanced by Zemanta

Royal Caribbean Double American Express Points

Awesome offer for American Express Members!
Earn 2X (Double) Membership Rewards points for any 7 night (or more) 2011 Caribbean or European cruise on Royal Caribbean.  Book by May 14, 2011 and travel by December 31, 2011
Call or message me for more information 877-543-0815, kelly@mycruiseoutlet.com

Hidden Cost of Cruising # 7

7. Tipping 

What You'll Pay: Tipping policies vary by line; many recommend about $10 to $12 per passenger, per day, to be distributed among those who provide key services -- dining room waiters, assistant waiters and cabin stewards. If you have butler service, be prepared to tip extra. Bar tabs are automatically charged a 15 percent gratuity. When the maitre d' performs a special service, such as arranging for a birthday cake to be brought to the table, he should be tipped, as well. 

Savings Tip: Generally, tipping is not an area where you can save money. You can adjust the auto-gratuities at the ship's purser's desk or choose to tip below the recommended amount if you feel you've received subpar service. However, Cruise Critic discourages this in most cases. The ship's crewmembers -- particularly the waiters, assistant waiters and cabin stewards -- work hard and depend on tips to round out their salaries. Unless the service has been extremely poor, tip the recommended amount or add a little more, if you can, for outstanding attention.



Hidden Cost of Cruising # 2

2. Alternative Dining 

What You'll Pay: While meals in the ship's main dining room and buffet venue are typically included in the cost, cruise lines have been adding numerous for-fee venues to their ships. You can pay anywhere from a few dollars for an ice cream cone at an onboard Ben & Jerry's or gelateria to $35 for a meal in a specialty dining venue or a whopping $75 for an exclusive Chef's Table experience.  

Savings Tip: Don't go! You can typically find 24/7 dining for free onboard, and main dining room meals are often quite good with multiple courses and decadent desserts -- and there's always room service. If you're tempted by the specialty options, just be sure to budget the price of dinner into your onboard spending. Some lines, including NCL, occasionally offer early-bird two-for-one dining specials at their for-fee restaurants for passengers who are willing to eat at 5 p.m. 




Hidden Costs of Cruising # 4

4. Spa and Salon Treatments 

What You'll Pay: Cruise line spas charge rates equal to high-end salons.  A massage is typically about $110 to $150, with more exotic treatments running into the $200 to $500 range. Passes to thermal suites and thalassotherapy pools average $15 to $30 per day, with cruiselong packages also available. Most shipboard spas are operated by Steiner's of London, and the staff, work on commission. 

Savings Tip: Take advantage of spa discounts, typically offered on embarkation and port days. And, check your ship's daily program for spa treatment specials that may be available one day only or during certain hours. Resist that product sales pitch. Or, be bold right up front -- and ask not to be bothered with sales pitches at all



Packing Tips for Alaskan Cruise

From May through September, temperatures range from 40°F to 70° F during the day and drop into the 30’s and 40’s at night. The best way to prepare for this range of temperatures is to dress in layers and to be prepared for anything from bright sunshine to light rain.  Here’s a list of items to include when packing for an Alaska trip.
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Wool or fleece sweater or liner
  • Turtleneck or a comfortable protective long sleeve shirt
  • Comfortable footwear suitable for hiking and walking in wet conditions (Be sure to break in new shoes before your trip.)
  • Good socks
  • Warm hat/rain hat or headband
  • Gloves
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Travel umbrella
  • Light weight tote or backpack
  • Lip Balm
  • Good camera with extra batteries and variety of film speeds
  • Spare memory card and battery for digital cameras
  • Travel-size binoculars
  • Sunglasses

Enhanced by Zemanta

Hidden Costs of Cruising # 5

5. Onboard Activities 

What You'll Pay: While many onboard activities are free, many special activities incur extra fees. Among those are fitness classes like Pilates, yoga and spinning; wine-tasting events; after-hours baby-sitting for the youngest children; behind-the-scenes tours and casino play.    

Savings Tip: You can certainly keep entertained with free activities. Attend the production shows, live music performances, cooking demos, pool or trivia games and free lectures -- or simply spend your time chilling by the pool, reading a book or chatting with your traveling companions. If you're intrigued by the for-fee activities, set a budget, and choose which ones are most interesting. 



Royal Caribbean April Special

Royal Caribbean International FlagImage via Wikipedia
Take the family on a Royal Caribbean Cruise and get something FREE for yourself!
Receive a complimentary spa treatment and specialty dinner for two when you book a balcony or above stateroom by April 30! 
Book by April 13 and take advantage of 50% reduced deposit, too!

Enhanced by Zemanta

Hidden Cost of Cruises # 1

1. Shore Excursions 

What You'll Pay: Cruise lines sell shore excursions, so you can make the most of your time in port, but they do inflate prices above what the actual tour operators charge. You can find details and pricing in the line's shore tour booklet, on its Web site or at the shore excursions desk onboard. Prices for these excursions range from about $25 for a quick city and shopping tour to more than $200 for some all-day tours, overland programs including meals and snacks, and such over-the-top offerings as helicopter flight-seeing and hot-air ballooning.  

Savings Tip: While you may wish to sign up for some of the ship's tours (particularly if you're not familiar with the port and do not speak the language), you also have the option to tour independently at a fraction of the cost -- or even for free, if you go on a self-guided walking tour. Before setting sail, request free planners with maps, calendars of events and attraction brochures for the ports of call on your itinerary from tourist boards. 
Local festivals and craft displays can be sources of good, free entertainment. Parks, beaches and art galleries showcasing local work are other free or nominal-charge attractions to check out. If you decide to hire a car and driver to give you a private tour, always agree on the price (and, in the case of a tour, which specific points of interest will be covered) before you get into the car. 




Great Deals and Extras for Alaska Cruises

Celebrity Infinity docked in Gastineau Channel...Image via WikipediaGreat opportunities still for Celebrity Alaska Cruises! Along with the great rates add a bottle of wine and a set of Celebrity Onboard Value Booklets (valued at$300) when booked by 5/31/11. EARLY BOOKING BONUS $50 OBC per cabin when booked by Sunday 4/17/11.

Celebrity Millennium® 7-Night Northbound / Southbound Alaska Starting from: $765†*

Celebrity Infinity® 7-Night Alaska Tracy Arm Fjord Round trip Seattle Starting from: $815†*










Enhanced by Zemanta

Cheap Cruise -

Cruise ships in Juneau, Alaska. Photograph by ...Image via Wikipedia
Repositioning Cruise

The "repositioning cruise" is the shifting of a ship from one location to another.
Why reposition a cruise ship? Some parts of the world are not suitable for year round cruises. Alaska is a great example; the sailing season is from May to September when plenty of sunlight is available. The better known repositioning cruises are from Europe to the Caribbean, or vice versa.
How long is a repositioning cruise and what is there to do? Most ships stop in a couple of ports prior to crossing the ocean. These cruises are often 13 to 17 days of true ship relaxation, a cruise with many more sailing days than ports.
What is so great about a repositioning cruise? First of all it is a long relaxing, non hectic cruise. For people who really need to get away from it all, or just need down time and relaxation this is the best. Even better, these cruises are a very good value, some as little as $45 a day!

Enhanced by Zemanta

Royal Caribbean's New Port in Jamaica

Royal Caribbean International's, "MS Oasi...Image via Wikipedia


A new cruise ship port in northern Jamaica celebrated its official launch Tuesday with the arrival of Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas with nearly 6,000 passengers aboard.
The two-berth Historic Falmouth Cruise Port development is nestled between the resort cities of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. A $220 million, three-phase project, it is being developed by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and the Port Authority of Jamaica.
Originally scheduled to open in early January, the port received its first visiting cruise ship in February.  Jamaican Port officials held the opening ceremony Tuesday with the arrival of the Oasis of the Seas.


Enhanced by Zemanta

Aruba Specials for Families

Family Promotion (Travel: 6/1 – 9/30)
  • Kids receive FREE** accommodations
  • Kids receive FREE breakfast daily
  • Complimentary Children’s Activities
  • Family Gift presented upon arrival
  • Discounts on Island Activities and Tours
Welcome to a sunny day in island paradise: 82-degrees Fahrenheit with only a few clouds scattered across the sky. Sparkling, aquamarine waters gently brush the vibrant, white beaches while a lone windsurfer floats on the horizon, catching air on the low-breaking waves. Farther down the shore, a couple riding horseback disappears down the coast, basking in the warm temperatures and loving every minute of their vacation in Aruba.

The small yet plentiful island of Aruba is a divine place for all things outdoors, a sparkling jewel on the bracelet of the Lesser Antilles. If the Caribbean is the place you want to be, look no further – Aruba is the perfect island destination.  Sixty Second Geography of Aruba

2011 Disney World Special

Disney pincessImage via Wikipedia

Kids Stay and Play Free offer ends March 27 - Contact me now to book your Disney Magical Vacation!
Enhanced by Zemanta

A Mayan Discovery - Family Excursion

Saw this on Princess Cruise Line Top 50 Bucket List and could not resist reposting.

Thirty-seven years ago, Steve Nielson came upon Tulum, Mexico, the ruins of an ancient Mayan city that was all but untouched by tourists at that time. He was scouting the Caribbean for Princess Cruises, as the company planned to expand from its Los Angeles base to Fort Lauderdale. When he arrived, he met with Princess’s Mexico general agent at the time, German Osuna, to look at possibilities for excursion trips in Cozumel and along the stunning Yucatan peninsula.  


Read more about Steve's discovery and the development of this popular Mexican excursion that offers something for any family.  History mixed mystery can get even the most difficult teenager engaged, while wide open green areas are perfect for the young child who needs to run.  The   scenic cliffs at overlook the Caribbean are breathtaking.  If you are looking for an educational excursion for the family, this is a great introduction the the ancient Mayans.  http://50essentialexperiences.com/

Easy Guide to Washington DC

The western front of the United States Capitol...Image via Wikipedia

District of Columbia is 68 square miles, but most government attractions and many of the Smithsonian museums are within an easy walk of the National Mall. The Metro is easy to navigate and buses get you to neighborhoods like Georgetown. The city has four quadrants -- Northwest, Southwest, Northeast and Southeast -- and you'll notice addresses designated accordingly (NW, SW and so forth). The U.S. Capitol marks the center where they meet. Numbered streets run north/south, lettered streets run east/west and avenues (which are named for U.S. states) run diagonally.
Enhanced by Zemanta

How to Exchange Currency

When it comes to navigating exchange rates, it pays to know all your options. 

  • Swipe a credit card  - Best
  • Withdraw cash from an ATM - Best
  • Exchange cash at your bank - Watch for Fees
  • Buy cash on line - Okay option
  • Buy Travelers Checks - Avoid if possible
  • Buy Pre Paid Foreign Currency  card - Avoid if possible
  • Foreign exchange desk at hotel or airport - Run!  Avoid at all costs


 MSNBC offers a handy guide to the seven most common methods for foreign exchange. Each has its pros and cons (some of which can feel like legal swindling), so they have evaluated the options for you with the euro as the base tender, using an Exchange Rate Rip-off Meter from 1 to 5.   "1" Check out MSNBC for more information







Norwegian Cruise Line and AARP

NCL is offering  AARP members a 5% discount off cruises fleet-wide or reduced rates on select Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Jade and Pride of America sailings through June 30. Book now to combine one of these deals with current bonus offers! For more information email sales@mycruiseoutlet.com

Disney's Newest Resort - Aulani

Aerial Photo of Ko Olina on Oahu, HawaiiImage via WikipediaDisney's newest resort is opening August 29, 2011!   Inspired by the wonders and traditions of Hawaii, Aulani has been uniquely designed for families. Perfectly placed in the Ko Olina area on the Leeward side of Oahuon, the beautiful beachfront cove on the shores of Oahu, Aulani will offer kids, adults and families Hawaiian vacation experiences with a special magic that only Disney can create.  The Resort is perfectly placed - close to activities in Hawaii but just far enough away to be an enchanting escape. The soaring architecture of the lobby offers stunning mountain and ocean views, while throughout the Resort you'll discover luxurious details and flawless Disney magic in harmony with the natural world.  Aulani Disney Resort & Spa the first-of-its-kind Disney creation.   
Enhanced by Zemanta

Smart Phone Apps for Theme Parks

Software developers started tapping into smart-phone users' zeal for theme parks a couple years ago, and dozens of applications are now available for iPhones, Droids and other handheld devices that can make park visits more efficient and fun. A few can be downloaded free, but most cost a few dollars.
Most of the apps available currently are geared toward Walt Disney World, including Disney's own app for Verizon phones, but a handful are available for other attractions, too. For instance a free iPhone app called Universal Wait Times (VersaEdge Software) did exactly what it promised when tested recently: provided accurate wait times for rides inside the two Universal Orlando parks. The app proved to be particularly useful during a visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Islands of Adventure, where wait times for the signature ride tend to be much longer than in other areas of the Universal parks.
There are apps with park maps, some of which work with the phone's GPS function to show your exact location and what's nearby. There are apps for park times and to help visitors choose a restaurant by cuisine and price. Others can count down the days!  
Disney is rolling out its newest version of a "know-it-all" app exclusively for Verizon Wireless phones, called "Disney Mobile Magic." It uses the GPS feature in Verizon phones to help users find character appearances, attractions, restaurants and other points of interest. It checks wait and Fast-Pass return times, provides shopping and restaurant information and even has an interactive trivia game that allows users to play against other users in the same park. The app costs $1.99 and works in Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Some parks — Sea World and Tampa's Busch Gardens among them — offer to relay park news to visitors via text message. Users text a code to a designated number when they enter the park to get the texts throughout the day.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Search This Blog