Nov 21 2015

Cruise Travel: What You Should Know

Cruise Travel

Cruise travel is a fun way to ease into travel especially if you have kids. It’s convenient for family travel offering money savings and lots of activities.

If you don’t have the time to do all the research and planning, hire either a travel agent or a travel consultant like myself to craft the perfect experience for you.

This article is constantly being updated so make sure to come back for new information that will help you with your cruise travel.

Choosing the right cruise line

There are dozens of options in the market when it comes to cruise lines. They don’t differ only by price but also by cruising style, where they go and what they offer.

Carnival Cruises is known as the laid back fun party ship. For families new to traveling and those looking to do it modestly, a Carnival Cruise is an economical option.

On the other hand, Disney Cruise Line is a less moderately priced vacation, however it is very focused on creating a specific type of travel experience. Thus, you will pay for that.

Things to do on cruises

There’s something to do on cruises for just about everyone, young and old. If you can’t find anything on the ship to do, you’ll certainly find something on shore that will peak your interest.

One Free Thing To Do in The Cayman Islands

Travel tips

There are just a few things you need to know before you get on a cruise.

Safety on your cruise

Traveling solo on a cruise

If you want to put your Cruise planning on auto pilot, pick your dates, set your budget and outsource it!

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Feb 20 2014

5 Hot Destination Ideas For Spring Break

For those of us on the East Coast, this winter has been one of the coldest we’ve had in years. We’re drowning in snow mounds and the season isn’t over just yet. If you’re like me, you’ve been envisioning your warm weather escape or you’ve already booked it. Spring can’t come soon enough and with Spring Break right around the corner, while you’re frustrated and emotional, now’s the perfect time to solidify your Spring Break vacation plans.

This year, our Spring Break falls in mid-late April when chances are higher that we’ll have mild weather. But why take the chance? Don’t let the warmth find you, check out these 5 hot destination ideas for your upcoming Spring Break and go get your dose of sun.

1. Belize

Believe me when I say that with the publishing of Trip Advisor’s 2014 Traveler’s Choice Awards for “Top 10 Islands in the World”, and with Ambergris Caye coming in at number 1, this quiet island destination will be even more of a hot spot than it already is.

My husband and I traveled to Ambergris Caye in 2007 before kids. The destination is a tropical and ecological playground for any age. Kids will love the beaches, water, and amazing marine life if they enjoy snorkeling. I tried snuba for the first time in Ambergris Caye. The reefs are a big draw for divers, making it a popular destination for the sport.

Be prepared: Ambergris Caye wasn’t the easiest island to get to but once you’re there, it’s a slice of paradise.

2. Puerto Vallarta

Littered with beachfront resorts, Puerto Vallarta has been a popular tourist getaway for decades. At last count, there were roughly 41 five-star and four-star hotels in PV. Many of the hotels are all-inclusive with amenities and discounts nicely suited for families. You can save precious funds with offers like free childcare, free city tours, and hotel packages where kids stay free.

Hotel prices at the four-star level range widely, from $115/night to $600/night. You’ll want to sift through their amenities and offerings with a fine tooth comb to see what you’re getting for your dollar. Outside of the resorts, Puerto Vallarta offers a thriving culinary scene, rich history, colorful arts and culture, and plenty of outdoor activities.

3. Costa Rica

Did you know that Costa Rica is the most visited nation in Central America? Most of its’ tourists originate from the U.S. And why not? Hotel rates in Costa Rica are attractively inexpensive, and flights from the East Coast are comparable to what you’ll pay flying across country. I found a flight to Costa Rica from the D.C. area for $500 round trip – easily what I’d pay flying to Cali.

In addition, traveling to Costa Rica with kids has been demystified for families as more information has become available online. And with ecotourism as its big draw, parents can easily justify the trip as an educational adventure with a few tropical perks.

4. Riviera Maya

Everyone identifies Cancun with couples and partying. However, just an hour down the road, you can travel to Riviera Maya and enjoy a more laid back Spring Break vacation with your family. Large scale all-inclusives dot either side of Highway 307 as you make the drive from Cancun International airport.

Like many other destinations in the Caribbean, families can jet ski, snorkel, scuba dive, zip line, swim with dolphins and explore the natural habitat.

Riviera Maya Temple — Temple of the gods

There’s also the Mayan ruins of Tulum, Chichen Itza, and Coba, perfect for a Mexican history lesson. For the time being, urbanization hasn’t gotten out of control but I feel a change coming. Flights to Cancun are frequent and reasonably priced. Resorts like the Palladium Hotels and Resorts make vacationing in Riviera Maya easy with extensive kids’ programming and stay-free options.

5. Cruises

Yes, I know cruises aren’t technically a destination but they sure are fun! I love cruising and with all the options out there, it never gets old. Hey, you either like a boat or your don’t!

To me, the best part about cruises is that you can hop on one just about any time of the year, not break the bank, and be some place warm in no-time. In November, I sailed on the Carnival Sunshine and caught a brief break from the early winter chills.

Think I’m the only one with a love affair? Think again. Cruises are very popular during Spring Break. Why? Because they’re an economical choice for individuals and families. Their all-inclusive nature, mixed itineraries, kids programs, and party-like atmosphere take the guess work out of planning a relaxing and affordable family vacation. Ships that I like for Spring Break family fun: Carnival, Disney, and Royal Caribbean.

So, what are your Spring Break plans? Where are you and your family headed to? Share them with me in the comments below.

Nov 25 2013

Traveling Solo On The Carnival Sunshine

Carnival cruise line is known industry-wide as the fun ship, the boat for vacationers looking for budget-friendly cruises and a party. The company embraces and lives up to its’ name. I have a lot to say about the ship and its renovations but right now I want to tell you about what it’s like traveling solo on the Carnival Sunshine.

On my last Carnival vacation, I cruised with a friend to the Caribbean. This time around I traveled solo, an experience I never thought I’d have, yet a product of being a travel writer. Apprehensive at first, what I can say after six days in a cabin by myself is that it was an absolute delight. I’ve learned that a cruise isn’t a bad way to get some A+ quiet time.

The Carnival Sunshine provides a fun experience even for solo travelers. The inaugural sailing from New Orleans is one to be remembered. From crew members to passengers, everyone on board exuded excitement and genuine friendliness. Part of this could be due to the allure of the new ship and part of it could be to the fact that most of the people were from the Gulf Coast and nearby states, where generally speaking, people tend to be pretty friendly. I think overall everyone was happy to be there. That’s what vacation should be about anyway.

What struck me most about the Sunshine, in comparison to other Carnival ships that I’ve been on, is that the ship never felt over-crowded. Even with 15% more cabins and party-goers everywhere, there were still ample places to “hide”.

Two of my favorite places, other than when I was off the ship exploring, were the Library Bar where I could bring a book or borrow one in the ship’s collection. The self-serve wine machine was pretty cool, efficient and innovative. All you needed was your Sign and Sail card to have a glass dispensed for you, whether it was a taste for $3 or a full glass for $8. No waiting for a bartender necessary.

My other favorite place was the Cloud 9 Spa. The spa had three thermal suites, a sauna, two rain showers, heated tile-covered lounge chairs overlooking the sea, and a separate relaxation area for guests to enjoy. Even with the spa being “full” on the last sea day, I never felt claustrophobic or like I was bumping elbows with anyone.

The Sunshine underwent a $155 million renovation to transform itself from the Carnival Destiny to its new identity. It’s the first ship to do a refurb of this nature. Talk about recycling. The ship has twenty new branded-spaces – in addition to an expanded gym, a larger spa and an adults-only Serenity deck, completely on the opposite side of the ship away from the new consolidated kids’ area.

A wide range of dining options are available. The general Lido area, two dining rooms, four restaurants, and three other food stations including Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint ensured there were enough dining choices so that cruisers never got bored with the menu. I ate dinners with other press members and on sea days took my lunch in the room while I worked, the deli being my go-to spot for lunch.

Overall, my vacation on the Sunshine gave me options, exactly what any traveler wants. To sum it up, key things to do solo: the spa, the Library bar, the gym, exploring the ship, shopping. I could relax in a quiet space, dine with the masses, or party through the night, all on the same vacation and within the same day.

Disclosure: I was a guest of Carnival Cruises to preview the Sunshine. I was not compensated for this post, all opinions expressed are my own.

Nov 23 2013

Carnival Sunshine, On-Foot Excursion: Cayman Islands National Museum

Hundreds of flip flops, baseball caps, straw hats, sunglasses and tote bags pass through South and North terminal along Grand Cayman’s Harbour Drive, in search of jewelry deals, excursion transfers, Margaritaville or some other tourist-trap island bar. The streets in this part of town are busy with cars and bodies working to navigate through the dense traffic, whether human or mechanical.

A quiet church and a small museum are peaceful escapes from the commotion. Historic sites don’t rank high on the average cruise-goer’s Cayman Islands To Do List.

If you’re visiting Grand Cayman on a cruise like the Carnival Sunshine or you happen to be there on a multi-day vacation with the family, make sure you stop at the Cayman Islands National Museum. I missed this cute little building on my previous visit to the island with my family but this time around I was looking for something low key and inexpensive to do.

I’ve already been to Turtle Farm with the kids, seen enough sting rays in my life, have enough jewelry in my drawer at home, and wasn’t interested in 7 mile beach or visiting Hell agin.

The National Museum is one of the oldest structures on the island. Surviving storms, time and hurricanes, it’s one of the last buildings from the 19th century remaining on the island. Inside you’ll get a glimpse into the story of the Cayman people.

A 15-minute movie at the beginning of your museum tour educates on the island’s history and natural world. For the first time, I learned that no evidence of natives were found on the island and that Columbus may have actually discovered a place that didn’t already have inhabitants. (Hub is skeptical but that’s a debate for another day.)

The National Museum is both budget and time-friendly. Inside the museum you’ll find interactive exhibits where you can learn about Cayman history, marine life, birds and other native animal species at the touch of a button.

If you have a pretty face and happen to be on your own, you may even gain the attention and one-on-one tour of Alfred, the resident handyman of the museum who blessed me with sly complements and insight into his love life. Or you may attract the bright cheery smile of young Michael as he checks on you through two or three rooms to make sure “ev’ry ting alright?”.

Other than resident Casanovas, the museum has two floors and six spaces to explore including the theater, a natural history gallery, an old goal (jail), a cultural history gallery, a changing gallery and a children’s gallery. The gift shop is the first space that you’ll enter, a small room filled with reasonably-priced jewelry and other culturally-inspired finds.

Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for children (6-12), and $5 for seniors.

The tour of the museum will last you no more than an hour. Overall, it’s a peaceful break from the crowds and consumerism on Harbour Drive as well as a colorful introduction to the Cayman Islands.

Sep 23 2013

Carnival Cruises New Program “Guarantees” Great Vacation Or Money Back

As quiet as it’s kept, cruising is one of my favorite forms of travel. And on all the cruises that I’ve taken, I’ve enjoyed a great vacation. Yes, the Cuban shuffle lines are corny and overdone. No, I’m not challenging my travel adventure spirit. Even with all the bad press that the industry (Carnival Cruises, in particular) has gotten over the past few years, there’s still something nostalgic about cruising for me.

Why? It could be that my grandmother, who I miss dearly, took me on my very first cruise; or that my husband and I tied the knot for the second time on one; or that my friends and I have some of the best travel memories from a ship. Whatever it is, I still enjoy cruising. Don’t judge me. Just the other day, at my husband’s grandmother’s funeral, my in-laws asked when would we all get together again. They all talked about how much fun they had on our wedding cruise. Good experiences breed repeat customers, especially ones that are pocket friendly.

Budget-Friendly Travel

For many individuals cruising is an inexpensive way to see several places on one trip and can be a very cost-effective form of family travel. However, no matter how cheap a cruise is, the last thing that you want to deal with is DRAMA. If the sh*t hits the fan, or your ship hits a ditch, your vacation is ruined. That’s money wasted. And at the end of the day, all of us want to know, how will a company make things right? Now, Carnival Cruise Line is answering that question.

“Great Vacation Guarantee”

Last week, Carnival announced their “Great Vacation Guarantee.” It’s the only program in the industry of its kind, where the company is offering a 110 percent refund, complimentary return flights and more, should a guest not be completely satisfied. Guests can end their voyage early and receive a $100 shipboard credit for a future cruise, should they be dissatisfied with their cruise for any reason.

Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO, says that, “The ‘Great Vacation Guarantee’ is designed to provide an assurance to those consumers who may be considering a cruise, that we stand behind our product and, if they are dissatisfied for any reason, they have a simple and hassle-free means for receiving a full refund and more.”

How do guests exercise this “Great Vacation Guarantee”? They simply notify the ship’s guest services desk within the first 24 hours of their voyage to receive the full refund. The program is promoted through Carnival’s travel agent partners, as well as a special section on its web site at www.carnival.com/vacationguarantee, and through ads in major market U.S. newspapers and online.

The “Great Vacation Guarantee” is valid on all three- to eight-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Canada and New England departing through April 30, 2015. It’s also open only to U.S. and Canada residents. Note that I highlighted and bolded “the first 24 hours” – if you’re unhappy with anything, it better be before you’re done unpacking if you want to get a refund. Don’t try to ask for a refund on your last day of the cruise! I can guarantee that that’s probably not happening for you. Let’s see how many guests exercise the guarantee in the upcoming months and if this will change standards in the industry.

If you’ve ever been unsatisfied with a cruise or any other vacation, when does it usually happen? Does this program make you more inclined to cruise with Carnival?