Destinations

I have been on more then 30 cruises and I have to say out of all the cruises I’ve been on the Royal Caribbean Cruises was my favorite. They have everything for everyone! Morning to Night there is non-stop entertainment, activities, and adventure that will satisfy all ages.

I prefer the Caribbean cruises because the scenery is beautiful on and off the ship. Our ship was the Freedom of the Seas and first let me say that for the size of the ship I was pleasantly surprised at how organized the crew and staff were. They were also friendly and accommodating. The cabins are comfortable and clean. I recommend getting a cabin with a balcony, we loved being able to have a view while eating breakfast.

Every morning you receive a news paper with all the activities that will be available that day. There is a multitude of choices from napkin folding classes to surfing! Yes surfing! The ship has the world’s first surf simulator. There is always something going on that will please everyone in your group. They have an ice skating rink were you can ice skate yourself or catch some of the best shows onboard. There is a rock climbing wall, a full size sports court, an arcade, a theater, night clubs, pools, kids club, teen club, almost anything you can think of they have it. They also offer a range of classes from boxing to yoga. If you need some time to relax there is also a spa. The Royal Promenade is a four story naturally lit walk way with your choice of shops, restaurants, and bars.

The food selection is amazing and very good. You can choose from a wide range from Japanese to Italian. There is also a Johnny Rockets for the young ones to enjoy. The main dining hall sometimes has themed nights such as Mexican where the waiters dress up and there is singing and music. For a nightcap I recommend the Viking Lounge which has a great view and great music and dancing.

If your looking to satisfy everyone in your group cruises are the prefect way to go!

Virtuoso travel advisors share their top island getaways, from tropical havens to cosmopolitan escapes in the March/April Islands issue of VIRTUOSO LIFE.

1. Hawaii - The 50th state was hands down the most popular choice for tropical bliss, with Maui the top individual island. “Love the beaches, the people, the ambiance, the closeness to other islands for day trips, the sun, the golf, the food - I love it all.”
2. Tahiti - Running a close second was this South Pacific paradise, with Bora-Bora - and its overwater bungalows - receiving the most raves. “The color of the water is truly amazing, and the people are wonderful, very friendly and welcoming. I fell in love with Bora-Bora.”
3. Anguilla - “On this island in the Lesser Antilles, the people are beautiful on the inside, the beaches are beautiful on the outside, and the food is great too. I love Anguilla so much I’ve brought a boyfriend and two husbands here - not at the same time, of course.”
4. Saint Bart’s - “It has terrific beaches, amazing restaurants, great live music, and the local people are eclectic and fun. I love to stay in a villa with a pool and visit a different beach each day. It is also a perfect island for celebrity spotting.”
5. Vancouver Island - “It may not be tropical, but it has so many opportunities to experience nature: temperate rain forest, fjords, wild sea life, storms blowing in off the Pacific. It is one of the world’s most diverse, gorgeous places.”
6. Fiji - “It’s so remote and romantic. You can walk out of your beachfront bure and hop into the water for a swim or snorkel. The Fijians make a stay very special and are truly the most friendly and hospitable people on earth.”
7. Barbados - “What better combination is there than white sand and blue sparkling water? Add to that luxurious resorts with fabulous spas and golf courses, loads of colorful festivals, and sunken ships to explore by tank or snorkel, and there’s no reason to go anywhere else.”
8. Tasmania - “With a third of the island designated as national parkland, the unspoiled scenery is spectacular. From lakes to beaches and forests, you can hike, ride horseback, swim, fish, kayak, scuba dive, and spot wildlife. The island’s cool-climate wines are excellent, and Tassie has some of the nicest people you will find anywhere.”
9. Easter Island - “The peace and serenity of the place are overwhelming. The guides are fantastic, the food outstanding, the scenery breathtaking, and the people wonderful. The sky is so blue and the ocean even bluer. It’s a great place for couples or families.”
10. Nevis - “It’s the kind of place where you don’t need those few days to unwind. You can relax as soon as you arrive. A hammock on the beach is all I need, but there are guided hikes, golf and spa at the Four Seasons, plantation houses to visit or stay at, and a ferry that visits nearby Saint Kitts.”
11. Aitutaki - “One of the Cook Islands, Aitutaki is one of my favorite places on earth. You can walk in the knee-high water for miles, find conches the size of a sink, feel like you are alone, and totally rejuvenate.”
12. Bali - “The Balinese radiate a spiritual beauty. I love the emerald green rice paddies, the haunting music of gamelan, and watching the women balance stacks of fruit on their heads as they glide gracefully toward a Hindu ceremony at one of the mini-temples on the island.”
13. Bermuda - “There’s so much to see and do, with scenery, history, charm, and year-round temperate weather. Everything is clean, the people are gracious, and it has a great economy.”
14. Capri - “I love Capri for its great views and Italian charm. If you spend time here, you discover places that entice you to return. It’s wonderful to sit in the piazza and sip an espresso or wander the narrow streets. The pizza here is the best anywhere.”
15. Santorini - “This Greek isle is always at the top of my list, with is whitehead cliffside dwellings overlooking the most unusual shade of blue in the caldera. Spend the day sightseeing and shopping; come late afternoon, trek to the village of Oia to watch the sunset, then enjoy a dinner of fabulous local food, topped off with a little singing and dancing.

From guest blogger Jeanne Parrent, Founder of Boom Voyage.

Are Disney World and Universal been there, done that destinations for your family vacation? Here are three options for travel with children that we think offer exciting things to see, things to do, and things to learn all served with a large dollop of fun: a trip to South Africa including game preserves, exploring Alaska and its glaciers, and a family diving adventure to Grand Cayman.

Finally, Family Dive Trip: Grand Cayman
At one time, dive trip and family were not words that went together. That is not true any more. One of the most interesting is Cobalt Coast Resort and Suites on Grand Cayman. Coordinate your trip so that your children ten and up can experience Sea Camp, a week of fun and diving instruction. There is also Teen Sea Camp, and Scuba Rangers. For children too young or not diving, there are snorkeling trips and child care available while adults dive. Fun activities include the Cayman Turtle Farm, where green turtles are raised. 40% of the turtle yearlings are released into the wild. Sponsor a turtle for only $5.00. Boatswain’s Beach has other attractions including a fresh water tidal lagoon for swimming, birds and crocodiles. If you like the idea of a family dive trip, but want to go further afield, consider Fiji, which has several dive resorts that offer children’s programs, such as Outrigger on the Lagoon with its Little Riggers programs (children 3-7) and Beach Riggers (children 8-12).