Cruises Opens Cuba For Americans

Cruising may be the best way to see Cuba right now, especially for American tourists accustomed to a certain level of service from hotels.  When the Adonia sets sail from Miami on May 1, it will mark the first time a regularly scheduled ship has sailed to Cuba from the US in 50 years.

The Adonia belongs to Fathom, Carnival Corporation's "social impact" brand.  Fathom offers alternating, week-long cruises to Cuba and the Dominican Republic.  In the Dominican Republic, passengers may choose to engage in some volunteer activities or not.  In Cuba, because current restrictions on travel, most of the time passengers participate in educational shore tours as a group.

Pearl Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbeans Cruises Ltd., and Oceania Cruises (part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings), also anticipate getting the go-ahead from Havana very soon.

Why cruise to Cuba as opposed to booking a land-based trip?

"With the Cuban infrastructure stuck in time, travelers need to be aware of the fact that the roads are in bad shape, the electrical system is archaic and troublesome, the water;s not always running and available and (there are hotels with no air conditioning" says Shawna Hoffman, long-time cruise expert and Cruising to Cuba CEO.

"Cuba has a ways to go before it is up to the standards that Americans are use to when traveling.  But when you travel by ship, you get a safe, air conditioned haven to come back to every night.  You also have the influx of investments from the cruise lines to make sure that your land excursions are safe and up to par," says Hoffman.

In addition, most of the cruise lines handle the paperwork required for visas, you only unpack once, and cruises guarantee your room.  Booking a cabin also assures you of a place to sleep.  Hotels frequently overbook leaving some land-based passengers without rooms, according to a group travel specialist.

Getting The Most From A Summer Cruise

If you are like most people, now is the time of year you are starting to plan your summer vacation.  While summer is a popular time for families to take a cruise, and a reason you may have never considered taking a cruise during the season; now your thoughts may change.  Here are three ways to still make your summer one to remember - and they all involve taking a cruise: avoid high season if possible, consider off-peak days and remember that value doesn't always equal price.


Avoid High season if possible.  Anyone who's been through an airport during summer knows it's an extremely popular time to travel; school is out, and it has a ripple effect across the entire travel industry, even if you don't have children.  So for that reason, summer in and of itself is a high season, especially in places like Alaska, Bermuda and parts of Europe where cruising relies on mild weather.  But there are certain cruise destinations that may not be as crowded.

One off-peak summer destination is New England/Maritime Canada.  While herds of tourists flock there for fall foliage, the off season brings warm weather, warm water and slightly smaller crowds.

Because ships can maneuver so easily, it is more difficult to find cruise ships in totally off-season destinations Even the Caribbean is in "high season" during the summer due to the number of ships that are redeployed to Europe and Alaska.  But even if you can adjust your schedule by a few weeks, it could pay off.  For example, the peak summer cruise season in Hawaii starts to slow down in late August.

Then, in September, the low season begins in Alaska, Bermuda, the Caribbean, the eastern and western Mediterranean, along with northern Europe.  If you don't have to be back to get the kids off to school, this is an ideal choice.  Southern Europe will remain busier later into the fall.

Consider Off-Peak Days.  Just like airlines have slower days, cruise ships have off-peak schedules as well.  For example, while many Alaska cruises depart on the weekend, there are some that leave during the week.  This could enhance your enjoyment time in port, when the crowds are not quite as thick because your hitting them on different days.

Remember that value doesn't always equal price.  Travel consumers have become extremely price-conscious, and while price is certainly an important part of the equation, there is more to the equation than price.  First, remember that cruising provides the most value for your dollar than any other type of vacation.  Where else can you get tour accommodations, meals, entertainment and so much more all rolled into one price?  While some all-inclusive resorts can make that promise, they certainly can't deliver you to a new and exciting destination every day.  Plus, there is a certain peace of mind you get by paying in advance for a cruise vacation, versus a car trip where cost can vary.

Whether you are looking for an affordable family getaway, or a luxurious, relaxing time-out with your  significant other, the memories you make on a cruise are going to last a lifetime.  But don't wait too long.  Eventually, those cruise ships will sail full, with or without you!

Top Travel Trends for Boomers in 2016

As we get older, more and more of us, more and more of us are making traveling for pleasure a priority in our lives.  That is one of the findings of a recent survey of Baby Boomers conducted recently by the AARP to determine the travel trends of their members in 2016.  The top 2016 Boomer travel trends show,  that almost all will travel for leisure with about half planning an international trip this year.

Other key findings in the survey includes:

Travel in 2016

   - Practically all Boomers (99%) anticipate traveling for leisure in 2016, with around 4 trips in the works.

   - Many are planning international trips (45%), with 5% planning international travel exclusively.

   - The desire to travel comes down to three primary motivators:

          - To spend time with family and friends

          - To relax and rejuvenate

          - To get away from everyday life

   - Baby Boomers do not appear to be overly about budgeting for personal travel, nor are they bothered by the price of airfares.

   - Among those with pets, only 5% will travel with them 'All the time."


Travel Details

   - Baby Boomers find lots of reasons to travel abroad, with the most popular trip types being Bucket List, Multi-Generational, or Summer Vacations.

          - Europe and the Caribbean are key destinations for international travellers.

          - Final locations are equally likely to be a city, a beach, or a cruise.

   - Summer Vacations, Multi-Generational trips, and Weekend Getaways are the the primary reasons for domestic in 2016.

          - The most popular domestic destinations mentioned include Florida, Las Vegas, California,               New York and Hawaii.

          - Hotels will attract over 70% of Boomers travelling in the US for pleasure in 2016.


General Travel Trends

   - Baby Boomers do not tend to linger in airports and are the least likely generation to take advantage of various airport amenities.

   - Boomer love free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfasts when deciding on a hotel.

   - Two-thirds of Boomers say social media plays a small role in influencing their travel decisions.

   - Only 54% of Boomers who are still working plan on using all of their vacation time, and one-third will bring work with them on vacation.



 

The Final Checklist For Your First European Trip

You're all set, aren't you?  Well, there probably are a few things you need to do a few days before you leave on your European trip.


Make Copies - Just in Case

Just like you should back up all your critical files on your computer, you'll want to make at least two photocopies of your itinerary, your passport information page (the one with your picture and passport number) and copies of your credit cards showing the numbers.  Leave one copy at home with someone you trust and can get a hold of any time of day or night.  Keep a copy of your passport and credit card info with you but in a different than the original items.


Call Your Credit Card Companies

A couple of days before you leave for your journey, call the 800 number on the back of the credit cards you're taking with you.  Make sure the credit card company knows you will be charging things in different countries on your trip.  Otherwise, your charges will likely be refused.


Got Meds?  Write Down the Details

Before you travel to Europe, make sure you have the medicines themselves, but also record the scientific name of the medicine.  Just because a US doctor prescribes something with a generic name does not mean you can replace that medicine in Europe.  If you know the scientific name of the drug you're taking, at least the name of the active ingredient, you have a chance of replacing a medicine you've forgotten, or need in an emergency.  Keep the list in a safe place and give a copy to someone.


Pack It All Up!

Get everything together in one place and start packing.  Eliminate anything heavy that you may not use.  Remember, you're going to a place with lots of opportunities to buy what you need.

After, make sure you can walk with all your luggage.  Check your carry on baggage against your airline's rules; some budget airlines allow smaller carry-ons than the big boys.

I always run through a complete day in my head, touching each  each item I'll need before zipping the before zipping the bag up.  It makes me feel good.


Final Check!

The basic stuff you need to carry are: Passport, tickets, car rental agreements, hotel reservation receipts, credit cards, medications (and prescriptions, if required), addresses/password information, some clothing and an open mind with a sense of wonder.  Check them twice. Then go have fun in Europe.

Great Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World in 2016

For Walt Disney World,  2015 meant new restaurant openings, a re-imagined Downtown Disney (Disney Springs), new shops and new attractions.  But with the Magic Kingdom Park celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2016, Disney World has a whole new batch of surprises to entice us to visit the home of Mickey Mouse.  Here are are some great reasons you and your family should consider a visit to the "most magical place on earth" this year.

1. Soarin' Around the World

Beginning this year, guests will have the chance to take on a whole new Soarin' experience when Soarin' Around the World opens at EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort.  The 4-D attraction will take guests on a journey over some of the world's most unique landscapes.

2. Hollywood Studios Presents New "Star Wars"-Themed Fire Works Show

Disney's Hollywood Studios is introducing the new fireworks show.  The park recently rolled out other "Star Wars"-themed experiences, including Star Wars Launch Bay and a revision to Star Tours.

3. Dine at Animal Kingdom's Newest restaurant, Tiffins

Tiffins will offer waterfront views from indoor and outdoor and will celebrate the art of traveling, featuring a diverse menu drawing from places that inspire the creation of Disney's Animal Kingdom.

4. Animal Kingdom's First Nighttime Experience, "Rivers of Light"

Set to debut this spring, "Rivers of Light" will take place on Discovery River between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest.  It will combine live performers, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery.  A pair of hosts will journey onto the river of lantern vessels "for a dramatic dance of water and light to summon animal spirits."  In addition to the show, the park's iconic Tree of Life will be lit up by magical fireflies.

5. Kilimanjaro Safaris To Expand After Sunset

The Kilimanjaro Safaris will be extended for a new nighttime adventure.  Guests will travel through the African savanna and discover two new species to the attraction: African wild dogs and hyenas.

6. Frozen Ever After to Open at Epcot

The story of "Frozen" will be retold to park guests at the "Frozen Ever After" experience in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot.  The experience will take guests into the kingdom of Arendelle through storytelling new technology and music.  Visitors will visit Elsa's Ice Palace and the ice-blue world of North Mountain.  Favor "Frozen" characters will also be part of the experience.  In Norway, fans will have the opportunity to meet Anna and Elsa at the Royal Summerhas.

7. New Dining at Disney Springs

Downtown Disney experienced a large transformation in 2015, most notably, its re-branding to Disney Springs.  Several new ding options were introduced, including the Boathouse, Morimoto Asia, Jock Lindsey's Hanger Bar and Dockside Margaritas.  In 2016, we are expecting to see the opening of STK Restaurant, Blaze Fast-Fired Pizza and the Edison.

8. Jungle Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom Park

Fans will have a chance to experience the brand-new Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen restaurant in Adventureland.  At the restaurant, guests will be able to experience "World Famous Jungle Cuisine" in one of several unique dining rooms, including a crew mess hall and a "once-hidden secret meeting room of the famed Society of Explorers and Adventurers."

Meet Royal Caribbean's Next Great Ship

Think cruise ships can't get any bigger?  Think again.   A sister to Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas (the current record holders), Harmony of the Seas will eclipse its siblings by more than 1700 tons and hold nearly 100 more passengers at double occupancy.  Like the two earlier ships, which made waves in the  cruise industry when they debuted in 2009 and 2010, respectively.  Harmony will be a floating mega resort, (when she debuts in Europe for the summer), to rival the most spectacular properties on land with dozens of eateries, bars, showrooms and deck-top fun zones.

New on board will be giant, multi-deck water slides - a first for Royal Caribbean, Harmony also will be the first Oasis class ship with a Bionic Bar where the drinks are served by robot bartenders - a concept that first debuted in 2014 on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas.  In addition, the ship will have larger cabins than Oasis and Allure in some categories, and windowless "inside" cabins will be outfitted with Royal Caribbean's exclusive Virtual Balconies, which offer a real-time view of the outdoors - a concept that debuted in 2014 on the line's Navigator of the Seas.

Suite passengers also will have exclusive new areas to enjoy including a suite lounge, a private suites-only restaurant called Coastal Kitchen and a full service Suite Sun Zone sun deck.  New restaurants will include the whimsical Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine eatery that first debuted on the Quantum.  Also planned is Sabor, the modern Mexican restaurant that Royal Caribbean recently started adding to their ships.

After spending the Spring and Summer cruising the Mediterranean from Barcelona, Harmony will re-position to Fort Lauderdale, Fl., to offer alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages.

Preview of Holland America's New "King": ms Koningsdam

Holland America has taken an innovative approach to their newest ship, ms Koningsdam, which will launch in April 2016.  While still filled with the luxurious experience Holland America customers expect to receive, the ship contains several new features beginning with the overall design.  Holland America commissioned the designers to create a vessel of beautifully flowing curves and lines, reminiscent of elegant musical instruments like the harp or violin.  The musical theme carries throughout the ship with composer-named decks such as Beethoven, Mozart, Shubert, and Gershwin.


With a capacity of 2650 guests, ms Koningsdam is Holland America's largest ship to date, but the service and amenities keep the mood personal.  From the innovative Family ocean-view staterooms, with accommodations for up to five guests per room to the elegant Verandah Spa suites, with private access to onboard mineral pool, Koningsdam has the best of both worlds.  Exclusivity often seen only on smaller ships with all the offerings of a larger ship.

The discerning amenities don't stop with the rooms.  Holland America has a special partnership with Food & Wine magazine and a culinary council for all 15 ships in their fleet.  Koningsdam features a Culinary Arts Center that will seat up to 74 guests offering a unique farm to table dining experience featuring demonstrations from top chefs around the world.  Did someone mention wine?  Through a partnership with acclaimed Chateau Ste. Michelle winery out of Washington state, guests will have the opportunity to create their own personal bottle of wine at BLEND.

Because dining is a huge part of one's cruise experience, Holland America has put tremendous focus on all the new dining venues and choices such as Sel de Mer, the seafood brassiere, the family style Italian restaurant, Canalettos, and the Tamarind southeastern Asian restaurant and sushi bar.  No matter what you have a taste for, it's all available on ms Koningsdam.

It's not simply the food or rooms, but the entertainment is world-class.  From the Lincoln Center Stage to the BB King Blues club to the Billboard Onboard, there is something for everyone, from lectures to Broadway entertainment to a sing along piano bar.

Every traveler will feel like royalty on ms Koningsdam, which is fitting as "Koning," means king in Dutch.  If your ready for a first-rate, majestic cruise, Holland America will off a great experience with the ms Koningsdam.