Thought about going to Europe? Is it on your bucket list? Or is it somewhere you've been and can't wait to return?
See Europe via cruise! ... why?
1. You can see several major European cities in one trip. The travel between cities is done at night so you don't waste touring time.
2. You only have to unpack once! (one of my favorites!)
3. Once you have paid, you are not at the mercy of the dollar fluctuation for meals or tours.
4. Want to see the interior, rather than Mediterranean ports? Consider a river cruise. Just as luxurious, but sailing on one of Europe's wonderful rivers. Most of the major inland cities in Europe developed on rivers, due to transportation requirements, so you get to visit all the "biggies".
5. Many of the cruise line's European itineraries have overnight stays in the larger cities. So you have time for a longer tour and perhaps dinner or a show.
It's on sale now! This is WAVE season, when the cruise lines are offering some of their best deals. Royal Caribbean just announced $50-$100 on board credit for their European sailings. Other cruise lines also have offers.
Let's go to Europe this year!!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Don't Do Disney in December ... at least the last week
Hello, all!
Do you like my alliteration? It is meant to call attention to the HUGE crowds that flood DisneyWorld the week between Christmas and New Year's. I have been to Disney that week and had forgotten about the crowds until I ran across this blog post from Jack Spence. He experience the same thing I did ... Ginormous crowds, multi-hour waits, and not so much magic. Here are a couple of his pictures. You can get the entire view at his blog
That being said, I think one of the BEST times to "do Disney" is between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The decorations are up (my favorite reason to visit then), the crowds are smaller (Disney no longer has no crowds), and the weather is OK (a few rain showers).
Many of you already know that Walt Disney World is one of my favorite places on earth. It is in a dead heat with cruising as my favorite vacations. But even a dyed-in-the-wood Mouse-lover like me can't stand the wall-to-wall people that Christmas week brings.
So YES! Book a Disney vacation this year. But let me help you pick a time when you can really enjoy ALL the magic!
Do you like my alliteration? It is meant to call attention to the HUGE crowds that flood DisneyWorld the week between Christmas and New Year's. I have been to Disney that week and had forgotten about the crowds until I ran across this blog post from Jack Spence. He experience the same thing I did ... Ginormous crowds, multi-hour waits, and not so much magic. Here are a couple of his pictures. You can get the entire view at his blog
That being said, I think one of the BEST times to "do Disney" is between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The decorations are up (my favorite reason to visit then), the crowds are smaller (Disney no longer has no crowds), and the weather is OK (a few rain showers).
Many of you already know that Walt Disney World is one of my favorite places on earth. It is in a dead heat with cruising as my favorite vacations. But even a dyed-in-the-wood Mouse-lover like me can't stand the wall-to-wall people that Christmas week brings.
So YES! Book a Disney vacation this year. But let me help you pick a time when you can really enjoy ALL the magic!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Where Do You Want to Go?
Yes. It's the new year and everyone is resolving and planning. So, don't forget to resolve to give yourself a vacation this year and plan to book your cruise early. The best cabins in the best locations always go first.
And just in case you think cruises are warm weather only activities, check this out:
http://www.cruisecritic.com/slideshows/?ID=315
Happy New Year!!
And just in case you think cruises are warm weather only activities, check this out:
http://www.cruisecritic.com/slideshows/?ID=315
Happy New Year!!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Let it snow ... let it snow
It's only been a week and I already want to be back in the Caribbean! I'm sitting in my office, looking out over about 6" of snow that has fallen today; and it is predicted to continue. Cruise memories of sun and sand are fading away and thoughts of a white Christmas are pushing forward.
So let me take some time, while I'm sitting at my computer, to tell you about a hotel tour I had last week. Christi from the Hotel Andaluz in Albuquerque showed me around this wonderful little downtown hotel. The pictures here are from their web site.
From the Hotel's fact sheet:
The historic La Posada de Albuquerque Hotel reopened October 1, 2009 as Hotel Andaluz, following a $30 million renovation. The hotel boasts 107 rooms and suites, with meeting space for a variety of corporate booking needs. The hotel’s décor incorporates Moroccan and Spanish colonial influences reflective of the original design of the lobby, and features a mezzanine-level cultural center honoring New Mexico’s museums, cultural institutions, performing arts groups, and other culturally significant organizations.
We began our tour in the lobby, into which the renovation incorporated "casbah's" ... small, intimate seating areas, which can be curtained off. These areas can be reserved for small get togethers ... think drinks with friends before dinner. Two of them can have the connecting wall removed for slightly larger groups ... like an intimate birthday party or anniversary celebration for about 10-15 folks. Here's a picture
We had a great New Mexican breakfast at their restaurant, Lucia. I can't speak for dinner or lunch menus, but if they have items half as great at the red chili, hash browns, and eggs I had, the dining experience will be wonderful. Christi had huevos rancheros that must have tasted as good as they looked if her expression was any indication! You can check out pictures, and all the menus and other info here.
Next we went on a tour of the rooms. She started me in one of the suites. This one had a king-sized bed in a bedroom that could be closed off from the sitting area. A convertible sofa in the sitting area added to the capacity for the room. Best of all was the bathroom ... totally renovated and modern ... and beautiful! Notice the huge antique tub in this picture:
They took great pains to restore many of the original cast iron soaking tubs, and then housed them in a bathroom with all the modern amenities. The shower just begs you to get in and take your time, while the bathtub is big enough for a really relaxing soak! Because the hotel's owner is very environmentally conscious, all the upscale toiletries are dispensed from wall mounted bottles that are refilled as needed, dramatically cutting down on the waste of all those little plastic bottles!
The next suite I visited was similar, but without the wall dividing the bedroom and sitting room. Even though it was slightly smaller in square footage, it seemed bigger due to the lack of wall. So you can have your choice of privacy with a wall or a more open feeling without. Here's a sample of the open floor plan:
Notice the arch that leads into the entryway. One of the most charming thing about the hotel is the manner in which they renovated, leaving the original architecture as much as possible, while completely updating and modernising the decor.
I HAVE to talk about the desks! I travel some (duh!) and one of my pet peeves is the ridiculous placement of power outlets for computers, cell phone chargers, etc. Andaluz has solved the problem. Every desk, in every room, is equipped with a pop-up power strip. Now, why don't others think of that!?! Built right into the desk! Oh, another pet peeve of mine is that the more upscale the hotel, the more they charge for Internet access ... want free access ... go to a Holiday Inn. Not so the Andaluz! Internet access is complimentary. Hooray!!!
I could go on, but let me point you to the hotel web site instead. There is all the info you will need about this charming hotel in the heart of downtown Albuquerque.
Oh, and stay tuned ... I will be putting together a package with the hotel for the 2012 Balloon Fiesta. Let me know if you are interested!
So let me take some time, while I'm sitting at my computer, to tell you about a hotel tour I had last week. Christi from the Hotel Andaluz in Albuquerque showed me around this wonderful little downtown hotel. The pictures here are from their web site.
From the Hotel's fact sheet:
We began our tour in the lobby, into which the renovation incorporated "casbah's" ... small, intimate seating areas, which can be curtained off. These areas can be reserved for small get togethers ... think drinks with friends before dinner. Two of them can have the connecting wall removed for slightly larger groups ... like an intimate birthday party or anniversary celebration for about 10-15 folks. Here's a picture
We had a great New Mexican breakfast at their restaurant, Lucia. I can't speak for dinner or lunch menus, but if they have items half as great at the red chili, hash browns, and eggs I had, the dining experience will be wonderful. Christi had huevos rancheros that must have tasted as good as they looked if her expression was any indication! You can check out pictures, and all the menus and other info here.
Next we went on a tour of the rooms. She started me in one of the suites. This one had a king-sized bed in a bedroom that could be closed off from the sitting area. A convertible sofa in the sitting area added to the capacity for the room. Best of all was the bathroom ... totally renovated and modern ... and beautiful! Notice the huge antique tub in this picture:
They took great pains to restore many of the original cast iron soaking tubs, and then housed them in a bathroom with all the modern amenities. The shower just begs you to get in and take your time, while the bathtub is big enough for a really relaxing soak! Because the hotel's owner is very environmentally conscious, all the upscale toiletries are dispensed from wall mounted bottles that are refilled as needed, dramatically cutting down on the waste of all those little plastic bottles!
The next suite I visited was similar, but without the wall dividing the bedroom and sitting room. Even though it was slightly smaller in square footage, it seemed bigger due to the lack of wall. So you can have your choice of privacy with a wall or a more open feeling without. Here's a sample of the open floor plan:
Notice the arch that leads into the entryway. One of the most charming thing about the hotel is the manner in which they renovated, leaving the original architecture as much as possible, while completely updating and modernising the decor.
I HAVE to talk about the desks! I travel some (duh!) and one of my pet peeves is the ridiculous placement of power outlets for computers, cell phone chargers, etc. Andaluz has solved the problem. Every desk, in every room, is equipped with a pop-up power strip. Now, why don't others think of that!?! Built right into the desk! Oh, another pet peeve of mine is that the more upscale the hotel, the more they charge for Internet access ... want free access ... go to a Holiday Inn. Not so the Andaluz! Internet access is complimentary. Hooray!!!
I could go on, but let me point you to the hotel web site instead. There is all the info you will need about this charming hotel in the heart of downtown Albuquerque.
Oh, and stay tuned ... I will be putting together a package with the hotel for the 2012 Balloon Fiesta. Let me know if you are interested!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Last set of tips
Promised you the final set of tips from Budget Travel Magazine ... here are the last two:
11 If you even manage to get a cell signal while at sea, your roaming charges will be outrageous. To communicate with your cabinmates, leave Post-it notes on your door detailing where you'll be throughout the day.
12 If you get lost on a ship, remember that most share a common layout. The lido-deck buffet restaurant, for example, will almost always be in the back to accommodate comfortable outdoor seating in the least windy part of the ship, while the lounge/theater will be in the front because wind is not a factor (there are no windows).
My thoughts on these tips:
Leaving the post-it notes is a pretty good idea, but I saw some very clever folks on this last cruise. They had purchased small walkie-talkies and were communicating with each other that way. I saw this trick used in Disney World some time ago, but never thought to take these little radios on a cruise ship. Clever! I may try it next time we cruise
Don't worry about getting lost on a cruise ship. Every ship has deck plans posted by the elevators and, for the most part, the public rooms are all collected on a few floors. You'll need to be able to find your cabin ... make a note whether aft, bow, or mid-ship elevators get you there easiest. And staff on cruise ships are ubiquitous and VERY friendly. Just ask! You'll get your directions down pat in no time!
I have returned with about an inch of handouts and paperwork that ended up in our mailbox every day. I'll start sharing those with you in the next posts. If you've never been on a cruise they will give you an idea what to expect. If you're an old hand, then you can compare what HAL gives us to your favorite cruise line's handouts.
11 If you even manage to get a cell signal while at sea, your roaming charges will be outrageous. To communicate with your cabinmates, leave Post-it notes on your door detailing where you'll be throughout the day.
12 If you get lost on a ship, remember that most share a common layout. The lido-deck buffet restaurant, for example, will almost always be in the back to accommodate comfortable outdoor seating in the least windy part of the ship, while the lounge/theater will be in the front because wind is not a factor (there are no windows).
My thoughts on these tips:
Leaving the post-it notes is a pretty good idea, but I saw some very clever folks on this last cruise. They had purchased small walkie-talkies and were communicating with each other that way. I saw this trick used in Disney World some time ago, but never thought to take these little radios on a cruise ship. Clever! I may try it next time we cruise
Don't worry about getting lost on a cruise ship. Every ship has deck plans posted by the elevators and, for the most part, the public rooms are all collected on a few floors. You'll need to be able to find your cabin ... make a note whether aft, bow, or mid-ship elevators get you there easiest. And staff on cruise ships are ubiquitous and VERY friendly. Just ask! You'll get your directions down pat in no time!
I have returned with about an inch of handouts and paperwork that ended up in our mailbox every day. I'll start sharing those with you in the next posts. If you've never been on a cruise they will give you an idea what to expect. If you're an old hand, then you can compare what HAL gives us to your favorite cruise line's handouts.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Home again ... home again
Our ship docks tomorrow and I will spend most of Monday getting from Ft. Lauderdale to home.
It has been a wonderful cruise. These last two days at sea have reminded me why I cruise. I have spent hours on our balcony ... listening to the ocean, staring at the waves and whitecaps, enjoying the wind, reading. The peace of the ocean lets me relax, rejuvenates me, and gives me space to think. I've already started planning for next year.
I did pick up a few things for gifts while we were docked in Aruba. But I can't tell you what ... then they wouldn't be a surprise, would they?
I learned to play craps last night. More fun than slots, with only slightly different odds. I'm really not any good at card games, where the odds can occasionally be swung in your favor. But I won! Beginners luck? Who knows? We'll decide after I give the table another run tonight.
I will have two final tips for you when I get home and back to my regular computer. Till then ... sail on!
It has been a wonderful cruise. These last two days at sea have reminded me why I cruise. I have spent hours on our balcony ... listening to the ocean, staring at the waves and whitecaps, enjoying the wind, reading. The peace of the ocean lets me relax, rejuvenates me, and gives me space to think. I've already started planning for next year.
I did pick up a few things for gifts while we were docked in Aruba. But I can't tell you what ... then they wouldn't be a surprise, would they?
I learned to play craps last night. More fun than slots, with only slightly different odds. I'm really not any good at card games, where the odds can occasionally be swung in your favor. But I won! Beginners luck? Who knows? We'll decide after I give the table another run tonight.
I will have two final tips for you when I get home and back to my regular computer. Till then ... sail on!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Day 7 & 8 - Curacao and Aruba
Days 7 & 8 – Curacao and Aruba
Dec 8 & 9
Yes, for those of you paying attention, I missed a day! C'mon … I'm on vacation!
Curacao was yesterday. The ports and cities are getting larger as time goes on. Curacao was a beautiful, tropical city, with pastel buildings and beautiful flowers. Right off the dock is the Renaissance Casino. It is a grand building and quite a shopping area has sprung up around it. I went walking among the shops, bars, and tourist attractions for about an hour. There are quaint cobblestone streets and a few local crafts.
Otherwise, yesterday was like the rest of the cruise … relaxing. Knitting, reading, going to the hydrotherapy pool in the spa. We had a great dinner with one of the best waiters we've had so far. He was pleasant, without being intrusive … quite a feat. I asked about some origami I had seen him making and he came by the table to fold us a frog … that hops! When we awoke this morning, it was hanging from our stateroom mailbox!
Today is Aruba. Bigger and more bustling than Curacao. Again, I went wandering among the shops at the pier. This time I actually did some shopping. A few Christmas presents and a new caftan for me.
I am sitting at the writing desk in our cabin as I type, looking out over the aft of the ship … at the Queen Victoria, docked behind us. I thought she would be more impressive. Several folks on her forward deck, in the hot tub and reading. Appears everybody does the same thing on a cruise!
Yesterday and today I have watched innumerable cargo ships come and go. Gives me a small understanding of the amount of commerce that happens on the seas. I see big rig trailers every day and it leads one to believe that truck haul most of our goods. Not so … Cargo ships, piled high with shipping containers.
Since this is two-days worth of postings, you get two tips:
9. Make your cabin homier by packing a small collapsible vase and a bouquet of flowers.
10. If you go directly from the air-conditioned ship out onto the open-air deck (which is usually warmer and more humid in most cruise destinations) your camera's lens is likely to fog up. Warm the camera with your cabin's hair dryer on a low setting or briefly leave it out on your balcony so it can acclimate to the weather.
Hmmm … seems like the writers at Budget Travel Magazine were reaching for these. I have never found the need for flowers in my cabin. Even mass-market lines like Carnival have very nicely decorated staterooms … even the interior ones. I'd save my luggage space.
The camera tip is so true. But the fogging (which happens on my glasses as well) resolves itself very quickly. It's not serious enough to damage any of the few moving parts in today's digital cameras, so I just take a few moments to enjoy the scenery before I start snapping pictures.
We are about to pull out of Aruba … our last port. The next two days are at sea as we head back to Ft. Lauderdale. I'll see what goodies I can find to report on for you.
Dec 8 & 9
Yes, for those of you paying attention, I missed a day! C'mon … I'm on vacation!
Curacao was yesterday. The ports and cities are getting larger as time goes on. Curacao was a beautiful, tropical city, with pastel buildings and beautiful flowers. Right off the dock is the Renaissance Casino. It is a grand building and quite a shopping area has sprung up around it. I went walking among the shops, bars, and tourist attractions for about an hour. There are quaint cobblestone streets and a few local crafts.
Otherwise, yesterday was like the rest of the cruise … relaxing. Knitting, reading, going to the hydrotherapy pool in the spa. We had a great dinner with one of the best waiters we've had so far. He was pleasant, without being intrusive … quite a feat. I asked about some origami I had seen him making and he came by the table to fold us a frog … that hops! When we awoke this morning, it was hanging from our stateroom mailbox!
Today is Aruba. Bigger and more bustling than Curacao. Again, I went wandering among the shops at the pier. This time I actually did some shopping. A few Christmas presents and a new caftan for me.
I am sitting at the writing desk in our cabin as I type, looking out over the aft of the ship … at the Queen Victoria, docked behind us. I thought she would be more impressive. Several folks on her forward deck, in the hot tub and reading. Appears everybody does the same thing on a cruise!
Yesterday and today I have watched innumerable cargo ships come and go. Gives me a small understanding of the amount of commerce that happens on the seas. I see big rig trailers every day and it leads one to believe that truck haul most of our goods. Not so … Cargo ships, piled high with shipping containers.
Since this is two-days worth of postings, you get two tips:
9. Make your cabin homier by packing a small collapsible vase and a bouquet of flowers.
10. If you go directly from the air-conditioned ship out onto the open-air deck (which is usually warmer and more humid in most cruise destinations) your camera's lens is likely to fog up. Warm the camera with your cabin's hair dryer on a low setting or briefly leave it out on your balcony so it can acclimate to the weather.
Hmmm … seems like the writers at Budget Travel Magazine were reaching for these. I have never found the need for flowers in my cabin. Even mass-market lines like Carnival have very nicely decorated staterooms … even the interior ones. I'd save my luggage space.
The camera tip is so true. But the fogging (which happens on my glasses as well) resolves itself very quickly. It's not serious enough to damage any of the few moving parts in today's digital cameras, so I just take a few moments to enjoy the scenery before I start snapping pictures.
We are about to pull out of Aruba … our last port. The next two days are at sea as we head back to Ft. Lauderdale. I'll see what goodies I can find to report on for you.
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