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The Disney Wish, the newest ship with Disney Cruise line, will begin sailing in 2022, and in the usual Disney fashion, they are pulling out all the stops.

The AquaMouse, a two-seater aqua coaster, is the first Disney attraction at sea. It wouldn’t be a Disney ride without a story line, and on AquaMouse, Mickey and Minnie have started their own seaside excursion company named Port Misadventures.

At the beginning of the ride, you’ll cruise through a tunnel while enjoying an animated short with sea creatures, Disney characters, music and 60+ water effects.

Don’t get too comfortable! At the end of the tunnel, you’ll blast out for a ride around the upper decks, including a funnel with lighting effects, a quick dash through a dark tunnel, and up and down a series of speed blasters. Finish up with a loop over the edge of the ship (yes, you will see the ocean below you) and a splash landing with a parting message from Mickey and Minnie.

The AquaMouse promises to be a fun adventure for the entire family!

Book a cruise on the Disney Wish to experience AquaMouse for yourself!

Sandals Resorts is converting two all-inclusive Jamaican properties, along with a land parcel in Ocho Rios, into three Sandals resort experiences under the Sandals and Beaches brands.

Sandals will convert the former Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios and the Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort & Waterpark, both acquired last year, plus beachfront land adjacent to the Ocho Rios resort, into three properties: Sandals Dunn’s River; an adjacent, 250-room Sandals Royal Dunn’s River oceanfront property and a new Beaches Runaway Bay resort.

Sandals Dunn’s River will undergo a “top to bottom” renovation. Sandals Dunn’s River will offer a total of 260 rooms including 48 signature SkyPool Suites, a first for Jamaica, which will feature a private cantilevered, solar-heated plunge pool with infinity edge. 12 Swim-up Rondoval™ Suites with many featuring a “Rooftop Terrace” will also grace the property – both signature Love Nest Butler Suites® for the ultimate in privacy and service; 10 restaurants including a specialty rum bar inside the brand’s newest Latin Fusion restaurant concept Azuka and 9 bars; 7 pools including 2 river pools and Red Lane® Spa.

The sister hotels will operate in much the same manner as the concept that Sandals developed between Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados, with exchange privileges between the two all-inclusive resorts. They will be offering “generous” exchange privileges between the two all-inclusive resorts, including multiple dining and amenity options.

The Runaway Bay resort, located between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, will also undergo “extensive redevelopment” becoming Beaches’ third Jamaican property. The redeveloped resort will feature 400 one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom suites, designed “with extended families in mind,” said officials. Guests of Beaches Runaway Bay will have access to Runaway Bay Golf Club and its par-72, 18-hole championship golf course.

The Dunn’s River property returns to the Sandals portfolio as Sandals Dunn’s River, the same name the property utilized when Sandals first purchased the resort in 1990. “Sandals Dunn’s River holds special meaning to our family because its history is the story of Jamaica’s evolution as a travel powerhouse,” said Adam Stewart, Sandals executive chairman.

“My father grew up on the beach in Ocho Rios and this hotel, the first of its kind when it was built in the 1950s, captured the era’s glamour and sparked his imagination,” he said. “When it became available, we jumped at the chance to bring the hotel back into the Sandals fold.”

Sandals has targeted completion of the new Sandals Dunn’s River for fourth quarter 2022. Phase II is the creation of sister-property Sandals Royal Dunn’s River, which will be adjacent and offer generous exchange privileges with a slated completion in 2023.

Stewart says the new Sandals Dunn’s River was the last project he and his late father collaborated on and is an homage to the natural beauty of their beloved Jamaica, with water pulled and circulated from natural reserves and the brand’s signature suites being a prominent feature.

For additional information about these three amazing new properties, contact me today!

Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán will be located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, across from the tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Estrella del Mar, a private gated golf and residential community just over five miles from Mazatlán’s International Airport (MZT). This will be the first Dreams Resorts & Spas in Mazatlan – the destination known as the “Pearl of the Pacific.”

Features of the 350-room resort include:

  • An elegant design with locally sourced materials, highlighting the natural beauty and vegetation on-site
  • 350 beachfront suites, including 29 swim-out suites and a separate adults-only section
  • A prime location along a central pedestrian walkway
  • 5 gourmet restaurants featuring diverse international cuisines
  • Multiple pools, an aquatic park and a lazy river, all of which face the Pacific Ocean
  • A theater and a convention center for up to 700 people, overlooking an 18-hole professional golf course

The property will also have an 1,800-square-foot, state-of-the-art spa and wellness center that will incorporate elements of the resort’s surroundings, including water elements and natural light, inspiring a connection to nature. The spa will also feature a hydrotherapy area with waterfalls, whirlpools, geysers, a panoramic sauna and a hammam, and all of the treatment rooms will have private terraces.

AMResorts has not yet provided a date of when Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán will open.

For more information about this resort or to book your next stay at an all-inclusive resort, contact me today!

What do you think of when someone mentions Disney Imagineers? You most likely think of the theme parks and the rides. However, Disney also employs imagineers to design their cruise ships, and they have been actively involved with the design of the staterooms on the newest ship, the Disney Wish.

The Wish Tower Suite is the first-ever suite that is in the funnel of the ship (the most iconic feature of a cruise ship, which was initially designed as a smokestack.) This incredible suite, which looks over the upper decks, has two master bedrooms, a children’s room with bunk beds, a library that can be converted to another bedroom and incredible views. It is comparable to the suite in Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom.

You’ll also find a handful of other suites themed after Moana, Tangled, The Little Mermaid and Sleeping Beauty. The four royal suites that celebrate Sleeping Beauty are available as 1- or 2-story suites, all of which include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an extensive living area, open dining room, pantry and hot tub on the private verandah. Seven of the oceanview rooms, with The Little Mermaid theme, have angled floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bow. Those who book one of the 76 concierge staterooms and suites will receive premium service and access to exclusive areas and amenities, including the Concierge Lounge, private sun deck, wading pool, bar and a dedicated pool deck host.

You don’t have to book a suite to enjoy all the magic and whimsy of the Disney stories. Each stateroom has just enough magic while still feeling comfortable, cozy and restful. These peaceful retreats were designed with families in mind, offering roomy closets, storage space under the beds, split bathrooms, and bathtubs for getting the little ones scrubby clean. Some of the staterooms have connecting doors for larger families along with partitions between verandahs that can be opened for a larger balcony. Speaking of verandahs, 70% of the staterooms will have them.

Regardless of which accommodations you choose on the Disney Wish, you and your family will be delighted with the amenities and magical Disney touches that are to be found in every inch of your room.

If you want to experience the new Disney Wish and these amazing staterooms, contact me today.

If you are looking to soak up the sun and walk the pink sand beaches of Bermuda and the white sandy beaches of The Bahamas this summer need look no further than Vision of the Seas. Beginning June 2021 and sailing through August 2021, Royal Caribbean will bring more adventure to the tropics with a series of new 7-night cruises from first-time homeport Bermuda. sail on Vision is an overnight to explore Bermuda’s culture, history and cuisine as well as a full day at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s top-rated private island destination in The Bahamas.  

Sailing with vaccinated crew, the cruises – at this time – will be available to adult guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results. This current health and safety measure, like others, may evolve as they are evaluated on an ongoing basis.

“We are thankful to the government and people of Bermuda for welcoming us to their beautiful island nation with open arms as Vision of the Seas’ new homeport. This is another step in our safe and measured return to sailing beginning in June,”

“Travelers are eager to venture out gradually and start cruising again. By adding a second unique option to sail the Caribbean from a destination as rich and vibrant as Bermuda, we’re offering guests choice in how they can enjoy their well-deserved vacations this summer.”

Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International

The pink sand beaches and charming, colorful homes of Bermuda will be where you will start and end your 7-night cruise in paradise, a destination that is also a prime spot to extend your time ashore, before or after the cruise, by staying at one of the island’s world-class hotels and resorts. While Vision is docked at the Royal Naval Dockyard, you can enjoy quality time exploring the island nation’s culture and natural beauty throughout an overnight stay.

Plus, you will have the chance to add to the excitement with a visit to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay. The private island destination is home to a lineup of first-of-their-kind thrills and one-of-a-kind ways to chill, ranging from 13 jaw-dropping waterslides at Thrill Waterpark, including the tallest waterslide in North America – Daredevil’s Peak; Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean; Up, Up & Away, the helium balloon that floats up to 450 feet in the air; and the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas at Coco Beach Club.

Contact me today to book your sailing on Vision of the Seas!

This summer you can soak up the Mediterranean sun and explore the captivating coastlines of Greece and Cyprus on all-new 7-night cruises departing from Limassol, Cyprus onboard Jewel of the Seas® 

Starting July 10, Jewel of the Seas will call Cyprus home for the first time and sail to the picturesque shores and ancient ruins in Cyprus, Greece, and the Greek Isles through October. You can visit a combination of culture-rich cities and idyllic islands, including Limassol, Athens, Greece, and the Greek islands of Rhodes, Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini.

Sailing with a vaccinated crew, the cruises – at this time – will be available to adult guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results. These current health and safety measures, like others, may evolve as they are evaluated on an ongoing basis.

“I’m delighted to announce our safe and gradual return to Europe. We know how eager our guests are to enjoy a getaway this summer, and these sailings, which include a mix of fantastic destinations and must-visit islands, make for the perfect getaway.”

“Cyprus is a beautiful island, and we are thankful to the Cypriot government for their support and enthusiasm in making these incredible itineraries possible.”

Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International

Guests onboard Jewel of the Seas can enjoy the perfect balance of culture and relaxation, exploring destinations seeped in history, relaxing in small peaceful coves, and sampling delicious local cuisine. Guests can immerse themselves in Greek and Roman history at preserved ancient sites, such as Kourion in Limassol and the Parthenon temple in Athens, then take in the multihued waters and beaches of Mykonos and the waterfront tavernas of Santorini.

Onboard Jewel, you can cool off in the pools and whirlpools, recharge at the Vitality Spa and Fitness Center and dine at their pick of numerous complimentary and specialty bars and restaurants, including guest-favorites Chops Grille and Izumi. Spanning 13 decks, the ship comes complete with a rock-climbing wall, casino, sports court, nine-hole miniature golf course, an outdoor movie screen, and more.

Contact me today to book your sailing on the Jewel of the Seas this summer!

Royal Caribbean will be returning to the west coast after a decade-long hiatus. Navigator of the Seas will home port in Los Angles (at the port in Long Beach) starting in November 2021. The amplified ship will broaden the cruise line’s West Coast offerings, sailing 3-, 4- and 5-night itineraries to Catalina Island, California and Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – plus, select winter holiday 7-night sailings will feature overnights in the popular resort city.

“California was calling us home once again, and what better way to reintroduce Royal Caribbean than to bring our next-level cruise vacations to the City of Angels and make it a year-round adventure starting just in time for summer.”

“We’re excited to return to Los Angeles to add bigger, bolder vacation options along the West Coast. With a ship like Navigator of the Seas, complete with waterslides, activities from day to night and a lineup of restaurants, bars and lounges, friends and families alike are in for a memorable getaway.” 

Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International

After a $115 million amplification in 2019, Navigator bringsstar power that will thrill guests with its reimagined Caribbean poolscape anchored by the lively three-level bar The Lime & Coconut; two daring waterslides that cantilever over the edges of the ship – The Blaster aqua coaster, the longest waterslide at sea, and Riptide, the industry’s only headfirst mat racer;the first standalone blow-dry bar at sea, To Dry For; elevated nightlife and dining, and transformed spaces that each are dedicated to kids and teens. The winning combination of these thrilling features and activities alongside Royal Caribbean favorites – against the backdrop of Hollywood Hills – will make for a new short getaway, over the week or weekend, that makes the most of every minute for vacationers of all ages.

Sailings on the Navigator of the Seas are now available to book, contact me to plan your next cruise!

Norwegian Cruise Line announced new itineraries sailing in Europe and the Caribbean, beginning July 25, 2021.

Norwegian’s new itineraries will sail with reduced capacities aboard Norwegian Jade, Joy, and Gem.

Norwegian Jade will operate seven-day cruises to the Greek Isles from Athens (Piraeus), Greece from Jul 25, 2021 through Nov 7, 2021.

Norwegian Joy will operate seven-day cruises to the Western Caribbean from Montego Bay, Jamaica from Aug 7, 2021 through Oct 9, 2021.

Norwegian Gem will operate seven-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean from Punta Cana (La Romana), Dominican Republic from Aug 15, 2021 through Oct 10, 2021.

NCL’s SailSAFE Program details pre-cruise vaccination requirements, onboard protocols and all of the other information you need in order to sail.

To book your next cruise on Norweigan, contact me today

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks plan to reopen to Guests on April 30, 2021. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will reopen on April 29, 2021 with limited capacity, and we can now book reservations to stay at this fantastic resort!

Located just steps from the Downtown Disney District, Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure Park, take in the tranquility of the towering trees, the breathtaking Craftsman-style architecture, the incomparable location and the impeccable Disney service.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offers well-appointed accommodations, sparkling pools, cabana service and even special Disney character wake-up calls by request! During their stay, Guests can be sure to grab a delicious bite and refreshing drink at GCH Craftsman Bar and Grill or at Hearthstone Lounge, with sit-down dining and new mobile order options available.

The Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will reopen at a later date. 

Hotel reservations do not guarantee theme park access. To enter a park, a park reservation and a valid admission ticket is required.

Contact me today to plan your stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Super Heroes Assemble! The Avengers Campus—an entirely new land dedicated to discovering, recruiting and training the next generation of Super Heroes—will open June 4, 2021 at the Disneyland Resort!

At this fully immersive land inside Disney California Adventure park, guests will be invited to team up with the Avengers and their allies and live out their Super Hero dreams. Avengers Campus is comprised of several heroic locations, each hosted by a different Avenger to share their unique powers, technology and knowledge with recruits. Today, we’re also excited to unveil a first look inside Avengers Campus!

Sling webs with Spider-Man and unite with the Guardians of the Galaxy

The first key area is the Worldwide Engineering Brigade – also known as WEB. It brings together bright innovators like Peter Parker who have been assembled by Tony Stark to invent new technologies and equip everyday people to become Super Heroes like the Avengers. WEB will house the new WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, the first Disney ride-through attraction to feature the iconic friendly neighborhood Spider-Man!

Tom Holland will reprise his role as Spider-Man in the new family-friendly attraction, which invites guests to put their web-slinging skills to the test and experience what it’s like to have powers alongside Spider-Man – a feat accomplished with innovative technology adapted specifically for this attraction, perfect for up-and-coming recruits of all ages.

The second anchor attraction looms high above the land, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, a fan-favorite that opened in 2017. This rockin’ adventure blasts guests straight into the “Guardians of the Galaxy” story, alongside characters from the blockbuster films and comics. Help Rocket bust his fellow Guardians of the Galaxy out of the Collector’s Fortress and experience raucous mayhem, music inspired by the soundtracks from the movies, thrilling free-fall drop sequences and six different story lines!

Team up with the Avengers and their allies like never before

Throughout Avengers Campus, Super Heroes will come to life in exciting ways. Guests may have heroic encounters with Iron Man, Captain Marvel, Black Panther, the Dora Milaje, Black Widow, Ant-Man and The Wasp, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Thor and even villains like Loki.

Guests may even have the chance to witness Spider-Man swinging into action high above Avengers Campus with gravity-defying, acrobatic feats never seen before in a Disney theme park.

At a nearby ancient sanctum, Doctor Strange will train recruits in the mystic arts by bringing this ancient sanctum to life with powerful spells. At night, the area glows even more vividly with majestic colors and lights, pulsating with mystic energy.

At this time, Disneyland Resort in California is only open to California residents. If you are a California resident, contact me today to play your next trip to Disneyland!