Tag Archive for: Portage Travel Agents

Traveling to Cancun during a pandemic

After traveling to Jamaica at the end of July and having such a good experience, I jumped at the chance to go to Cancun last week. Spoiler alert, it was quite a different experience. 

I flew from Grand Rapids to Chicago and on to Cancun. Both of my flights were full, in fact, over-sold. American Airlines was still implementing the same safety protocols — mandatory face masks, no in-flight service, and asking all passengers to remain seated during the duration of the flight. Unlike a few of the other airlines, they are not leaving the middle seat open. 

Other than the flight because being completely packed, it was fine. I wasn’t super comfortable, but I wore my mask and face shield and tried to relax. For this trip I was traveling alone, so I think that made me a bit more on edge. 

While in Jamaica, the resorts where we stayed were around 20% occupancy. There was social distancing and serious safety precautions. For this trip, because it was hosted, I was not able to select the resort for my stay. Our group of travel agents were placed at the RIU Palace Peninsula in the Hotel Zone in Cancun. 

The resort was at 60% capacity which was the government allowance at the time I traveled. This felt like a lot to me. The resort didn’t feel crowded, but felt very full.

RIU Palace Peninsula

During COVID-19, everyones comfort level is different and I understand that. Personally, I traveled within my comfort level and am pointing out the practices and protocols that bother me. In my opinion, The RIU Palace Peninsula did a lot of things “right”…

  • Hand sanitizing upon entry to the hotel.
  • Washing/wiping of your shoes upon entering the hotel. 
  • Thermal temperature taken as you enter. 
  • Social distancing markers at check-in and at the buffets. 
  • Plexiglass barriers are the front desk. 
  • Enforcing masks be worn in the lobby and when you order at bars (with one exception). 
  • Elevators were marked for 4 guests per elevator.

However there were a few things that I felt they did very wrong and these few points bothered me. A LOT.

  • Buffets were still self serve with shared serving utensils (I was told they were changed out every 30 minutes and did see them changed once).
  • Social distancing was almost never followed by guests, especially at the buffet where guests would come right up behind you. In my experience when I hung back, guests would cut right in front of me.
  • Tables were not spaced out and there were no outdoor dining options.

I had quite a few problems with my stay at the RIU Palace Peninsula, as did almost all of the agents that I traveled with, but that’s a story for another day. Don’t ever request to stay there because I won’t send you. It was that bad.

The good news is that I visited 8 other properties in Cancun and saw and learned a ton! There are many resorts where I would feel comfortable staying and booking clients during this time. I think that the biggest takeaway from this trip is that to travel during COVID-19, you need to understand the protocols of each resort and where they fall within your comfort level. This is why traveling during this time is so important for me to do for my clients.

Will this experience deter me from traveling again soon? Absolutely not!!! Having visited two different countries now within the last 90 days, I feel comfortable traveling at this time and hope to get on a plane again soon! ????

/0 Comments/by
,

Traveling During a Pandemic

About a month ago, my husband and I visited Jamaica. While some of you may believe it is irresponsible to travel during this time, please remember that this is part of my job. I have many clients traveling over the next few months (quite a few to Jamaica) and part of my job to advise them. There is no better way to let them know what to expect than to experience it myself. That is why when Couples Resorts in Jamaica invited us down to spend five days learning all about their resorts, we jumped at the opportunity.

I’d be lying to you if I didn’t say that we had second thoughts after confirming that we would join them. It wasn’t being in Jamacia that worried me, but rather the plane ride. Flights were limited and we departed from Chicago O’Hare, connected in Charlotte, and continued on to Montego Bay, Jamaica. 

We had our masks and face shields and hoped for the best. O’Hare Airport was nearly empty, as was our plane to Charlotte. The connecting flight to Montego Bay was about 80% full but no one sat next to us, although we did have people in the rows in front of and behind us.

Overall the flights went really well. Most everyone stayed seated throughout the duration of the flights and practiced social distancing as best they could. There was no beverage service on any of the flights and instead, we were handed a bag upon entering the place with a bottle of water, biscoff cookies, and a hand wipe.

Jamaica has regulations to enter the country including an approved travel authorization, negative COVID-19 test depending on your state of residence, health screening upon arrival, and temperature checks. There are also restrictions on where you can go within the country. We were required to sign a statement agreeing that we would not leave the resort.

Traveling right now is not for everyone. There are lots of rules and if you do not yet feel comfortable doing it there is no rush. But if you are comfortable and willing to follow the strict guidelines you may find yourself in what seems like your very own paradise as crowd levels are very low. I had such a good experience that in a few weeks I’m off again, this time to Cancun!

/0 Comments/by

Halloween is coming to Walt Disney World

There may not be a Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom this year but that doesn’t mean that Halloween won’t be celebrated! From September 15 to October 31 you are sure to “fall” in love with Magic Kingdom Park all over again. You will be able to soak in the aura of autumn with Main Street, U.S.A. dressed in fall décor, and other seasonal offerings.  

There will be some bewitching surprises this year, including a special Halloween-themed cavalcade with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and pals wearing their favorite Halloween costumes. You may even spot those rascally chipmunks, Chip ‘n’ Dale, in costume over in Frontierland, and look for other Disney character friends dressed up and riding the horse-drawn trolley down Main Street, U.S.A. 

And speaking of costumes, you will want to get yours ready! To bring some Halloween party fun into the park this year, for the first time guests of all ages can wear their funniest, Disney-ist, most creative costumes during Magic Kingdom regular operating hours from September 15 to October 31. As an important reminder, costume masks are not permitted for adults; only children younger than 14 years old are permitted to wear costume masks. In addition, all guests are required to wear approved face coverings during their visit. 

Halloween is one my most favorite times to be in the Magic Kingdom! I LOVE pumpkin-themed wreaths that adorn lampposts up and down Main Street, U.S.A. We also love the specialty themed holiday Disney PhotoPass photo opps! Photographers will be available throughout the park for themed photo opps. But beware – happy haunts may materialize in the pictures! 

A holiday at Walt Disney World wouldn’t be complete without treats! Here is a list of everything the parks have to offer:

Magic Kingdom

  • Mickey Cinnamon Roll (Available at Main Street Bakery) – Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll drizzled with orange and white icing 
  • Cinnamon Donuts (Available at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café) – Served in a Hitchhiking Ghost Novelty container 
  • Hades Nachos (Available at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café) – Black bean nacho chips with “fiery” buffalo chicken, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, salsa, and jalapeño 
  • Constance’s For Better or For Worse Wedding Cake (Available at Liberty Square Market) – Citrus cake with raspberry Bavarian cream, whipped cream flowers, and a chocolate axe 
  • Pumpkin Spiced Waffle Sundae (Available at Sleepy Hollow) –Pumpkin spice-flavored waffled topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and sprinkles 
  • Poor Unfortunate Souls Float (Available at Storybook Treats)– Cream cheese soft-serve, black raspberry syrup, and Coke 
  • Pumpkin Spice Milkshake (Available at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies) – Topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, sprinkles, and a Mickey-shaped marshmallow straw
  • Pumpkin Spice Soft-Serve Sundae (Available at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies) – Served as a sundae topped with whipped cream, caramel, and sprinkles
  • Mickey Monster Mash Burger (Available at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café) – Burger with Meunster cheese, potato barrels, bacon, and sriracha aïoli 
  • Headless Horseman Rides Again (Available at Sunshine Tree Terrace) – Strawberry DOLE® Whip with Fanta Strawberry and a Headless Horseman Novelty Straw 
  • Not So Poison Apple Cupcake (Available at Pinocchio Village House) – A spiced apple cupcake with pecan crunch buttercream themed after a poison apple 
  • Orange and Black Sugar Churros (Available at Various Churro Carts and Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café) 
  • Oogie Boogie Dice Novelty Glow Cubes (Available at Various Quick-Service Restaurants) 
  • Jack Skellington Sipper (Available at Various Quick-Service Restaurants and Outdoor Vending Locations) 
  • Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Various Popcorn Carts throughout the Magic Kingdom) 
  • Mickey Pumpkin Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Various Popcorn Carts) 
  • Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket (Available at Various Popcorn Carts)

EPCOT

  • Halloween Cupcake (Available on Halloween Day Only at Sunshine Seasons) – Choice of vanilla or chocolate cupcake with buttercream and a Mickey Pumpkin garnish 
  • Nemo & Squirt’s Noggin Concoction (Available on Halloween Day Only at Coral Reef Restaurant) – Chocolate brownie stuffed with a chocolate chip cookie topped with white chocolate-covered pretzels and a Mickey Pumpkin Garnish 
  • Halloween Sugar Cookie (Available on Halloween Day Only at Traveler’s Café and Garden Grill) – Sugar cookie topped with Halloween Sprinkles 
  • Liquid Nitro Cake Pop (Available on Halloween Day Only at Desserts & Champagne Marketplace in World Showplace for EPCOT Taste of International Food & Wine Festival) – Liquid nitro chocolate cake pop with Halloween sprinkles 
  • Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available Canada Popcorn Cart and Fife & Drum) 
  • Green Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Eats at EPCOT Experience and Mission Space Popcorn Cart) 
  • Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket (Available at all EPCOT Popcorn Locations) 
  • Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Available at Sunshine Seasons and Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue) 

Animal Kingdom

  • Scar Cupcake (Available at Creature Comforts, Flame Tree Barbecue, and Restaurantosaurus) – Red velvet cupcake with toasted marshmallow filling, chocolate marshmallow frosting, chocolate pebbles, white chocolate flames, and an edible icing image  
  • Spooky Apple Punch Specialty Beverage (Non-Alcoholic) (Available at Flame Tree Barbecue and Isle of Java) – Sprite with Monin Apple Syrup poured over ice, garnished with a rocky candy apple straw, a gummy worm, a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube, and a sugar lime rim 
  • Rotten Apple Punch Specialty Beverage (Alcoholic) (Available Flame Tree Barbecue) – Angry Orchard and Fireball Cinnamon Whisky over ice, garnished with a rocky candy apple straw, a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube, and gummy worms 
  • Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Available at Tamu Tamu, Trek Snacks, Restaurantosaurus, TriloBites, and Outdoor Vending Ice Cream Carts)  
  • Purple Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Trek Snacks) 
  • Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket (Available at Trek Snacks)

Hollywood Studios

  • Poison Candied Apple (Available at Trolley Car Café) – Apple and caramel mousse covered in red glaze with a crunchy candy base 
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Cannoli (Available at PizzeRizzo) – Pumpkin cheesecake mixed with a hazelnut praline crunch in a cannoli shell 
  • Pumpkin Tiramisu (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café) –Layers of cream mascarpone and spiced pumpkin cake 
  • Box of Bones Chocolate Éclair (Available at Backlot Express)– Chocolate éclair with dark chocolate mousse and white chocolate bones Frozen Apple Cider (Non-Alcoholic) (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café, Backlot Express, and PizzeRizzo) – Served with a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube 
  • Frozen Apple Cider with Crown Royal Regal Apple (Alcoholic) (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café, Backlot Express, and PizzeRizzo) – Served with a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube 
  • Orange Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Anahiem Produce, Hollywood Popcorn, and Animation Popcorn) 
  • Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café, Backlot Express, PizzeRizzo, and Anaheim Produce) 

Who is ready to visit the most magical place on earth this Fall? Contact me today to start planning your next Disney World vacation!

/0 Comments/by
,

10 Reasons Why Ocean Cruisers Will Love River Cruising

Ocean cruises have been a popular way to vacation for decades, and for good reason. They’re affordable, convenient and offer travelers peace of mind knowing that everything they need for a fantastic getaway is all in one place. What could be better than that? Enter River Cruises!

You might think that the words “inland” and “cruise” are incompatible. Well, they are not! Let me show you how on AmaWaterways, just how superbly well they go together. AmaWaterways river cruises combine all the comfort and convenience of an ocean cruise with the excitement of European excursions at each port of call.

To all cruise-lovers, perhaps it’s time to shake up the ocean liner experience for an entirely new way to explore the world’s waterways. Let us book you on an AmaWaterways river cruise that will take you inland for a unique and relaxing tour of Europe.

Here are the top 10 reasons we know why you’ll love river cruising, specifically on AmaWaterways!
1. Expand Your Options

While ocean cruises take you to countries, river cruises take you through them. There simply is no way to reach river cruise destinations on mega cruise ships.

2. Intimate Experience

River cruising offers a more intimate setting. Most ships range from 144 to 196 passengers. This means that you’ll never have to wait in line, which means you’ll have more time to enjoy all the amenities and have a more personal experience with other passengers and crew. From ordering a beverage to getting on and off the ship, you’ll enjoy the absence of long lines.

3. Dive into the Local Culture

Get away from the touristy ports and explore hidden gems. Large ocean liner ports can receive up to 20,000 visitors on the same day but with a river cruise, you’ll arrive into port with only a few hundred visitors. Not only will you avoid long lines at your destination, but you’ll also enjoy leisurely excursions at each incredible port of call.  You’ll be able to take in the local culture and history of every unique town that you visit.

4. No Need to Rush Back

With many departures from the destinations being later in the afternoon or evening, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the nightlife in select ports of call. Whether you choose an evening walk through cobblestone streets, a local show or performance, or one last glass of wine after dinner while listening to a local musician, immersing yourself in the evening culture together with the locals is a unique experience.

5. Castle Views

That’s right, castle views. From Amsterdam to Basel along the Rhine River, and in Budapest, Bratislava, Dürnstein and Passau on the Danube, you’ll see colorful architecture and castles that will blow you away. But don’t stop at just viewing the castles, why not hike or drive to them and then explore their fabulousness with a knowledgeable guide? You’ll literally be walking in the footsteps of world history.

6. 5-Star Reviews

5-star reviews are only earned through 5-star service. When you’re relaxing with a glass of wine on the Sun Deck, enjoying a night under the stars, or having an unexpected encounter with kind locals that your tour guide has arranged for you, you’ll know where their 5-star reviews come from. See what people are saying about AmaWaterways’ flawless service.

7.  Entertainment for the Whole Family

With a variety of activities and plenty of stops along the way, we’re sure everyone in the family will have an unforgettable experience. River cruising is perfect for multi-generational families. From grandparents to teenaged grandchildren, the entire family will bond over a range of topics and activities from food to history to countryside excursions. There really is something to do for everyone onboard at each destination. Some members of your group may choose to take advantage of spa services, or the sundeck pool, or cultural activities, while others may prefer to seek out a quiet space with a book. Mealtimes are the perfect opportunity for everyone to come together again as a family. It really is the perfect multi-generational vacation for your family or group of friends.

8.  Taste the Difference

Whether you’re into wine tasting or local street food, a river cruise provides an exceptional culinary experience both on the ship and at every destination. The onboard culinary team focuses on utilizing fresh local ingredients. Dishes are paired with local wines. There’s absolutely no mass-produced and basic buffet food when you cruise with AmaWaterways!

9. Variety of Experience

Let’s not forget just how special every European country is! The towns and cities may be close in proximity along the river, but don’t be surprised by the unique feeling and experiences that each destination gives you. Choose from visiting local breweries, hiking to castles, biking through trendy neighborhoods or visiting museums that highlight the local culture.

10.  World-Class Accommodations

One of the reasons we love river cruises so much (and we know you’ll agree) is the feeling of walking into a luxurious suite or twin-balcony stateroom that will be your home away from home for the next 7, 8, 10 days or more. Each of AmaWaterways staterooms is tastefully decorated and is river facing. Whether you choose to have a window view, a private balcony, or even a twin balcony (with both a French and outside balcony), you’ll always have a room with a view.

So, there you have it. 10 great reasons why you’ll love your first river cruise on AmaWaterways.

Contact me today to start planning your next River Cruise!

/0 Comments/by

Updates to the Virtual Queue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will once again be using the virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app. You will want to note a few changes to the process, most importantly (as availability allows) you will have an opportunity at 10am and 2pm to request to join the virtual queue. This means there is no need to arrive early to the park to check the virtual queue.  

There are a few important details to know before arriving: 

  • First, make sure to download the My Disney Experience app. Once you enter the park, log into your account at one of two distribution times – 10am and 2pm. 
  • Once logged in, select “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Virtual Queue” on the home screen. This is where you will be able to view the current status and next steps for joining the virtual queue.
  • The app will indicate when there is no availability for a specific distribution time. 
  • As long as a guest’s My Disney Experience account is linked to park tickets for yourself and others in your group, you can enroll your entire party in the virtual queue at the same time. (Please note, in order to give as many guests as possible the opportunity to join the Resistance, each guest can enter the virtual queue no more than once per day.)
  • You should make sure your push notifications are turned on for My Disney Experience so you will be alerted when your group is called to return. You will have up to an hour from the time of the alert to go to the entrance of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. 
  • Please note that joining the virtual queue does not guarantee the ability to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.  

If you have any questions or need assistance with joining the virtual queue, Cast Members at Guest Experience Team locations throughout the park are available to assist. While waiting for a virtual queue group to be called, you can enjoy other experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios including our newest addition, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. 

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World Resort. For other attractions at Walt Disney World Resort, plan to use the regular standby queues and maintain physical distancing. 

Contact me today to start planning your next Disney World vacation!

/0 Comments/by

Updates to Disney’s Magical Express at Walt Disney World

The Magical Express is the complimentary airport transportation service for guests arriving and departing from Orlando International Airport (MCO) and staying at Dinsey Resort hotel.

Beginning July 16, 2020, luggage delivery service will not be provided for those arriving to and departing from Orlando International Airport. Guests who choose to use Disney’s Magical Express will be responsible for picking up any of their checked luggage from the airport’s baggage claim area and taking it to the motor coach, so that it can be loaded for transport to their Disney Resort hotel. Please know that Guests’ luggage will travel with them to their Disney Resort hotel. 

Luggage assistance will be available at the front of Disney Resort hotels, including luggage storage and/or transport to the room. Upon their departure, Guests should ensure their luggage is with them and loaded onto the motor coach so they can check it in with their airline once they reach the airport. The resort airline check-in service will not be offered at this time.

Hopefully these changes are temporary and normal services will return soon.

Contact me today to start planning your next Disney World vacation!

/0 Comments/by

Cruise with Confidence on Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s Cruise with Confidence has been enhanced to more flexibility than ever! You can now choose an option that is most suitable to your needs.

  • Previously announced on March 6, 2020, the flexibility to cancel up to 48-hours prior to sailing in exchange for a 100% Future Cruise Credit will continue, though the eligible sailing window has been extended to now include all sailings through April 2022 (all open deployment as of May 6, 2020).
  • Lift & Shift for those guests simply wishing to move their existing booking to next year. Eligible for rebooking between now and August 1, 2020, guests can protect their original price and promotional offering simply by selecting a future sailing on the same itinerary type, sailing length, stateroom category, and within the same 4-week period of their original cruise date same-time-next-year.
  • Keep your reservation as is and you are eligible to take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s Best Price Guarantee up to 48-hours prior to your cruise vacation start date, ensuring the best rate and/or promotion. Price variances will result in a rate adjustment if requested outside of final payment or an Onboard Credit when inside the final payment period.
  • If desired, guests wishing to cancel prior to final payment can absolutely do so for a full refund of all monies paid to-date, and all nonrefundable deposits returned in the form of a Future Cruise Credit. After the final payment, the standard cancellation penalties apply for those guests not interested in taking advantage of the Cruise with Confidence policy.

Please note that to be eligible, the reservation must be an active booking (not previously canceled) with no other cancellation offers previously accepted.

Contact me today to start planning your next cruise vacation!

/0 Comments/by

Disney Cruise Line Announces ‘Cruise Date Flexibility’

Having peace of mind if your travel plans are more important now more than ever. In response to this, Disney Cruise Line has made temporary modifications to their standard booking policy that allows your family to adjust their sail date should you need to.

For any Disney Cruises booked by August 31, 2020, for sailings through March 2021, you can rest assured knowing that you can change your sail date up to 15 days prior to departure.

Important Details

  • Guests who have booked before August 31, 2020 have the ability to change their sail date up to 15 days prior to embarkation.
  • Guests scheduled to sail on or before March 31, 2021 may take advantage of this offer.
  • Guests who wish to change their sail date must move to a future sailing that commences prior to April 1, 2022. Standard prevailing rates will apply.
  • Guests cannot change their reservation back to the original sail date after taking advantage of this offer.
  • Should you cancel your new sail date, any cancellation fees applicable to the original sail date will be deferred and applied as a minimum cancellation fee to the future sailing.
  • Standard air cancellation fees apply for Guests who booked flights through Disney Cruise Line.

To plan your next Disney Cruse, contact me today!

/0 Comments/by
,

How to make a Disney Dole Whip at home!

Snacks at Disney World are taken very seriously. Many visitors have snacks that they MUST have on every trip. The Dole Whip is one of those iconic snacks. I can remember visiting Disneyland as a child and always having a Dole Whip while we waited in line for the Enchanted Tiki Room.

Disney recently released the a recipe for the Dole Whip and we decided to give it a try. While this isn’t the recipe that Disney uses to make Dole Whips in the parks (because those are dairy free and this is not), it was delicious and super easy to make!

This is the Disney Dole Whip recipe that I used:

  • 1 big scoop of vanilla ice cream
  • 4 oz of pineapple juice
  • 2 cups of frozen pineapple chunks

Add all of the ingredients into a blender and mix until smooth!

Here is the ‘real’ Disney Dole Whip recipe from Dole: https://www.dole.com/recipes/d/DIY-DOLE-WHIP

/0 Comments/by

Sandals Resorts

Sandals Resorts are arguably the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean. With 16 resorts located on Jamaica, The Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, Antigua, and Saint Lucia. Their adults-only all-inclusive resorts are ideal for weddings, honeymoons, or just a dreamy romantic retreat.

Sandals 5-star resorts are a favorite among clients with their gorgeous white-sand beaches, savory dining experiences, opulent accommodations, unlimited refreshing beverages, exciting water sports and more.

If you would like to stay at one of these incredible resorts, contact me today!

/0 Comments/by