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Hard Rock Riviera Maya is the perfect all-inclusive resort for families. Kids love the endless activities and parents love the beauty and serenity of the resort. The whole family will enjoy snorkeling or floating on the lazy river between trips down the water slide or zip line.

Hard Rock Riviera Maya

However, there are days when the young ones (or young at heart) need a break from the sun and sand. That’s when it may be time to escape to HyperX Gaming Lounge, the new gamer’s paradise at the resort. Boasting high-performance Gaming PCs, gaming consoles, a VR station, and the latest HyperX peripherals, this new addition offers an enhanced experience for any type of gamer. 

The HyperX Gaming Lounge is designed, built, and fine-tuned with the gamer in mind. Boasting nine gaming PCs, three Xbox Series X, two Nintendo Switches, a VR station, and a variety of HyperX peripherals, there’s something for everyone.

The lounge, inspired by a futuristic environment with simple and geometric elements, offers a selection of gaming for Everyone, Teen 13+ and Mature 17+. Game offerings and titles are subject to change as titles are always evolving with the latest trends, but you can rest assured that you will find titles such as these:

– Call of Duty Vanguard                      – League of Legends

– Overwatch                                        – Dota 2

– Minecraft                                           – Warzone

– Among Us                                         – Fortnite

– Fall Guys                                          – FIFA 22

– Rainbow Six Siege                           – Madden NFL 22

– Rocket League                                 – Mario Kart 8

– Valorent                                            – Pokemon

– Hearthstone                                      – And More!

– Apex Legends

Whether you have a grumpy teenager who needs a little alone time or you want to spend some time together in their world, you will love this new gaming lounge at Hard Rock Riviera Maya! Contact me today to book your next stay!

Royal Caribbean plans to sail four ships in Alaska for the 2023 season! Now available to book, the weeklong cruises will sail from Seattle, Seward and Vancouver, BC, between May and September. The ships will offer a range of amazing itineraries to see all Alaska has to offer.

Sailings in Hawaii trips bookend the Alaska season.

Discover a wilder way to wander in summer 2023 on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. From rugged mountain ranges to the unspoiled wilderness to misty fjords, there are so many reasons to visit Alaska. And the best way to see more of the Last Frontier is with Royal Caribbean. With four incredible ships to choose from, including the two biggest and boldest in the region — Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas — this is sure to be your coolest getaway yet. 

You can also take full advantage of the beauty and wander off the beaten path on one of Royal Caribbean’s signature Alaskan Cruisetours. There’s no better way to complete an Alaskan adventure, and there are Cruisetours that cater to those who prefer the wild side and the mild side.

Quantum of the Seas returns to Alaska with seven-night sailings from Seattle full of memory-maxing experiences — from unbelievable snorkeling in Ketchikan to taking peak-seeking to new heights in the North Star observation capsule — the highest vantage point of any cruise ship.

Back by popular demand, Ovation of the Seas returns to Alaska for summer 2023. Departing every Friday from Seattle, you can take their pick of alpine adventures ashore, scope out majestic views from the panoramic Two70 theater onboard and so much more.

Enchantment of the Seas is gearing up for an adventure of glacial proportions with roundtrip sailings from Vancouver to The Last Frontier. In summer 2023, your can listen for the sound of “white thunder” as icebergs break off towering walls of ice on a weeklong multi-glacier sailing. And that’s just the beginning. You are in for a special Alaska adventure onboard Radiance of the Seas. You’ll be able to glacier-gaze and whale-watch from almost anywhere onboard from more floor-to-ceiling windows than any other Royal Caribbean ship. Plus, add a multi-day land tour to go deeper into the wild.

Get ready for a bigger, bolder Polynesian adventure filled with sunset surfing and evening luaus in the Aloha State. Royal Caribbean returns to Hawaii with limited sailings in summer 2023.

You can savor a fresh roast of coffee grown in the ancient lava fields of Kalua Kona. Grab a board and hang ten as the sun sets over Waikiki Beach on a Radiance of the Seas overnight in Oahu. Or linger longer at a luau in Maui with an overnight stay on Ovation of the Seas.

To get started booking your cruise to Alaska or Hawaii, click here!

The AMR Collection of resorts has updated and rebranded two of its resorts!

Now Amber Puerto Vallarta has become Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa.

The change further elevates and upgrades the overall guest experience, delivering the Unlimited-Luxury standards and concept that Dreams Resorts & Spas are known for. Amenities include:

  • 327 spacious suites featuring spectacular ocean views, as well as ground floor suites with direct swim out access to a pool from a private terrace with a garden view
  • Open-air lobby on the third floor boasting bay and mountain views, perfect for watching sunsets and live nightly entertainment
  • Seven dining options, including four à la carte restaurants, a buffet, a grill and a café
  • Four bars serving premium brand domestic and international favorites ranging from swim-up to a nightly music lounge
  • Unique dinosaur-themed Explorer’s Club for Kids ages 3-12, and a Core Zone Teens Club for teens ages 13-17
  • Eco-friendly 14,000 square feet of spa made out of reclaimed wood and featuring a hydrotherapy circuit with new serenity spa cabins

Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun has become Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa.

The enhancements and upgrades for this resort include:

  • Beach Front Swim Out Suites with heated pools and beach and oceanfront views
  • Family Suites room category, perfect for accommodating larger families and big groups
  • New Master Suite room categories
  • Renovated modern suites throughout the property
  • New contemporary lobby and lobby bar
  • Renovated sports bar with a completely new look
  • Renovations to Lemongrass (Asian cuisine), Paramour (French cuisine), and Coco Café
  • Renovations to the spa with a fresh new look, plus a brand new bridal suite and additional cabins for single services
  • Family waterpark equipped with slides for both adults and children
  • Splash park and toddler pool added to the Explorer’s Club for Kids
  • Brand new Core Zone Teens Club
  • Beachfront wedding venue accommodating up to 120 people
  • Renovated and enhanced fitness center with new air-conditioned yoga room

These two family-oriented all-inclusive resorts have everything you need, complete with luxurious inclusions beyond all expectations. 

To book your stay at Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa or Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa, contact us today!

It has been a difficult 18+ months for everyone in the cruise industry as well as those who love cruising. Royal Caribbean recognizes this, and wants to make your vacations as worry-free as possible so they have just announced some exciting updates.

  • Cruise With Confidence – This program has been extended to reservations confirmed on or before December 17, 2021 and sailing through April 30, 2022. This means that guests with qualifying reservations can choose to cancel up to 48 hours prior to the sail date in exchange for a 100% Future Cruise Credit.
  • Best Price Guarantee – Qualifying guests are also eligible to take advantage of the Best Price Guarantee up to 48 hours prior to the sail date, ensuring they get the best deal!
  • COVID-19 Assistance – This program has also been extended. Vaccinated guests and children not yet eligible to be vaccinated who are sailing on or before April 30th, 2022 will have the following COVID-19 Assistance at no extra charge.
    • 100% cruise fare refund for you, and your Traveling Party, if any of you tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days prior to the cruise or at the boarding terminal.
    • Pro-rated cruise fare refund if your cruise is cut short for reasons related to COVID-19.
    • If you test positive for COVID-19 during the cruise, Royal Caribbean will cover the costs of COVID-19 related medical treatment onboard, any required land-based quarantine, and travel home for you and your Traveling Party.
  • Final payment deadlines – These deadlines may be fast approaching for those sailing in the beginning of 2022, and some passengers may want a bit more time and flexibility. Therefore, the final payment due date on sailings departing through March 31, 2022 will now have until 30 days prior to sailing to submit full payment.

To get started booking your next cruise, click here!

Royal Caribbean International has announced the world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, will debut in the U.S. and Europe beginning in 2022. The highly anticipated ship will set sail from its home in Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean on March 4, 2022, before making its way to Barcelona and Rome to kick off summer vacations in May.

At the heart of every Oasis Class ship is a combination of unmatched signature features and experiences found from one neighborhood to the next, including the tallest slide at sea, The Ultimate Abyss; the newly designed, dedicated kids and teens spaces at Adventure OceanSocial100 and The Patio; the FlowRider surf simulator, twin rock-climbing walls and the ten-decks-high zip line. From riding the carousel in the family favorite Boardwalk neighborhood – inspired by renowned boardwalks like Coney Island – to fine dining in Central Park, and the variety of restaurants and showstopping entertainment in between, no day on board will be the same.

What to expect on this brand new ship:

  • Suite Class Neighborhood – The eighth neighborhood, only found on Wonder, offers Royal Suite Class guests an elevated Suite Sun Deck in a new location, complete with a plunge pool, bar and plenty of loungers and nooks to kick back; along with favorites such as Coastal Kitchen, the private restaurant, and the Suite Lounge. Plus, the grandest Ultimate Family Suite yet for a family of 10.
  • Wonder Playscape – Joining the lineup of next-level thrills for kids, the underwater-themed play area is a whole new adventure with slides, climbing walls, games, an interactive mural activated by touch and puzzles that will make them wonder if any playground will ever be the same.
  • The Vue – The happiest of happy hours can be found at this new cantilevered bar. The Vue offers panoramic ocean views from high above on the pool deck all day, and after sunset, it shines bright with a colorful mosaic canopy overhead.
  • Pool deck experience – The Lime & Coconut is at the center of the Caribbean vibes, with two poolside bars and live music; while the trio of high-speed waterslides, The Perfect Storm, and kids aqua park Splashaway Bay, keep the young and young at heart Casitas, in-pool loungers and more make for a variety of great places to kick back, especially to catch a movie under the stars at the largest poolside movie screen in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

The action-packed Wonder of the Seas will deliver multiple ways to adventure with 7-night sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, visiting tropical destinations like Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; San Juan, Puerto Rico, and more. No matter the itinerary guests choose, every sailing will visit Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, for a day of thrill and chill unlike any other. May will see an early start to summer family vacations when the wondrous Oasis Class ship heads for the Mediterranean to take center stage for its inaugural European season. From Barcelona and Rome on 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises, travelers have memorable vacations in store as they sail to the sparkling shores of Europe’s most iconic and historic destinations, such as Palma de Mallorca, Spain and Capri, Italy.

Wonder of the Seas 2022 Caribbean and European sailings are now available to book.

The much anticipated Star Wars hotel, the Galactic Starcruiser, officially takes off March 1, 2022. Reservations open October 7th for Club 33 members, Disney Vacation Club members, and Annual Passholders for arrival dates March 1 – May 4. Reservations will be available for everyone else on October 28. 

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a revolutionary new 2-night experience where you are the hero. You and your group will embark on a first-of-its-kind Star Wars adventure that’s your own. It’s the most immersive Star Wars story ever created—one where you live a bespoke experience and journey further into a Star Wars adventure than you ever dreamed possible.

Arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort terminal, board a launch pod and rendezvous with the magnificent Halcyon starcruiser. Stay in a cabin or suite with an exquisite view of space. Throughout the ship, you’ll interact with an eclectic collection of characters, sit down to exotic galactic cuisine and perhaps even plot a secret mission together.

As the itinerary continues, you’ll take the story further and deeper. Choose your path. Seek out the inner workings of the legendary starship, learn the traditional art of wielding a lightsaber and even jump on a transport to the planet Batuu—where your mission continues at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

While we don’t yet know prices for all dates, these reservations are likely to fill up quickly, especially for the first few departures. Contact us today to be notified as soon as more information becomes available.

Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun is an all-inclusive family-friendly resort located near the world-famous Cancun Hotel Zone, just 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport.

The resort offers 438 luxury suites, 17 globally inspired and locally authentic restaurants, bars, and lounges, a full-service spa and fitness center, Mexico’s newest water park and an over-water gazebo for weddings and events.

Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun offers contemporary accommodations with private balconies featuring stunning ocean views and modern amenities and special touches, including spa-like bathrooms with rainfall showers, hot tubs, turndown service, high-tech entertainment and complimentary minibars stocked daily with water, beer, soft drinks and snacks!

Upgrade to Club Level and experience additional offerings such as:

  • Private check-in and check-out in an exclusive area
  • Personalized concierge services
  • Premium-brand liquors
  • Late check-out based on availability
  • Access to the Exclusive Club Level Lounge featuring imported premium drinks, appetizers and continental breakfast, table games & Wi-Fi

Enjoy 10 dining options like Rue De Rivoli! This adults-only restaurant has the perfect ambiance to explore the flavors of French cuisine, which come in modern form in mouthwatering dishes.

Miyako features Thai, Chinese and Japanese cuisines that come together as chefs prepare sushi, curry, ramen, stir-fry and more right before your eyes.

Aftonia is a delectable breakfast buffet by day and At night, enjoy Mediterranean cuisine perfectly prepared with the freshest ingredients in a relaxing ambiance.

Relax at Seven bars and lounges including Infusions, a lively spot serving over-the-top drinks made with fresh ingredients.

Enjoy nine swimming pools including an ocean-view pool and a sprawling water park with tall slides and a kids pool providing fun for all ages.

Children can enjoy KidZ Club with kiddie pool and special supervised activities coordinated by trained professionals.

While adults can enjoy sunrise yoga, water aerobics, beach sports or wine tasting with expert sommeliers. The whole family will love the nightly entertainment, live music, and cultural performances.

The resort also features a fitness center with state-of-the-art amenities and a two-story Zen Spa inspired by the pre-Hispanic Mayan culture with 13 indoor and eight outdoor treatment rooms designed to reflect the breathtaking, natural scenery.

To book your stay at Hyatt Ziva Riveria Cancun, contact us today!

Using a grocery delivery service is a money-saving way to get food brought to your hotel. It is very easy to do breakfast in your room, as you are getting ready, or to throw some snacks in your park bag. Some guests even make dinner in their room – think cup-o-soup or even sandwiches!

The absolute easiest way to buy groceries (aside from bringing them yourself in checked luggage) is to go to the gift shop in your Walt Disney World resort hotel. Every hotel has a limited selection of groceries, including refrigerated stuff, and you pay a premium for them.

An alternative to this is a grocery delivery service that delivers the items directly to your Walt Disney World resort, leaving them with bell services. They will keep your groceries stored and refrigerated or frozen (if needed) until you can pick them up from the front desk or you can have them delivered to your room for a handling fee of $6.

There are lots of choices when it comes to Disney World grocery delivery services. Personally, we use Amazon Prime Now, but below are all the options available to you. You might want to look at a few as some have inflated pricing, limited selections and fees or minimum order requirements.

Amazon Prime Now
Garden Grocer
Walmart Grocery Delivery
Instacart 
We Go Shop
Orlando Grocery Express
Shipt
Dizzy Dolphin Delivery

You can also ship groceries or other items directly to your resort. Disney does charge a $6 fee for deliveries via USPS/UPS/Fed Ex, etc. To make sure they arrive on time, ship your items about a week before your arrival. Use the official shipping address listed for your Disney World hotel. This can be found on the Disney World website. Simply search for your resort hotel, and on the main page for each hotel, on the righthand side, you’ll see the mailing address for the
resort.

How you address the groceries for delivery to your resort is as follows:

Name on the hotel reservation
c/o your Disney World hotel’s front desk
arrival date: xx/xx/xxxx
street address
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
 
Before you order anything, make sure you consider space in your fridge – a gallon of milk and a six-pack isn’t going to fit in your dorm-sized fridge – and the size of the items. (Are you really going to eat a family-size box of Cheerios in 6 days?)

We generally order a few cases of bottled water so we can each grab a few to take into the parks each day, some coffee creamer, pop tart or breakfast bars, and some snacks for our park bags or late-night nibbles. Sometimes we will order sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner or lotion and when our son was little, we ordered diapers and baby wipes.

People think of Disney vacations as being tough on the wallet. However, having your own groceries on hand can help you save a bundle. Why not save a few extra bucks for the souvenir shops?

Are you headed to Walt Disney World to celebrate something special? If so, I highly recommend the photo service offered at Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom called Capture Your Moment. During your personalized 20-minute photo session, your Disney PhotoPass photographer will find the perfect spot to catch the fun and excitement of your special day. Imagine capturing the moment that he dropped to one knee and proposed in front of the iconic Cinderella Castle or the Tree of Life!

This service is also perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays, family reunions, graduation and more. Or maybe you just want to use the service to get that perfect family photo for your next Christmas card.

Do you need a little extra time for your photo shoot? Just book 2 Capture Your Moment sessions back-to-back and you’ll get 40 minutes plus the chance to visit at least two different Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom photo locations.

The cost is only $50 for a session, and, as they say, the memories are priceless. While photos are not included in the price of the session, Guests who have Memory Maker, Memory Maker One Day or a qualifying Walt Disney World Annual Pass with a Disney PhotoPass benefit can download these photos at no extra cost. What an amazing price! I know a few travel advisors who have taken advantage of this opportunity and they received over 100 images.

What do you get when you combine late-night hours, Christmas and a 50th anniversary celebration? It’s “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” at Magic Kingdom Park! On 24 select nights from November 8 through December 21, guests who purchase tickets to this magical celebration will be treated to “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” and a special holiday-themed parade, “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Along with Mickey and Minnie Mouse and their pals, there will be a special appearance by Santa Clause himself.

Although the party officially runs from 9pm – 1am, you will be given access to Magic Kingdom Park as early as 7pm. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store:

  • Transformation of Cinderella Castle into a “beacon of Magic”
  • A brand new fireworks show, “Disney Enchantment.” And yes, that means two fireworks shows in one night.
  • Jungle cruise transformed into Jingle Cruise
  • Less time waiting in line for more than 20 attractions after the park closes to day guests
  • Disney characters throughout the park, dressed in their holiday finest
  • Magical snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A. Snow in Orlando!
  • Club Tinsel dance party in Tomorrowland
  • Complimentary snacks, seasonal treats and select bottled beverages
  • Disney PhotoPass capturing all your magical shots throughout the night

Tickets went on sale this week and won’t last long. Contact me to book your holiday at Disney World and tickets to Disney Very Merriest After Hours!