Cruising in the Caribbean is a favorite for many due to its sunny destinations, diverse cultures, and clear blue waters. The Eastern Caribbean features islands like St. Thomas and St. Maarten, known for their beautiful beaches and history. In the Western Caribbean, you’ll find a mix of landscapes, from the rainforests of Belize to the markets of Cozumel. The Southern Caribbean offers a more secluded experience with gems like Aruba and Curacao, known for their colorful architecture and rich history.
Caribbean cruises make it easy to explore these diverse regions without the hassle of multiple flights, promising new adventures each day, from snorkeling to exploring ancient ruins and enjoying local cuisine. The onboard experience adds to the appeal, with premium amenities, top-notch dining, and entertainment that reflects the lively spirit of the islands. It’s an ideal escape for those looking for relaxation, adventure, or a taste of local culture.
I love selling and sailing with Royal Caribbean. They boast a fleet of innovative ships equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and entertainment. Expect well-appointed cabins, diverse dining options, entertainment for all ages, and activities ranging from rock climbing to Broadway-style shows. From the groundbreaking Oasis-class ships to the modern and feature-rich Quantum-class vessels, there’s always something new and exciting to explore onboard. For those seeking a longer and more adventurous journey, Royal Caribbean offers a 16-day transatlantic cruise, providing a unique opportunity to cross the Atlantic Ocean and explore different ports along the way.
Royal Caribbean plans to sail seven ships for the 2025-2026 season. They will depart from various ports in Florida as well as Galveston, Texas. Cruise itineraries include the Southern, Western, and Eastern Caribbean, along with the Bahamas and Perfect Day at Coco Cay. The duration of cruises range from 2 to 16 nights.
Below is a chart listing each ship, its departure port, the first date of its itinerary in 2025, the number of days for various voyages, and the itineraries for each.
Ship
Departure Port
First Sail Date in 2025
Duration Options (# of Nights)
Itinerary
Rhapsody of the Seas
San Juan
May 24
7, 8
Southern Caribbean
Rhapsody of the Seas
Tampa
November 2
6, 7, 8
Western Caribbean
Oasis of the Seas
Ft. Lauderdale
April 27
2, 5, 6, 7, 8
Southern, Eastern & Western Caribbean, Perfect Day
Independence of the Seas
Miami
October 30
3, 7
Eastern & Western Caribbean, Bahamas, Perfect Day
Icon of the Seas
Miami
May 3
7
Eastern & Western Caribbean, Perfect Day
Harmony of the Seas
Galveston
April 27
6, 7, 8, 16
Western Caribbean, Perfect Day, Transatlantic
Grandeur of the Seas
Ft. Lauderdale
April 18
3
Bahamas
Grandeur of the Seas
Tampa
April 23
7, 10
Bahamas, Southern & Western Caribbean, Perfect Day
Adventure of the Seas
Orlando/Port Canaveral
April 26
6, 8
Western, Eastern & Southern Caribbean, Perfect Day
For those looking for unique adventures, including the Pacific Coast, the Panama Canal, and Spain Transatlantic, you can get onboard a one-of-a-kind sailing on a fan-favorite ship. Allure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas have various itineraries beginning in February, 2025.
For more information on any of these voyages, or to start planning for 2025-2026, click here.
My husband and I recently cruised in the Mediterranean for the first time, and it was fantastic! We have cruised with several different cruise lines over the years, but they were all in the Caribbean and Alaska. For this trip, we wanted to venture to some of the ports in Europe. We had never considered cruising in Europe because we thought the port times were too short and we would feel that we didn’t have time to see everything. However, we found an itinerary with Virgin Voyages that we liked and decided to go for it.
The name of the voyage was French Daze and Ibiza Nights, and we sailed on the Valiant Lady. The cruise started and ended in Barcelona, and our ports were Marseille, Cannes, Palma de Malorca and Ibiza. We decided that if we felt short on time in any of the ports, we would make a point to revisit some day. Two of the port stays were overnight – Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza – which was just icing on the cake. On those nights, we ate an early(ish) dinner on the ship and then went into town for the evening. We spent our time wandering the winding cobblestone streets and exploring the beautiful bars and restaurants in the old town. Then, the next day, we still had time to visit the landmarks.
The sunset in Mallorca from our balcony
Why did we choose Virgin Voyages? We have sailed with them previously, and really like what they have to offer. First and foremost, the food is the best that I have had on a cruise. Instead of packing everyone into the main dining room or specialty restaurants (with an upcharge), Virgin simply has six onboard restaurants. We made dinner reservations before our cruise, and also had brunch in two of the restaurants on our sea days. There are no additional charges for any of the restaurants unless you want a tower of crab legs or a 10-pound steak (something like that).
The entertainment is also very different. There are no Broadway-style productions or ice shows. Instead, they offer magicians, mentalists, comedians, a dance party, a crazy game show and a couple other shows that I really don’t know how to describe. And then there’s Scarlet Night, where the whole ship is transformed with red lighting and decor, and the guests are decked out in red. The party culminates with a pool party at 11pm, which gets a bit crazy, but we enjoyed it from the deck above, watching people jump into the pool, red cocktail dresses and all.
My favorite thing about Virgin Voyages is the laid-back vibe. There are no formal nights, and nobody cares what you wear to dinner, as long as it’s not your swimsuit! With that said, we found that most people still dressed nicely, just because they wanted to. For those who didn’t feel like it, they weren’t turned away at the restaurants or made to feel ashamed of their attire.
When we booked our cruise, it included some “bar tab” money, which is their version of a drink package. We don’t drink a whole lot, and since sodas are included with every cruise, we had a “0” balance due at the end of the week. What a great way to end a cruise!
If you’re still reading, let me give you just a few tidbits about the ports:
Marseille – Honestly, we weren’t overly impressed with it. We took a full-day ebike tour, and got to see some beautiful areas around the Calanques National Park, but it’s kind of a run-down city, especially considering it is the second largest city in France, after Paris.
Cannes – We spent our entire day in Monte Carlo, which is something I’ll never forget. It was an easy train ride to get there, and we enjoyed all the beautiful yachts, expensive sports cars, the Royal Casino (think James Bond Casino Royale), and the streets of Formula One. It was the perfect day, and since our ship didn’t leave until 7pm, we did not feel rushed to get back.
The harbor in Monte Carlo
Palma de Mallorca – This beautiful island of Spain is not to be missed. We spent our time wandering the old town, visiting the iconic La Seu Cathedral, and just taking in the beauty of the port city.
Ibiza – What can I say? Everyone needs to see Ibiza at some time in their life. The young people on the ship thoroughly enjoyed the overnight stay because they were able to go to the clubs and stay out until dawn. (Virgin provides a bus that goes back and forth to the ship the entire time.) That’s not our scene but we still loved wandering the area and enjoying a cocktail (ok, maybe more) as we watched the people living and loving life in Ibiza.
Ibiza
I could easily write ten more pages about Virgin Voyages and the ports we visited but I know the only people who might read it would be my friends and family. ???? I’ll just leave it here – this was the trip of a lifetime and I highly recommend cruising in the Mediterranean with Virgin Voyages.
Book you Virgin Voyage HERE or CLICK HERE if you’d like us to help you plan your sailing!
https://wishesandwaves.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Valiant_Lady.jpg720720Laurahttps://wishwavestage.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Logo_2-1030x184.pngLaura2023-11-14 12:58:592023-11-14 12:58:59Virgin Voyages in the Mediterranean – yes please!
I’m going to say from the start that this was my favorite day in Tanzania. It wasn’t one thing in particular but multiple really special moments. This was the day I fell in love with safari and Tanzania. I think you’ll see why.
The day started with a fantastic sunrise. The sunrises in Africa are incredible and they never get old. There is really nothing better than sitting in total silence with a cup of coffee in your hand and watching the sunrise. This is life!
Many of my safari mates went on a walking safari, but I was just too scared. The thought of walking through the bush filled with wild animals…like the lions from last night (read more about that HERE) was terrifying. I opted for a ride to breakfast in the bush from the safety of our safari vehicle. On our way, we spotted the cutest elephant – the first we saw on this trip.
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Breakfast was served on the bank next to the Grumeti River which provided the most beautiful backdrop and a great spot for some photos.
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After breakfast, we headed to the Four Seasons Serengeti Safari Lodge. This was a personal request of mine since I’ve had clients ask about it. It didn’t disappoint. It’s a true lodge (not a tented camp) and the most luxurious property we saw in the Serengeti.
Every detail here was well thought out. The grounds are incredible. Every room has a view of the savannah and a great many also overlook a watering hole where you can often find elephants. The rooms are plush with all of the comforts of home.
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Now that I’m home and have taken in the entire experience, it lacked some of the charm of the tented camps we stayed at. There is something exotic and a bit romantic about sleeping in a (luxury) tent in the middle of the bush. Maybe I’ve seen too many movies, but I’m kind of partial to the tented camps now. I can’t believe I’m saying that, but the luxury tents really add to the experience. That being said, I never turn down the opportunity to stay at the Four Seasons!!!
As we left the Four Seasons we came upon the sweetest elephant up on a rocky hill. He was my favorite elephant we saw on the trip. Curious by nature, when he saw us, he flapped his ears as if to wave.
Then we came upon these sleeping lions. This picture is one of my favorites of the trip. I love the memory of me in the safari car with the lions right there.
Lunch today was in the middle of the plain in the Serengeti. It was simply amazing and my most favorite lunch of the trip. The pictures don’t do it justice, but it was one of those moments that I know I will remember for the rest of my life. The food was delicious (per usual) and the company was excellent. I really enjoyed getting to know my safari mates and guides; they really made the trip special.
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After lunch, we received a geography/great migration lesson from our guides Elisha and George to help us better understand how the animals move across the Serengeti. This is particularly important to ensure we book clients in the right area, at the right time to ensure the best wildlife viewing.
If you don’t know, The Great Migration refers to the remarkable annual journey of over a million animals within the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. The procession is led by wildebeest, accompanied by a diverse array of fellow travelers, all in pursuit of sustenance and water.
This odyssey commences with calving in the southern Serengeti, near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From there, the animals embark on a clockwise trajectory through the Serengeti, ultimately reaching the Masai Mara in Kenya. Year after year, they retrace their steps. Along this journey, there is some high-stakes drama, with predators claiming thousands of prey and thousands more being born, a cycle that perpetuates the delicate balance of life.
Just after we headed out from our lunch, it was quite fitting that we saw the biggest herd of wildebeests I think we’d seen. They just crossed and crossed and crossed. We sat there for a while and finally started driving down the road where they stopped to let us cross. It was kind of amazing.
From there we headed to another property. If you were on safari, this is where you’d head back to your accommodations for some R&R and maybe a swim, but this was a working trip for us and we were trying to see and do as much as we could!
The Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp is a charming tented camp with all of the luxuries at home. It was rustic and charming and comfortable and a property I hope to stay at on a future safari!
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Then we went on a little game drive as we headed to our accommodations for the evening. We soon saw the cutest elephant cross the road in front of us. We’d seen a few signs for Hippo Pools through our travels in the Serengeti and we finally stopped at one. It was crazy to see all of these hippos together. They are very territorial and showed their flex constantly by opening their giant mouths and pushing other hippos away. It was kind of comical.
Below is another one of my favorite photos of the trip! I got to “drive” the safari vehicle. This is my ridicuous impression of our guide, Elisha, driving and talking on the radio to other guides, tipping each other off on where animals are.
Just before we arrived at our accommodations for the evening, we came upon three cheetahs which would prove to be the only cheetahs we saw on the trip. They were amazing.
When we arrived at our accommodations, our guide Elisha, drew this tent on the window to confirm we were in fact, sleeping in a mobile tented camp. I was mortified. A mobile tented camp? I had this idea in my head that I’d be sleeping in a tent on the ground, roughing it. Like a tent you’d pitch in your backyard or at a campsite. The reality is, that crazy idea in my head couldn’t be farther from the truth!
Cherero Camp turned out to be my favorite accommodation on the trip, and many of my safari mates agreed. We arrived at sunset, and I didn’t get a picture of the camp or the outside of our tent, but I did film a video of the inside.
A mobile tented camp is a camp erected in close proximity to the migration, wherever that may be at any given time of the year. They will move every six months or so, and it often takes a month or more to break down the camp and then re-erect it. If you watch the room tour, you will see that nothing about this tent feels mobile.
Cherero Camp was remarkable for several reasons. Of course, I loved our room and the shower! The shower was GLORIOUS! The robes and slippers were also a nice touch. I was thoroughly impressed with the hot water bottle that was placed in our beds while we were at dinner so we didn’t get cold in the night.
Speaking of dinner. The food was excellent and at the end of dinner, we were serenaded by the staff. They even got a few of us to join in on the fun. This was such a special moment and one I won’t soon forget.
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It was the little touches here that made it so special – the rain boots by the door, the yoga mat, outlets galore, and even a ceiling fan! The staff was warm, kind, and welcoming. Everything about our stay here was perfect. My only regret is not being able to spend more time here. We had a 3am wake-up call the next morning. More about that in my next blog!
All of the details of my trip are saved as highlights on my Instagram.
If you would like more information on going on safari, click here to get started!
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We started the day near Lake Manyara (read about my arrival and first few days in Tanzania HERE) and drove about two hours to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A couple of things to understand (because I didn’t). The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the entire area which includes Ngorongoro Crater which I’ll talk about in a minute. You’ll pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area if you are driving to the Serengeti. Unlike a National Park (like the Serengeti), in Conservation Areas wildlife and the Maasai, live together. The Maasai have lived in The Ngorongoro Conservation Area for over 100 years. They aren’t hunters – the Maasai are livestock farmers, mainly cows. In fact, the Maasai named Ngorongoro after the sound a cow bell makes “ngor ngor”.
Ngorongoro Crater is a large volcanic caldera – the largest in the world! The crater, which formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago, is 2,000 feet deep and its floor covers 100 square miles. I’ll share more about The Ngorongoro Crater in a later post – we will actually descend into the crater later in our trip!
Our first stop in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area was the lookout. As we took in the view I was overcome with emotion. The incredible beauty brought me to tears. The picture below doesn’t do it justice. It was a little overcast this morning which wasn’t as evident to the naked eye.
My safari mates Denise, Vlado and Erin at the lookout
We headed closer to the Serengeti and stopped at Olduvai Gorge – The Cradle of Humankind
I was once again crying at what I saw. To see what I learned in school so many years ago and the profound piece of our history and creation was very emotional. This is where humankind began!
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We had a picnic lunch overlooking Olduvai Gorge. I loved this lunch. The food was excellent, the views were incredible and the company was fantastic!
My safari mate Vlado and our other guide George
Then we headed on to the Serengeti! We saw so many animals up close and personal. The first animal we saw upon officially entering the Serengeti was the Thompson Gazelles. It was so exciting we stopped for a picture. Little did we know that over the next week, we’d see no less than 2,000 of them!
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It had rained on that day Serengeti, and we came across a truck that was stuck in the mud. Our guide Elisha being the helpful person that he is, tried to help. We backed up in front of the truck and they attached a chain to our Land Cruiser. Sadly we didn’t get very far as the chain snapped, but Elisha said he once pulled a bus out of the mud.
We had a long way to go on this day and covered a lot of ground across the Serengeti. I was struck by the beauty of the landscape and how rapidly it would change. It was dry season so I wasn’t expecting much greenery or thick brush, but it was there.
On our drive, we saw wildebeests and zebras (more animals we would literally see thousands of over the next several days!), giraffes and even a little turtle on the road!
After a very fun, bumpy, and muddy drive arrived at our tented camp for the evening which was beautiful! Ikoma Hills is located just outside of the Serengeti in the Grumeti Wildlife Management Area. Perched on a hill this luxury tented camp provided us with outstanding views and very comfortable accommodations. You can watch a room tour HERE.
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Ikoma Hills offers night safaris in specially equipped battery-powered safari jeeps. This gave us an opportunity to see animals a little more active and close up.
The vehicles didn’t have doors and were a little too ‘open air’ for my comfort. We saw quite a few lions including this guy who I will never forget. Shortly after this picture he stood up and got just a few feet from us.
My safari mate Vlado took this picture. You can just make out the fact that he is missing one paw. He likely lost it in some sort of fight. Our guide told us a beautiful story about it though. Since he’s injured, his pride will hunt and leave a portion for him since he can’t hunt for himself, so he won’t go hungry.
We covered a lot of ground on this day. More than you would on a typical safari. I went to bed this night exhausted from the day but also exhilarated by what I’d seen.
We once again heard the flapping of the tent for most of the night. We were old pros now and that didn’t concern us that much. What did was the lions roaring not too far away from us.
As I mentioned before, the Maasai have lived in this area for over a hundred years. They are well-versed in the behavior of all of the animals who live here. Maasai Warriors were guards at every resort that we stayed at. Once the sun goes down they escort you around the property and even stand guard all night watching for those lions. We never saw or heard those lions again.
All of the details of my trip are saved as highlights on my Instagram.
If you would like more information on going on safari, click here to get started!
https://wishesandwaves.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Screenshot-2023-10-27-at-6.13.43 PM.png15302730Cherihttps://wishwavestage.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Logo_2-1030x184.pngCheri2023-10-29 12:18:522023-10-31 17:14:56Going on Safari: Serengeti here we come!
With mountains, beaches, and rainforests, Costa Rica is one of the most diverse vacation destinations in Central America. It is known for eco-tourism, but it also has plenty of options for relaxation, romance, and adventure.
More all-inclusive accommodations are also popping up to match the demand for stays in this scenic, alluring country. These resorts are among the top places to stay in style and comfort when visiting Costa Rica.
The Westin Reserva Conchal
This massiave property on Costa Rica’s Northern-Pacific coast is situated between lush green forests and brilliantly blue waters. With so many amenities – including 15 dining options, a championship golf course, and one of Central America’s largest freshwater pools – just exploring the resort could take days!
Dreams Las Mareas
Located on the northern coast of Guanacaste, Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica is a gorgeous beachfront resort with shimmering white beaches and lush tropical jungles. Dreams Las Mareas boasts a contemporary design with tasteful authentic décor and offers 447 spacious guest suites with spectacular ocean, jungle or mountain views.
Occidental Papagayo
Occidental Grand Papagayo Resort is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort in Guanacaste, ideal for those seeking rest and relaxation. The resort is situated on a hillside offering spectacular views of the sea. Unwind in unmatched seclusion, surrounded by the wild, natural beauty characteristic of Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast.
RIU Palace Costa Rica
Find balance during yoga on the RIU Palace’s beautiful beach, or during a massage at the Renova Spa’s garden pavilion. With four pools, 24-hour dining, and activities like snorkeling, kayaking and windsurfing included, this is also a favorite for high-energy families.
Secrets Papagayo
This intimate, serene adults-only oasis is just a short 20-minute transfer from the airport, but seems a million miles away from everything. With three gourmet a la carte restaurants, regular beach parties, rum tastings, and live music nightly, a getaway here will invigorate all the senses.
Now that you’re dreaming of a Costa Rican adventure, contact me today to turn that dream into a reality!
https://wishesandwaves.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cruz-greifeneder-iZfmXdmn-uI-unsplash.jpg15002000Cherihttps://wishwavestage.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Logo_2-1030x184.pngCheri2023-09-25 09:00:002023-08-26 18:32:59Luxury and Adventure Await at these All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica
Why Costa Rica? Is it the chance to explore its natural rainforest and encounter the wildlife that calls its jungles home? Is it the country’s sandy shores that entice more and more vacationers? Or perhaps the idea of Pura Vida, or pure life, speaks to us?
With recent resort additions to its coasts, a year-round warm climate, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences awaiting visitors, there are plenty of reasons to travel to Costa Rica this year!
GET TO KNOW COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is in Central America, south of Nicaragua and north of Panama. To its east is the Caribbean Sea, and to its west is the Pacific Ocean. Though this small country is only 170 miles wide, it has beaches, mountains, volcanoes, and rainforests. Costa Ricans are dedicated to preserving these diverse landscapes, and through their dedication, they have become a leading country in sustainable practices.
EXPLORING AND ACTIVITIES
For many travelers, Costa Rica’s pristine nature is one of its most enticing aspects. The natural landscape also provides travelers with exciting activities. Ziplines through the forest canopy at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve are a highlight of many Costa Rica trips. Active vacationers may also enjoy hiking the forest trails, like those at Manuel Antonio National Park and Corcovado National Park.
Whether travelers follow the map or participate in a guided hike, the park trails are among the best to spot local wildlife, like monkeys and sloths. But don’t forget to look up! The forest is full of colorful birds, like macaws, that will catch the eye of hikers. Speaking of sights, Costa Rica’s waterfalls and animal sanctuaries are some of the country’s most Instagram-worthy destinations, allowing travelers to interact and experience nature up close.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Several all-inclusive options are available for travelers to Costa Rica, with most of the resorts situated along the western coast. With views of the Pacific Ocean, these resorts provide guests with beachfront experiences and sunsets they’ve dreamed of.
The Guanacaste province alone includes over 400 miles of coastline where vacationers can kick back, relax and watch the sun set into the sea. Many popular resort brands have also established properties in this region, including Margaritaville, Secrets, RIU, and Hard Rock Hotels. These resorts boast stellar service and accommodations and offer excursions that allow guests to explore the region’s natural and cultural wonders.
GETTING TO COSTA RICA
Liberia’s airport is likely the best option for travelers looking to stay in the Guanacaste province. This city and its airport are located within the region and will save much driving time. Visitors also often fly into Juan Santamaria (SJO), the larger of the country’s two major international airports, which can offer more flight options.
Aloha, families! Are you dreaming of a tropical getaway where the whole clan can create unforgettable memories? Look no further than the beautiful islands of Hawaii. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and countless activities, Hawaii is the perfect destination for families with children of all ages. To make your vacation planning a breeze, we’ve curated a list of the top five family-friendly resorts in Hawaii. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, these resorts have got you covered!
1. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa (Oahu) Located on the picturesque island of Oahu, Aulani is a magical paradise designed with families in mind. From the moment you step foot in the resort, you’ll be immersed in the enchanting world of Disney. The resort boasts a stunning waterpark, multiple pools, and a lazy river where your little ones can splash around to their heart’s content. With a wide range of kids’ clubs, character experiences, and interactive activities, Aulani ensures that every member of the family has a truly unforgettable vacation.
2. Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (Maui) Nestled on the sunny shores of Maui, the Grand Wailea is a true Hawaiian oasis. This luxurious resort offers something for everyone, from its pristine beachfront to its incredible water park, complete with slides, a lazy river, and a swim-up bar. For the adventurous souls, the resort provides snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing lessons. Meanwhile, the little ones can enjoy the complimentary kids’ club, where they can engage in arts and crafts, games, and even Hawaiian cultural activities. With its world-class restaurants and spa, the Grand Wailea ensures that parents have their fair share of relaxation too.
3. The Fairmont Orchid (Big Island) If you’re seeking a tranquil retreat for your family, look no further than The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island. This serene resort offers a wide range of activities, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, and even stargazing sessions. The Keiki Aloha Children’s Program will keep your little adventurers entertained with educational activities and Hawaiian storytelling. Don’t miss the chance to swim with the resort’s resident sea turtles in the calm waters of Pauoa Bay.
4. Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection (Kauai) For families who love adventure and nature, Kauai’s Koloa Landing Resort is an ideal choice. This resort offers spacious villa-style accommodations, perfect for larger families. Let your kids unleash their inner explorer as they embark on a guided hike through the lush rainforests or learn the art of lei-making. The resort’s central location allows for easy access to Kauai’s stunning beaches and iconic natural wonders, such as Waimea Canyon and the Napali Coast.
5. Hilton Waikoloa Village (Big Island) Last but certainly not least, the Hilton Waikoloa Village offers a delightful mix of relaxation and entertainment for the whole family. Your kids will be overjoyed by the resort’s extensive water complex, featuring slides, pools, and even a dolphin encounter experience. The resort also offers a wide range of cultural activities, including hula lessons and ukulele classes. Don’t forget to take a stroll through the resort’s lush gardens and visit the resident penguins and flamingos.
Hawaii truly is a paradise for families, and these top five resorts are guaranteed to make your vacation a dream come true. Whether you choose the magical world of Aulani or the adventure-filled Koloa Landing Resort, Hawaii’s natural beauty and warm hospitality will leave you wanting to return year after year. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in the tropical paradise of Hawaii! Let’s get your trip to Hawaii booked today!
https://wishesandwaves.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Hawaii-2-Smaller.jpg16682500Cherihttps://wishwavestage.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Logo_2-1030x184.pngCheri2023-09-11 09:00:002023-08-26 17:15:26Your Ultimate Guide to the 5 Best Family-Friendly Resorts in Hawaii
Those of us passionate about travel often daydream about the cities and places we want to visit someday. In these daydreams, we think about the person we love most and travel the world with them. For couples who dream of checking off destinations around the world together, there’s a way to see and do more with your vacation time: take a river cruise!
River cruising is one of the best ways to visit multiple cities without the stress of travel days, unpacking and repacking, or getting lost trying to find your hotel. With its panoramic suites, themed excursions, and incredible itineraries, Avalon Waterways is the ideal vacation for couples looking for a romantic trip through Europe and beyond.
SEINE RIVER CRUISES
Whether you call it the City of Lights or the City of Love, Paris has captured the imagination of romantics for centuries. This city is famous as the home to some of the world’s greatest museums, restaurants, and the iconic Eiffel Tower. Through the heart of Paris runs the river Seine. Avalon Waterways sails the Seine with several itinerary options to ensure travelers can experience the beauty of Paris and beyond.
Roundtrip itineraries start and end in Paris while also giving guests the chance to explore Northern France with stops in Giverny, Rouen, and Normandy. Some itineraries also feature Paris as the departure point or final port. This means that travelers can plan to spend a few extra days in the city exploring its famous sites before or after their river cruise.
DANUBE RIVER CRUISES
Perhaps the most famous river in Europe for river cruising is the Danube. This river begins the mountains of the Black Forest in Germany and flows all the way to the Black Sea. The river winds through Austria, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, and more countries, treating travelers to views of castles and quaint towns straight from the pages of a fairy tale. With so many countries and sights to see along its banks, the Danube provides plenty of scenery and culture to explore.
From four-day cruises to twenty-day sailings, Avalon’s Danube itineraries offer the most flexibility and variety for river cruising. This means it’s easier than ever for you and your partner to choose the cruise that works for you. And with cruise extensions, you’ll have the chance to spend even more time in the cities you’ve been dreaming about.
CHRISTMAS MARKET CRUISES
Looking for a way to escape for the holidays or perhaps the perfect gift to give one another? Each year Avalon Waterways helps their guests experience the best of Christmastime in Europe with their Christmas Market cruises. These selected Danube itineraries make sure to include ports in Austria and Germany where Christmas Markets are a staple of the holiday season.
These Christmas Market Cruises sell out fast, so the sooner you book their stateroom, the better! Reservations for 2024 are now open!
Are you interested in experiencing the joy of traveling the world together? Let’s start planning your next romantic getaway today!
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Embarking on a remarkable family vacation that captivates both parents and children can often prove to be a challenging endeavor. With the awe-inspiring fleet of Royal Caribbean ships, an extraordinary and unforgettable journey awaits on the horizon!
Royal Caribbean, a renowned and pioneering cruise line, boasts a fleet of splendid ships that redefine the concept of luxury and adventure at sea. Each vessel is a floating paradise, meticulously designed to cater to the diverse interests of families, promising an experience that will create cherished memories for every member.
Setting sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise opens the gateway to a plethora of enticing destinations across the globe. From sun-kissed tropical paradises in the Caribbean to the breathtaking glaciers of Alaska, the choices are boundless. The itineraries are carefully crafted to combine cultural exploration with thrilling excursions, ensuring a perfect blend of enrichment and entertainment for travelers of all ages.
Here are five reasons why Royal Caribbean is perfect for your family cruise.
DELICIOUS DINING
With so many dining venues included in the cruise fare, families can sample food from around the ship without extra costs. Whether it’s satisfying a craving for noodles at the Noodle Bar, ordering a stuffed burrito from El Loco Fresh, or feasting on pizza at Sorrento’s while people-watching on the Promenade, everyone can find food that pleases the palate.
PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN
Children of all ages can enjoy the award-winning Adventure Ocean® youth programs onboard. The Aquanauts (ages 3-5), Explorers (ages 6-8), and Voyagers (ages 9-12) groups have dedicated crew members to engage the children in art projects, science experiments, and games.
Parents can register the youngest passengers for Royal Babies and Tots to attend playtime sessions together. Tweens and teens will appreciate the independence of their own dedicated areas to make new friends, meet for music and dancing, or play video games.
PERFORMANCES THAT WOW
It’s no secret that Royal Caribbean is known throughout the cruise industry for its dazzling live entertainment. Attending Broadway stage productions, ice skating shows, and Aquatheater performances are highlights for many families during their cruise itinerary.
ONBOARD ADVENTURES
Royal Caribbean ships are designed for fun! Waterslides, bumper cars, rock climbing, laser tag, and ziplining are just a few of the adventurous options available onboard. Not a thrill-seeker? How about playing mini-golf, attending a Cupcake Class, singing karaoke, or competing in game shows with other passengers?
PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY
The fun continues off the ship when passengers disembark on Royal Caribbean’s private island. The whole family will be busy swimming in the largest freshwater pool in The Bahamas, splashing down the slides in the waterpark, or taking to the sky in a helium balloon ride or a ziplining adventure. Renting a private floating cabana at the Coco Beach Club is a truly luxurious island experience that offers a peaceful space for relaxing together. Families can make reservations for excursions or spend the day independently exploring and enjoying this island paradise.
Royal Caribbean’s fleet stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of family vacations, offering an unparalleled blend of adventure, relaxation, enrichment, and entertainment. So, whether it’s the captivating destinations, the abundance of family-friendly activities, the diverse dining options, or the commitment to safety, a voyage with Royal Caribbean promises to be an extraordinary and educational journey, leaving both parents and children inspired and fulfilled. Let’s get started planning your next cruise vacation today!
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