Review: Club Wyndham SeaWatch Resort

The Club Wyndham SeaWatch Resort is an oceanfront property on the northern end of Myrtle Beach, SC. This resort is a perfect destination for both adult and family travelers, with amenities and activities for all. The views and grounds are stunning, the staff is friendly and helpful and the suites are updated and spacious. 

The grounds of the Club Wyndham SeaWatch are gorgeous! 

Read on for our review of our recent getaway at the Club Wyndham SeaWatch!

Check-In

Check-in was an easy (and enjoyable!) process thanks to friendly service, spiked eggnog, fresh popcorn, and gift bags with locally made taffy. We opted for a lobby check-in, but many others utilized the car-side check-in option that was offered outside. 

We arrived early and our room wasn’t ready but I was able to get checked-in, receive our wristbands, and go through the obligatory timeshare pitch easily. The timeshare sales agent wasn’t pushy and accepted my “no, thank you” with grace. She went on to give me local shopping and dining recommendations which were much appreciated. 

While we waited for our room to be ready we decided to slide on our wrist bands and explore the property.

We certainly did feel welcome throughout the check-in process!

The Property

Naturally the first place we wanted to explore was the beach. We visited in November so it was too cold to lay out on the beach or swim in the ocean, but the view from the boardwalk over the dunes was amazing! The Wyndham SeaWatch is directly on the ocean with access from three boardwalks, so there is plenty of space to accommodate beachgoers in the summer months. Access to the beach from the boardwalk is via stairs or a ramp, which is helpful for beach carts and those with mobility issues. 

Is there anything more calming than the ocean?

In terms of views the property is almost as picturesque as the beach itself. Everywhere you look there are lagoons, fountains, flowers and palm trees, and of course sparkling pools and hot tubs. In total there are 5 buildings surrounding a lagoon, 5 outdoor pools (all year round, some heated), 2 indoor pools, 9 outdoor hot tubs, 2 indoor hot tubs, 2 lazy rivers and a kid’s pool. One of the pools was closed due to a recent hurricane, but with so many other options we certainly didn’t miss it. In fact, we didn’t use the same hot tub twice and still didn’t hit them all! 

One of the many, many pools

In addition to water based activities there is also a kids play area, a shuffleboard court, corn hole facilities, a gym, a firepit, a putting green, a business center and a craft room. There is no shortage of activities to keep adults and kids occupied! 

Something for the little ones

Although we did not visit during the height of tourist season, we were hardly the only people there. We were very impressed during our visit with how well kept and clean the grounds were; there was not a stray piece of trash anywhere. This attention to detail carried over into the holiday decorations that were being put up during our stay. It was evident at every turn that a great deal of care and thought goes into the upkeep, maintenance and overall presentation of this resort. 

The outdoor shower compliments the Tiki Hut beach bar

There is a restaurant on site and a seasonal beach bar. We had a full kitchen in our suite so we didn’t use these, but I can imagine the tiki bar is hopping in the height of summer!

The Suite 

And speaking of our suite at the Wyndham SeaWatch, we were not disappointed! We stayed in a two bedroom, two bath villa with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and ocean view balcony. Like the rest of the property, the suite was pristine when we arrived. We appreciated the granite countertops in the kitchen and the bathrooms, the fixins’ for coffee in the morning, and the overall spaciousness of the unit. There were only two of us on this trip, but with 2 queen sized beds, 1 king sized bed and a pull-out sofa we could have brought the whole family and been very comfortable. 

The suite was well-appointed, comfortable and large

Activities Onsite

We’ve stayed at several timeshare and all-inclusive resorts over the years and I have never seen more or better organized on-site activities than what is offered at the Wyndham SeaWatch. Daily activities for adults and kids include yoga, water aerobics, crafts in the adorably decorated craft room, rubber ducky races in the lazy river, game shows, bingo, dance lessons, shuffleboard tournaments, a murder mystery dinner, fishing, a firepit singalong with s'mores, and the list goes on. They even have a wine and cheese reception at the beginning of the week to go over all the available activities. We were blown away by how much there was to do, much of it free or at a nominal charge. All of the activities staff that we met were friendly and kind and seemed to genuinely care about the experiences of guests. 

The best activities program we've ever seen at a resort!

The Area 

The Wyndham SeaWatch is on the northern end of Myrtle Beach close to golf courses, the Tanger outlets, Barefoot Landing and many other shops and restaurants. We found the location to be easy to reach and convenient. Myrtle Beach itself is about an hour and a half from I-95, making it a couple-nights stop over option for those on an east coast road trip. 

Conclusion

Our only complaint about the Club Wyndham SeaWatch was that we couldn’t stay longer! We enjoyed our time here very much and would recommend this resort without hesitation to anyone traveling to Myrtle Beach. The location, amenities and service simply cannot be beat. 

As always, if you’d like to visit the Wyndham Seawatch or need help with any other travel we’re happy to help!

Review: Southern Belle Glamping, South Carolina

If you’ve never glamped before it’s like camping, only easier! Glamping doesn’t require all the gear and preparation of traditional camping and it’s certainly cleaner. It's not quite a hotel stay, but if you find the right place it’s not too far off. And it just so happens that we know the right place!

Read on for all the details of our recent stay at the Southern Belle Glamping site in South Carolina.

The Glamping Tent and Site

Although the accommodations at the Southern Belle Glamping site are technically in a tent, they sure don’t feel like it. From the colorful rugs to the queen sized bed to the mini-fridge to the Nespresso maker it’s easy to forget that you are somewhere other than a cute B&B or boutique hotel. The glamping tent also features board and card games, a full dining service for two, a lovely chandelier, and outlets and USB ports for charging. For hot summer days and nights there is even air conditioning! The tent itself is spacious, with plenty of head room and space to walk around. 

This was the most comfortable bed we've ever slept in;
including our own!

Just outside of the glamping tent (sharing the same raised platform) is a smokeless fire pit flanked by two Adirondack chairs. We’ve never used a smokeless fire pit before, but for the first time in our extensive camping experience we did not end the evening smelling like a campfire. It was wonderful! We didn’t need it this trip, but a grate was available for cooking over the fire as well. 

The fire-pit area overlooks the creek, woods and field beyond. It’s a lovely spot that we enjoyed both morning and evening. It was super tranquil and peaceful to sit with a cup of Nespresso in the morning and listen to the birds and the soft sounds of the creek babbling nearby. 

View from near the creek

The bathhouse is about ten steps away from the tent, also very conveniently on the raised platform. Behind the barn door is a full bathroom complete with composting toilet, sink and a hot water shower. I’ll leave the explanation of composting toilets to the experts, but I will say that it was not substantially different from a normal toilet nor was it gross at all. 

The vanity is made from gorgeous rustic wood and the hosts were thoughtful enough to provide towels along with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and bar soap. That’s more than we usually get in chain hotels these days, so we were very impressed (and grateful!). The bathhouse is vented at the top, so taking a shower here had some outdoor shower vibes. The hot water and great water pressure made showering a truly pleasurable experience. 

This is no outhouse! 

The entire site is well-lit, making it easy to walk to the bathhouse in the middle of the night if need be. We also arrived back late one evening and had no problem finding our way into the tent in the dark. The chandelier in the tent is on a remote control, so turning in for the night is as easy as it gets. 

The Property

The glamping site is located in the far corner of an adorable small farm. The drive in from the road is over grass and can be easily made by any car. The directions provided were spot on, we had no problem finding our way to where we needed to be. The glamping site is separated from the farm by trees and shrubs, so it’s very private. 

As you drive down you can’t help but notice the chicken and sheep in their large penned area. We walked over to visit them in the morning and got some great pictures of the sheep and a video featuring a crowing rooster. We loved hearing the sounds of farm life, but if crowing roosters aren’t your thing the hosts thoughtfully provide ear plugs. 

Such sweeties!

The Area 

The Southern Belle Glamping site is located in small town South Carolina, about 25 minutes from Greenville or Clemson. It’s about ten minutes from the exit off the highway, where you can find a few fast food restaurants if needed. There is also a gas station just down the road. It’s the perfect mix of country and convenience. 

If you head north into Greenville, we suggest checking out Falls Park on the Reedy. The park itself is amazing, with a large bridge suspended over stunning waterfalls. The park has lots of stairs, but also an elevator making it accessible for all. The surrounding area is fun too, with lots of restaurants and shops to check out. We especially loved Vintage Now Modern. 

Falls Park at the Reedy

If you head west into Clemson you will find a fun college town with several restaurants and bars, along with plenty of stores to stock up on Clemson merchandise. If you visit in the fall be aware of the college football schedule, as home games come with road closures, changes in traffic patterns, and lots of activity. Clemson is also home to The South Carolina Botanical Gardens, a 295 acre garden and natural area that is open year-round and free to the public. 

Conclusion

If you want proof of the old adage “service makes the stay” you’ll find it at the Southern Belle Glamping site. In addition to being kind and informative, our hosts were thoughtful enough to provide bug spray, paper towels, cooking pots and pans, cooking spray, a first aid kit and a flashlight just in case we needed them. They also provided firewood and kindling, matches and even a bottle of chilled champagne when we arrived. It was apparent throughout our stay that they go above and beyond in anticipating the needs of their guests and meeting them at every turn. 

Champagne and thoughtfulness are always appreciated!

As we’ve returned to travel post-covid it’s become very apparent that people and service are the biggest determinants of a great trip. Thanks to the amazing hosts at Southern Belle Glamping we did indeed have a great trip and will definitely be back when we are in the area again. 

As always, if you’d like to give glamping a try or need help with any other travel we’re happy to help!

Top 5 Cruise Tips for 2022: Everything You Need to Know!

These are our best cruise tips to help you have a fantastic vacation from start to finish! Being prepared will help you make the most of your vacation, so read on for the inside scoop on cruising. 

Tip #1: Tip the Luggage Porter 

When you arrive at the port one of the first people you will meet is a luggage porter. The porter will take your checked luggage, which will be delivered to your stateroom later in the afternoon. 

One cruise tip we swear by is tip the porter! 

Luggage will generally be delivered anywhere between 1pm and 6pm on embarkation day. We’ve found that tipping generally ensures our bags are delivered early in the afternoon. 

Tip #2: Only Carry-on an Essentials Bag

On the subject of checking luggage, we suggest checking as much as possible. Anything not checked will have to be carried on and toted around while you wait for your room to be ready. Lugging a suitcase while trying to navigate the lido buffett line is not something we recommend! 

When you board the ship you’ll find that lunch is being served, the bars are open (if you’re so inclined), and you are able to start vacationing right away. Your room won’t be ready until early afternoon, so you may as well scope out a good spot and start enjoying yourself without the hassle of lots of luggage. 

Your best bet is to only carry-on a small daypack, something like a beach bag or small backpack. Make sure to have anything you need for a fun first day aboard; identification and credit cards for check-in, sunscreen, medications, and if you are hitting the pool you’ll of course need your bathing suit and flip flops! 

Tip#3: Research Before You Go

Before booking your cruise you probably did a lot of research to find the best cruise for your needs. We suggest continuing to research, even after you book. 

In addition to the reviews of the ship you may have read prior to making your reservation, Facebook Groups are a wealth of information. We suggest joining facebook groups both for your ship and the specific sailing you are on. 

These are great forums to not only ask questions, but read everyone else’s questions and answers. The ship specific group will have information on everything from parking at the port, when Formal Night happens, if there are any special events planned (think 80’s deck party, white night, etc), and lots more. 

The sailing specific groups can be a great way to get to know some of your upcoming cruise mates. Often fellow cruisers will organize pub-crawls and meet and greets for anyone who is interested during the cruise. There can also be a lot of information about the ship here as well, especially if any of the ship’s frequent guests are sailing. 

Tip #4: Investigate the Extras 

While the initial cost of your cruise includes food, non-alcoholic beverages and entertainment aboard the ship there are other extras you might consider purchasing. 

One of the biggest costs to consider is the Drink Package. Some cruise lines offer fares that include the drink package while others offer this at an additional cost. We suggest doing some math to determine whether or not it makes sense for you to purchase the drink package or pay as you go on the ship. 

Most packages include a set amount of alcoholic drinks per day. Most drinks aboard a cruise ship are anywhere from $9.50 - $12 each. When you divide the daily cost of the package by the average cost of a drink you’ll have an idea of how many drinks you’d need to consume to break even or save money with the package. This will give you a baseline to determine if a drink package is the right direction to go. 

Keep in mind that generally cruise lines will require all adults 21 and over in a cabin to purchase the drink package. They also charge the gratuities up front when you purchase the package, so don’t be surprised to see that extra charge when you get to the check-out screen. 

Gratuities are another charge that can either be pre-paid or will be charged to your onboard account during your cruise. These charges are generally about $15 per person, per day and go towards your room steward, dining staff, and others who work to make your cruise wonderful. If you prefer to tip in cash you can visit the Guest Services desk aboard the ship to have the charges removed after they have posted to your onboard account. 

Most dining and entertainment is included in your cruise fare, but if you want to visit one of the ships specialty restaurants, the casino or do any duty-free shopping aboard that will be an additional fee. There is generally an art auction on most cruises as well and while the champagne there may be free, the art certainly isn’t. 

Lastly, you may decide to purchase excursions to embark on at your ports of call or do some shopping or local dining while off the ship. We recommend purchasing excursions ahead of time and always being alert when out and about in a foreign country. And of course, don’t be late returning to the ship because they will not wait for you! 

Tip #5: Complete the Post-Cruise Survey

In addition to gratuities, completing the post-cruise survey can be very beneficial to the staff on the ship. 

Within a week or so of disembarkation the cruise line will email you an in-depth survey to gather your thoughts on your recent cruise. You’ll have the opportunity to share feedback (positive and negative) on everything from dining to entertainment to the staff that served you. 

If there were staff members that went above and beyond it’s helpful to them to shout them out in the survey by name. If you develop a rapport with a staff member they may ask you to remember them in the survey towards the end of the cruise, since it’s so important to their career advancement. The cruise lines use this survey data in determining staff promotions, schedules and pay. We always jot down the names of the bartenders and waitstaff who helped make our trip memorable and let the cruise line know how great they were! 

Bonus Tip: Enjoy Yourself! 

This may seem like an obvious cruise tip, but staying in the moment and enjoying yourself is key to having a great vacation. Try not to get overwhelmed with details and concerns or keeping too tight a schedule. Almost everywhere you look there will be an amazing ocean view, more food than you can eat, bars, entertainment and fellow fun-loving cruisers to have fun with. Come aboard knowing what you’re interested in on the ship and start your vacation right away to maximize your vacation time and investment. 

Happy cruising!

Review - Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards

The Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards

Overview
This hotel is perfectly situated in the Inner Harbor area of Baltimore, MD; a block from Camden Yards, a pleasant 5 minute walk to the waterfront, across the street from the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower and only 20 minutes from the airport. This hotel is best suited for a business traveler or a tourist more interested in exploring the city than the hotel's amenities. Since I was both of these things on this solo trip, the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards was a great fit for me.

The Hotel
The lobby and common areas of this hotel are modern and comfortable. Catering to business travelers the amenities are limited; there is no pool, spa or free breakfast. There is a fitness center (which I didn't use) and a business center in the lobby. There is also a restaurant and self-serve beer and wine bar.

I stayed at this property because I was attending a conference being held there. When I arrived at 8am for a morning of pre-conference activities I was pleasantly surprised that conference guests were able to check-in. We've been blessed with early check-ins in our recent travel, but 8am is almost unheard of. This was a wonderful way to start my time at the hotel!

Comfortable, spacious 8th floor room with 2 queen beds

The Room
The room was perfectly acceptable. The furnishings were modern but worn. The bed and pillows were very comfortable. The room and bathroom were clean. We don't stay in downtown areas too often so I loved the city view.

My room was on the 8th floor, right by the elevator and ice machine. While the location was convenient, it was a bit on the noisy side. Now I know why my husband always requests a room away from the elevator. Lesson learned, I'll always listen to my travel agent from now on!

Poe & Stormy - one strong drink!

Dining
The hotel lobby is home to The Yard, a loft-inspired bar and restaurant serving seafood and classic American fare. I only had time to stop in for a drink, but while I was at the bar I overheard other patrons raving about their appetizers. The portions looked generous and I can tell you that my one drink was tasty and plenty strong! They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner along with a full bar.

The lobby also has a self-serve beer and wine bar. I'm not exactly sure how this worked, but it looked like something fun to try if I ever go back with my husband. The wooden bar top was gorgeous!

The self-serve bar

The Conference Experience 
While I've never been to a national conference before, I have been to other conferences at hotels in my local area. In terms of venue this was heads and tails above anything I've ever experienced. The conference space itself was comfortable and updated. The hotel provided a very professional AV technician who made sure that all the presentations ran smoothly with no technical issues what so ever.

The hotel provided breakfast each morning and lunch one afternoon. The breakfast included scrambled eggs, home-style potatoes, sausage, bacon, and continental options. Everything was excellent and plentiful. I was expecting a typical conference lunch with a salad, a soup and a chicken entree but I was pleasantly surprised with the make your own fajitas bar. They had all the fixings, steak, chicken, pork, fish, a chicken tortilla soup and a dessert station. Everyone was very pleased with this meal.

Can't wait to take my family back to the Inner Harbor!

The Inner Harbor Area
I wasn't sure what to expect before my trip, but the Inner Harbor is one cool little area! I went down to the waterfront around lunch time on a Friday afternoon and found food trucks in a park just across the street. The vibe was festive for both those on their lunch break and the smattering of tourists wandering around. Along the waterfront itself there are a variety of attractions and shopping, ranging from a Ripley's Believe It or Not to several military ships that can be toured. There are also many waterfront restaurants, including great local fare and national chains such as Uno's, Hooter's and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Another area I visited was Camden Yards, which was just a block from my hotel. I walked through a couple hours before an Oriole's game and loved the excitement bubbling everywhere. There were vendors firing up grills and outdoor bars playing music and serving beer. Just past the excitement were quiet streets lined with trees and row houses - it was delightful.

Outside of Camden Yards before a game on a nice fall day!

Being in Baltimore for just a weekend and being busy with the conference I didn't get to explore as much as I would have liked, but I've already told my husband that we have to go back soon to see more!

Summary
Baltimore is a great long weekend destination and if you are planning on being out of the hotel more than in it, the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards is a great option. With clean, comfortable rooms, a modern lobby, a great location and professional staff you really can't go wrong with this hotel!

As always, we're happy to help you plan your own Baltimore trip! 

Review - Allure of the Seas 2019

The Boardwalk and Aqua Theater

Overview 
The Allure of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in the world, is simply stunning in it's design and features. While the service on our 2019 cruise left something to be desired, the ship offered amazing entertainment experiences and many dining venues.

The Ship 
Rather than offering large areas to accommodate the thousands of guests aboard, the Allure of the Seas offers several smaller "neighborhoods" for passengers to escape to. This allows guests the option of being among the masses in busier areas or enjoying relative peace and tranquility in quieter areas.

Some of the areas we frequented the most during our vacation were:

Central Park - Hands down my absolute favorite area of the ship! Central Park is an actual park with live trees and plants, park benches, a coffee shop, specialty restaurants with alfresco dining, a bar and high-end shops. This is a great place for morning coffee, an after dinner cocktail, or a place to unwind away from the hustle and bustle. It truly feels like an upscale urban park, they even have umbrellas in case it rains!

Check out our video of Central Park!

Board Walk - This was another favorite area! The Board Walk is located at the back of the ship and includes everything you'd expect to find at a "real' Board Walk - a carousel, a candy shop, diner food in the form of Johnny Rocket's, and even a hot dog vendor! They also have a specialty Mexican restaurant and bar and a small tunnel and slide play area for kids. Despite the kid-friendly attractions, we did not find this area to be overrun with little ones at all and we spent more time here than I anticipated.

Check our our video of Central Park! 

The Royal Promenade

Royal Promenade - Our 10 year old nephew described the Royal Promenade best when he declared, "I feel like I'm in a mall"! Once again, you'd never imagine you were on a ship in the middle of the ocean if you didn't already know it. The promenade is a collection of bars, restaurants, shopping and live music that seems to be awake at all hours. It's always a fun place to walk through or grab a seat and people watch.

Casino - We don't gamble, so we really only walked through the casino once or twice. It seemed to us to be a fairly standard casino, with an assortment of slot machines and table games. They of course had a bar and this is one of the few places aboard that allows smoking.

Pools and Hot Tubs - As a family we spent a lot of time in the pools and hot tubs! We found the hot tubs to be plentiful (they had something like 8 or 9!) and at optimal temperatures for spending long periods of time in. During the day the bar staff were very attentive to those in the hot tub and we definitely appreciated that!

There were lots of pool and hot tub options!

There are 2 pools and a splash park for the kids. The three main pools we actually found to be too deep for comfort - even my husband could barely keep his head above water while standing! We also were bummed that you couldn't enjoy a drink in the pool unless you were sitting on the side. Given the depth of the pool I understand their reasoning, but we'd have preferred a shallower pool that better allowed for hanging out and mingling with other people. One nice feature is that there are lifeguards at every pool.

We didn't use the splash area, but it always seemed full of little ones having a great time. It even had it's own small pool that was very popular.

Fitness Center - We didn't use the spa on this trip, but we did use the fitness center just about every morning. The facility is large, with a good assortment of cardio and weight equipment. They also offer several free classes every day, including stretch and ab workouts. We went to the ab class a couple of times and definitely felt the burn.

One of the best fitness features on the Allure of the Seas is actually the jogging track, which can be accessed through the fitness center. On most ships the jogging track is relegated to a top deck, where the sun and wind make optimal utilization a challenge. On the Allure, the track is much lower on the ship and almost entirely covered, while still being open on the sides. Being on a lower deck also makes the track longer, so you run in fewer circles.

Solarium - The adult area on the Allure of the Seas covers two decks at the front of the ship and offers a buffet breakfast and lunch, a bar, a pond feature, 2 hot tubs and a dipping pool. The area has stylish furniture and offers both sun and shade. This area is most used during the day and is very quiet at night. We thought we'd spend a lot more time here than we did, but in the end the Allure of the Seas just had so many great places to chose from!

Jesse and I relaxing in one of the two hot tubs in the Solarium

This was our 6th cruise and I have to say this was far and away the most impressive ship we've encountered.

Two tips - check out the sundeck on deck 14, forward. Great views and vantage point of the helipad! Also if you find yourself in need of a private bathroom and your stateroom isn't an option, head to deck 8 forward, just off the elevators. There is a public restroom that is a "one at a time" setup with a locking door. It is down a small hallway leading to staterooms, but there are signs if you are looking for them.

Stateroom
We traveled with 17 people on this trip and we stayed in 3 different room types: Oceanfront Balcony, Central Park Balcony and Interior. All of the rooms featured modern decor, modern bathroom fixtures and comfortable bedding.

We found the Central Park and Oceanfront Balcony rooms to be an average size for a cruise ship. Most rooms of this type include 1 king or 2 twin beds, a couch, closet space and a desk area. We found the closet space to be a bit lacking on this ship, but not so small that we couldn't make due.

The interior room was, to put it mildly, small. We've heard that this is the case with interior rooms, but this was our first opportunity to actually see one for ourselves. We can now confirm - interior rooms are indeed very, very tiny!

Our main issue with our staterooms was a lack of attention paid to bedding requests made prior to the trip. Most people in our group were rooming with family members and required 2 twin beds; in most instances, despite my travel agent husband having requested it online beforehand, most rooms were left in the more traditional 1 king configuration. Jesse spoke to some of the room stewards to get this issue fixed and even the correction was hit or miss, sometimes the bedding was reconfigured to 2 twins and in other cases it just didn't get done. This was a disappointment and unfortunately, a harbinger of less than stellar service to come.

Dining and Bars
Dining
From the infamous buffets to the storied dining room service, the food is an important part of any cruise. In addition to the complimentary options, Royal Caribbean also offers many specialty (ie, for an extra fee) dining options as well. From sushi to Mexican to premium steaks, if you want it (and are willing to pay for it) you can find it on the Allure of the Seas.

Maybe it's because there are so many specialty restaurants that the main dining experience is somewhat "less than" on the Allure of the Sea. Don't get me wrong, it's not that the food is bad; it's that the main dining room fare is simply average. The service in the dining room, while also not bad, is just average. The decor and place settings are too just average. We were fairly disappointed in this aspect of the trip, I'm sorry to say.

Disappointing too was the buffet. For a ship so large, the buffet was quite small. From what I read beforehand this was done intentionally, as there are many other areas to eat. The food offered at the buffet was standard fair and decently done. We ate here only twice; for lunch right after boarding and one evening for a second dinner as they were serving oxtail (why they didn't offer this delicacy as an option in the main dining room we failed to understand).

One area the food on this ship excelled was at the smaller complimentary venues. We enjoyed Park Cafe for breakfast and lunch paninis, Sorrento's for those late night pizza cravings, and Cafe Promenade for quick bites 24 hours a day. We also liked the hot dogs on the Board Walk and the complimentary breakfast at Johnny Rocket's.

We considered spending extra money to see how much better the specialty dining was than the complimentary, but in the end we just couldn't bring ourselves to spend more than we already had on this vacation. We certainly didn't starve, but this experience was far from the best dining we've had at sea.

Bars
There are a multitude of bars aboard the Allure of the Seas and, due to our drink package purchase, we made a point to visit every one. Much like with food, we like to try new things when it comes to alcohol. With all the different themed bars (beach, Mexican, upscale, etc) we had high expectations for trying many new drinks on this ship. We were disappointed to find that, with the exception of a few, most bars offered no drink menus to chose from. It wasn't until midway through the cruise we figured out that they were there, you just had to ask for them. Why they don't leave them or display them on the bar we don't know, but finding them eventually was nice and we tried many new cocktails.

The alcohol selection was plentiful and the drinks were fine in terms of taste and strength. The Champagne Bar and Trellis Bar in Central Park were especially good. Both had excellent service and great cocktails.

While the drinks were fine at the other bars, the service generally left a lot to be desired. Bar tenders were at best barely polite and at worst downright rude. We are not needy customers so for us to have this impression is telling. We were also taken aback by the rude comments of other food and beverage employees, from an employee selling popcorn to a hostess at the buffet breakfast. While the remarks were not made to us, we were completely put off by the attitude of staff towards well-meaning, polite guests. We have truly never seen anything like it on a cruise.

Entertainment

This scene from Blue Planet blew us away!

Do you like cirque du soleil style shows? Got it! Broadway musicals? Check! Ice skating performances? Got that too! (Yes, really. There is an ice rink on-board!) With a rock climbing wall, a zip line, ping pong tables and kids clubs it is almost impossible to be bored on the Allure of the Seas.

We saw Mama Mia, the Ocean Aria aqua show, Blue Planet, and the Headliner show featuring Stephani Parker. All of these performances were well done and well worth our time.

In terms of entertainment the only negative was the comedy. The club itself is very small, which probably explains why the 2 comedians repeat the same act every night throughout the entire cruise. On other cruise lines the comedians have always been swapped out mid cruise, offering new acts and experiences. Not so on this Royal Caribbean cruise. Later in the cruise one evening of comedy was moved into the main theater, but to our disappointment we found that one of the comedians sill reused about 80% of his act from earlier in the week.

Sigh.

Summary
The Allure of Seas is a stunning ship with a mix of traditional cruise ship experiences and small, intimate areas. The entertainment is top notch, there are plentiful bars, restaurants and shopping to choose from and the staterooms are modern and comfortable. If you've cruised on other lines before the service and dining might be a disappointment, but if you are new to cruising you probably won't notice this.

Overall we would sail on the Allure of the Seas again, just with adjusted expectations.

Review - Home2Suites Ft. Lauderdale

Great hotel, perfect for a "night before the cruise" stay!

Overview
As we've discussed before, flying in the day before a cruise is a very good idea. If you're anything like us you want that night before to be affordable, but still feel like you're on vacation. This can be a tough balance, but if you're cruising out of Port Everglades in the Ft. Lauderdale area the Home2Suites by Hilton might just be the perfect property for you!

Our requirements for a night before stay include a pool, breakfast in the morning, and both an airport and cruise port shuttle. We're of course also looking for a clean, safe property at a good price, preferably under $150. Jesse spent a good deal of time researching this part of our trip and found the brand new Home2Suites to be our best option. This is a newer brand of Hilton properties that caters to the more stylish extended stay traveler. Their rooms are all suites, so they also have great appeal for families as well. Being a party of 4 for this portion of our trip, we fell into the family travel group and this property was exactly what we needed!

Shuttle Service 
After landing at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport and claiming all of our luggage we headed outside to the designated shuttle waiting area. We found a spot and Jesse called the hotel to request the shuttle. The front desk transferred the call to the driver's line and Jesse left him a voicemail (we presume he was driving). We waited for about 15 minutes and then spotted the Home2Suites shuttle. We boarded with a few other passengers and were on our way. In total the wait and loading of luggage took about 20 minutes, which was just fine with us since we saw Venus Williams while waiting! She had her dog with her and was taller than we realized. We didn't want to bother her for a selfie, but just seeing her was an exciting start to our vacation!

Check-In
After a quick 10 minute ride we arrived at the hotel. The hotel is located just off a main road, behind another hotel. There is a gas fire pit and comfy outdoor furniture in the front, giving a modern impression right off the bat. Inside, the lobby continues with the same modern, comfortable atmosphere. We arrived at around noon time and we able to get into our room right away. We were also gifted a small bag at check-in with a bottle of water and a bag of cheeze-its, for being a Hilton Honors member.

We inquired about the morning shuttle to the cruise port and the very helpful front desk attendant suggested that we use a taxi service instead. She informed us that the cruise port shuttle through the hotel is $10 per person, but a taxi for 4 people is only $23 total. We were happy to take her suggestion and she called and arranged the taxi for us. The taxi was there on time the next morning (actually, he was early!) and the very friendly driver got us to the port comfortably and on time.

We were very happy with the service we received at check-in and throughout our stay.

The Room
After saving some money at check-in we headed up to our room on the 6th floor. Our room was spotless and large. We booked a room with 2 queen beds and a pull-out sofa. The room also had a kitchenette with full-sized fridge, microwave, sink, dishwasher and kitchenware. There were electric burners available for free use through the front desk, but we didn't need those for our one night stay.

We loved this suite! Perfect for families.

We've stayed in many a "2 queen bed with a sofa-bed" suite before, but the design and style of this one was unmatched. Instead of a typical closet near the entry to the room and bathroom, this suite had a built-in that functioned as a closet at the other end of the room. This freed up space near the entry and made the room feel larger. Also, between the pull-out and the beds there was a curtain that could be pulled closed for privacy or left open for an airier feeling. This particular feature was super convenient when you had 4 people needing to change into bathing suits to head down to the pool!

Everything in the room, from the carpet to the hard-surface counter tops to the bedding to the bathroom, felt fresh and modern. It was also comfortable and spacious - perfect for a multi-generational family of 4.

The Amenities 
Checking-in at noon left us with an entire afternoon to have fun, so our first stop was the pool. The pool at the Home2Suites would be your standard outdoor hotel pool, if not for the waterfall and covered patio area. The patio area added privacy from the parking lot beyond and the waterfall added flare and a relaxing sound track. The furnishings in the pool area continue the modern theme, complete with bright colors and, on the patio just adjacent to the pool, comfy cushions.

We didn't have a car, so we were limited to restaurants within walking distance. For lunch we walked over to Mr. M's Sandwich Shop. They had everything you'd expect from a sandwich shop and we were very happy with our order. The walk took about 3-4 minutes and we didn't have to cross the busy road, which was nice.

For dinner we did cross busy Stirling Road and we were very glad we did! We had one of the best meals we've ever had at Las Vegas Cuban. The food was authentic, the portions were huge, and the prices were reasonable. The service was excellent as well, the waitress even hugged us as we left! We can't recommend this place enough. In addition to this restaurant, there were fast food options such as Burger King, Chipotle, and McDonald's within walking distance as well.

After dinner and one more dip in the pool, Jesse and I put my mom and our 15 year old son to bed and headed out front to the fire pit for a few minutes to wind down by ourselves. If the hotel staff found it odd that guests requested the fire pit be turned on in South Florida in August they sure didn't show it. The fire pit area was comfy and private, with just the security guard and an occasional guest passing through. It was a nice way to end a busy travel day.

In the morning we used the fitness area and had plenty of space (and the right equipment) for a good workout. In terms of cardio equipment they have bikes, treadmills and an elliptical machine. They also have free weights and a weight machine with multiple uses and attachments (anyone know what these wonder machines are called?). They only had one yoga mat for our ab work, but for some reason that seems to happen often at hotels and on cruise ships.

After showering and packing up, we were ready to grab some breakfast and get to the cruise port. Breakfast featured hot and cold options, make your own waffles, coffee, and a few juice options. Jesse and I heated up 2 of the frozen egg, veggie and meat bowls and they were delicious. The rest of the family had fresh fruit and cereal. The staff were very on top of things, bringing out more items as guests finished them. Despite a lot of people eating at once, the area stayed clean and well-stocked. With the patio area out front, there was enough seating for everyone to be able to enjoy their breakfast.

Summary
This hotel was the perfect blend of convenience, affordability and stylish amenities for a "night before the cruise" stay. The service was excellent, the facilities clean and modern, and the waterfall pool was a great bonus for our family. We highly recommend this to anyone traveling through the Ft. Lauderdale area. As always, we're happy to help you find rates and availability for your own stay.

Cruise Tips

Photo courtesy of flickr

First time cruiser? Been awhile since you're last cruise? Then this article is for you! We are coming up on our 6th cruise and we've pulled together our best tips for a wonderful vacation.

Research, Research, Research!
Even if you are using a travel agent (and we highly recommend that you do), you should still do a lot of research and review reading before and after booking your cruise.

Before booking your cruise, learn about the ports of call and amenities on the ship. Read reviews of the cruise line and of the specific ship. Look at pictures of the different stateroom types and the pluses and minuses of each. Go back to your travel agent with questions or concerns. Find out the specifics of the cancellation policy and decide whether or not to purchase travel insurance

After you've booked, find articles and blogs with hints and tips about your ship. Start investigating shore excursions (your travel agent can and should help you with this as well).  Continue reading reviews and online forums. Pay attention to emails from the cruise line with information about your upcoming cruise.

This might seem like a lot of extra work but in addition to helping you get the most for your money, it's a really fun way to build excitement about you upcoming vacation! If you would rather skip the researching and just do the reading, a good travel agent should be able to accommodate that request and give you all the information you need to make the most of your cruise (we do this all the time for our clients!).

Consider the Drink Package and Specialty Dining 
It is usually cheaper to buy the drink package or specialty dining options prior to the cruise. All cruise lines offer these options and the information is readily available online.

In considering the drink package take into account how much you drink vs. the cost. We've found the average "break even" number to be 6-7 drinks a day. Understand that drink packages are not just limited to alcoholic beverages, they also often include specialty coffees, smoothies/non-alcoholic daiquiris, soda, and the all important bottled water. Also take into account how many sea days there will be vs. how many port days, as you'll have less importunity to use the package on port days (you'll be off exploring the local culture!). Also be aware that in most cases if one adult in the room buys the package, all adults in the room have to buy it and there is no sharing of drinks allowed.

If you do buy the drink package, there are a few things to be aware of. Depending on the cruise line, while in a US port the drinks are included in the package price but sales tax is not, so you might have a small balance on those first few drinks. Packages vary by ship and cruise line, but you are usually able to get upgraded liquors in your mixed drinks. The bartenders will be happy to tell you the best liquor you can get with your package, all you have to do is ask. This is also a great time to try new liquors; shots are also available to you. We usually find one of the more upscale bars (either in the lobby or the casino) and visit during a quiet time to pick the bartenders brain about alcohol and try new things. We find that if they are not busy they are happy to chat! When you purchase the beverage package, or any drink without the package, gratuities are usually added automatically. You do not need to tip extra unless you want to for excellent service. Even with the drink package you will still receive a slip to sign; we recommend writing the word "zero" for the balance if you are not giving an extra tip. It's rare, but a slip left blank can have a tip added by the bar staff after you sign.

Specialty dining is another option to consider before your cruise. With your cruise fare you will have a host of dining options available to you, from the buffet to the dining room for dinner to snack options available all day and night, but you also have the option to purchase specialty dining if you so chose. These restaurants are upscale and offer food options not available elsewhere. These can be pre-booked and we recommend doing your research beforehand to determine if they are worth the cost.

Flying in? Arrive the Day Before
You can take an early morning flight and roll the dice, but if your flight is delayed or cancelled the ship will not wait for you. If you miss your sailing you will have the option of meeting the ship at it's first port and continuing on from there, but the cost of that travel is out of your pocket and the cruise line will not reimburse you for time lost on the cruise.

We recommend flying in the day before and spending the night in a nearby hotel. This is something else that your travel agent can help you with, usually finding a hotel that provides airport transportation and/or transportation to the cruise port the next morning. Being there bright and early will also help you to....

Make the Most of Your First Day
The day you board the ship is considered the first day of your cruise. Since you've paid for it, why not make the most of it? In order to do this you'll want to board as early as possible and know what to bring on board.

The time you can board the ship is determined before your cruise, when you check-in online (usually about a month out from your cruise). You'll want to check-in online as soon as possible since the time slots are first come, first serve and you won't be the only one wanting to get the party started. We set a reminder in our calendar to check-in on the first day we can and usually get an 11am boarding appointment. In some cases we've been on the ship as early as 11:20am!

When you arrive at the port, you will be approached by a porter who can take all of your luggage so you don't have to carry it on with you. As long as you've got luggage tags on all your bags (these are available online to print out, or will be sent from your travel agent) you can hand everything off and walk on luggage free. Be sure to keep a small bag with passports and anything else you'll need until your luggage is delivered to your room (usually before dinner). In addition to our passports we usually take our wallets, bathing suits, flip flops, sunblock, cell phones, and any medications required. We've found that tipping the porter seems to somehow get our bags delivered faster.

We know that once you board it's tempting to start exploring every part of the ship, but you have the entire cruise to do that! If you board early it will be one of the few times that you have your choice of the best lounge chairs by the pool or the shady daybed in the adult area. It might be the only time you are the only person in the pool or the hot tub, so you may as well take advantage of it. Your stateroom won't be ready until the early afternoon (usually 1pm) and the crew is busy with luggage delivery in the halls and on the elevators, so staying out of those areas is a good idea anyway.

Oftentimes there are spa tours and information sessions you can attend when you first board, but if you've done your research you probably won't need them. Also, most information sessions are recorded and then played back on the ship's TV channel so you can always watch later if you're so inclined. And those spa sales will still be available later in the cruise, we promise!

One last note, you'll want to switch your phone to airplane mode shortly after you board to avoid roaming and out of country charges. You can connect your phone to the ship's WiFi for free in order to use the cruise line's app throughout the cruise. This is actually one of our favorite first day rituals; we grab a drink, find a great spot to sit, make any final calls or texts and then toast to turning on airplane mode and unplugging for the rest of our vacation!

Use the Cruise Line's App or the Daily Cruise Planner
There is a lot to do on a cruise, from trivia to hairy chest contests to activities for the kids! While you don't need to stress yourself out over all the options, you also don't want to miss anything. In the app or on the printed version available daily throughout the ship you will find a run down of all the activities going on. Be sure to keep an eye on this information in order to find all the fun that awaits you at sea and in port. As we mentioned, the app is free to use (even if you don't buy the WiFi package) and on some cruise lines it even lets you communicate with other guests. This is especially great when traveling with kids!

Beyond the Buffet - Explore All Dining Options
The buffet is a much loved and often visited part of any cruise. From a quick breakfast to a late night snack, the buffet offers a little bit of everything. As convenient as the buffet may be, we implore you to explore beyond it!

Dinner in the dining room is included every evening. Here you will receive excellent service from a waitstaff team as you are served a three-course meal with many different options to chose from. Some cruise lines also offer some waitstaff led entertainment in the evenings, which can be a really memorable experience. During your cruise there will be one or two formal nights, you definitely want to eat in the dining room on those nights! You can also elect to have breakfast or lunch in the dining room as well.

Most ships also offer food at other venues throughout the ship. Check online for a listing of sandwich shops, specialty coffee shops that offer complimentary pastries, pizza places and various other eating options. We scope this out before our cruise and make a point to visit as many different eateries as we can.

Check Out The Adult Only Area
The adult only area is a child-free oasis that usually includes upgraded outdoor furniture (think cushioned rattan loungers and days beds), dedicated bars (and sometimes buffets), pools and hot tubs. These are a great escape on the ship, usually quieter and more relaxed than other areas. These little slices of paradise sometimes have events in the evening as well.

We love spending time in the adult only area and can't image anyone who wouldn't!

Gratuities 
The days of handing the headwaiter and room steward an envelope with a cash tip on the last night of the cruise are largely over. Gratuities are added per person, per night to your ship card (called different things on different cruise lines, this card serves as your room key card and credit card during the cruise). These gratuities are split between your evening waitstaff and room stewards. As mentioned earlier, gratuities are added to drinks as you order them or paid upfront when you purchase the drink package. We tend to find a bar we like and frequent it, meaning we see one or two bartenders on a daily basis. At the end of the cruise we usually end up giving these staff an extra tip, but this is of course totally optional.

If you'd like to do something else to acknowledge the staff you've found helpful during your cruise, jot down their names and a few reminders of their excellent service. After your cruise you'll be sent a survey and have the option to let the cruise line know staff that were particularly wonderful during your cruise. Shouting these staff out by name helps them professionally, from getting another work contract to working better shifts. If you forget this hint don't worry, they will probably remind you during your cruise!

Most Important 
Work hard, but always play harder! Enjoy your vacation and your time with family and friends - you deserve it!

If you find yourself in need of a travel agent - reach out to us, we'd love to help!