Luxury Vacations: He arrived looking ready for island life however underneath his wrinkle-free surf trunks and faded Abercrombie & Fitch t-shirt was the presence of a man who had not a minute to spare, a man whose Blackberry and briefcase were as much an appendage as his arm or leg. My big brother Barry — senior partner in a New Jersey based law firm, single father and county coach for junior boys soccer — had left New Jersey for his first real vacation in six years.

My proposed remedy for his suburban stress was the somewhat unoriginal recipe of a Caribbean island, gorgeous weather, a seaworthy vessel, and copious amounts of rum. His unexpected response after six years of rewarding lock-down, was, “I’m in!” Read the rest of this entry »

Luxury Cruises: Have you ever cruised into a prime port, spent a hurried day in frantic exploration, and only hours later stood on the ship’s deck as it pulled from the dock — already longing to return to really see the destination?

If your answer is “yes,” as mine invariably is, have you revisited? Perhaps.

But more than likely, not.

Well, no more. I recently discovered Royal Caribbean’s Cruisetours — billed as an addendum “designed to make a vacation for clients a complete vacation.” Offered in conjunction with cruises in Alaska, South America, Asia, Australia/New Zealand and Europe, it’s a pre- or post- multi-day escorted land segment that will immerse you into the land and its lore. Read the rest of this entry »

If eating fine food is your pleasure, a cruise vacation and dining at sea is for you!
If you get up early enough, go to bed late enough and catch the elevators on your ship just right – you can eat up to 13 times a day on board. And that does not count 24 hour complementary room service.
Fine cuisine and five star dining has always been a part of the cruise experience. On board, you’ll be treated to more options than ever before. As soon as one serving is ending, somewhere on the ship another is beginning.
Today the on board dining experience rivals almost any land based restaurant. Celebrity Cruise Lines cuisine, for example, is acclaimed by food experts, travel authorities and the most discriminating connoisseurs of all, their passengers.
Whether the succulent, broiled lobster tails and coquilles Saint Jacques served on the finest china or fresh pastas and omelets “made to order” from the buffet, an array of exotic dishes and familiar favorites are yours to enjoy. Read the rest of this entry »

Cruises are usually thought of as a vacation for adults, but many cruises are excellent for the whole family. Some cruises are even designed as family cruises, complete with entertainment options designed for both adults and children to enjoy together. If you are contemplating a cruise as a family vacation, be sure to check and see what sorts of children’s activities the cruise line offers before you book your cruise. In order to give you a point of reference, here are some of the most common activities for kids that you may encounter on any cruise.

Play Areas Many cruise ships have special play areas with a number of toys, games, and activities that children can enjoy. These play areas are usually staffed by individuals who have special training in youth protection and they also love working with children. This provides your kids with plenty to do, while being supervised by people trained specifically to keep them safe and entertained. Read the rest of this entry »