Virgin Islands for the Caribbean Virgin

So you are ready to leave the country and set forth on a Caribbean adventure but with all the islands to choose from, where do you begin? Perhaps you should start at home. The U.S. Virgin Islands, 1100 miles southeast of Miami, are an excellent entrée to the Caribbean without leaving the comfort and security of home. Sure you'll actually leave the United States mainland, so it feels as if you've left the country, but language, currency, drivers license, banking are all the same so you won't have to feel out of your element. In fact, you don't even need a passport to travel to the USVI! So for the Caribbean virgins out there, the USVI is a great starting point. Maybe that's why they're named the Virgin Islands!

The US Virgin Islands are comprised of three magnificent islands: St Thomas, St Croix and St John. They are all uniquely different and are located close enough together so that which ever island you make your home base, you can easily take a day trip to the others via high speed ferries or a catamaran. The British Virgin Islands are also just a short hop away and can also be seen on a day trip, but these islands do require a passport.

All three of the USVI have a myriad of accommodations available. Luxury all inclusive resorts, grand hotels, condos, villas, private guest houses to small inns are options for your choosing. Camping is even an option on St John.

A US Driver's license is acceptable for car rental, just keep in mind that a tiny bit of the British influence still remains and driving is on the left side of the road, with the driver's seat on the right side of the vehicle. At first, it's a little nerve-wracking, but in no time you will learn to follow the other drivers and suddenly you are an expert. With your own vehicle it is so much easier to explore the island and try all the beaches, restaurants and attractions that are available. There are of course taxis and buses for those not wanting to drive.

St Thomas is known primarily for its heavy concentration of duty free shops in the capital city of Charlotte Amalie. It is a bustling stop on the cruise ship routes and is the busiest cruise-ship harbor in the West Indies. This small island is only 12 miles long and 3 miles wide, but there is a lot of activity for such a small space. Rich in history, it is delightful to walk the narrow passageways in town where chic shops now occupy ancient Danish warehouses that once stored pirate loot. Don't miss the opportunity to go to Fort Christian, the oldest standing building in the Virgin Islands and home to a great museum offering a glimpse into the island's multicultural history. Fascinating Blackbeard's Castle, which is now a restaurant and hotel, is also an interesting look into a 17th century tower.

St Croix, the largest of the three US Virgin Islands, is a little more tranquil than St Thomas although the capital city of Christiansted does offer numerous shopping venues. The real attraction of St Croix is Buck Island National Park. Several tour operators offer day trips to this protected underwater national monument, which has excellent underwater trails for snorkelers filled with brightly colored corals and marine life.

St John, the smallest of the three, is really the most beautiful and least developed. Two thirds of St John is a national park with guided trails and a third of the park is underwater. Laurence Rockefeller donated his acquired land on the island to the United States' National Park Service in 1956, provided that the lands remain protected from any future development. These early eco conscious provisions make this is a stunning island with perfect white sand beaches that stretch for miles. St John is a peaceful, non-commercialized natural wonder with postcard perfect beaches and views. Accessible only by boat, there are no cruise ship ports, airports or high-rise buildings; just a simple, natural, beautiful island.

Whether you are a Caribbean veteran or a 'virgin' to the West Indies, everyone should visit the US Virgin Islands at least once. They are a national treasure of beauty and diverse cultures that deserve to be fully experienced.

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Celebrity Cruise Line Solstice Reveiw.....Solstice Review

From the moment you are handed your mimosa as you step on board to the moment you step off at the end of your cruise this ship entertains you, relaxes you and makes you feel like you have pampered in luxury.

The public areas are spacious and this feeling is enhanced by tranquil lighting. The pedestrian traffic flow through the ship works incredibly well. There is an amazing choice of bars, lounges and eating options. As you'd expect, there is, the usual high standard main restaurant and the casual buffet style Oceanview cafe. The main dining room is stunning and the food was above par for a main dinning room. There are also four specialty restaurants, that are well worth trying: Silk Harvest serving Asian cuisine, Tuscan Grille steakhouse, Murano French cuisine and Blu. Although they all carry a surcharge they're well worth trying for something different or for a special occasion.

The Blu restaurant is reserved primarily for guests staying in AquaClass cabins. These are ideal for those looking for that little extra bit of peace, quiet and luxury. AquaClass guests also have their own spa area, The Persian Garden, with its steam rooms and aromatherapy this makes this grade of cabin great value.

 Celebrity promised a new cabin layout, which results in 15 percent more space and creative solutions, such as lots of storage areas for clothes and luggage, flat-panel televisions, and a “shaving bar” suggested by Celebrity’s “leading ladies,” a panel of five ordinary women who gave their input into what they wanted most in staterooms and bathrooms.The Celebrity Solstice “stateroom” is very modern, spacious, and comfortable.  When you open the door to the room, you won't believe how big it is. It was like a small hotel room, not the typical closet that you find on so many ships. The added bonus was the size of the balcony, with its table and chairs. The modern bathroom had a lot of room to move and store cosmetic items. (Also note that the “public” bathrooms around the ship were ultra modern and very cool in design and features – urinals had famous quotes to read – the details on this ship are amazing!). The room was clearly designed with people in mind. Even the life jackets were placed for easy access under the bed (along with your suitcases which easily fit under there). Celebrity also provides you with a hair dryer, a small fridge (which comes stocked), a safe, and items that you can use on a complimentary basis which you can purchase (such as an umbrella, bath robe, etc).


The Solstice is calming, relaxing, and classy but not stuffy. Celebrity has a luxury line of ships in the Solstice class....and have done an outstanding job. Clients looking for something more than a party ship atmosphere, food and wine lovers, or those looking to cruise in a luxurious ship without luxury pricing will enjoy the Celebrity Solstice.

The Solstice sails the Caribbean in the winter, and the Mediterranean in the summer.
                          SAMPLE 8-DAY CARIBBEAN ITINERARY - Prices from $749 to $1149 per person

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Romance in Disney....Love is in the air at Disney World

Disney isn't just for kids. Disney is carriage rides through a resort that resembles the old South. It is a dinner that culminates in a delicious desert while outside the sky fills with a spectacular fireworks display over Cinderella's castle. It is a private desert party for two during Illuminations, or on the beach at the Grand Floridian. How about dinner on a luxury yacht? All this and more can make any girls swoon. From visits with the characters to help you pop the question, to candle lit dinners you can have it all. Disney is full of quaint out of the way areas to sit and watch the world pass with your honey, to dancing the night away or a Cirque show. If you like couples spa treatments there are many to be had here. With the great spas on property.Drink around the World and taste the beverage of that land.  I can be here all night. If you can imagine it you can do it at Disney World, and it is definitely not just for kids and families.

2011 Emerging Vacation Trends..

If vacations are any indication of a better economy then it is improving somewhere. Our phone has been ringing of the hook and 80% of it is Disney World and nearby parks, and cruises. Families are booking both of these daily. Getting a room for a school vacation before summer is getting difficult. So, if you are planning Disney or a cruise this summer book soon. The Disney Dream did not have any inside cabin available through the summer at all. April vacation rooms in Disney is getting scarce.

Last year people did staycations or short vacations. 4 ad 5 night cruises were popular. This year 7 night cruises are back up there. People want the larger ships, and many good prices can be found on many of the smaller ships. With Disney, Free dining was available through the summer for those who booked early. Right now there is 40% off and other discount.

Families tend to book about 4-5 months out. The young (in their 20's) tend to make last minute vactions, and those over 40 plan about 6 months or more out, from what I see in my customers.

Lesson to be learned is, to book what you like at a price you are happy with and go enjoy your vacation! Call us for your vacation needs especially for this summer. Book now for the best selections to where you want to go.

We take the stress out of planning and researching your vacation, 

so you can spend that time with your family!

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1 Night cruise from New York on Norwegian Gem....Norwegian Cruise Line Gem Review

One night cruise from New York on the beautiful Norwegian Gem. What a way to enjoy  or try cruising. Do you have a question you want to pop, what can be more romantic then a proposal on the deck of the Gem with the NYC skyline in the background? Is your best buddy getting married this year? How about holding the bachelor or bachelorette party on the ship. Plenty of clubs to choose from, food included and NO driving or paying for an expensive transportation. Is it a special birthday? Do you want to tell him you are expecting....these all warrant a special occasion at a special place, and here it is.

The Norwegian Gem was launched in October 2007, the Norwegian Gem is primarily characterized as significantly relaxing with no fixed dining times, no formal dress codes, up to 10 diverse restaurants, and a dozen bars and lounges. Onboard there is 30-foot high rock climbing wall, a Wii Nintendo system in the Crystal Atrium, a casino, a spa, bowling and so much more. The Bliss  Lounge is a bowling alley by day and a happening night club with velvet and lounge beds at night. There is so much to do that 1 night will not be enough to take everything in. 

There is a great kids area with areas designated to different age groups. The kids never want to leave the clubs, and it gives parents some time to do grown up things.

There is a huge assortment of cabin types on this cruise from the typical inside cabin to a luxury suite.

These amazing Villas sleep up to eight with three separate bedrooms, each with a king or queen-sized bed and luxury bathroom. With a living room, dining room and incredible private garden with hot tub, you will have more than enough space to spread out and unwind. You'll also have access to the private courtyard area. Includes butler and concierge service.

Up to four guests can stay in these Mini-Suites that come with a sitting area, luxury bathroom with shower, two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and additional bedding to sleep two more guests. Not to mention you'll have a private balcony to enjoy the incredible view. 

These staterooms sleep up to four guests and come with two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a convertible sofa pulls out to sleep two more. They include a sitting area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony.

Includes two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a pull down bed. 

Includes two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a pull down bed.

Call us for information at 508-808-5995

Prices $79 a night per person before taxes and fees

Norwegian Gem preview and pictures

We take the stress out of planning and researching your vacation, 

so you can spend that time with your family!

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