Destinations to Explore

Set Sail – Ho Ho Holiday Sailings

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ho ho holidays
Let Royal Caribbean® make your spirits merry and bright this December. All month long, they are hosting the biggest holiday celebration at sea featuring Santa and his elves, snow days on deck, your favorite DreamWorks characters, and more.

The entire Royal Caribbean Fleet will be overtaken with the holiday spirit starting in December. Every sailing will have an array of festive programming as you Deck the Holidays onboard. Some of the highlights are…

Ho Ho Holiday Sailings

TREE LIGHTING AND DECKED-OUT DECOR

Each ship’s Centrum, Royal Esplanade or Royal Promenade will be turned into a true winter wonderland. The time honored tradition of lighting the Christmas tree will be available on all sailings as you deck the hulls – or halls.

SANTA ON DECK

You can join Santa and his elves onboard for the ultimate Christmas celebration, including our Holly Jolly Holiday Parade, festive photo opportunities and more.

Make your spirits merrier and brighter than ever before. Royal Caribbean® is hosting the biggest holiday celebration at sea on every Caribbean sailing departing in December. From Snow Days on the Promenade to memorable moments with Santa and his elves, everything they love about the season is onboard. So give them the best gift ever — Royal Caribbean Deck the Holidays.

FLEET WIDE HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING*

• Snow Days on Deck
• Tree Lighting Experience
• Holiday Movies
• Caroling
• Holiday Suites Gift
• Adventure Ocean Arts and Crafts
• Holiday Activity Book
• Family Story Time with Elves
• Holiday Trivia
• Holiday Scavenger Hunt
• Letters to Santa
• Santa Parade with Elves & Musicians
• Santa Appearances with his Elves
• Holiday Theme Stationary
• Cruise Compass Holiday Version
• Adventure Ocean Holiday Compass
• Midnight Catholic Mass
• Christmas Day Catholic Mass
• Interdenominational Christmas Services • Lighting of the Menorah
• Hanukkah Services with Cantor or Rabbi

*Deck the Holidays experiences vary by ship. Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Turbo and all related characters and properties TM & ©2016 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C.
And if you joins us over the holidays, we’ll add some extra holiday cheer with 25% off third and fourth guests – plus up to $400 to spend at sea. So join Santa onboard and start a new, decked out tradition.
Here is a little need to know information:

Booking Window: September 1-30, 2016
Applicable Sailing: December 22-31, 2016 and December 22-31/2017

Details:
5-Nights or less:

  • 50 off per stateroom for Interior / Oceanview
  • $100 off per stateroom for Balcony / Suites

6-Nights or longer:

  • $75 off per stateroom for Interior / Oceanview
  • $200 off per stateroom for Balcony / Suites

More information can be found here or by contacting Erin Benge, your Royal Caribbean Specialist. She can be reached at 832-233-4468 or erinbenge@destinationstoexplore.com to help you plan you new decked out tradition

“Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” Stage Show Coming to Disney Cruise Line

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“For the “first time in forever,” the beloved animated hit “Frozen” is getting the Disney Cruise Line theatrical treatment as a new stage show exclusively aboard the Disney Wonder. “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” debuts, along with a wave of new enhancements to the ship, on cruises starting Nov. 10, 2016, from Galveston, Texas.

The story will be presented like never before, with an innovative combination of traditional theatrical techniques, modern technology and classic Disney whimsy, completely unique to theDisney Wonder production. The show features dynamic costumes and sets, remarkable special effects and puppetry, and spectacular production numbers that will delight your Clients in new and surprising ways.

“Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” will follow the captivating adventure of royal sisters Anna and Elsa as they embark on a journey to discover the meaning of sisterhood, inner strength and true love. Fans of the film and newcomers alike will be enchanted by favorite characters brought to life onstage along with beautiful renditions of the movie’s iconic music.”

To book your next Disney Cruise and experience the FROZEN magic, contact me today!

 Shared by Casey Cote: Casey Cote is a travel agent with Destinations to Explore. She loves planning incredible vacations at no cost to you. To book your next cruise, all-inclusive resort vacation, family getaway or honeymoon, contact at Casey@destinationstoexplore.com. You can also find her on Facebook!

3 Fun Games to Play on a Cruise

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GAMES

Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are perfect for all members of the family, young and old! Make a list of items to go around the ship and find. These items could relate to a theme (if it’s a holiday cruise, Christmas would be a good theme!) or choose an item to find that corresponds with each letter of the alphabet. You can also hunt for 20 items of the same color for a fun spin on the challenge. Take photos of the items you find and then share them with the other players at the end of the game to see who found the most items on the list! Just be sure to obey all ship rules and no running on the pool deck!

Decorate your Cabin Door Contest

This game is especially fun when you’re cruising with a group! Hold a contest to see who can create the best cabin door decorations. You can use magnets, photos, construction paper, streamers…anything that’s removable and won’t leave any damage to your cabin door. Plan ahead and make sure to bring your decorations with you . Once you are able to go to your cabins on the first day of sailing, decorate your door and see whose comes out on top! Don’t forget to bring a cruise-themed prize for the lucky winner!

“Where on the Ship”…

In this game, you take a photo somehwere on the cruise ship and have your friends and family try to guess where you are. At the end of your vacation, tally up who in your family got the most correct guesses and give them a cool prize from one of the ports on your trip. It will be a fun way to remember your cruise and you’ll have lots of silly photos to look back on.

Ready to set sail with your family and friends? Contact me today for your FREE cruise vacation quote!

Written by Casey Cote: Casey Cote is a travel agent with Destinations to Explore. She loves planning incredible vacations at no cost to you. To book your next cruise, all-inclusive resort vacation, family getaway or honeymoon, contact at Casey@destinationstoexplore.com. You can also find her on Facebook!

3 Kid-Friendly Cruise Lines to Consider

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Kid-Friendly Cruises

Once upon a time, it was a task to find a cruise line that catered to families with children. Nowadays, major cruise lines have taken their ships to all new levels of fun for little ones and adults alike. Despite the great strides made by cruise lines in accommodating children onboard, choosing the best cruise for your family is still complicated because of the plethora of onboard  activities, kids clubs, and child-themed bells and whistles many of the newer ships offer. Not all cruise lines, ships, and itineraries are created equal. Some cruise lines are better for families with teens, while others would be perfect for those toting toddlers.

Disney Cruise Line

Recommended Ships to Choose: All 4 ships in the Disney fleet are perfect for all ages!

All ships are ideal for families with kids ages 4 to 11, as Disney has the best facilities, dining themes/schedules and programs for this age group. That being said, Disney’s “It’s a Small World Nursery” is perfect for infants and kiddos up to 3 years of age.

Disney takes a separate-but-together approach to its kids programming, mainly to accommodate siblings and friends traveling together. The Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab allow children from 3 to 12 to access the same spaces but with programming separated in two- and three-year increments. On all three ships, the Oceaneer Club offers several themed play areas, including Andy’s Room (from “Toy Story”). On Fantasy and Dream, you’ll find the Laugh Floor (from “Monsters, Inc.”), while on Magic you’ll encounter Marvel’s Avengers Academy, a S.H.I.E.L.D. command post, where kids can interact with the Avengers through a virtual game The Oceaneer Lab has an Animator’s Studio and a mini sound studio. Cool additions to both spaces are Magic Play floors, which allow kids to use their feet to play interactive games. A Small World for-fee nursery is available to care for little ones ages 6 months to 3 years. These ships also have a kids club dedicated entirely to tweens, ages 11 to 14, with activities like video games, karaoke and computers. The teen club, Vibe (ages 14 to 17), has modular furniture and a cool coffee shop feel to it.

Disney Fantasy has a Muppets-themed mystery game and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where little girls are transformed into princesses. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique also coming to Disney Wonder in 2016.

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Recommended Ships to Choose: Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has some of the largest ships that are are ideal for families with kids of all ages, as well as multigenerational family groups. Oasis and Allure have an incredible display of family-friendly activities and entertainment — 4 pools, 10 hot tubs, a 3D theater, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rink, 2 FlowRider surf simulators and a zip line — and an array of family cabins to accommodate groups of varying sizes. Royal Caribbean’s kids clubs are among the largest dedicated kids facilities in cruising…there’s a toddlers-only splash pool, an arts and crafts workshop, a video arcade and computer stations. Oasis-class ships also have a theater and Science Lab, and teens will love the Fuel nightclub and the Living Room, a coffeehouse-style hangout.

Royal Caribbean separates kids into Aquanauts (ages 3 to 5), Explorers (6 to 8) and Voyagers (9 to 11). Kids from ages 12 to 14 can take part in “open mic” karaoke contests and rock wall challenges, while members of the oldest group (15 to 17) have their own themed parties and sports competitions. Both tweens and teens have access to a separate teen lounge, where they can come and go as they like. The Royal Tots and Royal Babies programs provide interactive classes and activities (when children are accompanied by a parent) for children from 6 months to 36 months old, as well as drop-off baby-sitting services. Excellent Broadway-style shows in the evenings will keep the older crowd engaged, while the DreamWorks experience offers character breakfasts, parades and meet-and-greets for little ones.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Recommended Ships to Choose: Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway

With Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising concept and cruise casual atmosphere, it’s great choice for families with kids of any age, particularly those who don’t want to be be held to strict dining times and overly stuffy venues.

Norwegian’s Splash Academy features separate activities for kids ages 3 to 5, 6 to 9 and 10 to 12. Children can do arts and crafts, sing karaoke and play video games. Epic’s facility has a jungle gym, plenty of room to roam and a cool interactive light-up dance floor. The two-story Splash Academy, found on both Breakaway and Getaway, is the line’s largest children’s space at sea, home to high-tech games, a circus school and a small cinema. Lower-level activities are divided for age groups 3 to 5 and 6 to 9, while kids 10 to 12 occupy the upper level of the club. Entourage is a space for teens 13 to 17, and it has air hockey, video games, plush couches and flat-screen TVs. Entourage turns into a teens-only nightclub at night. Both ships have small nursery play areas for babies 6 months to 2 years, where parents can come and interact with their children. Late-night group baby-sitting is available for a fee.

Ready to cruise and need help choosing the right cruise line for your family? Contact me today!

Shared by Casey Cote: Casey Cote is a travel agent with Destinations to Explore. She loves planning incredible vacations at no cost to you. To book your next cruise, all-inclusive resort vacation, family getaway or honeymoon, contact at Casey@destinationstoexplore.com. You can also find her on Facebook!

Magical Enhancements Coming to the Disney Wonder

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Disney Wonder

In Fall 2016, new onboard experiences for the whole family are coming to the Disney Wonder cruise ship—let’s take a peek at what magical enhancements are on the horizon!

Marvel Super Hero Academy
“The Marvel universe comes to life in Marvel Super Hero Academy. Here, kids can train to develop the brave and adventurous heroes inside themselves. It’s an exciting addition to Disney’s Oceaneer Club, the engaging and interactive space just for children.

Exclusively on the Disney Wonder, Marvel Super Hero Academy will offer extraordinary adventures in which each young Guest plays an integral role. With the mentorship of some of Marvel’s greatest Super Heroes, young trainees will learn the value of teamwork, bravery and problem solving through hands-on play and programs.

Throughout the academy, displays will feature equipment that helps make Marvel Super Heroes the mightiest in the universe. Captain America’s World War II shield, Iron Man’s helmet, Spider-Man’s web shooters and Black Widow’s gauntlets will inspire young Super Hero recruits.”

More Fun for Young Guests
“In Disney’s Oceaneer Club, open to children ages three to 12 years old, kid-sized fun continues with new play spaces and more character interactions than ever before.

  • Frozen Adventures is where fun takes the form of imaginative play and hands-on activities. On the digital screen, Olaf leads summery games with a wintery twist and a sing-a-long of “In Summer.” In another festive activity, young Guests prepare for a coronation and receive a truly royal visit by Anna and Elsa.
  • Club Disney Junior features favorite Disney Junior characters, storytelling and games. During one activity, Doc McStuffins pays a visit to the club to help children diagnose and treat the stuffed animals.
  • Andy’s Room is where kids feel toy-sized in the multi-level play space themed to the Disney•Pixar “Toy Story” trilogy. As a special treat, Woody appears in person to join youngsters in a hoedown and Jesse stops by to join in a scavenger hunt.

These and other spaces provide the perfect settings for children to not only meet their favorite characters but to dance, play and spend quality time with them.

A new “it’s a small world” nursery will delight the youngest cruisers with a whimsical world inspired by the style of the legendary theme park attraction.”

Tiana’s Place Restaurant
“Exclusive to the Disney Wonder, Tiana’s Place restaurant will transport guests to an era of southern charm, spirited jazz and street party celebrations. With a menu influenced by southern-style cuisine, Tiana’s Place will provide food for the body and soul, showing that dreams and dishes come true.

Guests of Tiana’s Place, the restaurant inspired by Princess Tiana in the Disney animated feature, “The Princess and the Frog,” will be treated to a celebration of New Orleans dining and entertainment. Live music will be performed on the main stage, with rhythmic, toe-tapping notes of jazz, swing and blues setting the tone for the French Quarter supper club atmosphere. Chefs will cook up Tiana’s recipes, drawing inspiration from the flavors and ingredients of the Louisiana bayou.

Cheers, to an English Pub
“The adult district includes a brand-new pub that invites guests to take a jaunt to an authentic English tavern. Dark woods, plush leather furniture and brass accents are reminiscent of a friendly neighborhood pub. A selection of British and specialty beers create the perfect pub atmosphere where adult guests can sip a pint or cocktail, or sample a brew made especially for the pub. Subtle nods to classic Disney films set in London can be found in artwork, props and other bits ‘n bobs throughout the pub.”
Throughout the Disney Wonder, other new and enhanced areas will include:

  • After Hours – a new adult district featuring an English pub, an all-new night club and a shiny new model of the popular Cadillac Lounge
  • A reimagined and relaxing Senses Spa & Salon and a new Chill Teen Spa
  • Animator’s Palate main dining restaurant updated to introduce the popular “Drawn to Magic” and “Animation Magic” dinner shows
  • D Lounge for family games and entertainment
  • Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique providing magical makeovers for children
  • Edge club for tweens
  • Cabanas casual dining location
  • Palo specialty restaurant makeover with Venetian-inspired décor
  • A brand-new Walt Disney Theatre production, combining traditional theatrical techniques, modern technology and classic Disney whimsy

The ship’s upper decks also will be redesigned for water fun:

  • Twist ‘n’ Spout water slide
  • Dory’s Reef is a splash zone that offers water play for toddlers
  • AquaLab is a pool and interactive water play area for kids and families

Disney Wonder undergoes dry dock from September 9 to October 23, 2016, in Cadiz, Spain, then the new enhancements will debut on sailings starting November 10 from Galveston, Texas. So stay tuned!

Interested in experiencing the reimagined Disney Wonder for yourself? Contact me today!

Shared by Casey Cote: Casey Cote is a travel agent with Destinations to Explore. She loves planning incredible vacations at no cost to you. To book your next cruise, all-inclusive resort vacation, family getaway or honeymoon, contact at Casey@destinationstoexplore.com. You can also find her on Facebook!