Destinations to Explore

DreamWorks Experience on Royal Caribbean Cruises

by

Only on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line can you enjoy the DreamWorks Experience!

“Discover memorable moments at sea filled with your favorite characters from Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon. Onboard our DreamWorks Experience ships, families and children of all ages are in for a treat with all of your favorite characters. From trivia, to scavenger hunts, to dining with your favorite character to themed family activities and more – we can’t wait to fill your your cruise vacation with tons of adventure with the DreamWorks Experience.”

While onboard select Royal Caribbean ships, you and your family can:

Meet the Characters from your favorite DreamWorks motion pictures. Characters include Shrek and Fiona, the Madagascar’s Alex & Penguins, and more!

Entertaining Shows like the Madagascar Aqua Show as well as exciting character parades!

Character Dining featuring tableside visits from DreamWorks characters!

Enjoy the Movies brought to life in our 3D theater or in your stateroom!

DreamWorks Experience is available on the following Royal Caribbean ships:

Anthem of the Seas

Quantum of the Seas

Allure of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas

Freedom of the Seas

Liberty of the Seas

Voyager of the Seas

Mariner of the Seas

Harmony of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas

For more info or to book your Royal Caribbean Cruise vacation, contact me at Casey@destinationstoexplore.com!

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!

Celebrity Edge – New Ship Coming 2018

by

CELEBRITY EDGE – COMING 2018

Celebrity Cruises, the company that brought you modern luxury cruising, has done it again. Introducing a revolutionary new ship that’s poised to change the way you experience the world—and a new class of ships designed to shatter all expectations.

When it came time to choose a name for this visionary vessel, we looked to the very thing that makes this ship so unique: the fact that during two years of exploration and excitement, every single design element has been taken to the leading edge of possibility. The name was right there in front of us.

Celebrity Edge. The first in our new Edge Class of ships designed to leave the future behind.

A Few Celebrity Edge Features:

Trasnformative Spaces

As the sun sets, the groundbreaking spaces on Celebrity Edge transform to deliver completely new experiences. By day, outward-facing ocean views, ever-changing abstract artwork, and unexpected entertainment create a luxurious resort-style atmosphere. At night, ambient lighting, unique al fresco dining, and live music set the scene for energy, intimacy, and elegance

The Resort Deck

This space offers endless ways to enjoy the great outdoors while connecting with the sea. Featuring a forward-facing, asymmetric pool, martini hot tubs,  jogging track that winds around the Rooftop Garden on two decks, and private cabanas that overlook the ocean, there’s a little something for everyone onboard the Edge.

Rooftop Garden

An urban playscape designed after childhood playgrounds where you can catch a movie, have a picnic, or dance among the stars.

Magic Carpet

The highlight of our outward-facing vision is the Magic Carpet, an extraordinary venue that changes mood, function, and even its location. This incredible engineering feat is the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform that reaches heights of 13 stories above sea level, so you can soar over the open ocean. With breathtaking views, a full bar, and space for live music performances, it truly is a destination itself.

Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda

The most transformational aspect of Celebrity Edge’s stateroom design is the introduction of the Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda, where with the touch of a button, your entire living space becomes the veranda, letting you walk right out to the water’s edge. Not only do these staterooms feature the latest in design and technology, but they’re 23% larger than our award-winning Solstice® Class veranda staterooms.

Nate Berkus – Design Ambassador

Design icon Nate Berkus partnered with Celebrity Cruises as the Design Ambassador for the Edge Class ships. His forward-thinking style and global aesthetic made him the perfect fit for Celebrity’s cutting edge new ship.

–BOOKINGS NOW OPEN–

LIMITED AVAILABILITY!!

Don’t miss your chance to set sail on the Celebrity Edge in 2018! Contact me at Casey@destinationstoexplore.com 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!

Up & Coming Destinations: Belize

by

Believed to be the heart of the Maya civilization, Belize offers travelers the life-changing opportunity to explore Mayan ruins at more than 1,400 recorded Mayan sites. Lamanai, Xunantunic, Caracol and Altun Ha are excellent archaeological sites to visit to explore what remains of the ancient civilization.

After visiting Mayan ruins, travelers can head to the Museum of Belize to see the largest carved jade Mayan object ever discovered as well as many other Mayan artifacts. The museum is housed in a former prison, making it an interesting destination in itself.

Travelers who want to be a bit more active have many choices when visiting Belize. Scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, caving…the list of adventurous activities in Belize never ends. Divers should head to Great Blue Hole, considered one of the best diving spots in the world. Located 43 miles from the mainland, the submarine sinkhole is over 900 feet across and 400 feet deep. Scuba divers can experience striking stalactites and many different species of fish. The Great Blue Hole is suited best to experienced divers, but snorkeling is very popular and enjoyable there.

Belize is home to other natural wonders, such as the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which touches the coasts of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras as well as Belize. One hundred and eighty-five miles of the reef are just off the coast of Belize (it stretches almost 700 miles in total) is home to 60 types of hard corals, over 500 species of fish and an abundance of other marine life. As the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, it was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

Quick Facts:

  • U.S. travelers: Valid passport needed for entry
  • Official language: English
  • Official currency: Belize dollar (American dollars are widely accepted)
  • Climate: Average high temperature of 80° F and average low temperature of 75° F, but temperatures vary based on elevation

Fun Belize Excursions:

  • River Tubing through caves (as pictured above)
  • Snorkeling the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere
  • Visiting Mayan ruins

Is Belize on your travel bucket list this year? If so, contact me at Casey@destinationstoexplore.com to book your Belize getaway!

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!

Cruise Tips: 5 Ways to Make the Most of Your First Cruise

by

  1. Book a Balcony Stateroom – They say, once you go balcony, you never go back! I, for one, can vouch that statement is true. Balcony staterooms are a special way to elevate your cruise experience. What’s better than waking up and stepping out on your private balcony and listening to the waves each morning? Watching the sunrise while you eat breakfast al fresco…but you get BOTH experiences when you book a balcony stateroom! Lucky you. 😉
  2. Splurge on the Beverage Package – If sipping cocktails is your favorite pastime while on vacation, then booking a beverage package while cruising is definitely something you should consider investing in. Many cruise lines offer packages that include alcohol, beer, and wine up to a certain price point for a flat rate per day. If you enjoy a morning mimosa, a couple afternoon beers, wine with dinner and a night cap or two each evening, a beverage package can end up saving you money during the extent of your cruise vacation. And BONUS…many cruise lines offer free beverage package perks or the opportunity to bundle one with a cruise booking, so be on the lookout for those awesome deals (or contact your trusty travel agent to steer you to them). 😉
  3. Treat Yourself to Spa Treatment: You’re on vacation, so why not?! Spas onboard are of high quality and offer a wide range of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments to suit even the pickiest of spa-goers. On days when the ship is in port, you can often find the best spa deals while everyone else is off the ship. This can make for nice, quiet day of pampering that’s unparalleled to any spa experience you’ve had before. So, treat yourself! You deserve it.
  4. Enjoy a Specialty Restaurant…or Two: The Main Dining room on board is wonderful…rotating menus and exceptional service every single night. But, cruise ships also offer a handful of delicious restaurants alternatives to eating in the main dining room every evening. With cuisines and themes ranging from French and Italian, all the way to Asian fusion and fancy steakhouses…take a night or two off from the dining room and experience different palate-pleasing fare.
  5. Embrace the Cruise-itude : Once onboard, don’t become a recluse in your comfy stateroom…explore the ship, get your bearings, and dive in head first to the fun that awaits you all around the ship! You’ll have the opportunity to try new foods, dress up for formal nights and themed cruise parties, and get involved with all sorts of cruise activities ranging from educational port lectures and cooking classes, all the way to bingo night and pool volleyball. Throw caution to the wind and enjoy all that cruise life has to offer!

Eager to plan and book your first cruise? Contact me today for your FREE cruise 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!

SPOTLIGHT: Key West, Florida

by

Key West, Florida

Known for being the southernmost city in the United States, Key West, Florida has been drawing crowds of travelers looking for a laid-back, eclectic, and brimming city with island charm. With it’s mellow vibe, it’s a little Florida, but a whole lot of Caribbean packed into one beautiful tropical island.

  • Don’t miss Duval Street, fresh seafood, margaritas and water excursions.
  • Key West is known for having amazing sunsets. Be sure to catch one on Mallory Square.
  • The first key lime pie ever is on record for having been made in Key West, so try a slice before you leave; it’s the official dessert of the island.
  • Take a pilgrimage down to the southernmost point of the island and take a photo with the iconic buoy! Don’t forget to watch out for Mile Marker 1 on the way.
  • There’s only one Sloppy Joe’s, and this is your chance to experience the real thing! This well-known bar has been a favorite “watering hole” in Key West since 1933. Grab a margarita and enjoy some life music.
  • Tired of walking? Take a Conch Train Tour or Old Town Trolley Tour around the island.

Key West Highlights for Cruisers

-Duval Street is where all the fun begins in Key West! Lined with a slurry of hopping bars, delicious restaurants, and eclectic shopping opportunities, this street has it all and is a must-see for all first-time visitors.

-Key West’s 19th-century character is found in Old Town, whose leafy streets are lined with Victorian homes, quaint cottages and grand mansions worth exploring. Step inside the breeze-filled homes of the famed author Ernest Hemingway, the Harry S. Truman House, and the maritime pilot’s Audubon House.

-Shopping in Key West is like no other shopping experience in the USA. Key West prides itself on an unique array of shops, including famous diamond stores, a cat and dog boutique, local artists’ markets, butterfly art, key-lime treats, luxurious aloe skin-care products, souvenirs that change color in the sun and pearls from around the world. While in Key West, shop for renowned jewelry from sunken treasures, fun clothing and a wide variety of island souvenirs.

-If you’re more into water sports, take a glass bottom boat tour on the Pride of Key West. Or enjoy an afternoon catamaran sail and snorkel excursion!

How to Get Here?

-Most major cruise lines offer Western Caribbean and a few Eastern Caribbean itineraries that stop in Key West. These cruises typically depart from Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa, or Port Canaveral.

Ready to find a cruise to Key West? I can help! Contact me for your FREE cruise quote today!

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!