We are all looking for something new to experience when it comes to travel or want to get there without having multiple stop or being forced to overnight along the way. Recently, Delta Airlines expanded seasonal service from JFK and Atlanta to the island of Antigua in the Caribbean. While this may not seem like a big deal, it really is. With this new expanded service we can no fly from Omaha to what is called the most romantic island in the Caribbean with just one change of planes in Atlanta. is there a catch, yes…the catch is that you will fly only on Saturdays. Which means you get to spend a week in paradise and experience one of the many beaches or try out the longest running BBQ in the Caribbean. Come check out this new destination and disconnect for a while.
Airfare incraeses
Many of you have seen pricing increase especially around the holidays. For some this is going to be a time for overall increases. With higher fuel and operation costs, airlines have been slowly increasing airfare. Southwest was the latest airline to do this; however, theirs wasn’t as bad as what we typically see from the major airlines. This latest increase was only $2-$5 each way only domestic flights only. But is this a sign of things to come for international travel or when they finally being service to Hawaii.
No more free upgrades - at least not with Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is now offering bid-based upgrades for passengers now. They are following Norwegian Cruise Lines as they were the first to offer guests the ability to bid on an upgrade. With this new option, you can “name your price” to move up and the cruise line still makes money. For those who do cruise often, cruise lines used to offer a free upgrade if it was available. Some have now been offering a specific amount to pay for an upgrade. This new idea gives some control to the guest in what they can afford or is worthwhile for an upgrade. This could save you hundreds of dollars on your next cruise.
Moon Palace coming to Punta Cana
Palace resorts is one of the most popular all inclusive companies for families. When you ask someone to name a Palace property - Moon Palace in Mexico is usually the first one people name. They expanded Moon Place to Jamaica a few years back and now they are going to expand once again. This time to the Dominican Republic. For this new build it will be over $600 million, with over 5000 jobs for construction and 4000 once operational. With 2,149 room expected, it will bring in an additional 250,000 tourists to the Dominican Republic.
H10 to open second resort in Punta Cana
Ocean by H10 Hotels is schedule to open its newest all inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic February 2019. The Ocean El Faro will be located on the large stretch of beach in the Uvero Alto region of Punta Cana. This family friendly resort will feature 5 swimming pools, 9 dining options (a 10th for Privilege guests), along with multiple bars including 5 swim up bars. It will offer its Daisy Kids Club for kids 4-12 and there is also a teen area for 13-17 year olds. If you like to keep active, there is a diving center, casino, bowling alley, and theater - so there you will find something for everyone!
Would you reserve entire all inclusive resort?
We all have dreams of being able to buy a private island or at least rent one for a vacation with family and friends. Maybe you are a company that does incentive trips and sometimes find it hard to choose a place or a place you can afford.
Now you have a way to “Buy Out” an all inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya/Tulum area of Mexico. Oasis Resorts is now allowing you to book the Oasis Tulum Lite as part of their new program. This resort has 60 rooms total on site and when you do buy out this resort - no outside guests are allowed. Plus you will also have some access to its sister property - Grand Oasis Tulum, which is a short 5 minute walk.
Hostels - Hilton style
Hilton Hotels is bringing on a new brand aimed on the hostel demographic. Hostels are not just for the poor college kids looking to explore Europe. There are many adults who prefer the in depth style of staying in a hostel along with the lower price point. They get to see more of the “real” country and get to meet people from other countries. Motto by Hilton will be local in the prime hostel cities while still offering a urban feel. They see how those who stay in hostels are looking for me but unfortunately, there are some limitations. One of the nice perks of this new model is that it will allow you to book linked or connecting rooms at once time especially when traveling with family. Now you can also split payment among your party which is something you can’t do with typical hotels.
Titantic II to set sail in 2022
Are you the King or Queen of the World??? Well, now you can be!!! Titanic II is scheduled to go into service in 2022. It will begin with a 14 days sailing starting in Dubai on its way to Southampton. After a stop here, it will then follow the exact same course as the original Titanic. The same high end luxury including the same cabin layout that was found on the original ship. It will then continue on doing world cruises throughout 2022.
Of course, it will also have all the modern 21st century technology to enjoy your cruise but not have the same fate. This vessel will hold 2,400 passengers and with word finally getting around, this will be a truly once in a lifetime experience.
Carnival Triumph to get new look and new name
Carnival is looking to freshen things up with a lot of new ships being launched by other cruise lines and may on the way. Just announced in the past week, the #CarnivalTriumph will be heading to dry dock for a two month long makeover from bow to stern starting March 1, 2019. Not only will you see new food venues, spa and other upgrades, it will also get a new name. When it resumes service sometime in May 2019, it will be called #CarnivalSunshine. It will stay on the East Cost, sailing out of #NorfolkVA and #NewYorkNY before heading to it's home port in Ft. Lauderdale sometime in October 2019. There are some early bird pricing available before it goes into dry dock, if you want to check it out the renovations first hand.
Royal Caribbean Buys Silversea Cruises
In a surprising move, #RoyalCaribbeanCruiseLines bought 2/3 stake (66.7%) of #SilverseaCruises. With this new acquisition, it now give RCCL an ultra luxury cruise brand to add it is already robust portfolio. Starting later this month, the Silversea fleet will begin a multi year renovations and enhancements. Now with Silversea's fleet, it brings the total number of ships to 59 across all its brands with another 15 ships on order. now, you can choose not just the itinerary but the experience you want.