Moon Palace, Cancun February, 2007

My family just returned from a 5 night stay at Moon Palace.
 When we arrived we were placed in a room with double beds
but far from the beach and pool ( we requested pool view).
 They agreed to move us but couldn't do it that day. So we
spent one night in that room, and thanks goodness we got
 moved. My sister in law's room was 2 doors down and they
got flooded. Both of our rooms had gaps above the doors and
 we woke up to tons of baby mosquitos all over the room.

They moved us as promised, closer to the pool. But now the
problem was they only had a king size bed and we have 2 children.
They brought us a rollaway bed and one slept there and the
 other slept with us. We made the best of it. They told us there
 are no rooms by the pool with 2 beds.

Other than that, the vacation was spectacular. There is food
constantly. If you don't like something, get something else.
 The drinks were plentiful. My husband and brother in law
loved the fact that it is a self serve tap for beer. The staff
were always courteous and friendly. They always greeted
 you with an Hola or Buenos Dias/ Noches. Tips were not '
expected, but appreciated.

The pools were fantastic, our kids spent hours everyday in
the pools. They went to the kids' club several times and enjoyed
 most of the activities. It is a little more suited for the younger
 ones, but the older ones made friends from other parts of the
country/world. The video games could have been on longer
times in the evenings. Some of the movies chosen were not
for everyone. (too young, too old, too girly, too boyish). They
 also had a mini golf course, and a place to paint your own ceramics.

We only did one tour to Wet and Wild, as it rained the morning
we were to go to Isla Mujeres. (the late morning it cleared, but
we didn't take the chance) Wet and Wild was a great day. We
 practically had the place to ourselves. The kids did all of the
slides and the lazy river,and the wave pool, they also swam
with the sea lions. It was very memorable. The voucher for
 lunch was 10$ per person and enough to pay for a decent lunch.
 The facilities were very clean. The boat ride from MP was
extremely entertaining, and one of the highlights of our trip.

Back at MP we experienced some long waits for dinner if we
got to the ala-carte rest. at 7pm or later. I suggest you get
there early or waits become 1 to 2 hours. They have a kid's
menu in each of the ala carte restaraunts. The buffets are
good with nice selelctions for all meals. The outdoor grills are
 good and they serve sushi at the outdoor grill at night. The
 desserts were the only disappointment in the food dept. Ice
 cream was good, but other desserts were pretty bland.

The decor of the resort is absolutely beautiful and the setting
is very relaxed on the Nizuc side. This is were we stayed. The
 Sunrise side is very busy with a lot of people. We went over
a few times, but liked the Nizuc better. We didn't participate
in too many activities but did go to the Beach Party. This is
so much fun. We all particpated, kids and parents and we had
a blast. We were definitely wishing we stayed for 7 nights.
We came home to and Ice strom.... BOO HOO.

We did the timeshare tour and learned alot. The offer is very
tempting, but we are just learning about timeshares and didn''t
feel it was the right time to make a purchase. We recieved 100$
 in palace money, a beach bag and 2 t -shirts, for attending the tour.
There was pressure to buy, but you could use it to your advantage.
 Each time you say no thanks, they change the price and offer
more. If you truly are interested in purchasing, there is definitely
 room to haggle.

I would definitely return to MP or try another Palace resort,
based on this experience, but would be sure to research the rooms
 more thoroughly. Anyone travelling here should have a really good

 time.

The Reef at Atlantis Paradise Island/ February 2009

We just got back from a 5 night stay at the Reef. We booked the
 Sunscape package with the Gourmet Meal plan. We got 2 free
 Dolphin interactions. We had a studio room with 2 double beds.
 The room was tastefully decorated, but lacked storage space
enough for 4 people. There is only a large closet with 2 small
 drawers and one bedside table with 2 larger drawers. The kitchette
 was ample. We used Fergies Taxi, and our nice driver, Sam took
 us to a supermarket and liqour store. We stocked our fridge with
 beer soda and water. (Be careful at the liquor stores. They tried to
 overcharge my husband and then tried to give him the wrong change.

The pools at the Reef were wonderful. They were nicely heated
 and refreshing. The rest of Atlantis pools were gorgeous as well.
It was hit or miss with regards to temperature. Some were heated,
 some were not. As we had some winds the heated pools were
 more to our liking. The slides and rapids were so much fun.
We went on again and again. On the slides you really need to
 keep your butt up so as not to get hurt. My son flipped over a
 few times in the wave part of the rapids, but my daughter and
I were in a double tube and never flipped.

Dolphin Cay is a nice experience. We had a 22 month old Dolphin
 named Missy. She is a beautiful creature and it is a nice day.
 I had to pay for myself. My husband paid for a beach pass ($15).
 I had 2 free swims for the kids. If I had to pay full price ($140) for
 all of us, I would not have thought it was worth it. Blue lagoon Island
 has a much cheaper excursion.The pictures were way too expensive,
 as they start at $60 to $400 for packages. You cannot just buy one picture.

The meal plan was worth it for us. Breakfasts ran about $100 each
 morning for buffet. Dinner buffets were about $190. When we went
 to Bahamian Club it was $340 and Mesa Grill was $290. The service
 in both restaurants were spectacular. The food was better in the
 Bahamian Club. The only disappointing part was the wait staff
 padded both bills. In the Bahamian Club we gave a few extra dollars
 to the automatic gratuity of 15% to make it an even $50. When we
 got back to the room the gratuity was $67. Mesa Grill did the same
 thing. We complained to the front desk and they fixed the problem.
 So just be careful and check your folio each day. You will find many
things overpriced, as we expected, but you feel like you are nickel and
 dimed to death. We also ate at Bimini Road...ok food...long wait and
 very loud. Could not get into Carmines, as they don't accept reservations
 for parties under 6 people. The wait list was closed by 6pm. Buffets for
 breakfast and dinner had nice selections.

The staff at all over Atlantis were friendly and courteous. I did not
 encounter one rude person. Doors were opened for us and smiles
 were plentiful. Most staff memembers were singing and dancing
 while doing their jobs.

We saw a movie at the theatre, my son built a race car at the Speedway.
 ($75 for the car with 10 min. of race time) My daughter did the
 build a bear for $40 with an outfit. The arcade starts at $20 on a
card, some games are $2 or $3 each.

We had a wonderful family trip and might return to Atlantis some time in
 the future. I would definitely stay at the Reef again, or the Cove. The
other towers, including the Royal, but especially the Beach and Coral
 Towers are starting to show their age. The buildings and some of the
 grounds are in need of updating and repair. But the property is very
 clean. Some areas around the Beach Tower are closed for renovation.

Hi All, another gloomy day here in NY...daydreaming

Dreaming of vacation is my way of escaping the dreary days until the
weather becomes warm and sunny.

I am right now day dreaming of my upcoming trips in June and August.
In June, I am going to Las Vegas for my hubby's 40th birthday.
We are staying at the Palazzo at the Venetian. We have not been
to Vegas for about 6 years. I cannot wait to see what has changed.
This adult is for grown ups only. You need to do that every once in a
while.

Our next trip planned is a family trip to a place I have wanted to go
for a long time. We are going to see the Grand Canyon. :)
On our last trip to Hawaii, I saw some of the amazingly beautiful scenery
this country has to offer. I was inspired to seek out more. For our Grand
Canyon trip, I have reserved a convertible to complete the experience.
In Arizona, out stops also include Scottsdale (home base) and Sedona.
Our 2 resorts are both Timeshare resorts. We are staying at the Westin
Kierland Villas in Scottsdale and the Hyatt Pinon Pointe in Sedona.
I will surely post reviews and pics when we get back.

One way I research my hotels and activities, is by using
www.tripadvisor.com
This is my favorite research tool. When reading reviews you must remember
that these are a person's own perspective and opinion. Please take everything
with a grain of salt. Many things can alter a review. Read many reviews and
take what is important to you from them. Use Trip advisor to make an
informed decision.

Until next time, back to my daydreaming.

Carinival Inspiration Cruise Review/ August '09

Inspiration 2nd time around We got back from our Inspiration cruise 2 weeks ago.  It was our 2nd time on Inspiration, the 1st being our Honeymoon. This was our 8th cruise, our 6th with Carnival. Inspiration had recently  been updated with the new features we had on the Imagination  last year. We loved the updates, but still felt Imagination looked  better, cleaner. Overall we had a great cruise, we always do, but  the service was not as good as we have had in the past. We had  to ask for our ice bucket to be refilled, we had to ask for fresh towels  the morning of our excursions. These were little touches we had come  to expect. Especially since paying for a suite. I would bring a glass of wine to dinner from my cabin and the glass would not be replaced.  Really, only little complaints. Port of Tampa is not as nice as Miami. VIP check in is separate, but  waiting area is nothing like Miami. Didn't feel like VIP. We were onboard  by 11:30 am and having lunch on the Lido with 5 minutes. Rooms were  not ready until 1, but my husband was allowed to drop off carryons in the room. The shows were good, comdey shows were fun. The cruise director, Skip was very enjoyable. The maitre'd was the best we have ever had. George the Greek  is hysterical. We looked forward to dinner every night. He is very personable.  The wait staff were good, not great. Camp Carnival did a fantastic job. There were more kids on this ship, than I think  were on the Disney cruise. WOW. But our kids were well entertained and made  many friends. Of course there were some playing in the elevators, but most of the  kids on board were friendly and respectful. Lido deck food varied from ok to very good. The deli had great sandwiches, and the  burgers are great as always. Kids could not get enough ice cream. One strange thing, was quesedillas were not available from room service the whole cruise. Oh well, next time. Waterworks is such a great addition and would love to see it on all of the ships. It is so  much fun for the kids. (grown up kids too, LOL) One thing needed is maybe some music back there. Serenity Deck was serene, but hot. A nice touch would be some cool showers,  like by the pool. They only have the hot tubs, too hot in 90+ heat. But it is beautiful and  relaxing with spa-like music piped in. (there were no kids allowed, and it was reinforced by staff) Ports of call were grand Cayman, where we did the stingray tour with Nativeway and had a blast for a fraction of the price if we had booked with the ship. In Cozumel, we went to our favorite place on the planet, Paradise Beach. It was trip #4 for us, and it gets  better each time. They have the beat Guacamole and chips. Nothing beats cold Dos XX. Food in the dining room was ok. The soups were very good, entrees I enjoyed very much.  My husband was a little disappointed with his fish entrees. The kids ordered from the  adult menu most evenings. It is nice that they have special entrees but there is always a choice of grilled chicken or steak each night. Dessert was great. My son had warm  chocolate melting cake every night. My only complaint was that the night they served  the cherries jubilee used to be a show in itself. Flaming cherries brought to the table.  It was spectacular. They didn't do it this time, so the cherries were not warm. Oh well. So you see, I have a few minor complaints, not anything that would have ruined my cruise.  There were just some things I had come to expect from Carnival that didn't happen.  But we are already booked for a cruise on the Miacle next summer and we can't wait.

Hotel Marina El Cid Review From February 2010

We booked this trip for a 3 night getaway. Boy, were we sad it was only 3 nights. We didn't want to leave. From the minute we were picked up at the airport, we were treated with that special Mexican hospitality. We arrived and were greeted by Esau, our butler, and Sophie from the Platinum Club. They were always ready with a smile and friendly word. The staff was everything we could have asked for and more.

Our room was a 1 bedroom in the Platinum Club. This upgrade was worth it to us. We had ample space for my husband and I and our daughter, 8 and son, 11. The maid service was wonderful. Our room was made up early everyday and turndown service was done around 8-8:30pm. We had 2 balconies and 2 bathrooms. We had a perfect oceanfront location in building 14. We had a small kitchenette and a fridge. With one call, we had beer, soda and water to last for most of the weekend. We had a bottle of wine and fresh fruit upon arrival. The first night, chocolate covered strawberries were delivered to the room with a special note. Also, for my daughter's birthday, one of the butler staff, delivered a beautiful chocolate cake to the room.

The beach was beautiful and the staff did a superb job raking the beach of seagrass each morning. The Platinum Club will reserve a palapa and chairs on the beach for your family. But there was never a problem finding a spot, even without a reservation. The pool, with cliff jump and slides was the highlight for my kids. We all enjoyed jumping and sliding. What a blast. (Everyone was right, though... that slide is fast!!!)

The Animacion team was fantastic and made each afternoon by the pool more enjoyable. Louis and his team deserve a round of applause. We enjoyed the fire show and especially the magic show. That guy was soooo funny, and talented.
The lobby entertainment was also very good. I really liked the sax player.

The food was great, considering we did mostly buffets. We ate at the Mexican restaurant one evening and it was delicious. The wait staff at the pools, beach and in the restaurants were so wonderful. We never had to wait long for a drink and the were always available to meet your needs. We were so impressed. Please bring small bills for tips. It is not expected, but they work so hard to make your vacation special. It is very much appreciated. Room service took approximately 45 minutes, but they tell you to give them that amount of time when you call. Breakfast coffee every morning on the balcony was most delicious.

Our only complaint, and it is a small one. We didn't mind paying $9.00 per day for internet, but the connection is not great. But hey, we were on vacation. I didn't even check my emails.

There were many children, but all seemed welll behaved and supervised. This was the first time my kids didn't use the kids club, but the younger kids played in the pool, built sand castles on the beach, played tug- o- war. They looked like they had so much fun. There were adult-only areas that were great for relaxing and just enjoying some peace and quiet. The staff were great at keeping kids out.

If you go to El Cid, I can't imagine how you could be disappointed. This is probably not the place for spring breakers. It is not wild and crazy. It is definitley more family oriented, but we had so much fun and we cannot wait to start planning our next trip to El Cid, and we are bringing more people with us!!

Welcome to my Travel Blog

Hi all,

Welcome to my Travel Blog. Here I will post travel updates of my own vacation adventures, as well as great new deals that I come across.

I will post some of my favorite pictures from trips past and present.

I will also include some trip reviews.

All of my posts are from my own personal experiences and express my personal opinions. Hopefully,
sharing my experiences and knowledge of the travel industry will help you to make an informed decision when planning your family's next vacation.

Thanks for Reading,
Come back again sometime,
Dayna