A Review: Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas 3 Night Sailing

The Traveling Through Disney crew set sail on the newly renovated Majesty of the Seas on June 10th! Here is an in depth look and review at our cruise!

Did you know that the Majesty of the Seas is the oldest and longest running cruise ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet? She has been in service since 1992 and was built in France. 

This ship was dry docked in late 2015 to undergo a complete renovation. Free Wi-Fi called Voom was installed throughout the ship as well as a newly renovated Vitality Spa, Casino, and Splash pad. 

Traveling Through Disney embarked on this 3 night cruise on June 10th. We booked a Junior Suite with Balcony on the 10th deck during the frequently offered BOGO sale. It was surprisingly affordable for 2 adults. Booking a suite ensures priority boarding which offers you a comfortable waiting area at port as well as first boarding privileges.

The ship left out of Port Canaveral and traveled to Nassau/Paradise Island, Bahamas and CocoCay in Georgetown, Caribbean. 

This was our view from our balcony once we left port. 

There is no shortage of activities to do on board the ship. Upon boarding we immediately purchased a premium drink package which offered us the luxury of all of the below drinks. 

We then headed up to deck 11 to hang out at the pool until our room was ready. We were able to start boarding the boat at 10:30am but our rooms were not ready until 1pm. 

A live band played on the boat and drink servers were all on the deck making sure we were well taken care of. Also on deck 11 is the Windjammer's Cafe which started serving lunch at 11:30am. Windjammer's Cafe is a great place to grab a bite to eat, served buffet style there is always a plethora of food.

We were to set sail at 4pm and had a mandatory muster drill at 3:30pm. A muster drill for any first time cruisers is mandatory and you must participate, trust me they check! Basically it is a drill so you will know where to go in the event of an issue requiring guests to deboard the boat in an emergency. 

After the muster drill there was a sail away party at the pool with tons of dancing and music, it was amazing!! 

We had the late seating for dinner which was perfect for us as we did not want to leave the pool at all!! We also met some friends at the pool and it really is true what they say about cruising - everyone is so nice and there to have a good time! 

We got our seating assignments changed so we could sit with these guys! Dinner was a different menu each night and our second night was formal night. It was nice to get all dressed up. You can order as many appetizers, salads, entrees, or deserts as you can eat. 

Shout out to Tiffone and Amalia who were our waitresses, they were amazing all weekend and kept it fun!

The first night of the cruise we all participated in a game called The Quest. It is an 18 and up game because it gets a little risque but it was soooo much fun!! Our team were the winners and we had many people on our team that had been on cruises before and were there solely to play The Quest and win. It was an amazing way to kick off the first night. I highly recommend this game if they offer it on your cruise. It's a great way to get comfortable with your cruise mates. All weekend we would hear people randomly yell out "TEAM 12!!!!" 

Day 2 brought us to Nassau/Paradise Island, Bahamas. Atlantis Resort is here as well as Senor Frogs bar. We walked around to see the city and shops. The people were very helpful and nice. 

 

We again chose to spend most of our time at the pool and pool bar, we loved hanging out by the pool all day! They also served tacos and nachos mid day in case you had a craving for some food. 

Because we stayed docked at Paradise Island until midnight there were not a ton of activities this night. We did get to meet the Captain who was from Norway and we also got to watch the Welcome ceremony where they introduce the staff and crew to you. 

We were overwhelmed to find out 886 people were on the crew of our ship. They were from all over the world as well. 

Day 3 brought us to CocoCay which is Royal Caribbean's private island. It was absolutely beautiful and I could have stayed there forever. RCI does such an amazing job of keeping everything running smoothly and the private island was well cared for. 

   

I highly recommend the water slide, so much fun!! There are many other excursions to take part of on the island as well. Parasailing, Kayaking, Aqua Park, Glass Bottom Boat tours. We had a great time, and even better our drink package was accepted on the island. We didn't pay for one drink, wahoo!! They also served a buffet lunch on the island which was really good. Lots of hamburgers, ribs, chicken, hot dogs, and pasta. Yum! Just don't feed the birds, they are crazy for food!!

The last activity we took part in was on the last night of the cruise. If it's offered on board your cruise definitely make sure to check it out! It's super fun! The Love and Marriage game show is exactly like the Newlywed Game and overly funny!! 

R and I participated in the game show and we had an absolute blast!! We were also instant celebrities after this game and I'm so glad it was on the last night of the cruise. Embarrassment may have set in if it was on the first night ha ha. 

We came in second place but loved the couples that played the game with us, everyone was super fun. Shout out to Marc who was our cruise director for the entire cruise and also the game show host! #BingBong

All in all we absolutely loved this cruise! Royal Caribbean knows how to plan a party on board. From the food, to the drinks, and the exceptional service we can say 100% we will be clients for life. 

The next time you are in the market for a cruise, definitely check out Royal Caribbean and cruise in style for less!

Review: Disney's Hollywood Studios Club Villain

Today on the blog we are in full review mode and taking a look back at our WDW trip in late March. On this trip we experienced a special ticketed event called Club Villain. This special event takes you up close and personal with the Disney Villains. Specifically, Cruella De Vile, The Evil Queen, Maleficent, and the Queen of Hearts. 

Your host for the evening is that ever evil Shadow Man, Dr. Facillier from the Princess and the Frog. His club manager, Kanzo keeps the party rolling all night and makes sure you are fully entertained. 

The club features a DJ spinning all the right tunes to put you in the mood and also a full bar with 4 specialty drinks themed after each queen of darkness. A gourmet buffet fit with voodoo sticky pig wings, chicken gumbo, cajun shrimp and grits, and beef tenderloin will certainly fill you up.

Shall we dive in to the review now that you are intrigued?

The party takes place inside of Sunset Showcase directly next door to Rock N Roller Coaster. You have to go through a huge gate to enter so you can easily miss it if the line for Rock N Roller Coaster is long. 

Upon entering you check in and are handed a invitation with your meet and greet time for each queen. It also lists your table number as well. Waiters are available outside for a champagne drink or for kids a small water. 

Once the party opens you are able to enter and find your table number. From here you can go get a drink at the bar, take pictures on the thrones of each queen, or belly up to the buffet and get your grub on! 

    

After everyone has entered you are then greeted by Dr. Facillier and his club manager Kanzo. They perform and welcome you to the dark side. Each queen of darkness is then introduced and makes her way to her throne. 

 

You are invited to eat, drink, be evil, and most importantly have fun! As your time approaches you can then get in line for the meet and greets with each queen. Up first for us was Maleficent and Cruella. 

 

Maleficent is my favorite queen of dark by far! I love her and we had such a good time meeting her. She spoke about making sure to watch out for needles they are very sharp and you can sleep for a long time. 

 

Cruella was very animated and loved having everyone here to see her. She said no matter what others said it was totally her party. She spoke to our princess about training her for dog napping. She said they could set up a lunch and discuss the proper ways to do so. 

 

After our first meet and greets we headed back to the bar for the signature cocktails of Ms. Maleficent and Cruella. Maleficent's drink was by far my favorite of the night. It reminded me of hawaiian punch. It was very light and delicious! I can't remember the name of it or what was in it, sorry! Cruella's drink was also quite good. It tasted like milk and was called the spotted dalmatian. 

 

Up next for meet and greets was the fabulous Queen of Hearts. She was probably our favorite character of the week. She was so funny and wonderful. She talked to us for quite a while and even left to go join the dance party for just a moment. Our little princess wanted to discuss with her the removing of heads if she should see fit. The Queen of Hearts loved this, but made sure to tell her she's only allowed to reward good behavior at Club Villain. She said when she gets older she would call her and enroll her in training. She was lovely and hilarious!! As you can judge by our photos.

The Evil Queen was probably the most unfriendly of all but she is supposed to be right? We told her we were the fairest of them all and she said maybe in our mirrors at home but definitely not to her mirror. We spent the least time with her as she just asked us for a photo and said off you go. 

   

We then took to the desert tables. There were 2 of them on either side of the room. You had to visit each table to find out what the specialty desert was. We enjoyed the chocolate mouse and puppy tart from Cruella, Maleficent was a chocolate with green icing cupcake, as well as this delicious green pudding that sparkled! The Queen of Hearts featured a heart red macaroon, and of course red velvet cupcakes. 

We finished up the party by dancing to some crazy good tunes!! And we spent some more time with Maleficent just because we could! All in all the party took about 2 hours from start to finish. 

We enjoyed our experience very much and felt like it was worth the splurge on this trip. It was nice to be indoors and be waited on as well as get away from the hustle and bustle of the parks. We never once felt rushed and were able to really relax and have fun at the party. The character experiences were amazing as well. They do not rush you and we never had to wait in line which was another great thing. The food was delicious as well as the drinks. It was great to have an unlimited, relaxing, and fun experience with the whole family. We would definitely recommend this special ticketed event to anyone who loves a good party but especially those that love the villains. 

Club Villain is currently available through May right now and may be extended. The price tag is $129 per person, no discount for children. Club Villain is recommended for ages 9 and up as it can be a bit scary for smaller children. All food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included. There are photographers on site as well. 

Disney Cruise Line Announces 2017 Itineraries

This morning we were met with brand new itineraries from the Disney Cruise Line! In 2017 Disney Cruise Line will set sail along 2 new routes including Alaska and Europe. These two cruises will be the first time visits to this locations.

Alaska Destination: Icy Strait and Hubbard Glacier

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will take guests to Alaska's Icy Strait Point and Hubbard Glacier. These dramatic locations are part of a new nine-night itinerary on the Disney Wonder. Departing fromVancouver, British Columbia, on July 24, 2017, this itinerary also sails to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Tracy Arm Fjord.

Icy Strait Point offers a variety of Alaska nature adventures, including a zip line attraction that is one of the longest and highest zip lines in the world. Nearby, Glacier Bay National Park is a spectacular highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another highlight of this cruise is seeing Hubbard Glacier, the largest and most active tidewater glacier in North America. Displaying extraordinary blue hues and immense beauty, this spectacular glacier is more than six miles wide where it meets the ocean.

A new seven-night Alaska sailing from Vancouver, departing July 17, 2017, includes a call on Icy Strait Point, in addition to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. On Aug. 2, 2017, the Disney Wonder will sail its first five-night Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Tracy Arm and Ketchikan.

New Europe Destinations: Amsterdam and Stonehenge

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will visit Amsterdam, Netherlands, known for its elaborate canal system, tulip fields, windmills and world-class museums housing works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh.

On May 13, 2017, the Disney Magic embarks on a 15-night transatlantic crossing from Port Canaveral,Florida, to Copenhagen, with a stop in Amsterdam along the way. This itinerary also includes a call onPortland, England – another first-time port for Disney Cruise Line. Portland is a short distance from Stonehenge, the prehistoric ring of standing stones monument that is one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World.

A visit to Amsterdam also will be part of a 10-night northern Europe itinerary that departs June 18, 2017, from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Dover, England. Other ports on this sailing include Warnemunde (Berlin),Germany; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Tallinn, Estonia.

The grand tour of Europe continues throughout the summer with limited engagements in the Baltic, Norwegian fjords, Iceland, British Isles and the Mediterranean.

Also new are the 10 and 11 night itineraries from Port Canaveral to Southern Caribbean. 

On June 17, 2017, a new 11-night itinerary will visit Aruba, Barbados, Martinique, St. Kitts, Tortola and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

On June 28, 2017, a new 10-night itinerary will call on Aruba, Curacao, St. Kitts, Tortola and Castaway Cay.

As always your favorite Bahamas cruises for 4 and 5 nights will still be available as well. 

Contact your travel agent today or contact me for a free no obligation quote! These cruises will be open for booking beginning April 14th, this FRIDAY!! 

Wheel of Fortune Featuring Sandals Resorts All Week

Has anyone been watching the Wheel this week and noticed those amazing beach resorts? 

It's Sandals! 

Email me for more information or for a free quote! s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Sandals Resorts and America’s #1 game show, Wheel of Fortune, have partnered up for its 7th consecutive year to host Wheel of Fortune’s Sandals Resorts Week, where contestants will spin to win their way to the Caribbean.

Each night during the week of April 4–8, Wheel of Fortune will take a closer look at the beauty, luxury and fun of Sandals Resorts throughout the Caribbean by transforming the set of America’s Game® into a tropical paradise. Contestants will spin and solve to win the ultimate No Worry island escape: A Sandals Resorts or Beaches Resorts Luxury Included® Caribbean Vacation.

#QUOTETUESDAY Featuring Sandals Ochi Resorts in Jamaica

For all of those that need some rest and relaxation this summer I have a new quote coming your way today from the Adults Only All Inclusive Resort of Sandals! 

I love the Sandals resorts because they always make you feel like a VIP and provide you with the utmost in luxury and make sure every need is attended to. Best of all it's an all inclusive resort as well so make no mistake you will eat, drink, and play like a king or queen all week long!! 


Sandals Ochi Resort in Ochos Rios, Jamaica

2 Adults - 18+

Check In: 9/10/16 - 9/17/16

7 Nights in a Riviera Bamboo Grove Premium Room

    

Arranged across the first to fourth floors in the delightful Bamboo Grove, these premium rooms feature soft, muted decor, traditional hardwood furnishings including a four-poster bed, marbled en-suite bathroom and flat-screen TV. Each room has a generous private balcony or porch with views of the nearby mango grove and wild orchid gardens.

55% Off Sale

$185 in Spa Credit

Complimentary Sunset Catamaran Cruise for 2 

All drinks, food, water and land sports, group exercise classes, as well as nightly entertainment included. 

Total Package Price: $2751.60

Ready to journey into a luxurious vacation made just for adults? Email me today and let's chat!! s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com 

BREAKING: Disney Dining Plan Price Increases

Breaking news out of Disney this morning....new Disney Dining Plan prices have been made available and the price increase will be put into effect as early as today March 9, 2016. 

The good news is there is no change in service inclusions. It looks as though all of the services have stayed in tact. This means if you are on the dining plan you will still currently get the same credit allotments and any extras you may have received on the deluxe plans (i.e. appetizers, deserts, etc.).

The bad news is the dining plan increase bumps up the total cost to about 3% across the board. If you recall the 2016 Disney Dining plan was: 

However, the new Disney Dining Plan is bumping up prices by over $2 each night. Check out the new rates below:

What do you think about this new increase in prices? The change comes after Disney released new ticket prices just 2 weeks ago. Will this change your mind when purchasing a Disney dining plan now or no?

Carnival Cruise Lines

You know we here at Disney traveling are all about Disney destinations. However, every once in a while I like to highlight amazing deals I find outside of the Disney bubble. 

Today those deals happen to come from our friends over at Carnival Cruise Lines. Right now Carnival is offering up some amazing deals with reduced deposits and cruising starting at $499 per person for a 5 day cruise. 

Deposits are starting out at just $49 per person which in itself is a steal as deposits are normally $200 per person to reserve. Carnival has more than 4 deals going on right now with each varying in promotion. 

The deal we have attached below is the most promising but it closes on Monday unfortunately. It is unknown if Carnival will extend this amazing offer. 

Cruises are currently being offered in the Western Caribbean where you can visit Ochos Rios, Jamaica which is absolutely beautiful. Or you can cruise over the amazing islands of Mexico or Hawaii as well. 

Treat yourself and find out how awesome a Carnival Cruise is. Many of the ships offer grand suites for little cost in upgrades. You will not want to miss out on these deals. 

Let's chat now so we can get you cruising in the next few months or even next year. 

Club Villain Dates Extended at Walt Disney World

Villain lovers rejoice!! Back by very popular demand is the special ticketed event Club Villain inside Disney's Hollywood Studios. Situated inside the Sunset Showcase you will find a great party known as Club Villain. This special ticketed event features 4 villains, 5 if you count your evil host Dr. Facillier. The villains include: Evil Queen, Cruelle DeVil, Maleficient, and the Red Queen. 



As you enter the event you are handed a glass of champagne or a bottled water and a card with your table number and meet and greet times for the villains. You are welcome to find your table and have a seat or mingle around. 


Once you have located your table make your way to the all you can eat buffet featuring delicious "voodoo sticky pig wings", herb-rubbed beef tenderloin, cajun chicken gumbo, and more! You will also find a bar filled with villain inspired drinks and also beer and wine if you choose. 



The deserts are on a whole other level and are also themed to match their villain of choice. Take delight in red velvet cupcakes, cheesecake pushups, macaroons, and green apple mousse. All of the deserts are truly sinful in their own rights. 

Now let's talk about the added shows. Club Villain used to only be offered on Saturday nights but because this intimate event has been such a hit they are now offering the show on Tuesdays and Saturday's throughout the month of March. 

For our family's March trip we were able to snag reservations for the Tuesday night 4:15pm show. There is also a 7:15pm show as well. 

Be advised, this party does offer alcoholic beverages and features burlesque dancers so it is not for your younger children. Also, there is not a child's rate so children pay the same as adults. This ticketed event will set you back $129 per person. 

The event lasts roughly 2 hours and as mentioned above you get personal meet and greets with the villains with little to no wait, a full all you can eat buffet featuring gourmet food, and all you can drink alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, plus desert. Need I say more! 

You will need a park ticket to get into this special ticketed event. If you are ready for this event and more magical fun, let's chat! I'm an authorized earmarked Disney Vacation Planner and my services are 100% free.