My Celebrity Summit Ship Inspection

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Sunday at sea. Well, almost at sea. I got to spend it aboard Celebrity Summit tour her decks, cabins, and sampling her food and beverages.  I know it’s a rough life, but someone has to do it and it might as well be me.  Actually it can be quite grueling and I know my feet, legs, and a** are feeling the  3 hours of walking the ship.  But this is truly a great opportunity for me to get a feel of what Celebrity has to offer you, my clients, as a line as well as how does it compare to the other lines.
Sticking to the Summit she is part of the millennium class that was updated not too long ago with all the solstice class perks. Despite her latest dry dock being only in the last few years, this beauty is about to go back in dry dock Feb 2019 to be “edge-ified” before returning back to Cape Liberty in 2019 for her seasonal Bermuda itineraries and Canada/New England.  When she is not up here in the north she does loops out of San Juan. They only plan on having her docked for about a month, but she will be freshly made up with changes to rooms and the Edge Class additions. One of the cabin changes will include new larger showers with the rounded sliding doors.  Her cabins are include inside, ocean, balcony, concierge, Aqua class, and Suite class.  You will find as you climb the cabin levels you will find increased amenities and nicer quality amenities with difference even in the bathrobes and towels, but all rooms do include bathrobes for the guests.  Fun amenities I saw in the Aqua class cabins were  gift bags, raspberry tea, complimentary water bottles, binoculars, large umbrella, magnifying mirror (ladies this is awesome) and they get exclusive to Blue Restaurant on the ships that have it.


When boarding the Summit, you will be greeted with a glass of champagne. This is a Celebrity standard. Prepare to check out one of the main lounge or dining venues when you first get onboard as rooms are typically not ready until 1pm.  It’s a great opportunity to get into relax mode with a drink and lunch meal.  I have to say the food was of great quality as we enjoyed a hosted lunch in the main dining. My lunch consisted of white wine, Caesar salad, salmon filet atop a bed of mash potatoes and spinach and concluded with apple pie.  Yes, you may just put a few pounds on unless you plan on visiting deck 10 for the fitness center.  Here you will also find the spa, hot tubs in the solarium and the Spa Café.

As long as we are talking food, the Summit has two specialty restaurants that you can make reservations for before you arrive or once on board. You have the Tuscan Grill and Qzine.  Tuscan is Italian flavors and Qzine offers a tapes style selections of wide international cuisine flavors. Dinner plates run about $40-45 per person for a meal.  For regular dining you have the Ocean View Café which has the buffet for all 3 meals and the main dining restaurant on decks 3 and 4 for you timed seating. Guests staying in Suite class have Luminae as their main dining option. The suite guests also get to enjoy Michael’s Club exclusively which is great spot when waiting for your room to ready.

Let’s talk about family travel on the Summit. While Celebrity is not known drawing a huge kid crowd (last week’s sailing only had 12 kids on it) during summer months when school’s out you will find a good number.  You have the options of family suite that sleeps 5 and also the one-bedroom suites have adjoining rooms if you have the older kids you want to be separate from, yet still within reach. The Summit has areas designed for all ages aboard and these can be found on Deck 11. There is the Fun Factory for you 3-12 and the X-Club for your tweens and teens. The kids’ club is Autism friendly as well!

Lots of fun spots for adults to disappear to. A bar you would definitely find me at is the Martini Bar and right next to it Crush.  Ice bar with lots of vodka choices.  The Sunset Bar makes a great spot to be as the ship pulls from port and a travel agent favorite. Then I definitely recommend sneaking away to the Rooftop Terrace for a bit of relaxation. I suggest taking part in the Taste of Film they  offer for a price of $20. This is where they match food and drink to a movie of choice, say something like Under the Tuscan Sun for example where they pick tastes from the movie. Thinking of Italy and wine, make a stop at Cellar Masters with world wine tours with your sommelier.

Another entertainment venue to catch while on board is the theatre productions. Celebrity actually owns their own production company. This gives them the ability to create and produce their own shows. With this advantage their shows can be changed out, different on ships based on itineraries, and have a longer run life to keep things fresh. Currently 3 shows are running on the Summit and the theatre also houses the comedians that come on board. Plenty of entertainment to choose from each night and always different.

For you cruisers, for those wanting to see Bermuda, the Summit out of Cape Liberty is a great option. Or consider coming in fall to experience the foliage of New England and Canada.   To get more information or pricing, feel free to reach out to any of our planners at 1-844-386-3600 or email info@boomerangescapes.com


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslMy Celebrity Summit Ship Inspection
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When His Favorite Thing to Do is Fish

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Tom definitely is not the type of guy to lay around on the beach and work on his tan. He likes to keep busy, but mostly he enjoys fishing. So, when we have been able to escape, we try to go to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Despite loving to fish, he doesn’t want to do it from a boat. Tom enjoys fishing right off the beach. While in Punta Cana, Tom has been able to fish right off the beach. He will wade into the water about to his waist and cast right into the ocean. Obviously, he is not fishing in a spot where it is busy with a lot of people swimming and he typically goes first thing in the morning before the beach lovers are out. He travels with a small fishing rod that breaks down into three pieces that he can easily carry on the plane. Once in destination, he will use some local shrimp for bait. He is very good at making friends at the resultant s where he will purchase small amounts of raw shrimp each morning. Always get friendly with the locals.

You would be blown away to see all the different species of fish that he catches each time he goes out. We have stayed at the Dreams Punta Cana on a couple of occasions and he says the fishing is the best here. The water is calmer. We have also stayed at the Paradisus Punta Cana Resort where the fishing was decent, but he had a harder time as the current was stronger and the water rougher at that portion of the coastline. He has found the best time to fish is early morning. He would normally fish from about 6:00am to about 10:00am each morning. Afternoon fishing was not as plentiful. Tom’s tip is to bring extra line and an extra reel, nothing expensive because the salt water is very hard on the equipment. If you have a partner that enjoys fishing, you may want to try the Dominican Republic as your next destination to escape.


Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

She has been planning vacation escapes for the company since 2013 and specializes in Caribbean Destinations. Her primary focus is on the all-inclusive vacation experience for adult or family getaways for individuals and small groups. Sandals and AMResorts are among the specialist certificates she holds.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Andrea WardWhen His Favorite Thing to Do is Fish
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What Do I Do with a Butler?

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During a recent phone conversation with my friend and fellow travel agent Cheryl, from Bay Head Travel, I was inspired to write this blog. We were discussing how are clients are always wondering why they would want, need, or even what to ask their butler for. Clients always ask, “What types of things should I ask my butler to do?” “Will my butler always be around?”

Cheryl and I have both experienced a bit of the butler life. For me, my favorite thing was having my beverage cooler waiting for me at my beach cabana each day. And we will tell you, you only really see the butler or speak to the butler when you want to. They slip in and out, almost like ghost, going very unnoticed except for that which you have asked to be done. Now question is, what do you ask?

My specific experience and examples comes from the elite staff of butlers that Sandals and Beaches Resorts employ. I have had the pleasure as well as my clients to enlist their services. I have also had the pleasure during training trips to the resorts to meet butler staff in person and hear their stories. Now one thing to know is most butlers that you are encountering have gone through rigorous butler training. I know for a fact that all of the Sandals and Beaches Resorts butlers have been trained by The Guild of Professional English Butlers. So, let me share a few things you may of thought of and may not have thought of when it comes to enlisting your butler’s services.

Butlers are there from the get go. Typically contact begins with your butler prior to arrival either directly through you or your travel professional. On the front end they are finding out your favorites, dietary needs/restrictions, medical concerns or anything else that may be of importance in serving you. Upon arrival you are usually greeted with special transportation to your resort along with expedited check-in. Your butler will give you a communication device, usually a phone to reach them during your stay. Sometimes you many have more than one butler assigned to you. They are there to take your luggage and even unpack it for you if you’d like.

During your stay, here are several things to consider asking them to do:

  • Make all your dining reservations in advance
  • Schedule any excursions off property
  • Service you at the beach with your favorite beverages
  • Arrange for special spa treatment or romantic dinner
  • Clean or shine shoes
  • Iron your clothes
  • Draw a bath and have it waiting when you get back
  • Take care of any laundry you’d like to have done
  • Fetch something from the room you may have forgotten, such as a book or sun lotion
  • Add special room touches such as scented oils
  • Have your ice bucket filled every evening
  • Have your coffee ready and delivered in the morning
  • Have your evening drink poured
  • Unpack or pack suitcases

Just a handful of ordinary things to make your life easier and your vacation experience more restful. Vacations are all about taking a break from the daily grind. Your butler will also be there to make your departure a breeze. So, sit back, relax, and ask the butler to do it.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslWhat Do I Do with a Butler?
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Packing Tips for Your Caribbean Escape

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A New year means new opportunities. Now is the time to let me help you escape to a new destination or maybe visit one of your old favorites in 2018. In this month’s newsletter I want to give you some tips on packing for your Caribbean Escape. Leaving to go on vacation doesn’t need to be overwhelming or extremely time consuming. All you need to do is have a little organization and then relax. Make yourself a list and then check it twice. You don’t need a lot when vacationing in the Caribbean. The five most important things to remember when traveling are as follows:

Make sure you have all your Travel Documents together and that they are organized in a safe but accessible place. This will include your passport, airline tickets or boarding passes. Any special vouchers that you may have for your transfers or resorts that you will be staying at. If you happen to be on prescription medication, you will want to pack copies of your prescriptions and make sure you take medication with you, that it is always in the original containers.

Having a well packed carry-on is essential. Not that you want to plan for things to go wrong, but being prepared will make things much easier should a problem occur. Things you will want in your carry-on bag will be your toiletry bag, a change of clothes, swimming suit, cash (small bills for paying tips or cab), medications, and a small snack. Essentially you will want to have everything you would need for your first night. On the occasions when I travel with a checked bag, I usually pack at least a lite pair of pajamas, a cotton sundress, extra undies and a pair of flip flops in addition to my toiletries in the 3-1-1 format.

Heed the 3-1-1 format for your toiletries when carrying them on. It will make your trip through security a lot less stressful. What is 3-1-1 you ask. You can bring on liquid toiletries that are under 3oz. Everything must fit in a 1-quart, clear, zip-top bag per person. If you have samples those are always a great option. You can also find travel size of all your needs at most stores.

Invest in a TSA approved lock for you checked luggage. This will prevent any chances of your personal belongings from going MIA. I suggest that you go with the combination locks over the ones with keys so that you have one less thing to keep track of. It would be horrible to get to the island and not have the keys

Don’t overpack. You won’t need much. Remember what the weather in the Caribbean is like, an average temperature is 82F. You will want to pack lightweight clothing, as there is some humidity in the Caribbean. Choose items that don’t wrinkle and items that you can intermix with one another. You never end up wearing everything you bring. Multiple swim-suits I think are a must, along with a cover up. Don’t forget a good pair of comfortable shoes. I also like to have a light jacket to go over my evening outfit as most of the restaurants are air-conditioned and after a day in the sun I find myself catching a chill. Other essential items are sunblock, Aloe Vera, lip balm with SPF, some sunglasses and a hat.

One other thing I suggest you do, and that I think is very important so that you don’t have any surprises, is to call your cell phone service. Call them and check on international charges and make sure you have your data and roaming set up the right way so that you don’t come back to a large cellular bill. Make sure you pack your charger as well and I recommend that you bring an adaptor plug as too. Happy traveling…now let’s get you booked for your next Caribbean Escape!


Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

She has been planning vacation escapes for the company since 2013 and specializes in Caribbean Destinations. Her primary focus is on the all-inclusive vacation experience for adult or family getaways for individuals and small groups. Sandals and AMResorts are among the specialist certificates she holds.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Andrea WardPacking Tips for Your Caribbean Escape
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Destination Spotlight-Over-the-Water Bungalows of the Caribbean

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There are some new and exciting things happening to help you escape and return to your happy place. The Caribbean and Mexico are bringing the South Pacific to you with the much-desired Over-The-Water Bungalow room concept at an affordable price.

These luxury accommodations are now available in Mexico at the El Dorado Maroma by Karisma Resorts in the Riviera Maya. In the Caribbean, Sandals is offering these spectacular Over-The-Water Bungalows at three of their resorts. Sandals South Coast and Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica along with Sandals Grande St. Lucia in St. Lucia.

At the El Dorado Maroma in the Riviera Maya, each of the over-the-water bungalows has the following luxury features:

-Glass bottom floor
-Private Infinity pool
-Direct ladder access to the ocean
-The romantic “Aguas del Amor” outdoor shower
-Indoor jacuzzi for two
-oversized deck with wooden lounge chairs
-24-hour butler service

At the Sandals resorts, each of their Over-The-Water Bungalow has the following luxury features:

-Glass bottom floor
-King size bed
-Spa Style bath
-over-the-water hammock
-Outdoor shower
-Suspended patio with a swim-up platform
-An expansive patio featuring Sandals signature Tranquility Soaking Tub for two
-24-hour butler service

These spectacular Bungalows have an unparalleled luxury and are amazing, truly a piece of paradise. Every Bungalow offers extraordinary views of spectacular sunrises and stunning sunsets. They are perfectly situated just off the sugary white sand beaches surrounded by the finest turquoise blue waters. All of this luxury and romance is available with a short flight to either of these destinations.


Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

She has been planning vacation escapes for the company since 2013 and specializes in Caribbean Destinations. Her primary focus is on the all-inclusive vacation experience for adult or family getaways for individuals and small groups. Sandals and AMResorts are among the specialist certificates she holds.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Andrea WardDestination Spotlight-Over-the-Water Bungalows of the Caribbean
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Passport for Your Palate-Half Moon Punch

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Recently, I attended this year’s Cruise World in Fort Lauderdale, as an invitee of their STAR (Select Travel Advisor Recognition) program. The event is comprised of a 3 day learning conference with speakers at general sessions, breakout class sessions from tourism boards, suppliers, and agents top in their field, and trade day with one on one time with the hundred or so suppliers in attendance. There are options to extend with pre and post conference activities to do site inspections of various cruise ships. We learned the latest to come on the high seas and rivers which is all very exciting for you, but one of the best things for us as travel advisors is the trade day.

Trade day let’s us ask those individual questions, pick up materials, and build our relationships with our business development and sales managers for each of the companies in attendance. It is a fun day because travel is fun! It is part of the reason everyone takes a vacation, right? We look each year for places to escape and enjoy life. This year’s conference did not disappoint with appetizers, champagne, cocktails, contests, and more bringing a lively vibe to our one on one interactions.

The cruise lines in general really went over the top with the fun aspect. A favorite booth was Holland America where they were showcasing Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff’s Signature Cocktail the Half Moon Punch. This Punch and Half Moon Cay, the cruise line’s private island stop, is celebrating it’s 20th Anniversary and we were there to celebrate with Holland America glass in hand. Holland America was gracious enough to share with us the recipe of this celebratory cocktail. For those that drink, you know rum punch is always a favorite go to as you enjoy the sun, sand, and waters of the Caribbean. For your mixing pleasure, I share below both the alcoholic version and non-alcoholic versions of this delectable cocktail for your next Caribbean themed party or afternoon pool side gathering. As Holland America Line says, “Savor the Journey.”

HALF MOON PUNCH (Alcoholic Version)

Ingredients
1 oz. Dark Rum
1 oz. Light Rum
1/2 oz. Ferrand Dry Curacao
2 oz. Fresh Orange Juice
2 oz. Pineapple Juice
1/4 oz. Sweetened Passion Fruit Puree
(Sweeten with Agave Nectar, 2 parts Puree to 1 part Agave Nectar)
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
1/4 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
Splash (1/8 oz.) Grenadine
Dash of Dale DeGroff’s Pimento Bitters
Garnishes: Pineapple Leaf, half Orange Slice and a Purple Sonia Orchid

Individual Serving Preparation
Combine the two rums and the Dry Curacao in a cocktail shaker glass with five ounces of the juice mix, a dahs of the bitters and a splash (1/8 oz.) of the grenadine. Shake all ingredients well with ice and strain into a tall serving glass. Garnish and serve with long straws.

HALF MOON PUNCH (Non-alcoholic Version)

Ingredients
3 oz. Fresh Orange Juice
3 oz. Pineapple Juice
1/2 oz. Sweetened Passion Fruit Puree
(Sweetened with Agave Nectar, 2 parts Puree to 1 part Agave Nectar)
1 oz. Simple Syrup
1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
2 splashes (1/4 oz.) Grenadine
Dash of Dale DeGroff’s Pimento Bitters
Garnishes: Pineapple Leaf, half Orange Slice and Purple Sonia Orchid

Individual Serving Preparation
Combine seven ounces of the juice mix, a dash of the bitters and two splashes (1/4 oz. ) of the grenadine in a cocktail shaker glass with ice. Shake all ingredients well and strain into a tall serving glass. Garnish and serve with long straws.

ENJOY!


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslPassport for Your Palate-Half Moon Punch
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Carnival Dream-A Personal Review

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Recently, I was able to experience the Carnival Dream as more of a guest than as a travel professional as I was on the trip as a guest of a fellow travel agent. She had her annual group going and invited me to tag along. The Cruise was the first week of October and departed out of New Orleans. As you know, 2017, has been quite the year for weather events particular hurricanes. And as luck would have it, we weren’t spared a taste either as our cruise was impacted by the arrival of Hurricane Nate. Weather event aside, my overall experience on the cruise was good. I had a fun, relaxing time while making new friends. I will give you my highs and lows of the ship experience in the following as well as an extra treat as I was able to get three of my new friends from Kentucky to write up their own account of how they felt the Dream was. An extra treat as their material is unscripted and uncut by moi.

First the Carnival Dream is one of the largest and newest ships in the Carnival sailing family. This cruise was to port at Roatan, Belize, and Cozumel, but as mentioned Hurricane Nate did cause some disruptions and we were unable to port at Belize and had an additional day of cruising at the end of the return to make our cruise 8 days instead of 7. I must say the captain and crew did an amazing job and if it weren’t for the announcements and some rain you would have never known anything was amiss.


I stayed in a balcony cabin. I always recommend ocean view or higher and took advantaged of having the balcony to go out on each morning. Thankfully for my roomie we had that as I am such an early riser. We had a fabulous cabin attendant and the room had plenty of storage though lacked sufficient outlets for charging phones. Some of the outlets in our cabin were European voltage and not US. Would recommend bringing an adapter set with you.

My take overall was there was plenty of food and drink available with a varied array of options. I would highly recommend splurging and trying the dining venues such as the steak house and Chef’s Table that have up charges to them. You can read my take on the Chef’s Table experience here. My favorite tanning location was either the 12th deck or down next to the pool on the lido deck where the day activities and music were going on. For you smokers, there were some designated deck areas. One was on the 11th on one side near the DJ.

In the evenings, we would stop at the Alchemy Bar before our late seating at 8:30pm. By fare the best bar on the ship with the best bartenders. After dinner, it was off to a show or the Punchliner Comedy Club. By far one of the best activities to enjoy and have a great laugh with friends.

The trip to me was of good value and I would cruise again with friends. Traveling is great when you go with a group!


Now as an extra treat, here are what me new friends had to say. I asked them if they wouldn’t give me a little blurb to include in my blog to you. I’d like to introduce you to Laura, Dustin, and Tammy of Kentucky.

Laura says….
Room: nice except not nearly enough outlets. That was not adequate.
Food: dinner was good. I️ would like to see a real salad bar everyday, got tired of burgers and pizza. Maybe there was salad and I️ didn’t know it.
Entertainment : loved the comedians!!! Feel like the night club needs to be more adult friendly… too much rap yuck. I️ think if the ship dancers or either of the cruise directors would open the dance floor, more people would go. They get the party started.
Movies on deck more for everyone . Play it one night and then pick another.
I️ felt like you better had selected all your options BEORE you ever travel or you are out of luck
It was an over all good experience though
Meeting you !

Tammy says…..
We went on a 7 day Carnival Cruise the first week in Oct.
We sailed out of New Orleans on The Carnival Dream.
This was one of many Carnival Cruises we have been on and one of the most unforgettable.
The Dream was supreme and had most anything you could ask for. The staff catered to my every need, all I had to do was ask.
They offer a vast list of things to do through the day and evenings. I saw some first- rate musicals, as well as comedy shows that left me hurting from laughter.
I adamantly suggest going to the dinner any night you can as they offer a large list of different foods. I ate so many things I had never had the chance to try and loved every bite.
Oh and the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake you will NEVER forget!
They offer so many shore excursions, at any of the ports of call; you almost can’t decide which one to go on! Our group decided and the ultimate dolphin encounter, which gave us all various reactions of happiness and feelings we will not soon forget.
Over all the vacation was more than I could have ever imagined and can’t wait for my next one!

Dustin says…..
So Carnival Cruise was my very first cruise and I am not mad about it. The Dream was a huge ship with plenty of room for everyone but it seems we saw the same people all the time, which gave you a chance to build comradery. Yes it was in the middle of Hurricane season, “lesson learned,” and we didn’t get to go to Belize and we were stuck on a ship out to sea, but I made friends, created a little family. Carnival did a great job keeping all of us entertained with amazing vocal performances, dances, comedy shows and many activities for children as well as adults that are too numerous to mention. The Flying Scotsman was our Cruise director and I can still hear his voice in my head when I think about our trip, and when I do I truly smile, because it was amazing. There were several food choices on the ship, and while some weren’t my favorite, there was always something for me to eat whenever I was hungry. My only real complaint would be getting to get into the actual places we visited instead of the touristy sites Carnival owns, but then again for our safety that is what is probably best. Overall I would give the cruise an 8 out of 10, and that is just because of some hiccups along the way that could have been handled better, and the fact we lost a port and was only refunded $15.80 in port fees per person, but I’ll get Belize on another day, and the memories I have from our shore excursions are enough greatness to mask anything that was not perfect, because I mean after you swim with dolphins and get to kiss and touch them, nothing else really matters, right?
As you can see, tastes vary, but in overall, the opinion was the cruise provided a delightful vacation experience. If you are looking to cruise Carnival or any other cruise line with a group of friends, please reach out to our office and let one of our skilled travel specialists walk you through making the right selection and taking care of all those pre-booking items Laura referenced.

Happy Sailing!


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslCarnival Dream-A Personal Review
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Destination Spotlight-Curacao

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A place in the Caribbean that I would highly recommend escaping to would be Curacao.

Curacao is filled with an abundance of color and has breath taking beautiful Dutch architecture. I personally visited Curacao in February of 2004 and fell in love with the beauty of this island and her waters. I still have plans to return someday to this island filled with spectacular color and wonderful hospitality.

Curacao is an island that takes pride in their rich multicultural heritage.

For those celebrating their love, they’ll find pristine beaches and secluded romantic coves. For those that enjoy the world below, Curacao is home to some of the best diving and snorkeling around with rare corals and marine life in water as clear as the air. There are marvelous hotels, exciting nightlife, casinos, international cuisine and fantastic duty-free shopping to suite every style of traveler. Even the history buffs can enjoy a tour through the historic countryside mansions, called “landhuizen”.

Many ships port in Curacao creating a perfect lazy day pastime while enjoy watching them all sail in and out of port. Curacao lies outside the hurricane belt and has virtually no rainy days, with an annual average temperature of 82°F. The island provides a variety of different resorts for your stay. You have the choice between European, Boutique or All-Inclusive properties. The Hilton Caribe is featured in the photo. There truly is a bit of something for everyone’s taste.

While I was in Curacao, I stayed in a family friendly all-inclusive resort, while there I par took in some snorkeling which I highly recommend you try. The waters were so clear and blue. I enjoyed going into town to do some site seeing and shopping. I must say this is a must! The locals were so friendly, and there were such a variety of places to shop from outlets, to collector’s shops to specialty boutiques to explore. My favorite part of my time in Curacao, all the fabulous colors around you. No matter where you look, with every turn, the buildings, the landscape, the waters from sunrise and sunset are brilliant. I would encourage you to add Curacao to your bucket list. For me, I can’t think of a better place to escape

Fun Fact: Curaçao is a true multicultural mixture of 55 different nationalities. The majority of it’s residents speak at least four different languages – English, Spanish, Dutch and their own Papiamento.


Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

She has been planning vacation escapes for the company since 2013 and specializes in Caribbean Destinations. Her primary focus is on the all-inclusive vacation experience for adult or family getaways for individuals and small groups. Sandals and AMResorts are among the specialist certificates she holds.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Andrea WardDestination Spotlight-Curacao
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Karisma Resorts-The Perfect Choice for Your All-Inclusive Vacation

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Lisa flew into Chicago from New Jersey and we met at the La Quinta Inn & Suites near the airport before our morning flight out. Thursday, we took off on United Airlines, arriving at the Cancun airport mid-day. Our home for the next 3 nights would be El Dorado Seaside Suites, by Karisma, located along the Riviera Maya about 1 hour and 20 minutes south from the airport. This was my first time to Mexico and I must say it was wonderful experience. Since this was a work trip for us as we had scheduled three different site inspections of other Karisma properties.

We took advantage of every minute of our time, getting up at 6 am every morning to catch the sunrise, do our morning business activities and then hit our resort by 3pm to experience the facilities. We spent all morning, Friday, visiting, The Fives Azul Beach Resort, The El Dorado Maroma and Generations properties with courtesy transportation from Lomas Travel. I forgot to mention one of the best things we would recommend for going to the southern Mayan Riviera is to use the private luxury transfers. We were treated to this by the company upon our arrival. Nice leather seated large SUV that whisks you straight to your resort with complimentary cerveza (beer) on board.

Returning to our inspections, we were shown different room categories and special areas of the resorts that make them unique from all the others. Each resort truly has its own personality whether the family properties of Azul or Generations to the Adult Only properties at the El Dorados. The Fives was a great place for families with this unique outdoor area in the center of the resort where you could some of Mexico’s wildlife. We toured the newest section, an adult only section that only opened a few weeks ago. Villa 19. The location is grand, so close to Playa del Carmen that you could walk to it along the beach. About 20-30 minute walk for you beach walkers. All the rooms at Azul have a kitchen area in them and can easily be stocked for any infant or child care needs. Just let us know on the front end.

The Generations, also a family property, had a lovely design where all the restaurants were situated in one building tower. Plus, it had the infinity pools on the balcony level rooms except for the very top. The Generations will have a new neighbor as the ground had been broken for Karisma’s Nickelodeon Brand. Finally, the El Dorado Maroma is a boutique like adult only property with some amazing presidential suites as well as the new over-water bungalows that opened in the fall. These are just a few of the highlights. The staff at all the resorts was super friendly and outgoing. The resorts themselves were spectacular each catering to specific clientele with some suiting several types of travelers. For example, all the resorts had settings for destination weddings.

Saturday, we had the opportunity to participate in a snorkeling tour provided by Lomas Travel. It was called the Reef Adventure at Maraoma Adventures. Maroma Adventures is located on Mexico’s most beautiful beach, Maroma beach and it right next door to the El Dorado Maroma. Very convenient for guests staying there as far as travel time to their day tours. The snorkel tour was just one of many excursions that Maroma Adventures offers. Guests could do such things as parasailing, swim with the dolphins, jet boating, and so much more. All items can be pre-booked when you make your resort reservation by us.

All this information is so helpful for us to bring back to you our clients. It helps us to match you with the best resort for your passions to create an escape like no other. It is our job to help you find your happy place. These short working trips, although they don’t appear as work and we do enjoy our time in destination are truly the keys to us being able to give you the most informative information about the different destinations and resorts possible.


Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

She has been planning vacation escapes for the company since 2013 and specializes in Caribbean Destinations. Her primary focus is on the all-inclusive vacation experience for adult or family getaways for individuals and small groups. Sandals and AMResorts are among the specialist certificates she holds.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Andrea WardKarisma Resorts-The Perfect Choice for Your All-Inclusive Vacation
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Passport for Your Palate-Braised Oxtail with Lima Beans

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I bring to you this week another recipe from my stay at the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica. One of the unique features this adult only all-inclusive has is a Jamaican Cuisine restaurant fittingly called Jamaican RootZ by HoriZons. My daughter and I ate their our very first evening, because I am all about going local when I travel and eating the foods the locals would eat.

The restaurant is beach front and adorned with the colors of the Jamaican flag. The dinner meal is served family style. You pick three of the main course options from the menu and they come with the traditional sides such as grilled corn, red beans and rice and some friend plantains. I let my daughter choose two of the three and I selected the third. She selected a spicy shrimp and a chicken dish and I added the oxtail. Most people will balk as the name suggests the meat comes from the tail of cattle, originally it used to be only oxen. It is a bony gelatin meat great for stews and braising. I must say it is some of the most flavorful, moist, melt in your mouth meat I have come across. The flavor is so beautifully rich.

During my site inspection of the resort, I asked if I might be able to get the chef to share his preparation of this dish. And as luck would have it Chef Rickki was more than happy to oblige.

Below you will find his preparation for  Braised Oxtail with Lima Beans

Braised Oxtail with Lima Bean

2 kg Oxtail cut up 2 tbsp. Caramel color 2 tbsp. Olive Oil 2 tbsp. all Purpose powdered seasoning I tin lima bean 1 Clove fresh Garlic chopped 4 tbsp. Escallion chopped 2 tbsp. Fresh Thyme Chopped 0.5 kg Onion chopped 1 tbsp. Scotch Bonnet Pepper chopped 1 pec Celery small dice 1 kg Irish Potatoes small dice 0.5 kg Carrot small dice 2 cups Ketchup

Method: Season oxtail with all purposed seasoning, add caramel in a big pressure cooker, add oil and sautéed for 10 minutes, add about 5 cups of water pressure cook for 30 minutes until tender, add scallion, thyme, onions, garlic, scotch bonnet pepper, celery, potato, carrot, boiled until cook check for tasted if needed add some more all-purpose seasoning, add ketchup lima bean reduce to low flame for 10 minutes.

A month later, I found myself in Mexico at the El Dorado Seaside Suites and was pleased to see a similar rendition at the Gourmet Pub. They served an oxtail stew (pictured.) My mouth waters just writing about it.

About the chef…

Rickardo “Rickki” Foster
Executive Sous Chef

Born into a family three, Rickardo is the second of three kids born in the rural community of Kingston but grew up in Montego Bay. Set out at the age of three to Barracks Road primary, Rickardo was a very quiet and reserved kid who barely spoke but was very inquisitive in cooking and asking his mother a lot of question about food preparation.

In 1989 he moved onto the Moldon Comprehensive School where his passion for food was being conceived as he ventures into studying Home Economics as major subject. Being still very reserved, culinary was now his way of speaking out loud and expressing himself however outside of this realm, football was his center of attraction where he represented his school in DaCosta Cup School football league.

Rickardo’s passion for cooking was driven from the fulfilment he got from persons who dined from his table and spoke satisfyingly of his cooking at the end of a meal. After working at the Dolphin Grill as part of work experience, this platform in high school propelled his working career that commenced at Holiday Inn Sun spree Resort as a cook in 1993 and after that, the rest was history at other luxurious resorts such as Jamaica Pegasus and the present Hyatt Ziva & Zilara Resorts. His accumulated fine management skills places him in the current capacity of an Executive Sous Chef who leads a team of culinarian following in his footsteps to master all aspects of the art of cooking.

Along the way, Rickardo copped accolades such runner up Manager of the Year, Manager of the quarter on numerous occasions and various certification that makes him a well-rounded individual. With every glorious path comes ups and downs and he dealt with challenges by maintaining focus, looking at the bigger picture and never ending consistent commitment.

Rickardo continuous drive and passion is kept at a high by his clients’ satisfaction, acknowledgement of his work and this is channeled into creating some of his favorite food which combines art, culture and a wow factor experience which includes using a Jamaican dish and intertwining a European flare.

With over 25 years of experience, Rickardo still have a lot to attain and also contribute to the culinary industry by being a renowned consultant, giving back to the future generations by imparting his knowledge and to be sitting in the chair with his title being an Executive Chef.

His motto to stand by is, “Without passion, heart and commitment involved in a dream, its best you don’t do it”.



Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslPassport for Your Palate-Braised Oxtail with Lima Beans
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