Caribbean Archives - Page 2 of 4

Why An All-Inclusive Resort Vacation May Be Right For You!

March 21, 2021 Lisa Rossmeissl All Inclusive, Caribbean, Romance, Travel Tips No comments

Why the Caribbean and Mexico Are the Heart of All-Inclusive Travel

When most travelers think of all-inclusive resorts, the Caribbean and Mexico immediately come to mind, and for good reason. Lush green landscapes, warm breezes, brilliant sunshine, and beautiful blue waters have been drawing vacationers to these regions for generations. Today’s resorts across destinations like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the Riviera Maya, and beyond cater to a wide range of travel styles. You’ll find lively properties ideal for social travelers, as well as quieter resorts designed for couples, honeymooners, and families looking to unplug. Beyond the scenery, there are some very real advantages to choosing an all-inclusive vacation.

The Freedom of Knowing What You’re Spending

One of the biggest benefits of an all-inclusive resort vacation is financial peace of mind. When you book, most of your major expenses are prepaid, including accommodations, food, drinks, entertainment, and many on-site activities. Some resorts even offer non-motorized water sports or experiences such as catamaran sailing. For many travelers, that means their wallets rarely come out once they arrive, aside from souvenirs or optional excursions. Knowing what you will spend before you ever leave home and not returning to a surprise bill allows you to relax more fully while you are away. And that is the whole point of vacation.

Vacation at Your Own Pace

One reason people travel is to step away from routine and responsibilities, and all-inclusive resorts make that easy. Each day, resorts provide an activity schedule with options such as fitness classes, beach games, and live entertainment, but participation is always optional. Want to try everything? You can. Prefer to spend the day with a book by the pool? That works too. Dining is just as flexible, with options ranging from casual beach grills and buffets to sit-down restaurants, theme nights, room service, and private dining experiences. Many of today’s all-inclusive resorts now offer elevated dining concepts and global cuisine, adding even more variety to the experience.

Why Families Love All-Inclusive Resorts

Families often find all-inclusive resort vacations especially appealing. Many top resorts offer kids’ programs for ages 4 to 12, allowing parents to enjoy some downtime while their children stay entertained and engaged. One standout option for families is Beaches Resorts, known for its extensive inclusions and age-specific programming from infants through teens. These resorts are also well equipped to accommodate children with special needs, making them a thoughtful choice for many families traveling together.

A Natural Fit for Couples and Romance

All-inclusive resorts are also incredibly popular with couples. Many adults-only and couples-only resorts offer romantic touches, including champagne on arrival, rose-petal turndown service, candlelit baths, and private dining. Resorts such as Sandals, Secrets, and Couples Resorts are designed specifically for romance, making them ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries, and “just because” getaways where connection and relaxation are priorities. Destination weddings are another area where all-inclusive resorts shine, often offering significant savings compared to traditional weddings at home while combining the wedding and honeymoon into one seamless experience.

So, Is an All-Inclusive Resort Vacation Right for You?

Today’s all-inclusive resorts offer something for nearly every traveler. With a wide range of destinations, resort styles, and experience levels, finding the right fit is key. Not all all-inclusive resorts are created equal. Location, atmosphere, inclusions, and service levels vary widely, which is why working with an experienced travel advisor can make all the difference. Matching the right traveler to the right resort is what turns a good vacation into a great one.

This article was originally featured in Your True Colours Magazine and has been refreshed for 2026.

Download Our Smart Packing Tips

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Branchburg, New Jersey, with agents in SC, TN, MS, ID, 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.

Caribbean Destinations Open to the U.S. Traveler

September 13, 2020 Lisa Rossmeissl Caribbean, Travel Tips No comments

To say it has been a crazy year, is an understatement, and as we slowly return to hopefully a better future than past, there are some things to consider when looking to travel. First, you need to know the destinations that are open. Second, you need to know the current protocols. Finally, you need to connect with a travel agent to help you through all of this.

The decision of when to travel is purely up to you. You have to gauge your own comfortable level. Are you comfortable with the new protocols in place? How will this impact your family or job when you return? Make sure you are looking at the broad picture and definitely plan ahead. It is not just a matter of book a flight and go!

With that being said, for those of you ready to go, the Caribbean, is probably one of your best options to find an escape.

Most of the Caribbean is open to the U.S. traveler. The list of destinations welcoming the United States is growing, but remains fluid. I am providing the most recent options as of Sept 13, 2020. I will try to update as conditions change.

While this list is geared for our Caribbean lovers, please note places such as Tahiti that we’ve been sharing, Tanzania, and Croatia are some further overseas options welcoming the U.S. traveler. Please feel free to contact us with your destination of interest and we will be happy to work with you.

Caribbean Destinations Open to the U.S. Traveler

Antigua and Barbuda-Negative Covid-19 test result within 7 days
Aruba-Negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours
Barbados-Negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours
Bermuda-Negative Covid-19 test result within 5 days + $75
Dominica-Negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours
Dominican Republic-Negative Covid-19 test result within five days
Grenada-Negative Covid-19 rapid result test result on arrival
Haiti-Mandatory 14 day quarantine
Jamaica-Negative Covid-19 test result less than 10 days old
St. Barts-Negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours
St. Lucia-Negative Covid-19 test result within 7 days
St. Maarten-Negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours
St. Vincent and Grenadines-Negative Covid-19 test on arrival, additional test on arrival
Turks and Caicos-Negative Covid-19 test result within 5 days

*In addition to testing, some of the countries also require a health form to be filled out prior to boarding.

Note: Mexico, while not technically the Caribbean, is open without any current restrictions or requirements regarding testing.

As you can see, pretty much no matter where you go, you will need to provide a negative test result. This cannot be the home test either. These test have to be performed at medical facility. You will find that some destinations will do additional testing upon arrival or after a period of days while in country. Depending on which state you live in, travel outside the U.S. or even outside of your own state could require a 14-day quarantine period upon your return or additional Covid-19 testing. All the destinations are practicing new health protocols with additional cleanliness, hand sanitizer stations, and staff in mask and gloves. You will also be required to wear masks in areas where 6ft social distancing cannot be maintained. Be aware that not following the current Covid-19 protocols could result in fines or worse.

I should note, that many of the hotel partners I have in the Caribbean, are now offering incredible cancellation policies and deals we will not likely see next year.

Several chains are offering no penalties on cancellation and/or booking changes up to 24-hours prior to the check-in. Now really is the time to get that vacation booked, whether you fit an escape in before the close of 2020 or prepare for that much needed one in 2021 and beyond. Given the constant fluidity of this situation, please consult your travel advisor for the most up to date policies with the destination, resorts, and airlines.

Download Our Smart Packing Tips

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.

Our Top 5 All-Inclusive Brands for Families

August 18, 2019 Lisa Rossmeissl All Inclusive, Caribbean, Mexico No comments

When you are thinking of planning a family vacation experience, one of the best options to help our budget is looking at an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean or Mexico.

All-inclusive resorts include your accommodations, meals, beverages, and most non-motorized water sports. In addition, those catering to families offer child programs, babysitting, and other daily activities, which means the kids can be entertained while mom and dad play. It is great whether you are traveling with just your own family, considering a family reunion, or traveling with your favorite friends. To this day, our group of families’ trip to Beaches Negril in Jamaica was by far one of the best, if not the best, vacations I’ve ever had. There was a little bit of everything for everyone.

To help you plan, we’ve compiled a short list of our favorite brands for family all-inclusive resorts. Within each brand are different options. The brands have a variety of partners for their kids’ programs. Below is the list highlighting each brand and examples of what you will get, along with resort options.

Beaches Resorts-Located in Turks and Caicos and Jamaica, this well-known brand is tops in family vacation experiences. Resorts have a variety of room accommodations and water parks, and they are partnered with Sesame Street. They cater to the very young through the teens, even including a teen night club called Liquid, as well as their partnership with Xbox. These resorts are also recognized as and certified Autism Centers. The largest of all the Beaches resorts is the Turks and Caicos, and it does require booking early for best pricing and accommodation availability.

Grupo Lomas (Formerly Karisma Resorts) offers three family-friendly options: Azul, Nickelodeon, and Generations. The various brands are located in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. These resorts also offer a variety of room accommodations to suit larger families. The Azul resorts have Azulitos experience, including beach, cooking, and cultural fun for all. Azul’s also has the My Gym experience for ages 4-12 and a Vassa spa kids’ service. The Generations resort offers the kids Eko program for 4-12 and a separate kids’ menu. As the name suggests, the Nickelodeon resort is in partnership with Nickelodeon. They have a fun, slim, smoothie for kids, a kids’ club, and of course, Nickelodeon character fun and entertainment. I am a fan of the Fives Azul Beach Resort due to its neat layout and design.

Barcelo Resorts-Located in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, this whole complex offers a variety of stays for couples and families. Their new Family Club section has great accommodation offerings, including suites with 2 bedrooms. There is access to the water park as well as access to all the other property’s activities within the complex. Of course, like the others, there are babysitting services and supervised activities with qualified leaders. Truly a resort you’ll want to visit again and again. I have many repeat clients at this resort.

Iberostar Resorts-Located in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, these resorts are similar to Barcelo in that they are a large complex with different resort levels catering from the family to the adult-only and share different facilities throughout based on which resort you are at. They have their children’s Star Camp, kids’ menu, babysitting services, and family rooms. The Iberostar Paraiso Maya and Paraiso Lindo are clients’ favorites.

Melia Resorts-Located in Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Jamaica these resorts. Within Melia are the Melia and Paradisus brands, which are suited for families. The Melia has onsite Splash Island Park suited for the younger children, kids’ club, babysitting, and again a variety of room accommodations to fit larger families. They are also partnered with the Flintstones’ Brand. The Paradisus has all-day assistance from a Family Concierge, an activity-packed Kid’s Club, and a complimentary walkie-talkie or cell phone for instant communication. Programming includes kids from newborn to age 12, with separate facilities for teens. We’ve had great feedback from the Melia Caribe in Punta Cana.

No matter your budget, the size of your family, or the age of your kids, there is an all-inclusive brand to match your needs for your next family vacation. The best way to match your budget and family to a resort is to consult with a travel professional who can go over the different resort amenities, room categories, and children’s services with you to ensure you enjoy the most out of your vacation. Contact one of us today!

revised June 15, 2025

Download Our Smart Packing Tips

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.

Sandals and Beaches Weddings

July 7, 2019 Andrea Ward All Inclusive, Caribbean, Romance No comments

When I think of summer, I think of weddings. Are you newly engaged or planning to be engaged in the near future? Have you ever considered a destination wedding? Did you know that Sandals and Beaches is a leader in destination weddings? They both have customizable weddings, that are inspired by love and created by you. With their talented wedding staff at any of the Beaches or Sandals location they will help you create the wedding of your dreams. They even offer a free Tropical Wedding with a minimum 3-night stay.

However, most of you I’m sure would love to add your own touches and enhancements to make it your very own. Sandal offers the most Over-the-Water Serenity Wedding Chapels in the world. There are three in Jamaica, one at Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals South Coast and Sandals Ochi. All three of these have been blessed for Catholic weddings as well. They also have one available at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian. What is so very exciting about Sandals and Beaches is that they offer a program called “Test Drive”. This is where the wedding couple or the Bride and a single guest can experience the resort of their choice for a reduced rate, which in turn is then credited back to the couple upon booking 5 or more rooms for their wedding. The options are truly limitless, and no one wedding will ever be the same. If you are already married no worries, they also have a Retie-the Knot for couples seeking to renew their vows. There are several different options for those as well. The best part is you have a designated team of wedding specialists to work directly with you to make your destination wedding the wedding of your dreams. There is nothing more romantic then the Caribbean and Sandals and Beaches have brought romance and wedding to a whole new level. Who’s ready to say I DO? I am a certified Sandals Specialist and can help you plan that dream destination wedding.

Download Our Smart Packing Tips

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.

Destination Spotlight-Grenada

December 16, 2018 Andrea Ward Caribbean No comments

If you are looking for a unique escape this time of the year you may want to try Grenada. Grenada is made up of three main islands, Grenada, Carracou and Petite Martinique. Grenada is known as the spice of the Caribbean. It is an extremely fragrant destination and may boast more spices per mile than anywhere else in the world. An ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing, tropical vacation. Grenada has 45 white beaches, with exquisite turquoise waters, but it your looking for something a little different it also hosts 9 black sand shores. If you’re looking for more activity Grenada still has you covered. There are plenty of hiking trails that lead to waterfalls or back to the beaches. You can go whale or dolphin watching or just enjoy kayaking in the quiet Egmont Harbor. If you’re a diver Grenada is known for the Bianca C, otherwise known as the “Titanic of the Caribbean. It is the Caribbean’s largest underwater wreck. The Bianca C” was a 600 foot 22000-ton cruise liner that sank off the coast in 1961.

The island’s easy rhythms and friendly residents give Grenada an atmosphere hard to find elsewhere. You couple that with the choice to relax or choose an adventure all while enjoying steady cooling trade winds that help maintain an average temperature between 75 and 85 degrees you will be hard to find another destination that compares.

Fun Fact: Grenada is called the Isle of Spice because it is a major producer of spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cocoa and others. In fact, the air in Grenada is permeated with their scent. Visitors can take a little break from the beaches and travel inland to explore the island’s many beautiful spice plantations.

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

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.

Destination Spotlight-Barbados

November 25, 2018 Andrea Ward Caribbean No comments

Barbados is sophisticated, safe, friendly and romantic. Barbados has something for everyone from expensive to affordable. They offer accommodations from Ultra Luxury to European. Barbados is a tropical island that has sun-filled days and balmy nights. Those that explore Barbados, fall in love with this land and, return again and again. The average annual temperature ranges from 70°F–87°F. There is no bad time to visit Barbados it has a tropical climate year-round and Barbados is outside the hurricane belt!

Barbados may not have any dolphins, but they still have an experience of a lifetime as you can swim with the turtles! Something I so desperately want to do. Barbados is the home to a healthy population of hawksbill and leatherback turtles. The turtles once were endangered by being over fished. However, these great creatures are now protected and monitored throughout the Island.There are programs in place such as the Barbados Sea Turtle Project to help recover the marine turtle populations. This is all done through training, education and public awareness. Without such projects, we would not have the opportunity to enjoy these truly amazing creatures.

Turtles are sociable and tend to stay in the same area, following steady routines. They can be seen playing and feeding along the inshore reefs. There are certain monitored areas where they have become accustomed to humans and are very tame. You can swim with them as they feed along the coral. One of the best ways to do this is by snorkeling.
Barbados’ South coast and West coast are best known for their swimming, snorkeling and water activities. Where as the East coast or the Atlantic side is known for surfing. However, Barbados does not have any private beaches.
Some other interesting facts about Barbados…
It is known as the birthplace of the finest rum
It is divided up into 11 parishes. Each of them with their own church and cemetery
If you are looking to get married, there is no waiting period for you to do so in Barbados
It is the host of the museum for the Concord where you can partake in a flight simulation

Fun Fact: Driving in Barbados, as on many of the Caribbean Islands, is on the left side of the road. Before you rent a car, please make sure you are comfortable driving this way. However, precautions aren’t only for drivers. Pedestrians must also remember to look right as well as left when crossing the street!

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

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.

Personal Review-Pineapple Beach Club-Antigua

November 11, 2018 Lisa Rossmeissl All Inclusive, Caribbean No comments

Recently I had the advantage and opportunity to travel to Antigua with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Board, but prior to meeting up with my business development manager I had the pleasure of using free nights ( a sometime perk of the industry) at Pineapple Beach Club located on Long Bay in St. Phillip Parish. For those not familiar with this property, you may remember it as Sandals Grand Pineapple, but they have since sold it back to Elite Island Resorts about 2 years ago. It is currently under some slight renovations (Nov 2018)

What’s great about this resort is the pristine white stretch of 1/4 mile beach with ever endless shades of blue water lapping upon it and the beautiful island greenery as it’s back drop.

The resort truly offers a true authentic “Caribbean Feel” to it, which was one of my favorite bits about laying back and falling into “island time” here. Like the rest of the island the temperatures here range year round from 75F-80F with amazing trade wind breezes and very little rain. Antigua herself seems to lie just out of the hurricane belt making this a year round destination.

The Pineapple Beach club is a value to moderate priced all-inclusive resort for adults only (age 16 and up). While it’s rooms might not boast the elegance of some of the newer larger resorts, it makes up for it in charm, feel, food and service. The resort had 4 primary areas for accommodations ranging from garden suites up to waterfront suites. The waterfront being the most spectacular of views on the water. I stayed in an Ocean View up on the hillside that had beautiful views of the gardens and beach below. It was a perfect place to sit on the balcony and watch the day come alive as the sun rose. The room itself was basic with king bed, armoire, table and chair. The balcony had 2 chairs and a table. The bath was situated with a separate vanity and sink area along with a tub/shower combo. One thing to note about the resort, is it does lie within a hillside setting, so there are quite a lot of stairs. Perfect if you are looking to keeping fit as the lovely fitness center was 70 stairs, not steps from my room. I did notice a woman with a walker that was accommodated in the garden suites near the shops, but I would not list the resort myself as handicap friendly. But for the active to beach chair sleeper this resort has a lot to offer.

There are 3 restaurants, plus the snack bar by the pool. The main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner has an abundant selection and variety on the buffet. The two other restaurants do require an advance reservation, but are worth doing so. One is Italian fare while the other caters to the Caribbean flavors and seafood. The snack bar by the pool served your American favorites such as nachos, hamburgers, and sandwiches. Another great treat for lunch is to make your way up to the hilltop for The Outhouse for some authentic island barbecue. You won’t regret it!

The main bar serviced the bulk of the area and there is also a smaller bar near the main beach activity area. They do have beach service as well which is nice when you feel too relaxed to get up and freshen your drink. One of my favorite daily activities was to order the drink of the day. Mostly with rum, but not overly sweet as some other island resort drinks I’ve had. Mauvin the main bartender was great and would create us our very own special drink before we headed to dinner. The staff really did take a liking to the guests.There is a daily activity board, the option to go off resort to explore the island, and of course nightly entertainment. Often the evening entertainment was music in way of band or DJ. Note the entertainment ends by 11pm so this is not your all night party place. Non-motorized water sports are included. I highly recommend the Hobie cat with Keri as your captain. And to break up your tanning, give the Caribbean Dance lessons a try. Truly this place is a perfect Caribbean escape for those looking to disconnect (though free Wi-Fi in certain areas and a pay plan for rooms) and fell the island vibe. It is what the Caribbean is and always has been. And as they say numbers don’t lie, Pineapple Beach Club has a 75% repeat rate and the guests seemed more like family to the staff then visitors.

If you are looking for more information on Pineapple Beach Club or other resorts in the Elite Island Resort Family or just more on Antigua as a destination, please 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.

Destination Spotlight-Aruba

July 15, 2018 Andrea Ward Caribbean No comments

Are you planning a wedding? Recently married or looking to escape for a romantic get away with your loved one? Do you ever find yourself dreaming of that perfect get a way? A vacation in which you are pretty much guaranteed to have fabulous weather and a where romance is in the air? Well if you have found yourself thinking of any of these scenarios, you might want to consider Aruba for you next tropical escape.

Aruba is “One Happy Island”! Aruba is a tiny Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela. It is always summertime in Aruba, it has dry, sunny weather with pristine blond beaches where the surf is gentle. The average annual temperature is 82 F and average annual rainfall is less than 20 inches per year. The constant trade winds bring cool breezes which cause the Divi-Divi trees to slope southwesterly. Sounds like a piece of paradise. Aruba is a little piece of romantic paradise just waiting for you to escape to.

If you are looking for a tropical paradise offering everything from quiet romantic activities to exciting adventures, then you have found it with Aruba. There are loads of beaches that line the Aruba coastline, ranging from the surfer water adventures beaches, to the family friendly beaches, to the private romantic beaches that are hidden away from the crowds. Don’t worry if you don’t prefer to only soak in the sun on the beach because the attractions in Aruba go far beyond the sand. There are coves and natural pools on the windward coast. Plus, Aruba hosts a variety of different resort styles from the European, to the Boutique and or course the All-Inclusive. With having so many varieties, there is always something to please everyone’s style. With the selection of accommodation, also comes a wide range of restaurants including seafood and Asian cuisine just to name a couple. Aruba is a shopper’s paradise too with many places to shop, including outlets, collector’s shops and specialty boutiques.

Fun Fact: Aruba’s Divi-Divi trees, also known as watapanas, are famous because they are known to grow at 45-degree angles in certain parts of the island. This a result of the persistent trade winds in those areas.

Fun Fact credit www.travelimpressions.com
Divi Divi Tree photo credit Pinterest, www.aruba-travelguide.com
Aruba Aerial photo credit www.aruba.com

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

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.

A Personal Review-My Night Aboard Adventure of the Seas

May 23, 2018 Lisa Rossmeissl Caribbean, Cruise No comments

I recently had the opportunity and invite from Royal Caribbean for One Bold Night onboard the reimagined Adventure of the Seas. The Adventure of the Seas just came out of refurbishments and is making Cape Liberty, in Bayonne, NJ, its new homeport. She will be offering summer getaways and fall foliage escapes. The cruise line invited a whole slew of agents from the area to get a taste and feel of her new look with a one night onboard experience.

What can you find on this reimagined ship from Royal Caribbean’s Explorer class? There is plenty, from the waves of the Perfect Storm Water Slides to the rustic flavors of Giovanni’s Table. We covered a lot of ground exploring and sampling the ships activities and food options during our overnight stay. Two of my travel friends even gave the slides a go despite our unseasonable spring temps. Their rating 2 thumbs up on the fun scale. My personal sleeping quarters were one of the ocean view cabins. I personally loved how the bed was aligned beneath the windows. For me it seem to make the cabin more spacious though I would rate the mattress on the firm side. I also, liked the curved design of the shower doors which gave a bit more room in the stall for washing up.

Once on board, we were given a sort of scavenger hunt that took has from Deck 15 on down and every where in between. It was actually a very fun way to explore and cover the ship versus an organized tour. I was able to linger at areas I wanted more information on or to even try and taste them out. The sushi rolls from Izumi were great! I got to see The Perfect Storm, the Two-Story mini-golf course, the Sky Bar, the Adults Only Solarium, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi Japanese Cuisine, Chops Grille, a variety of staterooms and more! There is so much to explore and do on the this ship.

One of my favorite areas besides the Sky Bar and hot tubs was the Promenade Deck. Very cool dining, drinking and of course shopping here. They also have cabins that overlook this area. But beware, there could be a party going on, so if you go to bed early this might not be the room category for you. Oh and speaking of entertainment the ship has it all. There are Broadway shows, comedy, dance parties, casino, games and more. For me I always take in the late night comedy. Nothing better than getting a good laugh on. Our entertainer for the evening was Kivi Rogers. Another late night favorite spot after comedy is to hit the Blue Moon on Deck 14. Beautiful panoramic views of your place at sea. Partake in the Silent Party where everyone has headphones and you get complete control over you listening experience. And the handy daily Cruise Compass let’s you know what’s going on when and where. It’s up to you to do as little or as much as you like.

Let’s not forget the kids. Royal Caribbean has gone the extra nautical mile. There is an interactive aqua park just for the kids. Then their own program, the Adventure Ocean Youth Program with day-to-night activities for kids ages 3 to 11. And they haven’t forgotten the older crowd with activities and hangouts just for the teens ages 12-17. So much for everyone!

This is not a just a cruise. It’s a vacation with all the thrills. Racing waterslides, FlowRider, Aqua park and Adult Only Solarium to recharge. Add in dazzling bars, entertainment, and culinary delights you have a vacation the whole family can enjoy or even just mom and dad. Adventure of the Seas will be sailing from Cape Liberty May-September 2018 with a 7-night Bahamas cruise and October 2018-April 2019 from Fort Lauderdale with 6 and 8 night Easter Caribbean itineraries. Be sure to inquire about group pricing and get a whole gang of your friends together or celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary.

If you are looking to see a variety of destinations while enjoying a variety of daily activities with only having to unpack once, then a cruise may be the ideal vacation experience for you. Discuss it with our planners to get the right match for your vacation.

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.

My Celebrity Summit Ship Inspection

May 20, 2018 Lisa Rossmeissl Caribbean, Cruise No comments

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.

Why the Caribbean and Mexico Are the Heart of All-Inclusive Travel

The Freedom of Knowing What You’re Spending

Vacation at Your Own Pace

Why Families Love All-Inclusive Resorts

A Natural Fit for Couples and Romance

So, Is an All-Inclusive Resort Vacation Right for You?

With that being said, for those of you ready to go, the Caribbean, is probably one of your best options to find an escape.

Caribbean Destinations Open to the U.S. Traveler

I should note, that many of the hotel partners I have in the Caribbean, are now offering incredible cancellation policies and deals we will not likely see next year.

When you are thinking of planning a family vacation experience, one of the best options to help our budget is looking at an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean or Mexico.

Categories

Archives