Happy New Year 2012!

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Happy New Year Travel with Lisa Fans! I hope your 2011 was wonderful and 2012 will be even better! 2011 was an amazing year of travel for me. I was able to cross a few locations off my bucket list, and lucky enough to have some fantastic friends with me along the way! 2011 was the year Tom turned 50, so we celebrated HUGE with a group cruise to the Eastern caribbean. If you have never taken a group cruise before, I would be happy to organize one for you!












After some serious time to recover, Tom and I headed to Tar Heel Country for Spring Break. We stayed at the lovely Carolina Inn for a few days and then went to the historic Pinehurst Resort for Easter. This resort is for all you avid golfers out there and families that are looking for some quality time together ensconced in a quaint little village atmosphere.


Summertime/Fall brought trips to The Hamptons and Chicago, two places that offer plenty to see and do for a long weekend.







My bucket list had Paris at the top, and I was thrilled to be able to see all those amazing sights with my own two eyes! Switzerland was just the icing on the cake with that trip! I have the most adorable boutique hotel in Paris for you, with the best concierge ever! See the slideshow below for more on the Artus Hotel.



As the holidays approached, we finally took the plunge and went to NYC for the Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is something you have to plan pretty far in advance, but so worth the trip! We watched the balloons get blown up the night before, and then spend an amazing Thanksgiving Day enjoying all that the Club Level at the Ritz Carlton has to offer. Ask me how you can do this affordably at any Ritz Carlton Hotel!

The Artus Hotel, Paris

Lovers of art and design will make the Artus Hotel their home away from home in Paris! At the heart of Saint Germain des Prés, nerve centre of Paris fashion and design, this 3-star boutique hotel on the Left Bank is a tribute to contemporary art. Conveniently close to all the main tourist sites, art galleries and antique dealers, this charming Latin Quarter hotel, with its 27 rooms distributed over 6 floors(including a Junior Suite and a Duplex),offers the serenity of sober design coupled with high-end comfort.

Take one look at Trip Advisor and you will see rave reviews for the Artus Hotel! It is ranked in the top 3% of hotels in Paris; that's amazing! You will also see the name Sanjay written quite often in the reviews. He is the concierge extraordinaire at the hotel and is willing to go the extra mile for anything you may need. So, if you are looking for a fantastic trip to Paris and the Artus Hotel, contact me and you'll be sipping champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower before you know it!

California Dreamin'

Sailing the Disney Magic!

Who are you?

A. Someone who has never been on a cruise before?
B. Someone who doesn't like to fly?
C. Someone who likes to plan ahead?
D. Someone who likes brand new things?
E. Someone who loves Bermuda?

The GOOD news is, regardless of your answer, I have the vacation for you! Cruise from New York to Bermuda in 2013 on Norwegian Cruise Line's brand new ship, Breakaway! If you have never been on a cruise before, this is the perfect itinerary; a 7 night cruise that spends 3 full days in Bermuda! Live in the Northeast and don't like to fly? Drive to the port in NYC and start your vacation immediately! Always want to have future vacation plans? Pick a Sunday between May and October 2013 and BAM! Vacation, check! Like when things are brand new? Want to be the first to experience a new cruise ship? NCL Breakaway will be gleaming! Love Bermuda? This cruise is for you!



Norwegian Breakaway will sail to the beautiful pink sand beaches of Bermuda. It will dock at King's Wharf for three days, giving you the freedom to explore the beaches, golf courses, restaurants, shops and history at your leisure, and you'll have three relaxing days at sea to enjoy all the incredible amenities of this world-class ship.

Pop artist Peter Max, whose omnipresent work has appeared on everything from postage stamps to Grammy Award posters, will design the ship's hull. He called the assignment his "largest canvas ever." Max is creating four designs, from which NCL will make the final selection.

Bookings for this ship open next week. Past NCL passengers can secure a spot on October 14, and the general public will be able to book beginning October 17. Norwegian Breakwaway will have many stateroom options, incuding a solo cabin-and-lounge complex and high end suites with exclusive access to portions of the ship.



So, if you answered A,B,C,D, or E in the quiz above, then I'll expect to hear from you this week! Life is short, Cruise to Bermuda!

Laurie and Dot sharing London with us!

London Overview
A London vacation is more than a visit to a key European city. It’s an encounter with a living, breathing entity in its own right, a city full of the character and personality of having been around for nearly 2,000 years. It’s a great sponge that has absorbed and accepted people from everywhere in the world, and shows its wealth in a thousand different faces. And it’s a place where no one will bat an eyelid, or even manage a second (obvious) glance, if you decided to, say, dress as a pirate for the day. London museums spill over with treasures, while the city gets on in its edgy culture, its forward theatrical expression and otherworldly displays of life after dark. Here you can ride on a bus and hear a dozen different languages or ride down a boulevard and see a dozen eras of architectural splendor. It’s a city of extremes, where dives and luxury coexist almost side-by-side, where modern and medieval know no boundaries and where the indifferent chimes of time ring eternal. London is beautiful in parts, ugly in others, fascinating, exasperating, but always very much alive. Dive in, take a swim, go with the flow, but just don’t get in the way, because everyone’s in a hurry. But, before you get put off by the big-city blues and by Londoners’ famous froideur, remember that the city is also a collection of small towns, jammed together and called one name.

Michelle's Family in beautiful Paris!

Paris Overview
Few places are as mythologized as the French capital. No surprise then that more visitors choose a Paris vacation each year over any other city worldwide. Paris travel lives up to many of its mythological qualities. With its graceful boulevards and bridges, tree-shaded pavement cafes and accordions squeezing out timeless tunes on street corners, you'll have barely begun your Paris vacation before you'll see why it's known as the city of romance. A Paris vacation also lives up to its reputation for providing experiences of fine dining, fashion and art with household-name chefs, legendary labels and momentous museums.But other myths are way off the mark. In particular, Parisians are only too willing to speak English (or give it their best shot) if you start the conversation in the local language. Just a few basics—“bonjour” (hello), “s'il vous plait” (please), “merci” (thanks), or even just “parlez-vous anglais?” (do you speak English?)—will be hugely appreciated, and will make a sizeable difference in your Paris vacation. In the City of Light—a name Paris earned during the age of the Enlightenment—you will find countless spots to appreciate the wonder of your surroundings. Paris travel isn't complete without a trip to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe or Notre Dame, all providing stunning and romantic views of the magnificent city. Setting Paris apart from other world cities are the foresighted planning laws that have spared it from becoming a concrete jungle, preserving its classical low-rise architecture, fountain- and pond-filled parks and hidden leafy squares. Also setting it apart is its compactness. Within its ring road, Paris’s 20 inner-city arrondissements (administrative jurisdictions) span less than six miles north-south by under seven miles east-west. Overlapping these, its village-like neighborhoods—home to some 2.2 million people—are easy to cover on foot, bicycle or metro. Anyone visiting Paris for the first time (or wanting to rediscover the magic of Paris) should definitely board a river cruise. If you just want to sit back and watch the scenery glide past, try the venerable Bateaux Mouches. To visit Paris landmarks along the way, hop on and off the Batobus, which shuttles between eight Seine-side attractions including the Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, the Louvre and Notre Dame. Boats run during the daytime and throughout the evening, but try to time at least part of your trip for sunset, when Paris is at its most romantic.

A is for Autumn, Africa, Alaska and Antigua!

Hey Travel with Lisa Fans! Hope everyone had a fantastic summer and got to take some time off and relax. Based on the recent temperatures here in the Northeast, the writing is on the wall...its FALL! This issue of my blog focuses on three destinations that begin with A; Africa, Alaska and Antigua. Each of these three places are obviously very different, and yet all have great reasons for going. Lucky to have such great friends that shared their trip photos with me! Fall is the ideal time to plan your vacation. It might be a last minute trip over the holidays? It's the perfect time to plan for winter/spring break. Some people may be ready to plan their dream trip for next summer...I'd love to hear from you, to find out what you are looking to do! I have my list for travel done for the next 7 months; what about you??? LIFE IS SHORT! TAKE A VACATION!!!!

AFRICA

Why go to Africa? Safari means Wildlife. If you are looking to get in touch with nature in never ending Reserves; where you will be able to interact with the local fauna, an African Safari is your ideal holiday!
In Africa, “wildlife” is the main attraction. There are countless wild animals living in their perfect habitat in Africa. Many of them are rarely seen in our usual environment. These animals are distinctly alive and are free to roam around anywhere. The experience of being in Africa somehow changes your perspective towards wildlife. Many people do not know how to value the lives of these animals. Through an African Safari, people will be able to realize the importance of these animals, as watching them is a magical experience. It's also adventurous! Tourists from all around the world visit Africa. It would be a perfect “wild” adventure vacation! Aside from bonding with wild animals, by exploring the African Safari you will learn about other cultures and traditions and understand their unique way of life. Going on an African Safari is discovering peace, the ultimate relaxation, and a pristine life, quite opposite from our busy lives.

ALASKA

Why go to Alaska? Alaska is amazingly interesting and fun! The most memorable parts of a visit are unpredictable and often unexpected: a humpback whale leaping clear of the water, the face of a glacier releasing huge ice chunks, a bear feasting on salmon in a river, a huge salmon chomping onto your line. You can look at totem poles and see Alaska Native cultural demonstrations, and you can also get to know indigenous people who still live by traditional ways. And sometimes grand, quiet moments come, and those are the ones that endure most deeply.

ANTIGUA

Why go to Antigua? If a beach for every day of the year isn't enough to entice you to visit Antigua, the temperate climate and wealth of natural attractions might just be! You really can choose the style of vacation that suites you best; but step out of your comfort zone for a few hours if you are feeling up to it. Antigua features posh restaurants, large shopping facilities, and sprawling resort hotels. Everything you want out of your vacation is at your fingertips on this island. Beach dwelling, sailing, hiking, and pampering can all be done in Antigua. Shopping in Antigua is duty free, and while some might argue that shopping is not a top priority on the island, savvy shoppers can easily come away with inexpensive designer goods, gems, and artwork. The truly adventurous traveler will want to sample Antigua's local delicacies. Black pineapple and breadfruit make for great snacks; while pepperpot, which is a beef and vegetable stew that is a little spicier than what you may be used to, and salted codfish are main course mainstays. Don't forget to whet your palate with ginger beer or an Antiguan Smile, a rum based concoction featuring crème de banana and pineapple juice.

Sandals Riviera Grande with Kelly and Lance!

Secrets St. James with Joe and Nicole!

Surprising Secrets to a Great Vacation

Happy Summer Travel with Lisa Fans! It's such an amazing time of year. The problem is, it always goes by so quickly! That means you have to make every second count...




Hopefully, everyone will get some real down time this season; whether it be a fabulous staycation or a destination far away. Speaking of vacations, I found a great article on the Secrets to a Great Vacation. What people think will make them happy often doesn't...

Was your last vacation everything you hoped it would be? Studies show that people often are disappointed by their vacations because their getaways don’t feel memorable or special enough. And what enjoyment they do get fades as soon as they return to everyday life. Here are some simple strategies for enjoying your vacations much more...

Do lots of research and planning ahead of time. People get the biggest boost in happiness from the anticipation in the weeks before their vacations. All the planning, dreaming, reading guidebooks and surfing the Internet for recommendations doesn’t just serve to enhance the actual vacation -- it can be one of the best parts of the vacation. The more extensive your preparation -- even going so far as to take a scuba-diving course before going to an exotic beach locale or a foreign language course before going to Europe -- the more elation you will feel overall.

Consider taking multiple shorter vacations rather than one long one. Enjoying several three- or four-day weekends throughout the year has the same energizing and stress-reducing effects as hoarding your vacation days for a two-week grand tour. It’s also easier to do -- and less guilt-inducing if you have a demanding job -- plus you get the pleasure of anticipating several trips.
If you do decide to take a longer vacation, you may get more satisfaction out of it if you break it into two or three distinct periods, changing locations and activities for each segment.

Plan at least one high point during the vacation. People tend to think it’s the overall average of the various vacation experiences (easy travel, good food, good weather) that determines your happiness. But studies reveal that what really matters is doing something memorable. That might be attending a special musical concert or hiking through ancient ruins. Even if everything else is just so-so, the memory of that peak moment and the sense of vitality it provides can leave you feeling great about your vacation. In fact, peak moments are a far more important factor than how much money you spend or whether you do everything on your itinerary. So if you come across a museum that you absolutely adore, your best bet is to go ahead and spend the rest of the day there and skip the sights you may have felt obligated to visit.

If you prefer the familiar to the new on your vacations -- such as relaxing at the same resort each year -- you still can improve your satisfaction level over previous years. Try injecting some variety into your stay, even if it’s doing something you’ve never tried before or inviting friends to share it with.

Save the high point for near the very end of your trip. People often are eager to get to their favorite restaurant or activity right away on a trip, but that actually can work against maximizing your enjoyment. Memories of a great first day will have faded by the end of the trip, but not before making everything else that follows seem a little less special. Research suggests that how you feel on the last day of your trip colors your impression of the overall experience almost as much as peak moments, so make that day a fulfilling one. Avoid hanging around the hotel on your last day because you’re tired or have postcards to write.

Don’t sweat the low points during a vacation. Getting your passport stolen in Italy or the airline losing your luggage may seem ruinous to your trip. But if you don’t view them as disasters, such events really don’t deter from your enjoyment of a vacation. In fact, if a vacation headache is memorable enough, you might even recall it fondly.

Take photos, but not too many. Avoid documenting your entire trip with hundreds of shots. Taking and keeping many photos dulls positive memories because when you see all of them, you’re reminded of all the relatively tedious moments. You need just a few photos of spectacular moments to trigger powerful and pleasing memories.

Keep the memories of your vacation alive once you get home. Studies indicate that the pleasurable feelings you get from a vacation fade very fast. The boost to your happiness is gone within a few weeks unless you make a conscious effort to shape and enhance the memories and feelings. To help do this, display a few select photos from the vacation where you can see them every day (on your computer screen saver or your night table). Also, relive the trip with friends and family. The more you can use your vacation in social situations to provide conversational fodder, the longer lasting your enjoyment.

So there you have it, Travel with Lisa Fans! Have a fantastic summer and if you are in need of a vacation, you know where to find me! Life is short, TAKE A VACATION! See you in September!

What's so special about the South Pacific?

This is an easy question! First of all, we are talking about the most spectacular islands in the world. The water is the clearest you'll ever see and it comes in an unbelievable array of blue and green shades. The vegetation is lush and there are endless flowers, not only all over the islands but also adorning the local people. Speaking of the people, they are total charmers with fascinating culture. The South Pacific is a magical place!

Tahitian Islands



Officially known as French Polynesia, Tahiti and her 120 islands are speckled over 1.5 million square miles of ocean in the eastern South Pacific. This exquisitely exotic Pacific destination blends the best of two cultures, Polynesian warmth and French chic, on a canvas of breathtaking landscapes melting the hearts of the world’s great romantics. Tahitian islands offer an intoxicating pool of enchanting resort experiences, virgin islands to explore, adventure sports, nature experiences and the famous black pearls.

Thanks to some friends of mine who were lucky enough to visit (and dive) in the South Pacific, my slideshow this month is compliments of their cameras. It’s been on my bucket list forever…what about you? Life is short, go to Tahiti!

Spring Break in Chapel Hill/Pinehurst, NC

HUGE NEWS FROM THE DISNEY CRUISE LINE!

Beginning in 2012, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) will sail from more ports than ever before in the history of the family-friendly cruise line! Next year, DCL will set sail from three new ports—New York, Seattle and Galveston, TX—and it will offer several new itineraries. Bookings for the entire 2012 schedule will open on April 8, 2011.

“In 2012, we’re making it easier than ever for families to enjoy a Disney Cruise Line vacation by offering cruises from a variety of regional homeports,” said DCL President Karl Holz. “Guests can now enjoy a magical, one-of-a-kind Disney cruise experience with the convenience of departures from their own backyard.”

New York
Beginning May 25, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail a total of 20 cruises from New York, including eight-night cruises to the Bahamas and five-night cruises up the New England coast to Canada plus two-night cruises that will give a sampling of the Disney Cruise Line experience over a weekend.

The eight-night Bahamas cruises (sailing on May 25; June 2, 22 and 30; July 20 and 28; and Aug. 17 and 25) will include a day at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay; and stops to Nassau, Bahamas and Port Canaveral, FL, giving guests an opportunity to visit the nearby Walt Disney World Resort. As part of this itinerary, each guest will receive a one-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper ticket and roundtrip transportation between the ship and the resort. Rates for the new eight-night Bahamian cruise itinerary departing from New York start at $1,240 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

The five-night cruises up the New England coast (sailing on June 10 and 17; July 8 and 15; Aug. 5 and 12; and Sept. 2, 7 and 12) will call at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick. Rates for the new five-night Canadian cruise itinerary departing from New York start at $715 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

The three two-night cruises (sailing on June 15, July 13 and Aug. 10) out of New York are priced from $370 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Galveston
Beginning Sept. 22, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail a total of 12 seven-night cruises from the Port of Galveston to the Western Caribbean (sailing on Sept. 22 and 29; Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17 and 24; and Dec. 1 and 8) . Ports of call include Grand Cayman and Mexico’s Costa Maya and Cozumel. Rates for the seven-night Western Caribbean cruise itinerary departing from Galveston are priced from $840 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Seattle
Beginning May 28, 2012, the Disney Wonder will sail a total of 14 seven-night cruises (sailing on May 28, June 4, 11, 18 and 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; and Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27) from the Port of Seattle to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, AK, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. For these cruises, DCL worked closely with Alaskan tour operators to create exclusive family-friendly Port Adventures that allow guests to best experience Alaska’s natural beauty and rich history. Rates for the seven-night Alaska cruise itinerary departing from Seattle start at $917 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Los Angeles
In addition to sailing Alaska cruises, the Disney Wonder is scheduled to continue sailing seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles for the majority of 2012 throughout winter, spring and fall. Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary departing from Los Angeles start at $707 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Additionally, the Disney Wonder will sail four seven-night Pacific Coast cruises from Los Angeles (sailing on Sept. 16, 23 and 30 and on Oct. 7), calling on San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico. Rates for the new seven-night Pacific Coast itinerary departing from Los Angeles start at $770 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

For the first time, the Disney Wonder will also offer a special 15-night voyage to Hawaii from Los Angeles, calling on Hilo; Kahului, Maui; Honolulu; Nawiliwili, Kauai; and Ensenada, Mexico. Rates for the 15-night Hawaiian itinerary (departing on April 29, 2012) start at $1,800 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Port Canaveral
The Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream will continue to sail a variety of Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries departing from Port Canaveral in 2012.

The Disney Fantasy will depart on her maiden voyage on March 31, 2012, and will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating between eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel) itineraries. Special Eastern Caribbean sailings in November and December 2012 will stop at St. Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico. All Disney Fantasy itineraries also include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Rates for the seven-night Caribbean cruise itineraries on the Disney Fantasy start at $959 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

The Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay in 2012. The five-night itineraries include two stops at Castaway Cay. Rates for three- and four-night Bahamian cruises on the Disney Dream start at $471 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Until she is repositioned to New York, the Disney Magic will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries and four- and five-night Bahamian cruises.

Open the attachment included in this email for specific dates and for more detailed pricing, email me!

Life is short, take a DISNEY CRUISE!!!

The Disney Dream Onboard Review

To some of us, 1999 might not sound like that long ago. But when we stop and think about how life has changed in those years -- from a time before iPods, smartphones and Facebook -- it's clear that the world is different. When it comes to changes in the cruise industry, these past 10 years have seen even more innovations. So, it's no exaggeration to say that the introduction of the Disney Dream -- Disney Cruise Line's first new ship since the Magic in 1998 and the Wonder in 1999 -- marks a major upgrade for a brand that is one of the most beloved by consumers all over the world.

After an all-star christening ceremony at the ship's home in Port Canaveral, Fla., the 4,000-passenger Dream (with nearly 50 percent more capacity than previous Disney ships) was introduced to journalists and travel agents on a two-night inaugural cruise. By the end of those two short days, there was little doubt that the Dream is going to make a big splash in the family travel market for years to come.

New Technology
One of my favorite examples of the enhanced technology in place on the Dream was in the Animator's Palette restaurant. The signature restaurant -- which celebrates the magic of Disney's animators with decor and themes that replicate an artist's studio -- features a special twist. During dinner, the restaurant monitors are transformed into "windows" that look out on an animated underwater world, and Crush, the laidback sea turtle from the film "Finding Nemo," appears swimming from window to window, engaging guests in real-time interactive conversations.

Other technological marvels onboard the Dream are the Magical Portholes found within inside cabins. Using high-definition cameras placed on the exterior of the ship, live video of the passing view is streamed into each Magical Porthole and, what's more, guests may be treated to an occasional surprise as well (such as seeing the flying balloon house from the film "Up" float by).

Not surprisingly, the kids' clubs on the Dream are easily some of the most innovative at sea. In Disney's Oceaneer Club (for kids ages 3 to 10), for example, there are several play areas, including Andy's Room, a recreation of the room in the film "Toy Story"; Monster's Academy, with an elaborate play structure themed to the film "Monster's Inc."; Pixie Hollow, where children participate in arts and crafts projects in Tinker Bellís enchanted forest; and the Explorer Pod, a yellow submarine themed to "Finding Nemo" and equipped with 16 computer stations. But the most popular feature of the Oceaneer Club was the Magic PlayFloor. A first in the cruise industry, this huge interactive floor allows children to engage in group activities where their movements determine what takes place on the floor around them. For instance, on one visit, the kids in the club were kicking a virtual ball back and forth across the screen in the floor.

The Dream also features the It's a Small World Nursery, for infants and toddlers (three months to 3 years old); Edge, a tweens club (ages 11-13); and Vibe, a space for teenagers (ages 14-17). There is even the Chill Spa, a special area within the ship's spa just for teens.

New Amenities and Cuisine
In addition to new technology, the Dream offers a major upgrade in shipwide amenities and cuisine.

The Dream's cabins are comfortable and well thought out, with an understated ambience that makes you have to look hard to discover the "hidden Mickeys" in the decor. I loved the super-plush queen-size bed and convertible sofa in my Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom With Verandah, which comes with an upper berth pull-down bed if needed. (At 306 square feet, this category cabin can sleep up to five guests.) One of my favorite features, however, was the separate commode and bath/shower. I also liked the wireless phone service that allowed me to use my stateroom's phone throughout the ship -- making it easy to call and check in on little ones at the kids' clubs, for instance.

The ship features three main restaurants: Animator's Palette; the Royal Palace, featuring lavish decor inspired by classic Disney films; and the Enchanted Garden, a more casual garden-themed restaurant. There is also the Cabanas buffet and Floís cafe, for casual dining and snacks, as well as the popular Eye Scream/Frozone Treats, serving ice cream and fruit smoothies. Grown-ups can visit the Cove Cafe, a coffeehouse for adults only.

Disney took fine dining a step further on the Dream by creating several adults-only options. Remy is the line's first-ever premier dining option where guests can sample French-inspired cuisine from two award-winning chefs, one from a Michelin two-star restaurant in France and the other from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Then there is Palo, a redesigned version of one of Disney's signature restaurants featuring the cuisine of northern Italy. Nestled between Palo and Remy is Meridian, a cozy lounge for pre- or post-dinner cocktails. Just be sure to remind clients to check the dress codes for all three restaurants before sailing. Finally, the Disney Dream features an adults-only entertainment area called The District. Here, guests can find five separate lounges to suit all tastes.

New Attractions and Entertainment
In the decade since the last Disney ships were launched, one of the biggest changes throughout the cruise industry has been in the area of onboard attractions and entertainment, and the Dream brings Disney Cruise Line up to speed with the level of offerings on the other major lines.

To begin with, there is the highly anticipated AquaDuck Water Coaster. This combination thrill ride/water slide/lazy river takes guests seated on an inflatable raft in a water-filled tube around the outside of the top deck -- and even over the edge of the ship -- for a truly unique experience at sea. I found the ride to be more of a lazy river than thrill ride but still a lot of fun. Just warn clients that kids need to be 48 inches or taller to ride. For those who don't meet the height requirement, there's a smaller water slide next to one of the ship's three pools (one pool is for adults only). For the youngest guests, there is also Nemo's Reef Splash Zone, which features a water-play area with water jets, fountains, slides and more. All of these areas are in full view of a jumbo LED screen that shows classic Disney movies and more throughout the day.

Other shipboard activities include Goofy's Sports Deck, where cruisers can play miniature golf on a very amusing course, shoot baskets or play volleyball, try two virtual sports simulators (one for golf and the other for Formula One racing) and more.

If it's indoor entertainment passengers are looking for, the Dream delivers that in a big way as well. In addition to an arcade, the Dream's Buena Vista Theatre features big-screen, first-run movies -- including movies in 3D, a first at sea. Furthermore, Disney's live shows are legendary in the cruise industry, and the Dream features an expanded 1,340-seat Walt Disney Theatre that spans three decks. The lineup of musicals now includes "Disney's Believe," an original stage revue created just for the Dream.

The Disney Dream will sail alternating three- and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. During the summer, the ship will sail four- and five-night itineraries with two stops at Castaway Cay. As I discovered, the only drawback to sailing on the Dream is finding enough time to explore all its offerings. The good news is that the Disney Fantasy, the Dream's sister ship -- will be joining the fleet in 2012, giving families yet another chance to make their dream vacations come true.


A Dream Come True
By Kenneth Shapiro
2/21/2011

Liberty of the Seas Western Caribbean Group Cruise

Happy Spring Travel with Lisa Fans!! I have a great slideshow for you this month! Have you ever considered a group cruise?? Cruising as a group is actually a lot simpler than planning group travel on land. Many of details are already taken care of before you sail and there are so many activities on board the ship, every is happy! Preparing for a wedding? Or a reunion? Have a lot of great friends you want to get together? A group cruise solves one of the largest group travel headaches, transportation! Take a look at the fabulous Liberty of the Seas, Western Caribbean ports of Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel. Life is short! Travel with Lisa!

Dive Cozumel with Laurie, Eric and Bill

10 great places to take the family for spring break

If traveling with the family leaves you needing a post-vacation vacation, consider booking an all-inclusive kid-friendly package to help put the "break" back into spring break!

Atlantis
Paradise Island, Bahamas

Each family member is likely to find something to get excited about at this resort, from exploring 14 lagoons to shooting down nearly a dozen waterslides, from rock climbing to swimming with dolphins.


Disney Dream
Disney Cruise Line
The first new ship in a decade for the line, the 2,500-passenger Dream was christened in January. Cutting-edge innovations abound, such as the "virtual portholes," showing real-time sea views in windowless cabins. The ship is good for all ages. "Disney's spaces are amazing whether the kids are little or teenagers, and they make sure the adults are taken care of well."






Beaches Resort
Turks and Caicos Islands
With more non-stop air service to the Turks and Caicos, it's easier to plan a getaway to this all-inclusive resort. Younger kids will enjoy the 27,000-square-foot waterpark and the Sesame Street characters strolling the grounds; older kids can hang out at the teens-only Beach Shack, listen to non-stop reggae jams, or compete in the Xbox 360 Game Garages. "If your kids like the clubs or your teens are eating a load, then (the price) is worth it".





Azul Sensatori
Puerto Morelos, Mexico
Tennis, snorkeling, kayaking and scuba clinics are part of the package at this resort, 20 minutes from the Cancun airport. It also has a Fisher-Price toy-lending library for younger kids and Wii, beach volleyball and nightly dances for teenagers. "It's the kind of place where the staff would know your kids' names".








Four Season Guides
Grand Canyon, Ariz.
Now in its 12th year, the outfitter offers hiking, backpacking and kayaking trips in the Southwest. Trips range in length, price and difficulty level, but "if you are an adventure-loving family, you will have a memorable trip for probably not much more than an all-inclusive (resort) will cost".





Curtain Bluff
Antigua
This upscale resort has added family-friendly features, including tennis camps. It's been on both the Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure "best" lists and attracts a loyal clientele. "Kids feel comfortable having the run of the place".






The Moorings
British Virgin Islands
Sailing skills aren't necessary for families looking to rent boats from this outfitter, which offers the option of hiring skippers and cooks as part of the deal. "Think of it like camping on water". The boat is your entertainment."






The Lodge at Chaa Creek
San Ignacio, Belize
Nestled in the rainforest, this eco-friendly resort offers nature-loving families the opportunity to immerse themselves in well-preserved beauty and a different culture. Guests can focus on land-based activities, like horseback riding among Mayan ruins, or choose elements of surf and turf with the Jungle & Sea family package.






Bohio Dive Resort
Grand Turk Island
The resort offers all-inclusive packages for both divers and non-divers, and boasts an award-winning beach and top-notch scuba opportunities for certified divers. Just steps from the world's third-largest coral reef, it's a "cool place for introducing a teenager to your passion or (learning) to do something new together".






Kona Village
Kailua Kona, Hawaii
This quaint collection of thatched-roof bungalows is Hawaii's only all-inclusive resort. It offers a variety of packages, from water-centric activities to stargazing or golf. "You just get into the Aloha spirit".



Courtesy of USA Today