Royal Caribbean Announces Overnight Explorations

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Soon vacationers cruising with Royal Caribbean will be able to do more in ports where the ship is docked overnight!  This week Royal Caribbean International announced they would offer more adventurous experiences in some of the world’s most remarkable places. The experiences are part of the cruise line’s new Multi-Day Adventures program, which offers vacationers immersive two-day overnight explorations that include even more adventure and provide guests with the chance to go further, stay longer and discover more. Allure of the Seas From the Caribbean and Europe to Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Multi-Day Adventures have been specially designed to take care of all the details for travelers. These rich adventures include fully guided tours of the destinations’ most iconic and inspiring places, dining, airfare (where applicable), highly rated hotel accommodations and transportation. Guests embarking on a Multi-Day Adventure will begin their experience as they depart the ship mid-cruise and then spend the extended time immersing in the local culture before rejoining their Royal Caribbean ship at the next port of call. Some highlights of the Multi-Day Adventures include: Tikal and Ceremonial Show – Beginning with a flight from Belize to Guatemala (or from Honduras to Guatemala), guests will discover the ancient Mayan capital on an overnight tour; embark on an expedition into the jungle to walk the ruins of the Mayan empire at Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and enjoy an authentic Mayan ceremonial experience, all before boarding their return flight to meet their Royal Caribbean ship. Tikal National Park Agrolida Region and Katakolon – This two-day excursion takes travelers back in time to Greece’s famous citadels. Culture-seekers will discover the Acropolis of Athens and the Ancient Mycenae site of Argolida; stay the evening in the Mediterranean nation’s first capital, Nafpolio; and travel to Ancient Olympia, where the first Ancient Olympic Games took place. Argolida Mycenae, Greece Bangkok – This experience in the “City of Angels” brings the sights, sounds and flavors of Thailand’s historic capital to vacationers’ fingertips. The two-day itinerary features adventures into the city’s canals and river tributaries via motor launch and inspiring visits to iconic monuments and sites including the Wat Traimit, also known as the “Temple of the Golden Buddha”, the Asiatique riverfront, Wat Arun – the “Temple of Dawn”, and the Grand Palace, adorned with murals, gilded spires and unique architectural design. Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hollywood Gets Huge Celebrity Pre-Opening!

Set to officially open to the public on April 7th, 2016, the new Wizarding World Of Harry Potter attraction received a huge celebrity pre-opening on Tuesday night! From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” transports guests of all ages to the very places they read about in the stories or watched on the silver screen. Universal Studios Hollywood marked the opening of the village with legendary composer John Williams conducting the L.A. Philharmonic synchronized to a spectacularly choreographed three dimensional digital lighting projection on Hogwarts castle. A dynamic fireworks display followed to signal the much-anticipated arrival of this incredibly immersive land. universal studios hollywood wizarding world of harry potter “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” officially opens to the public on Thursday, April 7. Joining in the celebration were Harry Potter film talent, including Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), and Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick), as well as Stuart Craig (Production Designer, Harry Potter films and “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”). Media day Universal Hollywood Studios Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Other celebrities included Mindy Kaling (“The Mindy Project”), Thandie Newton (“Crash”), Vanessa Hudgens (“Grease Live”), Ed O’Neill (“Modern Family”), Jaime Camil (“Jane the Virgin”), Emmy Award-winner Greg Nicotero (Executive Producer, “The Walking Dead”); Emmy Award-winner Chris Hardwick (Comedian/host, “The Talking Dead”), Alanna Masterson (“The Walking Dead”), and Golden Globe-winning actor, Billy Bob Thornton, among others. “Today is a very exciting and historically significant day for us,” said Larry Kurzweil, President, Universal Studios Hollywood. “This incredible event to celebrate the opening of ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ marks the pinnacle of years of hard work and the beginning of a new generation of Universal Studios Hollywood. With over 75 percent completely reimagined, Universal Studios Hollywood is an entirely new theme park destination and we look forward to sharing everything that the Entertainment Capital of L.A. has to offer with visitors from around the world.” “In Los Angeles, tourism is surging. We’ve set records each of the last five years and we’re just getting started,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ at Universal Studios Hollywood is monumental in expanding our city’s global reach. It sends a message to visitors from across the world that L.A. is a place you and your family have to experience. I’m proud to see this game-changing world-class attraction open. Universal Studios Hollywood’s epic transformation will create new jobs, stimulate hospitality revenues and make our economy stronger.” Just like at Universal’s Orlando park, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” has been masterfully recreated with impeccable detail as a real-world interpretation at Universal Studios Hollywood. The land is faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle which serves as its iconic focal point. fireworks over the castle at Universal Hollywood Studios Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Upon entering the land through the archway, Hogsmeade bustles to life with the same vitality of a quaint local village: merchants hard at work, a train conductor welcoming new arrivals and a pub packed to the gills with hungry patrons, but with the added element of enthusiastic guests intent on experiencing them all, including the land’s signature ride, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” and the family outdoor coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor roller coaster. Universal Studios Hollywood Flight of Hippogriff rendering “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” makes its U.S. debut at Universal Studios Hollywood in hyper-realistic 3D-HD designed to further immerse guests in an already engaging storyline. The multidimensional thrill ride features a groundbreaking robotics ride system, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects. In this updated adaptation of the ride, guests sport Quidditch-inspired 3D goggles as they venture through journeys experienced by Harry and his friends, spiraling and pivoting 360-degrees along an elevated ride track on a whirlwind adventure of a lifetime. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverage at multiple locations, including Three Broomsticks™, and Hog’s Head pub, as well as the Magic Neep and Butterbeer™ carts. Hogsmede Universal Hollywood Studios Wizarding World Of Harry Potter There will also be 8 retails locations including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods™. Honeydukes Universal Hollywood Studios Wizarding World Of Harry Potter {ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL HOLLYWOOD’S TWITTER FEED}

Aquarium de Paris & AirBnB Offer 3 Lucky Travelers The Chance To Sleep In Shark Tank!

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Could you sleep in a fish bowl?  Could you sleep in a fish bowl surrounded by 35 sharks? If you said yes – this could be your chance! AIRBNB Aquarium shark sleepover. - Paris On April 11th, 12th and 13th, the Aquarium de Paris is hosting the first-ever sleepover in their Shark Aquarium and you could WIN one of those spots! Three lucky winners and their guests will be welcomed by host, Fred Buyle, a world record-breaking freediver, underwater photographer, and shark enthusiast. Hell dance alongside the sharks, the ideal introduction to your neighbors for the night. Once youre settled, Fred and one of their marine biologists will guide you on a tour through the aquarium, and provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of sharks: how they live, why theyre so misunderstood, and their importance to the oceans ecosystem. AIRBNB Aquarium shark sleepover Amazing right?  But there’s more! Your home for the night is unlike any other ever built: a peaceful enclosure with a large cylindrical bed and breathtaking, immersive views of your new sharp-toothed friends.  How cool would that be at night? AIRBNB Aquarium shark sleepover. Opened in 1867 and located in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Aquarium de Paris was the first built anywhere in the world. After the three day event the cylinder will act as an observatory for our biologists to study the behaviors of these majestic fish. AIRBNB Aquarium shark sleepover. - paris How can you be the first to ever spend a night at home with the sharks? Tell them a little about yourself, where you live and why you belong with the sharks for a night by 11:59 p.m. CET on April 3rd, 2016. And if you don’t live in Paris, they will fly you in from anywhere in the world. Fire up your notebook because submissions should be between 50-550 characters or less in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese and 50-300 character or less in Chinese (Simplified or Traditional), Japanese or Korean. Their fine print..
You and your guest should be over 18 years old, medically fit and able to climb into and out of the bedroom. For safety reasons, the winner and their guest must not exceed 190 kilograms or 418 lbs. You must be available to spend the night on April 11-13.

VISIT AIRBNB’S SITE FOR MORE DETAILS!

Fans Can Now Meet Hello Kitty At Universal Orlando!

Hello Kitty fans will be excited to learn that they can now enter the supercute world of Hello Kitty at the new Hello Kitty Shop Featuring Hello Kitty and Friends at Universal Orlando Resort. Hello Kitty Shop Featuring Hello Kitty and Friends - Universal Orlando The new retail experience, located inside Universal Studios Florida, features a large variety of specialty merchandise including items exclusive to Universal Orlando – and the opportunity to meet Hello Kitty herself. Hello Kitty Shop Featuring Hello Kitty and Friends - UNiversal Orlando FL As soon as guests walk under the shop’s rainbow gateway, they’ll be instantly transported into the colorful world of Hello Kitty. Hello Kitty Shop Featuring Hello Kitty and Friends - Universal Orlando The store is divided into four, unique sections:
  • Hello Kitty Town, where guests can walk through Hello Kitty’s community and find products from some of her famous friends
  • Hello Kitty Sweet Yummy Shop, a section full of Hello Kitty merchandise and sweet treats including Keroppi S’more Fudge, Hello Kitty Chocolate Cupcakes topped with a candy bow and Strawberry Rainbow Fudge
  • Hello Kitty Lounge, an area where guests can pick up their favorite lounging merchandise like fuzzy robes, colorful slippers and an assortment of Hello Kitty plush
  • Hello Kitty at the Movies, showcasing Hello Kitty with a classic movie theatre backdrop

Norwegian Joy To Feature Several “First-At-Sea” Features

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In the last few years we have seen cruise lines battle to create vessels that offer incredible spaces and experiences for travelers of all ages.  Due to enter service in March, 2017 the Norwegian Joy is going to feature several ‘first-at-sea’ features that we think cruisers are going to love! Norwegian Joy Styled exclusively for Chinese travelers, the ship will have a formal tea room and an upper-deck Serenity Park. Norwegian Joy - park But guests looking for more of a thrill will be excited to hear that the ship will have a two-level race track on the top decks in which 10 guests in electric carts will compete in a 5-6 minute race. Norwegian Joy - race cars For their Formula 1 attraction, race cars have been converted into individual three-screen simulators displaying famous race tracks from around the world. Norwegian Joy - galaxy pavillion Activities on deck 16 activities will also include Oculus virtual reality technology in several variations, including walking a plank between buildings, hang gliding and a design-your-own roller coaster module. Oculus technology will be installed on additional new ships going forward, David Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ China operations said during his keynote address at Travel Weeklys CruiseWorld China. Norwegian has planned to have laser tag,wider-than-ever waterslides with transparent panels that go over the side of the ship and several karaoke rooms complete the new activities offerings. The ship will feature more family friendly suites and rooms with connecting doors than on any previous NCL ship, Herrera revealed. Norwegian Joy - family inside suite Cruisers who will be happy to know that the Joy will have 29 restaurants onboard will include one for Korean barbecue as well as a Japanese shabu-shabu restaurant. The line has not yet disclosed which of those restaurants will have a surcharge, but more details will be announced in the coming months, including the names of luxury store brands that will be in the promenade. Norwegian Joy - haven pool The new Norwegian Joy will have a capacity of 3,900 guests, down from 4,200 on the Escape.

The Motel 6 Gets A Modern Makeover!

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The Motel 6 has always been known as a budget choice for travelers looking to see a destination without breaking their budget.  Vacationers were, however, forced to endure the outdated decor and .  But that is all changing! The brand has updated their rooms to include flat screen TVs, wooden floors, a multimedia panel to connect your devices, modern bedding and bold accent walls that give the spaces a fresh, new look.The Motel 6 hotel gets a modern makeover   The bathrooms have a walk-in shower and a sink set in a black granite countertop. The Motel 6 hotel gets a modern makeover According to the LATimes, 75% of Motel 6’s 1,330 properties in the U.S. and Canada, have been reborn. By the end of 2017, all rooms should be updated with the new, hipper colors and amenities. The Motel 6 gets a modern makeover Lance Miceli, chief marketing officer for parent company G6 Hospitality, told the LATimes, “Our easily navigated platform enables users to effortlessly identify our renovated properties by either viewing our renovated property map or simply inserting the desired destination into the search bar and looking for the ‘modern rooms’ notation beneath each property.”

Walt Disney World To Introduce Early Morning Magic At Magic Kingdom

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Just a day after Disney announced their new ‘Disney After Hours’ experience a special, ticketed event at Magic Kingdom taking place on select nights throughout April and May between 11 p.m. – 2 a.m they have revealed they may offer special early morning visits as well! Walt Disney World The Inquisitor reported on the event, which showed up on the official dining page for Walt Disney World. Kenny The Pirate wrote that the Disney Early Morning Magic gives guests the chance to be among the first to enter Magic Kingdom park and experience a trio of Fantasyland attractions: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Peter Pan’s Flight. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train It will also included a breakfast at Pinocchio Village Haus—featuring a large variety of fare such as:
  • Chilled juices, coffee and teas
  • Seasonal fruit and berries
  • Freshly baked pastries
  • Cheese and cured meats
  • Scrambled eggs with assorted toppings
  • Vegetable frittata
  • Smoked bacon
  • Pork and turkey sausages
  • Fried potatoes with caramelized onions
  • Mickey Waffles
Disney Early Morning Magic takes place on select dates beginning at 7:45 AM for $69 per adult and $49 per child (tax not included) in addition to your regular admission.

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana Set To Open in May 2016!

Karisma Hotels is expanding their portfolio this Spring to include Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana - jacuzzi swim up pad Having recently paired with Nickelodeon, the brand has created a resort that caters to vacationers of all ages with a wide variety of upscale accommodations all feature playful décor that brings out the inner kid – or the actual kid – in every guest. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana - Swank Jacuzzi Swim up suite The ultimate family vacation, families will love the large variety of entertainment, character experiences, kids activities and water play areas. I’m personally obsessed with their accommodations. Famous for their oversized, luxury suites, the new resort will have 208 modern rooms that will be filled with comfortable amenities to cater to every taste and need. I have had the pleasure of staying with Karisma at two of their properties, and their rooms are phenomenal. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana - super pool villa Standard amenities include a 42” smart TV; radio/alarm clock docking station with Bluetooth; a master bedroom with either one king size bed, two doubles or one king + pull-out sofa bed; safety deposit box; amenity kit; once daily stocked minibar; iron and ironing board; coffee maker; direct dialing telephone; deluxe bathrobes; bathrooms with double sinks and an oversized jetted Jacuzzi tub; rainforest showerhead; hair dryer; and vanity mirror. Not to mention that they provide items like baby food, strollers, cribs, kids’ spa robes and baby bottle warmers for infants and toddlers. At the heart of the resort will be the Nickelodeon Village, which features a lot of great spaces for vacationers of all ages including,
    • Aqua Nick™ Playground is the place to be for water activities such as water slides, splash pads, spray grounds and a lazy river.
    • Character Central will be a high-energy hotspot where guests can meet their favorite Nickelodeon characters throughout the day.
    • A cool hang out for kids only, Just Kiddin’ is part clubhouse, part artist’s studio.  Whether guests are in the mood for free play or more structured activities, they’ll find a whole lot of do-it-yourself Nick fun, including daily supervised activities and programs for children 4 to 12 years old, plus meet-and-greets with Nickelodeon™ characters.
    • The kNick kNack shop will carry Nickelodeon, movies, apparel, toys, vacation essentials and memorable mementos.
    • When it’s time to move, guests of all ages can make their way to the resort’s dedicated Sports & Entertainment Center to work up a sweat or have a good laugh.
When it opens the Nickelodeon resort will have 9 restaurants with 2 new ones being added shortly after. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana - Fresco restaurant For more information on the new Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, please visit their website.

Disney Cruise Line Announces Two New Ships

Today the Walt Disney Company announced plans to build two additional cruise ships! The company revealed that it has entered into an agreement with the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany for the new ships to be completed in 2021 and 2023. Disney Cruise Line announces 2 new ships “We pride ourselves on the unforgettable vacation experiences we deliver to our guests each and every day, and the expansion of our Disney fleet will allow us to create even more magical memories for families at sea and in incredible cruise destinations around the world,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. Both of the new ship will be approximately 135,000 gross tons – slightly larger than the newest Disney Cruise Line ships, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy – and each is currently planned to include about 1,250 guest staterooms. While design plans, ship names and itineraries are still in development, the Walt Disney Imagineering team is already dreaming up exciting new ways to create the world’s most magical oceangoing adventures. Disney Magic - Aqua Duck Disney’s first ship, the Magic, entered service in 1998.  The following year the debuted a slightly bigger Disney Wonder. Disney Wonder With the launch of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy in 2011 and 2012, the company introduced several firsts for the industry, including a water coaster at sea (AquaDuck) and virtual portholes in interior staterooms (Magical Portholes) that provide real-time views of the sea as well as sightings of animated Disney characters. Magical Portholes on the Disney Fantasy “The expansion of Disney Cruise Line only adds to our excitement for the unprecedented growth taking place across our vacation destinations, from new Star Wars experiences coming to the Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts to the 25th anniversary of Disneyland Paris and the grand opening of our newest park, Shanghai Disney Resort,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.  

Canadian Families Allege Their Kids Contracted Infectious Rashes While At Luxury Mexican Resort

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As we all know, traveling can come with illnesses.  But one Canadian family is working to create awareness about a disease her child contracted while vacationing earlier this month in Mexico. Kat Boblin with daughter Athena Last week Katrina Boblin posted a photo on Facebook of small red bumps that had developed all over her 18-month-old daughter’s legs following a trip to the Royalton Riviera Cancun resort. Royalton Riviera Cancun resort “She started out with a fever and what I thought were bug bites at first,” the Alberta mom, told CTV Calgary. “Then the fever got worse and she started vomiting Child gets hand and foot disease while staying at Mexican resort While writing a review on Tripadvisor she noticed that another traveller had experienced the same issue, along with 3 other children on her shuttle to the airport. In each of the cases, the families visited the resort doctor and were told they were not aware of any other children with it despite 5 other people who have been reported in the past week. When Kat informed the resort of the issues she was offered a late checkout for free, but was also asked me to sign a disclosure that she wouldn’t tell anyone or seek legal action. As a result of the rash, the family was forced to spend half of their $5,000 vacation in the room.  The little girl had blisters in her mouth, down her throat, feet and palms of her hand, and entire body. The family’s medical bills were over $700 US, and Kat is warning travellers to be careful if traveling to Mexico and get travel insurance! When they reached out to the Royalton about the possible breakout, the resort told CTV News,
Regrettably, we have recently been alerted that some children that visited Royalton Riviera Cancun have exhibited symptoms of Hand Foot & Mouth Disease while staying with us. As the health and safety of our guests are of the utmost priority, we take great care and dedication to prevent the spread of any germs on hotel grounds. On a daily basis, we engage in extensive precautionary measures and thorough sanitization practices, including the following: maintenance of pool and jacuzzi chlorination levels and filter systems; daily sanitization of all guest rooms and public spaces including the Kids Clubhouse and Hangout Teens Club;  and thorough restaurant cleanings, which includes disinfecting high chairs and wrapping them in plastic cling wrap between use. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or concern these unforeseen circumstances may have caused our guests.  As always, we encourage guests to practice good hygiene by using hand sanitizers provided throughout the resort.  We ask that if a guest is exhibiting Hand Foot & Mouth symptoms during their stay with us to immediately visit our onsite medical doctor. ​
Since Kat came forward with her story many families have posted Foot and Mouth warnings on the Royalton’s Tripadvisor page.