Dimensions in Travel
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Advisors
    • Partnerships >
      • A & K 100 Club
    • Testimonials
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Search Travel
    • Trip Request
    • Cruises
    • Land Vacations
    • Hotel Partnerships >
      • Hyatt Prive
      • Belmond Bellini Club
    • Villas
  • Offers
    • Abercrombie & Kent
    • AmaWaterways
    • Celebrity Cruises
    • Globus - Avalon
    • Princess Cruises
    • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
    • Uniworld River Cruises
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Advisors
    • Partnerships >
      • A & K 100 Club
    • Testimonials
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Search Travel
    • Trip Request
    • Cruises
    • Land Vacations
    • Hotel Partnerships >
      • Hyatt Prive
      • Belmond Bellini Club
    • Villas
  • Offers
    • Abercrombie & Kent
    • AmaWaterways
    • Celebrity Cruises
    • Globus - Avalon
    • Princess Cruises
    • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
    • Uniworld River Cruises
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact Us

DIT Travel Blog




Spain

3/26/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture

Exploring Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid
Rachael Zschach, February 2023

Picture
I was delighted to have the opportunity to travel to Spain recently on a site inspection for Dimensions in Travel. My traveling companion and I used an airport car/driver service, stayed at the Hotel Neri in Barcelona, ​and explored the city on our own. We had a short stay in coastal Valencia. Then we traveled onto Madrid, basing at the Hotel Orfilia, did a half-day, private city walking tour of Barcelona arranged through Titanium Tours. This was a wonderful introduction to Spain for me!

Here's the short Youtube video that I created from my trip.

Barcelona

Picture
Picture
HOTEL NERI
  • Access: The Hotel Neri, a Relais & Chateaux property, is located in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter on the charming Placa Sant Felip Neri. It cannot be accessed by car, but our Titanium Tours airport transfer driver got us as close as possible, about a two-minute walk away from the front door.

Picture
Picture
Picture
  • Arrival: We were welcomed with a glass of Cava during the check in process. The reservationist, Ecatarina, gave me a lovely detailed tour of the hotel and the apartments.
  • Location: There is an elementary school across the way, so guests can expect to hear children throughout the day, especially for the 8:30–9:00AM drop off. I personally loved seeing the kids and choose to eat breakfast early one day by the window to see all the parents and kids before they went to school.
  • Rooms: Hotel Neri has 22 rooms and five room types: Standard, Deluxe, Deluxe with Terrace, Jr. Suite, Neri Suite Most popular room is the Deluxe with Terrace. Only the Neri Suite has a bedroom separate from a living space and all rooms are on the smaller side as it is a small, historical building.
  • Rooftop Terrace: The fourth floor rooftop terrace features a small soaking pool, seating, and shaded areas. There was no bar, but we could press a button and the kitchen would bring drinks up.
  • a Restaurant - Bar and Terrace: Everyone starts with a breakfast tray: various croissants and breads, fruit, and orange juice. Then I could choose a main item: savory (eggs, salmon, ham/cheese) or sweet (French toast or pancakes). Dinner is served starting at 7:30PM and offers outdoor seating in the Placa Neri under string lights. Outdoor seating is not available at breakfast because the school uses the Placa as their outdoor space. We didn’t eat here, but noticed it was much busier in the evenings than in the morning.
  • Staff: Everyone was so kind from the front desk to the kitchen.  During my hotel tour, the man at the front desk even helped show me some security features. The front door is always locked and at midnight they close the large outer wooden doors, but as a guest you can still get in. Thomas, the doorman, was a lovely gentlemen who always greeted us by name and took the time every time we saw each other to engage in meaningful but fun conversation.
Picture
Picture
  • Casa Neri Apartments: The apartments are a 10 second walk from Hotel Neri lobby. There were six total – two per floor. They are ideal for families or VIP clients in Barcelona for longer stays or those who are coming to enjoy the beach. The max capacity is three adults, or two adults and two children. There is one bed and a sofa bed. It is possible to close off the entire floor if both rooms are booked.  Apartment guests have to walk over to the hotel to access the restaurant, though each apartment does have its own kitchen. ​
  • Casa Neri Rooftop Terrace: The terrace is only available for those staying in the apartments. It has a larger pool than the Hotel and deck with seating and shade. 
Picture
DISCOVERING BARCELONA ON OUR OWN
  • La Sagrada Familia: You have to buy tickets online and it is much easier to buy ahead of time vs trying to do it on your phone on site.
  • Park Guell: It is €10 Euro to get in per person – personally I did not think it was worth it (a tad overrated). I say skip it and go to Arc de Triumf and Ciutadella Park instead.
  • Metro: It is super easy to use and very clean. The 10-journey pass was enough for three days (about €11).
  • Cool Neighborhoods: Get away from the tourists and live like a local in the Gracia Neighborhood Placa del Sol or Placa de La Vila de Gracia for tapas and people watching.
  • Rooftop Views of La Sagrada Familia: Go up to the rooftop of the 5* Hotel Majestic (5 Star) for drinks, tapas, and distant views of the famed cathedral. No reservation needed. I thought the BEST rooftop view of La Sagrada Familia was from Sercotel Rosellon in the Eixample neighbourhood, just 200 metres from the cathedral. Advance  reservations are a MUST here.

Valencia

Picture
We traveled by rail from Barcelona to coastal Valencia on a Renfe 1st Class train which offered USB charging ports, smaller cars, and comfortable seating. Valencia offers a great shopping area and amazing parks that circle about half of the city where it is easy to spend a sunny afternoon strolling and snacking. The beach was lovely - quiet and warm with restaurants nearby and a great walking path. To get around, the bus system was easy to use (€1.5 per ride), but not always consistent with showing up. I recommend just walking around and enjoying what you find – Russafa neighborhood, El Mercat neighborhood, the Torres de Quart, and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences.

Madrid

Picture
We took the train from Valencia to Madrid on Renfe Coach Class which offered phone chargers. The cars were full, but quiet. We stayed at the Hotel Orfilia, explored Madrid on our own and also did a half-day walking tour.
  • Metro: A 10-journey pass is €10. The cars were less clean than Barcelona, but felt very safe. I saw law enforcement in every station all the time.
  • Corte de Ingles in Plaza del Callao: Go to the top floor, walk all the way to the end, and there is a great terrace with views of the city. 
  • Best Breakfast: Pum Pum Bakery – great croissants.
  • San Miguel Market: find all types of small plates. Tad more expensive than tapas bars. Will most likely have to stand to eat.

Picture
  • Best Gelato: Brando Helado
  • Prado Museum: Has free entrance each night from 6:00-8:00pm. Get in line early – this is popular!
  • El Retiro Park: Great park to explore. Go to the Cecilio Rodriquez Garden to see more than a dozen peacocks.

Picture
Half Day Walking Tour of Madrid: We arranged this experience through Titanium Tours. Our guide was Mati and she was incredible! 10:00am was a good start time, but most things still were not open. In the warmer months, she recommends half day tours starting in the late afternoon/evening to avoid walking in the heat of the day. Our tour itinerary included:
  • Tour of the City – Mati showed us where the main 5* and 4* Star hotels were located and their pros/cons based on their location.
  • Palace Tour – It was quick and easy to enter the palace with our tour guide. The palace had a locker to store items we bought while shopping.
  • Options: Mati reviewed all the different customizations with me that my future Madrid clients could do with a tour cush as walking, driving, a mix of both, see the Palace, go to the Prado Museum, El Retiro Park, shopping, food and markets. Add in medieval Toledo.

HOTEL ORFILIA
This is a 5* Relais & Chateau hotel In the heart of Madrid, just five minutes from the Museo del Prado. Manager Emilio Ruiz stopped to introduce himself to us and chat for a few minutes. Usually in Madrid in February, 5 star hotels are at 35% occupancy.In February of 2023, they are at 70% occupancy. Emilio said he doesn’t know what is bringing everyone to Madrid right now, but it’s the place to be! 
  • Location: In the Chamberi District on a quiet, private street. The Metro Station (Alonso Martinez) is a 5 minute walk. It is a 20 minute drive to the main tourist locations. It is about a 5 minute drive to the Prado Museum.
  • Rooms: There are 32 Rooms, a variety of suites, superior room, junior suites, and five deluxe suite on the top floor. The deluxe suites have sloped ceilings – a very European touch. Some people don’t like this feature and prefer a traditional room. Most rooms have a bathroom and separate shower – very few rooms only have a shower. Rooms were renovated during Covid by a famous interior designer – all rooms are unique but the same style throughout (similar pattern wallpaper but different colors).
  • Clients: Typical clients are 40+ who want to stay at a place that has this specific aesthetic. Children are welcome and they have a designated children’s menu in the hotel. In the rooms, some couches can turn into beds or it is easy to bring up an extra bed – the rooms have the space for it.
  • Restaurant, Bar & Tra Room: Menu created by Mario Sandoval – a Michelin Star Chef.  When I was there they had three menu options: Regular Menu (€25 – 40ish), Tasting Menu (€85) and an Executive Special Menu (€45). It is common for locals to come for meals or a drink – they like the quiet ambiance.  The Bar across the lobby is an intimate setting. The terrace connects to the restaurant and tea room and offers outdoor seating. 
Overall Spain Reminders: EVERYBODY smokes - all the time - so be prepared. Spaniards are very relaxed and are whenever/wherever–type of people. Each morning, things don’t really get started until 10:30–11:00am. Everyone kept telling us that Madrid is very safe – which I definitely felt, but visitors must be proactive against those who may pick pocket. 
0 Comments

Nile River Cruise

3/17/2023

0 Comments

 

Cairo and a Journey Down the Nile
by Diana Saint James, February 2023

Picture
Picture

​I'd dreamed all my life of seeing Egypt’s incredible monuments to pharaohs and gods of Egyptian history. I was so eager to see the Pyramids of Giza and Abu Simbel and I love river cruising. This February, during winter break, I finally made this happen on an Avalon Waterways cruise-tour on the Nile with my friend Christine. It was an adventure! 

Picture
​We flew to Cairo via Emirates Airlines, spent three nights in Cairo with our group, flew to Luxor to board our river boat, sailed for four nights from Luxor to Aswan, flew to Abu Simbel, then back to Cairo. Note: I was surprised by how physical this trip proved to be - on and off a camel, walking on uneven surfaces, climbing many steps, small hills, on and off buses and small boats, and crossing somewhat narrow gangways. There was no elevator on the ship. This is not a journey for someone with mobility or health issues. Do it while you are young at heart and fit!

Picture
Cairo Hotel: We began by meeting up with our Avalon group of 26 people at the Marriott Mena House in Giza, right next to the Pyramids. The hotel offers deluxe pyramid-view or garden view rooms, two lounges, a large heated swimming pool and pool bar, spa/fitness center, and several fine dining options including Alfredo's (Italian), Mogul (Indian), 139 Pavilion (Continental cuisine and a substantial breakfast buffet) and 24/7 room service. 139 also features outdoor dining with pyramid views.

Exploring Cairo: Ahmed, our professional guide and knowledgable Egyptologist was outstanding and would be with our group the entire trip. Of course we explored the pyramids, inside and out, and by camel.
Picture
Picture
Picture
We visited the Cairo Museum (including the priceless face mask of King Tutankhamun),  Muhammad Ali Mosque (built in the 18th century with limestone from the pyramids), and Tahrir Square (site of the 2011 Arab Spring Revolution).
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Nile River Cruise: We flew to Luxor and boarded our riverboat, the M.S. Farrah. The Avalon crew was fantastic and the variety of food was superb. On our two free afternoons, I was able to soak in the heated pool and watch Egypt go by as we floated down the Nile.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Temples: As we cruised, we visited Karnak (by day and at a night sound & light show), Luxor, Esna, Edfu, the Valley of the Kings (18-year old King Tut's body is in his tomb), Deir el-Bahari (Hatshepsut's Mortuary), the island temple of Philae, and Kom Ombo (with its crocodile mummies!).
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Artisans & Experiences: For variety, we also visited Aswan High Dam, papyrus makers, alabaster sculptors, rug makers, spice merchants, exotic oil distillers and even visited a Nubian village where we had tea and got henna tattoos. The jewelry store onboard the ship also created many personal cartouche necklaces for our group members.
Abu Simbel: The grand finale of the trip was an optional morning flight excursion ($400) we could do to see the magnificent Abu Simbel, which of course we did. I highly recommend everyone do it. The temple complex was built by Ramses II to honor himself and to honor his wife Nefetari (his favorite wife out of his 34 wives). The 3,500 year old carvings inside were outstanding. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Back in Cairo: We flew back to Cairo and stayed at the Hilton Heliopolis. It was located just 10 minutes from Cairo International Airport, which made an easy departure spot for our flights home. While back in Cairo, we visited Khan El Khalili bazaar, the Museum of Egyptian Civilization (many mummies here!) and sailed on a felucca boat one last time on the Nile. The Hilton is a deluxe high rise hotel featured 6 restaurants, an atrium lounge, 24/7 room service, spa, heated swimming pool, and beautifully appointed rooms.​ We all had different flight times home (a Lufthansa 2:00am flight for us - ugh) , but Avalon Waterways staff accompanied each of us to the airport and made sure we departed safely. This trip was everything I dreamed and I highly recommend it as a journey of a lifetime! Contact your favorite travel advisor at Dimensions in Travel to book it for you.

0 Comments

Cabo San Lucas

3/3/2023

0 Comments

 
An Adult, All-Inclusive Resort Experience in Cabo
February 2023
by Carol Farnworth
Picture
My husband and I were in Cabo two years ago and stayed at the adult, all-inclusive resort Marquis Los Cabos. It was a great experience and decided to go again for another week this year, hoping it would still be as good.  Two years ago the resort was at 50% capacity.  Now it, and most hotels and resorts, are full.  We had invited another couple/clients to join us.  Happily the experience was still positive and our friends are already talking about going back.

Picture
Picture
MARQUIS LOS CABOS RESORT
​The Marquis Los Cabos offers 209 rooms plus about 24 casitas with private plunge pools.  So fairly small by resort standards in Cabo these days. It is oceanfront but you have to sign a form that indicates you will NOT attempt to swim in the ocean as it has very heavy surf and undertow. The resort is just coming up to its 20th anniversary.  Five stories high, well maintained, all junior suites either ocean view (floors one and two) or ocean front, higher floors. We found a younger crowd this year, especially over the weekend.  Younger/livelier guests tended to congregate in one area where there was music and activities, and others, like us, who wanted it more quiet, at the other end of the pool area. Service was still outstanding.  Everyone knocks themselves out to be sure you are happy. ​​

Picture
Restaurants and Lounges
​The food was good, but not exceptional.  There are four dining venues, plus one extra-fee restaurant which we had tried two years ago and which had been a disappointment then.  The main restaurant, Vista Ballenas, has both indoor and outdoor dining areas and is open breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The Asian (Sakke) restaurant requires reservations and is open dinner only.  They have seating at a teppanyaki type table (like the old Benihana restaurants) – fun, and lots of food.  Too much, really. They also have table seatings for sushi and stir fry options.   

The Italian (Pergola) restaurant (also requiring reservations) is all outdoors and the temperature when we were staying was unusually cool. Low 70s and with a bit of wind.  By evening it would not have been comfortable without the portable heaters near tables.  Food comes from the main restaurant and we found by the time it was served it was warm, not hot.  And portions were the opposite of the Asian restaurant—rather small. ​

Picture
Probably the food we enjoyed the most was in the Dos Mares restaurant, which was near the main pool, again all outdoors.  This specializes in seafood like ceviche.  5 different kinds, all delicious.  It is open only for an extended lunch period, 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. 

The 24-hour room service features an extensive menu, and guests seem to use this a lot.  All rooms are junior suites at 650 square feet with balcony so it’s a comfortable way to dine in room with that space.   People also used room service for snacks and lunches (and of course drinks) served to them poolside. There is also a coffee shop with all kinds of fancy coffee drinks plus ice cream, milkshakes, sandwiches and pastries. 
 
A personal peeve is the continued use of QR codes for menus.  Limited number of paper menus and some like at the Italian restaurant were in such small print you needed readers. 
​
Resort has one bar, near the Vista Ballenas restaurant, which tends to get crowded. The resort also usually a nightly show or entertainment with a buffet dinner to accompany.  ​

INSPECTING OTHER HOTELS
As travel advisors do when we travel, we did some site inspections of other hotel properties during our stay.  Everywhere we visited you needed to have an appointment and security was tight.  If you weren’t down as a visitor you didn’t get in.  If you are dining out you need to book ahead.  We felt very safe. 
Picture
WALDORF ASTORIA PEDREGAL
We went to the Waldorf Astoria Pedregal, which is now 15 years old, and a fabulous development.  They had to blast and create a tunnel through a mountain to develop it which is very close to downtown Cabo near the arches.  It is an amazing place, very much Mexican in feel but elegant with beautiful décor.  All rooms are ocean view and have plunge pools.  Very spread out, so lots of use of golf carts to get around.  Their El Farallon restaurant is impressive, set along the Cliffside overlooking the ocean.  Very service oriented.  There is a children’s pool, adult pool, and family pool.   And their spa is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. 
Mobility Note: None of the rooms here are accessible.  But they will install grab bars, a shower stool, if needed so it was emphasized to let them know if any special needs.  ​
Picture
Picture
CHECKING OUT THE MONTAGE TWIN DOLPHINS
We also visited a couple of resorts along the “corridor”. First we explored the Montage in the Twin Dolphins gated community.  It is 4 years old with two story “pods” with four rooms in each pod.  It is quite spread out, so again the use of golf carts is prominent.  There are private residences 2-3 bedrooms, available to rent as well as regular rooms.  A more casual feel here.  The landscaping is devoid of the usual palm trees, instead landscaped with all native desert plants.  Very nice.  Rooms have both indoor and outdoor showers.  Great sense of place here.  You feel you are in Mexico.  Rooms have large balconies and terraces.  Contemporary décor with lots of wood and tile.  On Santa Maria Bay, one of the safe swimming beaches, and they are lots of water related activities like kayaking, snorkeling.  It is pet-friendly for a pet up to 40 pounds. ​

Picture
CHECKING OUT THE LE BLANC RESORT
Our final hotel inspection was at Le Blanc.  It was the largest resort I visited, and very elegant, but it could have been at any beach—Hawaii, the Caribbean or Mexico.  No sense of place. 5 years old, rooms have large balconies and terraces.  Contemporary in feel.  This was another all inclusive resort, adults only.  Several restaurants including a Lebanese one with belly dancing! The French restaurant is rather formal, with a stricter dress code and requires reservations.  Pool area is huge.  Pricing on rooms I thought was a bit confusing.  They have ground floor rooms they call walk out rooms in the pool area—you walk out to the pool area which has both a heated and unheated pool. There is a charge for poolside palapas which have a t.v. and bottle of French champagne.  $209 a day, and a bit higher those closer to the ocean.  Partial oceanview rooms in the side buildings.  Oceanview in the main building.  Most are king but there are some with two double beds and was told the only way to absolutely guarantee a king is to book the king honeymoon rooms.
TAXIS
Taxis are very expensive in Cabo.  From most hotels on the corridor it would be $35 to go into Cabo San Lucas itself.  The days of negotiating a rate are long gone.    
0 Comments

Silversea Caribbean Cruise

1/22/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture

Silversea Caribbean Cruise Aboard the Silver Wind
December 9-17, 2019

by Carol Farnworth
Picture
We love to get away to warm places in the winter. So my husband John and I selected an Eastern Caribbean voyage on Silversea Cruises' Silver Wind. The ship holds 274 passengers and 239 crew. However, since this was a sailing date right before Christmas, there were only about 200 on our sailing. I appreciated the slightly quieter atmosphere and extra public space. 

HOW ABOUT SOME CARIBBEAN ATMOSPHERE BEFORE WE GO?
Picture
PRE-CRUISE
We flew down to Puerto Rico one day early, which I always recommend for a cruise. Taxis from the San Juan airport to our hotel had a set rate of $23. 
We stayed the night at Courtyard by Marriott in San Juan.  It was acceptable.  No one at this type of hotel was available to help with bags.  Last time we were in San Juan we stayed at the Sheraton, but hotel availability in San Juan always seems tight and there were no bargains.  We had been assigned a 2:00pm check in time at the pier. I am so glad we decided to allow lots of extra time to get across the city to the waterfront. Three very large cruise ships were in port (at a different port than for Silversea), traffic getting through the city was unbelievable.  One fellow passenger said it took an hour and a half for her taxi to reach the ship.  And she said they were only about 5 miles away.

Picture
PORT THOUGHTS
​
Our cruise started from San Juan, Puerto Rico, then we sailed onto St. Barts, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. John and finally ended in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We had visited all these ports on prior cruises (except Samana)—so we didn’t take any of the organized ship excursions and just wandered around on our own.

We were supposed to also visit La Romana in the Dominican Republic, but there was a schedule problem and we visited Samana instead, also in the Dominican Republic.  
Picture
Since our last St. Lucia visit a quite nice shopping area around the pier has developed. The ship also organized a complimentary late afternoon beach party on St. Lucia. While we were not able to attend,  we heard it was very nice, with music from two steel bands.​

Picture
There was similar development dockside in St. Maarten​. We were stunned when three gigantic cruise ships were in port along with us.  Over 16,000 cruise passengers suddenly descended on the port of Philipsburg! 


Here is the deck plan for the Silver Wind.
Picture
SEA DAYS
​Maybe because this was a fairly port intensive cruise, there was not a great deal of organized activity on the two sea days. Golf putting and trivia seemed to be the best attended activities of the day. Most people seemed content to be out on deck. There were no photographers on board and  no art auctions. Library was nicely stocked with comfortable tables and chairs, although we never saw anybody sitting in there. There are additional books in the Observation Lounge at the top of the ship. This deck is also where the fitness center and spa/beauty salon are located. Yoga and other classes are held in this lounge but I never saw anybody in it otherwise. It was a poor utilization of space.(MOBILTY NOTE: The Silver Wind was the perfect size ship for us, since my husband John needs a transport chair pushed most of the time.  He can walk just short distances.  It was  odd that no regular elevator to reach Deck 9. You either have to take stairs from the outside deck, or from Deck 8 there is a wheelchair lift up to the higher deck.) 

Picture
SHIP DECOR AND CONDITION
The ship is scheduled for refurbishment to expedition status in 2020. I had read on-line reviews before boarding which made it sound like drydock was WAY overdue, so I was not expecting the ship to look great and I was pleasantly surprised. I found the carpeting, upholstery and general condition of the ship to be very good.  There was lots of dark wood, marble and tile, which I understand will be updated to a more modern look with the refurbishment. UPGRADE NOTE: A major upgrade in December 2018 saw Silver Wind looking better than ever. A second refurbishment in November 2021 saw her benefitting from a strengthened to ice-class hull and made her one of the most adaptable ships in Silversea's fleet. 
Picture
OUR STATEROOM 
We had a midship veranda suite which was very comfortable. It had a layout similar to mini-suites on Princess but just wider giving a bit more space. It also had a walk-in closet, a bathtub and shower. The  bathroom size was okay, but not overly spacious and somewhat dark and it could use better lighting. The television in room had the regular assortment of news and other shows plus on-demand television shows and movies. The room service menu is 24/7 and very impressive - really the best I have seen on any ship. They also will serve the menu from the restaurant in your room if you wish, but that’s sort of in the fine print of information.​

Picture
OUR BUTLER
Each suite has butler service. In addition to a regular room steward, our butler was from India and he was movie star handsome! He helped us arrange for a minor repair to John's transport chair done and even helping tie John's tie for the formal night.  Living in casual Oregon John had forgotten how to do this! 

Picture
DRESS CODE
​Speaking of dress code, the Silversea website says:
​
Shipboard attire ranges from casual to formal. Casual wear is appropriate for daytime aboard ship or ashore and consists of standard sports outfits as worn at five-star resorts. Shoes should be flat or low heeled for deck activities. Evening attire falls into three categories: casual, informal and formal. On casual evenings, pants, blouses, skirts and casual dresses for ladies; open-neck shirts and slacks for gentlemen are appropriate. On informal evenings, ladies usually wear dresses or pantsuits; gentlemen wear jackets (tie optional). Appropriate formal evening wear for ladies is an evening gown or cocktail dress; gentlemen wear tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits. Tie is required. On formal nights, guests may dine in La Terrazza and choose to dress informal; dresses or pantsuits for ladies, jackets for gentlemen (tie optional).  Dining at The Grill is optional casual attire all nights. Following dinner on the formal night, all guests are free to take advantage of any or all public spaces, however, jacket is required. Sailings of 9 days or less typically feature 1 formal night, while longer voyages usually have 2-3 formal nights. 
​

However, despite the code and the brochure photos, we found the dress code to be far less formal.  On the formal night men are supposed to wear a jacket to dinner.  Many did not, and there was no fuss about that.  

Picture
LOUNGES AND ENTERTAINMENT
People gathered for cocktails either in The Bar or in the Panorama Lounge. There was comfortable seating in both areas, with live music before and after dinner but tiny dance floors. Entertainment and shows were in the ship’s Show Lounge. For a small size ship, it seemed unusual how large the the lounge tiered seating and a good size stage. There were no extravagant shows like on the big ships. There were six young people called the Voices of Silversea who performed in various shows, but these were sadly rather poorly attended. The cruise director was Colin Barbierre-Brown, who was a real class act and a trained concert pianist. He did three classical oriented programs that were excellent. ​

Picture
DINING
​The Restaurant is open for full service breakfast, lunch and dinner. It was pretty sparely attended except for dinner.  The room itself is just one large space. It could really use being somehow broken up so you don’t feel you are in a convention-type dining room. There was not even candles on the table or ambient lighting at night. Dinner menus were were three pages. The top page changed nightly and the second two pages of choices changed every three or four days.

Picture
There were always choices of a lobster dish, beef tenderloin, NY steak, etc. It was quite good except I found I needed to season food more than I would normally. The portion side was perfect.

Picture
Just off The Restaurant is a small space called La Dame. It is a specialty restaurant with concentration of pairing wines with the menu. It has a $60 cover charge.  It did not seem super popular, but I  spoke to a couple of people who dined there and thought it was excellent. 

Picture
La Terraza is another venue for meals. Has outdoor dining space as well at back of ship.  Very popular breakfast and lunch, buffet. Waiters would take special orders for breakfast, like omelets, eggs Benedict, etc. I thought it could also use a daily breakfast special, like some kind of crepe or quiche.  Lunch was pretty much the same daily with salads, meats, and pizza made to order. John is more a fan of pizza than I am but he said it was nothing special. However they did always have sushi and sashimi (which I love) so I was a happy camper. A daily pasta special at lunch would have been nice. On the last day they had a fabulous cold shellfish buffet. It was so impressive, people were taking photos of it.  At night La Terraza turns into a Italian restaurant with waiter service, homemade pasta and a number of other choices. It was very nice with lovely atmosphere and we ate here twice. If you are sailing with Silversea, definitely book ahead for dinner reservations. We were on a waitlist for our last dinner. It is always easier to cancel than to get on board and be disappointed not to be able to dine here.

Picture
The Grill is one of the most inviting poolside casual restaurants I have seen on any ship. Instead of buffet style, there are menus and orders taken at your table for lunch. There were excellent appetizer platters, wraps, hotdogs, hamburgers and desserts. John figures we drank at least $100 worth of champagne (the real stuff) one day at lunch. On occasional nights they also have a casual Hot Rocks dinner option where they heat flat stones super hot and you cook your own dinner at your table – shrimp, salmon, steaks.  ​

Picture
Afternoon tea is also served in La Terraza, or you can opt for it to be served in your room. It was a lovely presentation with a choice of perhaps eight loose teas and a three-story tower of pastries, sandwiches, cakes, cookies and  scones.  There was lovely live music.
​

​

Picture
THE CREW
The crew could not have been nicer or more helpful.  They really go out of their way to be friendly and made sure we were happy.  The wait staff, a mix of European and Indonesian and Filippino people, were excellent. 

This cruise was the perfect, warm,  luxurious escape that we needed!
0 Comments

Terranea

1/22/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture

Extraordinary Oceanfront Experiences ​at Terranea Resort

by Wynette Brecher
Picture
I flew down to Southern California with my husband Bob for a long weekend getaway at Terranea Resort. I'd long heard about this oceanfront resort, which opened in 2015, and was eager to check it out for myself. Terranea is an 582-room property in Ranchos Palos Verdes, which is a 30-minute drive from Long Beach airport or 60 minutes from LAX.

Picture
Check in was done in the main lobby and while there was always a line of people waiting, they do give you a glass of prosecco while you wait. Funny how people don’t mind the wait while they have a cocktail in hand! The hotel is very pet friendly and there were a lot of dogs.
Picture
Guestrooms start at about 400 square feet. Ours had a small balcony which overlooked the property and the ocean. There is little privacy on the balconies so you can friendly with your neighbors quickly! The rooms are well appointed with small refrigerators and a coffee maker, bathrobes, slippers and bath amenities. The closet was a bit small. There was a huge television on the wall and lots of outlets for electronics. The bathrooms were a good size but only one sink. The shower, I have to say was less than ideal. It had a small showerhead and low water pressure. The California Coastal Commission has a lot of regulations and this hotel falls under them, so it does not sound like the water pressure can be adjusted. 
Picture
Terranea Resort’s scene-stealing backdrop has attracted Hollywood film crews since the 1950s, when Lloyd Bridges starred as ex-Navy diver Mike Nelson in the popular TV adventure series, Sea Hunt. The popular black-and-white program was filmed in and around the present resort site throughout four seasons from 1958 – 1961. At the time, the land was home to Marineland of the Pacific, a seaside animal theme park, which was the world's largest oceanarium when it opened. Sea Hunt is recognized as the first television series that focused on underwater adventures and provided an early platform for the protection of the Earth’s resources. Since then, Terranea’s dramatic landscape and oceanfront setting has been featured in numerous television and feature film productions, including: Pirates of the Caribbean, The Aviator, Charlie’s Angels, Savages, and many more.

Picture
The hotel has four restaurants, a cafe and a bar. The restaurants are open to the public and they are busy. They do have a huge Sunday brunch which was lovely. A guest favorite for casual dining, Nelson’s is perched directly above the ocean coves. The cliff-top eatery pays homage to Sea Hunt's Mike Nelson, as well as actor Lloyd Bridges’ lifetime efforts to protect the environment and the ocean. Guests enjoy coastal cuisine and a warm, friendly bar atmosphere surrounded by outdoor fire pits and unrivalled sunset views. 

Picture
Terranea has their own garden, beehives, and sea salt conservatory where they do tours here for a fee. There was lots of lovely landscaping.
There are four pools and all were busy. The Resort Pool is the family pool with a slide. The Vista Pool is filled with salt water and is open for guests 13 yrs and up, but the teens didn't appear to want to hang out there so it was the quietest of the four pools.  The Cielo Pool is the “adults only” salt water pool. But if you were over 30, it was not the place for you! The Spa Pool was nice (18 and over) and the hotel kindly arranged a complimentary cabanas for us there.
There is a good size spa, spa cafe, fitness center  and treatment rooms.  Food is served poolside at the Spa Pool. They also have a salon for hair and nails.  The spa does have offerings for pregnant women and seems to be quite a draw for babymoons. 
Picture
Terranea does offer wonderful active adventures like kayaking, paddle boarding, archery and falconry for an hourly fee. We choose to kayak and saw a lot of sea lions and pelicans. There were many of hiking trails around the property. The Tide Pool Kids Club is available for a fee. Kids from 2-12 are welcome in the Kids Club.

The resort hosts a lot of weddings. We saw two in the short time we were there. There were also various meetings going on, they have a very large meeting space area.
The resort has a “vacation home” program as well. These are the villa units, 2-3 bedroom (basically they are residences), all individually owned and decorated. All are fully stocked with linens and kitchenware. The rules on these however is that the owner /renters cannot occupy them for more than 90 days per year and not for more than 30 days at a time. Again these are Coastal Commission rules.  Rentals start at about $1,000/night.
It is a large property and you can get around by golf cart but again, with the place being so busy there was up to a 20 minute wait for a golf cart during the dinner hour. Golf is nearby and they do offer a golf academy.
Picture
The dress code is basically country club casual but there were a lot of families dressed very informally. ​
This resort is good for multi generational families, girl friend getaways, wedding parties, groups, and of course babymoons. Couples seeking privacy and a quieter environment would do better elsewhere.  Terranea could be an excellent place to stay before or after an ocean cruise departing from San Pedro or Long Beach.
Rates start at about $400/night plus their daily resort fee.

​If you book this hotel through Dimensions in Travel, you have access to these outstanding
​
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE AMENITIES:
  • Breakfast for two daily (up to a $60 value per room) in Catalina Kitchen or via in-room dining
  • $100 resort credit per room, per stay
Do let me know if I can book this Southern California oceanfront escape as a long weekend for you!
0 Comments

Egypt

1/19/2022

0 Comments

 

Journey to Egypt and Down the Nile
by Jill Romano 

Picture
Dimensions in Travel agency owner Jill Romano and her husband Bob loved
their visit to Egypt in October 2019. They were part of an advisory board of top travel agency
owners hosted on the trip by Abercrombie & Kent. 

Picture
DAY 1 (SFO - Cairo):
We arrive in magnificent Cairo. Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) provides us with a VIP Meet and Greet. They whisked us from the terminal gate straight in to a car to a lounge to wait for them to process our visas. Love it!

Picture
Our hotel was the riverfront Four Seasons Nile Plaza which offers great views over of the City.  All vehicles must stop at entrance for inspection and all handbags are checked carefully but respectfully at front door. It is a beautiful, grand hotel, the rooms are quite large and they offer a very extensive buffet breakfast. There is a small shopping mall adjacent to the hotel accessible via a private entrance.

An A&K Tour Manager traveled with us every day plus our local tour guide and one security officer (yes, well hidden, but still obvious gun).  We saw security everywhere in the city and many checkpoints - it’s the world we live in. However we found the Egyptian people to welcoming and gracious.

Picture

Picture
DAY 2 (Cairo):
This morning, we visited Sakkara, a necropolis (cemetery) for the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis and site of the first pyramids. We viewed the famous Step Pyramid of King Djoser with its six tiers representing the pharaoh's stepladder to heaven and admired the beautiful tomb art which offers us great insight into the lives of the ancient Egyptians. We marveled at the Serapeum of Sakkara, burial place of the Apis bulls, sacred animals said to be incarnations of the deity Ptah. Ponder along with scholars as to why the sarcophagi are so much larger than the animals themselves.

We returned to our hotel for lunch and an Advisory Board meeting. While the board convened, travel companions who were not agency owner joined a local expert for a walking tour of Islamic Cairo. They explored the Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, built in AD 1356.
 
Tonight, we celebrated the beginning of our journey at a  special Welcome Dinner  at the home of Amr Badr, the Managing Director of Abercrombie & Kent, Egypt & Middle East. Joining us were prominent Egyptian leaders in the arts, history, theatre, politics and tourism. It was quite an evening!


Picture
Day 3 (Cairo)
Off to visit see the Sphinx! Normally, all tour buses must stop and guest clear a security area, then back on the buses before continuing to the site.  A&K guests are able to bypass this. We begin with private access to the paws of the Great Sphinx, close enough to touch them, as well as a special one-hour onsite lecture by Dr. Zahi Hawass, the renowned Egyptian archaeologist and former Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs.

Picture
Then we go on to explore the Giza Plateau, site of the pyramids of Mycerinus and Chefren as well as the Great Pyramid. Built in the Fourth Dynasty (approximately 2690 BC), the Great Pyramid is the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We did the Ride Like a Local program on camelback and visited the Solar Boat Museum, the site of Cheops' funerary boat, the world's oldest intact ship.

Picture
We transferred to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM to open October 2022) which houses more than 100,000 artifacts from prehistory through the Greek and Roman periods. While the massive building is not yet open to the public, we were granted hard hat access to the Restoration Laboratories, where scientists and artists are working to restore priceless relics.

At the Marriott Mena House Hotel, we enjoyed lunch and the the restaurant offer breathtaking views of the towering pyramids and the hotel's lush, landscaped gardens. We attend an afternoon Advisory Board meeting at the hotel. As  the historic wing is currently closed for renovation,  A&K does book the newer wing for all their travelers who stay here. While they have no views of pyramids, Mena House is still the closest hotel to the Pyramids.
 
This evening's special dinner was at the historic Abdeen Palace, one of the official residences of the President of Egypt and former home of the nation's kings, where we were joined by a special guest speaker on Egyptian culture. We had the chance to visit the Throne Room and Winter Garden.  The hotel is only open for state functions, not the traveling public.


Day 4 (Cairo):
This morning, we explored 7,000 years of history at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including treasures from Tutankhamun and items dating to 4000 BC. We also viewed its famed Mummy Room, featuring the remains of Egypt's pharaohs and nobility, including Ramses II who was one of Egypt's most powerful pharaohs. There is NO air conditioning in the museum, so bring a fan and bottle of water.  When the GEM opens, curators will be moving many of the artifacts (in particular the pharaohs) and will host a grand celebration through the city.
Picture
After lunch at a local restaurant, we joined a local Jewish expert at a restored, century-old synagogue to discuss Egypt's Jewish diaspora. Up until the early 20th century, 80,000 Egyptian Jews lived alongside the nation's Muslims and Christians. Today, this number has dwindled to less than a dozen. The association Drop of Milk seeks to preserve the  story of this diaspora and its fading legacy.

This evening we gathered for dinner at a local restaurant with stunning Nile River views.


Picture
Day 5 (Cairo - Abu Simbel - Aswan - Sanctuary Sun Boat III)
Early this morning, we took a 45-minute charter flight to Abu Simbel, site of the magnificent temple of Ramses II. There are actually two temples, the Great Temple of Ra-Harakhte, fronted by the four colossal statues of Ramses II (each nearly 70 feet tall) and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Ramses' beloved wife Queen Nefertari. When floodwaters from Lake Nasser and the High Dam project threatened to leave the temples permanently submerged, they were cut into pieces, raised up the hillside from their old lower location and then reassembled around a concrete dome on the new site. 

Picture
After lunch, we boarded our charter flight to Aswan, the launching point of our Nile cruise. The Sanctuary Sun Boat III is an intimate river yacht representing the ultimate in luxurious Nile cruises. This elegant Egyptian vessel carries up to 36 guests in beautifully designed accommodations on four decks.  It has 18 beautifully designed unique cabins with two royal suites and two presidential suites. Modelled on the opulent era of the 20s and 30s, Sanctuary Sun Boat III offers delicious sumptuous meals in the restaurant, afternoon tea in the stunning lounge, and refreshing cocktails on the sun deck. . The reception staff offered us  chilled fruit juice and assisted with check-in.
Picture
Later we did the Ride Like a Local program in a traditional Nile felucca (sailing boat) around Elephantine and Kitchener's Islands with an opportunity to view the splendid Aga Khan Mausoleum high above the river. We returned to Sanctuary Sun Boat III for a cocktail reception and a gourmet dinner.

Picture
Day 6 (Nile River Cruise aboard the Sanctuary Sun Boat III - Luxor)
We began our day with a motorized boat ride to Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. This sacred complex was dedicated to the Goddess Isis and reflects a fusion of three great civilizations: Egyptian, Greek and Roman. The temple was dismantled and then painstakingly reassembled when the Aswan High Dam was constructed in the 1960s. The dam spans the Nile River, more than two miles across and incorporating 16 times the amount of material that went into the Great Pyramid at Giza. It provides irrigation and hydroelectric power to much of Egypt.
 
Afterward, we enjoyed lunch as we cruised to Kom Ombo (Hill of Gold) to visit the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god), who was considered by some ancient Egyptians to be the creators of the world. 

Back on board, we enjoyed time to relax, admiring the scenery as we sailed towards Luxor. Later we joined our chef for a cooking lesson featuring Egyptian specialties, followed by afternoon tea and a scenic sundowner. Tonight, we attended a festive Egyptian-themed costume party onboard the boat. We savored a buffet of local cuisine, danced and listened to music, and since we wished to look the part, we tried on complimentary galabeyya (traditional Egyptian robes.​

Picture
Day 7 (Luxor)
After an early breakfast, we visited the Temple of Karnak, via motor boat across the Nile to the west bank. Then we went onto the Valley of the Queens. The site's highlight, the beautiful tomb of Ramses II's beloved wife Queen Nefertari, is said to be the finest tomb in Egypt, with vividly colored artwork and a ceiling painted with stars.

Picture
We continued to the historic Valley of the Kings to marvel at the tomb of Tutankhamun and the superbly preserved tomb of Seti I, with its art-filled walls that set the precedent for all the tombs that followed. We also enjoyed special, private access to the tomb of Amenhotep II, not currently open to the public and we also had a choice to see Ramses VI and we were the only ones in the tomb - incredible! . Discovered in 1988, the tomb is considered one of the most important in the Valley of the Kings. It is particularly renowned for its vivid illustrations of the netherworld.

Later, we had a private visit to the home of Howard Carter, famed archaeologist credited with the profound discovery of Tutankhamun's intact tomb. View many artifacts actually owned and used by Carter, including his cameras and darkroom equipment, which he used to catalog the astonishing treasures uncovered in the tomb. 


 We continued with a photo stop at the fabled Colossi of Memnon, two enormous seated statues of Amenhotep III, known in Ancient Greek times for their haunting voices at dawn. From here, we returned to our motor boat by bike (or vehicle).
Picture
Picture
This afternoon, we chose from two Design Your Day options:
  1. East Bank of Luxor  - Continue exploring the Nile's east bank at the Temple of Karnak, a sprawling monument bearing the mark of 30 pharaohs. Over the span of centuries, each ruler added their own monuments to the temple, making it the largest open-air religious site in the country. Proceed to Luxor Temple, ancient Egypt's most significant religious center.
  2. Funtasia Cultural Center - We all visited this wonderful school and I highly recommend it for all my clients. This is a project supported by A&K Philanthropy and offers after school programming for local children, ranging in ages from 4 to 16 years old. The center focuses on strengthening confidence, communication and collaboration with young people using tools such as the arts, gardening, poetry, nutrition, health and coding. It is taught by locally trained facilitators. The aim is to prepare youth for a life of meaningful connections with people, for the job market of tomorrow, and to use creativity as a means to finding solutions to their challenges.
 
We returned to 'Sanctuary Sun Boat III for afternoon tea. Tonight's farewell dinner was a gala affair, with white-gloved waiters serving gourmet cuisine.


Day 8 (Luxor - Cairo)
Early in the morning, we bid farewell to Sanctuary Sun Boat III. After disembarking, we flew by charter flight to Cairo, where we enjoyed lunch followed by a visit to the Azza Fahmy Jewelry Gallery. Join the famed jewelry designer for a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate craftsmanship incorporated into every piece of her handcrafted jewelry and a discussion on how she gained access to the historically male-dominated field of jewelry making in 1967.
 
We spent the rest of our afternoon at leisure or shopping at Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, one of the city's major souks (open-air marketplaces).
 
Tonight's farewell dinner was a private affair at the Madam Sadat’s home.  She personally greeted everyone and welcomed us in to a lounge space where she spoke candidly for about an hour, then we were treated to a buffet of traditional Egyptian dishes.
Picture

Picture
Day 9: (Cairo - Amman, Jordan)
​Next, we are off to Jordan! Stay tuned...
0 Comments

Alaska with UnCruise Adventures

12/11/2021

0 Comments

 

The Bridge Was Always Open And So Was The Bar

Picture
Alaska with UnCruise Adventures
​Summer 2019
by Andi Cercos

"You are aboard an oceangoing vessel...but it’s a fabulous adventure. 
We had an AMAZING 2 ½ hours of breaching and whale tails on all sides!"

Picture
​UnCruise Adventures IS a cruise, but probably not the picture that first comes to mind when you see the word CRUISE. You do have a private cabin with shower and you are aboard an oceangoing vessel, but no formal nights, no Broadway shows, no port excursions, and no elevator; it’s a fabulous adventure with great food and knowledgeable crew.

​My 7-night adventure was aboard the 77-passenger Wilderness Explorer, boarding in Ketchikan.
​

Picture
 We were transferred to the Wilderness Explorer and met on the dock by the entire crew who directed us to our cabins. Cabins are basic with private showers, heaters and opened to the outside deck. Our “Champagne Welcome Aboard” gathering was in the Lounge. The Lounge was the main gathering spot throughout the cruise. Waist high to ceiling windows made it the perfect viewing spot with access to large outside space with hot tub. Binoculars were plentiful. Coffee, hot chocolate, pastries and snacks were always available, as well as a full bar. It also housed a great library of books and DVDs.

Picture
My goal on this trip was to learn to kayak and that is exactly what I did. We were able to kayak every day and sometimes twice a day. The daily schedule was similar each day, but no two days were like any other. The day started with stretching (optional) outside on the top deck followed by a buffet breakfast. The Bridge was always open and the Captain Adam was always willing to talk and answer questions. The cruise director was complimented by 5 extremely knowledgeable guides. They were in their late 20’s, early 30’s with a passion for what they were doing. 

Picture
After breakfast the adventure of your choice started. Kayaking, shore walks, bushwacking (walk into and through the surrounding islands) and skiff trips cruising the surrounding waterways were offered every day.  For the most adventurous, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and polar plunge were offered once.  We only docked once in the town of Wrangell. We met at Chief Shakes Tribal House for a presentation of native culture. The Wrangell Museum had just opened and it is well worth a visit. It covers the history of Wrangell with room after room of exhibits.

Picture
The chef and pastry chef were in charge of keeping us full. Breakfast and lunch were buffet style with at least 3 choices with fresh pastries and fruit. Dinner was plated. Great menus with prime rib, Dungeness crab  and shrimp scampi. Vegetarian options were available and great attention was paid to guests with food sensitivities.

Picture
We saw mink, whales, otter, whales, bear with cub, whales, seals, whales! On our second to last dinner onboard, the Captain made an announcement that dessert would be served in the Lounge! Unusual but he’s the boss. What a treat! There was a group of 30 to 40 whales that would be right off our boat! An AMAZING 2 ½ hours of breaching and whale tails on all sides.

Picture
Our last full day was cruising Tracy Arm. We boarded 8 to 10 guests in skiffs and got up close and personal with the Glaciers. A gorgeous and humbling experience. We saluted the calving glacier with hot chocolate and peppermint schnapps! We spent our last evening in the Lounge celebrating our cruise with our new friends.

​We disembarked in Juneau the next day. Luggage was stored for those with late flights and we were able to tour Juneau. The Mount Roberts Tram took us to a viewing deck that look down on the port. Our boat looked like a toy boat next to the 2000 passenger cruise ships. All good things must come to an end. I picked up my luggage and my transfer to the airport was by a chauffeur driven limo!


December 2021 Note about UnCruise's Return to Hawaii: In November, Hawaii officials extended a ban on cruise ships through January 2022. UnCruise Adventures worked with the government, including the Hawaii Department of Transportation and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, to gain permission for their 36-guest sailings to resume, according to a statement from the tour company.  The cruises, timed for the winter humpback whale season, will require all guests and crew to be fully vaccinated. The one-week Hawaii cruise visits Molokai, Maui, Lanai and Hawaii Island and includes island excursions and water activities.  UnCruise Adventures operates  yachts and small boats carrying 22 to 86 guests on voyages in Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, Costa Rica, Belize and Colombia among other destinations.
0 Comments

Amazing Maui

11/23/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Our Maui Family Adventure
January 2021
by Jill Romano

Picture
Note (November 2021): When I traveled to Maui with my family group of 11 in January 2021, things were different with stronger COVID restrictions. As of 11/8/21, if you are vaccinated and complete the pre-trip online paperwork for the state of Hawaii, it is much easier to go. The governor of Hawaii has announced that the islands are welcoming all vaccinated visitors. Non-vaccinated travelers must present a COVID test from one of their specific laboratories. Also, due to a rental car shortage, our travel advisors will make you have your rental car reserved before booking anything else.

​Hawaiian Airlines flights
I always enjoyed flying with the local airline - I feel like the trip begins the moment I step on the plane. At the SFO check in counter, you will be asked if you are registered on Hawaii State website. If you are only bringing carry on and go straight to the gate, no one will ask you about registration. It is not mentioned onboard the flights either. Be sure you are registered so there are no surprise refusals of entry when you arrive in Hawaii. Hawaiian Airlines is in the SFO International Terminal and there was only one small food outlet with bakery items, sandwiches, salads and drinks to eat before your flight or take onboard. All bottled water now in refillable bottles.

Of course masks are required at the airport and during the flight. We boarded from rear of aircraft (1st class could board at any time), and our plane was only 1/3 full. The Hawaiian Airlines crew was masked and greeted us with a sanitizing towelettes. Be sure to download the Hawaiian Airlines app to your phone or tablet for streaming as there is not any seat back entertainment on the flights.  The first class section had regular meal service and economy offered bottled water and sodas as well as  hot breakfast sandwiches.

Picture
Arriving at Napili Surf Beach Resort
My family and I stayed at the Napili Surf Beach Resort. Just steps from Napili Beach and overlooking neighboring Moloka’i and Lāna’i islands, this resort is within walking distance to both fine and casual dining, the Kapalua Coastal Trail, golf courses, nature hikes, and multiple bays suitable for snorkeling, paddle-boarding, and surfing. It is the ideal place for anyone seeking a boutique beachfront vacation experience. The resort offers recently renovated one-bedroom and studio accommodations featuring fully-equipped kitchens, private lanais, and air conditioning. They are still offering their 2x week yoga classes.

As with most resorts in Hawaii now, the Napili Surf is a Touchless Check-In. They have not had keys for years. They texted us a link to register (with car details for parking tag) and then texted the code for the front door of our unit.  This was easy for us as returning guests but not so easy for a first time guest. They will still help you out at the front desk if needed.
Picture
Visiting Lahaina
We went to Kimo’s in Lahaina for lunch. It felt much the same as it always has and they have a fair amount of outdoor tables...but with fewer travelers it was easy to get in. This likely will not be true during the festive season. Downtown Lahaina was a ghost town...did not see hardly a soul walking along Front Street....at 1pm, shocking! When I mentioned about stopping at the ABC store (don’t we all?!) the waitress said she would check to see which ones are open. We went to the ABC Store in the Lahaina Gallery shopping center. While the parking lot was fairly full, I think it was more for Longs Drugs and Safeway.  The rest of our crew went to Costco for the big “shop” and they said the crowds were not very big either.  Lahaina, the town, closes down about 9:00pm. There are some shops open, many of the restaurants have outdoor seating but I recommend calling ahead.
Recommended Maui Restaurants
If you are traveling with a group, call the restaurants in advance to see how many people can be seated together. Local capacity requirements do change.  We ate at:
  • Honu, Ma’la and Frieda’s - same owner, located just bend the Lahaina Gateway shopping center, water front.
  • Star Noodle (reservations recommended) A new outdoor dining place on the water front. Next to Frieda’s.
  • Maui Brewing Company: Indoor dining only - the kids went.
  • Leilani’s in Whalers Village (same owners as Kimo’s) Okay for drinks and pupuu’s. Has outdoor seating.
  • The Fish Market - highly recommend for those that want to cook themselves.
  • Mamma’s Ribs & Rotisserie - great chicken and ribs
  • Kitchen 5315: It just opened at Napili Shores. We got take out one night - pretty good! 
Picture
Our Family Snorkel & Whale Watching Adventure
​We booked a private trip for 11 with the Magic Mermen aboard a custom built boat operated by owner/captain Derek with Samantha and Nate. Normally they provide a lunch but due to Covid, only fruit, water and fruit juice/sodas. They allowed us to bring our own lunch and drinks. With a custom trip, they worked with what we wanted to see/do. We were very lucky and saw lot’s of whales, including some with calves and were able to spend as much time as we wanted. We snorkeled at Olowalu, just south of Lahaina. Both Nate and Samantha were in the water with us, (both locations) taking time to show and explain what we were seeing, We spotted sea urchins and even an eel - yikes! They provided styrofoam noodles, boogie boards, life jackets as well as snorkel and fins.  We saw more whales on the way to our next snorkeling spot - Mala Wharf. Usually it is very busy, it’s one of the best places to see Honu (turtles) as they come here for the “cleaning station” where the fish clean/eat the bacteria off the green sea turtles - fun to watch! We also saw a eagle wray and a white tip reef shark. This was a four-hour trip and one I can highly recommend!
One great tip: they used Johnsons No Tears baby shampoo as a defogger in our mask’s and it worked great! 

Flying Home
There was not much traffic at the Maui (OGG) airport, so we easily made it from Napili to the airport with a stop for gas in about an hour. There is a gas station just past the Ocean Center or a bit closer to the airport (if you have not been in awhile, the new road does not go through town, so fewer options) and easy car return. They are managing access to the tram to the terminal, to keep everyone distanced. 
 
HA only staffs First Class check in, Economy is at the kiosks and then a Drop Bag line. All easy these days as there are so few travelers. There are no shops open on the departures level. TSA pre-check had no lines, even regular security line moved quickly. After security upstairs, there was only Starbucks, Sammy’s ( pre-made sandwiches, chips, hot dogs and hamburgers) and one small convenience store open. So, do your shopping before you get to the airport! The “fruit security” screening was done inside the gate area.
 
Again on the flight, they served water, sodas and a sandwich. First Class was serviced either a meat or pasta and dessert. The crew definitely kept on eye on folks for mask usage.  My husband forgot to put his mask back on after eating and they nicely reminded him to do so.  

All in all, it was a wonderful family escape and worth the time it took for everyone to get registered online. Hawaii is always a good idea!
Picture
0 Comments

Classic Greece

11/22/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Mykonos Harbor
Picture


​EXPLORING ATHENS, SANTORINI AND MYKONOS

May 2017
by Andi Cercos

My trip to Greece was a familiarization trip hosted by Classic Vacations, Emirates Airlines and Starwood. These “fam” trips allow travel advisors like me to explore a large number of hotels, restaurants, transportation and attractions in a very short amount of time so we get an authentic feel for a part of the world. Come with me to Greece now!
Emirates Flight
The flights to Athens (via Newark) were very comfortable with wide aisles, large seats and large spacious overhead bins. The crew was friendly and accommodating. Since the plane was not full we had 3 or 4 seats to spread out and plenty of leg room.  Before take off, menus were handed out along with a zippered bag full of nice amenities.

Picture
Athens
In Athens we stayed at the Grand Bretagne hotel. Our very elegant rooms were large with huge bathrooms. Our group met up for cocktails and dinner at the rooftop restaurant, GB Rooftop Garden Restaurant. Surrounding us was a breathtaking view of the Acropolis, glowing with every changing lights.

Picture
The hotel is located on Syntagma Square, across from the Parliament Building, where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located in the courtyard. The 24-hour Presidential guard, in dramatic Greek uniforms, changes every hour on the hour.

Picture
The next morning, we headed out on an Athens City Tour. We stopped at the Acropolis and climbed up to view the Parthenon. From there, we walked down to the Acropolis Museum for a short visit. The museum is built on top of the ancient city of Athens and the entire entry walk is built so you can view the ruins below.
 
We did a short inspection at to the Electra Metropolis, a modern hotel a few blocks from Syntagma Square. The rooms are built around an open atrium that rises from the lobby to the top floor.  Several blocks away is the Electra Palace Hotel, which had more traditional décor and is closer to the Plaka, a charming but rather touristy neighborhood with pedestrian streets, shopping and restaurants.  After lunch, we had a site inspection of the King George Hotel and the Grand Bretagne Hotel.
 
Dinner was at a typical rooftop Greek taverna, then we walked back to the hotel. Along the way, I was coaxed into going into the subway station at Syntagma Square. What a surprise! The station is a museum of what was there before the excavation. The walls and artifacts are all beautifully displayed behind plexiglass.

Picture
A Brief Stop in Crete
The next morning we were picked up and transferred to Athens Airport for a 20-minute Olympic Air flight to the airport in Heraklion on the island of Crete. Due to a ferry strike, we checked into the Blue Palace for just one night. The hotel is on a hillside over looking the sea across from the island of Spinalong. Dinner was at the Blue Door restaurant which was located in one of the original houses on the property.


Picture
Santorini
The next morning we transferred to the Port of Heraklion for the ferry to the volcanic island of Santorini. Boarding the ferry is very confusing and it was quite crowded.  You board on the cargo deck and leave your luggage under a sign for your destination. The passenger decks are two decks above. It is definitely worth an upgrade to Club seating for the two-hour ride. It is a separate cabins with bar and food service and the seats are very large and comfortable. Disembarking the ferry is pretty much a cattle call. Crowds descend upon their luggage and then push and shove to get off. . Once off the ferry, it is just as crowded ashore. Taxis are few and a private transfer is a must. I think the rush and crowds without one could ruin the start of a Santorini vacation. Our very nice 24-passenger coach transferred us to the Vedema for three nights.
Picture
The Vedema is located in the village of Megalohori.   The property is a small village all by itself. Your enter through the gates of a stone wall that surround the property. It was once part of a winery and the village relied on the grapes and wine. The main gathering area is around the Pergola Pool Restaurant, the pool and pool bar. From there, cobblestone pathways wind around the property to the suites and villas. All the accommodations are different and very charming. After our site inspection, lunch was served at the Pergola Pool Restaurant with the owner, Kalia Konstantinidou.

Picture
Picture
After lunch, we had a site inspection at Nafsika. This 5-bedroom, 5.5 bath villa is owned by the same family that owns the Vedema. It is two stories, has two kitchens and overlooks the sea. The front driveway doubles as a helipad. There is a large pool off the ground floor bedrooms. Vedema hosted dinner at their Alati Restaurant, which felt like we were in a medieval dining hall. It is across from the wine cellar where a wine tasting can be arranged for guests.

Since the Vedema is located in a village and not on a beach, the hotel has a private shuttle to and from Perivolos Beach. There is wonderful beach bar with light food and plenty of beach palapas, lounges and couches to enjoy the beach. We spent about an hour there but since we were there pre-season, it was windy and the water was cold.
From the beach, we transferred to the Caldera area of Oia. This is the area people think of when they think of Santorini with all those white buildings along the hillside with blue domes overlooking the beautiful sea. We had a site inspection of the Androni Luxury Suites and Santorini Secrets, which both have breathtaking views, private pools and white glove service. Mr. E Restaurant hosted us for dinner. It opened just three days prior to our arrival and is also owned by the owners of Vedema.
The next day we were taken to Akrotiri for a guided tour. This site is similar to Pompeii as it was totally covered by volcanic ash. One difference is that the town had been excavated due to severe earthquakes. Archeologists are researching to see if the eruption of the Thira volcano was responsible for the collapse of the Minoan civilization. This is the fabulous tour that I highly recommend for anyone traveling to Santorini.
After this tour, we drove back to Oia to inspect the properties on the cliffs. We saw the ​Altana Traditional Houses, Altana Cliffside and the Astra Suites. These places are all on cliffs with MANY stairs. The stairs are uneven and there are no banisters. Clients should be aware that they are going to encounter lots of stairs and they should bring appropriate shoes. After lunch, we were transferred to Canaves Oia, Canaves Suites and Canaves Villa. All of these properties were perches on the hillside, many with private pools. After this afternoon of hiking in Oia, we were treated to a Catamaran ride. It was a great experience to view the hotels from sea level and to look back at the stairs we climbed. ​
Picture
Picture
 After the Catamaran ride we arrived at Mystique (another owned by the Vedema family). It has 39 suites and villas, ASEA (Japanese lounge restaurant), and the Charisma Restaurant at Mystique with owners Kalia Konstantinidou and Emmanuel Niotakis.

Picture
The Food and Wine
All of our lunches and dinners on this trip were three hours long. Six or seven courses were normal. We always had the traditional Greek salad with cucumbers, red onions and slab of feta cheese. Couscous salad and quinoa salad were included in every meal. Vegetables were served in every form – eggplant, zucchini, zucchini flowers, stuffed grape leaves and all things olive. Chick peas were in soups, used as dips, and spread as a base fro seafood bits on toast. Main course was a choice of fish, prawns, octopus, lamb and occasionally beef. Just when you thought it was the last course, another plate was put in front of you. Wine flowed at all meals and Greek wines and beers were given high marks. We had an occasional dessert, but most meals ran late and we opted out of having dessert.


Picture
Mykonos
After our final breakfast at Vedema, we were transferred to the Santorini port to take the ferry to Mykonos. This proved interesting due to the ferry strike. We arrived at the pier early and were at the front of the line. The ferry that arrived was about half the size of the normal ferry and announcements were made that if you were not a part o a group, you would have to take the 4pm ferry. Needless to say, people were not happy and pushing and shoving started. When the yelling started, the man at the door shut it and walked away. Fortunately we were travelling with Classic and phone calls were made that identified us and we were let on to the ferry.
When we finally arrived in Mykonos, we were transferred to the Myconian Ambassador in their luxury van for a site inspection and lunch with the owner. We were running late and arrived at the Santa Marina three hours late. We had about 15 minutes in investigate their beach. It was right on the bay and the yachts were starting to arrive. Later, we met for a site inspection. This property was built on a hillside and some of the rooms were quite a hike from the public areas. Dinner was at the Colonial Pool Bar and Restaurant, hosted by the Director of Sales.
Picture
The next morning, we were met and treated to a guided tour of the island of Delos. In Greek mythology, Delos is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The water was very rough and some declined the excursion. It was very windy on the island but ruins and museum were fantastic to experience.  On the way back, we had a site inspection at the Myconian Villa and lunch. The last dinner of the fam was at the Buddha Bar in the Santa Marina. It was a bit of a celebration and a reward for a great group surviving all the stairs.


Heading Home Via Athens
After breakfast, we transferred to the Mykonos Airport for a 40-minute Olympic Air flight to Athens. Upon arrival, we claimed our luggage and walked across the street, a 4-5 minutes walk to the Sofitel Athens at the airport, to inspect the property. The entry level rooms are quite large and have black out curtains and soundproofing. Day rooms are also available. It also has a 24 hour bar and restaurant. The subway from the Sofitel goes directly to the Syntagma Square, right in front of the Grand Bretagne.

At the airport we boarded our Emirates return flight back to the USA.
 
Over the course of 9 days, I walked 91,469 steps, an average of 10,163 per day. I walked 43.2 miles and climbed 232 floors, 26 floors per day. I checked out 21 hotels. It was a lot of work exploring so much of Athens, Santorini and Mykonos but it was a great work out, I learned so much and really enjoyed My Big Fat Greek Fam Trip! 
0 Comments

Eastern Europe River Cruise

11/19/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Highlights of Eastern Europe Aboard the S.S. Beatrice with a Winery Group
June 2019
by Carol Farnworth
Picture
​This was the fifth riverboat cruise Dimensions in Travel has done with Oregon's Broadley Vineyard owners and cruise hosts, Claudia and Craig Broadley. We had a total of 23 people on this Uniworld Boutique River Cruises lower Danube itinerary from Budapest to Bucharest. My husband John and I were so pleased to be the escorts and it was such a pleasure to connect with dear travel friends again.​

Picture
Starting in Budapest
We spent one night in Budapest, which we had visited in the past. We stayed at a Marriott Autograph hotel called the New York Palace.  It is a gorgeous property with a restaurant  called the New York Café which is quite famous in the city. The décor rivals the Ritz in London. Very ornate, lots of people taking photos. The hotel reserves a section of the café exclusively for its guests because of the popularity.  The hotel itself was originally built as an office building and was lovely, quiet, and had good service. But it is definitely NOT good for anyone with a mobility issue.  No wheelchair ramps.      
​


Picture
​Aboard Uniworld's S.S. Beatrice
The service was excellent in all areas. The crew was friendly and warm. ​The S.S. Beatrice was renovated in 2018 and  we thought it was a beautiful riverboat. Though our group has staterooms spread around the small ship, we would connect up over meals, during included shore experiences, at our private wine tastings and in the evenings in the lounge where there was always music or local entertainment.
The dining room was nicely configured.  I found the dinner menu was expanded from our winery cruise aboard Uniworld's River Queen in 2017. Salmon, chicken and fish were always available. Tables were set up for 4 or 6, but if 7 or more of us wanted to eat together we could make reservations and they would set up a special table. Breakfast was buffet and always had a special morning dish that could be served at the table and there was always a meat carvery item at lunch. It was also possible to eat in an area off the cocktail lounge, with tables for two that were fairly  close together when we wanted a more private chat during dinner. The lounge offered the same menu as the dining room and was very popular. There was also Max’s, where a special Chef’s Table and steak dinners are offered for an additional cost. We used Max's for our group's private wine tastings where we compared local wines bought ashore to Broadley Vineyard wine brought from home.
One of our group members also made a point of saying this cruise offered wonderful food, and the friends they'd brought as well were vegan. The S.S. Beatrice chef made special dishes just for them which were not just tasty but had beautiful presentation.  She was impressed also with the service of all staff. Wines poured were mostly local and were very good.  During the cocktail hour the shore excursion manager talked about the next day’s touring options and the wine sommelier spoke about the wine selections offered at dinner.  The captain was quite visible on this trip which we enjoyed.

Picture
The Itinerary
This itinerary visits Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Bucharest. Some magazine articles give the impression that we would experience uncrowded river conditions, with few if any riverboats doing this lower Danube cruise. However, that was not the case. We saw many other boats doing this cruise. Unlike many river trips we have taken, there are not numerous locks that you pass through, in fact there was only one the entire length of our cruise. Because of distances between ports, much of our travel was by night.

Picture
For Those With Mobility Issues
​Uniworld offers wonderful curated included shore experiences at a variety of levels for active travelers, the culturally curious and gentle walkers. However, they state very clearly in their brochures and on their website that their itineraries are not ideal for anyone with mobility issues, wheelchair user, etc. And this is certainly the case. So do consider your European river cruise vacation decision carefully if you are someone who has difficulty getting around. I had two long time clients with me, on their first riverboat trip, and the wife who suffers from a very bad back, said they would probably not do another one. It was just too hard trying to keep up with guides, even on tours for gentle walkers.


Picture
Post-Cruise in Bucharest
Our cruise ended in Bucharest with an included two-night stay at the Radisson Blu.  It was a lovely place to say farewell to old and new friends. This city center hotel stands near Bucharest Old Town, a short walk from the famed Revolution Square. Also nearby, you can admire the architecture of the National Museum of Art or Biblioteca Centrala Universitara, walk along the Calea Victoriei or attend a performance at the Romanian Athenaeum Concert Hall. Those with a passion for the outdoors enjoy strolling through the beautiful gardens of Cismigiu Park, adjacent to Radisson Blu.  You can also enjoy shopping in Piata Unirii, one of the largest squares in central Bucharest, and the old town area of Lipscani.

0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

    Archives

    March 2023
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    April 2021
    July 2019

    Categories

    All
    Cruises
    Europe
    Mexico

    RSS Feed

Picture

Dimensions in Travel

415-883-3245
​800-828-2962
​
775 E. Blithedale Avenue, Suite 398
Mill Valley, CA 94941

www.dimensionsintravel.com
info@dimensionsintravel.com

CST#1001493-40
Picture
Picture
Picture
Site powered by Ensemble Travel Group
Copyright 2013 - All rights reserved.