Royal Caribbean International and MGM Mile Marketing Partnership

This blog courtesy of Bob Z a loyal Nationwide Cruises and Vacations customer.

If you are an Mlife member and are planning on taking a cruise on Royal Caribbean, here is some great news for you:  Your tier status with MLife transfers over to Royal Caribbean Casino Royale!

I recently sailed on the Allure of the Seas and, prior to sailing, I called Royal Caribbean’s Casino Royale and had my Mlife account linked to my sailing.    

 What do you receive with Mlife?  It is based upon your MLife level and like Royal Caribbean’s tier status, the more you spend, the higher your MLife tier becomes and the greater the rewards.

The basic benefits begin with Mlife credits for gambling and can culminate with a complimentary annual cruise.  As I have the Chase Hyatt credit card (a great credit card for cruisers which will be discussed later), I automatically
qualify for Gold tier benefits with Mlife).

What does my Gold tier status provide?    Upon entering my stateroom, I had a letter from the casino welcoming me to the cruise.  Once we set sail and the casino opened, I visited the Casino Host and he placed a sticker on my SeaPass that provided complimentary drink vouchers, a complimentary dinner for 2 at a specialty restaurant (a $50+ value) and told me about the priority wait-list for entertainment venues on the ship.  The priority

wait-list is very valuable, especially on the Allure and the Oasis, where reservations for the shows are required.  This Skip-the-Line benefit allows you to go to the head of the line for seats at any shows you have not pre-reserved.   I just presented my SeaPass with the sticker and was promptly ushered into the showroom.  Nice!!

What else does Gold level offer on Royal Caribbean?  5 MLife credits for every Casino Royale point earned, departure lounge access, priority check-in and SeaPass cash advances with no fee (a great benefit as you can bypass the onboard ATM and its associated fee). 

Why not let Nationwide Cruises and Vacations assist you with your cruise and linking it to your MLife account by calling us at 770-729-1881?

All information was valid at time of print and subject to change due to program rules.

Happy Sailing!

MSC Seaside to set sail December 2017

MSC is a European cruise line with a Mediterranean ambiance and, after introducing itself to the American market, expanded with year-round Caribbean sailings from Miami in November 2013.  With that success, MSC is ready to take the next step to capture the hearts of more North American cruisers with the new Seaside class of ships.

The first in a series of ships is the MSC Seaside set to launch December 2017 sailing year-round Caribbean itineraries from Miami.  In keeping with the changing demands of the cruise industry and to lure its share of the growing cruising public, MSC is adding more bells and whistles to the cruise experience.

The highlight of MSC’s new generation of ships, the Seaside class, is the multi-story interactive water-park.  The water-park features 5 unique water-slides offering a variety of thrills for all ages and is connected to the Adventure Trail that includes a series of rope bridges and climbs high above the sea.

With the Seaside accommodating 5300 passengers at capacity, MSC’s innovative ship design for the Seaside class will employ logistics that merge design and stability.  

I know we are looking forward to MSC's new cruising experience and hope you, too, will be intrigued and ready to learn more. 

Contact Nationwide Cruises and Vacations for more information.  770-729-1881

Royal Caribbean's best 2014 promtion

Over the past couple of months, cruise lines have offered some great promotions.  Several that Royal Caribbean previously offered were buy one get one half off, kids sail free, reduced deposit or last month’s promotion to receive up to $1500.00 on board credit.  Of course the $1500.00 on board credit applied to Alaska or Europe 7+ night cruises. 

I have to admit I really wasn't a big fan of the promotions that many of the cruise lines offered this fall...until this week when Royal Caribbean announced one of my favorite offers!  Second guest 50% off, up to $300.00 onboard spending money plus 50% reduced deposit.  Finally an offer that combines all three promos into one.  When you break down the numbers and compare this promo to others, this is by far one of the best in the market.

By combining Royal Caribbean's offer with our additional on board credits on many Royal Caribbean departures, this saving can really add up.  By booking your Royal Caribbean cruise with Nationwide Cruises and Vacations, we are able to offer an exceptional cruise value.

As of today, this promotion is scheduled to end on December 31, 2014.  I don’t know if Royal Caribbean will extend this after December 31.  We can hope for a New Year's extension, but I would not wait to take advantage of this generous offer.

Since it is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2014, the perfect time to give the gift of travel is NOW!

Nationwide Cruises & Vacations

770-729-1881
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Over-the-water suites will be built at their boutique El Dorado Maroma

This past week Jose Martinez, president of Karisma Hotels & Resorts, announced a first for Mexico:   58 new over-the-water suites will be built at their boutique El Dorado Maroma resort in the Riviera Maya area of Mexico, located about 40 minutes south of the Cancun airport.

El Dorado Maroma is a Gourmet Inclusive Resort situated on Maroma beach, chosen by the Travel Channel as one of top ten best beaches in the world.

Roughly $7 million has been budgeted for the project and Karisma plans to have the suites completed by mid 2015.  Planning for the suite has been ongoing for over 5 years, as obtaining the required permits is quite complicated.

Personally, I am really excited to see this addition to the El Dorado Maroma. The resort is ideal for those seeking active relaxation in a luxuriously laid-back environment that includes gourmet cuisine, an infinity pool, ocean-view swim-up suites and impeccable service.  I have stayed at this resort and Maroma beach is a must stop every time I am in the region.  We look forward to arranging your stay at El Dorado Maroma, the ultimate beach-front resort.

Nationwide Cruises & Vacations CRUISE – SPA – ALL INCLUSIVE
770-729-1881  www.cruisenationwide.com

Disney Cruise Line to return to Puerto Rico, adds new, exciting destinations

Disney Cruise Line is adding new destinations on its Caribbean 2016 itineraries.

New for 2016 Disney Eastern Caribbean cruises sailing January through April 2016 from Port Canaveral, is the port of Tortola, BVI, where you can interact with Dolphins with a visit to Dolphin Discovery or include a beach experience and explore the reef to view its magical tropical inhabitants.

In addition to Tortola, ports include St. Thomas/St. Johns USVI and Castaway Cay. 

As San Juan was one of Disney’s popular ports this year, Disney will be returning there on its Southern Caribbean 2016 voyages featuring a new port, Martinique, where you can sample a Caribbean "taste" of France.  Other amazing ports during this Southern Caribbean cruise include Barbados, Grenada, Antigua and St. Kitts.  As of now, Disney is offering only four January 2016 departures and it is best to book early for this itinerary.

The new cruises for early 2016 are now available to book.

Summer 2015, Disney is sending the Wonder to Alaska and Hawaii, while the Magic returns to Europe.  The Dream and the Fantasy continue to offer sailings from Port Canaveral.

For more details contact Nationwide Cruises & Vacations at 770-729-1881

www.cruisenationwide.com

$40 million at Azul Fives Hotel

One of Playa del Carmen’s all inclusive family resorts announced today a $40 million at Azul Fives Hotel.

They will add 64 suites and a plaza with three additional gourmet restaurants, two bars, a gym and a coffee shop called “The Essence Section”.  This is a response to a demand for one, two, and three bedrooms suites.

Located on the Northern edge of the tourist town of Playa del Carmen, Azul Fives a Gourmet Inclusive Resort, by Karisma boasts a Gourmet Inclusive experience in unique one, two, and three bedroom accommodations. Perfect for families with spacious suite style accommodations, the Azulitos kids club and kids menus in all restaurants. Great for groups of friends or weddings with multi-unit accommodations, space for group gatherings, large meandering pools and beachfront restaurants.

At press time the addition of the 64 suites is scheduled to be completed by January 2015.  Karisma resorts that owns properties under the El Dorado, Azul and Generations brand have been a long time partner of Nationwide Cruises and Vacations.

For additional details contact Danny Fisher at 770-729-1881 x 103

Cabana Bay Resort at Universal Studios Orlando

This past March Universal Studios opened the Loews Cabana Bay Beach Resort.  For many years the only onsite resorts were 5 star resorts:  Loews Royal Pacific Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel & Spa.  When Universal announced in 2012 they would open the Cabana Bay Beach Resort, this was great news for guests who wanted a more moderately priced theme park resort. 

Since July 4^th was on a Friday this year, I decided to extend my holiday and spend a few days at the resort.  The Cabana Bay Beach Resort has the look and feel reminiscent of the 1960s from the time you walk into the lobby.  Small details take you back to the ‘60s, such as the vintage look of the Zest soap, VO5 shampoo and alarm clocks from the ‘60s.  The resort’s furniture and décor, including the rooms, lobby and pools all have a “retro-hip look”. 

Of the 1800 rooms, 900 are family suites that sleep up to six and include a kitchenette.  The other 900 rooms are small standard rooms that can sleep up to four guests.   The resort has a bowling alley that currently costs $13.00 per person including shoes for an hour and a half.  The Galaxy Bowl has a full- service bar and restaurant and is the only location that offers table service. 

The resort has two large swimming pools.  One is a zero entry pool that has a sandy beach area with plenty of lounge chairs.  The Lazy River is the most popular water spot at the resort and you can purchase floats starting around $7.  I found myself using the lazy river without a float as it was relaxing and a good workout.  The Cabana Courtyard pool has a water slide, cabanas, picnic tables, games and several fire pits, one of my favorite amenities.  The cabanas will accommodate 6 guests and include a TV, refrigerator, fan and phone to order pizza and other food items for delivery.  A cabana rental is $100 and I feel that is on the high end since they don’t offer personalized service.

For those who want to exercise, the resort has a Jack LaLanne gym with cardio and weight equipment.  The Bayliner Diner is a food court that offers plenty of selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  For full service dining, you’ll have to visit one of the other resorts or City Walk.  Since this is a Universal Studios resort, you can take advantage of early park admission, shuttle service to the parks and skip-the-lines-for-free in the parks.  And yes, for those that have to have a cup of their favorite java, you’ll find a Starbucks at the resort.

Here are some of my insider tips.

•Pack your favorite drinks and snacks since prices are high.
•Pack extra sunscreen as a bottle of suntan lotion will cost around $15.00.
•If you’re a light sleeper don’t book a pool side room.  Music around the pools start around 7am it’s not loud but a drawback if you want to sleep in.
•Need that adult beverage? The bowling alley has happy hour from 3pm to 6pm and 10pm to closing time. 

•The only table service is in the Galaxy Bowling alley.

•If you want a Cabana you’ll need to reserve one in advance.  Even at $100 a day all 17 are hard to reserve on weekends and holidays.

•The resort currently offers free limited Internet.

•Complimentary bus transportation to Universal parks and City Walk. The buses run about every 15-30 minutes, always check with the front desk for current schedules and times.

Overall this is a great resort.   The staff is extremely helpful and knows the resort very well.

 If you have questions or want to check rates and availability, please call 770-729-1881 x 103 or email me at danny@crusienationwide.com

www.cruisenationwide.com

Carnival Triumph returns to Galveston

The Carnival Triumph after a engine fire this past February is back in Galveston.  Today company officials say the nearly 900-foot Carnival Triumph departs Thursday from Galveston on a sold-out cruise to Mexico.  The Triumph underwent $115 million in repairs and upgrades. Work was done in Alabama and at a dry dock in Freeport, Bahamas. The ship returned to Galveston on Tuesday.  

After speaking to several of our Carnival customers they told us they would sail on the Triumph again, one guest commented "that the ship is probably in better shape now than when it was built in 1999"

We look forward booking customer on the Triumph after $115 million upgrade!

Nationwide Cruises and Vacations www.cruisenationwide.com 800-537-4774
For the benefit of those who are packing their appetites, let's start with BlueIguana Cantina, our taco and burrito hot-spot. (Or mild-spot, if that's more your style.) Burger lovers should direct their taste buds to Guy's Burger Joint, where they'll be delighted by original burgers and fries designed by the guy himself, celebrity Guy Fieri.

Cruisers thirsting for something a little different will be well-served by our new bar lineup, including Alchemy Bar, where highly-trained bartenders "prescribe" custom cocktails made with exotic, unexpected ingredients and compelling flavors. EA SPORTS Bar will satisfy your thirst as well as your taste for competition, featuring live scores, televised sporting events and the lifelike action of popular EA SPORTS video game titles. The friendly-rivals RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar let you choose colors, sides, and favorite cocktail ingredients... but both promise a little something cool to enjoy in the sun.

Carnival Triumph features onboard spaces inspired by cities from all four corners of the world. Experience delicious coffees, cakes, cookies and pastries at Vienna Café, encounter beach-casual fare at The South Beach Club, or explore a multi-course meal at London or Paris Dining Rooms. You’ll have your choice of spots for a drink, whether you find Hollywood Dance Club or the old-continent charm of Oxford Bar more your scene. And nobody can resist getting down to the New Orleans-style jazz of The Big Easy Bar! 

Kids will have an onboard, onscreen blast at Underground Tokyo video arcade, and even more age-appropriate fun at one of three supervised youth spaces. Kids young and old will love sinking putts at the mini-golf course, and everyone becomes a kid by simply splashing into one of Carnival Triumph’s pools.