Month in Review: April Travel Blog

Cruise, Tropics & All-Inclusive Monthly Recap

                           

My name is Adriana Da Silva, I am a Travel Advisor in Longwood, Florida.  I write travel reviews to help my clients plan the best vacation getaways.  I focus on Popular Resorts, Cruise Companies and Tropical Places that remain the top adult picks for the money.  Did you miss a post or know a busy person who needs a holiday?  Will you be their hero and forward this post. Don't forget to start booking your own getaway now.

 

Cruise Lines:

• Princess Cruise Lines- (Full Story) Overall, travelers can expect the consistent quality, service and value from the parent Carnival brand and the 50 year onboard Destination Wedding experience of Princess, making this combination a definitive choice to anyone interested in an affordable, simplified destination wedding.  You will save money, time and stress in making Princess your Destination Wedding. 

 

Tropics:

• Tortola British Virgin Islands-  (Full Story) You may not know about the British Virgin Island of Tortola, but you should!  Tortola is the largest of the British Virgin Islands, yet it is one of the best kept secrets of the Caribbean and is one of my personal favorites.  With its absolutely perfect blend of Caribbean Vibes, British Influence, sugar white-sand beaches, Mountain Ranges, National Parks, and accessibility to every creature comfort a person could desire, Tortola has something for everyone.  

 

All-Inclusive Resorts:

• The Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, Ny. - (Full Story) You may be surprised to know the U.S. has a Victorian Castle located in the small town of New Paltz, Ny.  This historic property has been run by 6 generations of the Smiley Family since 1869 and offers everything for every age, but because of it's seclusion, pricing and surreal beauty on it's immense property, the Mohonk is more of an idyllic Adult Retreat or Destination Wedding than a family vacation.

• Because of it's pricing, this exquisite property is most likely an experience for very special occasions and well needed couples retreats.  But do not miss this, you would definitely regret.

 

 

Travel Tips:

• When visiting popular cruise destinations it is important to read and understand the excursions very well, speak with your Travel Advisor especially during peak travel seasons.  Reserve early and then pay very close attention to changes.  You may need to ask customer service for updates as some changes may not be electronically posted.  Finally, be very early at the designated excursion meeting queues  

• There are only a few airlines flying regularly to Tortola and you should anticipate connecting in either Miami or San Juan, Puerto Rico.  This means as with any Island holiday, planning your arrival and departure dates should be considered with flexibility.

• Currently the Mohonk Mountain House requires guests to book directly thru their own guest services.  Regardless of how you arrive into Ny, because of the Mohonk's seclusion, you will need a car, and my best advice is to make a road trip of the entire beautiful Ny, Hudson Valley !  

Are you interested in my other stories?

 See (Cruise Lines)  (Tropical Places)  (Resorts)  or  (All Three)

Ready to book or have a question ?

Call or Text  (407) 432-0673 

Visit: adasilva.dreamvacations   email: adasilva@dreamvacations.com

Full Service | Travel Agent  | Longwood, Fl.

Mohonk Mountain House: A Surreal Adult Retreat

 

(Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz NY.  Since 1869)

You may be surprised find one of the resorts in New York is more of a Victorian Castle than a hotel. Located in the small town of New Paltz, New York.  The historic Mohonk Mountain House has been run by 6 generations of the Smiley Family since 1869 and offers everything for every age, but because of it's seclusion, pricing and surreal beauty on it's immense property, the Mohonk is more of an idyllic Wellness Retreat or Destination Wedding than a family vacation.

Is the Mohonk Mountain House right for you?

• The Mohonk Mountain House located in New Paltz, Ny is definitively a luxury destination and absolutely worth every dime of what is probably a once in a lifetime surreal experience for most people

•  Because of it's pricing, this exquisite property is most likely an experience for very special occasions and long weekend getaway for couples.  But do not miss this, you would definitely regret

• I would recommend to treat yourselves to at least a 3 night stay, of which you will never forget, and then visit the rest of what New York's Hudson Valley has to offer.  You will not be disappointed!

(Destination Wedding at the Mohonk)

What should you know about the Mohonk Mountain House?

• The Mohonk Mountain House is a National Historic Landmark and is very secluded:  It is almost 90 miles from Ny City, 19 miles from the Poughskeepsie Train station, and about a 9 mile scenic drive from the nearest very small town of New Paltz, Ny. 

• The property driveway from the last small service road to it's lodgings are one lane and one direction each, in and out, and are over 1 mile long themselves 

• Lastly, if this was not secluded enough, the property sits on 40,000 pristine acres of mountainous wilderness

• Tip: Regardless of how you arrive into Upstate New York, because of the Mohonk's seclusion, you will need a car, and my best advice is to make a road trip of the entire beautiful Ny, Hudson Valley !

(Region of Mirror Lake & Lake Placid, Upstate Ny)

Are the amenities at the Mohonk Mountain House good?

• There are activities of every kind; from incredible spas, yoga, hiking, swimming, canoeing, archery, Horse Back and Carriage Riding, Art Classes to name only a few

(Mountain Top Yoga Classes at the Mohonk)

• In 2023, Mohonk Restaurants were ranked #2 Best Hotel Restaurants in the country, and all food is sourced from local farms within the Hudson Valley.  You will find a variety of casual to formal dining among it's 8 venues plus In-room service

(Above: safe & gorgeous hiking trails and Below: the Test Kitchen at Mohonk Mountain House)

Things to do in Upstate Ny

The Hudson Valley of Ny, is big.  These are only a few of it's treasures

• Franklin D. Roosevelt Estate
• Rockefeller Estate
• Vanderbilt Estate
• Olana State Historic Site
• Woodstock

(Franklin D. Roosevelt Estate, Hudson Valley Ny)

Currency and payment accepted in New York:

Obviously, N.Y. is in the U.S., and the U.S. dollar is accepted.  The Mohonk Mountain House accepts all major credit cards, and has amazing gift shops which accept cash.  As stated several times the Mohonk is very secluded, so a good mixture of cash and cards for your road trip would be advisable

(Room accommodation at the Mohonk)

Should I rent a car in the Hudson Valley?

• Yes, the Hudson Valley is very large, the Mohonk Resort is 90 miles of from NYC and requires additional scenic driving even if a commuter train is taken in to Poughkeepsie from NYC

(taken from hiking trail at Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz)

Language:

English 

IMPORTANT!  The Mohonk Mountain House currently requires visitors to book reservations directly. I would be honored to plan the rest of your New York or Summer Vacation Travels.

Are you interested in my other stories?

 See (Cruise Lines)  (Tropical Places)  (Resorts)  or  (All Three)

Ready to book or have a question ?

Call or Text  (407) 432-0673 

Visit: adasilva.dreamvacations   email: adasilva@dreamvacations.com

Full Service | Travel Agent  | Longwood, Fl.

Tortola BVI: The best secret of the Caribbean

 

Is Tortola BVI right for you?   

You may not know about the British Virgin Island of Tortola, but you should!  Tortola BVI is the largest of the British Virgin Islands, yet it is one of the best kept secrets of the Caribbean and is one of my personal favorites.  With its absolutely perfect blend of Caribbean Vibes, British Influence, sugar white-sand beaches, Mountain Ranges, National Parks, and accessibility to every creature comfort a person could desire, Tortola BVI has something for everyone, making Tortola both a great family vacation spot and romantic getaway for couples.

  

What should you know about Tortola, British Virgin Island?

• From Orlando and connecting in Miami, Tortola is close to 1300 miles and a 4hr flight, making this Caribbean vacation accessible and worth every minute. 

• Tip:  U.S. Citizens are required to show passports. and there are only a few airlines flying regularly to Tortola and you should anticipate connecting in either Miami or San Juan, Puerto Rico.  This means as with any Island holiday, planning your arrival and departure dates should be considered with flexibility.

• Tortola has a rich mixture of Caribbean Creole history with the English and Dutch settling in Tortola in the late 1600's bringing the quaint Dutch style Architecture everywhere throughout the Island.

• Road Town, is the capital and largest town of Tortola, however with a population of only 15,000, you will hardly feel over crowded, and with it's colorful and beautiful Dutch Architecture, it is well worth spending some time shopping and dining in this Caribbean gem

(British Architectural Influence: Shopping in Tortola)

What are the best beaches in Tortola? 

You cant go wrong on Tortola, however many of it's beaches are small and secluded.

• Best Romantic/Couples: Long Bay Beach.  This is a small half-mile strip of soft-wide sand, there are many rocks however to get to the beach, and it is also accessible only from a small dirt road, but it's seclusion is idyllic for private romantic visits.

• Best for Snorkeling: Smugglers Cove, specifically, to the left side (when facing the water) of this beach, has some of the best aquatic life of the island.  

• Best Family-Friendly Beach: Cane Garden Bay, is my personal favorite because it reminds me of the beaches I had enjoyed while growing up in Brazil.  Cane Garden is only a few miles west of vibrant 'Road Town.'  On this long, but narrow beach you will find locals selling beverages, food, and Island Souvenirs.  The energy on the beach is very calm, and the of the mountains behind the beach are a stunning backdrop

(Above & Below: Cane Garden Bay Beach, Tortola British Virgin Island)

What are the best things to see in Tortola?

• Smuggler's Cove
• Callwood Rum Distillery
• Walking Tour of Road Town
• Mount Sage National Park
• Mount Healthy National Park
• Cane Garden Bay

(Above: Cane Garden Beach, Tortola British Virgin Island)

(Above: Callwood Rum Distillery, Tortola BVI since about 1800)

Currency and payment accepted on the island:

The official currency in Tortola is the U.S. dollar and credit cards are accepted, however American Express is not as widely accepted, and ATM machines are not as plentiful as in the U.S. and elsewhere, so plan accordingly.

Should I rent a car in Tortola?

• Yes, Tortola is a large Island, and it's main roadways are fully developed and safe to drive

• Tip: Because the mountain roads on Tortola are much smaller, winding and have switch backs that the locals use a communication system of their own to navigate, I would recommend initially finding one of the many inexpensive Island Tours if you are interested in a Scenic Mountain View.  You can then determine if you would feel comfortable trying the mountain driving on your own at a later time

(Tortola British Virgin Islands)

Language:

While English is the official language of Tortola, the English-based, Virgin Island Creole English is actually most commonly spoken.

Are you interested in my other stories?

 See (Cruise Lines)  (Tropical Places)  (Resorts)  or  (All Three)

Ready to book or have a question ?

Call or Text  (407) 432-0673 

Visit: adasilva.dreamvacations   email: adasilva@dreamvacations.com

Full Service | Travel Agent  | Longwood, Fl.

Princess Cruise: Make a Destination Wedding at Sea!

 Princess Cruise is the Original and Definitive 'Love Boat'

In this Princess Cruise Review see how onboard chapels, unlimited great food, and excellent entertainment, Princess clearly offers the best Destination Wedding Packages for the money and you will save yourselves and your wedding party a lot of time and stress by marrying at sea.  

Is Princess Cruises right for you?

Princess began it's legacy as a backdrop to Aaron Spelling's hit T.V. series 'The Love Boat' in 1975.  By 2020 Princess had broken the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS for the largest multi-location vow renewal after 1,443 couples reaffirmed their love for one another during simultaneous ceremonies onboard three ships.

• Princess is owned by the Carnival Corporation and is also categorized as being within the Premium Class, which places it's pricing and quality a little above an entry level experience

• With 15 ships, 330 destinations and 170 itineraries, Princess is available everywhere especially the most romantic destinations such as the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Mexican Riviera

• Princess welcomes SINGLES, SOLO and LGBTQ Travelers with Mingle and Get-Together events, making everyone's wedding planning even easier (no one is excluded!)

• For those travelers who must bring along the kids, Princess offers an amazing Kids Camp at sea, and has smartly divided up it's lido deck between Kid and Adult Friendly areas with kiddie pool and slides nicely tucked away from the music and and adult conversations

Is Princess Cruise Line's Service good?

• Princess Service is 'Reactive,'  meaning crew members do not approach guests. This may be welcomed if you desire a low key experience.  You may feel a little abandoned if you expected a more personal experience.  The crew is however very helpful when they are approached.

Is Princess Cruise Entertainment & Dining good?

• The overall dining experience is very good, however the quality of food ranges directly with specific venues as follows;

• Casual & Buffet dining quality- 'Good'
• Main dining quality- 'Better'
• Speciality dining quality-'Best'

• Tip: The free beverages are limited to; Coffee, Iced Tea, Water and Fruit Punch. Better products will be available by upgrading the Princess Medallion giving greater onboard amenity selections

• Formal Nights !  Princess still holds formal night, so be sure to pack a pair of nice clothes for your opportunity to dress up, and take those pics !

(above video:) Caribbean Princess Main Dining and Buffet 

• The overall quantity and quality of entertainment with Princess is excellent

• Live Music - 'Good'
• Variety Shows- 'Better'
• Comedy -'Best'

(above video: Caribbean Princess Entertainment)

Are the Princess Cruise Ships nice?

• The 'Caribbean Princess' was built in 2004 and after thousands of guests have enjoyed this ship, it remains in superior condition, giving credit to Princess and her hard working maintenance staff

• Hard Wood, Glass, Brass and Chrome of the classic cruising experience are found throughout these ships as well as bars being located within only a few foot steps of every lounge area, making alcoholic consumption a very strong temptation

• Although the 'Caribbean Princess' is now more than 20 years old, it's layout is smart; all shops, dining, lounge, and theaters are easy to find.  I personally enjoy the classic decor and I immensely appreciate the 'Hands-Off' service approach around lounge areas giving me a comfortable, uninterrupted place to work or relax for a few hours

(above photo: one of many lounge areas of Caribbean Princess)

Do people like Princess Cruise Excursions?

When we talk about the quality of a cruise excursion we mean the things a cruise line has some control over, such as; Logistics, Communication and the quality of tour operators it works with.

• The Princess Destinations are amazing but also very popular by most cruise lines, and some of the methods used in coordinating and communicating excursions with Princess feel outdated, and result in delays that seem to be avoidable if newer technology and planning are applied

• Tip:  Read and understand the excursions very well, speak with your Travel Advisor especially during peak travel seasons.  Reserve early and then pay very close attention to changes.  You may need to ask customer service for updates as some changes may not be electronically posted.  Finally, be very early at the designated excursion meeting queues

(above photo: Cozumel Mexico, Princess Cruise Lines)

Final Thoughts:

Overall, travelers can expect the consistent quality, service and value from the parent Carnival brand and the 50 year onboard Destination Wedding experience of Princess, making this combination a definitive choice to anyone interested in an affordable, simplified destination wedding or getaway for couple.  You will save money, time and stress in making Princess your Destination Wedding.

Are you interested in my other stories?

 See (Cruise Lines)  (Tropical Places)  (Resorts)  or  (All Three)

Ready to book or have a question ?

Call or Text  (407) 432-0673 

Visit: adasilva.dreamvacations   email: adasilva@dreamvacations.com

Full Service | Travel Agent  | Longwood, Fl.

Month in Review: March Travel Blog

Cruise, Tropics & All-Inclusive Monthly Recap

                           

(Sandals Ochi, Ocho Rios Jamaica)

My name is Adriana Da Silva, I am a Travel Advisor in Longwood, Florida.  I write travel reviews to help my clients plan the best vacation getaways.  I focus on Popular Resorts, Cruise Companies and Tropical Places that remain the top adult picks for the money.  Did you miss a post or know a busy person who needs a holiday?  Will you be their hero and forward this post. Don't forget to start booking your own getaway now.

 

Cruise Lines:

• Holland America Lines- (Full Story) Because of Holland America's value, premier quality, and overall European presence, this cruise line is perfect for budget sensitive people to attain what may be their once in a lifetime opportunity of experiencing Europe and the Mediterranean regions of the world.  And with ports of call like Venice, Italy, this is an easy choice for couples to Romantically celebrate their most important Anniversaries together

(the perfect Mediterranean Cruise with Holland America)

Tropics:

• San Juan, Puerto Rico- (Full Story) San Juan offers over 500 years of rich history, beautiful architecture, art and great food.  With incredible beaches, rainforests, ecotours and even an energetic night life of Night Clubs and Casino's in the new parts of San Juan, San Juan offers everything couples & singles may want in a Caribbean Getaway

 

(above: Old San Juan and Beaches)

All-Inclusive Resorts:

• Sandals Resorts- Ocho Rios, Jamaica- (Full Story) Sandals has spent the past 43 years acquiring the most idyllic locations throughout the Caribbean including one of it's newest 'Dunn's River,' located nearby one of the most iconic rivers and waterfalls to newlyweds throughout the world, making Sandals truly a premium experience with value pricing as compared with the rest of it's peers within this niche. 

• Sandals is ideally attractive to couples that may be luxury seeking, but price sensitive such as; newly weds, or celebrating a big anniversary or other important milestones where heavy additional expenses may be part of their total planning process.

(Room at Sandals Ochi)

Travel Tips:

• Europe continues to be heavily over touristed, and many of it's walk ways and streets are very steep and/or uneven.  This means if you either have special needs, walking difficulty or even a fear of heights, some sights throughout Europe and the Mediterranean may not be appropriate for you, and you should first book early and speak with your travel advisor or carefully read the description before purchasing an excursion.  

• While everything within the Historic area of San Juan is close to one another, the area sits on a steep hill.  In addition, the capitol building of San Juan is also inside the historic district. This means roads are sometimes closed to permit political motorcades thru.  Being historic, some streets are still cobbled and very narrow.  All of this means that driving, parking, and walking could be challenging, especially to those with special needs.  Consider taking a shuttle or taxi for the day in Old San Juan.

• For those considering climbing Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, this is a guided tour, but it is a fairly strenuous climb.  You must form a human chain -holding on to both the persons in front and behind you.  The path is narrow at times, the rocks are very slippery, (water shoes with great grip are highly recommended), and some portions can be quite high where a fall could lead to serious injury.  This would not be appropriate for persons with a fear of heights, or serious conditions.

Are you interested in my other stories?

 See (Cruise Lines)  (Tropical Places)  (Resorts)  or  (All Three)

Ready to book or have a question ?

Call or Text  (407) 432-0673 

Visit: adasilva.dreamvacations   email: adasilva@dreamvacations.com

Full Service | Travel Agent  | Longwood, Fl.