Mexico has Come of Age!

Most of you know that I have not always been too wild about Mexico as a tropical winter sun destination. But, as I reported in a blog post last spring, I have been impressed with the remarkable improvement in the quality of the higher-end resorts in the last several years. They were pushed by the cruise boom 15 to 20 years ago and it took them awhile to figure why they were losing their clients to the cruises. And, so began the birth of the "All-Inclusive Resorts". Early on, the food was awful and the service - well, it was spotty at best! But, they certainly have figured it out and now can rightfully boast that their resorts are a worthy match... particularly in the areas of food quality and personal service. By far, the best of the All-Inclusive Resorts center around Playa del Carmen and Riviera Nayarit - the new resort area just a couple miles north of Puerto Vallarta. There are All-Inclusives throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, but these two areas offer the most choices.

The earlier post that I referred to focused upon our favorite - the Riu Palace Riviera Maya at Playa del Carmen. (For more on that great 5-Star resort, refer back to my post of last May. Scroll down this page and click "older posts".) Now, we can heartily recommend the newest Riu Resort - the Riu Vallarta at Riviera Nayarit.

My travel agency has featured Riu Resorts all over the world for about 6 years now simply because they send our clients home happy... and, on our end of the table, they are delightful to work with. Tell your travel agent to send you to a 4-Star or 5-Star Riu Resort!

Cheers,

Dick

Why do they do this?

Last Saturday, I was sitting in a coffee house updating a few of our web pages (new specials). At the next table is a middle-aged couple - each with a laptop open. They are searching for flights to & from Tampa. About every two minutes, one of them announces to the other that they have hit on something. Honestly, I wasn't meaning to eavesdrop but, being in the travel business, I couldn't help picking up some of their chatter.

Among the things they "found" was a double connection - first O'Hare, then Dallas. Another "find" was cooler: Just one connection on the way down (Atlanta) but the return was from Tampa to Phoenix (honest!) and a flight home from there. Then there was the one that was Minneapolis - Newark (I wouldn't wish that one an enemy!) - Tampa. They weren't done yet! They found two non-stops: The only problem was that their return was from Orlando so they talked about renting their car in one city and returning it in the other. Undaunted, they trudged on finding single connections each way... but the return entailed a four hour lay-over getting them home at 11:30 that night.

But they were saving a ton of money, right? The only audible references to fares seemed to indicate that they were looking $290 to $390. Starting to develop saddle sores, I packed up and left. They had been at this for over an hour when I exited - they might still be there! Although I couldn't hear the dates that they were looking at, it was a pre-holiday trip. On Monday I had one of our agents take a look at Minneapolis - Tampa round trips on Northwest non-stops only. We came up with fares - you guessed it - around $280 and on one set of dates we found availability at $240.

So the question is: Why do they do this?
There is an answer... tune in tomorrow and I'll solve the mystery!

Dick

Wendy Perrin is Back!

My posts back in August and September declared Conde Nast Traveler writer Wendy Perrin to be a "dink'. Well, she's back with another "Travel Advice" column that reaffirms how deserved she is of this label.

Her "Best Travel Secrets" column in the September issue (I'm a little behind in my reading) advised, "If you want to make an overnight train trip (in Europe) as pleasant as possible, rent all four berths in the compartment so that you have it all to yourself.

A travel agent in New Hyde Park, NY did some fare research on three routes... each had similar results. EG: Each berth on a Paris to Berlin train was $123 for a total of $492 for the whole 4-berth compartment that had no in-compartment facilities. A single-berth compartment in first class was $417 and included a wash basin.

Great advise, isn't it?
If you want a few laughs, go back and read those earlier posts.

Cheers,

Dick
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Cruising through Italy & Greece (part 2)
After our brief stay in Rome, we boarded the Seabourn Spirit. Amazingly, even though it was 6 years since we sailed on this intimate 200 passenger ship, we were reunited with one of our waiters from 2001! Even more amazingly, he remembered us. Such is the personal rapport that can be developed on a small ship of this service level. (As with our experiences at that restaurant in Rome, it is entirely possible that we were remembered for reasons that might not be entirely flattering!!!!)
I could blather on about the ports we visited, but I would rather blather on about the "Seabourn Experience". With a crew-to-passenger ratio of 1-to-1, it is easy to see how the personal service that we experience on these trips is possible. Assembling in our favorite lounge for cocktails on the second night, the waiter asks if we want the same cocktails as last night... on the 3rd night, if we said yes the night before, he just brings our drinks. (Of course, we learned long ago that if we do want to change our beverage order, we need to head the waiter off quickly!) In the dining room, if you ask for a deviation, such as a "side" of french fries, you may get french fries on the side every night!
I had the pure joy of receiving my luggage on the 4th day of our trip. Having informed the Purser as we boarded, they swung into action (as did the Bell Captain at our hotel in Rome - unsuccessfully). The Purser contacted the cruise lines' representative at the airport and gave me updates every time I walked by the ships rotunda, where the Purser's office is located. The housekeeping manager knocked on our cabin door within 5 minutes of our arrival offering help with jackets, ties, tuxedos and whatever else they could find for me. The clothes I traveled in went immediately to the ship's laundry and was back in our cabin within a couple hours. There was no charge for the laundry and dry cleaning . The bag was finally located while we were on a shore excursion so the Purser ordered a special delivery by taxi in order to assure it's arrival by sailing time. The cost would be about $120 and the Purser offered to "cover" that cost since I couldn't be reached to accept the charge. Of course, I insisted that they not bear the charge. With a little luck, I'll get reimbursed by Northwest's "Sky Partner", Alitalia! We'll see!
Enough blathering! you get the idea... we kind of like this luxury cruising thing! It's pricy, but well worth it! Remember, if you can afford to go first class, and don't... your heirs will!

Dick
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The Pure Joy of the Mediterranean!
That we have just experienced our 5th Med Cruise in 7 years probably gives you the impression that we, sort of, like it! We returned to Seabourn Cruise Line's Seabourn Spirit (pictured here in port at Navplion, Greece) after 3 trips aboard Silversea's Silver Cloud. Having sailed on the Spirit in 2001, we were anxious to compare Seabourn with Silversea. Talk about a no-lose situation! In our opinion, these are the two finest luxury lines afloat. And our experience reaffirmed those feelings. To say one is the slightest bit better than the other is indeed splitting hairs. To be sure, there are subtle differences - none that are either good or bad... just slightly different. If you are considering an upscale cruise - and you should - contact me for our reflections.

On this outing, we cruised from Rome to Athens, spending a little extra time at both ends of the cruise. Having been to both cities before, we have started feeling at home in those cities - particularly Rome. A required staple of any visit is dinner at our favorite restaurant, Al Fortunata del Pantheon. Largely because we need a table for 8, we have dined at the same table on each visit. The fact that waiters remember us from previous visits does make me wonder if it's because we're so nice or if we make spectacles of ourselves! (We DO have a good time and, I think, make it fun for waiters!) When in the Med, one MUST focus on the incredible seafood. And, when in Italy, the fabulously delicious pastas are 'required'! Having toured the attractions of the city on previous visits, we opted to head to the countryside with Miguel, our long-standing guide in Rome. We visited the mountain lakes area where, among other things, the Pope's summer residence is.
(to be continued)

Cheers,

Dick
To comment, please click the "comments" link below, type in your comments then, under “Select an Identity”, select “Other” if you want to leave a name (your name or a ‘blog handle’) or just leave it blank. OR, you can select ‘Anonymous’. I would love to hear from you!

OK; so the travel writer is cheap!

Many friends and clients have commented on the preceding post and agree that this woman is a moron. But many cruise lines have created their own monsters by getting caught up in "commodity pricing". Take one of our favorite lines, Holland America, for example. Holland America is a "premium" line that has maintained a tradition of excellence over the years. So why do they feel that they need to advertise a 7-day premium cruise "from" (that ubiquitous term!) $699? That only attracts people like the afore-mentioned that expect all-inclusive luxury for $40 per person/per day. The real price of that $699 cruise (that's a minimum inside cabin) with taxes and port fees is going to be more like $950. And when you upgrade to an Oceanview Cabin - and you know you will - you are at $1,299 and up. And that's a bargain! OK; now you're going to pay extra for the things listed in the previous post. But, it's still a bargain! Do the math and anyone can see that the end price for what you receive is quite low.

Our agency has cost comparisons between a premium cruise and a similar all-inclusive land vacation that proves the value of a cruise. (And, by the way, we don't really care whether we sell you a $1,500 beach vacation or a $1,500 cruise. We do care that we led you to the right choice!)

My message to premium lines like Holland America, Princess, and Celebrity: Don't try to compete with standard class lines on price. Hold your heads high and announce that your product is worth more than the standard class lines - and quit charging extra for soft drinks!


Dick

More Proof that Travel & Leisure Writers are Dinks!
Conde Nast Traveler writer Wendy Perrin takes a poke at the cruise industry and their alleged 'deceptive' pricing in her July article, "Sticker Shock at Sea", claiming that her family's Celebrity cruise ( a family of four) cost 54% more than the base fare. In her critique, she listed a number of extra charges that they incurred... charges for things that I would not exactly call 'typical'. She complained that she and her husband paid $220 for dinner for two including wine and tip in the ship's alternative gourmet restaurant. I looked it up and found that the surcharge for that gourmet dinner is $30 per person - far less than a similar meal in a comparable land-based restaurant. How she and her hubby could spend an extra $160 is a bit perplexing - either it was a very special bottle (or bottles) of wine or they are BIG tippers! Either way, it was their choice!

She whined about the $6 per hour they spent on child care. I checked into that and found that Celebrity's children's program is free of charge. She complained that they spent over $800 on 10 shore excursions. Again, their choice - and I don't know of any vacation package that includes side trips. She complained about their $228 bar bill. Again, their choice... and it is common knowledge that wine and cocktails on ships are well below prices at land-based lounges and restaurants. She even took offense at the $5 per day charge for unlimited soft drinks and complained about the 'endless' fliers promoting the shops and spa services. Apparently, she was unaware that use of the waste basket in their cabin IS complimentary!!!!

A good travel agent could tell her that the luxury lines typically DO include all those things for which the contemporary lines provide as optional services. (You would think that a professional writer would be familiar with the term, "Optional".) Of course the base price is much higher. I guess she wants Lexus features at a Kia price!

Cheers,
Dick

Luxury Cruises...
Hop on the "Upward Curve" for your next Cruise Vacation!
If you are in the middle of your child-raising years and are looking for a family vacation ignore this post! But, if you are looking for a break from those responsibilities -OR- have moved past that phase of your life, chances are pretty good that you don't want to board a ship that is loaded with families with young children.
Family travel (including family reunions) is huge these days... and that means kids everywhere - even during times of the year when you might think they are in school and even on premium lines such as Holland America and Princess.
There is an escape! The luxury lines are, by virtue of their "price point", true adult-oriented experiences. My wife and I will become "Empty Nesters" in September and are looking forward to a luxury cruise with Seabourn Cruise Line in October! On our first Seabourn cruise in 2000, we were in the 'taking a break' mode and we are looking forward to returning to the Seabourn Spirit as members of the second group that I identified above. Seabourn is one of four luxury lines from which you can choose. Along with Silversea, Crystal and Regent Seven Seas the fares on the "Elegant Four" seem quite "dear" but when you avail yourself of the many discount offerings and when you consider that everything is included - gourmet dining (for which there is a surcharge on other lines), all cocktails, fine wines and all gratuities - experiencing the best is really not all that much more expensive than a "premium class" cruise... with all those families on board!
Note: There is a new cruise line that positions itself between the premium class (Princess, Holland America, etc.) and the luxury lines. Oceania Cruise Line is what we refer to as "premium plus" in that you still pay for beverages and the gratuities are not included but the level of the cuisine and service is slightly better - and Oceania "does nothing to encourage children".

If you would like my recommendations on the right line for you, send me an email!

Cheers,

Dick

Playa del Carmen:
Riu Palace Riviera Maya gives me a fresh, new view of Mexico.
My wife and I recently spent a week at the brand new Riu Palace Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen and loved it! I was as surprised as anyone since I haven't been especially fond of Mexico in the past. The place was elegant and the service truly the equal of first-class cruise lines - something I thought to be impossible. The food quality and presentation was far beyond that of any all-inclusive resort we have ever visited. In a seven night stay, we dined in a different restaurant each night. And, every one of them was perfect. The cocktail lounge in the main lobby was our favorite nightly spot before dinner. Live piano music and palatial atmosphere made it a perfect relaxing cocktail hour after a day in the sun. For golfers, the newly renovated Playacar Golf Club is directly across the street.
Our travel agency, Gateway Express Travel features Riu Resorts all over the world, so we thought we should try this area out since they have 5 resorts just in Playa del Carmen alone. I can heartily recommend it to anyone who wants the best. Tell your travel agent to check it out for you - especially if you haven't been a big fan of Mexico (as we weren't) before now!

Las Vegas Vacations...
THE QUIETER, ELEGANT SIDE OF LAS VEGAS
My closest "friend" hates Las Vegas. It seems that her biggest objection is having to plow one's way through the crowded casino to get to her room after a lovely dinner or a great show. Well, there is a cure! My post of a few weeks ago spoke of the trend toward upscale everything - the elegant shops at Bellagio, The Venitian, Caesar's Palace and others; the Celebrity Chef Restaurants, and so on. Add to the list of elegance, some new hotels (with no casinos) that provide private entrances, private pool and spa areas and all the elegance of the finest upscale hotels in Manhattan. THE hotel at Mandalay Bay, the Skylofts at the MGM Grand are just a couple options and more are being built as I write this. (Hint: Trump is coming to Las Vegas soon.)

The other alternative destination within a destination is Lake Las Vegas. Two elegant lakeside resorts, two world-class golf clubs and relatively 'sane' casinos are yours here... and you are only 20 minutes from The Strip for those great shows and other attractions.
On your next adventure, fly First Class to Las Vegas, ride to your hotel in a private executive car, check in at the Invited Guests desk, and get 'front of the line' status at the popular Celebrity Chef Restaurants (and for the 30-something crowd - the hot nightclubs!) at a price well-below what you might expect. If you love the excitement of The Strip but want it in small doses with a quick escape route to quiet, elegant surroundings this is for you!
I would be happy to give you some additional tips. Send a comment to this blog post OR just email me.

Cheers,

Dick

Las Vegas Trips:
Vegas keeps getting Better... and Busier!
Although Las Vegas is not my favorite 'cup of tea', I always look forward my annual visit for a travel industry technology conference. It is truly the most exciting place on Earth. And, despite the unbelievable pace and the tremendous crowds, the friendliness of the great majority of people you come in contact with is beyond impressive. My hat is off to all the service personnel of Las Vegas. I don't know how they can do what they do day-after-day!!! For those of you that appreciate great marketing, the Las Vegas Visitors Bureau is the quintessential case study. The city adds thousands of new rooms each year - and they keep filling them. Hotel occupancy is 87.6% which beats every other vacation destination in the entire world. Here are a few observations & tips that I had from my most recent visit last week: 1. The growth is clearly in the upscale segment of the market. Every time I visit, another few "cheap, old casino/hotels" have been bulldozed to make room for new 5-Star properties. The day of the 99 cent shrimp cocktail is gone! 2. For the '30-something' crowd, the hot nightclubs are springing up everywhere - and getting into one without a VIP pass is a low-percentage proposition! For those of us that are 'more seasoned', the Celebrity Chef restaurants are exploding. And, likewise, don't go to Las Vegas without an advance (3 or 4 months in advance) reservation! 3. The shows just keep getting bigger and better! (You may catch on to a recurring theme here...) If you want to see a major show, you had better get your tickets well in advance of your visit. The hot tickets are Celine Dion, Elton John and Danny Gans. It seems as though Cirque du Soleil will soon engulf the entire city! The newest edition, LOVE by Cirque du Soleil which celebrates the Beatles, is the hottest ticket in town!

If you are going to go, I urge you -strongly- to ask your travel agent to arrange VIP passes, dinner reservations and show tickets in advance!

Cheers,

Dick

Maui Vacations...
The Grand Wailea Maui might surprise you!
As I shared in my last post, my wife and I absolutely adore Hawaii and get a chance to visit every few years - not nearly enough! But with the distractions of running our business and managing two teenagers and a puppy, that's all we have seemed to manage in recent years. Having stayed at the Grand Hyatt Wailea in it's first year of existence 14 years earlier, we were looking forward to a "return engagement". It indeed was a little like coming home. Although it is longer affiliated with Hyatt we found it to be everything we remembered... and more. Among the "more" were some things that were not to our liking. Among the things we expected was the cordial service, the fabulous Spa and the gorgeous grounds. And in those areas we were not disappointed. But there were a few things that surprised us as well. Unbeknown to us, this resort has heavily marketed itself to families with young children. Because of the many water slides throughout the pool areas the place was crawling with kids! Along with that shift in focus, we discovered that fine dining was no longer a part of the Grand Wailea Resort. For instance, the main restaurant overlooking the grounds from just off the lobby area - one that we fondly remembered - no longer is open for dinner. Thankfully, the Four Seasons Resort just next door and the Fairmont Kea Lani just down the beach provided us numerous options for fine dining with an adult atmosphere!
Despite all this the Grand Wailea is still a wonderful place although it is definitely showing its age. I would recommend it heartily - to families with young children!!!