My husband and I just cruised with Holland America on the Westerdam. First, let me tell you this ship is has been very popular with my clients, I am a travel agent that specializes in cruises. Last spring, I had a client that sailed in the Caribbean on the Westerdam. She loved it so much, she turned right around and booked it for an Alaskan cruise. She loved it just as much the second time. Now, me myself, I typically like to try a different ship each time I cruise. But I have to tell you, I would definitely cruise on the Westerdam again.
What a beautiful ship. The Holland America Westerdam is 4 years old but nearly spotless. Her decor is beautiful…I loved the crystal ship model rotating in the chandelier of the Atrium, right across from the Pinnacle Grill. Our room was a typical balcony stateroom but it was very well appointed compared to some of the other ships we have sailed on. There was plenty of storage space for all the clothes and gear we brought. We appreciated the full bathtub rather than just a shower! We also got a look at the suites onboard this ship. They were very nice. I loved the large seating areas, enormous bathrooms (for a cruise ship) with double sinks and the spacious balconies.
What did we enjoy onboard? Well, let me name a few things…..first and foremost we enjoyed the before/after dinner melodies of the string trio, the Moonlight Strings. They played, in the Explorer’s Lounge, each evening from about 6:30-11:00. This trio from Hungary played classics, recent music and even a little Disney music when a child was in the lounge. The music was enjoyable and the lounge chairs were very cozy so we were never in a hurry to leave. It was a great place to relax with an after dinner drink. They were great!
We also really enjoyed the pool areas. The Lido pool has a wonderful sliding dome cover so regardless of the weather, it is good swimming/relaxing weather anytime. Also, the two pools onboard were larger than most we have seen on cruise ships.
We found ourselves in the Queen’s Lounge and Culinary Arts Center frequently. The most enjoyable event here was the Culinary Art’s event “Chef Andreas Turns Up the Heat”. We had fun watching Chef Brad (the Pinnacle Grill Chef was called in when his boss got pulled into a meeting), cook a Mediterranean Chicken dinner & Austrian Apple Strudel. The setup was great…..the kitchen is setup like Emeril’s and there are a couple large screens with live shots looking directly down at the counter and stove top so you have a good view of everything the chef is doing. Chef Brad was entertaining and in the end, he shared samples of the Strudel with everyone in the audience. We also got to bring home the recipe cards! I can’t wait to try the Mediterranean Chicken dish although I am not so sure about trying to tackle the Strudel. That looks like a little more work than I am willing to do. Also in the Queen’s Lounge, there were daily movies, all recent! One evening, we watched a very funny Westerdam Superstar contest of karaoke singers…some very bad an some surprisingly good. The room was packed, standing room only, and we laughed hysterically at times.
And the library….also very different than most of the other ships I have been on. The Exploration’s Cafe is combined with the Crow’s Nest Lounge forward on deck 10 of the Westerdam. This library was wonderful…..it was large, well organized and had a great selection. It also included the internet access area. The coffee bar was great and the views were wonderful! One morning, even though we had a great balcony to sit on back at our room, my husband and I sat in some very comfortable lounge chairs basking in the warm sun from the large windows, and relaxing with a good book. We really appreciated the down time.
Oh, and did I mention the Pinnacle Grill….scrumptious! The wait staff was attentive while not overbearing, the ambience was very nice…..be sure to ask for the corner table if you want the perfect romantic spot! The food……yum. I enjoyed a delicious fillet mignon and prawns. Dessert was to die for….chocolate souffle. I want this every night! Although there is a small surcharge for a meal here, I encourage everyone to try the Pinnacle Grill. Be sure to book quickly as the reservations fill up within the first day or two.
There were so many more things to do, I couldn’t even get to everything but let me just mention a few more…..the Piano bar is rocking every night with lots of fun music and many happy guests! It tends to be standing room only later in the evening. Of course the Westerdam also has a beautiful spa featuring all the current health and relaxation opportunities available in the spas at home…..even a hydro therapy pool. And, if your husband feels like he is going to miss his sports, there is a nice sports bar near the casino. When we were onboard, the Phillies were playing the Rays in the first couple games of the World Series. In the Vista lounge, the shows were fun and what I enjoyed most was seeing one of my clients end up on the shoulders of a unicyclist. And I always thought the people that were pulled from the audience for things that dramatic were plants. Not this time! Now I know. Oh my goodness, just glad my husband didn’t volunteer me!
By: Denise Stone
If you were told there was an untold secret that thousands were using for getting paid to travel off every Disney vacation, Las Vegas travel package, Hawaii vacation, honeymoons and all travel package deals, including airfare, would you want in on it? Of course you would. Especially if you travel at least once a year for a typical family fun vacation. Now what if you were a frequent flier and you ran across this hidden secret, would it sound all too good to be true?
At last, just when you thought you knew all there was to know about discount travel, and cheap last minute deals that had you magically fooled on travel savings; here comes the number one travel advantage thus far of how people get paid to travel the world, no matter where and when they go. It doesn’t matter if it’s a last minute travel deal, ten people or one, families, cruises, air travel , or whatever, getting paid to travel is now the in thing to do.
Stop booking travel online through Expedia, and pay yourself first is what my mentor told me after I discovered he went to St. Louis, booked a hotel and car rental online, paid practically nothing for the trip, came back home and got a check for his trip in the mail. I was blown away, but also wanted to know more of what this guy was doing because I went to Chicago from Va, and spent nearly a thousand by myself.
Then even more mind bobbling, my Aunt Janice, got hip to this secret. She went on an exciting trip to Bermuda recently, stayed for about a week, came home and a few days later she called and told me there was a check in the mail nearly $500. And this was from her personal trip, Wow!
Think about this for a hot second will you? Picture yourself on a fabulous Hawaii vacation you booked Online(not from Expedia, Priceline, neither Hotwire,etc.,). Pina-calodas and white sandy beaches had you on fantasy Island for days. After an exciting trip, memories to die for and priceless fun, you arrive home and dawn on your best trip. You open your mail, and there’s a check for you from the trip you just came off. Simply amazing!
This happens quite frequently now to thousands of people worldwide. This secret of getting paid to travel the world, whenever you want is being offered through private travel agencies online and average consumers are now making valuable use of this, because it puts money back into their pockets.
Plus, these travel agencies are given them huge discounts on their travel packages making the family vacation that much cheaper.
Massive savings on travel is a must for everyone. No matter if you’re a frequent traveler or once a year traveler. You now have the luxury of saving money and making money off your own family vacation. Take a look right now and discover the secrets of how getting paid to travel is evolutionary, and quietly sweeping across America. Over 100,000 people are already hip to it. So don’t get left out, because travel secrets like this vanishes quickly once the demand is filled.
By: Brad Addo
Traveling To Mexico
Mexico has always and will always be America’s beach getaway. We have created the Mexico travel guides for you, to get the a basic idea of what to expect in Mexico. Luckily, we have aggregated some of the best online resources in this brief overview, to give you a good picture of Mexico, and it’s completely free! One thing is for sure when going to Mexico, you will never run out of things to enjoy.
Inland
Mexico is quite a large country that is composed of unique and vibrant regions. The inner sections of Mexico are filled wit mountain cities that have been heavily influenced by Spanish Colonial architecture. These cities can range from large contemporary cities like Monterrey and Mexico City to old-fashioned small towns or villages like San Miguel and San Luis Potosi. Practically all of the inner destinations in Mexico City and in the south offer historical ruins that have been preserved from a once mighty civilization, that opposed the Roman empire more than 2000 years ago.
Beaches
The Mexican Riviera provides numerous wonderful destinations that include Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Mazatlan, Ixtapa, Manzanillo, Huatulco, and Cancun. Each of these cities boasts different moods and charms that is considered as one of the most amazing beach destinations in North America. The Mayan Riviera also hosts Mexico destinations are also very unique because they’re not only beautiful beaches but they also offer easy access to a variety of the Mayan ruins, Cenotes and some of the most diverse and dynamic diving spots in the world.
Mexico Travel Guides
Traveling to Mexico on a budget is very easy to do. Some globetrotters can survive on an incredibly low budget of USD 600 to USD 800. Small colonial cities also offer cheap but accommodating hotels. As much as possible, if you really want to stay in Mexico with a low budget, get to know the locals and live like them. This means that you may need to look for “rent” signs that will offer quaint rooms at even lower prices. It will also help you if you can find a local tour guide who will give you a real tour of the city and not something that’s boring like most travel companies do. $20 would be a good price to pay them considering that you are getting an exotic look at Mexico. As soon as you have established your lodging, you can then visit the Mercado, the local villages, attractions and beaches that are all very inexpensive.
If you’re going to be in Mexico for a short period but still want to explore as much as possible, then it is best to plan your main destination ahead of time. The bus system will offer you and easy and inexpensive mode of transportation. This is probably the best way to travel around in Mexico. Getting around in Mexico is essential. If you cannot travel around, you get the most out of your vacation.
Remember, always travel with trusted people and keep your belongings safe at all times. It’s always best to follow these precautions so as not to get into any trouble, after all, a vacation is supposed to be relaxing. So, just follow these guides, and you will have an incredible time.
By: Fred Landry
Travel America | admin July 27, 2009 | 
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