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Destination Tips

Fantastic Adventure Islands. A short text on where to go to escape and have fun.

by Royal Holiday January 30, 2016

written by Royal Holiday

What do you think is the perfect vacation to escape from it all? Some think it is going to an all-inclusive hotel to relax and being pampered with cocktails and good food. Others think that the perfect vacation is to go deep into the jungle and experience wildlife first hand. A good handful of people think that escaping the heavy and dense city life is going to paradise islands. Better yet, islands where you can have an adventure and have it all to yourself and really forget you live a normal, 9 to 5 working life surrounded by concrete and people.

Here are 3 adventure islands around the world and some activities that can be done to feel you are really getting away from it all.

Image courtesy of John Finn at Flickr.com

Aitutaki Cook Islands:
it is located in the Central-south Pacific Ocean. A beautiful Polynesian Atoll where you can get lost among the chain of islands that are close to one and other. Also snorkel or scuba dive in the reefs. The smiling locals, pink ukuleles and translucent lagoons will greet you when you arrive. The adventure part is to go on two different types of plans. First, you can kayak or paddleboard on the 7 mile long lagoon. You can leave your boat or paddle on a deserted island and then go snorkelling around the reef to encounter cobalt blue starfish, giant clams and yellow barrel sponges. The other plan is to go biking along the back roads to feel the fresh air and the constant freedom of hot summer winds. It is mostly flat but on occasions you will have a small uphill. Remember to hydrate yourself and stop every now and then to take pictures and to rest. There are bike rentals with baskets so you can go into town and stash your fridge with the necessary things for your stay.
Cayos Cochinos, Honduras:
ever thought about going to Honduras? Cayos Cochinos (or Cochinos Cayes) are a group of two small islands, Cayo Menor and Cayo Grande, which are located 30 miles off the northern shores of Honduras. It as an area of 2 kilometres and with a population of only about 120 people. The islands are a marine protected area and it has a scientific research station in Cayo Menor. The coral reef that you will find here is part of the world’s second largest coral reef system known as the Meso-American Barrier Reef. According to national geographic “”The waters around this collection of coral cays are a marine biologist’s dream: protected by the government, off-limits to commercial divers and fishermen, and busy with creatures that may not yet have names.” You can stay at the scientific research station and share bare-bone wooden bungalows. But if you are looking for a more tourist style trip, you can stay at the Plantation Beach Resort in Cayo Grande. Take a hike through the jungle and reach the lighthouse at the very top of the island and enjoy the fine native kitchen that has to be ordered in advance to yachts nearby. You are obliged to do some snorkelling around reefs and corals that are allowed to visit. Be amazed with the ocean wildlife and some animals that you have never seen in your normal TV shows.

Image courtesy of USFWS – Pacific Region at Flickr.com
Santa Lucia. St. Lucia:
the adventure comes in the form of bike riding. You ride through the jungle. As Michael Allard, owner of Bike St. Lucia says “ it is jungle biking, not mountain biking” and David “tinker” Juarez two time Olympian states “ This is probably the sweetest bike ride in the Caribbean”. Many people stay by the beach and don’t adventure into the jungle. Much of the island’s central and northern interior is part of the St Lucia Forest Reserve. St. Lucia has many jungles, forests and natural parks that only the adventurous ones dare to see. Many bike routes for pros and rookies as well are part of this adventure island designed for bikers. Again, according to Michael Allard, jungle biking is not just for experts. “The pros come for the higher trails, but we also have people who arrive here barely having been on a mountain bike before”.

Image courtesy of Jean-Pierre Chamberland at Flickr.com

What are you waiting for? Book your holiday trip, take your bike out of the dusty garage or rent a kayak and hit the islands of adventure.

Escape from it all by doing something really different in the middle of natural parks and untouched reefs. Swim aside rare animals and Bike down hills and around islands. Always remember to be safe and not go beyond your limits and skills. You want to have a vacation to remember not an injury that you will never forget.

January 30, 2016 0 comments

Destination Tips Royal at Sea Royal Caribbean Royal Holiday

The 5 best party destinations in the Caribbean

by Royal Holiday January 25, 2016

written by Royal Holiday

Part of taking a break from real life is to find the best ways to have fun. It doesn’t really matter what you like to do, you just have to find that special thing to do that will give you joy, happiness and that can keep your mind in a place where it can only find positive vibrations. Going on vacations is one of those things you decide doing every once in a while that will provide those positive vibrations for you for sure.

When it comes to deciding where to go and what to do, many ideas can come up. There is so much to do and so many options around the world to choose from, it is sometimes really hard to decide. One of the things you have to decide first is what activity you want to do, and second, you need to decide where you want to do that activity that makes you so happy. Some people prefer peaceful destinations with relaxing activities, some prefer spending their free time from work practicing their favorite sport and some others have a very special preference that involves excitement, music, sharing time with friends, dancing and lots, lots of fun. All these things together can only mean one thing. It means partying and enjoying the amazing things you find in places where the nightlife is something really spectacular. Nightlife activity is something any places and cities in the world are real experts in. But what if what you really want is a combination of sun, beach, warm weather, palm trees and party time? In that case, the Caribbean is the territory you should pick for your next vacations. The Caribbean islands offer a fantastic nightlife, so if you are going to be in the neighborhood and you decide that partying is your thing on your next vacation, then here is the list of the top 5 partying destinations in the Caribbean you don’t want to miss.

Aruba

Oranjestad is definitely the place for partying in Aruba, along with the major resorts. Palm Beach will also offer a great variety of clubs and bars where you can even find local bands performing, while you bar-hop or taste the delicious restaurant options. Additionally if you are in the mood for a party tour, you can take a local party bus, famous for its colorful parties. Aruba has also many casinos that offer great comedy and cabaret shows and dancefloors.

Curaçao

The party center in Curaçao is Willemstad with its Salinja sector. Bars and Casinos offer great after dark entertainment that will last till sunrise. In Curaçao you will be able to see incredible parades, and be part of a carnival energy environment, where you can dance and party all night long, even on Sundays.

Image courtesy of GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes at Flickr.com

Jamaica

Music is the king on this island, especially reggae and soca. Bars on the streets and on the beaches will offer great live entertainment and music performances. Hotels and resorts are also always full of nightlife plans and shows with local artists. Montego Bay has different options, from romantic evenings in restaurants and sunset cruise with dinner, to clubs and bars with the best reggae your will ever listen to.

Image courtesy of dubdem sound system at Flickr.com

Barbados

Barbados is the rum island. There is a rum shop everywhere you look in Bridgetown. Reggae is the music that turns up the volume in bars and dance clubs. There are British-style pubs, fantastic restaurants and live music with local musicians performed in many places. Barbados is not only great during the day. It can be a real nightlife island as well.

Image courtesy of DonDré at Flickr.com

St. Maarten

With more than a dozen casinos on the Dutch side, St. Maarten can get all the life you can imagine by night. There are numerous beach bars and all kind of restaurants with live reggae and soca musicians. The Maho district is the best place to find all the fun you are hoping for in casinos. If you are looking for some drinks or some dancing, you will find plenty of bars and clubs in Simpson Bay. And then there is the option for cabaret shows that are performed at the Casino Royal Theater, in case you are looking for a more sophisticated taste.

Image courtesy of Carol Dolin at Flickr.com

January 25, 2016 0 comments

Cruise Tips Destination Tips Royal at Sea Royal Caribbean Royal Holiday

The 4 most incredible Blue Holes in the ocean you can’t miss

by Royal Holiday January 11, 2016

written by Royal Holiday

The planet has many wonderful places created by nature that have been discovered by men. Some of them are on land and can be touched and walked, some of them can be seen in the sky, through light. Some of them can be listened through the wind, and a few others can only be found in the ocean. We all know 70% of the planet is water and that means there is an enormous world that even though it can’t be seen from the outside, it can surely be explored on the surface and underneath it. The way these amazing places are explored is by using the proper equipment, skills and care, and that is how all their special details and marvels have been found. So many colors, animals, textures and scenes can be seen in the ocean, but that is not all. In a few very rare locations in the world, unique formations in the ocean called “Blue Holes” have been found. Blue Holes are very large marine caverns or underwater sinkholes that extend below sea level and most of them have deep submerged cave passages that turn out in beautiful dive ecosystems. Some of them are considered true diver’s paradises and are visited year round by divers from all around the world. Blue holes develop normally in islands composed of coral reefs or limestones and are formed by the erosion of carbonated rocks. They look like a big dark blue circle of water in the sea. They are normally located in low coasts that used to be above sea level thousands of years ago. The reason why they appear to be darker is because of their depth and the higher absorption of sunlight due to that depth. The contrast between blue holes and the rest of the colors of the ocean make them a true beauty, not only underwater but from the surface too.

Here are the 4 most famous and beautiful blue holes around the world.

The Great Blue Hole, Belize

The Blue Hole of Belize is called “The great” because of its size. It has a diameter of more than 300 meters and it is 124 meters deep. It is located next to Lighthouse Reef, an atoll 70 km from Belize City and it’s famous for being a beautiful dive spot where a great variety of flora a sharks such as nurse sharks, reef sharks and bull sharks can be found. The Great Blue Hole is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was formed about 150,000 years ago. Jacques-Yves Cousteau was the one who made it popular by saying it was one of the 10 best dive sites in the world.

Dean’s Blue Hole, Long Island – Bahamas

Dean’s Blue Hole is known for being the deepest blue hole in the world, with more 200 meters of depth. It is slightly circular and has a diameter between 25 and 35 meters. The first 20 meters are not very wide, but after descending that specific depth it becomes much wider and turns into a cavern with a diameter of about 100 meters. This Blue Hole is located west of Clarence Town on Long Island Bahamas and is like a deep salt water swimming pool with beautiful clear water full of colorful tropical fish for divers and free divers to enjoy. Snappers, silver-plated tarpons, rays, turtles and seahorses can be found here.

Image courtesy of Christian Afonso at Flickr.com

Dahab Blue Hole, Egypt

The Blue Hole of Dahab is a popular dive site located east of Sinai, on the coast of the Red Sea, close to Dahab, Egypt. It is a vertical cavern with an arch that connects the Blue Hole to the Red Sea. It is about 130 meters deep and it is also known for being a dangerous diving location, due to the confusion it may cause to divers underwater. It is actually called the “Diver’s Cemetery” and is considered being the world’s most dangerous dive site, where more than 30 divers die each year, trying to dive under the arch. Despite its bad reputation, the Blue Hole of Dahab has a great variety of underwater fauna. Divers will be able to find clownfish, lionfish, Spanish dancers and turtles, among others.

Image courtesy of Felix Esteban at Flickr.com

Gozo Blue Hole, Maltese Archipelago

In the Mediterranean Sea, in Dwejra, on the west coast of the island of Gozo, which is part of the Maltese Archipelago is the Blue Hole of Gozo located. It is the smallest known Blue Hole. It is a 15 meters deep inland sea pool and has a diameter of 10 meters. It has an underwater tunnel that connects the hole to the sea. It is also known for being a beautiful dive site where you can find a great variety of marine life such as schools of bream, parrot fish, moray eels, lobsters, octopus among others.

Image courtesy of Darren Barefoot at Flickr.com

January 11, 2016 0 comments

Before you cruise Destination Tips Royal at Sea Royal Holiday

The 3 most exciting watersports to try out on an island

by Royal Holiday January 8, 2016

written by Royal Holiday

Whenever you ask someone what the best vacation would be, a big percentage of the answers will include, warm weather, sun and a beach. Of course there will always be different opinions and points of view, because not everyone has the same tastes and interests, but the beach with the blue water, the sunshine and probably the idea of an island will most likely be everyone´s favorite. The whole idea of taking a vacation in a place like that, in an island like that is all about relaxing and having fun, which is why a place with those specific insights will always be a synonym of vacations. It´s hard to understand how people can live and work in a place where all you want to do is relax. And relaxing means doing what you like, when you like to, with the people you like to. Islands do that to people, and that is the magic about it. Especially Islands where you feel kind of “forced”, in a good way, to enjoy, disconnect from the real world, and why not, get a nice tan. While you do that, you will find that there are many activities that are just perfect for that specific place you chose to get some tropical energy. Tropical islands are the right place to practice and to explore a great variety of watersports that you probably didn’t imagine you would try out some day. These watersports will make your stay in any island so much exciting, entertaining and challenging. You will not only have fun, but you will find new things about yourself that maybe you didn’t know. You will be able to get rid of silly fears you thought you had with water and find a genuine and undiscovered passion for a watersport you had never tried out.

Here is a list of the 3 most exciting watersports you can tryout on an island. In case of deciding to try one of these watersports out, make sure you do it with responsible schools and instructors, especially if it is the first time. Just because it’s fun it doesn’t mean you don’t have to be careful. Watersports require a lot of physical and mental control and concentration. Most of them require some ability and skills. The good news is that just like any other activity, the more you practice it, the better you get at it, and you could even become a “pro” at it.

Surfing

Surfing is one of the most fascinating water sports. It has origins in Polynesia, where this practice was part of its culture. Others say that the first surfers were found in Tahiti and in Samoa, almost three centuries ago. The magic of surfing is that you learn to ride on the wave. Since it is a surface water sport it is very important to know the wind and currents and to know what the exact moment is to get on the board after seeking for a wave. There are many surf schools on inlands. Experimented surfers and instructors are available to teach visitors techniques and tips to find out what it really is to enjoy the waves.

Scuba Diving

The world would only have one version if it wasn’t for scuba diving. The world underwater is certainly something amazing that was able to be explored in detail and individually, because of all the technology that has been developed for scuba diving. The term scuba is an acronym for “self-contained underwater breathing apparatus”. Some say that scuba diving feels like flying, only without the fear of falling. The sensation of freedom and the astonishment you will experience once you are able to see so many animals, so close, so free, so calm, is such a breathtaking experience that you will only want to live the experience over and over again. Scuba diving schools are also always available on islands, especially if they have beautiful diving sites in the area. There are different dive courses you can take. Each one of them will give you a certificate that will be required every time you decide to dive somewhere. Make sure you take it with you.

Image courtesy of Pedro Paulo Cunha at Flickr.com

Kitesurfing

As another surface water sport, kitesurfing differs a bit from the traditional surfing. Kitesurfing includes one more element that is essential to the existence and the uniqueness of this water sport. The Kite is what makes it so special, because it allows the rider to take full advantage of the wind, in order to move forward and to make movements that are the ones that give this sort all the excitement. It combines aspects from different sports such as skateboarding, windsurfing, snowboarding and even paragliding, among others. There are courses available for people who are interested in learning how this sport works and most people easily fall in love with it.

Image courtesy of Cristian Viarisio at Flickr.com

January 8, 2016 0 comments

Destination Tips Royal Caribbean Royal Holiday

The 4 best diving destinations in the Caribbean

by Royal Holiday January 4, 2016

written by Royal Holiday

Scuba diving is one of the best activities a person could ever experience and scuba divers know it. It´s not just one of those things you do once and never do it again. It’s something that can easily become a passion. Scuba diving means being able to explore a new world that normally humans have very limited access to: The Ocean. Swimming and being at the beach will never ever be the same for you after you have tried Scuba Diving. You will not only start to enjoy the ocean, the water and the sand better, but something else will magically happen. And this is a fact. Scuba diving will automatically teach you to respect the ocean, and all the living creatures that live inside of it. You will immediately look at a shark a different way that you used to before. You will start thinking every single living thing that you find while you scuba dive deserves to be there because the environment where you found it, needs it and has allowed it to be born there for a reason. You will understand the cycle of life underwater and you will even start loving the enormous creatures you were afraid of before. You will also understand humans are not even tasty for them and if you ever have the joy and luck to experience scuba diving with dozens of hammerhead sharks around you, you will know that happiness and excitement have their own ways to appear. There are different kinds of environments for scuba diving and temperature is definitely one of those factors that can make you choose a diving destination from another. Normally, cold waters will show you different and bigger ocean inhabitants than warmer waters, but warm waters will always have the colorful panorama only small sized schools of fish can offer when they are just passing by, while you relax and feel like you are flying, only underwater. Therefore, when it comes to choosing a warm, comfortable, relaxing and colorful ocean to scuba dive, the Caribbean is the place to go. The Caribbean of course has many places to scuba dive. Here are the top 4 places to find the most beautiful scuba diving experiences in the Caribbean:

Bahamas

The possibilities that can be found in the Bahamas are diving marvels of all types. You will find shipwrecks, blue holes, shallow reefs, amazing coral walls, and for the more adventurous, there are plenty of shark dives. You can choose between land-based operators, or live-aboard dive boats.

The water temperature in the summer normally goes around the high 80s, while in the winter it may drop to 70. Visibility usually great, with an average of 80 to 100 feet.

Cozumel

Cozumel is one of the diving destinations divers have to visit, at least once in a lifetime. It offers currents, perfect water temperatures, walls, a Spanish galleon, caves with sleeping sharks and other big animals such as green turtles, nurse sharks, eagle rays and green moray eels. It is a real pleasure for your eyes. Cozumel is a year-round dive destination, so it doesn’t matter when you want to go, there will always be great dive experiences waiting there for you.

Water temperature flows between 75 and 85, depending on the season.

Image courtesy of Serge Melki at Flickr.com

Cayman Islands

Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are known for the beautiful walls that is offers. Caverns with multiple hogfish, huge lobsters, enormous yellow tube sponges and also shipwrecks will amaze you all along. A special place called Sunset Reef (55 feet) holds the well-known Bronze Beauty. It is also called the Mermaid of Grand Cayman. A statue made by a Canadian artist, who after a contest, named her Amphitrite, Queen of Seas, who in mythology was the wife of Poseidon, Lord of the Oceans. It was placed there is October, 2000 and it is a wonderful site to visit.

Water temperature in Cayman Islands normally goes around 78.

Image courtesy of Mark F at Flickr.com

Bonaire

Famous not only for the diving beauties it offers, Bonaire also has a great reputations when it comes to ocean conservation standards. It is one the few places on earth that truly protects and respects its underwater treasures not only for the tourist attractions and economic benefits they can get from the ocean, but also for the fact that the Island’s government really cares about taking care of these valuable natural assets. Bonaire is a diver’s paradise and it is tailor-made for divers. It offers more than 400 fish species and it is almost guaranteed you will be able to see seahorses, coral and hermit crabs. The famous Hilma Hooker shipwreck is one of the famous dive attractions of the island, and is one that you don’t want to miss. Bonaire is a place that you will surely want to visit more than once.

Water temperatures are almost always in the low 80s and visibility will normally be 100 ft.

January 4, 2016 0 comments

Before you cruise Cruise Tips Destination Tips Royal Holiday

7 Tips to make your first cruise your best vacation ever

by Royal Holiday December 27, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Almost everyone has dreamed about cruising sometime, or has at least felt the curiosity of what a cruise would be like. The idea of “living” on a huge ship for a few days or even a week, surrounded by nothing more than gorgeous, clear, blue water and paradisiac islands, is just the perfect thought if you’re thinking about relaxing and forgetting about reality for a while.

Unlimited drinks and cocktails, Ice creams, yummy treats and having at least 4-5 different restaurants where you can find all kinds of delicious international meals, cooked by the best chefs, will be part of the vacation you are absolutely sure you deserve. Try also thinking about the week lasting, warm, sunny weather; the perfect tan you will get by only laying on the deck with your favorite cocktail, a good book, great music, and why not, a couple of new friends you just met on board. It actually sounds like the best plan you can imagine.

Image courtesy CHRIStophe Robert HERVOUËT on Flickr.com

Image courtesy of CHRIStophe Robert HERVOUËT
on Flickr.com

Cruising will not only offer you the best way to escape from almost everything, but it also allows you to see new places, mainly islands that you didn’t know existed, cultures you never even thought possible and the kindest people you could ever meet. Nevertheless, cruising has it tricks, and first timers could definitely use some advice and tips to make the stay a lot easier, and of course a lot more fun.

1. Make sure you are an early bird

If you are planning to go on a cruise, try booking a few months before the departure time. Discounts and great offers are available if you plan your trip with time. The price you pay for booking a cruise will vary, depending on the time you decide to pay for it. You will find surprises, either good ones, or not so good ones, therefore planning it with time, will be one of the best decisions to make if you’re decided to go cruising for the first time.

2. Take Baby steps when cruising for the first time

Some people don’t really think about it, but the idea of living on a ship for a few days, or even a week is not always easy, and rather claustrophobic, especially if you’re the type of person who is used to having a very active lifestyle. Make sure the first cruise you take isn’t longer than 4 days. Longer cruises may be a bit more difficult to manage. It doesn’t mean it won’t be the perfect way to rest and relax, but if you want some advice on timing, up to 4 days is perfect for new cruisers.

3. Know your environment

One of the most important things of cruising is learning the layout of the ship, right after you unpack. Most cruises offer a ship tour or you can take a deck plan from the reception desk. Make sure you know where the most important parts of the ship are located. That way you won’t get lost or if you agree to meet a new friend somewhere on the ship, you will know exactly where you have to be, on time.

4. Great attitude always!

People on cruises are just always kind. It’s probably because everyone is in the same vacation mood and that is always contagious. The crew on the ships is also always very friendly, not only because it is their job, but because being kind to someone will always make that someone be kind to you. And that is a general rule, not only for cruises, though…

By being king and having a great attitude on cruises, it is almost a fact you will make new friends to make your vacations even better.

5. Take a pill if you need to.

Feeling “mal de mer” is one of the worst feelings a cruiser could get. It’s not fun at all and it can make you miss all the fantastic things the ship has to offer you, especially the food. So don’t be ashamed if you are not feeling well. Make sure you take pills with you such as Dramamine or Marezine or something like that and just take one if you need it. It will make your stay a lot happier.

6. Don’t miss the daily bulletin

It is very common for large cruise ships to prepare a daily bulletin with important information such as the daily show descriptions, the daily events on the deck, or any important news you should be aware of like, next day trip, weather conditions or exact location of the ship. All this information will probably also be available on the onboard TV channel, so try to stay tuned or read the bulletins so you know exactly what is going on every day on the ship.

7. Mind the dress code

Cruise lines usually give cruisers a few tips on what type of clothes to pack for the cruise. This is very important and useful information because not every day is the same on a cruise and there might be a few events where you will surely want to dress up nicely just for the fun of it. There might be a “gala” night, like having dinner with the captain, where you will want to look nice and feel fancy. It’s not that you have to pack your entire wardrobe, because you might want to keep it simple, but take the cruise lines advice if they suggest you should take a cocktail dress for the ladies with you, or a tie for the gentlemen.

December 27, 2015 0 comments

Destination Tips

Top 4 places to see in North America before you die

by Royal Holiday November 2, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

One of the major reasons why you book a trip in the first place is to experience things that you can’t while you’re at home. After all, putting together a trip is a lot of hard work, even if you make it significantly easier by using a service like Royal Holiday. One of the best things about travel is taking the opportunity to go to multiple places, allowing you to experience a veritable cornucopia of locations that have a wide range of styles and feels.

North America is a terrific destination if you’re trying to visit as many unique and interesting places as possible. There are a few key places in particular that you have to see in North America before you die.

Lake Superior, Canada

If you’re going to visit a place that has been dubbed “the land of a thousand lakes” as is true in the case of Canada, no vacation would be complete without taking in one of the most beautiful lakes that Mother Nature has to offer. Not only is Lake Superior the largest of the Great Lakes, but it also has a huge amount to offer beyond just looking at the type of beautiful scenery that would be right at home on a post card. Long, sandy beaches abound and Lake Superior is also close to many other great hotspots in Canada, allowing you to maximize the time that you’re planning to spend in North America.

The National Mall in Washington, DC

If you want to stand in a singular spot where a huge number of the important events of the 20th century took place, the National Mall in Washington, DC would be it. It’s a location that is as interesting as it is beautiful from nearly any angle.

Are you a fan of history? You’re in luck – you’re standing near the spot where Martin Luther King Jr. famously spoke in the 1960s. Are you a fan of arts and entertainment? A huge number of incredible movies and TV shows have been filmed there over the years, including Best Picture-winning “Forrest Gump” and political television programs like “The West Wing.”

New York City

Though saying that you need to see New York City before you die may seem like an obvious choice, it doesn’t make this list for the reasons that you might think. While places like Central Park and Times Square are certainly cultural hot spots, they’re only really scratching the surface of what the city has to offer.

If you’re a fan of museums, for example, you’ll quickly find that the Upper West Side has a huge amount to offer nearly all types of people. It’s much more calm than Midtown and most other places in Manhattan and has the added benefit of looking like it was ripped straight out of a Woody Allen movie from the 1970s at the same time. Want to check out a beautiful, Rockwell-esque park but don’t want to deal with the crowds that Central Park attracts? Head over to Greenwich Village and spend an afternoon relaxing and having fun in Washington Square Park. You can easily use a service like Royal Holiday to research more information about some of the smaller, lesser known and unique places in the Big Apple that you should visit.

St. John’s, Canada

Located in the heart of Newfoundland, the gorgeous St. John’s is a destination worth traveling to for a host of different reasons. For starters, it happens to be the largest city in the area and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Secondly, St. John’s has developed a reputation over the years for its breathtaking use of color – all of the homes are painted in some of the most vibrant colors that you’ve ever seen! If you’re the type of person who loves visually interesting places that you won’t be able to find anywhere else, do yourself a favor and book a trip to St. John’s in Newfoundland on a site like Royal Holiday as soon as you can. Both your family and your eyes will thank you.

These are just a few of the most incredible places in North America that you have to see before you die. When you consider these spots that don’t require you to set foot in the usual tourist traps like Midtown Manhattan or on the Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll begin to realize that the continent has a huge amount to offer you regardless of exactly what it is that you’re looking for.

November 2, 2015 0 comments

Cruise Tips Destination Tips MSC Royal Holiday

Embark on the MSC Ópera with Royal Holiday

by Royal Holiday October 29, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Once you land in Havana, MSC Opera gives you three full days to explore this audacious, yet beautiful island. Havana boasts from castles built in the late 16th century to modernist present-day high-rises.

There’s so much to see in Havana! Walk along the Malecón, the sea wall that runs along the Havana coastline. Rent an old car and be driven around Havana in style. See a cabaret show at the iconic Tropicana. Take a guided tour of the Havana Club Rum Factory. Sip on a mojito at Hemingway’s “Bodeguita del Medio” favorite bar. Enjoy an evening of yesteryear at Habana Café. Or take a walking tour with “Havana Frans”, a Dutch jazz photographer who lives on the island.

Habana Cafe

Then embark on the MSC Ópera offering everything from spacious new cabins with balconies, restaurants, 8 bars, casino, mini-golf, pools to a Spray Park packed with fun water features, the lavish MSC Aurea Spa, a new Walk Through Shops area, at deck 6, and more.

Ports of call: Montego Bay in Jamaica, George Town in Cayman Islands, Cozumel in Mexico and back to Havana, Cuba.

See all the routes on our website.

Take advantage of your Royal Holiday membership and reserve today!

Cuba is waiting for you!

October 29, 2015 0 comments

Destination Tips

Top 5 islands to explore in the Caribbean

by Royal Holiday October 26, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Top 5 islands to explore in the Caribbean

When people think about taking a trip to the Caribbean and begin doing research on a site like Royal Holiday, they normally call to mind images of some of the most popular of the islands in that region of the world. Places like the Virgin Islands, Anguilla, the Dominican Republic and more are all popular travel destinations, but they only tell a very small part of a much larger story. It may surprise you to learn that there are over seven thousand different islands in the Caribbean, each with its unique style and experience to offer. If you’re thinking about taking a trip to the area to do some exploring, there are a few key islands you have to visit.

Martinique

From the moment that you set foot on Martinique, you’ll come to realize that it is like existing in two very different places at the same time. While it has all of the natural characteristics that the Caribbean Islands are known for, it is also very much a product of the French culture that originally settled it. If you’re looking for the type of place where you can lay in the sun on gorgeous beaches, enjoy extreme comfort in luxury resorts and more, Martinique is most definitely the place that you’re looking for.

The Bahamas

In addition to being one of the more popular Islands in the Caribbean, it is also legitimately one of the best to visit and explore for a host of different reasons. For starters, its location makes it one of the easiest to travel to as it is located just to the south of Florida in the United States. It also happens to be one of the most family-friendly of all the Caribbean Islands and has a huge number of resorts that you can choose from depending on your needs. Use a site like Royal Holiday to find out more information about resorts before you visit.

Aruba

If you’re a water sports enthusiast, you’ll soon find out that there is more than enough to keep you occupied on Aruba alone. Because of its location within the Caribbean and the trade winds that it has become famous for, it is one of the most popular kite surfing destinations in the entire world. Kite surfers come from all over to enjoy their hobby of choice, which is a pretty incredible thing to see if you happen to visit during the summer travel season. Aruba is also littered with some of the best restaurants that you will ever have a chance to enjoy, which makes it an ideal holiday vacation for food aficionados out there as well.

Haiti

If you want to take a trip to the Caribbean but don’t want to spend all of your time on a sandy beach, Haiti is absolutely for you. While beaches are present, it is one of the smallest of the Caribbean islands when compared to the others in that regard. What Haiti has to offer, however, is history. There are over 20 different historic locations situated all throughout the island. You can easily spend an entire day on your vacation at flea markets and other attractions alone.

Dominica

If one of the main reasons why you want to go to the Caribbean in the first place is to take in the type of natural sights that look like they’re ripped right off of the most beautiful postcard you’ve ever seen, you want to go to Dominica whether you know it or not. Travelers from all over the world have taken to calling this the Nature Island due to the huge amount of natural beauty that it offers. Whether you want to see a volcano up close and personal or want to play in a picturesque waterfall, Dominica has all of this to offer and more. If you’re a hiker, you’re also in luck – there are over three hundred different miles of trails that you can allow you participate in your favorite hobby in a way that you have truly never experienced before. The capital of Dominica is Roseau, which is also very much worth exploring.

These are just a few of the many incredible islands that are worth exploring in the Caribbean. You can use travel destination services like Royal Holiday to confirm that this is just a sampling of the incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that you can find in this part of the world. If you want to have a vacation unlike anyone has taken before or since, the Caribbean can most definitely help you accomplish that goal.

A discussion of the top islands in the Caribbean that you have to do yourself a favor and explore at least once in your life.

October 26, 2015 0 comments

Cruise Tips Destination Tips

5 Cruising Tips from the Regulars

by Royal Holiday October 16, 2015

written by Royal Holiday

Grab the sun tan and the kids as it is time to take a cruise. Cruises are wonderful vacation trips that allow you to visit far off ports while enjoying all the amenities on board a luxury liner. Some cruise trips are tailored for guests, such as musical-themed voyages or children’s character-themed cruise lines. So you have abundant choices when you want to go on a cruise that everyone will enjoy.

As you get your clothes packed and your camera ready, use these 5 cruising tips to make the sea trip more enjoyable. You’ll be able to take advantage of the amenities without breaking your budget on the extras that you don’t want.

1: Book at the Right Time of Year

Looking for a better time of the year to go on a cruise with the kids while saving money? Then you will want to avoid spring break and look for the time of year when kids are going back to school. There are more deals at the end of August and the beginning of September. So planning a cruise during those months will lead to better bargains. Also, while last-minute online deals for popular cruises are great, sometimes you can get even better deals when booking months in advance as you can lock in some lower rates.

2: Get Spa Treatments Early

Spa treatments and saunas can get pricey on cruise ships. If you want to look your best while on the trip, then get a treatment at home before the trip as you can save a lot of money. If you do plan to indulge in the sauna or get a pedicure, sign up early and get spa passes so you can get the appointment at the time you want it. Also, you may get discounts (and some alone time) when you go for spa treatments while at port since most people will disembark to go on guided tours of the destination city.

3: Know What Isn’t Included in the Cruise Fare

There will always be those little extra amenities that can break your budget. Bottled water, soda, cocktails, beer, and wine always costs extra. While it might be nice to indulge now and again, you really have to watch your spending for these items. Also, going online to tell people about your cruise trip will also cost you. If you just have to log on to check your social media sites, look for free Wi-Fi spots when the cruise ship is at port and access the Internet then. You’ll be able to keep your extra charges down to a comfortable spending level.

4: Get to Know the Ship

You book the large stateroom by using your Royal Holiday membership points to have the best stay during your entire cruise. Yet, you can’t remember which door leads to it down the long hallway. Large cruise ships can become a virtual maze when you are trying to find the gym, spa, or even your booked cabin. Take the time to go over the deck plan to figure out which stairways to take to get to the places you want to go. Some people will even tape things to their doors, such as balloons, to figure out which room is theirs. It is also important to walk the ship to find the emergency exits as well as to locate the ship’s doctor.

It can also be a hassle when you get separated from the other members of your group. Bring along walkie-talkies so you won’t get extra roaming charges on your cell phone while you can find out where everyone is located. If traveling with kids, designate a meet-up spot and time before everyone disappears on their own separate adventures on board. Then you can all meet up at that location to enjoy family time together.

5: Pack an Alarm Clock and Double-Check the Safe when Leaving

Leaving the ship on the last day can be a real headache. Most cruise ships require people to leave at exactly 9am. Unless you are an early riser, you may sleep though the checkout time and find yourself missing the plane trip home. Since there are no alarm clocks in the cabin, pack your own or set the alarm on your smartphone to give yourself plenty of extra time.

Also, when you are in a rush to leave, you may forget something important, such as jewelry or a credit card in the safe. Make a mental note to check the room for items before leaving, set a reminder on your smartphone, or simply tape a note to the door the night before to remind yourself to retrieve the items out of the safe.

Everyone should take a cruise at least once in their life. Make the trip easier on yourself and your family by using the above tips and taking advantage of vacation membership programs. You will find that the trip is even more enjoyable than you had originally dreamed it could be as you will quickly book another cruise.

October 16, 2015 0 comments