Westin Beach Resort & Spa Review

The Westin Beach Resort & Spa is a beautiful beach resort located in sunny Fort Lauderdale. The city is dubbed the Venice of America due to its more than 300 miles of canals and waterways.  The Westin Beach Resort & Spa sits directly across the street from amazing beaches where you can relax and enjoy the soft white sands and blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. There is an elevated walkway that connects the resort to the beach. There is also a lovely spa on property where you can enjoy a massage or perhaps you would like to relax at the oceanfront pool with a good book and refreshing drink from the bar.
Fort Lauderdale has the most amazing nightlife, excellent dining and fabulous shopping, many of these activities are within walking distance of the resort, you can also get around easily via taxi's or just take a cruise on a water taxi. There is plenty to do here in Fort Lauderdale. When you are done playing for the day return to a beautiful newly renovated room with views of either the Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway. Then fall asleep in your Westin Heavenly Bed and yes they are truly heavenly! You will have a fantastic time during your stay at the Westin Beach Resort & Spa.

Until next time,

Jessica Dempsey
Cruise Planners

Creating memorable vacations everyday, let yours be next.....

Romance at Sandals

Are you looking to reconnect or reignite the spark? Maybe you just need a getaway for two people in love. Whatever your desires you can find romance at Sandals. The Sandals tag line is "Love is all you need". You will find yourself in a garden paradise surrounded by the beautiful blue sea. With up to 11 restaurants there are always amazing culinary creations to be found. You can  have a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach for just the two of you, with a server who can anticipate all of your desires without being intrusive. How about returning to your Suite and having a hot bath drawn complete with rose petals? That is romance at Sandals! You can relax and enjoy a couples massage, play a round of tennis, golf or enjoy the pool with new friends. Do whatever you like it's your romance at Sandals. Go to Sandals for the amazing staff, the luxury include amenities, the true Caribbean experience but be sure to go to Sandals with the one you love.

Until next time,

Jessica Dempsey
Cruise Planners


Creating memorable vacations everyday, let yours be next.....

Ruby Princess

I recently read a colleagues blog review of the Ruby Princess. It was such a treat to hear about her special cruise onboard this ship. I t reminded me of my cruise onboard Princess last May and how Princess exceeded my expectactions! Check out her review and get excited about your next cruise onboard a beautiful Princess ship.

Until next time,

Jessica Dempsey
Cruise Planners

Creating memorable vacations everyday, let yours be next.....

Group Cruise in Alaska

I had a client call me last spring to inquire about a family reunion. The  ages ranged from 7 yrs old to 82 yrs old and she wanted something that would be fun and relaxing for everyone. Easy right? Not so fast! She went on to describe particulars about some family members, who had food allergies, who had mobility issues and who cannot sit with who for too many meals. You get it - typical family stuff(we all have them). I asked a few more questions and quickly needed to find out who the decision makers were and then went to work. I came back to the group with an Alaskan group cruise intinerary with an extended land tour to Denali National Park. I was able to meet all of their dietary needs, and arranged for a scooter and oxygen to be delivered to the stateroom and I also set up the dining so a few nights some of the family who did not want to dine together every night would be in a specialty restaurants on different nights. Their group cruise in Alaska included activities for everyone  that enriched their minds and bodies. The onboard naturalist led discussions that educated them all about Alaska it's beauty and wildlife. The group cruise in Alaska would not be complete without viewing the amazing glaciers. I was told it was a highlight of the cruise being on deck drinking  hot chocolate while viewing the glaciers.
What was overwhelming to my client was quite easy for me to arrange because of my knowledge, education and  resources. A happy ending to a fabulous group cruise in Alaska, they all bonded so well, they already have another cruise planned for next year on the Allure of the Seas. I brought real value and worth to my clients and arranged everything perfectly for them, the power of awesome customer service is evident in all of the referrals I already have from their other relatives and friends.

Until next time,

Jessica Dempsey

Cruise Planners

Creating memorable vacations everyday, let yours be next.....

Liberty of the Seas Review, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Liberty of the Seas

The Liberty of the Seas is an amazing ship with a fun exciting vibe onboard! This is the second ship in the Freedom Class along with the Freedom of the Seas and the Independence of the Seas. She began sailing in 2007 with 1817 staterooms and over 1300 crew members. The ship has an an incredible 15 decks. This ship features an ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, the incredible FlowRider(surf simulator) and 2 hot tubs that jut out over the sides of the ship. There are 2 main pools and the fun H2O zone with a kids only pool. The staterooms onboard are modern and comfortable ranging in size from 150sq ft to the Presidential Family Suite at 1215sq ft. There are plenty of dining options onboard as well, starting with the main dining room which is 3 levels high and beautiful, Johnny Rockets, Portofinos, Chops Steakhouse, the Windjammer Cafe(think big buffet) and of course room service is available. The Promenade is the spot to be seen with shops lining both sides of the promenade. Here is where the parades take place and the music is always inviting! You will find Vintages Wine Bar, Hoof and Claw British Pub, a coffee shop, the Barber shop, and plenty of duty free alcohol and jewelry shopping.

This ship is recommended for families, friends, romantics and is great for groups because of all the amazing activities onboard. There are always plenty of honeymooners onboard as well.  The vibe is exciting onboard the Liberty of the Seas and everyone is always having a great time. This ship is sure to please everyone in your group. The Liberty of the Seas is now sailing from Miami and will be repositioning over to Barcelona in the Spring to sail the Mediterranean. Beginning in the fall 2011 the Liberty of the Seas will begin sailing 4 to 6 night cruises from Fort Lauderdale. Rates begin at $359 per person  for a 4 night cruise. Call for more dates/rates and itineraries.

Until next time,

Jessica Dempsey

Cruise Planners

Creating memorable vacations everyday, let your be next....

The Magic of Disney

I recently read a blog post written by a Gloria Caruso on the magic of Disney and it got me thinking about the numerous times my family has traveled to WDW over the past 12 years. And how each time we traveled the kids were different ages and how they marveled at the magic of Disney in different ways every trip. It went from it being all about Mickey and Pooh Bear to lets go to France in Epcot I am learning French and want to know more about the country. Wow talk about an experience for every age group. Of course Mickey is still highly sought after(especially by me)! We will be traveling to WDW in February and I cannot wait to see their little expressions as we round the corner to Main St and get a glimpse of Cinderellas Castle(I always get teary eyed). Gotta love the magic of Disney!!

Until next time,

Jessica Dempsey
Cruise Planners

Creating memorable vacations everyday, let yours be next......

Caribbean Group Cruises

As a travel agent some my favorite trips to plan are group cruises, I follow the news and trends in this niche closely. I know with all of the new ships sailing there is a  perfect cruise ship for every group.  I often get requests from clients who are overwhelmed with the whole process of organizing a group vacation whether it's family, friends or even a wedding group. I  let them know that I will make this a stress-free vacation for them. First we start with a few questions to decide what ship and  itinerary would be best for them, I secure the staterooms and make all the reservations, take care of all payments and due dates and I handle all the paperwork.  I let my clients know all they need to do is refer the group members to me and I take care of everything. Another amenity my clients love is that  I am able to set up a website page that is only accessible to those in the group and they can register online. This is usually when I hear "thank you, I really didn't know where to begin."  Luckily I know where to begin!!

Group cruising has increased over the past few years. There are so many multi-generational groups traveling together and cruises are the perfect fit. There is something for everyone on a ship, whether you are into spa treatments, workouts in well equipped fitness centers, shopping, dance lessons, language lessons or you can learn how to use your iPad. The dining choices are endless with some ships offering up to 20 dining venues. The kids will all be happy in well organized kids clubs with fun age appropriate activities and the adults can spend time in adult-only areas. Talk about something for everyone.  Are you considering a group cruise this year? The best rates and stateroom availability are available now.

Until next time,

Jessica Dempsey
Cruise Planners

Creating memorable vacations everyday, let yours be next....