Cruising From Miami

NORWEGIAN GETAWAY BEGINS IN MIAMI
Beginning winter 2014, Norwegian Getaway sails to the tropics year-round from Miami with 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruises. She combines a wide range of accommodations with the most amazing experiences Norwegian has to offer.

THE WATERFRONT PROMENADE
Connect with the ocean on The Waterfront, an innovative, industry-first open-air promenade. Feel the constant flow of energy and excitement throughout 678 Ocean Place and every unique space.

MEET MSC DIVINA
Prepare to meet the new star of the MSC fleet. Created with De Jorio Design International to take the acclaimed standards of MSC's Fantasia class to an entirely new level. Inspired by Sophia Loren herself, MSC Divina brings you all the elegance and glamour of the golden age of sea travel in a new vision. A spacious, ultramodern interpretation that pampers you with sumptuous comfort and an immense variety of sports and leisure facilities, plus world-class entertainment.

2012 Cruise Critic's Pick for Best Entertainment

Royal Caribbean International

While Royal Caribbean's already-iconic Oasis and Allure of the Seas -- with their comedy clubs, jazz bars, evening promenade parades, nighttime high-diving performances, ice-skating shows, pubs with folk music and actual Broadway productions -- deserve the nod, we also applaud the line for incorporating a similar variety of options on its (somewhat) smaller vessels.

Get the rundown on Royal Caribbean’s entertainment

Originally posted by Cruise Critics

Email spreadingmagic@gmail.com for your free cruise quote!

The Latest Updates on Travel In Miami

Prominent Miami-based hospitality group Menin Hotels has launched its latest project, Gale South Beach & Regent Hotel, following a complete $35 million restoration. Originally built in 1941 by Miami architect L. Murray Dixon, the historic property is located in the heart of South Beach. 

The InterContinental Miami has rolled out more than $30 million in upgrades that will set new standards for luxury, technology and guest interaction. From a 19-story ‘digital canvas’ that illuminates the downtown skyline to fully-renovated suites, some designed by tennis star Venus Williams' V Starr Interiors, and Toro Toro, a Pan-Latin steakhouse by celebrated chef Richard Sandoval. 

Coconut Grove’s celebrated Mayfair Hotel & Spa has unveiled a $2.5 million renovation this fall with an all-suite renovation, debuting fresh, vibrant rooms along with upgrades to both the Jurlique Spa and rooftop deck, named Above Mayfair Pool Lounge. 

A complete transformation will revitalize the former Morris Lapidus-designed oceanfront hotel B South Beach(opening Q1 2013), while maintaining an imprint of classic Miami Beach. B South Beach guestrooms will feature rich, dark wood furnishings accented by silver tones and ambient lighting. Vintage black-and-white photographs reminiscent of 1950s Miami Beach will adorn each guestroom, combining a touch of history and modern design elements.

A little after a year of launching the first B hotel, B Hotels & Resorts® announced the new b2 hotel concept, providing modern jetsetters a chic alternative when traveling for business or leisure. B3 features a combination of inspiring designs, signature dining venue, essential amenities and complimentary technology offerings. The b2 miami downtown opens early 2013.

Thanks to the Miami-Dade County Shore Project, Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa guests and residents can now enjoy 750 feet and 300,000 tons of pristine, white sand, located just steps from the hotel’s back entrance. The $15 million project allows guests and residents more space to play with the kids, indulge in yoga or mediation on the beach, and relax under the sun and inches away from the Atlantic Ocean. 

The iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s Trésor all suite tower reclaims center stage with a 10 million dollar renovation this fall. Acclaimed architect, Jeffrey Beers re-envisioning the Trésor luxury suite tower with a team of designers and project managers infuse the space with a 10 million dollar comprehensive renovation. 

Kimpton’s EPIC Hotel in downtown Miami is set to complete a $1 million expansion to its meeting and special event space in February, 2013, which will soon total approximately 50,000 sq. ft.

2012 Cruise Critic's Pick for Best Dining

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises does an exceptional job on its cuisine, whether it’s gourmet, grill or the buffet. While its new ships, Marina and Riviera, feature even more options, including Jacques Pepin's French restaurant and Red Ginger Asian restaurant, its smaller ships also offer some of the line's new dishes on their main venue menus.

Get the scoop on Oceania’ restaurants

Originally posted by Cruise Critics

Email spreadingmagic@gmail.com for a free quote! 

Acqualina Resort & Spa in Miami is now Five-Star Hotel

Acqualina Resort and Spa on the Beach is a Proud Recipient of the 2013 Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award. Acqualina Resort & Spa has been awarded one of the highest honors in the hospitality industry, the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award. Acqualina Resort & Spa is one of 76 hotels to receive the Five Star Award throughout the world and the only hotel and resort on Miami Beach. Accompanying Acqualina's Five Star Award Acqualina has also earned the highest rating awarded by Forbes, the 2013 Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award. 

2012 Cruise Critic's Pick for Best Value for Money

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival consistently offers solid prices and hard-to-beat value. As part of its fleetwide Fun Ship 2.0 overhaul, the line is adding burger, BBQ and taco dining venues to a number of ships. And while competitors have increasingly adopted the a la carte dining model, these three eateries, at least, are surcharge-free.

See what Carnival has to offer

Originally posted by Cruise Critics

Get a free quote at spreadingmagic@gmail.com!

Why You Should Book Your Next Vacation With Me!

I know, you have been to Disney World Florida or Disneyland or on a Disney Cruise several times in the past. You know all the ins and outs of planning a Disney vacation. You have all your bases covered. You also have a job, family, and home to take care of, in addition to planning a vacation that could be the third largest expenditure in your life, behind your home and cars.   You're sitting up until all hours of the night, booking dinner reservations, making sure you have tickets to Cirque du Soleil, getting up early to ensure you get booked for Cinderella's Royal Table, and after all this, you forget to schedule a card from Mickey for your youngest child's birthday.

Now imagine this identical situation, only you have never been to Disney World or only been once for a short trip.  Wouldn't you want some assistance with planning this type of major event? Wouldn't you be willing to pay for someone to walk you through the planning or even take care of these issues for you?

What if I said you could have all that for free?

As a travel agency focusing on Disney and Universal Studios vacations, we think of our agents as vacation planners, not really travel agents. We help guests book their vacation package and then our real work begins, all at no cost to the guest. We help guests with every aspect of the vacation planning including itinerary planning, restaurant suggestions, dining reservations, birthday celebrations, directions around Orlando, and so much more. We even do the little extras, like calling your Resort Manager to request a birthday Character Card for your child, delivering your package to your resort (if you have a last minute trip) or getting that "hard to get" breakfast reservation with Cinderella. We have the contacts and are locally based in Orlando to do the "extras". Additionally, Destinations in Florida is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.  This means we are the first to receive new discount package deals and all our agents are graduates of Disney's travel agent training, the Disney College of Knowledge.

Another important part of our services, that brings guests back to us year after year, is our price checking service. We know all of the discounts available and always offer the best possible price for a Disney Resort, Disney Cruise, or Universal vacation. This is a unique service, since most companies, including Disney direct, will not offer any discounts unless you tell them about it.

Here are some of our free services we provide our guests:

●      Free Itinerary Planning (Valued at $149)

●      Free Dining Suggestions & Reservation Planning (Valued at $69)

●      Free Know Before You Go Guide

●      Free MousePerks - Magic in your In Box!

●      Free Disney Theme Park Guide Maps

●      Free Orlando Magicard (Hundreds of dollars in additional Orlando travel savings)

●      Free Mickey Mouse autograph pictures for the kids in your family

●      Free Discount Watching (We will watch for future discounts that may save you money, even after you booked your package

●      Extra Surprises...you never know what other fun surprises you will get for your family vacation...just wait and see!

It is in our agent's best interest to ensure that you have the best possible Disney experience.  They want a happy customer that will refer friends and family and return to them the next time they are booking a vacation.  I hope you book your Disney vacation with me!  This way, you can spend your evenings having dinner with your family and your nights enjoying some quality time with your husband or wife, while we do the work for you. 

Isn't having an assistant great?

Check out the RIU Hotels & Resorts

Fronting the beautiful Playa de Flamingos beach, this spectacular All-Inclusive Art Deco-style resort has everything you need for an unforgettable family vacation. Children will love the mini-club, children's pool and playground while adults will enjoy delicious cuisine at the selection of dynamic restaurants, relaxing treatments at the spa, a distinctive nightclub and the wide variety of alluring lounges and bars.

For a minimum supplement, upgrade to a deluxe room with beautiful Partial Ocean Views.

Resort Highlights:
• All Inclusive 24 hours
• Located on Playa de Flamingos beach 
• Complimentary sun loungers on the beach 
• 8 miles from the airport 
• Buffet style and themed restaurants 
• Two swimming pools, with adjoining Jacuzzi 
• Renova Spa 
• Complimentary gym, sauna and jacuzzi

Email spreadingmagic@gmail.com today for your free quote! 

Wild and Wondrous Family Adventure in South Africa

Wild and Wondrous Family Adventure

Wild and Wondrous Family Adventure - 2013

11 Days from $5,095 per person - South Africa

3 Nights Cape Town | 1 Night Oudtshoorn | 
3 Nights Plettenberg Bay | 3 Nights Kariega Game Reserve

THIS SENSATIONAL ADVENTURE for families and the young-at-heart combines plenty of face-time with protected wildlife and a thrilling safari with family-friendly accommodations, offering all the comforts of home. Get up close with cheetahs, experience “trunk-to-handshakes” with orphaned elephants, sit among the penguins on the Cape Peninsula and look out for whales spyhopping at Plettenberg Bay. Collect a gallery of wildlife photos – and a barrel of fun memories to last a lifetime.

Email spreadingmagic@gmail.com for more information or your free quote! 

Highlights

• EXPLORE malaria-free Kariega Game Reserve on thrilling morning and evening game drives in search of the Big Five. Kayak and birdwatch along the river.
• DISCOVER three kinds of whales and pods of leaping dolphin on an ecocruise on Plettenberg Bay.
• EXPERIENCE close-up interactions with monkeys, elephants and a myriad of birds protected in special sanctuaries. Learn how the world’s fastest land animals are being protected at the Cheetah Outreach.
• ENJOY the warm hospitality of South Africa with luxurious and family-friendly lodging throughout your stay.

Accommodations

MORE QUARTERS APARTMENT HOTEL, Cape Town
LA PLUME GUEST HOUSE, Oudtshoorn
HOG HOLLOW COUNTRY LODGE, Plettenberg Bay
KARIEGA GAME RESERVE - MAIN LODGE, Kariega Game Reserve

Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners as indicated (BLD) 

Pricing: Land Arrangements

 Prices Per Person

Date From	Date To	Share Twin/Double	Single Supplement	Children *
1/1/2013	4/30/2013*	$5,795	$2,525	$1,995
5/1/2013	8/31/2013	$5,095	$1,945	$1,995
9/1/2013	10/31/2013	$5,855	$2,615	$1,995
11/1/2013	12/31/2013*	$6,375	$2,775	$1,995

*Based on Child under age 12 sharing in a triple room with 2 adults. Surcharges apply Jan 01-10, Dec 20-31.

Pricing: Air Arrangements

Internal Airfare

Cape Town - George, Port Elizabeth - Johannesburg

Economy Class per person from

$577

Itinerary

Day 1, Cape Town, South Africa
Touch down in Cape Town, South Africa’s beautiful "Mother City" with its iconic Table Mountain. You’ll be welcomed and on your way to your hotel - with all the comforts of home. Rest up before your adventure begins.
MORE QUARTERS APARTMENT HOTEL

Day 2, Cape Town
Beyond the take-your-breath-away seascapes, look out for zebras, eland, ostriches and penguins on today's exploration of the 'Fairest Cape' peninsula. "Awesome!" you'll proclaim when you view the beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno as you travel with your private driver to lively Hout Bay. Here, in the heart of the local crayfish industry, take an optional cruise out to Seal Island if you like. Get your binoculars ready to spot wildlife and more stunning coastal views at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve before stopping to tiptoe among the colony of penguins at Boulders Beach. See the naval port of Simon’s Town on your return to Cape Town.
MORE QUARTERS APARTMENT HOTEL, (B)

Day 3, Cape Town
Did you know that cheetahs can accelerate faster than a sports car? Or that there are only about 7,500 cheetahs left in the world? You’ll find out all about the world’s fastest land animal, plus get some close-up portrait shots, when you visit the Cheetah Outreach on your way to the Winelands. After a little history about the early South African settlers at the Taal Monument, you're off to a wine cellar tour to learn all about winemaking. Do some exploring, strolling and shopping at the French-settled town of Franschhoek as well as at the lively university town of Stellenbosch.
MORE QUARTERS APARTMENT HOTEL, (B)

Day 4, Oudtshoorn
Fly to George and travel overland to your farm-style lodging at an authentic Victorian homestead outside Oudtshoorn, the "Ostrich Feather Capital of the World."
LA PLUME GUEST HOUSE, (B)

Day 5, Plettenberg Bay
On this morning's visit to an ostrich farm, you'll have to crane your neck to peer into the eyes of the world's tallest birds. Check out their gigantic nests and eggs and the plucking pens where their feathers are harvested and dyed to be sold for fashion and crafts. Then venture deep into the Cango Caves to examine their glistening stalactites and stalagmites. Emerge into the sunshine and travel on past the unspoiled golden beaches, lagoons and estuaries along the Garden Route, beyond the village of Plettenberg Bay to your welcoming cottage accommodations in the forest.
HOG HOLLOW COUNTRY LODGE (B)

Day 6, Plettenberg Bay
Gather your camera gear for today's close encounters with monkeys, birds and elephants. Start with a private tour of Monkeyland, a fenced forest sanctuary where 12 species of previously caged primates from across the world roam freely. Then, explore the neighboring Birds of Eden where miniature species of monkeys along with 180 different bird species from around the world share a sanctuary. Continue on to Knysna Elephant Park for a "trunk in hand" experience with the pachyderms; er, that means you can shake hands with their trunks, as well as pet and feed them.
HOG HOLLOW COUNTRY LODGE (B)

Day 7, Plettenberg Bay
Thar she blows! All aboard for an ecological boat trip looking out for Bryde's, Southern Right and Humpback whales or leaping pods of Bottlenose and the shy Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphins. The rest of your afternoon is up to you - laze around the pool, take a walk and just do as you please.
HOG HOLLOW COUNTRY LODGE, (B)

Day 8, Kariega Game Reserve
Just when you thought your adventure couldn't get more exciting, the safari highlight of your family holiday begins. Venture deep into the bush for a three-night stay in a log chalet within the Kariega Game Reserve. Meet your expert ranger and set out for an afternoon game drive in an open-sided safari vehicle. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five - elephant, lion, rhinoceros, buffalo and leopard, that is - and a multitude of other wildlife. Look out on the Kariega River Valley from your deck and gather with fellow safari travelers for dinner and sharing stories in the outdoor boma.
KARIEGA GAME RESERVE - MAIN LODGE, (BLD)

Day 9, Kariega Game Reserve
Wake up to birdsong and set out for your morning game drive. This afternoon, look out for hippos feeding along the riverbanks and do some birdwatching on a boat cruise down the river. Or paddle a kayak in a peaceful part of the river. Tonight, gather for sundowners or refreshments as you look out on the river; listen carefully to see how many different animal sounds you can identify.
KARIEGA GAME RESERVE - MAIN LODGE, (BLD)

Day 10, Kariega Game Reserve
Continue to build your wildlife photo gallery on today's game drives. As twilight sets in, you may get lucky enough to witness a lioness hunting for dinner for her pride; or watch quietly as a family of hippo plods from the river for a night of grazing. As the nocturnal wildlife begins to emerge, return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner.
KARIEGA GAME RESERVE - MAIN LODGE, (BLD)

Day 11, Depart
Take in one last morning game drive before traveling to Port Elizabeth for your flight to Johannesburg where you'll be assisted with your onward arrangements. (B)

Summer of Shrek on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

SET SAIL WITH SHREK & FIONA DURING THE SUMMER OF SHREK ON ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINE!


GET READY FOR THE SUMMER OF SHREK - ONLY ONBOARD ROYAL CARIBBEAN
SHIPS FEATURING THE DREAMWORKS EXPERIENCE.
ENJOY EVEN MORE SHREK-THEMED ACTIVITES AND FAMILY FUN.
• Poolside Movie Night with behind-the-scenes, making-of and featurettes
• Summer of Shrek kids’ parade
• Movie trivia, scavenger hunt and cupcake decorating classes
• All-new summer themed photo opportunities
• Exclusive merchandise
Enjoy all this and much more with your friends from the hit movie, like Shrek, Fiona and Puss in
Boots. Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
The Summer of Shrek starts this summer onboard Liberty of the Seas®, Allure of the Seas®,
Oasis of the Seas®, Mariner of the Seas®, Freedom of the Seas® and Voyager of the Seas®.

Mandrain Oriental Miami is now Five-Star Hotel

Mandarin Oriental Miami, Azul Restaurant and The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami have received the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award for 2013, making the hotel one of only six properties in the United States and the only hotel in Florida to earn the highly coveted triple Five Stars. The Spa has earned the Five-Star designation for five consecutive years.

2012 Cruise Critic's Pick for Best for Adventure

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions offers soft adventure cruises from the Antarctic to the Atlantic. While its ships have upscale touches (spas, Wi-Fi, plush towels and good food), the focus of the line, through its National Geographic partnership, is on exploration. Passengers get up-close with nature, via tours on kayaks and Zodiacs, with the help of well-informed naturalists.

Learn more about adventures with Lindblad Expeditions

Originally posted by Cruise Critics

Email spreadingmagic@gmail.com today for your free quote! 

Learn More About Disney Cruise Line Port Adventures in the Mediterranean

Disney Cruise Line® invites you to explore the culturally rich and exotic locales of Europe with one-of-a-kind Port Adventures featuring exclusive Disney touches during its 2013 Mediterranean sailings.

All Disney Cruise Line Port Adventures are designed to entertain and inspire both children and adults – in true Disney fashion – with added touches such as more scheduled breaks, complimentary snacks and beverages, and fun port activity sheets for kids. For an extra special experience, you can choose a Port Adventure from the Disney Cruise Line Signature Collection.

Signature Collection Port Adventures range from deluxe experiences in intimate, upscale settings to customized tours enhanced with exclusive activities for Disney Cruise Line Guests. During the European cruises, beloved Disney characters, rich storytelling and integrated youth activities are just some of the extra magic your Clients may enjoy on a Signature Collection tour.

New Signature Collection Port Adventures for the 2013 Mediterranean sailings include:

Venice, Italy

• At the majestic Doge’s Palace, your Clients will enjoy a private, after-hours tour of the palace, including a walk over the famous Bridge of Sighs. Then the royal treatment continues as Guests enjoy a reception with Disney princesses. Live musicians and royal courtiers resplendent in period costumes and powdered wigs add to the ambiance.
• Or, your Clients can become Gondolier for a Day, trying their hand at piloting a gondola on the city’s lagoon. 
• Another adventure takes families on a tour of the city, giving children a chance to create a traditional Venetian mask with Disney Cruise Line youth counselors while parents to stroll the nearby shops and cafes.

Athens, Greece

• For families, a visit to the Acropolis can be combined with an experience at the Cycladic Museum for a deeper dive into the ancient Aegean and Cyprus cultures. While parents have free time to explore the museum, children joinDisney Cruise Line youth counselors to learn about the original coloring of Greek statues and create their very own miniature Greek memento. 
• An adult-exclusive tour combines a visit to the Acropolis with a Greek culinary journey in the historical neighborhood of Plaka. A local chef demonstrates how to create authentic Greek cuisine such as tzatziki, cheese pie and yogurt with honey using fresh, local ingredients. Guests then enjoy the culinary creations before having time to explore the picturesque town and shop in nearby Monastiraki.

Greek Isles

• From Mykonos, families venture to nearby Delos to visit one of the most important mythological and archaeological sites in Greece. Once back in Mykonos, children join Disney Cruise Line youth counselors in a fun mosaic activity while parents enjoy a guided tour of the town or explore the local shops on their own.

Turkey

• From Kusadasi, Turkey, Guests can venture to the ancient city of Ephesus which contains the largest collection of Roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean. Guests begin with a guided tour of St. John’s Basilica where they join an adventure-seeking “archeologist” (storyteller guide) on his quest to locate the missing piece of an ancient tablet. Teams decode clues to find a piece of the tablet, finishing their expedition at the Ephesus archaeological site where a private guided tour of the remarkable ruins completes the experience.
• Or, families can tour Ephesus before journeying to the countryside village of Sirince, where they explore the markets together before dividing into separate groups for their own style of fun. Children join Disney Cruise Line youth counselors and take part in a Turkish bracelet making activity while parents are free to explore the market, sample fruit wines and taste local delicacies.

Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

• On the coast of Croatia in Dubrovnik, Disney Cruise Line Guests enjoy a guided tour of the historic walled city followed by an inside look at traditional Croatian customs from a local artist. After a demonstration of the ancient process of cultivating silk worms and processing silk threads, Guests enjoy making their own keepsake craft as a special memory.

Rome, Italy

• Adults are invited to learn the art of creating mosaics from a renowned local artist. While creating their very own masterpiece they can sip Italian wine and savor delicious local cheeses and salumi (Italian cured meats and cold cuts). Following the workshop, free time in the city allows Guests to explore famous sites like the Coliseum, Pantheon, Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Email spreadingmagic@gmail.com for your free Disney Cruise Line quote!

Learn More About Dining Options at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, in Hawaii

The master chefs at Aulani have created a variety of authentically Hawaiian dining options. From quick snacks on the beach and dining with Disney characters to exquisitely prepared seasonal dishes at the Resort’s signature restaurants, there's something to please every palate.

Watch this new video to explore many of dining options available to you at Aulani!



Email spreadingmagic@gmail.com for more information and your free quote!

Transformers the Ride- 3D Coming to Universal Orlando This Summer

Check out Disney Cruise Line Youth Activities

Youth activities aboard Disney Cruise Line® include fun-filled activity centers, spectacular Disney-themed live shows, pool and deck parties, Disney Character greetings and more! 

Check out just some of the fun your kids can have during a Disney cruise to Alaska in this new video.



Email spreadingmagic@gmail.com for your free Disney Cruise Line quote or for more information!

Up to 30% Off at Grand Sirenis in Riviera Maya

Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya - Save up to 30%

Details:

Grand Sirenis, Riviera Maya - Save up to 30%

The Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa 5 is an astonishing complex, situated on the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. The property has a perfectly conserved Mayan Ruin and a beautiful natural cove where guests can enjoy snorkeling close to the beach, 3 pools, a lazy river, 8 restaurants a la carte, kid’s club and much more.

Spa Grand Sirenis
An amazing destination Spa surrounded by a unique landscape. Experience the fusion of the 4 elements in our 34,100 sqft. Spa facility dedicated to your Health and Wellness. 

Email spreadingmagic@gmail.com for your free quote!

Magic Kingdom Named One of "Top 10 Overall Favorite Family Destinations" in the United States

Did you hear that FamilyFun magazine recently named Magic Kingdom® Park as one of the “Top 10 Overall Favorite Family Destinations” in the U.S.

Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot®, Disney’s Animal Kingdom®, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Disneyland® and Disney California Adventure® were also recognized as part of the “Top 10 Amusement Parks” in the country. And, Walt Disney World® Resort hotels were named “Number One” in the category of “Top Family Resorts” in the country.



Email spreadingmagic@gmail.com for your free Walt Disney World Resort quote plus take advantage of some great special offers!