Perusing Peru

We recently had the amazing opportunity to explore Peru with Globus on their 11 night Legacy of the Incas Tour.  Machu Picchu was one of my husband’s dream destinations, so we were excited to cross this off the bucket list.

I’m going to be honest right up front…this was our first experience participating in a fully escorted trip like this and pace (along with the altitude) was brutal.  The initial itinerary provided by Globus showed that we would be staying in 8 different hotels over the 11 days, so we knew we would be on the move.  But we didn’t realize that most days would have very early wake up calls, involve planes, trains and buses, and leave us dreaming of a nap.  😊  I guess exploring all that a country has to offer in 11 days involves 100% dedication.  I will share the daily sheets that they gave us as we worked our way through the tour.  Everything was slightly subject to change along the way.

Here are my scribbled notes from the travel packet.  I want to point out how we worked up to the highest altitude of 12,556 feet.  We did take Diamox (altitude sickness medication) that was prescribed by our doctor at home.  The air was so dry and thin I had a bloody nose for 4 days.  My husband woke up with a horrible migraine one night.  They had oxygen available at the hotels and advised us to come for treatment if we started to feel a headache starting.  It was crazy how much better we all felt as soon as we flew back to Lima.  You could just feel the weight and humidity in the air. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

All the hotels that we stayed in were excellent.  The only negative was that we arrived late and left early, so we didn’t have time to relax and enjoy them.  If I ran the world I would have liked to extend the trip to 14 nights with a few down days along the way.  An extra night in Sacred Valley and Paracas would have given us an opportunity to rest and regroup. 

Having said all of that, it was an amazing trip that we will never forget.  I’ll share some pictures of the highlights.

Lima

We started our adventure exploring Lima, the capital of Peru.  We saw lots of palaces, cathedrals and monasteries.  Our guide took us to a local market where we were able to taste all kinds of unique local fruits and vegetables.  We also had an amazing warm, fresh churro that was the highlight of the day. Lol!

Sacred Valley

We flew to Cusco and traveled to Sacred Valley, where the group enjoyed a Mother Earth Ceremony performed by a local shaman.  We were able to give 2 cocoa leaves to the shaman in gratitude to Mother Earth and receive blessings of health, wealth and safe travels.  We then enjoyed a tasting lunch prepared outside that featured local specialties and was probably my favorite meal of the trip. 

Machu Picchu

Today we visited a local home in the Sacred Valley to experience their way of life.  Afterward, we boarded the Vistadome train toward Machu Picchu.  It was a lovely 2-hour train ride that included snack boxes and they had a bar cart.  There was live entertainment on the way there with pisco sour samples and an alpaca fashion show on the way back.  Once we disembarked from the train, we had some free time until our scheduled bus departure, which took us right up into Machu Picchu.  It was breathtaking and hard to capture in photos.  We were so lucky that the weather cooperated.  One warning though…we all were bitten by mosquitos and no see em’s.  Some of the bites were itchy and others stung like a bee.  It was pretty bad, so USE BUG SPRAY and cover every inch of your skin that you can with clothing. 

Our hotel for the night was amazing and right at the base on Machu Picchu along the Vilcanota River.  Those in the group that wanted were able to visit Machu Picchu again the next morning to watch the sunrise and explore the sanctuary before the crowds arrived.  It was raining, so I opted to sleep in and recover a bit.  After lunch, we headed to Cusco by bus. 

Cusco

We learned more about the Incas during our city tour, which included a tour of the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Santo Domingo Monastery and the Temple of the Sun.  Our last visit of the day was the Temple of Sacsayhuaman (which sounds like “sexy woman”) which was built with huge rocks that perfectly fit together.  How?!?

Puno/Lake Titicaca

Next, we headed to our highest elevation so far, Puno and Lake Titicaca.  We had to fly from Cusco to Lima, then Lima to Puno, so the first day was just a travel day.  Our second day was one of the highlights of the whole trip.  We were able to spend time on the Uros Islands, which are manmade from totora reeds and inhabited by the Uros Indians, who were forced off their land by the Incas.  There are over 1000 Uros still living on the 100 manmade islands of Lake Titicaca.  We learned all about their history and culture.  After our visit, we took a boat ride across the lake to Taquile Island for lunch and a hike. 

Paracas/Nazca Lines

We flew from Juliaca back to Lima and then travelled by bus to Paracas, where we were able to explore the Ballestas Islands by boat.  They are considered “the poor man’s Galapagos”.  We saw beautiful rock formations, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and penguins. 

We also had an amazing experience in Paracas  flightseeing over the Nazca Lines.  They date back to 500 BC and the etchings consist of over 10,000 lines depicting plants and animals only viewable from the sky.  This was another once in a lifetime bucket list opportunity.

In Closing…

We were able to see and do so much on this trip.  There is no way we could have navigated the logistics required to make it happen without our Globus guide.  He took care of every single detail, including luggage issues, people getting sick and needing medication, flight changes and government protests/strikes.  He took our dinner orders, distributed admission tickets, served as an interpreter and was constantly counting heads to make sure we didn’t leave anyone behind. 

I will leave you with my random list of tips, tricks and fun facts for Peru:

  • You will see lots of alpacas and llamas.  Some roam free, some on farms, and some dressed up for pictures.  I am still not sure how you can tell which is which.  But my husband ate Alpaca steak and said it was ok. Kind of like a tough pork chop.
  • Speaking of eating weird stuff, Guinea Pig (Cuy) is a special delicacy in Peru.  They deep fry it and serve it whole for special occasions, like birthdays, graduations and anniversaries.  Some of our group tried it and said it had a unique flavor and texture. 
  • You are taxed on your home once it has a roof, windows and a front door.  So, about 75% of the houses that we saw had no roof, windows or front door.
  • We saw literally hundreds of dogs roaming around the cities, even walking along the freeways.  They are not homeless.  They return home to be fed when they are ready.  They are just free to wander because…their home has no front door!
  • Speaking of pets…visit the John F Kennedy Park in Lima.  They have hundreds of little cat houses and cats roaming free there.  Someone comes in to feed them, but they are just wandering around, climbing trees and curling up to sleep together.
  • You can’t flush the toilet paper in Peru.  There is a small, covered garbage can next to every toilet for your toilet paper.
  • Speaking of toilet paper…bring lots with you.  Many public toilets have no paper, soap or water to wash your hands.  Maybe not even a toilet seat.  You also have to pay 1 Sol to use many public bathrooms, so have some coins on hand.
  • We converted $300 USD to Sol and had plenty of cash.  Almost everywhere took US funds and/or credit cards.  We mostly used the Sol for tips.  Well, and bathrooms. Lol!
  • You can’t drink the water in Peru.  You don’t even want to use tap water to brush your teeth.  Also, we were advised to avoid ice in our drinks and to be careful with raw vegetables that may have been washed in water.
  • They love carbs in Peru.  They have over 4,000 types of potatoes. 
  •  It’s not like visiting Mexico, where everyone speaks some English and the signs are in both Spanish and English.  They speak Spanish.  If you try to communicate in English with lots of hand gestures, they will just shrug at you.  We used google translate for everything.  Do try and learn a little conversational Spanish before visiting.  It will make your life much easier. 
  • Cocoa tea helps with elevation and digestion.  It does have some caffeine, so don’t drink it at night. 

Perusing Peru was an amazing adventure. If Machu Picchu is on your bucket list, do it!

Avalon Waterways

Romantic Rhine (Southbound)

Onboard the Avalon Envision

We had an amazing adventure sailing with a group of 10 friends!

Day 1 – Pre Cruise Stay in Amsterdam

We arrived in Amsterdam and spent one night pre cruise at one of my favorite fun hotels, The Sir Adam.  It is in a great location across the river from the Central Train Station and is within walking distance of all of the most popular attractions. Most of the group visited the Ann Frank Museum in the afternoon, but we had already been so we opted to take the ferry over to the Straat Museum.  It is a funky eclectic mix of graffiti and street art.  Find out more at https://straatmuseum.com/en .  We stopped for a stroopwafel on the way back.  Pro tip:  Get one fresh made from a street vendor.  It will literally melt in your mouth.  The sugar high help counter the jetlag!

Day 2 – Embarking Envision

After a relaxing morning, we hired 2 Uber XL’s and transferred to the ship.  Our rooms weren’t ready yet, but they stored our bags for us and we enjoyed a light lunch with wine in the lounge.  We had all signed up for the optional afternoon tour to Zaanse Schans, which was very touristy but quirky and fun.  We toured a windmill, learned how cheese is made followed by a tasting and watched a pair of wooden shoes be carved.  When we returned to the ship our cabins were ready and we enjoyed our first happy hour briefing and dinner onboard.

Here’s a video reap of our time in Amsterdam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8_d_KMHVYc

Day 3 – Canal Cruise and Cannabis

After overnighting in Amsterdam, we enjoyed a canal cruise that gave us a great overview of Amsterdam.  There are thousands of bikes everywhere and the entire city smells like skunks, but we love Amsterdam.  After some shopping, we returned to the ship for happy hour and dinner while sailing to our next stop, Cologne. 

Day 4 – Prost to Cologne

The group all signed up for the walking tour and had a fun guide who pointed out lots of interesting details along the way. We toured the inside of the Cathedral on our own, as it was not included as part of the ships tour.   Instead of heading back to the ship, we enjoyed an authentic German meal at a beer hall that was full of sausages and schnitzels and of course, Kolsch beer. I had originally planned to also do the Lindt Chocolate Museum Tour, but that just never happened after the beer hall. 😊

Here’s a video recap of our day in Cologne https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nih-GjLXm4

Day 5 -Party Time in Rüdesheim

I just love Rüdesheim.  It is such a quaint little German town in the heart of the Reisling wine region.  We decided to wing it this day and took the ariel tram up to the Neiderwald Monument, then hiked back down through the vineyards.  After exploring the little shops in town (including the Christmas shop for an ornament), we stopped at a café for traditional Rudesheim coffees.  It was a lovely day.

Here’s a video recap of our time sailing the Rhine and visiting Rudesheim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKcBLPNkc54

Day 6 – Hello, Heidelberg

This was our first time visiting Heidelberg.  I didn’t realize that it is a college town, so it was full of fun young energy with lots of bars, restaurants and shops.  We did the traditional castle tour offered by the ship in the morning which included lunch (which was just OK).  Afterwards, we had several hours of free time to wander the town and we eventually settled in at Restaurant Hackteufel for huge pretzels with cheese spread and German beers.  I enjoyed a Sekt, which I was told is a sparkling Riesling.  We wandered over to Gundel for afternoon desserts, but after waiting in a long line we ended up leaving after seeing bugs all over the pastries.   

Here’s the video recap of our day in Heidelberg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItL3er-sfaw

Day 7 – No Sunshine in Strasbourg

We woke up to pouring rain.  The rest of the group stayed on the ship to relax, but we braved the elements for the morning walking tour.  It was a Sunday, so everything in town was closed for most of the morning.  It is a beautiful town and this is our second visit there in the rain.  Would love to see it in the sunshine!

Here’s the video of our day in Strasbourg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4CWqTage90

Day 8 – Breisach and the Black Forest

This was our first time visiting the Black Forest and I had done some research about the little town of Freiburg, which is where most of the river cruise tours visit.  Instead, our Avalon tour took us to a touristy stop with historical cabins and a water mill, a butter making demonstration and a buffet lunch.  They also had a cuckoo clock shop with carving demonstrations.  It was all interesting, but very touristy. 

Day 9 – Disembark in Basel and transfer to Zurich

We had purchased a 2 night post cruise package from Avalon, so they transferred us from the ship to the Renaissance Zurich Tower.  It was a nice hotel and included breakfast, but we did need to use public transportation to get around town.  There wasn’t much within walking distance.

Day 10 – Loved Lucerne!

We pre purchased an all-day tour from Project Expedition called the Golden Round Trip.  It included a bus tour from Zurich to Lucerne, free time to explore, tickets for the gondola and ariel cable car to the top of Mt Pilatus, free time on the mountain, tickets for the cogwheel train down, a boat tour around Lake Lucerne and then transfers back to Zurich.  It was an amazing day, but unfortunately it started to rain and the top of the mountain was in the clouds.  Now we have a reason to go back!  When we returned to Zurich, we found a lovely little restaurant that served traditional Swiss fondue.  It was the perfect end to our adventure. 

Here’s a video recap of our overnight post cruise in Switzerland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UBaUu8vh20

A Princess sails on Sun Princess

We just returned from a 3 night preview sailing on this new Sphere Class ship.  Since there is lots of information out there about the Sun Princess, I will focus my review on a few features that I think are unique to this class of ship or Princess in general:

  • The cabins were for the most part comparable to the newer ships on other premium lines.  The bathroom was large and well appointed. There was plenty of storage space, and there were lots of outlets and USB ports at the desk and on both sides of the bed.  We had a special D2 cabin with an extra-large balcony that we really enjoyed.  I’ll let the video give you a better look:  https://youtu.be/vC05IkFcIaY
  • Cabana Deck Mini Suite Cabins: This was a unique type of cabin that features a covered cabana where the balcony would normally be, then opens up to a balcony. If you book this category on Deck 9, the balcony then opens to a large private shared balcony area.  We took a video that I hope will explain it better than words do. https://youtu.be/gbubqbKUeRQ What the pictures don’t show is how HOT it was in the cabana when it was closed off.  The only time I could see this being a real benfit would be if you had a group traveling together that would enjoy using the shared balcony as a gathering place. 
  • The Sanctuary Collection, which seems to be Princesses’ answer to Celebrity’s Aqua Class/Retreat.  The cabins are the same, but Sanctuary Class offers upgraded amenities and services, including a private restaurant and pool area with cabanas available to rent. Sanctuary bookings also include the Princess Premier package features.
  • The Dome, which is a beautiful glassed in area on the top deck that they use as an indoor pool during the day and then for shows at night.  The space is small for the size of ship. There are also quite a few obstructed viewing areas, so get there early to secure a good seat.

Princess Plus and Premier

I have to say one of the best features Princess offers are their Princess Plus and Premier Packages.  Below is a side by side comparison of everything that is included and the current pricing.  We had the Plus Package, which did not include specialty dining but was all that we needed.  These packages make cruising truly all-inclusive and really elevated our experience. 

Princess Medallion

We loved the Princess Medallion!  There was no key card to keep track of.  It was nice to walk up to our stateroom door and not have to fumble around looking for a key. Our smiling faces popped up on the screen and the green light indicated that our door was unlocked.  When we stopped at a bar to order a drink, they knew our names and that we had the Plus Package.  We used the app to order drinks and they were delivered to our poolside chair via GPS tracking from the medallion, which they call OceanNow on demand delivery.

Overall, we were very impressed with the Sun Princess and feel that it was comparable to Celebrity in many ways.  The food was excellent in the venues that we tried, which were all standard options without an additional charge.  The service was also outstanding.  Every crew member we encountered was smiling and helpful.  The ship was elegant with soothing colors and contemporary décor.  The Sun Princess offers a premium level cruise experience.  There was nothing not to like, kind of like vanilla ice cream.  😊

Ellen’s Tips and Tricks for a Girls Weekend in Nashville

Arrival Day

Kick off your Nashville weekend with dinner at White Limozeen, the perfectly pink Dolly Parton themed restaurant located on the rooftop of the Graduate Hotel.  Amazing food (the grazing board, nicoise salmon salad and pasta we’re perfect) and fun fancy drinks (don’t miss out on the Chambong) are an awesome way to start your girls weekend in Nashville.  Everything is picture perfect!  Make reservations online 2 weeks in advance and it is 21 and over after 7 pm. 

From there, you can head down Broadway and get the party started, or pace yourself and save bar hopping for the next day. 😊

Day 2 – Morning

Spend the morning brunching and shopping in the 12th South District.  Have your Uber/Lyft drop you off at Buttermilk Ranch so you can put your name in for a table.  Don’t miss the Beignets with lemon curd.  Trust me!   Expect a two hour wait on the weekends, but that’s ok…it will give you time to explore and shop!  If you need a caffeine fix, head down a block to the original Frothy Monkey for a coffee creation.  There are tons of little boutiques and shops to explore along 12 South, but a must visit is Draper James, which is Reece Witherspoon’s store.  There are also lots of fun murals in this area so make plenty of photo stops along the way. 

Day 2 – Afternoon/Evening

Broadway Street during the day is very different than Broadway at night. If you are up for it, head over while the sun is still shining and get the party started!

For old school country and classic rock with a dive bar vibe, stop into Tootsies or Honky Tonk Central.  For the best roof top bars, try

Aldeen’s (expect a line to get in)

Whiskey Row (Dierks Bentley’s place) or

12/30 Club (kind of fancy and owned by Justin Timberlake). 

Barstool Nashville at 123 Second Ave has more of a classic club vibe (and lines to get in…but worth it for Ms. Peaches merch!)

For a sit-down dinner, check out Miranda Lamberts Casa Rosa. It has a girly tex/mex vibe with great live music and a roof top bar.  For a more casual atmosphere, visit Assembly Food Hall on 5th and Broadway. They offer rooftop dining from over 30 food and drink venues plus live music.

Ready to get a little crazy?  Wander down Printers Alley off of 2nd and Broadway.  Ride a bull at Wild Beaver, sing a song at Miss Kelli’s Karaoke and dance on the bar at Coyote Ugly Nashville. (Note:  There is currently road construction taking place in that area)

Day 3 – Morning

After sleeping in a bit, head over to The Gulch for brunch and shopping.  Stop for a photo op at the famous What Lifts You wings mural before breakfast at Biscuit Love Gulch, where you don’t want to miss the Bonuts.  For shopping, visit Kittenish (owned by Jessie James Decker) and, if you are up for a bit of a walk, Kristen Cavillari’s store Uncommon James. 

Day 3 – Afternoon/Evening

This afternoon, you may be packing up to head home or need some recovery down time poolside if you are staying at a hotel with a party pool scene.  If you want to keep going, we loved the Yee Haw Brewery and Old Smokey whiskey and moonshine tasting at 6th and Peabody.  They had great live music and fun indoor/outdoor party space.  We saw an awesome Fleetwood Mac cover band at 3rd and Lindsay.  There are tons of peddle pubs and party buses all around Broadway.  And, of course, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum if you are interested in learning more about the history of the music scene. 

After 3 days of nonstop fun, we were ready to head home to recover.  We picked up some Hattie B’s Hot Chicken at the airport to cap off the perfect girls weekend in Nashville.  Round up your girlfriends and head to Nashville for a few days.  You won’t regret it!

Wastin’ away again at Margaritaville (Hollywood Beach Resort)

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, located right on the famous Hollywood Beach Broadwalk (and yes, they don’t call it a boardwalk!) in Florida, is a fabulous choice for either a pre or post-cruise stay.  Its laid-back, tropical vibe is perfect for travelers looking to unwind before setting sail or relax after a high seas adventure. Let’s break down what makes this resort a top pick:

Location

– Proximity to Ports: It’s conveniently positioned about 15 minutes from Port Everglades (and the Ft Lauderdale airport) and approximately 30 minutes from Miami Cruise Port. This makes it an easy and stress-free transfer point for cruise travelers.  An Uber from the pier ran around $25 and it is about the same amount to the Ft. Lauderdale airport. 

– Beachfront Access: The resort sits directly on the expansive Hollywood Beach, offering immediate access to the beach and a variety of ocean-based activities.  It is a beautiful long stretch of beach perfect for walking and relaxing.  The $42 per night resort fee includes 2 chairs and an umbrella with beach towels reserved on the beach per room, so there is no need to get up early to try and grab a good spot. 

– The Intracoastal water taxi stop is right across the street from the resort, making this a great location to hop on and sightsee up and down the coast.  For more information check out: https://watertaxi.com/

Amenities

– Pools and Recreation: The resort boasts multiple swimming pools (including an adult pool, rooftop pool and a family pool with slide), a flow rider surf simulator, a lazy river, and a full-service spa. It’s like a mini vacation before or after your main vacation!

– Dining Options: With eight unique dining venues to choose from, there is something for everyone. Whether it’s a casual beachside grill (The Landshark Bar and Grill) you’re looking for or an upscale dining experience (JWB Prime Steak and Seafood), there’s something to suit every palate.  And, of course, there is Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Restaurant for amazing nachos and margaritas!

– Room Choices: The rooms offer a peaceful retreat with ocean or intracoastal views, plush bedding, and modern amenities. Perfect for relaxing and recharging!  We opted for the Intercoastal view at a lower price.  There are water views on both sides of the resort! 

Vibe and Atmosphere

– Casual and Fun: Inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of singer, songwriter, and author Jimmy Buffett, the atmosphere is laid-back and fun-focused, with an emphasis on living the island lifestyle.

– Entertainment and Activities: There’s always something happening, from live bands on the weekends, guitarists in the lobby playing Jimmy Buffet classics, to family-friendly activities throughout the resort during the day.  There are frequently free concerts taking place at the bandshell on the Broadwalk just outside the resort. 

Conclusion

Overall, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort is more than just a place to stay, it is a vacation resort destination. With its stunning beachfront, fun amenities, and easy access to South Florida’s cruise ports, it’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a seamless and enjoyable cruise transition either pre or post cruise or a beach resort destination in southern Florida.

Celebrity Ascent AquaClass

I was fortunate enough to be invited to sail on Celebrity Cruises newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, for their naming ceremony preview cruise earlier this month.  Ascent is the fourth ship in the Celebrity Edge class and is a beautiful addition to their fleet.

The Celebrity Ascent naming ceremony took place on the pool deck. The Godmothers were Captain Sandy from Bravo’s show Below Deck and her sister, Michelle Dunham, who is an advocate for children with autism.  It was a fun and festive celebration before we set sail.

Our cabin on the Celebrity Ascent was an AquaClass Infinite Veranda, so this review will focus on the perks of sailing in AquaClass while onboard one of Celebrity’s Edge class ships. 

Let’s start with a quick cabin tour:

One of the best benefits of AquaClass is the opportunity to dine in Blu, their exclusive dining room. It features clean health focused dining options in a beautiful setting.

Edge series AquaClass guests can also enjoy complimentary access to the SEA Thermal Suite. It features heated ocean view loungers, 8 separate experience areas with saunas, aromatherapy steam rooms and tropical rain showers, and a spa concierge. 

While onboard, guests in AquaClass can use a yoga mat which is provided in their cabin. They are also able to join unlimited exercise classes throughout their cruise.

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Pricing

For a pricing comparison, I checked availablility on Celebrity Ascent for December 1, 2024 sailing for 7 nights.  An Edge stateroom with an Infinite Veranda priced at $3196 for 2 with a no perks promo price.  An A2 Celebrity Ascent AquaClass with an Infinite Veranda priced at $3849 for 2 with no perks.  That is a $750 price difference, so cruisers will have to decide if access to Blu and the Spa services are worth the upgraded price.

Celebrity Ascent is a beautiful ship and a great addition to the Celebrity Fleet.

Cruising the Norwegian Fjords

Our adventures continued with a 7-night sailing onboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas through the Norwegian Fjords.  I’ll be honest…I saw the breathtaking beauty of the fjords on Bravo’s Below Deck Adventure series and immediately booked us on a cruise.  The Norwegian Fjords weren’t ever on my bucket list of destinations to visit, but I can’t wait to show you why they should be on yours. 

We sailed out of Southampton with a day at sea to bookend our early September itinerary.  The four ports we visited were each beautiful and unique.  We are an active couple in our late 50’s. We did quite a bit of research before cruising to find the perfect adventures in each port that would allow us to see and do as much as possible during our quick visits.

Stavanger

We decided to divide and conquer Stavanger.  My husband really wanted to do the hike to the top of Pulpit Rock and I just wasn’t sure if I would be up for it.  I am in my 50’s and in good shape.  I walk on the treadmill on an incline almost every day.  We read several different descriptions of the hike from a variety of resources.  Some listed it as an easy gradual incline on a clear path and others rated it difficult or strenuous with proper hiking gear required.  In the end, I decided that I would hold him back and not enjoy the climb, so he went without me.  It was absolutely the right choice. 

Pulpit Rock

Because of the logistics involved in getting to the start of the trail to climb pulpit rock and the timing of the day, we opted to purchase the Pulpit Rock Adventure Hike Shore Excursion directly from Royal Caribbean.  It included a guide and round-trip transfers, so he didn’t have to worry about the return bus schedule.  The starting point for the hike is approximately 45 minutes away from the port. The hike itself took him approximately an hour and a half at a quick pace with occasional breaks. He spent about half an hour at the top with an hour walk down.  He then had to wait awhile for the rest of the group to come down, so he visited the store and bought some snacks.  They did have a restaurant and restrooms at the base of the trail. 

He said it was definitely a strenuous hike and proper hiking boots would be strongly advised.  You are constantly climbing over rocks and boulders.  The next day his legs were pretty sore, but it was totally worth it for him, and he was glad that the weather cooperated and he got to do it. 

Lysefjord Cruise

So, while he was huffing and puffing and sweating his way up to the top of Pulpit Rock, I was sailing by on a beautiful, enclosed boat enjoying a 3 hour Lysefjord Cruise viewing waterfalls and eating waffles.  We also booked this tour with Royal Caribbean.  It was relaxing and beautiful and I enjoyed every minute. 

After the cruise, I had some free time to wander around the port and do some shopping.  I had read that there was a great Christmas shop near the port, and we collect a Christmas ornament from everywhere we visit, so I was excited to check it out.  It was definitely overhyped and under delivered.  Most of the ornaments were generic and made in China.  There was a small outdoor market with 10-12 booths set up near the port selling things like animal pelts, antlers, and reindeer jerky.  Authentic?  Yes.  Something I would purchase?  Never.  But my husband had to try the reindeer jerky and said it was pretty good.  I was not interested in finding out what Rudolph tastes like.  Lol!

Our weather was a little drizzly and foggy in the morning and just overcast in the afternoon.  Tom was warm hiking and I was fine with a light windbreaker over a sweater while sailing and shopping. 

Olden

This was one of my favorite days of our trip.  We did some research ahead of time and decided that we wanted to spend the day zip lining with Olden Adventure.  Unfortunately, because we were travelling late in the season, ziplining was not scheduled to operate on the day of our visit.  I contacted the manager and he advised that if we had 15 people sign up, he would open the ziplines.  I posted in a Facebook group for our ships sailing date and immediately got a little group of adventurers that were interested in participating.  Yep, I manifested that! Lol

Olden Adventure operates a shuttle bus from the pier. It runs continuously to the Loen Skylift, which is only 10 minutes away from where the ships dock.  The skylift to the top offers amazingly breathtaking views. We paid NOK 1791 for 2 including the shuttle, which is around $180 USD total.  There was a giftshop at the bottom and the top and a restaurant/bar with breathtaking views.  There are also hiking trails to explore.

Once at the top, we got our gear and headed over to the ziplines.  We prepaid 1190 NOK for both of us, so around $120 USD.  It was worth every penny, but I will let the video speak for itself.  For more information or to make a booking, visit oldenadventure.com  It was a great day and we had perfect weather.

Geiranger

This was also a great day exploring.  We opted to skip the Royal Caribbean shore excursion offerings and instead rented a mini electric car for the day from emob Gerianger.  We reserved it in advance and prepaid a two-hour rental with insurance for NOK 1995, which is around $200 USD.  Emob Geiranger was located just a short walk from the pier.  They were completely sold out of cars on the day of our visit. There were lots of disappointed people stopping to ask about rentals.  The car came with a preprogrammed GPS system in the language of your choice, which pointed out the sights along the way.  We were able to stop anytime we wanted to enjoy breathtaking views and beautiful waterfalls.  The pictures don’t even begin to capture the beauty of Geiranger.

We had a short day in port and sailed past the Seven Sister’s Waterfalls on the way out.  The captain did a 360 degree turn with the ship so we could enjoy all of the views.  I felt bad for the people who had taken the popular Royal Caribbean shore excursion to the Seven Sister’s Waterfalls, as they could have spent the day exploring Geiranger instead. 

Haugesund

We looked at all of the shore excursions offered by Royal Caribbean in Haugesund and none of them sounded very exciting. It was a beautiful day, so we decided to venture out on our own.  Our adventure followed the hiking plan that I found here , including the stop at the cupcakehuset.   We followed the Rv 47 road out but attempted to follow the bike path back. We got lost in a residential area, which just added to the adventure.  Our weather was beautiful in Haugesund.

September was a beautiful time to travel to Norway. I strongly suggest that you add this destination to your travel bucket list. The Norwegian parliament has introduced new requirements stipulating that all cruise ships and ferries in World Heritage fjords must be emission free by 2026. Book a Norwegian Fjord cruise now while you can!

Stonehenge

On embarkation day, we needed to get from downtown London to Southampton to board our cruise. We opted to do a transfer tour that included a stop enroute at Stonehenge.  Because…why not!?!  It’s one of the seven wonders of the world and in 1986 became a world heritage site.  A basic one way transfer from the airport to the port cost $95 through the cruise line. The transfer and tour was only $150 per person with pick up at our hotel. After all, It seemed like a great opportunity to cross this off our bucket list (although we never even actually had Stonehenge on our bucket list).  Lol!

We booked our package with Project Expedition. You can take a look at the various tours and transfers that they offer HERE

After being picked up at our hotel promptly at 7:30 am, we transferred via private car to meet up with the bus tour.   It was about an hour and a half bus ride to Stonehenge, with a refreshment/bathroom break along the way.  Our guide escorted us as a group to the rocks giving us an overview of the history and mystery of Stonehenge.  We had about an hour to wander around, take pictures, visit the giftshop and have a snack.  Afterwards, we reboarded the bus and had another hour and a half ride to the port of Southampton.  We arrived at 1:30 pm and were able to board our ship right away. 

It was a great day with perfect weather.  I highly recommend a visit to Stonehenge if you are sailing from Southampton.  And I think it was definitely built by aliens.  Lol!

Weekend of Sightseeing in London

Want to see all the highlights of London with limited time? Here’s my power touring plan for a weekend in London with 48 hours of sightseeing suggestions. We spent two nights in London prior to a cruise departing from Southampton.

Hotel

We stayed at The Royal Horseguards. It was a fantastic historic location right on the River Thames and across the bridge from the London Eye. Our rate included a wonderful traditional English breakfast buffet. I would rate this property 4 out of 5 stars. It was very traditional and elegant, but our room was in need of some repair (sink handle was stripped, furniture was water stained, outlets didn’t work). The bed, however, was heavenly!

The Royal Horseguards Hotel wasn’t cheap, though, so you may want to look at alternate locations nearby. If you are flying into Gatwick, there is a nonstop train to the Clermont London, Victoria which is also a great location and walking distance to Buckingham Palace.

Sightseeing

You can purchase the Hop On Hop Off Big Bus London tickets from your concierge at the hotel or from the bus driver right as you board the bus at any one of the marked stops. There was a bus stop one block away from our hotel, so we hopped on and toured around to get the lay of the land. The Big Bus London Tour does provide earbuds and recorded commentary while you are driving around, which helps identify the historic buildings, statues, and monuments. It was a great way to get our bearings. To check the routes and find out more, visit https://www.bigbustours.com/en/london/london-bus-tours

We hopped off and visited Buckingham Palace, which was packed with tourists. There was not a changing of the guard ceremony on the day we were there. To check the schedule during your visit, check: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html


We purchased admission tickets to St Paul’s Cathedral (where Princess Di and Prince Charles were married) and climbed to the top of the dome for great views of downtown London. https://www.stpauls.co.uk/ Admission is free, but a 23 GBP donation allows you to climb to the top of the dome.


Next, we enjoyed breathtaking views from the famous London Eye. We waited to purchase tickets to make sure that the weather was good and had no wait to board at 6 pm on a Friday night. For advance tickets and more information: https://www.londoneye.com/tickets-and-prices/

After disembarking from the London Eye, we enjoyed a 45 minute river cruise on the Thames. You can buy these tickets in the same place as the London Eye Tickets.


For a traditional pub atmosphere and food, we hung out at The Wellington, which is walking distance from the Royal Horseguards. https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/london/thewellingtonstrandlondon#/

Overall, we really did see and do a lot in a weekend of sightseeing in London while adjusting to the time change. Next stop, Stonehenge!

Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort

The last time I visited Punta Cana was with a large group for my daughter’s high school spring break trip.  This time I was also traveling with my daughter for spring break, but she is in law school now and we were looking for a different vibe.  Instead of late nights and lots of shots, we were looking for spa time and sunshine.  So we headed down to the Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort for some rest and relaxation.

Flights

We departed from Lansing on Funjet’s Swift Air Charter.  The flights were nonstop departing at 8 am from Lansing and arriving in Punta Cana at 12:25 pm.  On the return, we departed Punta Cana at 1:25 and were scheduled to arrive in Lansing at 5:45.  We did have a delay of about 2 hours on the return due to an air compressor issue and strong headwinds. 

You do need to complete the online form to receive an e-ticket QR code for entry and departure from the Dominican Republic. Only one application is needed per family. You must complete the information within 72 hours of travel and can either print it out, email it to yourself or save it on your phone. It is pretty quick and painless and I honestly don’t think anyone ever asked to see it. For step by step instructions, click here

Our flights were uneventful.  They don’t have TV monitors onboard, so we did lots of reading.  Only soft drinks and a bag of pretzels were served enroute.  This is an excellent option for affordable nonstop flights to Punta Cana (and Cancun) from Michigan, particularly over spring break and the holidays.  Funny enough there were lots of Canadians onboard. 

Because of the 8 am departure time from Lansing, we did stay overnight at a basic Fairfield Inn in Lansing the night before our flight. The closest hotels to the airport are 10-15 minutes away. Parking at the Lansing Airport is $10 per day and you literally walk across a walkway and you are in the airport. Flying from Lansing, Michigan could not be easier.

We upgraded to Premium Class, which included a priority check in line, priority boarding, seats toward the front of the plane and one checked bag per person.  It wasn’t a big deal in Lansing, but the crowds were crazy in Punta Cana and it was well worth it.  The first picture is the regular line to check in in Punta Cana…the second picture is the preferred line.

Transfers

We also upgraded to private transfers in Punta Cana with Amstar.  They met us right outside of customs and escorted us directly to our waiting van.  Again, it was worth it to avoid the crowds of people and waiting for a bus to fill up.  On the return, they wanted us to depart 3 ½ hours before our flight, but I changed the time to 3 hours prior and we had more than enough time at the airport.

Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort

This was just a quick 4 night trip for some much needed R and R.  We stayed at the Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort in Premium Level, which gave us full use of all of the facilities at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace next door.  I was also able to make spa and dining reservations in advance by emailing bavaro.beach.clubpremium-jefe@barcelo.com . We picked the Beach Resort because it was Adults Only, but ended up spending most of our time at the Palace Resort anyway.

Rooms

The Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort rooms are very basic and in need of updating.  Having said that, they were clean and the beds were comfortable.  I really don’t have much else to say about the rooms.  The view was wonderful, though!  We were only able to find one or two TV channels in English, so we barely even turned on the TV.  When we stayed at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace, the rooms were all junior suites and much nicer.

Food

The food was fine.  Punta Cana is not really know for it’s fine dining but we certainly didn’t lose any weight!  The breakfast buffet had made to order omelets which were very good.  Lunch in the buffets was just ok.  Dinner in the ala carte restaurants was good, with Chez Gourmet and the Hibachi Restaurants being the best. 

Drinks

The main brand of liquor and wine everywhere in the resort is the Barcelo brand.  They serve a Barcelo red and white wine, but you must pay for any other wines off a wine list.  We drank quite a few delicious mojitos with coconut rum, so I really have no complaints.  But, if you order a Bacardi and Coke, they say “No Bacardi.  Barcelo.” 

Activities

The pool area was beautiful at both resorts.  The beach is one of the top 10 in the world, but they are having seaweed issues.  They cleaned it up every morning and night, but by mid afternoon it was pretty bad.  We did not notice a smell from the seaweed at all.   

There were very few activities going on both during the day and at night around the resorts.  They had a stretch/yoga class on the beach each morning and a dance class on the beach each afternoon.  That is about all that we saw for daytime activities.

We spent a day at the spa at the Palace and enjoyed massages, hot and cold plunge pools and wet and dry saunas.  There is also a private spa pool that was very peaceful and quiet with plenty of shade. 

At night, the Beach Resort had music in the lobby and the Palace Resort had a basic show each evening around 10 pm, but we were in bed by then. Lol!  The Palace also has a Casino, Disco and Strikers sports bar and bowling lanes. 

Overall, it was a relaxing girl’s getaway and we returned refreshed.  I would say that the Barcelo Bavaro Palace is a solid 4 star property and the Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort is a 3 star option.  If you can get it for a great price and don’t need lots of activities and entertainment on vacation it would be fine.  But honestly, there are so many other options in Punta Cana, I would try some place else if we were to return.