16 Unforgettable Trips to Take in 2016

With the New Year just started, I’ve been busy reminiscing on 2015 and wanderlusting for the new year. I decided to put together a list of some of my all-time favorite destinations and some of my personal travel bucket list items for some New Year’s inspiration.

Whether you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, a serious adventure or the ultimate girlfriend getaway…

Here are 16 unforgettable trips to take in 2016!

Discover the Colors of Puerto Rico

Explore the wild and fun islands of Puerto Rico, the “Island of Enchantment.” Stroll on the blue cobblestones of Old San Juan, swim in bioluminescent bays or hike in the nation’s only rainforest.

Great food and cocktails are never far in Puerto Rico- home to fresh, tropical fruits, delicate seafood, and the Bacardi Factory!

Read Next: Exploring Old San Juan in a Day

Take a Cruise

Cruises are a great way to see multiple destinations and not worry about transportation and accommodation between them. A big plus is the awesome food and activities that many cruise lines offer when you’re on board.

I took my first cruise in 2015 and spent the holidays with Crystal Cruises, one of the most luxurious cruise lines in the world. I celebrated Christmas in the Caribbean and rang in the New Year in Rio!

Read Next: Aboard Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Symphony

Relax on the Beaches in Tulum

Take your girlfriends on an fun-packed getaway to Tulum, Cancun’s laid-back sister. Built around 13th-century Mayan ruins, the community has since developed into a relaxed seaside resort, with casual shopping areas, low-key restaurants and bungalow-style hotels.

Read Next: The Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide

Plan a Getaway with Your Bestie

No one seems to know fun better than your best friend—so why not hit the road with your gal pal? Some of the best trips I’ve taken were with my girlfriends— suntanning, shopping, slurping down sunset cocktails together.

Traveling with your bestie can be one of the most rewarding and positive experiences!

This past year, my gal pal Courtney Scott and I launched a new travel show, The Getaway Girls, dedicating to bringing you the best of bestie travel. On the show we take you on a whirlwind tour of our destination, complete with travel tips, beauty & style tutorials, and foodie fun.

Read Next: The Best of Bestie Travel with The Getaway Girls

Swim with Manatees in Florida

Ever swam with manatees before? At the wildlife refuge of Crystal River, Florida, you can hop in a wetsuit and observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Manatees are playful and curious—and love to say hello to swimmers and snorkelers!

Book a tour with a Master Captain—the groups usually run quite small, no more than six people, leaving you plenty of time and space to have your chance with these lovable sea cows.

Test Your Magic at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Treat your inner bookworm by visiting Universal Orlando’s tribute to the world of Harry Potter. Ride the Hogwarts Express into Diagon Alley, wander through the streets of Hogsmeade and slurp down Butter Beer at the Leaky Cauldron.

Don’t stop there! Pick up your very own magic wand at Ollivander’s. Delve into the inner sanctum on fun rides like Escape from Gringotts and the Forbidden Journey through Hogwarts Castle—just make sure you line up early, waiting times at this popular park can be over 2 hours!

Read Next: The Muggle’s Guide to Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Fly Over the Cliffs of Torrey Pines, San Diego

Ever dream of soaring like a bird? Take a thrill of a lifetime and paraglide at Torrey Pines Gliderport in San Diego. The port, with its perfect combo of sunny and windy weather, has been in use since 1930 to hang glide, paraglide and sail planes.

Book a Tandem Instructor and jump off the 300-foot cliffs.There’s nothing like the gorgeous bird’s eye view of La Jolla, Torrey Pines and the Pacific Ocean to take your breath away.

Read Next: Paragliding at Torrey Pines Gliderport in La Jolla

Taste the Flavors of Aruba

It’s no wonder why Aruba’s nickname is “One Happy Island.” With stunning beaches, year-round sunshine and delicious food, it’s hard not to glow with happiness!

Aruba has a wide variety of local Caribbean and Dutch influence dishes designed to whet your appetite.

Indulge your tooth at Linda’s Dutch Pancakes and Pizzas—don’t miss her savory bacon and gouda pancakes. There’s no better place to try seafood in a laid-back vibe than Zeerover, with its casual catch of the day vibe in sleepy Savaneta.

Splurge a bit and treat yourself at the Atardi Restaurant at the Marriott Aruba, a romantic restaurant on the beach where you can curl your toes in sand as you bite into lobster tail and roasted sea bass.

Read Next: The Ultimate Foodie Getaway Guide to Aruba

Hike the Deadliest Trail in China

Test your balance at Mt. Huashan—daring visitors climb almost 7,000 feet up to a little tea house on the mountain’s crest. With steep ascents and cliff-like staircases, it’s no wonder to see why it’s been dubbed the deadliest trail in China.

In some places, there’s little more than wooden planks and your harness chain to keep you from plummeting below! Avoid the crowds and do the night hike, a popular option for those wanting to catch the sun rise from East Peak.

Read Next: Ten Tips for Your First Trip to China

Explore Panama from Coast to Coast

Panama is a country dear to my heart, and I recommend it to anyone who wants a jam-packed adventure!

Paddle board on the Chagres River, take an aerial tram ride from the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, jaw-dropping San Blas archipelago, explore the historic district of Casco Viejo in Panama City, enjoy extreme water sports at the Nitro Resort and—of course—check out the Panama Canal in action!

Read Next: Exploring the Best of Panama from Coast to Coast

Backpack Yosemite

Grab your wattle bottles and day bags and explore Yosemite, America’s third-oldest national park. With 4 million visitors annually, the park never seems to get old.

Hike up lush, tree-laden trails, past massive granite cliffs, rocky domes, waterfalls and sequoia groves. Wildlife is alive and well here: if you’re lucky, you may see mule deer, bighorn sheep, gray foxes, owls and coyotes.

Read Next: Backpacking Essentials for a Weekend in Yosemite

Paddle Board on Lake Tahoe

Some of the best paddle board I’ve enjoyed is at Lake Tahoe, which is a fun weekend getaway. Check out Sand Harbor for its calm, crystal-clear and shallow waters—perfect for beginners and experts alike.

Fair warning—the waters tend to get quite cold, but boards are available for rent on the beach!

Read Next: The Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway Guide to North Lake Tahoe

Swim in a Portland Waterfall

The Columbia River Gorge, just forty minutes from Portland, is home to dozens of hiking trails, waterfalls and swimming holes. One of the best spots is the Oneonta Gorge, where you can swim under the waterfall! It’s a bit of a challenge to get there—but the pay off is worth it.

Hike past the majestic Horsetail and Ponytail falls, then climb over a large log jam that spans the gorge. After you wade in the cold mountain water for a bit, you’ll eventually emerge out into the beautiful Oneonta falls. Change into your swimwear and enjoy the refreshing water!

Read Next: The Ultimate Guide to Portland in a Weekend

Trip Out to Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park is a rock-lovers paradise—full of gargantuan boulders, natural springs, palm oases, and the eponymous Joshua trees, which are actually giant yuccas.

The stark, desert landscape is a haven for rock climbers and mountain bikers. The best time to go is springtime, when the trees and cacti erupt in cream-colored and crimson blossoms.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Few experiences are comparable to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The entire city blossoms in a chaotic frenzy of outdoor concerts, artists, live music, costumes, balls and masks.

In 2016, the holiday falls on February 9, though festivities are widespread before and after. Fly in the weekend before to catch the popular parades: Endymion, Bacchus, Zele and Rex.

Read Next: My Experience at Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Brewery Tour in Vancouver

Vancouver’s microbreweries are a source of local pride—and to hit the major highlights, book a Brewery Tour. The best neighborhood is East Vancouver, where you’ll find most of the top breweries clumped together.

Stop by Granville Island Brewing, which opened in 1984 as Canada’s first microbrewery. Sample the popular brews at 33 Acres, who craft a range of delicious floral IPAs, schwarzbiers, and lemony Belgians.

Read Next: The Ultimate Vancouver Brewery and Food Truck Guide

READ NEXT: 20 Trips to Take in Your 20’s

 

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The Ultimate Guide to Puerto Rico in Three Days

With its diverse tropical landscape, white-sand beaches and swaggering history, Puerto Rico is a Caribbean treasure. After three days on the Island of Enchantment, I got to experience a lot of what the island had to offer, and I was impressed!

Here is my ultimate guide to Puerto Rico in three days!

Stay at El Conquistador Resort

Book your stay at El Conquistador Resort, a Waldorf Astoria Resort that offers five unique villages, each with panoramic views of ocean waters. The resort has a whopping 20 restaurants, serving everything from seafood delicacies to Pan-Asian delights to wraps and salads.

Facilities include a golf course, marina, spa, tennis courts, pools, water park, and a wide variety of bars. The resort also has its own private island- Palomino Island- just off the east coast of Puerto Rico.

Spend the Afternoon at Palomino Island

No need to leave the island to enjoy the best water activities Puerto Rico has to offer. Guests of El Conquistador Resort can hop on the private catamaran, go scuba diving, snorkel, sail, windsurf, or ride horseback across the pristine-white beach of Palamino Island.

The resort also rents out banana boats, wave runners, and hobie cats—just ask at the concierge!

(source)

Take a Bioluminescent Bay Kayaking Tour

Be sure to book an excursion out to Bio Bay to witness one of the most beautiful natural phenomenons on Earth. Bio Bay is home to millions of bioluminescent organisms, which emit bluish light when agitated, and are quite stunning against the backdrop of the black Caribbean sea at night.

Tours leave in the early evening with a qualified instructor, so kayak your way through mangrove channels to the glowing waters!

Take a Short Flight to Culebra Island

Hop a short flight (or a longer, but cheaper, ferry ride) to Culebra Island, seventeen miles east of the Puerto Rico mainland. Culebra coaxes visitors from all over due to its beautiful beaches and nature reserves. Once you’ve arrived, rent a gold cart and explore!

The two must-see beaches on Culbera are Flamenco and Tamarindo, and make sure to grab a drink at Mamacita’s!

Fans of wildlife flock to the island’s bird sanctuaries and turtle-nesting sites for a glimpse of rare fauna. The island also draws hikers, scuba divers, nature photographers and regular beach-goers. Some of the beaches are even protected as Marine Wildlife Reserves.

So bring your camera and don’t miss the sights!

Have Dinner at El Pescador

Spend your first evening taking in the spices at El Pescador. Located in Fajardo on the mainland, this family-owned restaurant receives consistently rave reviews due to its great service and mouth-watering dishes.

The vibe is laid-back and authentic—and all seafood is caught fresh that very day. Major draws are the mofongo, which are fried green plantains, perfectly sautéed vegetables and the white pineapple sangrias.

Come hungry and early—no restaurant in eastern Puerto Rico is nearly as popular!

Take a Dive

Since Puerto Rico is surrounded by the beautiful ocean (obviously), it serves as a great diving destination for avid and expert divers alike. Take an excursion out to Desesheo Island in the west, the Caves at Shaks beach, the Wall in the South, or Mona Island!

In Puerto Rico, you’ll find incredible coral reefs, and over 700 fish species that call Puerto Rico’s reefs, mangroves and seagrass environments home!

Explore the Colorful Streets of Old San Juan

Nothing beats a peaceful morning walk around Old San Juan. In just seven square blocks, the old city packs a kaleidoscope of cobblestones and nearly 400 colorful Spanish-colonial buildings. Just pick up your map at the Tourism Center or Visitor’s Center!

Your promenade will take you to see the beautiful San Juan Bay, the lovely garden-laden street of Paseo de la Princesa, and if it’s the weekend, a fun outdoor crafts market.

History is alive and everywhere you look in San Juan. A few hours’ walk will introduce you to El Morro Fort, San Juan Gate, the restored historic jail, Bacardi Rum Factory, and the Cathedral where Ponce de Leon is interred!

READ NEXT: Exploring Old San Juan in a Day

Breakfast and Coffee at Caficultura

While on your stroll through the Old Town, don’t forget to stop by for breakfast at Caficultura. This fun, casual diner is a great spot to pick up brunch and coffee.

Just take a look at the menu: veggie scramble, crepes with goat cheese, coconut French toast with pineapple marmalade—and don’t get me started on the banana rum pancakes!

Visit El Morro

The Castillo San Felipe del Morro, aka El Morro, is a 400-year-old fort in the old town. Built from 1539 to 1787, this impressive peace of Spanish colonial defense served as Spain’s control point over most of the Caribbean.

Over the centuries, it’s suffered attacks from the English, Dutch and America—but still stands as a symbol of pride for Puerto Rico.

Take a few hours to truly explore this fortress— the lighthouse, the many garitas (wall-mounted turrets or sentry boxes), the Cannon Water Battery, and the Old Tower— all perfect settings for a fun photoshoot.

Ice Cream at Senor Paleta

Indulge your sweet tooth at Señor Paleta, an ice cream and popsicle joint in the old town. The shop is so popular there are daily lines around the block!

Both locals and tourists flock here to get a taste of the housemade pistachio, strawberry mojito, strawberry cheesecake, and peanut butter dipped in chocolate.

(source)

Tour the Restored Hacienda La Esperanza

Amid the vast coastal plain of Rio Grande de Manati there is one of the most important 19th century sugar plantations Venture into its carefully restored structures. Spend the day walking the historic grounds and structures of Hacienda La Esperanza and touring the different areas of the reserve.

This tour is full of interesting and historical facts about 19th century life on the island, and the guides are very knowledgable!

Bacardi Factory Tour

Of course, no trip to Puerto Rico is complete without a tour of the Bacardi Factory! The distillery offers three types of tours, all of which come with a welcome cocktail, brochure of recipes and your very own Bacardi cup.

The fancy Rum-Tasting Tour includes access to the Cathedral of Rum and a flight of different Bacardis to sample. On the longer Mixology Tour, learn how to whip up favorite cocktails from the in-house mixologist, and perfect your own cuba libra, mojito and daiquiri.

Hike El Yunque Rainforest

El Yunque is a beautiful tropical rain forest about half-hour from San Juan. This national reserve is a haven for hikers, home to rare trees, birds, and a variety of hiking trails to choose from.

Hike past mountain waterfalls, catch sight of the coqui frog, and check out Taíno petroglyphs!

Make sure to stop by the visitor’s center to get a map and use the restrooms, and be aware there may be a small fee to enter the visitor’s center. 

Try Local Fare at the Luquillo kiosks

As you drive out from El Yunque, take the local highway east to Luquillo, home to 60+ different roadside diners. This row of ramshackle buildings along the beach is famous for its casual vibe and authentic food.

(source)

You’ll find everything from local favorites like fried bacalaitos and empanadillas, to Caribbean fusion, Peruvian, Mexican, Italian, or even Thai.

READ NEXT: Exploring Old San Juan in a Day

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Spring Honeymoon Destinations Around the World

When it comes down to picking the perfect honeymoon destinations, when you go can be as important as where you go. Just like most trips, the timing of your trip can affect everything: the cost, the weather, the activities, and the crowds.

The spring season- in most destinations- offers mild climates, a slower tourism season, and beautiful natural scenery coming out of its winter slumber. So, if you’re getting married in the spring season and want to plan your getaway around then, definitely factor the season into your final decision.

Here is the roundup of amazing spring honeymoon destinations around the world!

– Amsterdam –

If you are looking for an idyllic setting for a European honeymoon getaway, then look no further than Amsterdam. From its picturesque canals, affordable prices compared to larger European cities, to the open-air restaurants, Amsterdam can easily be argued one of the most romantic cities in Europe.

Spring brings longer days and vibrant colors to the stunning landscapes of Amsterdam!

In addition, most of the locals in Amsterdam speak English and are extremely friendly and accommodating.

While the reputation for drug issues and the Red Light District may deter some, Amsterdam is filled with so much culture, history and luxury as other European destinations. Just imagine getting lost among the city’s streets and canals!

– California Coast –

From San Diego, to San Francisco, and towns like Big Sur, Carmel and Monterey in between- romantic, rugged coastlines, bright blue water, stately trees and cliffs, await you.

San Diego and Los Angeles offer big city nightlife, luxury accommodations around amazing beaches and attractions. Spring is the perfect time to visit the Southern California coastline!

Further north, there are lots of cabins and resorts up the Big Sur coastline Mendocino County, some tucked away in the trees, and others with an ocean-front view.

If you are looking for a luxurious stay, there are beautiful, private accommodations with both ocean and mountain views and resorts that offer restaurants, daily activities more!

You can find ocean front campsites, cozy tree houses, yurts and tent cabins in the area where you can pour a glass of wine and admire the beautiful and intimate scenery.

– Florence –

Spring time in Europe, while less sunny than the summer season, attracts smaller crowds of tourists, and mild climates. In my humble opinion, Florence is the most romantic destinations in Italy, with its quiet cobblestone street, rustic architecture and the grand Arno River flowing by.

Besides the architectural wonders like the Duomo, the breathtaking overlooks from Piazzale Michelangelo, and the delicious Italian cuisine, the charm of the city and local culture will be more than memorable.

Pasta and wine by candlelight, a gelato dessert break, followed by a live music serenade from the Ponte Vecchio, a Florence honeymoon will be everything you’ve dreamed of!

– Santorini –

This iconic Greek island is well known for its picturesque white buildings built into cliffs, and dramatic, heavenly sunsets. Santorini contains unspoiled, stunning beaches, gorgeous landscapes, ancient cities, a lively nightlife, and even an active volcano.

Spring is the best time for sightseeing everything the island has to offer!

Santorini will be more on the expensive side of honeymoon destinations, as you pay for the incredible views- whether its from your hotel room or restaurant table. However, the shoulder season, April – May, will be cheaper than the summer months overall.

You’ll have to remember that you’re on island time, so if you are in favor of the laid-back, go with the flow lifestyle, then Santorini is the perfect spring time honeymoon destination!

– Charleston –

If you enjoy Southern culture, world-class cuisine, deep-rooted history and plenty of sunshine, then Charleston is the perfect U.S. honeymoon destination.

Charleston comes alive with tourism and blooming magnolias in the spring, and wonderfully mild temperatures!

Charleston is also a major foodie destination, with refined Southern culture with all the modern touches, you can find amazing cuisine throughout the city.

Isle of Palms have great public beaches if you’re looking for some fun in the sun, and if you’re a bit of a history buff, there are a ton of museums and tours that will suit your fancy.

– Maldives –

The Maldives is a turquoise water and white sand kind of paradise. With multiple luxury resorts, you can find the private villa, right on the water, that suits your tastes.

The peak season for the Maldives is actually December through February when they have their best weather, so the spring months are considered the shoulder season- meaning better prices!

You can count on high quality and delicious sea dishes, intimate villas, private pools and world class sunsets in the Maldives!

READ NEXT: Romantic Honeymoon Destinations Around the World

 

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How to Experience Burning Man in Reno Year Round

Burning Man blazes brilliantly in the Black Rock Desert for one week, then disappears. Ever wonder where all that creative, free-spirited energy goes afterwards?

Say you want to check out the world-famous Burning Man Festival but don’t have the time or resources to make it down to the Black Rock Desert in August. Did you know you can still catch the elusive Burn spirit year-round?

Watch The Getaway Girls experience Burning Man in Reno below!

The Gateway to Black Rock City

Yes! Reno and a few surrounding pockets is where you’ll catch remnants of the spirit of the Burn. The city plays host to post-event decompression nights and surviving playa art.

The local burner community, active year-round, throws a huge party around mid-October, and brings the burn closer to civilization.

Keep a lookout for events like these in local newspapers and playa newsletters!

Post Playa Tour

Right after the festival, some of the artwork makes its way to exhibitions all over the city. Pedestrians can walk along Truckee River Walk, which runs directly through Reno downtown, where the pathway plays host to installations, sculptures and murals from Burning Man over the years.

Admire the free-spirited style while you make your way to lively taverns, restaurants and cafes.

For a quieter introduction to festival art, drop by the Nevada Museum of Art. In 2007, this museum became the first ever to include so-called “playa art” in its exhibits, and their permanent collection grows with each passing year.

Here you’ll find a giant lotus flower sculpture and soon an archive of Burning Man documents and photographs!

Shop at Junkee Clothing exchange

Located in the heart of Reno is the Junkee, 15,000 square feet chock-full of recycled clothes and antiques. Come here to find your neon-green sneakers, a dress from every decade, and party accessories. Stop by to pick up scraps and throwaways from Burn attendees.

Dare you find inspiration for next year’s costumes?

Express Your Artistic Side at The Generator

While wandering in Reno, you’re sure to stumble on The Generator, a so-called “oasis of de-commodification,” part workshop and part communal art space. Everyone is welcome to contribute!

One of the 10 principles of Burning Man is creative cooperation and collaboration—a concept that holds just as much weight here. Bring your brushes and welding tools—there’s plenty of space for resident artists.

Stay at the Morris Burning Man Hotel 

Spend a night at the 80-year-old Morris Hotel, with its décor inspired by Burning Man. The building has an old-fashioned, brick exterior, and an interior that’s guaranteed to twist your sense of design.

This beautiful boutique space is a great place to meet artists, musicians and nostalgic Burners. Where else would you find themed rooms like the Goddess Room or the Sparkle Pony Room?

Reservations are open to members only, so you have to sign up—but don’t worry, membership starts as low as $5 a month. Just be sure to book well in advance, as the place fills up fast and weeks ahead.

Pay it Forward

 One of the essential ideas behind Burning Man is gifting, or paying it forward. To give a gift doesn’t imply a return or an exchange—it’s simply a gift.

There’s no better way to catch the Burn spirit than sharing a hug, an idea, a compliment, a sticker, a song and so on. The list is as large as your imagination.

The beauty is that Gifting can be honored everywhere in the world—on the playa, in Reno, or in your own hometown.

For more girlfriend getaways around the world, be sure to subscribe to The Getaway Girls on YouTube!

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Aboard Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Symphony

I would be joining Crystal Cruises’ Brazilian Holiday cruise with my mom for 15 days during Christmas and for New Year’s Eve. While I knew of Crystal Cruises’ reputation for luxury and world-class service, nothing could prepare me for what I was about to experience onboard Crystal Symphony.

Immediately upon boarding the ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico, we were greeted with champagne and warm smiles. Since this was my first ever cruise (and my mom’s first ever trip abroad), the magnitude of grandeur was astounding. My mom and I both stared in awe as we toured the ship.

Over the course of the last 10 or so days, I’ve gotten so close with both the crew and guests that it now feels like family. And, while at first the amount of things to see and do onboard was overwhelming, it now feels like home. Here are a few highlights for anyone going on their first Crystal Cruise!

Staying in a Penthouse

My mom and I stayed in a penthouse on the cruise and I have to admit it was amazing. The room is incredibly spacious, with a couch and large veranda. And the bathroom is well appointed with full size Etro toiletries from Milan and even has a large bathtub.

Around the Ship

I still have no idea how they managed, but every last inch of ship was beautifully decorated for the holidays. Christmas trees, garland, twinkling lights, and even a life-size nativity were on display. You can read more about celebrating Christmas at Sea on Crystal Symphony on Crystal Cruises’ blog where I share the one of a kind holiday experience onboard. It was truly magical.

Aside from the holiday decor, the ship has everything you could ever need. Craving a spicy margarita and hot french fries by the pool? No problem. Feeling like a good workout and steam before starting your day? Head to the fitness center. There’s a library, beautiful boutiques, a casino, salon, pool & jacuzzi, and so much more.

Food & Drink

The biggest highlight for me has been the incredible dining experience onboard. Crystal Symphony has two specialty restaurants- Prego and Silk Road and The Sushi Bar. Prego features delicious Italian fare, while Nobu Matsuhisa’s Silk Road features Japanese food with a bit of Peruvian and European fusion.

Since Crystal Cruises is all inclusive, everything on board is just that – included. Each morning I would start my day at The Bistro with an iced soy latte and enjoy the breakfast buffet on the Lido Deck. The buffet is unlike anything I have ever experienced. Every item is gourmet and fresh. Whether you want cheese, eggs, baked goods, or a smoothie, they have it.

Most days I’ve spent a few hours out by the pool with some of my favorite crew members. Every staff member remembers your name and your favorite drinks and snacks. Without asking, I would have a sparkling water with lime brought to me and asked if I’d like my usual drink order of a margarita.

Each afternoon, you can enjoy tea in the Palm Court where a jazz band plays music and you can nibble on scones and watch the ocean from nearly 360 degrees around you.

Aside from the specialty restaurants, I enjoyed most of my dinners in the Crystal Dining Room. I have no idea how it’s possible, but the menu changes every single night. The chef prepares incredible food and the pastry chef always has new and delicious desserts to choose from.

For example, last night I had a caviar starter and huge king crab legs for dinner. For dessert, crème brûlée. The night before, I had grouper served on a bed of beetroot risotto. And the list goes on and on. Each meal is always incredible.

And lastly, if you are feeling like a morning or evening in, there’s 24 hour room service.

Entertainment

The entertainment on board is also world class. Whether you want to take a dance lesson or play a board game out by the pool, Crystal Symphony has something for everyone.

Each night, there are incredible performances as well as nightly shows with magicians, mentalists, singers and dancers. We’ve also had some really fun nights singing karaoke in the Avenue Saloon!

Service

Above all, what truly sets Crystal Cruises apart from the rest is the incredible onboard experience and friendly service. Nearly every guest I’ve met on board has been on three or more cruises with Crystal Cruises. And most of them say it’s because of the incredible hospitality.

Every waiter, bartender, dancer and even the maids have all been warm and incredibly friendly. Most crew have been working on board for many years and it’s a true testament to the overall experience that Crystal Cruises provides guests as well as their staff.

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury cruise experience, I can confidently say there’s nothing that compares to Crystal Cruises. If you have any questions about my experience onboard, please comment below and I’ll be sure to answer!

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