Yes, it is true.  In 2019 I took five cruises.  All in the name of research my friends.  I am excited to share my experiences with you.
Cruise #1:   This cruise was actually a corporate incentive cruise group.  We cruised with 135 cruise winners.   Now when you win a cruise you are pretty excited no matter what ,but this cruise was fantastic.  We sailed on the Mariner of the Seas by Royal Caribbean.  The ship was completely renovated and gorgeous.  A virtual dream for families with a water park, escape room, laser tag, and unlimited ice cream.  The thing is , I was traveling with 130 adults and five children.  I did not need to worry because there was plenty to entertain the adults as well with a 70's disco party kicking off the first night complete with balloons dropping a staff dancing in 70's attire. 
Our ports included Nassau and CoCo Cay.  We all know Nassau so I won't even talk about that.  CoCo Cay is not to be missed.  Also having undergone renovation and upgrades it has a huge ( I mean really really huge) water park, swim up pool bar, cabanas, plenty of chairs for everyone and best of all your food and beverage packages are still honored on the island.  Overall , I recommend this cruise for a great quick getaway.  I saw lots of bachelorette and birthday groups.  

Cruise #2 :
Celebrity Summit out of SanJuan.  This ship was about to be dry docked.  Now you might think "why would she go on that"  Well, I had 38 of my closest lady friends with me and we had a blast.  The key is , when a ship is about to be dry docked you get some GREAT deals.   The food was good, drinks plentiful, islands beautiful and we all loved it.

Cruise #3:
Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise.  This was a graduation gift (sort of ) for our son.  We had a blast departing from Seward and ending in Vancouver.  We actually flew into Anchorage and took the train to Seward .   I tried to pick active excursions to entertain a 22 year old so we hiked, whale watched, biked, took a helicopter ride to a glacier and generally debunked the myth that Alaskan cruises are for old people.

Cruise #4
Viking river cruise Paris to Normandy
Another group cruise and all I have to say is WOW WOW WOW.  From spending two fantastic days in the beautiful city of Paris to taking time to reflect on the sacrifices made by the soldiers on D Day.  Viking did not disappoint with friendly staff, amazing good and wonderful excursions.  If I had a tip it would be that the extra excursions are worth splurging on.  They just give you a smaller group more exclusive experience. 

Cruise #5
Celebrity Silhouette 
This was a pure fun cruise. No history , no groups , just hanging with my friend and relaxing in the sun , enjoying Cozumel, Costa Maya and the Caymans.  My tip on this is Costa Maya is a fantastic port to book Nothing!  They have free chairs, pool, gorgeous views of the ship and ocean as you sip their yard of drinks and enjoy some fresh made guacamole .   I did have the beverage package so I may have spent a little too much time at the martini bar!!
For cruise tips or any type of travel tips, we know because we go!! Contact us for complimentary travel planning

So your engaged!  Congratulations!

It is such an exciting time for you and it can be overwhelming.  There are so many different options in planning the perfect wedding.  If your considering a destination wedding as an alternative your probably already aware that it can save you literally thousands of dollars.   It is true that not everyone you know will be able to attend (that sorority sister you haven't seen in two years likely won't come) but you will have a beautiful wedding at an amazing destination with the people that really matter to you , and isn't that what its all about !
The next step is deciding where and how to go about planning your destination wedding.  That is where a travel agency that is experienced in destination weddings can be invaluable.  First, our services are free to you.  Second, we know the resorts, the resort managers and the bridal coordinators personally.  Additionally we take the burden off of you!  You merely give our contact information to your guests and we do the rest.  We handle all the questions, book the flights, handle any travel concerns, provide informative packets prior to departure, help select the perfect rooms, make sure they end of at the right resort :)  We also act as a liaison between you and the resort should you need assistance.  Basically, there is no reason not to use a travel agent in planning your destination wedding.  At Trip and Sip Travel we hope you will consider us when planning your special day .

My journeys began this year when I joined 14 really cool women on a girls getaway cruise to the Bahamas and Key west . From there my travels took me to Hong Kong and Bali . Two amazingly different and beautiful places that I hope to one day return. My favorite memories include a cooking class with the chef of the Four Seasons in Bali . We chopped fresh herbs and spices selected from the farmers market and made some of the most amazing food I have ever had. The beauty of Bali is overwhelming and the people are kind and always gracious .I took a short jaunt to NYC to prove that my daughter really is 21 and can legally have an $18 cocktail in the city ! Oh boy! We had a great time touring the city and seeing a slightly odd show about men who like to wear bright red stiletto boots. My only bummer was the men looked way better in a two piece than me . It’s just not fair.

My latest adventure is five day in Mexico at the Karisma Resorts . I am excited to have the opportunity to tour five resorts in the Riviera Maya area. My trip will include a Mojito tasting , tours of the various levels of rooms and restaurants. I can’t wait!! I will be posting pictures and comments in the blog next week. So stay tuned!