Alaska with Princess Cruises on the Grand Princess from Vancouver to Anchorage was an amazing experience!

As the oldest ship in the Princess Fleet, especially with its old wood features, the Grand Princess has that classic "Love Boat" feel. That being said, my personal thought is that it may not be the vibe that younger cruisers are looking for. It may be more appealing to older clientele. The majority of the ship was clean and well kept, however it definitely felt dated in many ways.

Our balcony cabin was located on the Aloha Deck, midship, deck 12. Again, while clean for the most part, the carpet, decor and appliances need updates.

Our deep tissue massage with hot stones at the Lotus Spa was wonderful. The staff was kind and welcoming.  

 
Ports of Call

Ketchikan was rainy and cool throughout the day. While exploring the shops we stopped to enjoy an Alaska style crepe, and had a drink at 49'er bar.

In Juneau we ventured to Mendenhall Glacier and hiked to Nugget Falls. I booked this excursion through Princess. Our guide, Barbara, was very knowledgeable and entertaining during the drive to and from. She passed a photo album through the motorcoach containing pictures of her and her husband at many destinations in Alaska. I will be referring clients to this one! We saw many bald eagles and learned the story of Romeo the Wolf. (Of course I had to purchase an autographed book starring Romeo in Skagway the next day.) It rained the entire time, but it was awesome.

Skagway was my favorite port on this sailing, and we had beautiful weather! We decided last minute the day before to book the White Pass and Yukon Trail rail experience through Project Expedition. Absolutely breathtaking! I would do it again, and recommend it as a must-do-experience.

Our time in Glacier Bay was great. The narrator for the scenic cruise pointed out bears along the shore, and whales near the ship. I got a great video of a seal playing with his meal while birds were trying to steal it. We did witness some calving of the glaciers. I was extremely grateful for our balcony! At one point I hurried up to the sundeck to see the perspective from there, and it was too crowded to take pictures or hear the commentary.

College Fjord was another day of gorgeous views from the balcony. Though it was foggy and much cooler than previous days.

Our transfer to Anchorage from the Whittier port was with Princess. The sights on the drive to Anchorage were as stunning as on the ship!

I have recently returned from the Riviera Maya and did site visits at the following resorts.

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
Our group accommodations were in the adults-only Heaven side of the resort. Rooms were spacious and very clean, with each having a hydro spa tub, and either a balcony with a hammock or swim-up pool. The Deluxe, Diamond, and Rock Royalty level rooms were larger and located more centralized to activities, and dining. They also had better views with upgraded toiletries and a complimentary beach bag. When touring the expansive spa, we were greeted with a ginger shot, just as clients would be. The vibe was very hip and modern. They definitely offer something for everyone looking to be pampered.

I was able to experience all three new amazing restaurants…Ciao, Wai, and Umo! They had only been open for 2 weeks, yet the wait staff and food was on point! I found the 24-hour room service option was great for a quick early breakfast and a hot pot of fresh coffee. Heaven has an exclusive bar with a DJ, and a nightclub located next door. The club is open on weekends, and for certain larger special events during the week. Absolutely perfect for receptions and bachelor/bachelorette parties!

The beaches for both the Hacienda family side and the Heaven side are inlet or lagoon style with very still waters, rather than open ocean access. Regardless of that, plenty of fish are present, with many people snorkeling. The beach is very well kept with plenty of chairs and umbrellas available, and attentive cocktail service. I plan to use the calm swimming option as a selling point for families with smaller children who may be wary of wavy waters. The pools are amazing, sprawling the property, with entertainment daily for each section. There are plenty of pool-side eatery options, so I was able to grab a burger, a drink or two, and relax. The Rockaway Bay Waterpark has activities for adults and kids of all ages. They were finishing up some renovations during my time there.

UNICO 20°87° - Adults Only
We were also greeted with a cool towel and refreshing beverage. One thing of note is the simplicity of the layout. It is easy to navigate your way through the breath-taking lobby, past a welcoming cocktail bar. A variety of upscale shops are located down one specific hallway as well. Luxury and relaxation are the defining vibe in every corner of the resort. Each room we looked at had upgraded room amenities, including slippers and their one-of-a kind sweatshirt style robes. The decor was very neutral and cozy. The grounds were very beautifully kept, and views were amazing from any vantage point.

We were lucky to experience lunch at the 20°87° restaurant. The signature drinks, freshly prepared sushi, and unique mushroom soup were some highlights enjoyed by all. The staff was extremely friendly and welcoming. This is definitely a go-to property for your “foodie” clients. There are several unique and beautiful spots for weddings at UNICO, both in the pool areas as well as on and near the beach. The long wooden bridge leading you to the sand is perfect for a photo opportunity!

Hard Rock Hotel Cancun
Almost immediately upon entering the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, I had a list of clients in mind that would be a perfect fit for this resort! The first room we saw was their lead-in ocean view, and it was impressive! The Rock Royalty rooms had even more phenomenal views, and included upgrade amenities with access to VIP areas and services. It was definitely a different feel from the Hard Rock Riviera Maya. Things are more compact and contained. This is definitely a plus for clients that wish to do less walking.

Though we did not have the chance to experience a restaurant here, we did have the opportunity to enjoy a margarita at the bar and lounge near the main entrance. We were told that this was also the primary area for crowds to gather in the evening for drinks and entertainment. The memorabilia was amazing, as expected from this brand!

During our time visiting, the pool area was lively with entertainment ongoing. Great music could be heard throughout the resort! I would recommend this property to clients looking for a more upbeat “party” style vibe. The beach was gorgeous, with very playful waves that day. There were plenty of children in the beach area, and it was much more relaxed and quiet away from the main pool. There are family-friendly features as well, such as the kids club which has recently been updated. It had hip new décor and a fun dining area just their size!