6 nights at the Newly refurbished Sandals Whitehouse in a Honeymoon Beachfront Walkout Room from $3056.40. Add air from Boston for total package price of only $3755.56/couple, Feb 28 – Mar 6, 2010
Experience the Ultimate in Pampering in a Sandals Butler Suite
Sandals Montego Bay, Butler Suite from $5131/couple.
60% Off & 1 night Free – Bay Roc Villa Honeymoon Beachfront Veranda Jr. Suite w/Butler Service, 6 nights, Feb 28 – Mar 6, 2010 Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica, $4432.00. With Air from Boston $5131.16/couple.
Enjoy a Valentines Gift from Sandals
In addition to the deals mentioned above Sandals Resorts, the Luxury Included® vacation created for two people in love, is making Valentine’s extra special for 2010. Book a Luxury Included® vacation to any Sandals Resort and stay 3 nights or longer, for travel February 1 – March 15, 2010 and receive:
A complimentary bottle of Sparkling Wine
Two Celebration Crystal Champagne Flutes by Marquis by Waterford–$100 value
Chocolate Covered Tropical Fruits
Turn Down Service with Caribbean–inspired Love Notes and chocolate kisses
If you have ever dreamed of seeing Alaska here is your chance!
Cruising is so much fun! If you haven’t been on a cruise, this is a fabulous trip to get started.
This 7 day Inside passage cruise is a wonderful way to experience the grandeur that is Alaska.
See all the beauty that Alaska has to offer on board the Golden Princess. A beautiful Princess Cruise ship featuring popular features like: Movies Under The Stars, Anytime Dining, Casino, The Sanctuary (an adults only retreat), The Lotus Spa, an inviting piazza-style atrium and much more.
See Alaska on the Golden Princess
The itinerary includes several stops at:
Juneau – The capitol of Alaska, once part of Alaska’s Gold rush, and home of the Mendenhall Glacier.
Skagway – “The Gateway to the Klondike”, filled with restored buildings, wooden sidewalks, shops and saloons for a complete boomtown experience.
Scenic cruising at Glacier Bay national Park, featuring the 40 story high Margerie Glacier.
Ketchikan – “The Salmon Capitol of the world”. Also home to the Saxman Native village, featuring spectacular totem poles.
Victoria, B.C. Canada
The cruise departs Seattle on August 21, 2010 in the afternoon, returning to Seattle on August 28th in the morning. Due to the shortness of the Alaska cruising season, the pricing of these cruises varies considerably depending on the time of year. We have chosen late August to take advantage of warmer weather and off peak pricing.
It is going to be a lot of fun, and the rates are fantastic. We have reserved several cabin options at group pricing with amenities such as free photos and in room chocolate covered strawberries.
Cruising with people you know is a lot of fun. Feel free to invite whomever you’d like. You are free to spend as much or as little time together as you like, after all, it is your vacation! So, go ahead and send invites to anyone you want, just keep in mind that space is limited and won’t last long.
Please contact Mark Bevan at Sun, Sand and Seas Vacations, (207)642-9090 with questions or to book. Send Email questions to travel@sunsandandseas.com.
Sun, Sand and Seas Vacations are Princess Cruises Certified Experts. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Low deposits, nice freebies, excellent rates… And a sure bet that you are going to have a vacation that you will not soon forget!
Don’t forget if you are a Princess Captains Circle Member, or have sailed with Princess Cruises before, you are eligible for even more discounts. Be sure to mention it when you call.
For years now Cancun, and other popular tourist destinations in Mexico, have been fighting a losing battle to maintain the once beautiful beaches they are known for. Previous attempts to remedy the severe beach erosion have provided only temporary relief, sometimes lasting a year or less before the sandy shorelines were washed away again. Leaving Cancun without the very thing it is known for. A Beach!
Here is a Short clip of the damage that has occurred due to several recent huricanes
Cancun’s Beach Restoration Project
Today the withered beaches of Cancun are receiving a massive makeover. With a huge Government investment, tons of sand are now being pumped by two huge dredgers from offshore sandbars. The sand is then sprayed along miles of Cancun’s hardest hit beach areas.
To prevent further beach erosion, the current Cancun restoration program focuses on constructing structures designed to prevent beach erosion, as well as a ten year maintenance fund to prevent the sand from washing away again.
Here is a clip of the current restoration project.
Cancun’s beach restoration is expected to take quite a while to complete. Eventually over 10 miles of Cancun’s beaches will be restored with over 5.2 million cubic metres of it’s famous fine white sand. At the projects completion 30 hotels and condominiums will have an incredible beach to enjoy once again. In the meantime vacationers may want to look elsewhere to avoid the reconstruction process.
Many people ask us what is the difference between Sandals versus Secrets Resorts. In many ways the resorts are similar, and both have their pros and cons.
Locations – Sandals Versus Secrets
Both Resort Chains offer high quality All Inclusive Vacations on several popular Caribbean Islands. Sandals Resorts offers several Eastern Caribbean choices in St. Lucia and Antigua. Versus Secrets which offers more Western Caribbean choices, as well as Mexico destinations.
Sandals Resorts are comprised of all beachfront properties in St. Lucia (3), Jamaica (7), Antigua (1), and Bahamas (2). Secrets offers beachfront properties in Cancun (3), Montego Bay, Jamaica (2), as well as, one in the Dominican Republic near Punta Cana.
By far the biggest difference is that only couples are allowed at Sandals versus Secrets which caters to any adults 18+. Secrets Resorts allows singles and groups of adults in different gender combinations, while the rooms at Sandals resorts are couples only, double occupancy. You can not book a single occupancy room at Sandals Resorts or even a third person. Many people actually find the couples only experience at Sandals to be more relaxing and romantic, but it is definitely not a resort for singles looking to hook up.
Caribbean Charm versus Chic and Modern
As far as the resorts themselves, Sandals Resorts, with a few exceptions, are generally older, updated and refurbished properties, offering a traditional Caribbean feel. Tropical themes and colors highlight the accommodations and building blend well into a lush garden like landscape. Don’t let their age fool you. Many of the Sandals Resorts offer a relaxing, down to earth Caribbean charm.
The Secrets Resorts feature a newer, modern “chic” look. Geometric, modernist themes are prevalent in the rooms and throughout the resort. Decor tends to be of a minimalist “Feng Shui” style, lacking the bright vibrant Caribbean colors and textures popular at Sandals. Whites and neutrals are predominate. While this style has become popular it lacks the timeless and true Caribbean feel, and will likely become outdated quickly.
The accommodations at Secrets offers slightly better options, especially for the lower room categories, then Sandals. Mini-bars including premium liquors are complimentary with all rooms at Secrets. Versus at Sandals where you would need to book a concierge level room for the same service. All rooms at Secrets feature 24 hour room service. While in general this is reserved only for the highest category rooms as Sandals. Like Sandals, Secrets offers concierge exclusive services at some resorts including the new Secrets St. James in Montego Bay.
Pools
The newer Sandals Properties including Whitehouse in Jamaica, Sandals Grande Antigua, and Sandals Grande St. Lucian offer modern style pools, very comparable to any at Secrets. Both Sandals and Secrets offer swim up pool bars. Some of the older Sandals Properties feature smaller intimate pools, which although slightly dated offer a comfortable atmosphere where people tend to gather for fun conversation.
Beaches at Sandals Versus Secrets
Beaches at both Sandals and Secrets both vary greatly by resort, and both have had recent problems at certain resorts with erosion. Sandals offers a slightly better choice with 13 resorts to choose from.
Water Sports
All water sports including motorized, snorkeling, and diving are included at Sandals. Versus Secrets which only includes non-motorized water sports like sailing, hobie cats, and snorkeling off the beach. For divers or anyone who really enjoys water sports, Sandals may be a better choice and value.
Dining at Sandals and Secrets Resorts
Both Sandals and Secrets offer buffet dining as well as, several choices of specialty À la carte restaurants. The only advantage to Sandals is the opportunity to dine at neighboring Sandals Properties, which can mean up to 16 different dining options. Some restaurants at Sandals require reservations, while all of Secrets restaurants do not. Keep in mind there are advantages to both. Without a reservation you are not guaranteed a table!
Pros and Cons
Secrets Resorts
Pros:
Pool and Beach Wait Service
No Reservations Required at Restaurants
Cons:
Less Choice in Location
Less Choice in Room Categories
Few Budget Conscious Rooms
Some Resorts Do Not Offer Water Sports
Diving is Not Included
Sandals Resorts
Pros:
13 Beachfront Locations
Excellent Loyalty Program Offering Discounts and Free Nights
Unlimited Diving
Rooms for Every Budget
Personal Butler Service
Stay at One Play at All (Including Beaches)
Cons:
Level of Service Varies by Resort
Similar Rooms Tend to be Slightly More Expensive
Some Resorts Appear Dated With Smaller Pools
Limited Room Service
Both Sandals and Secrets are considered premium resorts. Pricing and services are generally above the budget conscious resorts but below the boutique resorts. Both offer exceptional service, a beautiful atmosphere, and a good value. However, knowing the difference between Sandals versus Secrets can mean a good vacation or a truly unforgettable experience.
Choosing the right Travel Agent can make all the difference. Let our travel pros at Sun Sand and Seas Vacations help you decide the best Caribbean Resort for you. Contact us today!
This has to be one of my all time favorite albums from the Legend himself, Bob Marley
But, Even better than the award winning album, is the DVD version.
The DVD contains all the Hit Songs including:
Want More
Is This Love
Jamming
Could You Be Loved
No Woman No Cry
Stir It Up
Get Up Stand Up
Satisfy My Soul
I Shot the Sheriff
Buffalo Soldier
Exodus
Redemption Song
One Love/People Get Ready
Extra songs accessible through Playlist menu include: Concrete Jungle, Forever Loving Jah, I Shot the Sheriff, Them Belly Full, War, Revolution, Zimbabwe, Redemption Song, Natural Mystic, Get Up Stand Up.
The DVD also contains “Time Will Tell” a 90-minute documentary.
