News from the Office...
Hurray for April!!! I love April, just the sound of saying the month brings a smile to my face because I know it means that winter is over for real and my flowers are on their way up. In fact, my tulips and day lilies have already started to come poking through. Just waiting for the glads and hostas to join them. It means the start of garden work (which I greatly enjoy) and girls running in the grass. Arlana is looking forward to being able to go outside again in her bare feet (she reminded me again today that she doesn't have to wear shoes when it's warm!) and is hoping that Evalynn will learn to walk soon to keep up with her. She's close.
In travel, April means the release of the all the cruise line inventory for 2009 and Spring of 2010. Although many lines came out already in March the last few will debut their 2009 schedules this month. Now that Spring is here, we can also expect to see more information about some of the new ships that are coming down the line. Celebrity has the Solstice with real grass and glass blowing demonstrations, Royal Caribbean is coming out with their largest ship ever, a 220,000gt Genesis Class with yet to be told surprises onboard. (But with nearly 5,000 passengers they better be amazing!)
This of course is just the tip of the iceberg but with cruising being one of the most economical ways to vacation, there is no question as to why the cruise lines have to keep adding new ships to the fleet with new features to give all of us who keep coming back, different things to do.
Speaking of new features this issue has a new special addition. Check out "What's Cooking". We'll see if it repeats but I just had to make the addition. Also, we have a special article by AIG TravelGuard.
Enjoy!
-Nina Van Harn
Hotel Review - Embassy Suites 17th St.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
If you will be sailing out of Fort Lauderdale this year I highly recommend a stay at the Embassy Suites on 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale. A four star property, they have a lot of wonderful perks that are not to be dismissed, one of which is location! If it wasn't terribly inconvenient to drag luggage along a side walk you could almost walk to the ship. It is also close to Las Olas Boluvard, the beach and some of the best Chinese food I have had in a long time. (Don't miss "Henry's" left up the street from the hotel about a 5 minute walk. Their Garlic Honey Chicken about sent me to the moon it was so good!) Across the street is a friendly Irish Pub "Waxy O'Connors" and Publix is a short walk behind the hotel for all those last minute needs.
Oh yes, back to the hotel it's self. A stunning atrium with waterfalls and tropical plants is the center of the action. On the one side is where a complimentary full, cooked-to-order breakfast is served in the morning and a 2 hour manager's reception is held nightly. The other side features their restaurant, Salute Trattoria. The pool area is beautiful with palm trees and a waterfall which cascades right into the pool, add a hot tub and plenty of sunning space for the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful Florida days.
The Embassy is an all suite property which means the rooms are very spacious. You walk in to a living/dining area that is perfectly functional and very clean. A large couch that can fold out into a queen size bed, a big comfy chair, 2 ottomans, a dining table that seats 4, a large flat screen TV and a wetbar fit out the first room. In the bedroom you will find either 2 full or 1 king bed, an armoire, a large dresser with an additional flat screen TV on top, a dressing area with sink and a night stand. The bathroom was good size with ample storage and granite counter tops. The decor is warm yet refreshingly crisp. Overall, very well done. I could not imagine the need for more amenities in a hotel for a pre/post-cruise stay.