Simply Juicy Travel

Ten Best Reasons to Cruise on the Queen Mary 2 (Part II)

  6) Movies Under the Stars - Dress up in your comfiest PJ's out and have some fun at the outdoor movie screenings located at the Boardwalk Cafe.

  7) Inquiring Minds - Cunard has one of the most ambitious programs of its kind, housed in a 20,000 square foot learning complex called Cunard Connections. Choose from a variety of courses ranging from software programs to foreign language, meet and hear fascinating experts in subjects such as history, the arts, science and world affairs. Enjoy cooking classes, Bridge, creative arts and other entertaining activities (including presentations by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.)

  8) The Sky's The Limit - The QM2 is the first ship with its own planetarium. In Illuminations, you can enjoy fascinating presentations, virtual journey's into space and special films created just for her.including some produced by prestigious institutions like the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium and the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.

    9) Dancing Fools - Improve your steps with a salsa or line dancing class in the opulent Queens Room.

  10) Looking for a Quick Getaway?  -  You need to chill but can only spare a long weekend? With you in mind, the QM2 has developed some 4-day itineraries, departing from NYC.

Interested? Contact Simply Juicy Travel for special cruise rates and exclusive ammenities.

Ten Best Reasons to Cruise on the Queen Mary (Pt. I)

Sail the Queen Mary 2 and discover all of the wonderful surprises she has to offer. I'm limited to a top ten list which will only scratch the surface, but suffice it to say, she has something for everyone.  Check the list to find some compelling reasons to explore the Queen for yourself.  

1) Exceptional Children's Programs- Who knew? The Queen Mary 2 offers a great children's  program.  Staffed by British nannies who are required to complete a specialized 2-year program, the QM2 accepts children earlier than most other cruise lines (ages 1 year and up).  With a separate nursery for sleeping children, the kids program offers something for every age. The kid's complex, The Zone, is divided in age groups and offers complimentary supervised activities from 9am to midnight. Even teens will find something of interest with activities that include ship tours, movies, production shows (in the theater) and pizza parties.

    2) A Spot of Tea?- Indulge in a truly British tradition. White-gloved servers present scones, finger sandwiches and premium tea in the Queens room and on deck.

    3) Relax, Rejuvenate and Reward Yourself- Considered on of the best spas at sea, Canyon Ranch brings it's gold standard to the QM2. At 20,000 square feet, with 20 separate treatment rooms, this is also one of the largest spa's at sea. The facilities offer a Thalassotherapy Pool with airbed recliner lounges, neck fountains, a waterfall, air tub and body massage jet benches. Some of the more unique treatments include a Middle Eastern Rasul Ceremony (performed with medicinal mud) and Shiatsu, administered while a therapist hangs from a bar on the ceiling using his/her feet! A client of mine reports that the Thai Massage is a standout.

4) Calling All Pet Lovers - Cats and Dogs are welcome on  transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton. QM2's kennel program is overseen by a full-time kennel master who takes care of responsibilities such as feeding, walking and cleaning the ship's 12 spacious kennels. And because the kennels are open throughout the day, owners can spend significant time with their pets. Complimentary gift pack included, featuring a QM2-logoed coat, Frisbee, name tag, food dish and scoop; complimentary portrait with pet owners; crossing certificate and personalized cruise card; plush pet beds in two sizes  and freshly baked gourmet cookies Additional amenities have been added for a super pet-friendly voyage, including fleece blankets, toy assortment, and cat posts and scratchers.

     5) Attention Nervous Sailors -The QM2 was designed to sail comfortably in rough seas, with two sets of stabilizers,an extra thick steel hull for strength and stability, enhanced speed, and public areas clustered unusually low, on Decks 2 and 3 for added stability making it a great choice for passengers bothered by seasickness or concerned with rough seas.

10 Blissful Retreats to Delight Your Doggie

Hate to part with your puppy? Looking for a getaway that you can both enjoy? I f you're like my family, we dread having to put our dog into a kennel when we go away.  Because Rory (our 2 year old golden doodle) is an important member of our family, we worry about her while we're away, and often wish that she could join us on vacation!

Apparently we're not alone, because according to the Travel Industry Association of America, half of the approximately 60 million pet owners in the U.S. take their dogs along on weekend getaways, while nearly one-third take them on longer trips. Recognizing this trend, a growing number of luxury properties have developed programs to delight our doggies.

As the client (that's you!) of a Virtuoso member (that's me!), you'll have exclusive access to amenities at "posh and pet-friendly hotels", enabling you to "pamper your pooch with the same red-carpet treatment that human guests receive, including special amenities such as turndown service in custom-made beds, homemade treats, fun toys - even en-suite canine massages."  Here are ten "Posh Stays for Pampered Pooches" as described in Virtuoso Insights.

1) St. Regis Hotel, San Francisco - With the Museum of Modern Art right next door and the new Museum of the African Diaspora within its very walls, this exquisite hotel boasts one of San Fran's artiest addresses. It's also one of the dog friendliest, offering canine clients special dog bowls, homemade biscuits, a plush bed, and more.  Simply Juicy Travel guests of the two-legged kind enjoy such amenities as a complimentary upgrade (if available), Continental breakfast daily, and a $50.00 spa credit once during stay.  From $559 per room, per night.

2) Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley, CA - Nestled within the Upper Napa Valley  on 157 wooded acres with a private lake, Calistoga Ranch takes canines to cloud nine. Treat Max and Mabel to custom pet beds - featuring orthopedic pads, down-filled cushions, and Italian linens by Rivolta Carmignani - a special room service menu, organic treats and spring water, and daily guided hikes.  You'll enjoy a complimentary upgrade (if available), Continental breakfast daily, a bottle of wine and special gift upon arrival, sparkling wine with dinner on second night, and more. From $675 per room, per night.

3) St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach, CA - Orange County's (that's OC to my 16-year old daughter)   hottest new landmark, the Tuscan-style St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach sits on 172 acres overlooking the Pacific, with plenty of space for pups to explore. Back in the guest rooms, they can relax in their custom-made beds, play with a "Siffany's" dog toy, and dine from personalized food and water bowls.  From $610 per room, per night. Simply Juicy Travel treats their human companions to a complimentary upgrade (if available), full breakfast daily, and a $75 credit for the Spa Gaucin Boutique.

4) St. Regis Resort, Aspen, CO - Aspen's relaxed attitude is reflected at this superb hotel, where guests enjoy luxurious accommodations, the all new Remede Spa, and pure Rocky Mountain majesty. The St. Regis Resort, Aspen welcomes furry friends with its signature, five-inch-thick dog beds with purple covers, ceramic food dishes, a nightly turndown amenity, and optional dog walking and sitting services.  From $470 per room, per night.  You're greeted with a complimentary upgrade (if available), buffet breakfast daily, welcome fresh fruit bowl and mineral water, and a special gift, courtesy of Simply Juicy Travel.