Cruise update - Oasis of the Seas

Been there done that? Lots of seasoned cruisers feel that way about a Caribbean cruise. The islands haven't changed THAT much over the years and it can feel a little repetitive if you cruise every year. For some, ports have less importance, and the ship becomes the destination.
One such 'destination' ship is the brand-new Oasis of the Seas. This latest offering from Royal Caribbean Cruise Line debuted in November with many innovations never seen before on a cruise ship. The ship is divided into neighborhoods, such as Central Park, complete with leafy trees, and the Boardwalk has a real carousel. How about flying down a zip line past the pool deck?!

This is now the largest cruise ship afloat, carrying nearly 6,000 passengers each week. You'd be hard pressed to experience everything in one week aboard. There is so much to see and do between the entertainment, sports venues and fabulous restaurants.

Tip: You must pre-book activities and dining on this ship. You can pre-book your tickets to the shows, such as the popular Broadway hit Hairspray. Reserve a table for 2 for dinner at the cutting edge 150 Central Park, or my favorite, Chops Grille.

Call our cruise specialists for more information on this ship or to book your next cruise vacation!

Bee Kalt Travel phone: 248-288-9600 or email: lynn@beekalt.com

Credit Cards Revealed - Maximize your miles in 2010

There are so many credit card choices out there, it can be confusing to decide which one is best for you. If you are trying to earn miles or Elite Status on an airline, choosing the right credit card can help you get there without the jet lag!

I am going to concentrate on the Delta airlines Skymiles American Express cards since Delta is the major player if you fly in and out of the Detroit area.
First there is the basic Gold card. You will earn one mile for each dollar spent. Annual fee: $95

The next choice is the Platinum Skymiles card (not to be confused with the Amex Platinum card to be discussed later). With the Platinum Skymiles card, you have the opportunity to earn Medallion Qualification Miles. If you charge at least $25,000 in one year, you will earn the 25,000 miles BUT 10,000 of them will count toward MQM status. This is a great perk to get you to Silver, Gold or Platinum Medallion status with the airline. Annual fee: $150

Skymiles also has a Reserve Card with even more perks. This one allows you to earn up to 30,000 MQM's in one year, but you must spend at least $60,000. You also are allowed access to the Delta airport lounges when traveling on Delta, and you receive one free companion air ticket per year. Annual fee: $450

What do MQM's mean to you? Once you have Medallion elite status, you don't pay fees for checked luggage, you may receive complimentary upgrades, you can pre-reserve choice seats on the plane with no fee, and you get to board your flights first. If you fly a minimum of 25,000 miles in one calendar year, you will become a Silver Medallion. Gold and Platinum status may be obtained with higher mileage levels, and then you receive even more benefits!

The American Express Platinum Card has long been a provider of perks to luxury travelers. This card gives you access to several airport lounges when you are traveling on that carrier: American, Continental or Delta. When you cruise on certain cruise lines, you can receive up to $300 in shipboard credits. They have an air program where you can purchase 2-for-1 First class or Business class tickets on International flights. And you also earn Membership rewards, which can be used toward shopping, entertainment, hotel stays or transferred as miles to a variety of airlines. Annual fee: $450

One minor pitfall of using the American Express card exclusively is when you travel abroad. They tack on a 2.7% or higher fee to any purchases in a foreign currency. Many Visa cards charge a 3% additional fee for foreign purchases. The Capital One credit card is one that has no additional foreign exchange transaction fee, so you're not paying more for your purchases. Before you leave the country, you should check with your bank or credit card company and find out what fees may be associated with your card.

Tip: To get the most out of your money when traveling abroad, use local ATM machines to take out cash when needed. This is usually the most cost effective method while avoiding large fees or unfavorable exchange rates of the currency exchange booth!

Southern Africa

Africa... just the word conjures up all kinds of thoughts. Animals in the wild is probably the most common, but have you pictured the most beautiful sunsets with exquisite colors of pink, orange and blue? Have you imagined floating on the Zambezi River, passing the resident hippos, elephants and buffalo along the riverbanks? How about enjoying a gourmet feast in a beautiful vineyard in the wine country? I always find it funny when I leave for a trip to Africa, people tell me "have fun in the jungle!" I've been there several times, and I have yet to step foot in a jungle. Savannahs are more like it!

Many people consider travel to Africa as a once-in-a-lifetime trip. This can be true, but once you go, you may want to return again and again. The magic takes hold and it can be a life-changing experience. I constantly feel the pull to return. The endless grasslands of the bush, the wonders of seeing the circle of life in nature, the warm, welcoming smiles of the charming African people.

I have a fabulous opportunity for you to experience all this and more on an 11-day adventure in April 2010. You will travel to Southern Africa, visiting the cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town, journey to Botswana for a 5 night safari in luxury tented camps, and no tour would be complete without witnessing the majesty of Victoria Falls in Zambia! Also included are some special surprises, a dinner with an award-winning tour guide, and a meeting with a world renowned animal communicator, known as the "Animal Whisperer"!
Details can be found on our website, but call me for the latest in newly discounted pricing.

Call Bee Kalt Travel 248-288-9600 or email shari@beekalt.com

Mayan Riviera, Mexico

I rang in the New Year with my family in Mexico! We spent a relaxing week in the Mayan Riviera, located south of Cancun, in the Yucatan Peninsula. We stayed at the all-inclusive Barcelo Maya Palace Resort, a great place for families. The resort is located on one of the best beaches in the area. The sand is powdery soft but there are also areas of coral reef, which make for great snorkeling and even turtle sightings! I enjoyed sunning at one of the expansive pools while sipping a mojito, prepared expertly by bartender, Ulisses. I also did the yoga stretch classes and paddled a kayak to try and avert disaster from the all-you-can-eat buffets.

My vacation wasn't all fun and games - I took some time to check out some other luxury properties in the area. I toured the Maroma Resort and Spa by Orient-Express - Loved their fabulous Sian Nah suites with ocean front views and private plunge pools. The resort is very romantic and you can arrange a private dinner on the rooftop Mirador, lit only by moonlight, with breathtaking views of the ocean.


The Rosewood Mayakoba is an all-suite property built among lagoons and jungle located just north of Playa del Carmen. You are transported from the striking lobby by either boat or golf cart to your contemporary 700 sq. ft. suite. There, you will enjoy your own private pool, sundeck, spacious bath and elegant decor. They also have a luxury spa and expansive fitness center.

Just up the beach is the Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya. I was struck by the sleek, clean lines of the lobby surrounded by calming reflecting pools. This resort transports you by continuously running golf carts between the lobby, guest rooms and beach. Their spa features treatments and therapies from around the world. Nice fitness area with a Kinesis studio (a series of pulleys and cables for a great core workout). The pool area has comfy looking beds and chaise lounges and overlooks the narrow beach.

Contact me for more information on any of these luxury resorts. Book with us and take advantage of fantastic offers, such as 5th night free promotions, complimentary upgrades, breakfast and resort credits!
http://www.beekalt.com/

30,000 feet

Had to post this one from the air! Delta now offers WiFi on most of its flights. It currently works only while flying over the continental U.S. You can stay connected with the office, surf the net, or chat with friends while traveling on the plane! Rates start at $9.95 for a single flight.

Florida fling

Spent a few chilly days in Florida last week, but I was happy to have the chance to visit the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach. They have an incredible spa which opened this past March. At 42,000 square feet, it's the largest hotel spa in the Ritz-Carlton chain. Their treatment rooms can hardly be called rooms - most are spacious suites complete with private outdoor gardens, showers and daybeds. The experience is very personalized: you choose the color of lighting you prefer in the room, and you can choose your fragrance and type of scrub from the Scrub and Polish bar. I was also impressed with their kids program. They have all day activities for the little ones, but this is one of the few places I've seen that addresses the needs of that often forgotten group: the teenager. There is a dedicated space just for teens, with the latest in computers, video games and a DJ booth, where they can actually learn how to work the boards! Looked fun.
The hotel and rooms are beautiful. I like the fact that the lobby feels just like a living room, a warm and inviting place to relax or gather with friends.

Book your stay with us and receive VIP amenities: complimentary upgrade based on availability, daily breakfast, and a $100.00 resort credit!

The Brazilian

It's not what you think! Earlier this month I spent some time traveling around Brazil and I will highlight two top destinations.

The Ponta dos Ganchos resort is a place you dream about. 28 individual bungalows perched on a hillside, the resort nestled between quaint fishing villages, overlooking the magnificent blue ocean. We were greeted by the congenial staff with a welcome glass of champagne. Ok, I admit, I can be easily won over by a glass of bubbly, but it just got better from there! We were ushered to our suite which literally took my breath away. Our 1400 square foot villa came complete with beautifully appointed living area, fireplace, huge flat screen TV, jacuzzi, sauna (in the room!), double shower, his/hers dressing areas and private garden with plunge pool. Did I mention the luxurious high thread count linens and wonderfully comfy beds? It was hard to drag myself away, but in the name of research, I headed down to the beach. The resort is inclusive with regards to meals and many activities. They offer fishing, sailing, tennis, kayaks, indoor heated swimming pool and a fitness center. The meals were deliciously prepared with many choices of fresh seafood and Brazilian specialties on the menu. The guests may dine whenever they like and aren't forced into set mealtimes, which makes for a very relaxed and personalized atmosphere. They even have a private island where one couple each night can dine alone for a very special romantic evening. The Ponta dos Ganchos is a perfect place for a honeymoon, anniversary or a well-deserved vacation. It is an adult-only resort and they do not accept children under age 18. The resort is located 50-minutes by car from the Florianopolis airport, which is an easy one hour flight from either Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro.

Iguassu Falls is a stunning series of 275 waterfalls bordering the countries of Brazil and Argentina. A direct flight to Foz do Iguassu takes less than two hours from Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. The place to stay is the newly renovated Hotel das Cataratas by Orient-Express. It is a quick 20-minute drive from the airport and the only hotel located within the Iguassu National Park on the Brazilian side. This gives you unlimited access and allows you to have the falls all to yourself after hours, without the crowds of tourists. The guest rooms and public areas have been completely redone, using Brazilian hardwoods and Portuguese tiles to create a soothing atmosphere in harmony with the tropical rainforest surroundings. The pool area offers a nice respite after a morning of exploring, and the staff offering cold towels is a welcome amenity, which is the type of service I have come to expect from an Orient-Express hotel. There is a tour desk located right at the hotel from which you can book private guided tours of the falls, boat trips, helicopter rides, and a variety of more adventurous activities. Iguassu falls is a must-see destination for travelers to South America!

Tip: When in Brazil, you must try a caipirinha, a delicious cocktail of muddled fresh limes, sugar and cachaca, the local liquor. My favorite is the caipiroska, made with vodka!

A Visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Brazil. Call us for more information on either of these luxury hotels or destinations. Receive the best rates, special amenities and extra values only when booking through Bee Kalt Travel!
http://www.beekalt.com/