My Personal Experience Onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Brand-New Ship the Luna: Q&A Edition

Posted on by boscovstravel

In March 2026, one of our Boscov’s Travel employees went on an inaugural cruise onboard the brand-new Norwegian Luna! Read her incredible experience below:

Norwegian Luna

Q: With Norwegian Luna being the newest Prima Plus class ship, was this your first time sailing with NCL or have you experienced their other classes? – A: This was not my first time cruising with Norwegian. My NCL journey actually started about 12 years ago when I sailed to the Bahamas on the Norwegian Breakaway with my husband’s extended family—a group ranging from an 11-month-old to 65+. More recently, in April 2025, I enjoyed a two-night preview of the Norwegian Aqua (the Luna’s sister ship), where the ship stayed docked for the event.

 Q: Where did you sail from and where did you go? – A: We sailed from Miami, Florida to Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas. On my last cruise, we actually had to skip this stop because rough seas made tendering impossible. This time, however, we finally got to experience the island thanks to the new pier—no more tendering required!

Balcony Stateroom

Balcony Stateroom

Balcony Stateroom

Q: The Luna features some upgraded stateroom designs, which category did you stay in and how was the space? – A: We stayed in a forward-facing balcony cabin and it was very spacious and well equipped. There is nice space under the bed to store your luggage and three closets (two with sliding doors and one open) to store your clothing and personal belongings. Truthfully, the bed was the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in.

Q: What did you love most about the ship? – A: I absolutely loved the decor and layout of the ship. In my opinion, the Prima Plus class is the perfect size—neither too big nor too small. Because this series was built in Italy, you can see many luxurious touches in the finishes. The dining experiences were equally impressive; the food was truly phenomenal.

Q: If you had to describe the “personality” of the Luna in just three words, what would they be? – A: Glamorous, Playful and Immersive.

Norwegian Luna Hull Art: “La Luna“

Q: The hull art is stunning! Did you learn anything about the artist, ELLE, or the meaning behind the “La Luna” mural on the bow? – A: The story behind the Norwegian Luna’s hull art is fascinating. NCL commissioned world-renowned street artist ELLE to create the bow mural, titled “La Luna.” She designed the piece to represent the magnetic pull of the moon—a symbol of curiosity, emotion, and adventure. By blending dreamlike imagery with flowing cosmic shapes, the art perfectly captures the romance of the sea. If you look closely, you’ll even find intricate constellations woven into the design, serving as a beautiful tribute to the wonder of a starlit night at sea.

Hasuki

Q: Which restaurant on the Luna is a “must-visit” for future cruisers? – A: I especially loved the atmosphere at Hasuki—and the food was incredibly fresh and flavorful, too. The chef provides such fun, playful entertainment, all while preparing your dinner right before your eyes.

 Indulge Food Hall

Q: The Luna introduced new dining concepts like Sukhothai (Thai) and the Indulge Food Hall. Did you get a chance to try these new additions? – A: I was able to experience the Indulge Food Hall. Personally, the logistics of getting your food aren’t my favorite, but I loved the idea of trying dishes from different parts of the world. The food really was great.

Vibe Beach Club

Q: From the Observation Lounge to the Metropolitan Bar, where was your favorite spot to grab a signature cocktail? – A: My favorite spot for a cocktail was the Vibe Beach Club. Imagine an adults-only outdoor oasis with comfortable loungers and the sun on your face—add a Mango Meltdown in your hand, and you have the perfect, relaxing atmosphere.

Aqua Slidecoaster

Q: Let’s talk thrills! Did you brave the new Aqua Slidecoaster or The Drop dry-slide? – A: ’m always up for a little thrill, so I absolutely tried the Aqua Slidecoaster and The Drop. On the Luna, the Aqua Slidecoaster felt faster through the tunnels than the one on the Aqua, which I thought was a nice update. The Drop was also super fun—I love it when adults can feel like kids again!

ELTON: A Celebration of Elton John™

Q: Between the Broadway-style theater and the interactive venues, what was your absolute favorite entertainment experience? – A: The high-energy Elton John tribute was my favorite entertainment experience, with the Eagles tribute coming in a close second. It was really neat to see how they incorporated real footage of Elton into the show; the talent of the performers was truly exceptional.

Tee Time

Q: Was there a specific “Luna Exclusive” feature or technology you’ve never seen on any other ship before? – A: Although I didn’t get to try it myself, the Swirl Wine Bar offers a virtual reality wine tour that several people onboard raved about. I also really enjoyed the interactive mini-golf course, Tee Time, which uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) golf balls to automatically track your strokes. Another cool find: some of the bars, like the Whiskey Bar, are experimenting with ‘clear cocktails.’ They use the exact flavors of traditional drinks—so your Bloody Mary tastes authentic, but looks crystal clear!

 Q: Is there any “insider secret” about the ship that passengers might miss if they don’t know where to look? – A: I really appreciated the water bottle filling stations in the buffet—the water is actually chilled and refreshing. They’ve also upgraded the traditional buffet pizza with a wood-fire oven, which makes a huge difference in quality. One quick insider tip: the bathroom waste cans are tucked inside the cabinet doors to save space, so don’t be confused if you don’t see one on the floor!

Great Stirrup Cay Pier

Q: You mentioned you visited Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island. How has the island experience evolved with the new pier and amenities? – A: Being able to walk straight onto the island without tendering is a huge upgrade for Great Stirrup Cay, making the transition on and off the ship a total breeze. My favorite spot was the 28,000-square-foot heated pool, which features a swim-up bar and plenty of room to either swim or lounge the day away.

Pool at Great Stirrup Cay

Q: We know there’s a new tram system on the island. How easy was it to get around to places like Silver Cove or the Vibe Shore Club? – A: The tram is a great addition for getting around the island. From the welcome center, you can hop on a tram that takes you to several key locations. It’s worth noting that to reach Silver Cove or Vibe Shore Club, you currently need to transfer to a second tram. After a full day onshore, using the tram to avoid the steep incline of the bridge on the way back is a total lifesaver!

 Q: Is there anything else we did not discuss that you would like to mention? – A: Based on feedback from previous Prima-class ships, NCL made some brilliant design updates to the Norwegian Luna. They added a new exterior staircase that connects the pool deck to the top decks—a smart move that means you no longer have to cut through the buffet. They also increased the number of interior staircases to improve guest flow and accessibility. Best of all, the beloved ‘fish’ are back on the stateroom hallway carpets to help you easily find which direction is forward!

Norwegian Luna Inaugural Sailing Welcome Sign

Q: Would you sail on the Luna again? – A: Yes! I have always been a fan of the Norwegian Cruise Line brand. They consistently provide an excellent cruise vacation and a fantastic overall value.

Does this incredible experience incline you to sail on the Norwegian Luna? Your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor is ready to assist you in planning whenever you’re ready! Contact your local Boscov’s Travel or call 800-755-8020 or visit https://www.boscovstravel.com/cruises/norwegian/index.html to learn more.

 

Our Personal Experience Onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Brand-New Star of the Seas: Q&A Edition

Posted on by boscovstravel

In August 2025, members of our team went on an inaugural cruise onboard Royal Caribbean International’s brand-new Star of the Seas! Read their incredible experience below:

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas

Q: Was this your first time sailing on Royal Caribbean? – A: All of us have sailed on Royal Caribbean before, but we were all very excited to experience the Star of the Seas – one of the largest cruise ships in the world – for ourselves.

Q: Where did you sail to and from? – A: We sailed roundtrip from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas.

Q: What stateroom did you stay in? – A: We each had Balcony staterooms, and they were great! The room felt very spacious and well-appointed, giving us plenty of room to move around comfortably throughout the entire sailing. A nice bonus was the bathroom’s shower which was large enough to be comfortable and even featured a built-in seat! 

Balcony Stateroom

Q: How did you feel about the Star of the Seas being one of the biggest cruise ships in the world? Could you tell? – A: This was our first time sailing on a Royal Caribbean ship of this magnitude. Some of us were not sure how we would like a ship as large as the Icon Class, but we were actually extremely impressed! Although the ship is so big, it is truly one of the most well-designed ships we’ve sailed on. We all agreed that even though the ship holds many passengers, we never felt crowded. It was a great experience!

Q: What did you love most about the ship? – A: This may seem like a small detail, but we really loved the amount of deck space compared to other ships. Whether we wanted to unwind by the pool, enjoy a quiet drink, or simply relax – the ship offered endless places to choose from.

Chill Island

Q: What surprised you most about the ship? – A: The ship’s elevator system and technology were simply incredible – we can’t praise it enough! A key feature is the central hub of twelve elevators, which was never overcrowded. The secret? When you need a ride, you use a touch screen to select your desired floor. The screen then directs you to a specific elevator with a letter prompt, and once inside, your work is done! There are no buttons to press, you just wait for your floor to be announced. This technology sets a new standard and makes the cruise ship elevator experience effortless and efficient.

Q: What was your favorite dining onboard? – A: Dining onboard was a massive hit! Everyone raved about the Main Dining Room’s food and service. For a more casual bite, we found “the best Smashburger ever” at Basecamp, located in Thrill Island. And don’t forget the Windjammer Café (buffet), which offers incredible choices for every meal and snack, including luxurious options like lobster and steak!

Food from Windjammer Café

Q: What was your favorite bar onboard? – A: The Pub was a favorite for its atmosphere – the decor genuinely felt like an authentic Irish pub. We appreciated the live music and cold Guinness on draft. The Lime & Coconut was also unmatched. It’s conveniently located by the pool, serves delicious cocktails, and hosts live DJs and musicians who keep the energy high throughout the day.

The Lime & Coconut

Q: What was your favorite entertainment onboard? – A: The general consensus is the onboard entertainment was truly spectacular! We all thoroughly enjoyed Back to the Future: the Musical, which was nothing short of amazing. The cast was very talented and the set was incredible (topped with a flying DeLorean)! A true blast from the past.

Back to the Future: the Musical

Q: What other shows did you attend? – A: We attended two other shows. The ice show, SOL, was a highly immersive and captivating experience. Then, switching gears to water, Torque at the AquaTheater was pure adrenaline and filled with breathtaking stunts by exceptionally skilled divers. Make sure you get to shows early even if you have a reservation to guarantee seats with your group.

SOL (Ice Show)

Q: What other activities did you do onboard and which was your favorite? – A: The ship provided endless ways to spend the day. For a wholesome highlight, we were excited to meet Sailor, the ship’s adorable canine mascot. Thrill-seekers will love the immense collection of waterslides (major thrills guaranteed!). If gaming is your style, the Casino was huge, offering plenty of machines and tables.

Sailor, the ship’s canine mascot

Waterslides

Q: You mentioned you sailed to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas. What do you want to share about the port? – A: Perfect Day at CocoCay was absolutely amazing, offering diverse experiences we all thoroughly enjoyed.

We loved exploring the differences between the beach areas, particularly the exclusive Hideaway Beach Club. This adults-only oasis features beautiful white sand and clear, calm ocean water. Please know that the club has continuous, loud party music, so if you are looking for a quieter experience, we’d recommend other parts of the island.

The island’s public spaces were just as incredible as the beaches, offering amazing atmosphere and convenience. We also really enjoyed the Oasis Lagoon Bar. It had a beautifully thatched roof and spectacular Polynesian-style furnishings, creating an atmosphere that felt like an exotic escape. This bar is especially convenient as it serves guests both as a swim-up bar and an on-land bar. The design details made all the common areas very fun and appealing.

We got our adrenaline fix at the Thrill Waterpark. The waterslides are amazing, delivering major thrills. We highly recommend arriving early to beat the crowds and enjoy the fun without long lines.

Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Hideaway Beach Club

Hideaway Beach Club

Hideaway Beach Club

Thrill Waterpark

Thrill Waterpark

Q: Is there anything else we did not discuss that you would like to mention? – A: Yes!

– Getting on and off the ship was an absolute breeze. The process was incredibly smooth, thanks to two dedicated escalators from the main promenade that took guests directly to the disembarkation level. The fact that moving thousands of guests is easier on the world’s largest ship than on most others we’ve sailed on is a true testament to the ship’s design.

– Even the public restrooms onboard were high-tech! They featured touchless entry and exit. You just waved your hand by the door, and it opened – a brilliant feature for hygiene and convenience.

Q: Would you sail on the Star of the Seas again? – A: One hundred times – yes! The ship is perfect for singles, multigenerational families, couples – everyone! There’s truly something for all onboard.

Star of the Seas

Does this incredible experience incline you to sail on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas? Your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor is ready to assist you in planning whenever you’re ready! Contact your local Boscov’s Travel or call 800-755-8020 or visit https://www.boscovstravel.com/cruises/royal-caribbean/index.html to learn more.

 

Our Personal Experience Onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Brand-New Ship the Aqua: Q&A Edition

Posted on by boscovstravel

In April 2025, some of our Boscov’s Travel employees stayed onboard the brand-new Norwegian Aqua! Read their incredible experience below:

Norwegian Aqua

Q: Was this your first time on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship? – A: We had a variety of travelers with us ranging from first time cruisers – even first-time cruisers with Norwegian Cruise Line – all the way up to seasoned pros. It was really fun to watch how everyone interacted with one another. We were able to gain and give advice where needed, and of course, learn all there was to know to bring information back to our clients.

Q: What was the first thing that wowed you when you stepped onboard? – A: When stepping onto the Norwegian Aqua, we were floored/awed/taken back by the elegance and refined style of the ship, truly giving the ship a ‘modern relaxed feel.’ We noticed the lighting on the ship – even from one deck to another – really aided to the atmosphere, whether it be relaxing with a cocktail at the Belvedere Bar or bright lights shining your way around the shops. We couldn’t help but also notice how spacious and clean the ship was too. Great first impression!
Insider information: the Prima class was built in Italy, compared to the Breakaway class in Germany. We think this was smart and will aid in the ship feeling modern for years and years to come.

Penrose Atrium

Q: Describe the atmosphere and vibe of the ship in three words. – A: 1. Upscale 2. Luxurious 3. Serene

Q: What stateroom did you stay in? – A: As mentioned, we had a variety of travelers with us for this trip staying in a variety of staterooms ranging from Oceanview all the way up to a 2-Bedroom Family Villa in The Haven. Even with the variety, everyone had similar feedback that they could not believe how spacious the cabins and the bathrooms felt (a huge plus in our books)! There is ample amount of room to fit all your belongings and for them to stay organized as well.

Balcony Stateroom

Q: What was your favorite onboard entertainment? – We absolutely love the Broadway-styled shows onboard! Our top favorites were Revolution: A Celebration of Prince and Elements: The World Expanded. The latter show had incredible dancing, magic and acrobatics. The show incorporated the different elements: wind, water, fire, and even snow! Both shows had such great energy and we highly recommend them.

Aqua Theater

Q: What was your favorite restaurant onboard? What dish did you enjoy the most? – We all have our own favorite restaurant from the cruise including:

– Hasuki was a great hibachi-styled restaurant. The food was flavorful, colorful and fresh, but the headliner had to be the great entertainment from the staff preparing the food.

Hasuki

– Hudson’s Dining Room is one of the main dining rooms onboard. One of our travelers raved about the amazing menu with ‘the best braised short ribs I’ve ever had!’ And of course, crème brulee to top it off.

Hudson’s Dining Room

– Sukhothai is the new Thai restaurant onboard. We were told this restaurant was developed from a fan favorite, the Thai Cashew Chicken dish, and offers a range of authentic Thai cuisines. A lot of our group dined here one evening and had mixed reviews on whether it was worth the specialty dining cover charge or not.

Sukhothai

– Palomar is the Mediterranean restaurant onboard focusing on fresh fish and seafood. One employee dined here and had rave reviews. The floor to ceiling windows added a beautiful backdrop to the meal, service was excellent, and food was out of this world. Our recommendations are the Grilled Prawns and Greek Village Salad for appetizers, and the Filet Mignon for an entrée (the Lemon-Herb Maître d’ Butter ::drool::). We also recommend trying one of every dessert for the table with the Galaktoboureko being a surprise favorite of the table.

Palomar

Q: What was your favorite bar onboard? Was there a go to drink? – Our group had samplings from each bar onboard and tended to hop around between the Belvedere Bar, the Penrose Bar and the Local Bar & Grill. We liked the atmosphere/vibes at these bars and had plenty of space to hangout and sit. The Local Bar & Grill will be your go-to late-night spot and we recommend the cheese fries (don’t feel silly asking for 3 or 4 orders, they are on the smaller side and go fast). The weather wasn’t the best, otherwise, we would have enjoyed the multiple outdoor bars. Our go to drinks onboard – and some new fan favorites – included gin and tonics with a lime and a lemon, dark ‘n’ stormy, the classic Aperol spritz, whiskey on the rocks, etc.

Belvedere Bar

Q: What activities did you do onboard and which was your favorite? – It seemed like our group was able to cover the whole ship collectively, which was nice because for being onboard for just a day and a half, a single person wouldn’t be able to see all the offerings. Our favorite activities included the:

– Sail Away Party

– 90s Party

– Miniature Golf – Tee Time

– Pickleball

– Shooting hoops on the Glow Court

– The Improv at Sea Comedy Club

Tee Time

Pickleball Court

Glow Court

The Improv at Sea Comedy Club

Q: Was there anything on the ship you’ve never seen before? Tell us about everything new! – Mentioned above was the new Thai restaurant, Sukhothai, and Norwegian also introduced another restaurant to their Indulge Food Hall concept, Planterie, as well as Swirl. Planterie is Norwegian Cruise Line’s first dedicated plant-based venue and offers bowls and other healthy options like the Mediterranean Goddess Bowl with spiced vegetables, tabbouleh, and honey-roasted carrots, and the Southwest Bowl with smoked tempeh. Swirl is a wine lounge onboard the Aqua and offers a wine-by-the-glass menu and a selection of rare and premium vintages. This is a perfect place to cozy up to your partner and enjoy some wine together.


Indulge Food Hall

Q: How was the all-new Aqua Slidecoaster? – The Aqua Slidecoaster was so very fun and such a cool experience! The Aqua Slidecoaster is a new addition to Norwegian and is the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide! We had a few brave souls within our group try this new activity in chilly weather (some went in clothing, some were extra brave and did it in their bathing suits). We are a thrill type of group so we collectively agreed the best part was the sendoff with the mechanical arm. After the sendoff, you then get to enjoy the standard leisure waterslide. Even if you aren’t a rollercoaster person, we still recommend trying the Aqua Slidecoaster out as it wasn’t overly intense.

Aqua Slidecoaster

View of the Aqua Slidecoaster from Vibe Beach Club

Q: What was your favorite spot to relax and unwind on the ship? –  A great place to kick back and relax is the Observation Lounge. It’s a beautiful enclosed lounge with comfortable seating to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful views. And of course, the Penrose Atrium is the prime spot to be while enjoying a cocktail and people watching. If the weather was nicer, we would have enjoyed the Vibe Beach Club (the adults-only section onboard; admission fees apply). And if you are lucky enjoy to stay in The Haven, absolutely take advantage of the sauna and hot tubs on the sundeck.

Vibe Beach Club

Q: How was the service from the crew throughout your time onboard? – Outstanding! The crew onboard was very friendly and above and beyond accommodating. Through our trade training onboard, we learned that they select the crew based on having previous experience onboard that type of ship class. No matter what the question or request, the crew was available and eager to help.

Q: What did you love most about the ship? – It sounds cliché, but we truly loved it all. The layout, style and finishes of the ship, the spacious accommodations, the dining venues, the outdoor areas (including the infinity pools and hot tubs), the accommodating staff. We are excited to share this ship with our clients knowing they will have an enjoyable vacation on an incredible product.

Q: Would you sail on the Aqua again? – Absolutely.

Does this incredible experience incline you to sail on the Norwegian Aqua? Your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor is ready to assist you in planning whenever you’re ready! Contact your local Boscov’s Travel or call 800-755-8020 or visit https://www.boscovstravel.com/cruises/norwegian/index.html to learn more.

My Personal Experience Onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Brand-New Ship the Viva: Q&A Edition

Posted on by boscovstravel

In November 2023, one of our Boscov’s Travel employees went on an inaugural cruise onboard the brand-new Norwegian Viva! Read her incredible experience below:

Norwegian Viva

Q: Was this your first time sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line? – A: No, this was not my first time sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line. I have sailed about six times with them!

Q: Where did you sail to and from? – A: The ship sailed round trip from Miami, Florida to Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.

View of Miami from Norwegian Viva

Q: What stateroom did you stay in? – A: I had a wonderful and cozy balcony stateroom.

Q: What did you love most about the ship? – A: What I loved most about the ship was actually the décor! From the colors and all – it was extremely warm and welcoming.

Q: What surprised you most about the ship? – A: The layout of the ship surprised me the most! It was very different than any other class of Norwegian ships that I’ve been on. The new design is a ‘smart design’ allowing for all the fun to be right in the middle of the ship.

The Atrium

Q: What was your favorite entertainment onboard? – A: My favorite entertainment was definitely the Improv at Sea shows. They were hilarious and I laughed all night. I also played a game in the comedy club with other passengers one day and we all had a great time!

Q: What was your favorite restaurant onboard? – A: I enjoyed Hudson’s Dining Room the most. The design was stunning with floor to ceiling windows and great food. One of the times I ate there, I had the Beef Wellington and it was so tasty and savory. I did not have a meal I didn’t like!

Q: Did you enjoy the Indulge Food Hall concept? – A: I really liked the concept of Indulge Food Hall and have never eaten somewhere like it before. Indulge is an eat around the world concept all in one place. I tried a good bit of the food there and it was delicious! Another neat thing about Indulge is there is not much of a wait time. It felt as if my food was fresh and on the table right after I ordered it!

Indulge Food Hall

Indulge Food Hall Outdoor Dining

Q: What was your favorite bar onboard? – A: My absolute favorite bar onboard was the Observation Lounge. I loved the décor there especially and the views! Plus, the drinks were fantastic.

Q: What activities did you do onboard and which was your favorite? – A: I tried out the Viva Speedway (sooo fun!), spent time at the pools and bars, and also played the game at the Improv at Sea as I mentioned. If I have to pick a favorite onboard activity, it would definitely be the Viva Speedway. There were beautiful views of the ocean and it was so fun to zip around three levels of track!

Pool Deck

Infinity Pool

Waves Pool Bar

Q: What did you think of the Oceanwalk? – A: The Oceanwalk was pretty neat with how you are able to walk on the glass above the ocean!

Q: Was there anything on the ship you’ve never seen before? – A: There was much on the ship I have never seen before from the Indulge Food Hall, the Viva Speedway and the layout. This ship was so neat and fun!

Q: You mentioned you sailed to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. What do you want to share about the port? – A: Great Stirrup Cay is a port where the ship tenders. So once on the island, I had a great time and the weather was beautiful. I was able to take a behind the scenes tour, spend time at the beach, ate and explored the island. The beaches were extremely beautiful, and there were many activities/excursions including ziplining, wave runner tours, shopping, eating, relaxing and more. As the island is private, there were no locals haggling at the beaches which was very nice. Great Stirrup Cay is truly a relaxing port to visit!

Great Stirrup Cay Beach Entrance

Great Stirrup Cay Beach

Jumbey Beach Grill

Great Stirrup Cay Ziplining

Great Stirrup Cay Lighthouse

Q: Did you go on any excursions? – A: Yes! I was fortunate enough to go on a behind the scenes tour of Great Stirrup Cay which showed us where the employees (who actually live on the island) stay, what they can do when they’re off work, where they shop, and more!

Great Stirrup Cay Behind the Scenes Tour Entrance

Great Stirrup Cay Behind the Scenes Tour Employee Housing

Q: Is there anything else we did not discuss that you would like to mention? – A: The staff onboard the Viva and at Great Stirrup Cay were all very friendly and helpful. They made the cruise even more enjoyable than it already was!

Q: What do you recommend to anyone sailing on the Viva? – A: Definitely, it’s a nice ship whether you’re going for the ship itself or the itinerary.

Q: Would you sail on the Viva again? – A: Yes! Of course.

Does this incredible experience incline you to sail on the Norwegian Viva? Your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor is ready to assist you in planning whenever you’re ready! Contact your local Boscov’s Travel or call 800-755-8020 or visit https://www.boscovstravel.com/cruises/norwegian/index.html to learn more.

 

A Week at the Excellence Playa Mujeres

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The following post is written by Adam from the Boscov’s Travel Marketing Department.  Adam recently vacationed at the Excellence Playa Mujeres, and shares his insight into the resort and his overall travel experience booked through Boscov’s Travel.

DSCN0145.JPGAfter spending a week in Mexico two years ago, my wife and I decided to spend our yearly vacation in the land of guacamole again this year. During our previous stay in at the Secrets Silversands resort in Mexico, we enjoyed the beach but it wasn’t ideal for going into the deep waters of the Caribbean. When deciding where to go this year, the beach had to be priority. After much research, discussion and competitive “the resort I found is better than yours” banter we decided on the Excellence Playa Mujeres. And by we, I mean her.

After the flight and breezing through customs we were picked up by AMStar Tours for our private transfer to the resort. The resort was about 20 minutes from the Cancun Airport. Our guide, Carlos, did a fantastic job of providing an update of the Cancun area since our previous visit. During the drop off at the resort, he also provided his contact information in case we needed to change our pick up time or schedule any excursions we wished to take with AMStar Tours.

If you are going to an all-inclusive in Mexico, I would highly suggest using AMStar for airport transfers from the airport to the resort. They are dedicated to providing world-class services and their team is staffed by nothing less than travel professionals. And besides, when you’re stepping into a private vehicle at the airport, it makes you feel like a celebrity. Treat yo self!

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After making it through the city, we finally arrived at the Excellence Playa Mujeres. As always, it’s nice to be greeted with a cold towel and “Complimentary champagne, Sir?” Once inside, it’s always a sight to behold at how large the lobby can be at an all-inclusive resort- three floors and decorated to the nines. After checking in, we were escorted to our room right away. This year we decided to splurge a little more on our room and stayed in a Terrace Suite with Plunge Pool.

This Terrace Suite offers an expansive (807 sq. ft.) private terrace with Plunge Pool, comfortable lounge furniture and an open-air shower. If you decide to spend a vacation at this Excellence resort, stay in this suite. It was nice waking up in the morning and being able to lounge or swim when the sun was coming up. Also, my wife and I would enjoy a cocktail before going down to dinner each evening.

Excellence offers gourmet dining in ten international restaurants and eleven bars; no reservations needed. All meals, unlimited beverages, snacks, and 24/7 room service are included, plus all of the restaurants feature healthy menus and vegetarian dishes.

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We ate at a majority of the restaurants for dinner, the only ones we didn’t eat at were Basmati (Indian), Spice (Asian), and the Flavor Market (Tapas). And the only reasons why we didn’t eat at those places was because we wanted to eat at Chez Isabelle (French) and Agave (Mexican) more than once. I really believe that the menus in the restaurants at the Excellence are designed so that you are able have an appetizer, a salad, the main course, and dessert, and leave satisfied. The meals are portioned well and never disappoint.

Lunch was another experience all together. The Excellence had your standard buffet for breakfast and lunch. In addition to that, the Lobster House and the Grill offered a la carte menus for lunch. But the one we visited the most was Las Olas. Las Olas is located on the beach and has a selection of fast food, salads, wood-oven pizzas, and grilled favorites. The main course they offered was different everyday. One day we ate Seafood Paella, which was prepared in a giant wok, and another day we had Jamaican Jerk Chicken. It was fresh and served buffet style. It was by far the best place to eat lunch.

During our stay in Cancun 2 years ago, we went on a snorkeling excursion that gave us the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. This excursion is no longer available because the sea turtles habitats are now protected, which is a great because it helps the species from becoming extinct. So this year we decided to buy our own snorkeling gear and bring it with us.

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The beach at the Excellence provided more than enough space and ocean for us to explore the waters. We snorkeled at least twice a day and saw Bluefin Trevally, Starfish, Batfish, Sea Turtles, and a Manta Ray. Because of our decision to buy snorkeling gear, we decided we didn’t need to leave the resort to experience an excursion. We also took advantage of the free water sports offered by the resort and took the Stand Up Paddle Boards into the Caribbean a handful of times.

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Overall, our stay at the Excellence Playa Mujeres was by far the best vacation at an all-inclusive we have ever had. The service of the staff, the accommodations, the food, and the overall experience exceeded our expectations and was nothing short of amazing.

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If you’re ready to start planning your getaway, email [email protected], call 800-755-8020 or direct message us.

Visit Boscov’s Travel located within select Boscov’s including Pennsylvania (Camp Hill, Colonial Park/Harrisburg, Easton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Neshaminy/Bensalem, Wyomissing, Reading, Pottstown, Pottsville, Scranton, Selinsgrove, Wilkes-Barre), New York (Binghamton), New Jersey (Atlantic City and Moorestown), Delaware (Wilmington), and Maryland (Salisbury).  View our locations here. If you live a little further away, book over the phone by calling us at 800-755-8020. Learn more at boscovstravel.com.