JEWEL PARADISE COVE -Hilton's Curio Resort at Montego Bay, Jamaica

Husband had to have this as soon as we got off the plane!
Let's start this vacay!

View from our room...we saw three ships sail by in our 4 days!

This was waiting for us in the room upon arrival.  I guess they didn't want us get thirsty!

         Room was very nice and large.  Bummer though...the jacuzzi was not working.

Main bar at the center of the resort with swim-up bar and just steps away 

A week on MSC Seaside

The MSC Difference - MSC Seaside Review

Sailed from Miami to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Maarten Feb. 21, 2019

I wrote a blog about how beautiful this ship is last year.   I was treated to an overnight preview of the Seaside, but this is a review of my first full voyage with MSC.   MSC is somewhat newer to Florida sailing options and like every cruise line…they do some things different.  It was a great cruise and I did find myself comparing things but I want to say, I did enjoy my cruise and hope to go again on MSC.   Remember, don’t judge a ship or cruise line, on what you are used too!  Judge it compared to going to work back home!

Booking MSC

First, find the cruise route you desire.  Book your ship, then your cabin and your service level. You can choose multi levels of service from “no frills, room service, etc.” up to their Yacht Club Class.  In between they have Fantasica, Aurea Spa and Wellness, etc.  Make sure you check the ship layout!  The unique shape of the ship plays into a lot of factors.  Like the special cabins on Deck 9 with patios, the large overhangs over the balconies on the aft of the ship and more.  Your level will also determine things such as getting a robe, drink package class and other amenities.

Cabins

First, I need to explain as a TA I was given the opportunity to sail and review this ship at a great price but I did NOT get to pick my cabin.  I would not book this cabin again.

Because we were in cabin 15213,  I will point out some very necessary knowledge you will need to book your Seaside cruise.  The Balcony Cabins on the back of ship are under the Deck 16 platform the circles out…no sun…so…… choose a high deck in back if you don’t want sun on your balcony (would be nice if it was raining maybe). We were Port side and never saw the sun on the entire side of the ship on the way to Puerto Rico.  The biggest problem with being on Deck 15:  we were under the noisy area of Deck 16, deck chair noise above us and Deck 8 outside dining can be heard along with all the conversation. 

Another note:  Cabin layout changes every other cabin.  We could barely get into the closet as our bed was first and the sofa near the balcony. The bed in the next door cabin is reversed with the sofa near the closet.  However…a nice touch is that the sofa converts to bunk beds instead of having them over your head.  Very nice feature if you have 4 in your cabin.

There is definitely NOT enough drawer space in the cabins…but I loved the big drawer in the vanity with the blower dryer.  I was able to store my make-up, jewelry, brush, curling iron, etc. in there.

Please call me to help you pick the right cabin for You! 

Cabin Miscellaneous:  Balcony dividers open and snap in place halfway nicely. 

You must ask for robes unless you are booked in Aurea or Yacht Club and I was told they are only available if you have a Spa package/black card level passengers.

Room service dished not picked up promptly.  Dishes in the hall.  Good thing most cabin doors are inset!

Dining

Dining is also different.  Two Dining rooms with 3 services:  Ipanema at 5:15, 7:15 and 9:15 and the   Seashore at 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30.  Dinner is a bit rushed feeling as they are constantly removing dishes not used.  The Seashore dining room is near the aft and is open for served breakfast and lunch. Breakfast has the BEST Eggs Benedict at sea but you ask for butter even when ordering toast.  There is a definite language barrier but you will get by….haha.

The ship design with the dining rooms is a bit “old school”  You cannot walk thru levels with dining rooms.  It may tak awhile to remember to approach your assigned dining room form the floor below or over.

The ship also has TWO Buffet restaurants which you would think would be a benefit but it isn’t really.  The buffet on Deck 16 isn’t open very much, except for Pizza and the indoor grill….and…it is the one with the soft-serve ice cream, so I felt “denied” way too often…LOL.

There is no one coming around to refill your drinks or coffee.  It is all self serve literally.  On Deck 8 there is a bar with servers on one side.  Also on Deck 8, plenty of nice outside dining tables!

Specialty Dining

All specialty restaurants in the same area on Deck 16.  There are kind of out of the way to get to, but the best bar is up here.  The bartenders were actually great!  We had the privilege of dining with the TRIO package we pre-bought and enjoyed the food immensely.  We ate in the seafood restaurant “Ocean Cay”, the steakhouse “Butcher’s Cut” and the Pan-Asian restaurants.  Good to know:   menu, in each, are the SAME for Lunch or Dinner and not all restaurants are open every time/day.  You can book your Specialty dining in advance and you can make changes at the booth up on Deck 16, a feature like HAL to make reservations, which I love.

Specialty restaurants charged $5.18 for the water they serve you.  They ask if you want plain or sparkling water…so I said plain…then I find out they charged me.  That is only thing I didn’t care for!

Spa Thermal Area

I knew we wanted this service so we pre-paid and loved it. We were not disappointed with this purchase at all.  The only things I could think of for improvement would be a towel exchange,  We were forced to get a stack of towels when entering.  Only once  did an attendant come through offering an exchange.  There wasn’t much security so I am not positive people in the Spa weren’t free-loading.  It has plenty of showers, 2 suanas, 2 steam rooms, a Himalayan Salt room, large indoor Jacuzzi, 2 outdoor Jacuzzis with private sun tanning area, and a snow room! Separate dressing rooms and showers for Men and Women with lockers that are activated by your shipcard/bracelet.

Some Quick Miscellaneous Notes

• ·       MSC for Me is a great App!
• ·       Interactive stations throughout the ship to make reservations for shows and stuff.
• ·       The shows are great…as good as RCL for sure.
• ·       I feel the perfect demographics for sailing MSC is the 25-45 age group.
• ·     Elevators in the center and forward are in sections of 4 and 4…can’t see them all at once even though each bank of 4 is right next to each other…there is a thick section in between. One of the 4 shafts up front are for Yacht Club use only during peak times. The elevators in the aft are a bank of just 2 and go up to Deck 16, Bridge of Sighs.
• ·   Some of the staff can speak 6 languages…but there isn’t enough staff with good enough English.  A lot of major announcements were made in all 6 which made them lengthy.
• ·       Untrained bartenders
• ·       The aft area of the ship is where the party people hang
• ·       No separate concierge for Black cards
• ·       Quite a lot of foreign passengers which are ruder by American standards.  They will cut in front of you.  They will speak in their language loudly
• ·       Lot of long lines at guest service.  2^nd guest service area not open.
• ·   Photos are a mess.  Bad schedules, can’t find photos…scan thingy not working correctly
• ·    MSC does change the time in different time zones.  There is a small “time” on the phone inside the cabin and it also has alarm feature.
• ·       Our cabin had a fridge filled with mini-bar items.
• ·       Carry Off luggage disembarkation was very slow and disorganized.

Pictures to come

All Inclusive Resort vs. a CRUISE?

Am I just spoiled or prejudice? 

So recently I was treated to a three night stay at an All-Inclusive Resort (AIR) on the beautiful island of Jamaica.  I love Jamaica and it aqua blue waters, great coffee and flowing clear waterfalls.

We stayed at an all adult resort called Jewel Paradise Cove in Montego Bay which is a Curio Resort, owned by Hilton.  The property itself was gorgeous and well kept.  The staff was extremely polite and very good.  The resort buildings and amenities were good but not perfect and I will write a separate review on this next.

Okay...so here we go...and yes, I realize that I may just be spoiled and opinionated...but that is why this is my Blog!  

Item/winner:

FOOD/ Cruise

This is one of two items I will vote for Cruise without thinking twice.  The resorts generally have multiple choices for food just like a ship...casual, buffet, pizza, burger grill, etc.  However, the food is not the same quality.  It is good but not the same as on a ship.  I think one of the main issues are the meats that are available locally.  Ships load up on product in the US and have a vast array afforded to them.  They also have more executive chefs, fleet-wide menus that have been designed, tested and taught.  

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES/ Cruise

Surprised?  Me too!  Okay so here are my reasons-  I would rather pay for my drinks and get what I want without settling.  I like higher end brands, I like professional bartenders and I like better glassware...told you...I am just a spoiled B*%$H.  Okay so I know the price includes the alcohol and it maybe a savings at the AIR but I like by bottles to at least come from the "middle shelf" if not the top shelf :)  The top brands were Gordon's Gin, Smirnoff Vodka, Jim Beam Bourbon, etc.  and the main problems was there wasn't a choice.  Now maybe there are better resorts with better booze...I get that.  But still......I think the training of the bartenders and the variety of the liquids will still be won by a cruise....unless you are paying way too much for the AIR you are staying at.  We will get to this later when we get to the VALUE section.

ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS/ All Inclusive Resort

This wasn't a surprise!  Resort rooms are nice, much bigger and more amenities.  There was a real king sized bed, a dressing bench, two nightstands and a dresser.  Large walk-in closet with an ironing board and iron too and also an in-room safe.  Large sitting area with couch, chairs, coffee tables, lamps and more.  Balcony over looking the bay and pools.  Let's not even get me started on the bathroom difference:  jacuzzi tub, vanity, etc. 

To get even close to this room you would have to book the Captains Suite on a ship.

DRESS CODE/ Well.......both

There really isn't a dress code at an AIR and cruises have gotten more relaxed. Do you just want to lounge around in your bathing suit all day or do you want to get dressed to go to dinner? This one is totally up to the traveler.

CLIENTELE / another one where both win.....

I have to admit that I surprised that the variety of guests are about the same.  There were young and old, newly married and those celebrating many years together.  Everyone had about the same idea in mind:  getaway...no decision making....relaxation....and not having to worry about spending too much.  There may be a bit more "upper class" on a ship but the ratio all works out to be about the same.

SPACE (Chair hogging, lines, etc.)/ All Inclusive

Even though I was told the resort was running at only 37%, it is safe to say there is more personal space.  We already have said the room is big but there is something to be said for a buffet feeding 500 guests instead of 1500.  There were actually some beach lounge "chair hogging" however....lol.  You know, where people get up early and place their crap on a poolside chair to save it.  This resort has three pools and they seemed adequate but I do wonder what it would be like if the resort was full.  I would imagine booking an AIR during it's peak time would cause a little congestion.  Also, there was a group at the resort during our visit.   This could cause alarm if they overtook the resort.

ENTERTAINMENT/ Cruise

The resort did have some nightly entertainment each night consisting of a house band with a different singer each night.  It was good but they didn't have much variety.  The afternoon "games" by the pool were horrible and obnoxious.  The guy at the Piano Bar saved the day, I only wished he was there every night.  There were not a lot of choices like on a cruise.  One of my favorite things when travelling on a ship....Vegas type show one night, comedy another, etc.  There was NOT a Casino at this resort.

SIGHTSEEING/ Cruise

Although you can venture out beyond the walls of an AIR...it is more work.  I will say I do like the fact that on a cruise you usually visit different places within your journey.  After three days of the same pools and beach I was ready to move on.  The resort did offer a few excursions and we did enjoy one but it was much harder to schedule.  We wanted to golf one day, waterfalls, another, waterpark, etc. but you never know what is being offered and when.  It was impossible for us to schedule it all in because the day we wanted to go to the waterfall, the tour was not going from the resort.  At least on a cruise you are pretty much in control of that.

VALUE/ Cruise for me......but what about you?

So bottom line here:  The resort for 7 days in September would  cost me a base rate of $1700.....then you add the flight of $800 so about $2500.  A balcony cabin on Carnival from Tampa for 7 nights the same week would be $1500.  That would leave me $1000 to either purchase the "Cheers" alcohol beverage program for two...or buy as I go.  On a cruise you are charged gratuities of about $16 per day, per person.  At the AIR we did tip as we went but probably not at $32 per day.  Even so, I think you break even, dollar for dollar.

So in the end it is about the same...so again...it depends on what you want for YOUR time away.  I will most likely choose a cruise but am always willing to do just about anything.  I would definitely try an AIR again.

It was interesting when I asked guests if they had ever tried a cruise.  Most said NO and most thought it would cost much more.  90% of people I asked were 90% happy with the resort.

Things I would ask in advance next time in choosing an AIR:

• What is your expected capacity for the dates I am choosing
• What brands of alcohol do you serve
• Can I plan my schedule/excursions in advance
• Are all of the property's listed amenities operating
• What is the expected entertainment schedule during my visit
• Are you expecting any large groups/weddings during my stay

What about you and yours?  Have you done both?  Would you like too?  

Let me know!

Princess Cruise aboard the Royal Princess

Me and the Royal - Princess that is!  

Best Place ever - Piazza!

My favorite place on the entire ship is definitely the Piazza...it is where all the important stuff is, besides my bed!

Here you can find the select wines (with real wine glasses) at Vines, bakery and coffee at The International Café, Alfredo's for calzone and pizza, great music and dancing, sushi...the list goes on.  I could have just put a bed here and never left!

Alfredo's - yummy!

Vines Wine Bar

International Cafe - Open 24 hrs.

 

Can I just stay here?

Nice Touch for those celebrating

This was a little gesture that was appreciated!
We were celebrating our wedding anniversary and this was waiting for us at our cabin door when we boarded.  It was there for anyone with a anniversary, birthday, etc.  Make sure your special occasion is listed on your reservation!

Photos from our cabin:

     

Cool, open closet without doors

Loved the Skywalk too!

Casino...of course I had to try it out

Had to try our Wine Tasting too

Elevator mats with great messages

 

WE LOVED THIS CRUISE!

  

Best Excursion Ever: Marcampo Winery in Volterra, Italy (Horizon Cruise)

Our visit to Volterra on our Carnival Horizon Cruise had a very pleasant surprise!

 I have been to several wineries..this was the BEST and not just because it was Italy.....it was the family!  The sommelier, Claudia, is the daughter of the Marcampo family, a family whose father had a dream 

 The house's property sits on a peak between the vineyards.  It is absolutely breath-taking!  They allow guests to stay here.

You are literally standing in the middle of everything and as we look up the hill on the right, the father was tilling the fields all by himself.  It is truly a passion and very personal.

Claudia even explains why other elements are grown where the vines are grown.  What components the grapes take on due to the surroundings.  Even what we would consider weeds flavor the wine!

 Our wine tasting was done on the porch.  The father, Podere, had made us cured meats, mother made us homemade bread and a neighbor, fresh cheese. 
It was so awesome!

Even members of our group who had never experienced a winery before were in love with the experience.  They had come with us only for the early part of the tour...to see where parts of "Twilight" were filmed.  Forced to tag along to the second part...they were pleasantly surprised!

Here I am with "the man", Podere Marcampo.  I can never thank you enough for sharing your daughter, your winery and your home with us!

If you ever plan a trip to this area,

this is a must:

http://www.agriturismo-marcampo.com/agriturismo-products.htm

I will never forget the in depth explanations received from Claudia.  Her passion is unbelievable and her "gift" even more so. 

I hope to visit this family again!

Claudia Marcampo and Me