This Beautiful Ship Could Be Your New Home

By Judy Newell

Mexico News

The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico, Starting at Less Than US$300 a Night.

Mexico is one of the most popular destinations in the world for all-inclusive resorts with properties lining both of its coasts. While booking an all-inclusive property may seem like a big investment up front, they can end up saving you money overall when you factor in not having to pay for food, beverage, and activity costs.

Fortunately, there are affordable all-inclusives all across Mexico that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re looking for a Riviera Maya beachfront party, a secluded jungle retreat, or a cool view in Cabo, there’s an all-inclusive resort for you. 

Under $300: Hotel NYX Cancun | The Explorean Kohunlich | Viva Wyndham Maya | Solmar Resort | Dreams Acapulco Resort & Spa.

The majority of Mexico’s all-inclusive resorts are set along its two coasts. Some of the most popular east coast destinations include Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel, all of which are known for beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and proximity to cenotes and Mayan ruins. 

On the west coast, there’s Cabo San Lucas, famous for its rocky coasts, and Puerto Vallarta, an LGBTQ+ hotspot known for beaches and jungles.

The cheapest time to go to Mexico is during May through June or September through November which are the two shoulder seasons for most of Mexico’s destinations. Beware of spring break, when prices skyrocket.

International News

Dubai, UAE Special.

The Palm Jumeirah Glamour with a private beach, daily breakfast, nightly dinner and entry to the Middle East’s largest spa.

Buy now, choose dates later. Secure with a 20% deposit. Five nights from US $1,187 per room. Valued up to US$2,010 (41% savings). 

Cruise News

Best of the Adriatic.

Discover the beauty of the Adriatic with a breathtaking tour of Croatia and Slovenia.

This 12-day small-group tour will guide you through the magnificent natural and architectural wonders of Croatia and Slovenia. Prepare for a wonderful introduction to the exciting cities and historic towns along the Adriatic Sea. 

Begin your journey with a tour of Dubrovnik, the jewel of Croatia. Discover the breathtaking attractions and medieval walls of this historic town before you uncover Roman influence in the ancient cities of Split, Trogir, and Zadar. 

From there you will visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park, home to 16 breathtaking lakes interconnected by waterfalls and cascades. Discover Opatija, the Pearl of the Adriatic, known for its wide range of charming hotels. 

After a magical visit, you will travel to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, home to a wide variety of baroque town buildings and majestic rivers. End your journey in awe-inspiring Zagreb, home to fascinating history, the significant St. Mark’s Church, and gothic cathedrals before your final flight home. 

  • 10 nights superior accommodation 
  • 10 meals (daily breakfast)
  • Transport deluxe AC vehicles 
  • International flights included 
  • Price from US$2,199 per person
  • Duration 12 days 
  • Avg. group size 20 
  • Comfort level easy

Deal of the Week 

For US$30,000 a Year, This Beautiful Ship Could Be Your New Home.

Visiting 375 ports in 175 countries, the MV Gemini will include stops at the Taj Mahal, Pyramids of Giza, the Great Wall of China, and Machu Picchu, among other iconic sites.

For less than it would cost to annually rent a studio apartment in New York City, you could make MV Gemini, a 537-foot luxury cruise ship, your new home. As reported by CNN, Life at Sea Cruises, the company that operates the ship, is offering a three-year, 130,000-mile journey starting at US$30,000 per person per year. 

(For reference, the average studio rent in NYC is US$3,280 per month, or about $39,000 per year.) 

Leaving from Istanbul on November 1 of this year, the three-year schedule includes stops at 375 ports and 175 countries, with visits to iconic architectural sites such as the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Wall of China, and Machu Picchu. 

The vessel will be outfitted with a full-service business center, in addition to free Wi-Fi across the ship, to make the voyage accessible to remote workers. Other onboard facilities include a hospital, which will be free to guests, a sundeck and swimming pool, auditorium, wellness center, gym, salon, and traditional cruise amenities like restaurants and entertainment spaces.

Though the amenities will be the same for all guests, pricing depends largely on the type of cabin they will call home for the next three years. Virtual Inside staterooms, which are 13 square feet, start at US$29,000 per person per year, while Balcony Suites can cost as much as US$109,999 per person per year. 

Participants must sign on for all three years; however, Life at Sea Cruises will allow two people or couples to share a cabin throughout the 36 months.  

The two people or couples would alternate their times using the cabin. Don’t be worried, you won’t be sidelined from your friends and family while away. According to the company, passengers can have guests visit them any time for free.

The price is all-inclusive and things like port fees and taxes, laundry, housekeeping, and drinks such as soda, juice, tea, coffee, and alcohol at dinner are just a few of the covered perks onboard the MV Gemini. Solo travelers will get a 15% discount on the price of a double room and a minimum down payment of US$45,000 is required.

Judy Newell, an international travel consultant for 50+ years, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world.  She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit client’s interests, physical abilities and budgets. Please contact Judy for further information on Travel News topics, Mexico and international travel. Cell phone 415-111-8765, Vonage 949-300-3682; email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net. Her office is in Rancho Los Labradores on the highway to Dolores Hidalgo.

Sources: The Navigator, Luxury Escapes, Indus, Conde Nast Traveler