2012 Travel and Vacation Views

Categories

All Inclusive Resorts.

in 2011 we personally inspected 14 properties and keep up to date with many more.  Sandals and Beaches still lead the market with their "Luxury Included" values and their properties are just gorgeous.  But others are close on their heals.  Notably, Secrets and Zoetry, El Dorado Resorts, AZUL and Palace Resorts.  The latter is converting many of their properties into All Inclusive Hard Rock Resorts with their first in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. 

 

Mexico and Cancun are not only safe but prospering and a main factor is the competitive airfares from most US cities to Cancun where Riviera Maya, Playa Del Carmen are short drives as well as the Hotel Zone on the gulf.

 

River Cruising.  There are over 12 new ships being added to the current fleet and European River cruising will be getting the most of those ships.  Russia with the popular Moscow to St. Petersburg cruise will see new ships and there are 4 new ships on the up and coming Mekong Delta cruise tours in Asia. The Yangtze River will also see a new fleet of ships with Viking adding one they fully own and operate.  There are many other rivers to cruise including the Nile, Amazon, Patagonia region, and even the Galapagos.

 

Cruising 

2012 will again see new hardware being added to most of the cruise lines, and the success of the Oasis and Allure of the Seas from Royal Caribbean, and EPIC from NCL, as well as the Solstice class from Celebrity have been extremely well received.  Contrary to what I thought, the price points on the Oasis and the Allure have been sustained even though the Oasis is entering its 3rd year.  The value received on these ships, the real Broadway shows with Chicago, Blue Man Group, Hairspray and others, the comedy clubs, and all the specialty activities have been appreciated by the cruising fans. 

 

Tours

The tour companies are gearing up for what they believe will be an exciting season, especially for US travelers as they have added more US destinations and tours, many with themes such as food and wine, history, arts and culture.

Europe will continue to grow as many take advantage of the current currency rates.

Australia and New Zealand

Easily becoming one of the most sought destinations for North Americans.  Cruise lines are now porting ships there year round from what was the seasonal porting of our winter months.  Tours to the outback are gaining in popularity.  New Zealand has always been a year round destination, but has developed a tremendous tourism and hospitality sector.  There are multiple tours just in the wine country of NZ coupled with their skiing, outdoors and adventure activities which are some of the best in the world.

China

 Travel to China has practically doubled every year for the past 3 years.  Access and the quality of the tours is outstanding.  We thoroughly enjoyed our 3 weeks there this past June. 

Check out our facebook page for some great photos and videos.  fb.com/travelcruiseandtour as well as our youtube channel of Petescruises.