Travel Visa for Europe? Not exactly, but close..

Travel Visa for Europe? Not exactly, but close..

Starting in “mid-2025,” Americans will need one more document in order to enter countries in the European Union.

To visit, you’ll have to apply for approval under the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). You will apply online, and the authorization, which will be linked to your passport, will account for short-term stays, including up to 90 days in a 180-day period. 

This had been planned to be in effect till 2024, but in October, the European Union updated their page on ETIAS to indicate it won’t happen till the middle of 2025, confirming rumors of a delay. European Commission spokesperson for home affairs Anitta Hipper had told Kiplinger in late September, “The Commission

In addition to adding some hassle, this requirement will make a family vacation slightly more expensive. Applications will cost 7 euros, which right now is close to $8. However, applications for people under 18 or over 70 years old are free. There are also some exemptions for those who have EU citizen family members and “non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely throughout the European Union.”

The good news is that once you’re approved, the authorization lasts for three years. But if your passport expires within those three years, you’ll need to apply again.

Email is important to this process. You apply online, and then receive an email confirming your application. That email “will include your unique ETIAS application number: make sure you keep this number for future reference,” the ETIAS website says. You will get another email once your application is processed. 

If your application gets rejected, the email will have the reasons for it. You will have the option to appeal a rejection. 

To fill in the application, you’ll need some basic information. This includes your name, address, passport information, current occupation, as well as information about past travel to conflict zones and criminal convictions. You will also have to share information about your travel plans, as well as answer questions about if you have relatives who are citizens in Europe. The application will not require any health information or biometric data, like fingerprints. 

One more thing to look out for: ETIAS warned this spring that many unofficial ETIAS websites have sprung up. ETIAS says these sites have incorrect information and some “already collect travellers’ personal data, which is concerning.” Protect your identity by only using the official ETIAS website. 

This is a big change for Americans, since there hasn’t been a visa requirement to visit  EU countries before. Keep this in mind before your big trip to Greece, Italy, France, or any of the other 30 Euro nations. 

But, Cameron Hewitt, content and editorial director at Rick Steves’ Europe, told the Washington Post: “It certainly shouldn’t cause anyone to rethink a trip to Europe. From what we know, ETIAS looks like it’ll simply be a manageable bit of red tape.”

Passport Sex Offender

Passports being revoked for Sex Offenders

 

The US State Department has begun revoking the passports of registered child sex offenders. The change has been made in order to comply with a law passed last year, the International Megan’s Law. Under the new law, registered sex offenders who have been convicted of an offense against a minor will no longer be able to use their current passports. Instead, they will have to apply for new sex offender passports that identify them as registered child sex offenders. The new passports will have a statement printed on the inside back cover that reads, “The bearer was convicted of a sex offense against a minor, and is a covered sex offender pursuant to 22 United States Code Section 212b(c)(l).”

The new law will not limit the ability of registered child sex offenders to leave the country. However, the identifying marker in the new passports is very likely to prevent affected people from being allowed to enter other countries. The only convicted sex offenders in the United States who are not able to get passports at all are people who have been convicted of sex tourism crimes. (Most convicted felons are able to get normal passports in the United States. The main exception is people who have been convicted of international drug trafficking.)

The goal of the change is to help curb child exploitation overseas. It is a noble and worthy goal, but it is unclear just how much effect the law will have on children abroad.

The International Megan’s Law is named after Megan Kanka, a 7-year-old girl who was murdered by a registered child sex offender back in 1994. The terrible crime led to the creation of numerous state sex offender registries. Currently, every US state, the US territories, and many American Indian nations have sex offender registries. Those registries can all be accessed and searched through the FBI website.

If you are a registered child sex offender, you should expect to receive a letter letting you know that your passport has been revoked. If you haven’t yet received such a letter, you may still want to apply for a new passport, especially if you have international travel plans in the coming months. Keep in mind that this new regulation does not apply to all registered sex offenders, just people who are registered child sex offenders.

Crimes that can land you on a child sex offender registry include molestation of a minor, sexual conduct with a minor, kidnapping a child, engaging in lewd acts in the presence of a minor, and viewing or sharing child pornography (whether inadvertently or on purpose). In 29 states, having sex with a teen when you are also a teen can also land you on the list. So can posting naked pictures of yourself online if you are underage.

In High Demand: Travel Advisors

As a Travel Advisor, Joshua Smith knows what it’s like to help travelers maneuver through difficult situations, from pandemic restrictions to natural disasters and medical emergencies.

Those quick-thinking, problem-solving skills are coming in handy more often as travel professionals navigate turbulent times. Smith says his company, Global Citizen Journeys, has never been busier, both with clients seeking help with logistics as well as millennials craving unique adventures. His experiences are a microcosm of the trends emerging in the travel marketplace right now.

Turning to the pros in turbulent times

In this era of uncertainty, travelers are looking for stability. That’s likely one of the reasons why travel advisor and travel management company bookings are projected to account for 32% of all air bookings by 2024, according to the US Travel Market Report. In addition, 44% of travelers say they’re more likely to use a travel advisor after the pandemic, a study by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) found.

Google search trends offer a glimpse into travelers’ top worries. After Russia invaded Ukraine, searches spiked for questions like “Is it safe to travel?” and “Should I travel to Europe?” Earlier in the pandemic, Google searches for “travel restrictions” skyrocketed.

“The number one thing is security,” says Recep “Richie” Karaburun, a clinical assistant professor at New York University’s School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality. “They actually want to book the trip and they want to feel secure doing it.”

Before the pandemic, there was discussion about whether the travel advisory profession was fading away, but that conversation has completely changed, says Karaburun, a leading expert with two decades of experience in the travel industry. “People want to trust someone,” he explains. “They want someone who knows the trends. The travel advisors are the experts and advocates for customers.”

Line graph results of search interest in traveling to Europe from May 2021 to January 2022Source: Google Trends

In addition to providing a sense of stability, travel advisors build relationships with their customers. That personalized, custom travel experience is where Smith’s Global Citizen Journeys excels.

“The value of relationships is the biggest reason why travelers should use travel advisors,” Smith says. For example, Smith recently worked with clients who were interested in visiting Thailand, but he knew the requirements for entry were complicated, so he steered them to Colombia instead. Smith created a tailored Colombia trip based on their interests, and they raved about the unique experiences he curated.

 

Locating luxury and leisure

Relying on the expertise of a travel professional is, in itself, a form of luxury. Rather than scrolling through pages upon pages of online reviews to find the best hotel, Smith says he and his colleagues can recommend not just the best hotel in a particular city but the best room in that hotel. By drawing on their own experience as seasoned travelers, he adds, travel advisors can offer restaurant recommendations, suggest specific menu items and even share the best time of day to visit certain attractions.

That insider experience matters. More than half of travelers who have never used a travel advisor are more likely to use one if it means they have access to the travel advisor’s special relationships and insider access, the ASTA study discovered.

Luxury clients tend to have high expectations, Karaburun says, and travel advisors are wise to understand that. For instance, he says, a luxury traveler who doesn’t like their room is likely to call their travel agent to deal with it, rather than calling the front desk themself, because they trust the agent’s work.

Millennials, in particular, are eager to outsource the planning and benefit from VIP treatment, the New York Times reported. And 35% of millennials prefer upscale and luxury hotels and resorts, a Resonance report found.

But those millennial clients see luxury differently than past generations, the experts say. While older clients may want more deluxe accommodations, millennials are instead putting that money toward experiences, such as a helicopter ride or a cooking class, Smith explains. To millennials, luxury is about access and diving into different cultures.

Indeed, Karaburun says, for this generation in their mid-twenties to early-forties, experiences and Instagrammable moments matter.

Generally speaking, he notes, millennials care less about the hotel room and more about the public spaces of the hotel and its surroundings. Karaburun describes this generation as ‘prosumers’ meaning they’re not just consumers of information, but they also produce user-generated content. They’re sophisticated consumers because they’re constantly online reading reviews, researching destinations and talking to their friends about their experiences.

 

Marketing to millennials and generating Gen Z business

The first step in marketing to millennials and Gen Z, Karaburun says, is using technology such as programs like chatbots for 24/7 availability and virtual reality (VR) during trip planning. Adapting to this technology will build loyalty with millennial customers, he says, because it indicates that the advisor is not only trustworthy and available but also up to date on trends.

“My advice is to use technology,” he says. “These are digital natives. The phone is, for them, part of their body.”

The classic word-of-mouth referral still matters, too, it just might be more accurately called “word-of-Instagram-message.” Smith, for example, sees his younger clientele posting about their trip on social media, which creates a buzz. Then their friends ask how they can do something similar, and they turn into a referral.

In addition to running his own agency, Smith co-founded Millennials in Travel, a career development and networking organization for young, passionate travel industry professionals. The group started nearly a decade ago and has grown to 3,200 members worldwide. The group helped highlight for the industry that millennials travel differently and need to be marketed to differently. Ever on the cutting edge, Millennials in Travel is starting to focus on Gen Z as well.

The global group wants its members to understand that fellow travel advisors are not competitors; they’re colleagues. Smith delights in being able to call a colleague to ask about destinations he’s not as familiar with, and he’s glad to offer his expertise to others as well.

That broad intel is especially useful when young travelers don’t have a specific destination in mind. When beginning to plan their last trip, only half of Gen Z travelers already had a specific destination in mind, whereas among Gen X and older travelers, 57­ to 92% already knew where they were headed, according to Phocuswright research. That means travel advisors can play a major role in molding consumer preferences.

Cancun Eliminates Mandatory Customs Forms for Arriving Tourist

Travelers at the customs line at Cancun Airport.

Government officials in Cancun announced the destination has ended the need for arriving travelers to fill out customs (FMM) forms and granted Americans a fast-track entry process.

According to the Cancun Sun, many travelers who didn’t complete the Forma Multipla Migratoria (FMM) paperwork online were forced to complete the documents in person, causing delays at airport security and immigration checkpoints.

The Mexican Association of Travel Agencies in Quintana Roo’s executive president Sergio Gonzalez Rubiera said eliminating the paperwork would reduce the process from around an hour to just minutes.

Rubiera also revealed the new system would soon be available in other airports in Mexico.

The government will now issue travelers from the United States and other approved countries a stamp instead of the previously required card. The card would need to be presented as travelers departed Mexico, with visitors footing a $25 fee if they lost it.

Now, approved travelers will be granted a residence permit for 180 days. The government is working to streamline the entry process for tourists as part of an effort to ease the workload for airport employees, as staff shortages continue to impact the industry.

Earlier this month, Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism revealed that the country hosted approximately 25.4 million international visitors between January and May, more than 5.2 million more than 2021, representing an increase of 25.9 percent.

Last week, the U.S. Department of State released its annual update to the Travel Advisory for Mexico, upgrading three Mexican states—Nayarit, Estado de Mexico and Coahuila—thanks to improvements in security.

Why Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas may be the perfect cruise ship for a first timer

Are you someone that has never tried a cruise because you think cruise ships just aren’t for you?

Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas aerial photo

I have friends and family that have felt this way for years out of concern that ships are overcrowded, isolated in the ocean, or otherwise bored. Regardless of the reason, they haven’t tried a cruise yet because they believe it would not be a fun vacation.

Royal Caribbean (and the entire cruise industry) has worked for years to undo those beliefs, and one of the best ways has been to design and build new cruise ships that defy the notion of what you can do on a ship.

When I hear from new cruisers, many are astounded by how much there was to do onboard. Any fear of not having enough to do or feeling “trapped” are almost always brushed aside after they get home.

If I had to pick a cruise ship for a non-cruiser to try, Wonder of the Seas is that ship because I think it has so many amenities onboard that they never expected.  If your idea of a great vacation is heading to a sandy beach, laying out by the pool, enjoying high-class entertainment, and plenty of food and drink options, then I think Wonder of the Seas may be the perfect first cruise ship for you.

 

The best suite experience in the fleet

Suite Sun Deck on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas

If you elect to book a suite, you can look forward to the best end-to-end suite program on any Royal Caribbean ship.

When you book a Royal Caribbean suite, you’re not just getting a large cruise ship cabin. You’re also getting access to a number of services that other passengers do not have. Suite guests have access to their own complimentary restaurant, suite lounge, and entire suite sun deck.

Suite Sun Deck on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas

Known as the Suite Neighborhood, this area is at the top of Wonder of the Seas and is where you’ll find the suite lounge, Coastal Kitchen restaurant and pool area.

I think the sun deck is particularly compelling, because it is a sprawling space with loungers, bar, plunge pool and sweeping views.

Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas Coastal Kitchen Restaurant

Someone that hasn’t cruised before may be drawn to booking a suite because they tend to stay in suites in hotels for bonuses that come with those rooms. Similarly, a cruise ship suite is about rewarding guests with added service that make the entire experience easier to enjoy.

 

Dining and food galore

Couple dining at Giovannis

Regardless if you’re on a cruise ship or your hometown, everyone can enjoy a great meal.

Someone that has never cruised probably imagines a dining hall and buffet as what the cruise dining experience is like, similar in some regards to an all-inclusive hotel. While there is a buffet and main dining room on cruise ships, there is so much more than just that.

Royal Caribbean designed Wonder of the Seas so that there was a wide assortment of dining choices. First and foremost, they cannot have everyone onboard the ship eating at just a couple of restaurants. Moreover, Royal Caribbean knows they are competing against land resorts that have a variety of food.

Mason Jar chicken sandwich

On Wonder of the Seas, you have over 40 restaurants, bars and lounges to choose from, which means you can can visit six different places each day of the week. There’s Japanese hibachi, custom-made salads, New England style seafood, and a new Southern American restaurant that has barbecue pulled pork, fried chicken and crab beignets.

Family enjoying a Hibachi style dinner

This isn’t microwaved and/or pre-prepared food. Rather, chefs prepare all the food each day.

Fears that you will be stuck eating just at the buffet will quickly disappear once you discover all the choices on a ship like Wonder of the Seas.

Cocktails at the Vue Bar

If you enjoy a cocktail or two, Royal Caribbean offers over 400 different cocktails, wines, beers and zero-proof cocktails available. Of course, the bar staff can create almost any drink you like that isn’t on the menu, so you just have to ask.

Teen club on Wonder of the Seas in Social100

Teens will love the fact there are zero-proof cocktails available in their own teen club area of the ship.

Known as Social100’s Patio, teens can check out the bar there that includes jumbo-size games, a private whirlpool, loungers and nooks.

 

The places you’ll visit

Ship at CocoCay

Another fear new cruisers have is that they will feel trapped. Friends usually say, “I’d hate to be stuck at sea” and the reality is a cruise on Wonder of the Seas will take you to some gorgeous places.

On a 7-night cruise, you can expect to visit at least three ports of call, if not more. That means on most days of your cruise, you’ll have to opportunity to disembark for the day and explore ports of call in the Caribbean.

When I first started cruising, I loved days we were in port because you would wake up and be somewhere new each day.

Ship in Cozumel

You could enjoy the sandy beaches of Cozumel, Mexico, or walk the streets of Old San Juan. You might be able to drive an ATV, snorkel with marine life all around you, or learn about the history and culture of the people that call the port you are visiting home.

In short, there are a lot of amazing things you can do during your cruise while in port. Having more than half the days of your cruise include a port visit substantially helps reduce the feeling that you’re relegated to the ship only.

Wonder of the Seas in CocoCay

No cruise aboard Wonder of the Seas is complete without a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay. Other cruise lines have private islands, but none compare to the amazing upgrades Royal Caribbean has invested at CocoCay.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is not just a beach reserved for cruise ship guests. There’s a water park, upgraded beach club, giant freshwater pool, and island food you actually want to eat.

Oasis Lagoon pool

And after a day of fun ashore, you get to come back to the cruise ship (just like a hotel) and enjoy evening dining and entertainment.

All this fun onboard and on shore means the time will pass quickly, and you’ll find the week-long cruise flying by.

 

The best selection of activities on any cruise ship

Zip line on Wonder of the Seas

I’m going to make the bold statement that Wonder of the Seas has the best variety of entertainment and things to do of any cruise ship right now.

Royal Caribbean has a reputation for being the cruise line that packs their ships with the most “I can’t believe you do that on a cruise ship” sort of activities.

Playscape on Wonder of the Seas

Families can choose between water slides, an open-air play area for younger children, 10-story dry slide that has lights and sound effects, and aqua park.

At night, there’s three different venues performing various shows that are included with your cruise fare.

inTENse show

Studio B has professional ice skaters that perform 365: The Seasons on Ice.  Using projection technology, the cast tells the story of Earth’s changing seasons.

Moving to the AquaTheater on the back of the ship, you’ll be able to see an all-female cast perform inTENse that includes acrobatics, slacklining, high diving, tumbling, and synchronized swimming.

The Royal Theater has two shows that have Broadway-style performances to enjoy.

If that isn’t enough, there are comedy shows, a piano bar, live musical performances around the ship, and even movies by the pool to watch.

Women at the pool in a casita

The takeaway here is that there is so much to do onboard, and it’s up to you how much (or little) you do. If you’re worried a cruise ship means you’ll be bored because the expectation is you alternate between sitting by the pool and eating, you’ll be pleasantly surprised how much more there is to do.

 

Kids? No problem: Lots for adults

Vue Bar

Royal Caribbean is the best cruise line for families, and whether you have kids or not, there is lots to enjoy for adults on Wonder of the Seas.

If you do have kids, there is supervised kids programming in Adventure Ocean that is available for children as young as six months old, all the way up to 17 years old.

The nursery is available for kids between 6 and 36 months old for an addition cost. As a parent that has used the nursery extensively, it’s worth every penny.

Adventure Ocean

Kids between 3 and 17 have their own supervised space, where they can play, dance, draw, and have fun with other kids their age. It’s not just an enclave for children, it’s an opportunity for them to do what they want, while you enjoy time alone to do what you want.

Besides the amazing restaurants you can choose from for date night, there’s lots more you can do without any children on Wonder of the Seas.

First and foremost, there is an entire area of the pool deck reserved just for adults. The Solarium is an enclosed pool area with upgraded loungers. Because it’s climate controlled, it’s always the perfect temperature!

You’ll also find arguably the best wine bar across any Royal Caribbean cruise ship with Giovanni’s Wine Bar. Located in Central Park, Royal Caribbean revamped its wine bar experience with a new motif, and the added bonus of being able to enjoy many of the same foods you’d find in nearby Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen without getting up from your seat.

You can visit the casino throughout the day or night, where you’ll find plenty of slot machines, poker tables, blackjack, roulette, craps and more table games. For a lot of people, the casino fun is another way Royal Caribbean caters to parents while the kids are away.

If you prefer to pamper yourself, why not take a visit to the Vitality Spa, where you there are some truly amazing treatments to choose from, along with a full salon.

While not adults only, if you’re cruising without kids, you might consider buying a pass to the Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The Coco Beach Club is an upgraded beach day experience, complete with its own restaurant and infinity pool. Kids are allowed here, but most families end up elsewhere for the variety of things to do around the island. This means a great spot to spend your day and splurge a bit.

Infinity pool

If an adults-only beach area sounds like heaven, don’t worry, because Royal Caribbean has your back.

Scheduled to open in late 2023, Hideaway Beach will be a new expansion area that will only allow adults in and offer yet-to-be-announced things to do.

Convinced yet?

Wonder of the Seas night lit up

If you gravitate towards booking a beach vacation or prefer to stay in a new hotel, and have not tried a cruise yet, Wonder of the Seas might be the perfect cruise ship for you.

Wonder of the Seas has the latest and greatest innovations and things to do, which rival much of what you can find on a land vacation. Better yet, a cruise includes much more in your base cost than a land vacation.

You’re going to find plenty for everyone in your family to do. Other lines tend to cater to either mostly kids or mostly adults, but Royal Caribbean is far more even keeled at a price families can afford.

If you are one of those people that never considered a cruise vacation, Wonder of the Seas is the ship that could change your mind.

New AMR Collections resorts coming!

More luxury. More privileges. More destinations. Yep, the AMR™ Collection is getting bigger in 2022.

There’s nothing more exciting than when a travel brand you love introduces a new hotel … unless of course there are EIGHT of them!

Already one of the largest, most respected names in all-inclusive vacationing, AMR™ Collection is once again expanding their portfolio, with new Secrets, Dreams, and Breathless Resorts & Spas and Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts opening their doors this year. We’re breaking down why each one deserves to be on your radar—and how soon you can stay.

MEXICO

BREATHLESS CANCUN SOUL RESORT & SPA
Adults-Only │ Now Open!

A new cosmopolitan beach experience is shaking up Cancun. Bringing Breathless Resorts & Spas’ exclusive brand of edgy sophistication to the Hotel Zone, this all-suite Unlimited-Luxury® property premiered just two months ago—and has been making a stylish statement ever since. Expect plenty of opportunity for spreading your social butterfly wings with rooftop, pool, and themed parties that tap into the soul of the destination.

Need-to-know: 429 suites, 10 dining venues, 11 bars and lounges, close to downtown shopping

Don’t miss the …

  • xhale club. Not only does this upgraded level of accommodations have its own rooftop pool and bar, but every suite has a mini TV in its vanity mirror and a complimentary martini bar.
  • xcelerate infinity pool, located on the roof of the tower of the same name.
  • Fizz Iced Champagne Bar next to said pool. Sparkling refreshments are optional but splurge-worthy, except for xhale guests, who get a free 750 ml bottle of the resort’s choice.

ZOËTRY CASA DEL MAR LOS CABOS
Adults-Oriented │ Now Open!

One of the few boutique options for luxury stays in the Tourist Corridor, the Endless Privileges® of Zoëtry’s latest venture are a much-needed addition to the Cabo scene. Inspired by hacienda architecture—its colorful fountains, red-tile roofs, and picturesque arches—the property feels more like a private hideaway than a hotel. Here, ocean views from every single guestroom nourish the mind, while organic, local fare refreshes the body. Four pools, including a serpentine oasis, tennis courts, and free green fees at a nearby golf course keep the energy high or low as you need.   

Need-to-know: 57 rooms and suites, 2 dining venues, 2 bars, no set check-in or check-out times

Don’t miss the …

  • Saltwater restaurant, serving up seafood as stunning as the sea views. Time your dinner to align with sunset for the best panoramas.
  • Complimentary tequila tastings throughout the week.
  • Zoëtry Spa. Hydrotherapy starts off your wellness journey; premier Natura Bissé products send you straight to relaxation.

SECRETS MOXCHÉ PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Adults-Only │ Opening April 18, 2022

When a warm “Welcome home” greets you as you check in to this hotly anticipated property, you might think you’ve been caught up in a dream. Wake up to romance at its most luxurious as you stroll through corridors graced by Yucatan aesthetic and a fine eye for detail. Follow them to restaurants like the à la carte Bamboo, where a full alternative menu is reserved for plant-based cuisine; outside to three manmade cenotes, re-creations of the region’s natural wonder; and couples’ classes on cocktail making.

Need-to-know: 485 suites, 11 dining venues, 9 bars and lounges, ideal for groups and weddings

Don’t miss the …

  • Bike tours. Free and a great way to get a feel for the grounds, it’s the vacation date we didn’t know we needed. 
  • Taco tasting bar at Dos Almas, the resort’s Mexican eatery. Included tequila and mezcal tastings make for the perfect accompaniment.
  • Shops and restaurants of Quinta Avenida, Playa del Carmen’s trendiest street and only a ten-minute drive from the resort.

SECRETS IMPRESSION MOXCHÉ RESORT & SPA
Adults-Only │ Opening June 1, 2022

A separate resort within the larger Secrets Moxché property is set to up the elegance just in time for summer. Every detail is designed to, well, make an impression at this all-new concept from Secrets Resorts & Spas, from the elevated concierge service to the beachfront villas. Privacy and personalization have been given priority to ensure the highest level of Unlimited-Luxury® yet, evident in amenities like the exclusive beach club and a pillow menu for a night’s sleep Goldilocks would envy.

Need-to-know: 198 suites and villas, 14 dining venues, 12 bars and lounges, free hydrotherapy once per stay

Don’t miss the …

  • Butler-service suites, including the 2-Story Penthouse Suite Ocean Front, outfitted with a private pool on the terrace and sprawling open living area.
  • Author’s Signature restaurant. Open for dinner only, this optional dining experience—free for select room categories—changes up the menu daily based on the freshest ingredients and chef’s inspiration. Formal attire and reservations are required, so be sure to plan ahead.
  • Free-flow access to Secrets Moxché and all of its amenities, including areas normally reserved for the Preferred Club.

DREAMS COZUMEL CAPE RESORT & SPA
Family-Friendly │ Opening June 2022

Adventure, romance, and relaxation are coming together at this new all-suite, all-Preferred Club resort. Understated luxury carries throughout, from the suites to the tropical gardens, but serenity and fun are equal partners here. An Explorer’s Club for Kids will keep children 3 – 12 entertained with games and even a climbing wall, while the teen set can socialize at the Core Zone. Crafted mocktails let families toast to finally getting away; movies on the beach give everyone a wind-down to look forward to. 

Need-to-know: 154 suites, 5 dining venues, 4 bars and lounges, access to Sunscape Sabor Cozumel and, for adults, Secrets Aura Cozumel

Don’t miss the …

  • Swim-out suites. Room categories like the Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim Out Pool View offer direct pool access for an extra-refreshing stay.
  • Scuba pool. An entire pool reserved just for scuba diving lessons is the excuse you’ve been waiting for to take the first step toward certification—and underwater exploration.
  • Sneak peek from May 15 – 31. Guests who want to be the first in line can check in before the official opening for full bragging rights.

THE CARIBBEAN

ZOËTRY CURAÇAO RESORT & SPA
Adults-Oriented │ Now Open!

A complimentary bottle of blue Curaçao liqueur is a fitting welcome to a suite inspired by the island. Only a ten-minute drive from the airport, the resort has all the charm of a secluded sanctuary nevertheless. Decompress in the free-form pool with hot tub, oversized but never overcrowded. After you’ve reenergized, head to a tasting at the wine bar, Papiamentu lesson to pick up a little local lingo, or a couples-massage demonstration. Low-key but luxurious activities let you redefine wellness any way you like.  

Need-to-know: 72 suites, 2 dining venues, 3 bars, 15 minutes from UNESCO-listed Willemstad

Don’t miss the …

  • Private wine cellar. Events for up to ten guests can be booked in advance through the hotel’s concierge.
  • Main restaurant, Bloom. An intimate, personalized dining experience, it focuses on turning fresh, locally grown ingredients into culinary masterpieces suited to taste.
  • Full access to Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino. Mix up—and add value to—your vacation with a foray to this family-friendly sister resort just a private golf-cart ride away.

ZOËTRY MARIGOT BAY ST. LUCIA
Adults-Oriented │ Coming in 2022

The first AMR™ Collection resort on the island of Saint Lucia is making its debut in 2022. Private but close to the action of fashionable Marigot Bay—the marina, the shopping, the restaurants—this completely redesigned property certainly has location down. Expect the service to be equally impressive, with its Endless Privileges® and emphasis on personalized leisure.

Need-to-know: 124 rooms and suites, 4 dining venues, 4 bars and lounges, located on Marigot Bay

Don’t miss the …

  • Not one, but two infinity pools overlooking the bay.
  • Included dining that proves healthy eating is good eating.
  • Massages, facials, and other vitalizing treatments at the spa.

COLOMBIA

DREAMS KARIBANA CARTAGENA BEACH & GOLF RESORT
Family-Friendly │ Opening April 2022

Unlimited-Luxury® is arriving in South America this spring, in the ultra-exclusive Karibana gated community. Neighbor to the Karibana Club on the beach; an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus (and also the only Tournament Players Club course on the continent); and, of course, the ocean and offering a wide variety of on-site activities, the resort will happily fill a need for families seeking an upscale all-inclusive getaway close to Cartagena.

Need-to-know: 279 suites, 6 dining venues, 5 bars and lounges, over 24,700 square feet of event space

Don’t miss the …

  • Live entertainment. Aimed at all ages, it’s a daily and nightly feature standard to Dreams Resorts & Spas.
  • Snack bar by the pool, for when you need a quick bite, but don’t want to leave your lounger.
  • Connecting rooms for families. Ideal for parents with older children or multigenerational vacations, these rooms have the best of privacy and proximity.

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