07 March 2019

I was excited and lucky enough to have been invited to the launch of the brand new MSC Bellissima for an overnight stay on the 3rd March, 2019 I took a direct train from Birmingham Grand Central station and was then transferred by a quick luxury coach from Southampton Train station to the docks at Southampton Port. Check in and security ran very smoothly and there were many staff on hand to help and guide us at the terminal and onto the ship. On entering Bellissima and her bright, beautiful atrium on deck 5 we were met by a beautiful Grand piano in the infinity bar, stunning Swarovski staircases leading to higher decks and stylish bars. Further on beyond the atrium and in full view is the heart of the ship, an impressive 96 metres long indoor promenade covered by a spectacular LED "sky dome" with exclusive boutiques and speciality restaurants and bars to tempt and enhance everyone's holiday experience. Bellissima is effortlessly elegant, designed to meet every need of today's cruise guest with the world’s first virtual cruise assistant Zoe in all 2217 cabins, taking the art of hospitality to the next level of innovation. Zoe can answer over 2.2 million questions and even recognises 30 different accents in 7 different language. I had fun asking Zoe lots of questions, with her recognising my Brummie accent and showing me weather forecasts on the TV in the cabin. On board I stayed in a tastefully decorated Balcony Cabin which was midship on deck 10 it was very comfortable and very spacious with everything you need. The balcony was large and had two sun loungers with a table for your comfort whilst looking out to sea, enjoying views of new ports or star gazing at night. My favourite dining experience on board was sitting at one of the four demo cooking tables watching the chefs cook at the Kaito Teppanyaki restaurant. The food was amazing, and the sushi was so good. We sampled food in all five speciality restaurants for lunch and even ate in the buffet restaurant, there was plenty of choice to cater for everyone and even a "kids only" buffet which is a genius idea for anyone with younger children. Bellissima has so much choice you cannot possibly get bored of food or restaurant choice. We ate in one of the main restaurants for dinner which was ala carte and the service and food was exceptional. The facilities for families of all ages is extensive. With children's clubs spread over 7 rooms catering for all age groups from babies to 17 years olds. The Lego rooms are fantastic. The Arizona Aquapark with waterslides is just brilliant and so much fun! From a bowling complex to an interactive cinema and VR Maze, Bellissima is just one great big adventure. We took in the spa, hair salon, barbers, the exclusive solarium at the top of the ship with stunning sea views and premium deck space. If that's not enough there is a casino, cinema and theatre showing the popular Cirque Du Soleil show. After dinner we sat in the sky lounge listening to a wonderful piano trio playing classical music, relaxing, drinking cocktails before we headed down to the atrium to listen to Craig David's DJ set. I checked out of my cabin on Monday and headed to the buffet breakfast where there was an extensive choice. Checking out was smooth, quick and easy with staff to guide you to your onward coach transfer back to the station. I had a great time on board and would thoroughly recommend Bellissima and MSC cruises. I had a fantastic experience and the only negative was that I did not have a longer adventure.

01 August 2018

We had a 10-hour flight from Manchester to Cancun and the transfer from Cancun airport to the hotel was two hours by coach. Mexico is five hours behind UK time. It was June, and my husband Matt and I visited the resort of Tulum in Mexico staying for two weeks at the amazing Dreams Tulum hotel on the Riviera Maya. Overall the weather was beautiful, with a few tropical storms during our stay. Tulum is the most beautiful, tropical paradise with an extensive white powder sand beach surrounded by stunning rainforest and perfectly situated near to the town of Tulum with its fascinating ancient Mayan ruins. The Dreams hotel is set in immaculately kept gardens which are stunning and rival a botanical garden. As we walked out of the front of the hotel through the gardens to the beach we knew we were somewhere very special. We stayed in a deluxe junior suite with garden view which was in very tranquil surroundings. The hotel is all-inclusive with unlimited luxury meaning almost everything is included, reservation free dining and wristband free! There were six gourmet a la carte restaurants to choose from plus a buffet restaurant and a speciality coffee shop which were all outstanding. The French and Japanese were our favourites. Drinks were unlimited, and all drinks and spirits were internationally branded. We had 24-hour concierge service and the best beach and pool waiter service from Benito! All taxes and tips were included. They had a daytime and evening entertainment programme with everything from salsa dancing and tequila tasting to cooking tortillas. There’s an explorers club for children where they could camp out on the beach, toast marshmallows or have a movie under the stars! The hotel caters well for teenagers and younger children also having great babysitting facilities. The hotel is perfect for couples, weddings, honeymoons, families with children of any age and golfers. Excursions Chichen Itza: one of the new seven wonders of the world. One of the largest ancient Mayan cities to have been uncovered and standing at the foot of the city is the awe-inspiring temple of Kukulcan, an impressive and well-preserved step pyramid. From the Riviera Maya it was a drive through the jungle by coach. On the return from Chichen Itza we stopped at a cenote to dive and swim in the crystal-clear waters. A truly amazing memory. Tulum Ruins: We visited the archaeological site of Tulum near the hotel, the only Mayan site built next to the stunning and very vivid blue Caribbean Sea. From Mayan murals to the well-preserved structures of Tulum it was a fascinating insight to the Mayan civilisation. Coba: We travelled deep into the Mexican jungle to see the ancient city of Coba which features the tallest temple pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula. We took zip wires over the jungle canopy and it was truly breath-taking. The highlights of our adventure were: * Visiting and learning about the ancient Mayan civilisations and seeing the pyramid at Chichen Itza. * Swimming with dolphins * Swimming in Cenote * Banana Mamma cocktails, turkey dogs, 24-hour room service and Benito! Mexico is certainly a destination to include on your bucket list. You could return year after year as there is so much to see and do and the service is so good you will never want to leave.