Amex Platinum card review: High annual fee with loads of perks

Table Of Content

• The Coolest Limited-Edition Credit Card Designs
• Is the Amex Platinum Worth the Annual Fee?
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• Disney Visa card from Chase
• A storied return: Delta, American Express bring back popular airplane metal credit card design
• Up to $100 in Saks Credit Each Year

If you're an existing Amex Gold card member, you can exchange your card for the Rose Gold version — and the process is very easy. I did take the opportunity to ask whether it was possible to have just my wife's card switched (she's an authorized user on the account). However, the agent indicated that all cards on the account follow the primary cardholder — so they'd both need to be changed. For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

The Coolest Limited-Edition Credit Card Designs

It also includes the new Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card which, among many other benefits, offers 2x Capital One Venture Miles for every dollar you spend on the card. The two retired aircraft that were used to create the limited-edition Boeing 747 card design, Delta Ships 6302 and 6310, had many amazing stories from their passengers and crew during their time in the sky. I like them a lot, I've purchased 5 so far, it's nice to customize your card when the bank doesn't have the option. Switching up your card design is part of the fun of Disney Rewards, whether going vintage with Retro Walt Disney World, showing your villainous side with Maleficent, or chasing your dreams with Tiana.

Is the Amex Platinum Worth the Annual Fee?

Step 1Create your own Custom Design or choose from one of our Best Sellers. Transferring your points to the right airline or hotel program is usually the best way to maximize your Membership Rewards points value. You can also use your Membership Rewards points to book travel directly through American Express Travel.

A storied return: Delta, American Express bring back popular airplane metal credit card design - Delta News Hub

A storied return: Delta, American Express bring back popular airplane metal credit card design.

Posted: Wed, 24 Apr 2024 20:11:44 GMT [source]

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In fact, the rose gold card was so popular that at least one Amex agent claimed that it crashed the USPS system. In any case, American Express cited the high demand for the card to explain the delays that some customers experienced receiving the card. According to TPG's latest monthly valuations, Amex Membership Rewards points are worth 2 cents each, making this bonus worth $1,600.

If you would have otherwise paid cash for a luxury hotel stay, this perk can effectively shave $200 off your annual fee cost. Many of the best cards have no annual fee, but here's why the Amex Platinum's fee might be worth it for you. The Amex Platinum's $695 annual fee is steep, but the various annual credits can recoup the entire cost (and more), even before considering the card's other perks.

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Victoria's Secret Angel Credit Card

Existing Card Members can request to change their current card design by logging into their American Express account or calling the number on the back of the Card. Choose your preferred design – Platinum x Kehinde Wiley or Platinum x Julie Mehretu – and American Express will ship out your replacement Card. Your Card number will remain the same and you can continue using your current Platinum Card until you receive and activate your new Card. The Art x Platinum artistic collaborations are a natural extension of a Card that aims to inspire you every day with its wide range of unique benefits. From an artist’s canvas to yours, new and existing Card Members can choose the art that resonates the most. Whether you want to match or be different, any Additional Platinum Card added to your account can choose the Card design that suits their style, be it Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, Platinum x Julie Mehretu, or classic Platinum.

Just released: Get a limited-edition Delta card design made 33% from an iconic retired Boeing 747

Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

A storied return: Delta, American Express bring back popular airplane metal credit card design

Today, those new designs are now available – for both new and existing cardmembers. Delta Reserve cardmembers receive a head start of 2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each qualification year. They also earn MQDs at a rate of 1 MQD per $10 in eligible purchases charged on their card — the highest earning rate of any Delta American Express card. Delta and American Express have partnered to release a limited-edition card design made with 33% metal from two retired 747 Queen of the Skies aircraft. This sleek card is available to both new and existing Delta Amex cardmembers.

Up to $100 in Saks Credit Each Year

Look no further than the Art x Platinum designs, exclusive to new and existing Platinum Card Members. Platinum x Kehinde Wiley brings brilliant botanicals directly onto the Platinum Card, wonderfully capturing the essence of Wiley’s profound energy and worldview. Meanwhile, Platinum x Julie Mehretu brings Mehretu’s signature style to the Platinum Card by evoking the abstract modernity for which she is known. Customers with the $695-a-year card are now able to select designs by artists Kehinde Wiley or Julie Mehretu, the company said on its website. That list includes the American Express® Gold Card which offers 4x points per dollar spent at restaurants and 4x points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 each year and then 1x).

But Amex has even made it easy for existing cardholders to pick a sharp new replacement card online and get it delivered, too. The Card Design Studio service is only available for customers who already have an eligible Wells Fargo Credit Card. Once your new card arrives, you can create a custom card that’s as unique as you are. Take the Disney® Visa® Personality Quiz to find out which credit card design is your perfect match.

Sure, I’ll request one of these cards, though it won’t impact my choice to put spending on the card. Just log into your American Express online account, and click on the “Account Services” tab. All users of our online services are subject to our Privacy Statement and agree to be bound by the Terms of Service.

That's why people often ask whether the Amex Platinum is still worth the annual fee, even with the new perks. American Express has rolled out two new card designs for Platinum cardholders. These new designs are available for both new and existing cardholders starting today, Jan. 20, 2022.

The new Amex Gold offers you 4x points at restaurants and on up to $25,000 spent each calendar year at US supermarkets (then 1x), so it's more than just good looks. Other benefits include up to $120 in dining credits at select restaurants each calendar year. This card also offers 15 night stay credits toward elite status in the new Bonvoy program. Several technologies exist to replace the physical credit card, such as mobile wallets and wearables. Even if you can use just a handful of these perks, it's easy to cover most (or all) of the Amex Platinum's annual fee. The current welcome bonus for the Amex Platinum is 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.

Best Hotels near San Juan Cruise Port 2024 Easy Planning Guide for Cruisers

Table Of Content

• Other popular & budget friendly hotels (often booked by cruisers)
• Is there a beach close to the San Juan Cruise Port?
• Best Design Hotel In Puerto Rico: Hix Island House
• Best Hotels Near Cruise Ports in San Juan Puerto Rico
• Old San Juan Piers & Terminals
• Best All-Inclusive Resort In Puerto Rico: Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa

These beach hotels and resorts are perfect when staying in San Juan for a couple of days pre or post cruise. Many provide rooms with sea view, balcony and direct access to the beach. Rooms are decorated and furnished in contemporary style with bold colours and modern lighting.

Other popular & budget friendly hotels (often booked by cruisers)

The interior is spacious and uncluttered, creating a relaxing ambience throughout. Contemporary styling concentrates on displaying single pieces of modern art and occasional splashes of bright colour on the walls or ceilings in lounges and dining areas. Located in a renovated nineteenth century building, this four-storey luxury hotel has an elegant interior. There are Spanish style archways and wrought iron balustrades around an upper balcony in the main lobby. The rooms have a refreshing, minimalist simplicity with soft furnishings in a variety of muted greens, browns and gold. The Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel is very popular with cruisers, located just across the cruise port terminal.

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Is there a beach close to the San Juan Cruise Port?

Page 64 – Cruise Hive - Cruise Hive

Page 64 – Cruise Hive.

Posted: Tue, 16 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Rooms are large and comfortably furnished and there are uninterrupted views of Condado Beach. Many rooms have views overlooking the quaint Old Town area where there are narrow streets and picturesque houses traditionally painted in different colours. The hotel is in view of the Ponce de Leon statue of the fifteenth century Conquistador who settled there.

Best Design Hotel In Puerto Rico: Hix Island House

It overlooks the Atlantic and the Lagoon with its own private beach  along with 2 outdoor pools. Sitting in lush gardens, the 5 star Condado Vanderbilt boasts ocean views and Spanish architecture for discerning guests. The hotel has a pool, bar, restaurant, butler service, concierge and its own private beach.

The property specializes in week-long culinary stays organized by owner Crystal Diaz—guests visit area markets and producers, meet local chefs and learn to make regional dishes through hands-on cooking classes. El Pretexto frequently hosts pop-up dinners, too, so there's a good chance one of Puerto Rico's best chefs could be in the kitchen whipping up traditional Puerto Rican dishes like sofrito and pasteles, using ingredients from the farm. Accommodations—including five guest rooms split between two villas—are rustic but comfortable, with farm-style furniture and fine linens.

Pan American Pier - Best Nearby Hotels

Drive down the hill to the town of Esperanza for groceries or to grab dinner at one of the oceanfront restaurants. Guests are encouraged to digitally unplug while on property although Wi-Fi is available in the lobby. Join one of the daily restorative yoga and pilates classes, book a massage, or borrow beach chairs, towels and cooler bags from the Hix Island House team to spend a day on the coast.

Old San Juan Piers & Terminals

Both cruise terminals can easily be reached in less than 10 minutes by taxi or shuttle. This quaint boutique hotel perfectly captures the romance of the Old Town. The interior presents a rustic appearance through pastel walls, mahogany louvre doors and rafters in the ceilings.

What is the closest airport to the San Juan Cruise Port?

And with so much to see and do, you’ll definitely want to come a few days early – or stay a few days extra – when cruising from Puerto Rico. You’ll have to take a taxi into Old San Juan for $10, or to the Condado fashion shopping strip on Ashford Avenue for $12 where the best stores are across from Ventana el Mar Park. You can also take a taxi for $14 to the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean, Plaza Las Americas, located in nearby Hato Rey, San Juan. And for your stay in port, check out this roundup of some of the Best Restaurants in Old San Juan for Cruise Passengers. Much of its beautiful colonial architecture can be seen in the colourful houses located in the Old Town. There is a large CVS store/pharmacy which has a large variety of food, drinks, and other necessities directly across from Old San Juan piers 1 & 2 and only 1/4 mile west of piers 3 and 4.

Best All-Inclusive Resort In Puerto Rico: Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa

The property offers panoramic Atlantic Ocean vistas at every hole, as well as a luxurious clubhouse and eco-sensitive initiatives that include the use of solar-powered golf carts and water conservation. In keeping with the resort's environmental ethos, signature restaurant, Jota, uses ingredients from the onsite garden, locally caught fish and produce sourced from family farms. The Caribbean's historic sugar mills inspire resort architecture, and its 20 freestanding casitas feature airy bedrooms with wood-beamed ceilings, private terraces and plunge pools. Guests can spot humpback whales here between January and April or look for dozens of bird species across the property, including snowy egrets and scarlet tanagers.

Combining comfort and value, this hotel has soundproof rooms for a good night’s sleep before your cruise. The hotel has family-friendly  activities, a business center, pool and bar. Puerto Rico provides a well-located hub for cruises to the southern Caribbean islands. There are plenty of hotels near San Juan cruise port for those who want to stay and enjoy the island’s attractions for a few days before or after their cruise. A self-proclaimed "culinary farm lodge" with free-roaming chickens in the Cayey Mountains just an hour from San Juan, El Pretexto is a dream destination for food-loving adult travelers.

Some of the rooms have comfortable integral living spaces separated from the sleeping areas by screens. Nearby is El Distrito, a new entertainment area with cinemas, music arena and bars. As a newer complex, the Aloft has been purposely designed to reflect contemporary tastes with sleek, minimalist furnishings and bold colours. There is an extensive use of wooden flooring and wall panelling throughout.

Right by Playa de Los Cabes and with near the San Juan cruise terminal, The Gallery Inn is a rustic building with elegantly distressed walls, fountains, and intricate stone carvings. Plus, enjoy late-night live music while dining at the intimate and romantic Cannon Club. Founded in 1521, it’s the oldest city governed by the United States, and the secondoldest city in the Americas. The cruise ship terminals are calledOld San Juan, Navy Frontier and Pan American Pier. Find the best deals to make your cruise holiday really special without breaking your hotel budget.Once you have the kind of port hotels you want in mind, look for deals that fits your needs.

26 Ideal Hotels Near San Juan Cruise Port

Table Of Content

• Holiday Inn Express San Juan Condado
• Pan American Pier Facts:
• Top Rated Romantic Hotels & Resorts in San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Best Historic Hotel In Puerto Rico: Hotel El Convento
• Best Boutique Hotel In Puerto Rico: Don Rafa Boutique Hotel & Residences
• Best Hotel For Couples In Puerto Rico: Villa Montaña Beach Resort
• Other popular & budget friendly hotels (often booked by cruisers)
• San Juan Hotels: Cruise Port Frequently Asked Questions

With nightly rates from $190 for standard Estandar rooms, the adults-only hotel offers design-loving travelers a great place to stay at an approachable price point. Each of the 30 rooms feature pillow top beds made up with plush linens, private balconies and peekaboo showers with glass walls but no phones or televisions. Buzzy signature restaurant Placita is considered one of the best in Vieques and a convivial meeting spot for guests and locals alike with many of its dishes cooked on a mesquite-fired grill. Street-level bar La Tertulia features plenty of lounge space as well as a fire pit and is a great place to catch live music most nights.

Holiday Inn Express San Juan Condado

Following you can find hotels with the best ratings near the Old San Juan Piers and Pan American Piers, with a few helpful details to make your search easier. Yes – there are a number of beaches within a mile or so of the cruise piers. Spanish is the main language spoken by locals, but most speak English as well.

Pan American Pier Facts:

(Look for the giant clam shell while strolling along the beach!) Its Casino Del Mar is the perfect place to try to win big before setting sail. Visit the nearby Condado district to find your new favorite boutique on Ashford Avenue or savor succulent oysters. Popular hotel situated in Old San Juan, close to the historic Castillo de San Cristóbal. Rooms are bright and contemporary, yet tastefully furnished with mahogany furniture that reflects the heritage of Puerto Rico.

Top Rated Romantic Hotels & Resorts in San Juan, Puerto Rico

The only thing within reasonable walking distance is the regional Isla Grande Airport, Puerto Rico Convention Center, Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, and the Hyatt House Hotel. A palette of bold jewel tones, mid-century modern style furnishings, and over thirty works of art by Puerto Rican artists feature across the six-story hotel. Homes and Villas by Marriott International in San Juan offers a range of vacation rentals with convenient parking options.

Best Historic Hotel In Puerto Rico: Hotel El Convento

The best hotel near San Juan cruise port is the four star Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel. Located right on the waterfront just 350 yards from the cruise terminal it boasts beautiful rooms, rooftop pool and open-air restaurant with superb views of the waterfront. The Condado Plaza Hilton is one of the most popular oceanfront hotels near San Juan cruise port.

Best Boutique Hotel In Puerto Rico: Don Rafa Boutique Hotel & Residences

From cozy inns and modern hotels to luxury resorts, familiar B&Bs, comfy vacation rentals, and more, many amazing accommodations await those who want to venture out to visit the Island’s other diverse regions as well. Discover additional lodging options and hotels, and explore more Puerto Rico attractions. Set right at the cruise port terminal of San Juan Puerto Rico, walking distance. Taxis are waiting 24 hours outside hotels or airport and you may also consider using an UBER.

Best Hotel For Couples In Puerto Rico: Villa Montaña Beach Resort

For hiking, surfing and paddle boarding excursions on the nearby Guajataca River, new director of guest experiences, Jorge Pérez, is the resort's go-to "Adventure Maestro." A secluded two mile stretch of beachfront and proximity to the El Yunque National Forest add to the polished appeal of the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, which can be reached in around 40 minutes by car from San Juan. Amenities range from a spa, tennis club and boathouse with water sports, to an ocean-front golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

With a striking pool deck and gazebo, you'll want to spend plenty of time outdoors—swimming, sunbathing, sitting beside the fire pit, stargazing and listening to the coqui tree frogs at night. For more great Airbnb options in Puerto Rico, check out our guide to the Best Airbnbs In Puerto Rico. This jewel box-sized bed and breakfast on the island of Vieques has six lovely rooms, each tastefully decorated in sophisticated Caribbean cottagecore style with four-poster beds, Spanish tile floors and local artwork. Some, like “Papelillo” (Viequenese for bougainvillea), have terraces with hammocks, perfect for watching the world go by from the second-floor perch. Thoughtful extra touches include French presses and freshly ground coffee with breakfast baskets delivered each morning. A new pavilion in the garden provides a magical spot for guests to sit and mingle while watching the hummingbirds, with plans to add hammocks and more seating there this fall.

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Dream Hotel Miramar is one of the best value hotels near San Juan cruise port with a shuttle service. This eco-friendly hotel has contemporary guest rooms, business center and children’s activities close to restaurants, shops and the cruise terminal. The rooms are spacious with comfortable seating, soft furnishings and colourful artwork.

Established in 1949 as the first Hilton hotel outside the United States, the iconic Caribe Hilton resort occupies a sprawling 17-acre peninsula just minutes from historic Old San Juan. Situated on the southwestern side of the island, Copamarina Beach Resort enjoys stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and nearby mountains. Although Puerto Rico isn’t technically home to many true “all-inclusive” resorts, the property has vacation packages ranging from romance to diving with optional meal plans. Guests can also dine a la carte at Restaurante Alexandra, which showcases contemporary Puerto Rican dishes, and the more casual La Palmas. Plantation-style shutters and bamboo furniture create a classic tropical ambience across the 104 guest rooms, suites and villas, all with private balconies or patios. Nestled amongst 20 acres of tropical gardens and framed by a half-mile private beach, the property features two social hub swimming pools, a fitness center and tennis courts, plus activities like snorkeling and kayaking.

Inside, the lobby is spectacular with a double wrought iron staircase leading to an upper floor with illuminated, burnt orange archways. The Sheraton is an elegant, multi-storey hotel in the picturesque Old Town of San Juan. Located directly on the waterfront, it is one of the best places to stay to enjoy views of the massive cruise liners moored in San Juan Bay. Most cruise companies embark from the Pan American Pier, but Carnival, Windstar and Viking Cruises depart from the Old San Juan port. There are panoramic views of the nearby districts of Isla Grande and Miramar. The Aloft has easy access to travel links for sightseeing in San Juan’s Old Town or visiting the public beach at Balneario El Escambron.

Of the resort’s four restaurants, its newest is an Italian-inspired concept, Flor de Sal, which opened in 2023 and highlights dishes cooked on flavored salt blocks. One of the most popular budget hotels near San Juan cruise port, El Canario by the Lagoon is close to the lagoon beaches and restaurants. It has air-conditioned rooms with balconies, rooftop terrace and free breakfast. Perched on a bluff near the 19th-century town of Isabela, Royal Isabela boasts a sustainably maintained 18-hole golf course designed by renowned architect David Pfaff.

Home Port cruise lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Princess) often use San Juan as their departure port, thus cruises embark from San Juan. Transit ships are those docking for a day or two originating from another homeport. San Juan is one of the Caribbean’s hottest and most beloved cruise stops, welcoming visitors to explore one of the best-preserved Spanish Colonial historic cities. We are celebrating five centuries of history in our beautiful Old San Juan, we invite you to celebrate with us. Five centuries ago, our capital city was walled and protected by fortifications, keeping outsiders out. We are proud of the fact that in modern days, San Juan is often referred to as one of the happiest and most welcoming places on earth.

Designed by modernist architect Morris Lapidus and opened in 1958, El San Juan Hotel became a favorite among the Old Hollywood elite and is still considered one of Puerto Rico's most iconic establishments. After a $65 million renovation, the hotel joined the esteemed Fairmont Hotels & Resorts portfolio in 2020, but despite modern updates, its magnificent lobby and adjacent Chandelier Bar still exude Gilded Age ambiance. Its 388 guest rooms include city, pool or ocean views from Grand Tower accommodations or a tropical garden setting in one of the newer Banyan Villa Rooms. Located in Isla Verde, this 4 star Courtyard by Marriott Resort is one of the best value beach hotels near San Juan cruise port. Situated right on the sand, this contemporary resort has restaurants, pools, bars and a casino. The Hyatt Place San Juan/City Center Hotel is one of the closest hotels to San Juan cruise port with excellent sea views from the upper floors.

Just one block from Isla Verde Beach, this Hampton Inn and Suites has a swim up cabana pool bar, Wi-Fi and free breakfast. Spacious suites boast a comfy living area, kitchenette and deep soaking tubs. There are numerous, safe overnight parking garages in Old San Juan around the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino, which is across from the Old San Juan cruise piers. If your cruise begins in San Juan, we encourage you to extend your stay by at least 2 nights, we are confident that once you get a little taste of what Puerto Rico has to offer, you’ll regret not having stayed a few more nights. If your situation does not allow it, we hope that when you visit, you feel a warm welcome and come back to visit again.

The city port provides mooring for some of the world’s most luxurious cruise liners at its terminal near the Old Town. When embarking, most cruise ships depart from Pan American Pier terminals, 5 to 10 minutes from the Old Town. This luxury Courtyard by Marriott Hotel is close to the convention center and has an excellent reputation. The Pan American Pier has two modern two-tiered passenger terminals (I & II), located in Isla Grande, next to the Isla Grande Airport and near the Puerto Rico Convention Center.

Family Cruises: The Ultimate Family Vacation

Table Of Content

• The price
• DATE NIGHT RIGHT
• Cruises for Families
• Best All-Inclusive Cruise For Families: Royal Caribbean, Wonder Of The Seas
• Silversea Cruises

Before booking, make sure an all-inclusive makes sense for your budget. If you're a backpacker looking to travel through hostels on the cheap and eat ramen every day, an all-inclusive probably doesn't make sense for you. However, if you're looking for a comfortable family getaway that doesn't break the bank, all-inclusive family vacations are a great option. You'll likely be saving money on food, drinks, kids' activities and entertainment, and since your cruise ship is your lodging and transportation, you'll save on costs — and headaches — as well.

The price

Guests can also borrow kayaks and paddleboards to take out on the water. Less than a year old, Disney Wish is a 4,000-person ship that is as popular as ever, thanks to its range of offerings that keep the little ones busy. Onboard, children will not only find their favorite characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar films, but be able to live out their fantasies through experiences like dining with Frozen’s Elsa, Olaf, and others over a theatrical meal. The best part of this cruise line is arguably the staff, who are well-acclimated to handling overtired children or picky eaters and keeping things as seamless as possible—which, as most parents know, is truly priceless. Windstar Cruises offers an All-Inclusive Fare option for a set daily fee.

DATE NIGHT RIGHT

If you prefer hitting the slopes to lounging seaside, all-inclusive ski resorts offer a similar pricing structure in a different environment. Accommodations may be in a rustic-style lodge, private cabin or traditional hotel room. While there may be fewer dining options, meals are typically more artfully prepared than at a massive beachfront resort. Activities include skiing and all-terrain-vehicle rides in winter and horseback riding and mountain biking in summer.

Cruises for Families

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Known for its lofty princes compared to its completion, it makes up for this by having more value packed into its fare, including business class and intercontinental flights, to name a few. And cross once-in-a-lifetime experiences off your list together — on one unforgettable journey. If you are currently in the midst of choosing between a cruise and an all-inclusive vacation, Lovell assured us that both options are "open and honest about what they are going to charge you for." Pricing for Paradisus Playa del Carmen starts at around $300 per night for a family of four on a standard package or $420 per night with the upgraded Nikte package. Pricing for Bluefields Bay Villas starts at around $1,550 per night for a family of four, and a four-night minimum stay is required. With only six villas that sleep from four to 13 guests, Bluefields Bay Villas offer comfort, privacy and an expertly trained staff that can help you bring to life the all-inclusive vacation of your dreams.

Kick things off with a dinner to remember, followed by a glass of your favourite wine at Vintages or a singalong session at Schooner Bar. Then keep the party going long into the night at a live stand-up comedy show before you take a whirl on the dancefloor at Club Twenty. Securing reservations and purchasing packages before you sail lets you score the best savings available anywhere.

All of the ships in this cruise line’s fleet offer family-friendly experiences for guests of all ages. Even little ones will find plenty of ways to play with spaces and activities designed for tots to tweens. One of the top reasons savvy travelers love cruising, though, is because of the incredible value it offers. With Royal Caribbean, your cruise fare includes access to most of the ship’s attractions, select dining venues and all of the entertainment onboard.

The Ultimate package includes all the Premium offerings plus a selection of wine and Champagne by the glass, Evian and Perrier water and more top-shelf spirits. Singles can get in on the savings, too, with the Experience More for Solo Travelers package. It features the Ultimate Beverage Package for one, unlimited Wi-Fi for one device, a $350 shore excursions credit, a $150 onboard spa credit, Chef's Table or Three Table Tour, and three bags of laundry during the voyage. The most comprehensive option for two people is the Experience More Indulgence package.

Seabourn Cruises

From cozy interior staterooms to luxurious suites with private balconies and butler service. With a wide range of onboard activities, adults and children can find an activity they enjoy on their next vacation. Plus, with its all-inclusive package, you can enjoy unlimited meals and drinks at no extra cost. Carnival Cruise Line is a famous cruise company known for its fun-filled vacations and wide range of destinations.

Cruise line all-inclusive packages: Everything you need to know

Tweens and teens get their own cool hangouts, Edge and Vibe, with video games, foosball and hip seating areas. Little feels better than sitting down to an incredible meal in Manfredi's Italian restaurant and not signing a room charge at the end. Pastas are excellent, but by all means, order the signature bistecca alla Fiorentina, a Florentine-style porcini-and-spice-crusted ribeye steak that makes meat lovers swoon. Caviar is served whenever you like, wherever you wish to dine, with all the proper accoutrements.

It's easy to find fantastic water parks in the Caribbean, but you won't find funhouses, virtual roller coasters or 4D laster-shooting games unless you visit Katmandu Park. Theme park admission is included in the cost of your stay, but how often you can visit depends on which package you purchase. Villas boast ocean and island views, private pools, a personal chef and a 24-hour butler to coordinate meals (including beach snacks and cocktail hours) and activities during your stay. Its large size means you'll have access to 21 restaurants, 12 miles of beach, 10 pools, a 45,000-square-foot water park and more. These are situated around the various villages, so you are never too far from your next dip in the pool or a bite to eat. Spice Island Beach Resort is an upscale resort on pristine Grand Anse Beach, a 2-mile expanse of fine white sand and cerulean waters.

When it comes to planning the ultimate getaway, there are so many reasons why cruise vacations rank among the most popular travel options. On a cruise vacation, all the planning is taken care of by the cruise line — from the destinations you sail to and the shore excursions available at each port, to a full range of entertainment and activities happening onboard every day. If you’re not a planner, or if the only things you’re looking to focus on during your getaway is savoring great food, relaxing, and soaking up the sights, cruise vacations are the way to go. A cruise vacation is also a great option if you’re traveling with the whole family, especially when you opt for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

The spa offers indoor and beachside treatments (for an additional fee). There are also separate clubs for kids and teens with age-appropriate games and activities. It’s an age-old question — does the early bird really get the worm, or are there perks to taking a “wait-and-see” approach?

The line's premium package makes a HAL cruise semi-inclusive when passengers upgrade their base fare. Note that the All Included fare covers the bar gratuity normally charged to guests who purchase a beverage package independently. Families sailing in the same cabin must all book the same fare type, although underage passengers will only have access to nonalcoholic beverages. Set out from LA on the family holiday you’ve been waiting for onboard the best cruises for kids. From whale-watching in Ensenada to postcard-pretty shores in Puerto Vallarta and lounging on Cabo’s world-famous beaches – make memories that last a lifetime.