Suite Life: Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Seriously Suite versus Royal Caribbean Grande Suite versus Norwegian Haven Spa Suite

 This past weekend, I set sail on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady in a Seriously Suite. I "won" the suite by bidding on an upgrade from my Sea Terrace. It was terrific and definitely worth the increase in price even if I had booked it from the beginning.  Take a peek: 

Some of the perks that made a big difference in our experience: 

• Larger Bathroom - My biggest complaint on my October 2021 Scarlet Lady sailing was how small the bathroom in the Sea Terrace cabins is. The Seriously Suite bathroom is terrific.  I l love the large sink with lots of counter space. The toilet has a separate room so it's easy for two people to be in the bathroom. The open design of the shower makes it feel huge. I like having a rain shower and a handheld option. The window into the main cabin gives the bathroom a lot of natural light. Definitely no privacy, but a lot of light. 
• Richard's Rooftop - This special lounge and bar area at the front of the ship is a great place to relax. The free glass of champagne at 5:30 pm didn't hurt. 
• Expedited embarkation - Embarkation was so fast this sailing. Rockstars had a special testing area and waiting area. 
• Private golf cart to Bimini Beach Club - This seems like the silliest thing, but when I'm ready to go, I'm ready to go. I loved hoping on the golf cart versus waiting for the tram to fill up. 
• Help scheduling shows - On the October cruise, we missed some shows because we didn't book reservations. I appreciate that each Rockstar cabin is assigned a Rockstar agent to help with anything you need. The Rockstar agents are very attentive and pro-active. 

As a comparison, I've also sailed in suites on Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. 

The Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas Grande Suite One Bedroom was significantly bigger than the Seriously Suite. I liked the shower better in the Seriously Suite, but the overall space in the Royal Caribbean suite was really nice. As far as perks, I liked having a lounge on Royal Caribbean versus a deck area.

The Norwegian Encore Haven Spa Suite has a huge tub and a walk in closet. The closet blows the tiny wardrobe in the Seriously Suite out of the water. I still prefer how the bed is facing the ocean in the Seriously Suite. I didn't anticipate what a difference that would make. As far as perks, I like that the Haven has its own restaurant. It's really not needed on Virgin Voyages because Razzle Dazzle and the Wake offer a la carte lunch. I also like that the Haven has a lounge that stays open late.

Comparing concierge services, our Rockstar Agents on the Scarlet Lady were the most pro-active concierges we've had. They checked in with us daily to see if there was anything we needed. Asked about our plans and made sure we have reservations for everything we wanted to do. 

I'd love to help you explore which suite is right for you, email Angie@Tripswithangie.com to get started. 

What do you need to enter Cancun, Mexico?

 I recently visited Cancun, Mexico and this was my experience. I am a US citizen with a US passport flying in from the USA. 

Entering Mexico: 

Your Airline will require a health declaration as part of check-in process. Mexico does not currently require vaccination or a negative COVID test for entry from the United States. 

Mexico requires each person complete a Tourist Card: https://www.cancunairport.com/tourist-card.html

• Be sure to pay attention to how they want the date DAY / MONTH / YEAR
• Be sure to DOWNLOAD when you complete it. Then click New Application for the next person in your travel party. 
• The download will give you a PDF to print. Print both pages and keep them together. 
• You will present the PDF to the Immigration officer. They will tear off one side and give it back to you. Keep this safe. You'll need it to leave the country. If you lose it, it's around $60 to replace it. 

The Mexico Health Questionnaire is filled out upon arrival if needed.

As a reminder, here's how to find your pre-arranged transfer at Terminal 4: 

Return to USA 

When you arrive back at the Cancun airport to fly home, you'll need: 

• The immigration paper from your arrival 
• A screenshot of the QR code from Vuelas Guro
• A digital or printed copy of your negative COVID test results or documentation of recovery
• A completed health attestation form through the airline

A screenshot of the QR code from Vuelas Guro - Before you leave, set up an account at: https://www.vuelaseguro.com/login You only need one account for your travel party. 

Log in 12 hours before your departure time. You'll need your flight information. Fill out the form.  Then, you can "Add Companion". After you add all your travel companions, you will be able to see the QR codes. Screenshot these. On our trip, they did not ask for them. In the past, we had to present them before entering the line for airport security. 

Negative COVID test results - The United States requires proof of a negative COVID test taken no more than one day before your flight back to the USA or documentation of recovery. You can read the full details of the documentation needed by clicking here.  You will show the test results to the airline employee when you check-in in at the airport. You will not be able to check-in in online and use a mobile boarding pass in Cancun. 

Health Attestation Form required by the USA 

Most airlines have this online now. 

Delta: https://www.delta.com/us/en/travel-planning-center/know-before-you-go/attestation

JetBlue: https://change.jetblue.com/attestation

United: During Check in Process

American: https://www.aa.com/attestation

Southwest: https://support.southwest.com/Healthdocs/s/

Frontier: https://flyfrontier.custhelp.com/app/CDC_Attestation

Depending on the airline, they may recommend you screenshot the confirmation of completing the attestation.

All these processes are requirements are subject to change. 

Hyatt Zilara Cancun All Inclusive Resort Tour

 

Hyatt Zilara Cancun is an adults only all inclusive resort located in the Hotel Zone of Cancun. Hyatt Zilara Cancun is a high rise overlooking a winding pool including an infinity edge pool and a swim up bar. 

Things I love about it: 

The swim up bar is in the infinity edge pool overlooking the gorgeous white sand beach and waves. 

Some suite categories include a day bed on the beach so you never have to worry about finding a spot. 

The service is excellent. 

The junior suites are large and comfortable. 

The dining is Mexican. I feel like we go to Mexico and never get Mexican food. 

Take a look: 

Ketchikan Excursions

 

A popular port, found on almost every Alaskan cruise itinerary is Ketchikan. The city is set on the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s famed Inside Passage. It describes itself as the Salmon Capital of the World, it is also home to the world’s largest collection of totem poles. Another interesting fact is that it is one of the rainiest cities in America, it receives more than 261% more rain the national average. But don’t let that discourage you from exploring some of the most beautiful wildlife in Alaska. Let’s check out some great excursion offerings to help you learn about and explore this beautiful area of Alaska. 

Breathless Soul Cancun All Inclusive Resort Tour

Breathless Cancun Soul is an adults only all inclusive resort about 25 minutes from the Cancun airport. Breathless Cancun Soul has a fun party vibe. The beach is a small cove beach with calm, shallow water. 

Juneau Alaska Excursions

 

If your cruise to Alaska has you stopping in Juneau you are in for a treat! The area is known for its incredible scenery and abundant wildlife both on land and by sea. Tour options that offer a cruise-friendly refund policy and back to the ship guarantee are denoted with an *.

Sunscape Puerto Plata All Inclusive Resort Tour

 

Sunscape Puerto Plata is a family all inclusive resort on a natural beach. Sunscape is located in a gated complex with a shopping plaza and golf course.

Cruising During Omicron: My Norwegian Dawn Experience

 I returned this morning from an 11 night Southern Caribbean cruise on the Norwegian Dawn. Before embarking, our group reviewed the current information and the pros and cons. Norwegian offered us a future cruise credit if we wanted to cancel. I knew there was a good chance some ports would deny entry. We decided to go forward with the cruise and just be flexible.