6 Cruise Destinations to Add to Your New Year's Resolutions

Have you thought about what kind of adventures you'll include at the top of your New Year's list resolution list this year? What dreams do you want to see fulfilled? Cruising lets you collect experiences and return from each journey feeling invigorated and transformed. 

With a Norwegian cruise, you have seven seas and countless land in between to explore. The world's horizons are large. What do you want to discover? Need some ideas? Here are six Norwegian cruise destinations to add to your New Year's resolutions this year.   

1. New Zealand Cruises

New Zealand is a cruise destination that should be at the top of every bucket list. Visit the Fiordland National Park to see New Zealand's glacier-carved fjords, valleys, and lakes. Enjoy the scenic mountain and sea vistas. 

Explore Devonport near the port city of Auckland. Devonport is a charming, laid-back waterfront village. See yellow-eyed penguins, Royal Albatross, and fur seals in Dunedin, New Zealand. Grab a seat on the Taieri Gorge Railway train and see dramatic ravines, sheer cliffs, and other breathtaking scenery near Port Chalmers. Visit Akaroa, New Zealand and visit a historic settlement that is located right in the heart of an ancient volcano. Visit the local boutiques and shops to pick up some souvenirs for folks back home. 

Take in Victorian Gothic buildings in Wellington, New Zealand. Visit one of the many famous vineyards of Napier, New Zealand. A must-visit while in Tauranga, New Zealand, is the aptly-named Hell's Gate, a natural geothermal park that has hot geysers, mud baths, and pools. 

2. South Africa Cruises

South Africa is another cruise destination that should be at the top of your bucket list. Gorgeous Table Mountain looms high above the capital city of South Africa — Cape Town. Take a cable car to the top of the mountain for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city, or explore the vibrant, bustling urban city on foot. Visit the notorious prison that held Nelson Mandela. The prison, located on Robben Island, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Take a stroll around Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, then head to Boulders Beach, which got its name because of its location right between two granite boulders. See penguins at close range on the beach. Stroll along Capetown's waterfront for some entertainment and shopping. 

3. Cruises from The United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is quickly becoming one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. Dubai is a glamorous playground that is a city of contrasts. The city embraces the future with projects like a lightning-fast hyperloop train, but it also embodies tradition and culture. See some of the most stunning architecture in the Middle East, such as the world's tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa. Make sure you visit the observation deck for unforgettable views. Experience the many culinary flavors of Dubai, too. Stroll along the Dubai Marina waterfront past luxurious yachts and trendy restaurants. 

There are a variety of other things to do in the United Arab Emirates. Take a safari through the desert and ride a camel. Explore the Souq Madinat Jumeirah village, which is made up of a series of canals, and take in the Arabian hotels that line the canals. 

4. French Polynesian Cruises

Take a French Polynesia cruise and explore Bora Bora. Bora Bora means “created by the gods,” and it seems that this island was aptly named. The dramatic landscapes will make you think that you are in another world. Paddleboard across a still lagoon. Shop for handicrafts at a local boutique. Hike through the lush forests of Mount Otemanu. Explore the marine life of Bora Bora as you snorkel the clear turquoise waters. Look for friendly mantas and black-tipped sharks. 

Visit the port town of Nuku Hiva. This volcanic island features dramatic waterfalls, gorgeous beaches, and dramatic cliffs that rise from the sea. Hike through the lush vegetation of Moorea, which one of the most beautiful islands in French Polynesia. 

5. Cruises to Greece

Book a Norwegian Greek Isles cruise and check off several of your New Year's Travel list destinations at 

once. The Greek Isles are full of mystery and intrigue. Drive along the east coast of Rhodes and discover a 

landscape full of lemon, olive, and orange trees. Spend a day visiting any of the beautiful vineyards in the 

area. Sample wines and olive oils produced at Agriturismo Magna Grecia. See ancient stalactites in 

Argostoli. You might have to travel off the beaten path, but that's true of many bucket list destinations.

6. Russia Cruises

See timeless cities and plenty of natural splendor on a Russia cruise. Great golden palaces, breathtaking churches, and wonderous palaces are just a few of the sights that you can see on a cruise to St. Petersburg, Russia. 

St. Petersburg has more than 200 museums that house more than three million pieces of art. See how many you can visit on your Norwegian cruise. See the pure gold dome of the St. Isaac Cathedral. It's made of 220 pounds of pure gold. Make sure you explore the flavors of Russia while in St. Petersburg, too. Visit one of the city's many local markets for fresh, artisanal cheese, local produce, natural honey, and caviar. If you cruise to St. Petersburg in June, you'll note that the city's night sky is never dark, which explains St. Petersburg's famous "white nights."

Do you want more bucket list cruise destinations to add to your list?

Matty K Travel Group including Castle Vacations can be found on the web at Mattyktravel.com and Castlevacations.net

These Hilton Hotels Help You Keep New Year's Resolutions

A Five Feet to Fitness guest room at the American Hotel Atlanta Downtown – A DoubleTree by Hilton, Georgia. (Courtesy Hilton)

The start of a new year inevitably brings with it a flurry of resolutions covering everything from exercising more to maintaining a healthier diet.

As we all know, however, following through with such goals can be a significant battle, with many people often giving up altogether by February.

With that in mind, Hilton has just released a list of some of its top properties around the globe where maintaining health and fitness resolutions can not only be far less challenging but dare we say it…even enjoyable.

From mermaid fitness and spin classes overlooking the Pacific Ocean to outdoor red sand warrior pits and personalized fitness assessments, here’s a look at some of the hotels you may want to put on your 2019 travel agenda.

Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, Sedona, Arizona

An upscale getaway, the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock has everything you need to train like a wellness warrior in its outdoor red sand Warrior Pit.

The outdoor boot camp playground includes tires, ropes, sledgehammers, and anchors. The Pit also hosts weekly classes led by a seasoned cross-training instructor. Guests can also book a Wellness Warrier package that includes a private training session in the Pit and unlimited fitness classes at the Sedona Athletic Club.

Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria, Italy

This luxe property’s fully equipped gym includes a range of high-tech cardiovascular, aerobics and weight equipment. There’s also a team of personal trainers on hand who specialize in fitness, muscle-building, yoga, and Pilates. And don’t miss taking a post-workout dip in the 2,500 square foot hot and cold plunge pools with hydro-massage elements.

The American Hotel Atlanta Downtown – A DoubleTree by Hilton, Georgia

Unlike any other hotel in downtown Atlanta, this property boasts revolutionary Five Feet to Fitness guest rooms. What does that mean exactly? The rooms are stocked with more than 11 pieces of fitness equipment and accessory options including Gym Rax, a Fitness Kiosk with more than 200 bespoke fitness videos, a Wattbike, TRX, and a meditation chair.

This unique concept is also available at select hotels in other states including DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Utica in New York, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel El Paso Downtown in Texas, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas – Campbell Center in Texas and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando Airport in Florida.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport, Bloomington, Minnesota

For those who prefer exercising in the great outdoors, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport is just minutes away from the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which features 70 miles of scenic walking trails along the Minnesota River.

If nature isn’t your thing, but you’d still like to get your steps in, the hotel is also minutes away from The Mall of America, which has more than three miles of marked indoor walking paths.

The Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, California

The Beverly Hilton has announced a partnership with Upgrade Labs -- a biohacking health and fitness facility -- to open Upgrade Labs’ second biohacking human upgrade facility in Los Angeles, right inside the famed hotel.

At the 6,000-square-foot facility, guests and locals alike will be able to take advantage of an inside-out approach to improving physical and cognitive performance. There will be a range of cutting-edge technologies allowing the facility to offer experiences such as EEG brain training, meditative inductions, and recovery treatments to help guests bounce back from things such as injuries or medical procedures.

Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton, Indian Wells, California

Nestled at the base of California's Santa Rosa Mountains, this peaceful desert oasis aims to keep guests relaxed and healthy with an award-winning Well Spa, three swimming pools, daily wellness classes, and 18-hole golf courses. The resort’s signature restaurant, Citrus & Palm, meanwhile, will help keep your diet on track. Many ingredients are grown at the resort or in partnership with local farmers.

Waldorf Astoria Berlin, Germany

For those looking to restore inner calm and recharge the body, Waldorf Astoria Berlin’s Guerlain Spa may be just the place. Spanning 1,000 square feet, this “beauty universe” features six therapy rooms, a cloud-shaped pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, terrace, a five-sense hydrotherapy Vichy shower, and a 24-hour fitness center.

Guests can also engage in personal training to improve flexibility and achieve the perfect balance between body and soul, with Guerlain’s customized fitness plans.

American Airlines Resumes Service to St. Marteen and St. Thomas

12/26/2018

American Airlines is resuming service from New York Kennedy and Philadelphia to St. Thomas and St. Maarten this week, ending a 15-month hiatus caused by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. 

Flights from Philadelphia resumed Wednesday and flights from New York launch Saturday. 

American flies year-round daily service from Philadelphia to St. Maarten and four times per week year-round from Philadelphia to St. Thomas.

From Kennedy, the carrier operates a Saturday flight year-round to St. Thomas and Saturday winter seasonal service to St. Maarten.

Contact The Matty K Travel Group for all your travel needs

www.mattyktravel.com

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PHOTO: Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Temple in Kensington, Maryland. (photo via PBallay/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

As people prepare for the holiday season, AAA is forecasting a record-breaking 112.5 million travelers will take to the nation’s runways, roads and rails during the year-end holidays.

The estimated 112.5 million travelers would represent a 4.4 percent increase over last year and the most since AAA has been tracking holiday travel. 

In total, more than 102 million people who will pack up their cars for the 11-day, year-end holiday travel period between December 22 and January 1, 2019, a 4.4 percent increase from last year.

Another 6.7 million people will fly to their destinations this year, a 4.2 percent increase and the highest number in 15 years. As for those traveling on a train, bus or cruise ship, a total of 3.7 million passengers will be utilizing these other means of transportation. 

“’Tis the season for holiday travel, and more Americans than ever will journey to spend time with friends and family or choose to take a vacation,” AAA Travel managing director Bryan Shilling said. “Strong economic growth fueled by robust consumer spending continues to drive strong demand for seasonal travel. With a record-breaking one-third of the country choosing to travel this holiday, roadways and airports are sure to be busy.”

Driving this year could be a headache, as the most congestion on the roads will come before the holiday week, starting on December 19. Drivers in Atlanta, New York City, Boston and Houston will see travel times more than three times a normal trip.

As for fuel prices, a recent drop resulted in the cheapest national gas price averages of the year at $2.46 for the first week of December, which is two cents per gallon less than one year ago.

For those looking to avoid the busiest travel times at the airport, December 22, December 23 and December 26 will be the most congested days in the skies, while Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are the lightest travel days around the holidays.

Daily rates for car rentals have increased three percent over the last year, averaging $76 per day, making it the most expensive rate of the last 10 years. On the other hand, the average price of a AAA Three Diamond hotel fell three percent.

AAA also provided a list of the top 10 most popular holiday destinations, including:

1. Orlando, Florida

2. Cancun, Mexico

3. Anaheim, California (Disneyland)

4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

5. Montego Bay, Jamaica

6. Honolulu, Hawaii

7. New York, New York

8. Kahului, Hawaii (Maui)

9. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

10. Miami, Florida

Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras to Feature First-Ever Roller Coaster at Sea

PHOTO: Rendering of BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras. (photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

The largest Carnival Cruise Line ship ever constructed will also feature the industry's first-ever roller coaster at sea when it debuts in 2020, the cruise line announced Thursday.

Carnival's highly anticipated Mardi Gras will feature BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, an open-air thrill ride encompassing hundreds of feet of twists, turns and drops that riders will experience at speeds of up to 40 mph.

Developed by Munich-based Maurer Rides, the all-electric roller coaster will race along the track nearly 190 feet above sea level, providing riders with dramatic 360-degree views of the ship's surroundings.

Utilizing a motorcycle-like vehicle carrying up to two riders at a time, BOLT will launch guests around the nearly 800-foot-long track, which will culminate with a hairpin turn around the ship's iconic funnel.

Perhaps the coolest part is that guests will be able to select their own speed (via a gas pedal), which will then be posted after the race. Riders will also have their photo taken during the ride.

"Mardi Gras will be our most innovative ship ever with some truly special features and attractions, highlighted by BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea," Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said in a statement. "BOLT will continue the tradition of Carnival providing exciting new ways for our guests to 'Choose Fun.' We are so thrilled to introduce this one-of-a-kind, game-changing, exhilarating attraction—our guests are going to love it."

Soar over the ocean on BOLT, the first ever roller coaster at sea. We're taking innovation to new heights on Mardi Gras ! Strap in cruisers, 2020 is gearing up to be the ride of a lifetime! #ChooseFun #CarnivalMardiGras pic.twitter.com/p86zUgQH6c

— Carnival Cruise Line (@CarnivalCruise) December 13, 2018

Once launched, Mardi Gras will be based in Port Canaveral, Florida.

Carnival plans to reveal itinerary information early next month and additional details regarding its features over the course of 2019. A second XL-class ship will start construction in 2020 and be delivered in 2022 to mark the cruise line's 50th anniversary.

Royal Caribbean Oasis coming to NYC in 2020

PHOTO: Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas Cruise Ship. (Photo via RobertsGalleries / iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus)

Royal Caribbean International is charting a new course with its 2020-21 deployment plans, touting a fleet of Royal Amplified ships sailing to exciting destinations. An amped up Oasis of the Seas will greet Lady Liberty and deliver new vacations from the Northeast with seven-night Caribbean itineraries that include an unforgettable day at the cruise line’s highly anticipated private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas.

Oasis will be the first ship in her class and the world’s largest to sail from the Northeast. For the first time since 2015, Anthem of the Seas will return to the U.K. to sail alongside Independence of the Seas, marking the cruise line’s biggest presence in the region to-date.

Celebrating its one-year anniversary in summer 2020, Perfect Day at CocoCay will welcome 10 ships from more ports than any previous deployment, including newly added Galveston, Texas, as well as Barcelona, Spain on Allure and Rhapsody of the Seas’ transatlantic sailings in November 2020.

Adventure seekers from around the world will have more opportunity than ever to discover the thrill and chill experiences that await the whole family, including the tallest waterslide in North America, the Caribbean’s largest wave pool, and the highest vantage point in The Bahamas from a helium balloon that rises 450 feet in the air. Delivering on its promise of creating memorable vacations on land and on board, Royal Caribbean will tout seven ships in 2020-21 that have emerged from the global cruise line’s $1 billion Royal Amplified modernization program launched in 2018, introducing a wide range of bold, new adventures designed to appeal to all ages.

The Perfect Vacation for all Seasons: Caribbean & Northeast

Big news for the Big Apple – Oasis of the Seas, the ship that revolutionized cruise vacations in 2009 with game-changing industry firsts, from the unique seven-neighborhood concept to the iconic AquaTheater performance venue, will undergo a bow-to-stern transformation in 2019 and become the first Royal Amplified ship to sail from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, N.J., starting in May 2020. Oasis of the Seas will transport travelers to the clear blue waters of The Bahamas all summer with seven-night itineraries, as well as a select number of short cruises north to New England and Canada.

Adventure of the Seas will return to Cape Liberty, sailing a variety of five- and nine-night summer and fall itineraries to Bermuda, New England and Canada, The Bahamas and the Caribbean. Travelers can extend leaf peeping season on Vision of the Seas, which will offer three 10- to 11-night open-jaw itineraries between Bayonne and Quebec City with an overnight in Quebec’s capital–a UNESCO World Heritage treasure and North America’s only fortified city.

Symphony of the Seas and sister ship Harmony of the Seas, the ultimate family ships, will return to PortMiami and Port Canaveral, Fla., respectively, offering seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Both ships will feature visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the ultimate destination for thrill and chill, on nearly all sailings.

Brilliance of the Seas will light up Boston in the fall, sailing seven- to 10-night cruises to Canada starting in September 2020, while Grandeur of the Seas continues to offer nine-night itineraries to Canada and New England for fall foliage from her year-round homeport in Baltimore, Md. Grandeur will embark on a combination of five- and nine-night itineraries to Bermuda and The Bahamas in the summer months, and transition to nine-night Southeast Coast & Bahamas and 12-night Southern Caribbean cruises for the winter. Northeast, Canada and Bermuda itineraries will be available to book as of December 13, 2018.

In 2020, San Juan, Puerto Rico will welcome what will be the newly modernized Freedom of the Seas. The largest ship to ever homeport in San Juan will return for the third consecutive year to sail seven-night itineraries year-round throughout the Southern Caribbean, traveling beyond the typical getaway to exotic destinations like Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis; St. Johns, Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia and Bridgetown, Barbados. Rounding out the seven-night Caribbean offerings is Liberty of the Seas, which will continue to sail from Galveston to the Western Caribbean ahead of her own highly anticipated amplification in early 2021. The seven-night Bahamas, Bermuda and Caribbean itineraries will be available to book as of December 13, 2018.

In 2020, San Juan, Puerto Rico will welcome what will be the newly modernized Freedom of the Seas. The largest ship to ever homeport in San Juan will return for the third consecutive year to sail seven-night itineraries year-round throughout the Southern Caribbean, traveling beyond the typical getaway to exotic destinations like Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis; St. Johns, Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia and Bridgetown, Barbados. Rounding out the seven-night Caribbean offerings is Liberty of the Seas, which will continue to sail from Galveston to the Western Caribbean ahead of her own highly anticipated amplification in early 2021. The seven-night Bahamas, Bermuda and Caribbean itineraries will be available to book as of December 13, 2018.

Memory-Making Moments: Short Caribbean

No stranger to Perfect Day at CocoCay, two of Royal Caribbean’s Amplified ships – Mariner of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas – will continue to elevate short Caribbean getaways all year with 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday itineraries to The Bahamas. Reimagined in 2018, Mariner will continue to sail from Port Canaveral in Orlando, Fla., while an amped up Navigator will remain a resident of Miami, sailing from the cruise line’s state-of-the-art Terminal A.

Navigator will be the third ship to be reimagined in February 2019, building on the successes of the brand’s Royal Amplified fleet modernization program to incorporate a lineup of firsts and Royal Caribbean favorites with new experiences, including an awe-inspiring Caribbean poolscape, two daring waterslides–introducing the longest aqua coaster at sea–the first blow dry bar the industry, elevated nightlife and dining, and thrilling activities. Short Caribbean itineraries are now open to book.

Sharing the Texas-sized spotlight, Enchantment of the Seas will, for the first time from Galveston, offer a lineup of sailings to Perfect Day at CocoCay for adventurous vacationers who want to wrangle first-time experiences that will top any bucket list. Enchantment will continue a mix of 4- and 5-night Western Caribbean sailings in the summer, perfect for short getaways and first-time cruise vacationers.

Fresh Adventures & Discoveries: Europe

The Old World will get a new spin with Royal Caribbean’s summer 2020 deployment. Longtime New York resident, Anthem of the Seas, will make the journey across the Atlantic to Southampton, England returning for the first time in five years. Anthem is set to embark on her biggest adventure yet as the Quantum Class ship visits coastal towns along the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Canary Islands, on eight- to 14-night itineraries.

Modernized in 2018, Independence of the Seas will return to Southampton for the season and sail seven- to 14-night cruises around the Norwegian Fjords, Canary Islands and North Africa, Scandinavia & Russia, and Italian Mediterranean, including new destinations Agadir, Morocco and Ponta Delgada in Portugal’s Azores archipelago in the mid-Atlantic. Vacationers can also revel in the beauty of the Baltic with a 14-night itinerary–a first for a Freedom Class ship–featuring an overnight in Copenhagen, Denmark and two nights in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Royal Amplified will reach the far corners of Europe as Allure of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas debut multimillion-dollar modernizations as they journey across Europe for the 2020 summer and fall seasons to rediscover legendary landmarks, charming coastlines and the diverse cultures. Allure of the Seas will be the first Royal Amplified Oasis Class ship in Europe, offering seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries that depart from Barcelona. From Rome, the reimagined Explorer will offer a mix of seven- to 12-night sailings along the Greek Isles, uncovering storied temples, amphitheaters and villages.

Vision of the Seas will join Allure in Barcelona for the summer and fall seasons to offer travelers 12-night cruises across the Mediterranean, as Rhapsody of the Seas returns to Venice, Italy for the summer to offer shorter itineraries, alternating between Greece & Croatia and the Greek Isles. Copenhagen will welcome Jewel of the Seas for the season, as the ship sails a mix of seven-night itineraries through the Norwegian Fjords and Scandinavia & Russia. Brilliance of the Seas will return to Amsterdam for a third summer, sailing 12-night Baltic itineraries and a special 12-night sailing around the British Isles.

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, adventurers can board Brilliance for a 15-night artic crossing as the ship repositions from Amsterdam to Boston, Mass. European itineraries will be available to book the week of December 17, 2018. All itineraries will be open to book by Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members one day prior to the general opening date.

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SOURCE: Royal Caribbean International press release.

Matty K Travel 516.366.9008 
www.mattyktravel.com