Vacations To Go

Dear Mr. Sterling,

I'm just back from a Caribbean cruise on the Harmony of the Seas and my report is below. To skip straight to this week's cruise deals, please scroll down.

Stepping aboard Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas for the first time, I knew I was in for a new style of cruising. I'd never set sail on a ship of this size, and I was in awe of the vibrant atmosphere and the sheer scale of things.

I chose this ship because I wanted to finally experience one of Royal Caribbean's innovative, record-setting megaships, and the Harmony of the Seas sails from Galveston, only an hour from VTG headquarters in Houston.

I chose an 8-night itinerary because it included Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island that is so popular it has become a must-see for experienced cruisers and novices alike.

Here is my story starting with -- where else? -- the food!

What is it about being at sea that sparks such a hearty appetite? Usually, breakfast is a quick affair for me, or skipped altogether. But somehow, I found time for a delicious breakfast feast at the Windjammer Marketplace, a bustling buffet that also serves lunch and dinner.

Evenings found us in the main dining room or in one of the ship's specialty restaurants, all of which were excellent. My only disappointment was that we ran out of dinners before we could try them all. My favorites:

Chops Grille: Royal Caribbean's signature steakhouse delivers perfectly grilled steaks, fresh seafood, and classic sides in a traditional, upscale setting.
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi: Diners can choose between fresh sushi and sashimi or a lively hibachi experience where talented chefs cook and entertain right at the table.
Coastal Kitchen: Exclusively for suite guests and Pinnacle Club members, this restaurant offers a fresh fusion of California and Mediterranean flavors, providing a lighter yet refined dining experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

A word to the wise: If you have your heart set on any of the specialty dining experiences, book your reservations in advance of boarding, peak times fill up quickly.

The Harmony of the Seas truly shines when it comes to activities. The Ultimate Abyss, an exhilarating 10-story dry slide, delivers pure adrenaline, as do the trio of Perfect Storm waterslides that twist and turn. The FlowRider surf simulator was in constant use, inviting attempts to master the waves, while the zip line offered a unique (if quick) aerial perspective of the ship's top decks.

Beyond the high-octane thrills, the ship provides many ways to play: pickleball, basketball, soccer, rock climbing, mini-golf, water volleyball, dodgeball and ping pong are among the options. The ice skating rink, home to spectacular shows, also offers sessions for guests.

Adventure Ocean, an assortment of kids' clubs divided by age, is a phenomenal success. A fantastic staff helps kids make new friendships and will have them looking forward to each day's activities.

The entertainment on Harmony of the Seas stands as a testament to Royal Caribbean's commitment to world-class experiences. The Royal Theater hosted a Broadway-caliber production of "Grease," with memorable performances and elaborate sets and costumes.

Equally mesmerizing were the AquaTheater shows, featuring daring acrobats, synchronized swimmers and high divers performing against the stunning backdrop of the ocean, under the stars.

We also enjoyed the artistry of ice-skating shows that you'd hardly expect to find in the middle of the Caribbean. Beyond these productions, live music filled every corner of the ship, from the jazz rhythms in Central Park to lively bands on the Royal Promenade, ensuring a festive atmosphere at every turn.

Our adventure unfolded across three beautiful destinations:

Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas: Royal Caribbean has masterfully transformed this private island into an adventure park that is the envy of the cruise industry. Thrill Waterpark boasts the towering Daredevil's Peak, twin Dueling Demons slides, a sprawling wave pool and zip line. Those inclined towards relaxation can find their haven at Chill Island or Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, with a lively swim-up bar. Dining options were abundant and included in the price of the cruise.

While CocoCay is magnificent in its entirety, a private cabana at the exclusive Coco Beach Club was the undeniable highlight of our cruise. There was plush seating for eight, in the sun or shade, a cooler stocked with refreshing beverages, a private shower and safe, and easy access to a stunning infinity pool. A delightful attendant delivered gourmet appetizers, seafood and craft cocktails to our secluded haven.

Note: Even after splitting the cost with friends we were traveling with, this was a major splurge.
Nassau, Bahamas: A short, picturesque ferry ride from Nassau's bustling harbor brought us to Blue Lagoon Island, a private oasis. There you can stroll white-sand beaches, swim or snorkel in clear, turquoise water, interact with gentle and intelligent dolphins and sea lions or simply curl up with a good book.
Cozumel, Mexico: Here we went in search of a local, authentic Cozumel dining experience and found it at Al Chile Restaurant Bar, a short walk from the international cruise port but off the beaten tourist path. Friendly staff helped us navigate a menu of tacos and other traditional dishes, margaritas and mixed drinks. We enjoyed the flavorful food and festive atmosphere. Afterwards, we did some shopping and I headed back to the ship to take photos while most of the passengers were still ashore (see the link to the slideshow below).

Royal Caribbean has a long-standing reputation for pushing the boundaries of cruise ship design, consistently introducing larger and more innovative vessels. This evolution has been marked by a clear progression in ship classes, each building upon the last to offer increasingly elaborate and thrilling onboard experiences.

The ground-breaking "neighborhood" concept divides their newer ships into distinct, themed zones like Central Park (a lush, open-air garden), the Boardwalk (featuring a carousel and arcade), and the AquaTheater (an outdoor amphitheater for high-diving shows). The sheer abundance of dining and entertainment venues and activities means you can tailor your days exactly how you like, whether that's non-stop thrills, relaxation, gourmet dining or exploration of new ports.

By the time we reluctantly disembarked, we found ourselves genuinely missing the ever-smiling Hernaldo, our cabin steward, whose uncanny knack for anticipating our needs and making us laugh made our stateroom a sanctuary. A dedicated crew translates directly into delighted guests, and the Harmony's hard-working staff seem to truly enjoy creating memorable experiences.

I'm quite late to the party in finally experiencing one of Royal Caribbean's megaships, but I now see for myself why they have been so successful. The Harmony of the Seas is a magnificent vessel that offers something for everyone. You really have to see it to believe it.

To see itineraries and prices for the Harmony of the Seas, please click here.
To see all cruises that visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, please click here.
For more about Royal Caribbean and a list of all their ships, please click here.

For a slideshow of my photos from this cruise, please click here.

Next, I'd like to show you the latest discounts and special offers we've negotiated with 10 top cruise lines. The deeply discounted offers below may include free amenities or shipboard credits, which are as good as cash on the ship and can be used for onboard purchases, like spa treatments and shore excursions.

Holland America is offering our customers huge discounts of up to 65% along with shipboard credits of up to $350 per cabin and pre-paid gratuities for two on select sailings. Pay only port fees and taxes for the third and fourth guests in the stateroom on certain voyages, and receive all of the following perks on cabins booked at eligible rates: 1) a signature beverage package, including alcoholic drinks, for all guests in the stateroom, 2) a specialty dining package that includes up to three meals at select venues, 3) a free Wi-Fi package for two guests and 4) a shore excursion credit of up to $600 per cabin. Book by June 29. See dates and prices.

Oceania is offering Vacations To Go customers discounts of up to 77%, plus newly reduced rates, pre-paid gratuities, shipboard credits of up to $1,100 per cabin, a free House Select beverage package, free specialty dining and unlimited internet access on select sailings. Book by June 30. See dates and prices.

Norwegian is offering our customers huge discounts of up to 87% along with free pre-paid gratuities on select balcony and suite cabins and shipboard credits of up to $200 per cabin on some sailings. Plus, cabins booked at eligible rates come with up to 300 minutes of internet per person and a $50 per cabin shore excursion credit on each excursion booked through the cruise line. The following optional offers that involve additional fees are also available: 1) an unlimited open bar for two, 2) a specialty dining package that includes up to five meals for two guests at select restaurants and 3) friends and family pay only port fees and taxes when sharing the same cabin with two adults on select departures. Book by June 30. See dates and prices.

Viking is offering our customers reduced airfare and a choice of either: 1) a free Silver Spirits beverage package and free prepaid gratuities or 2) an onboard credit of up to $1,000 per cabin on select sailings. Pricing includes shore excursions and unlimited internet access. Book by June 30. See dates and prices.

Seabourn has reduced rates by up to 50%, plus get new exclusive pricing on last-minute cruises and shipboard credits of up to $300 per cabin on select departures. The upfront fare of a six-star Seabourn vacation includes gratuities, open bars and fine wines at lunch and dinner. Book by June 30. See dates and prices.

Cunard is providing our customers discounts of up to 60% along with shipboard credits of up to $1,800 per cabin on select sailings. Exclusive pricing is available on a variety of itineraries to the Caribbean and much more. Book certain suite categories and receive free drinks and free gratuities on a variety of sailings. Book by July 2. See dates and prices.

Cunard also released new itineraries for 2027-2028. For dates and prices, click here.

Celebrity has reduced rates by up to 83%. Plus, get shipboard credits of up to $175 per cabin, a free Classic beverage package and unlimited internet access on select sailings booked at eligible rates. In addition, the third and fourth guests pay only port fees and taxes when sharing the same cabin with two adults on some departures. Get exclusive pricing on select Galapagos sailings for a limited time. See dates and prices.

Virgin Voyages is an adults-only line providing fantastic discounts of up to 84% to Vacations To Go customers on a variety of sailings. In addition, receive onboard credits of up to $400 per cabin on select departures. Prices include gratuities, select non-alcoholic beverages and unlimited internet. See dates and prices.

Windstar is offering our customers discounts of up to 83% on select cruises, with exclusive rates on a variety of itineraries. Plus, on select sailings get an onboard credit of up to $1,000 per cabin. See dates and prices.

Crystal is offering discounts of up to 80%. Book now to get exclusive pricing on select voyages. Pricing includes gratuities, unlimited Wi-Fi, butler service in all suites and guest rooms, two complimentary specialty dining reservations, and all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. See dates and prices.

As always, all offers in this newsletter are for new bookings only and subject to availability. Restrictions may apply, and some free amenities and shipboard credits may apply only to eligible rates. Past guests of some cruise lines may see better rates on select sailings.

Here are today's Top 10 Cruises, brand-new specials from the world's best cruise lines. Click the FastDeal # for details.

1) Caribbean, 7 nights on MSC Cruises, departs Port Canaveral Sep 28, starting at $459, save 62%, FastDeal # 44763

2) Pacific U.S. & Canada, 7 nights on Princess, departs Vancouver Sep 27, starting at $604, save 59%, FastDeal # 16549

3) Caribbean, 7 nights on Royal Caribbean, departs Tampa Aug 30, starting at $629, save 60%, FastDeal # 41868

4) Alaska, 7 nights on Holland America, departs Vancouver Aug 31, starting at $754, save 54%, FastDeal # 27191

5) Caribbean, 7 nights on Celebrity, departs Miami Sep 21, starting at $939, save 47%, FastDeal # 41755

6) Greek Islands, 7 nights on Star Clippers, departs Athens (Piraeus) Jul 26, starting at $1,950, save 68%, FastDeal # 14971

7) Northern Europe, 12 nights on Oceania Cruises, departs Kiel Jul 8, starting at $4,499, save 61%, FastDeal # 42296

8) British Isles, 11 nights on Silversea, departs Copenhagen Aug 23, suite starting at $4,850, save 82%, FastDeal # 29318

9) Alaska, 7 nights on Regent, departs Anchorage (Whittier) Sep 10, suite starting at $7,599, save 66%, FastDeal # 15816

10) Australia & New Zealand, 14 nights on Scenic Cruises, departs Darwin Sep 27, suite starting at $8,985, save 70%, FastDeal # 15263

For the best last-minute cruise specials in the next 90 days, please visit our world-famous 90-Day Ticker.
To search for discounts of up to 85% on cruises departing more than 90 days, use our Find a Bargain tool.

To save up to 40% with escorted tours, click here.
For river cruises up to 50% off, click here.
For discounts of up to 50% at hotels and all-inclusive resorts, click here.
For the lowest rates on Africa safaris from budget to luxury in quality, click here.

Once you've found a FASTDEAL, call us at 800-338-4962 (US and Canada) and a cruise counselor will attend to your needs. International customers, please email or call us at +1-713-974-2121.

Please email me your comments, suggestions and questions at alanfox@vacationstogo.com and I will respond the same day.

If you enjoy our newsletter, please forward this email to family and friends.

Sincerely,

Alan Fox
Executive Chairman
Vacations To Go
5851 San Felipe Street, Suite 500
Houston, TX 77057

You are subscribed as info@sterlingcal.com. To update your email address or temporarily suspend, reduce the frequency of or permanently cancel these emails, click here. To ensure delivery of our newsletter, please add vtgmail@list.vacationstogo.com to your approved senders list. Here's how!