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My Favorite 2016 Travels May Be Your Favorite 2017 Travels

12/30/2016

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This year we've traveled to many hotels and resorts along with taking a wonderful cruise. I love being able to experience both types of vacations. From amazing fine dining to luxurious accommodations and exciting ocean adventures, here are my favorite 10 top picks from our 2016 travels. Click the links or pictures to explore and they may just become your new favorite 2017 travel destinations! 

Cruising

Experience Luminae on Celebrity Reflection
After cruising on many Celebrity Cruises ships, we went back on Celebrity Reflection for a second time this year and experienced the "suite" life. Luminae, the restaurant for suite guests, is absolutely wonderful and exceeds many five-star restaurants even on land. If you have the opportunity to cruise in a suite with Celebrity Cruises, it's definitely a treat to dine in Luminae.
Luminae on Celebrity Cruises

Hotels

Royal Sonesta, Harbor Court, Baltimore, Maryland
The view...what a view! Not only is this a stunning and elegant hotel but it's only a quick walk to many of Baltimore Inner Harbor's attractions. 
Royal Sonesta in Inner Harbor
Kimpton's Hotel Monaco, Baltimore, Maryland
Gorgeous and luxurious, the Hotel Monaco is extremely comfortable for families (and their pets!) visiting Baltimore. With a gracious staff and fantastic location right in the downtown area, you'll also find numerous amenities to enjoy. The xbox in their room with bunkbeds was my boys favorite. 
Hotel Monaco in Baltimore, Maryland
Sir Francis Drake, A Kimpton Hotel, San Francisco, California
The Sir Francis Drake is in a fantastic location right in the heart of Union Square in San Francisco. The staff will make your feel like you've come home the minute you arrive. Plus, they have wonderful and delicious  Scala's Bistro which quickly became one of my favorite restaurants!  
Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco
Lago Mar Resort and Club, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
A family owned hidden gem, this is a top pick for service, dining and activities for families when visiting Fort Lauderdale. You can't beat the beachfront location and casual elegant ambiance. 
Lago Mar Resort and Club

Restaurants

B&O Brasserie, Hotel Monaco, Baltimore, Maryland
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it's a wonderful restaurant for the guests of Kimpton's Hotel Monaco, as well as for locals looking for a great place to have a delicous meal or drink. 
B&O Brasserie
Arcadia, San Jose, California
A highlight of Michael Mina's culinary genius, Arcadia is a one of a kind restaurant located right in the San Jose Marriott. The food is not only delicious but plated like artwork. 
Arcadia in San Jose Marriott
LB Speakeasy, Lord Baltimore Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland
This made my list not only for the unique cocktails and delicious pre-dinner delights, but the history of how it was recently rediscovered is fascinating. It's a perfect spot for adults to relax by a cozy fireplace and feel like you are part of a bygone era. 
LB Speakeasy at Lord Baltimore Hotel
LB Bakery, Lord Baltimore Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland
Absolutely amazing and delicious bakery! With an award winning pastry chef, the variety of culinary choices are unbelieveable. 
LB Bakery at Lord Baltimore Hotel

Activities

Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco, CA
Fantastic aquarium located right on ​Pier 39 in the heart of beautiful San Francisco. Walk through glass tunnels and experience sharks, fish, and other numerous ocean life swimming all around you. 
Aquarium of the Bay
I hope to be able to revisit many of these destinations again in 2017 as well as explore many more. Let me know if you plan to visit any and I'm happy to give you specific tips and suggestions to make it the best year for your luxury family travel on land and sea ever! 
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    ​Thanks for cruising by! ​ Along with creating this website and blog, I work in an office full-time and as a mom to two energetic young men. With our family's busy work and school schedule, we look forward to traveling during holidays. Although it seems that our family can never agree on anything, we do when it comes to vacations. We typically travel on cruises or stay at luxury hotels while enjoying upscale dining, beautiful decor, excellent service, and spacious accommodations. However, we still need family friendly and comfortable! When we are not traveling, I enjoy dining out locally, as well as cooking and baking in my own kitchen.
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  • Home
  • Blog
  • Destinations
    • Alaska Inside Passage
    • Arizona: Scottsdale and Sedona
    • Mid-Atlantic Region >
      • Baltimore, MD
      • National Harbor, MD
      • Philadelphia, PA
      • Richmond, VA
      • Washington D.C.
    • Bay Area, California
    • Florida >
      • Boca Raton
      • Fort Lauderdale
      • Key West >
        • Key West Excursions
      • Miami
      • Orlando
    • Bermuda
    • Eastern Caribbean
    • Western Caribbean
    • Bahamas
  • Ships
    • Celebrity Cruises >
      • Celebrity Cruises Fleet
      • Celebrity Equinox
      • Celebrity Reflection
      • Celebrity Silhouette
      • Celebrity Solstice
      • Celebrity Summit
      • Celebrity Constellation
    • Crystal Cruises >
      • Crystal Cruises Fleet
    • Princess Cruises Fleet
    • Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet
    • River Cruises >
      • American Cruise Lines
      • Victory Cruise Lines
    • Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
  • Cabins
    • Celebrity Cabins >
      • Deluxe Staterooms
      • Sky Suite
      • Celebrity Suite
      • Royal Suite
      • Michael's Club
      • Celebrity Cruises Stateroom List
    • Crystal Cabins
    • Princess Cruises
    • Royal Caribbean Cabins
    • Holland America Cabins
  • Dining
    • Hotels and Restaurants
    • Celebrity Dining >
      • Celebrity Specialty Dining >
        • Luminae >
          • Luminae for Alaska on Celebrity Solstice
        • La Petite Chef
        • Ocean Liners/Murano
        • The Porch
        • Sushi on Five
        • Tuscan Grille
        • Cafe al Bacio & Gelateria
        • Lawn Club Grill
        • Blu
        • Edge Class Dining
      • Menus
      • Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages
      • Celebrity Cruises Room Service
    • Crystal Dining
    • MSC Menus
    • Oceania Menus
    • Princess Dining
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity Entertainment >
      • Celebrity Cruises Canyon Ranch Spa Services
      • The Alcoves
      • Celebrity Today's
      • Celebrity Cruises for Kids
      • Celebrity Cruises Exclusive Perks
    • Crystal Entertainment
    • Princess Entertainment
    • Royal Caribbean Entertainment
    • Holland America Entertainment
  • Quick Tips
    • FAQs
    • What to Pack for a Cruise
    • Which Cabin is Best for Me?
    • Favorite Travel Products
    • Excursions
    • Cruising with Groups
    • Celebrations
    • Tipping
    • Beauty Tips
    • Quiz
    • Celebrity Cruises Luggage Valet Service
    • Budgeting for Vacation
    • Travel Tip Tuesdays