Courtyard Marriott at Texas Medical Center Review

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/houmd-courtyard-houston-medical-center/

I had the opportunity to take another business trip to Houston, Texas. If you read my previous review for the Courtyard Marriott at Brookhollow, located a few miles outside Houston, from a few weeks ago you will have found that I gave the hotel a fair review. However, I decided not to stay at the same hotel again because the ending of my stay wasn't so great plus the location is fairly far outside the area of Houston that I was working in. So this time around I decided to stay in a totally opposite area of Houston on the other side of the city near the Houston Medical Campus. This is brand new hotel and has only been open for just about a year, so its perfect timing for a fresh review on it. My thinking about booking this hotel was that it had to be better then the Brookhollow experience from a few weeks ago.

Location: 7 of 10

The Courtyard Marriott is located just a few miles (2.3 miles) from the massive Texas Medical Campus in Houston. The hotel is located right off Main Street and is a straight shot right into the downtown of Houston. The location of this hotel is much better then the Brookhollow hotel by a long shot and has a lot more restaurants, shopping and general stores around the location. Right across from the Courtyard is a Marriott Residence Inn, and from the looks of it, the way the Courtyard is wedged into the property would make one assume that this location was probably the former parking lot for the Residence Inn. The Courtyard has an underground parking garage and extra parking in the back and I saw quite a few people walking from the parking garage to the Residence Inn. Overall, the location is adequate and easy to get to downtown Houston along with Texas Children's Hospital and surrounding medical facilities. However, one word of caution, I do not recommend trying to make a left hand turn out of the parking lot in the morning hours, its nearly impossible. Make a right turn and proceed down Kirby Avenue and go around the circle to get to the stop light on the other side if you have to go down main street. I knocked a full point off the rating because entering/exiting the hotel facilities for BOTH the Residence Inn and the Courtyard is brutal and horribly designed. In the architects/engineers favor, it doesn't seem they had many options to design it any differently.

Service: 4 of 10

Most Marriott Hotels have fairly good service, even the previous stay at Brookhollow had a good service front desk. However, I am not sure what is going on with this Marriott. The front desk staff were a bunch of impolite, moody, unfriendly (insert any other remark!) people that I have dealt with at a Marriott in recent memory. I understand that you may not like your job, but please don't take it out on the guests at the hotel, its unacceptable and extremely unprofessional.

The check-in process was acceptable, although as I mentioned above the the lady checking me in didn't even say good afternoon. When I asked if if I was going to be near the elevators or ice machine I got an attitude back and a response of "Well I put you a door or two down I think, I don't remember, if you are unhappy just call the front desk" and she proceeded to walk away like my question was unacceptable to her.

The check-out process was even worse. First, every hotel should know by know that business people usually check out of their room early, and usually all at the same time. If you only have a single person working the front desk, PLEASE tell them to BE AT THE FRONT DESK! Its very frustrating to have to wait in line for a simple check out and even worse, have to walk around the corner of the front desk and walk into the back room and interrupt a casual conversation between two employees (that had NOTHING to do with work) and ask if you can be checked out!! Unacceptable! This Marriott failed on the "checkout scale" for me for this stay.

Facilities: 7 of 10 for quality - 2 of 10 for Noise Suppression!

This Courtyard had all of the typical Marriott specials and guest services including a gym, computer/office area, available printers, internet cafe (free) and cafe/breakfast bar/dinner bar. The lobby area was very spacious and open along with being inviting. There was a very large meeting area setup and casual area for sitting around and meeting with friends and family and holding small meetings. The hotel itself is designed with the new Marriott style "hip" or "contemporary" themed areas, I am not a huge fan of it but it is inviting and open.

The BIG issue I have with this hotel is the lack of noise suppression in-between the rooms. I have NEVER been in a hotel where you can hear the person in the room next door crystal clear. At first I thought it was because of the pass through connecting doors between the rooms letting sound escape, but I was wrong. I could hear everything the person was saying in the room on my other side too, including his credit card number when he was on the phone ordering/confirming something. Not cool at all!! I don't know if they simply skipped on the sound suppression material between rooms or they used something cheap, but I was absolutely shocked how much I could hear.

Final Rating: 6 of 10

Ok, final rating time, if you can deal with the noise between rooms then this hotel is nice and very acceptable. The rooms are beautiful inside with very comfortable beds and clean new bathrooms with a lot of room and functional layout. I have included some pictures of the room below and as you can see everything is new and designed well. However, I always am able to find something, in my room the carpeting was starting buckle and roll in locations. Basically it happens when the carpet wasn't pulled tight enough during installation, also using a cheap carpet can cause this. Eventually this will become a safety hazard to the elderly and even younger children as the carpet becomes even more uneven and can cause a trip or fall.

Overall, I would stay here again. However I would ask for an end room or a room with no one next to me. Obviously I am sure I will get some "attitude" when asking for this, but the noise was just unacceptable for me, especially considering you can hear every single conversation that occurs between rooms and in the hallway.

Norwegians Take It To The Next Level During Wave Season Sales Event

http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/6510--norwegians-take-it-to-the-next-level-during-wave-season-sales-event.html
To celebrate Wave Season, the best time of the year to book a cruise, Norwegian Cruise Line is offering a jumpstart on the savings by launching its “Norwegians Take it to the Next Level” sales event today. All new cruise reservations on all ships booked from today through March 31, 2012, will receive a free upgrade within the same stateroom category, along with e-coupons providing on-board savings worth $400 (for sailings taking place before December 31, 2012).

With these coupons, guests can take advantage of some of the most popular amenities at sea. Once booked and checked in online, guests will receive electronic coupons for spa treatments, internet minutes and a complimentary dinner in a specialty restaurant.

As a special bonus, from today through December 18, 2011, the line is offering cruisers the opportunity to “take it to the next level” with a mini-suite for the price of a balcony; balcony staterooms for the price of an oceanview, and oceanview staterooms for the price of inside staterooms on all ships and destinations. Cruise deposits during this time for sailings of three days or longer are reduced by 50 percent.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet of 11 Freestyle Cruising® ships sail to popular destinations, including Alaska, Bermuda, Bahamas/Florida, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Pacific Coastal and the Panama Canal. In addition, the line recently unveiled its 2013/14 summer deployment which includes exciting new itineraries, including a third ship in Alaska, four ships in Europe, and Hawaii sailings open through 2015.

Norwegian’s travel partners can take advantage of a variety of customizable marketing tools and downloadable resources for the “Take it to the Next Level” sales event at www.partners.ncl.com, complete with e-mail blasts, banner ads, co-op ads, flyers and more.

The portal also provides a customizable e-vite that can be used to invite guests to cruise night events, along with sharable content for Facebook and Twitter. To help agents familiarize themselves with the 2012 Wave promotional offers, Norwegian has developed a dedicated course on NCL University that walks travel agents through the promotion details. The course is available on www.ncluniversity.com.

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Norwegian Announces 2013/14 Summer Deployment

http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/6488-norwegian-announces-201314-summer-deployment.html
Norwegian Cruise Line today announced its summer deployment for the 2013/2014 season with the addition of a third ship in Alaska. Norwegian Sun, sailing seven-day open jaw itineraries between Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska, will join Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl in Alaska for the summer of 2013, marking the first time the company has offered three ships in Alaska since 2009. For a more in-depth Alaskan experience, the company is also introducing land packages that can be combined with Norwegian Sun’s itinerary. The line’s summer deployment also features four ships sailing in Europe, including the continuation of two year-round, along with two ships cruising to Bermuda.

These cruises* go on sale to Norwegian’s top travel partners and Latitudes Rewards members (past guests) today, December 6, 2011, and to the general public on Thursday, December 8.

“Alaska, with its extraordinary beauty and wildlife, continues to be an extremely popular summer destination for cruisers and therefore there is a lot of demand for increased capacity and more varied and unique cruises,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer. “With the strides made by the state government, we felt the time was right to add a third ship in Alaska, and give our guests the once in a lifetime opportunity to see more of this incredible destination. We’ve also added the option of extending their stay with a Cruisetour that will enhance their overall experience.”

Alaska Deployment

In Alaska, beginning May 20, 2013, Norwegian Sun’s northbound itinerary departs Vancouver, British Columbia on Mondays, and will cruise the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier and make stops in the Alaskan favorites of Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau. On her southbound itineraries from Whittier, Alaska, the ship will cruise the Inside Passage, Sawyer Glacier and Hubbard Glacier, as well as making stops in Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Icy Strait Point.

Beginning May 18, 2013, Norwegian Jewel will sail a series of 18 seven-day Sawyer Glacier itineraries from Seattle, Washington every Saturday with stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Alaska; along with Victoria, British Columbia. Norwegian Jewel not only offers a fantastic itinerary, but also brings extra fun for the kids with Nickelodeon family programming. The 2,394 passenger Norwegian Pearl begins a series of 18 seven-day Glacier Bay itineraries from Seattle, Washington every Sunday with stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Alaska; along with Victoria, British Columbia.

New for the 2013 summer season in Alaska are four Cruisetour options which provide the opportunity to combine a pre or post-cruise land package with Norwegian Sun’s cruises from Whittier, Alaska. Ranging in length from four to six days, the Cruisetours feature two nights in Denali National Park and are fully escorted by a local Alaskan tour guide for the most authentic experience possible. Highlights of the Cruisetours also include a stop at an Iditarod sled dog musher’s house (on four and five-night tours), along with a ride on the Alaskan railroad. More details on the Alaska Cruisetours will be available in early 2012.

Europe Deployment

In Europe, Norwegian Epic will return for her third season, sailing seven-day Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona beginning May 5, 2013 through October 14, 2013. The new Western Mediterranean itinerary features five ports of call in three countries -- Spain, Italy and France -- and a call to Palma, Majorca, Spain. Guests will also have the opportunity to sail round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy or Marseille, France giving them the flexibility to choose the homeport that is more convenient for them. There is also a four-day Western Mediterranean sailing on May 1, 2013.

Norwegian Star will make her debut in the Baltic replacing Norwegian Sun and will offer a series of 15 nine-day Baltic Capital cruises from Copenhagen, Denmark. Some highlights of this popular itinerary include two full days in St. Petersburg, Russia and an afternoon cruise of the Stockholm Archipelago upon the ship’s departure from Stockholm, Sweden. Rounding out the season, Norwegian Star will offer a unique 14-day Norway, Iceland and Faroe Island cruise from Copenhagen on September 19, 2013.

Norwegian Jade returns to Venice on May 4, 2013 for the summer season and will offer alternating seven-day Greek Isles and seven-day Adriatic, Greece and Turkey itineraries. In the fall/winter, Norwegian Jade will reposition to Rome (Civitavecchia) and offer a series of eight 10-day Eastern Mediterranean and nine 11-day Mediterranean & the Holy Land beginning on October 26, 2013 through April 12, 2014.

Beginning on April 17, 2013, Norwegian Spirit will once again sail the waters of the Mediterranean offering 12-day Grand Mediterranean open jaw itineraries from Barcelona, Spain and Venice, Italy through October 14, 2013. The comprehensive itinerary highlights the best of the Mediterranean with nine ports of call in five different countries including an overnight in Venice. On October 26, 2013, Norwegian Spirit begins a series of 20 nine-day Canary Island cruises. Guests will have the option to sail round-trip from Malaga, Spain giving them the flexibility to choose the homeport that is more convenient for them.

Bermuda Deployment

In the summer of 2013, Norwegian Cruise Line will significantly increase its capacity in Bermuda with the arrival of its newest ship, the 4,000-pasenger Norwegian Breakaway, sailing a series of 22 seven-day cruises from New York, New York, beginning May 12, 2013. Departing on Sundays, the ship will spend three full days in Bermuda, along with three days at sea.

The newly refurbished Norwegian Dawn will return to Boston, Massachusetts for the summer on May 3, 2013 and will sail a series of 22 seven-day Bermuda cruises departing every Friday.

Hawaii Deployment

Pride of America will continue as the only US-flagged vessel sailing among all four of Hawai`i’s main islands. Because of popular demand for this itinerary, the company is opening Pride of America’s seven-day Hawai`i inter-island cruises departing Honolulu, Hawaii every Saturday through April 18, 2015**. Ports of call include: an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, Hawai`i; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kaua`i; and an afternoon cruise of the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.

Bahamas “Getaway” Cruises

For a shorter cruise option, Norwegian Sky will continue sailing three- and four-day cruises to the Bahamas year-round from Miami through April 25, 2014. The three-day Bahamas cruise departs on Fridays and includes stops in Nassau, Bahamas and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas, which has recently received $25 million in enhancements, including a new dining facility, marina and expanded beachfront. On Mondays, the ship departs Miami on a four-day Bahamas cruise with stops in Grand Bahama Island, Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island; and Nassau, Bahamas.

7 Exciting, All-New Cruise Ships Launching in 2012/2013

http://www.vacationstogo.com/cruise_newsletter.cfm

It's the time of year when we naturally think of things new and old, so what better occasion is there to announce what the cruise lines have in store for us in 2012?

Next year, eight ships will embark on their maiden voyages for seven different cruise lines. Six will be new-builds, and two are existing ships that will be extensively refurbished and renamed. That's not counting the Norwegian Breakaway, which is set to launch in April 2013.

Below are some highlights of each ship launching in the next 16 months, including links to more information, departure dates and discounts. If you are interested in being among the first passengers to sail on any of these vessels, I recommend calling us as soon as possible. The early sailings of any new-build are generally in very high demand.

First the new-builds:

Disney Fantasy, Disney Cruise Line --- March 31, 2012 --- 4,000 passengers

Sister-ship to Disney Dream, the 5-star Disney Fantasy is 40% larger than the line's other two ships (Disney Magic and Disney Wonder) and in typical Disney style, offers fun for the whole family. Kids will love meeting some of their favorite Disney characters onboard while participating in age-appropriate, supervised activities in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab. 'Tweens and teens can chill out in spaces designed just for them.

When you're ready for some adult time, parents and grandparents can retreat to one of the kids-free areas of the ship such as the Cove Café, featuring coffee, cocktails and Internet access; the Quiet Cove pool; Palo or Remy, specialty restaurants featuring Italian and French cuisine, respectively; or Meridian, a bar with indoor/outdoor seating that sits between Palo and Remy. The inaugural sailing for this ship is nearly sold out.

Riviera, Oceania Cruises --- April 24, 2012 --- 1,258 passengers

Sister-ship to the Marina, the 5.5-star Riviera is about twice the size of the other ships in Oceania's fleet. Six open-seating dining venues offer a variety of cuisines, from Italian to Asian Fusion, and from French to American Continental. Fans of Oceania's signature spaces such as The Patio, Horizons and the Grand Bar will not be disappointed, as each of these venues have a place on this ship.

More than 95% of accommodations boast private balconies and all have large, marble-and-granite bathrooms, LCD flat-screen televisions and exclusive Tranquility beds. Other amenities on the Riviera include the Bon Appétit Culinary Center, offering cooking lessons with experienced chefs, and the Artist Loft, providing instructional courses in fine arts. Very few cabins remain on this ship's inaugural sailing.

Costa Fascinosa, Costa --- May 11, 2012 --- 3,800 passengers

The 4.5-star Costa Fascinosa is a sister-ship to the Costa Favolosa. Interior spaces are inspired by historic films and their protagonists, and will be outfitted with rich colors and sparkling accents. Dancing enthusiasts will enjoy the ballroom and kids will have the time of their lives in the Squok Club, an extensive kids-only space with age-appropriate activities and a pool/water park area.

There will also be an outdoor movie screen, 13 bars and lounges, five hot tubs, a video arcade, a chapel and, of course, the state-of-the-art Samsara Spa, with its wellness center, spa, salon and fitness center. Costa Fascinosa will debut with two four-night, pre-inaugural cruises departing on May 4 and May 7. The ship's official inaugural voyage, a 10-night cruise, will sail roundtrip from Venice on May 11.

MSC Divina, MSC Cruises --- May 27, 2012 --- 4,363 passengers

The 4-star MSC Divina is modeled after sister-ships MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, taking on some of their most popular features, but also incorporates several enhancements. The MSC Yacht Club suite complex will be expanded and will include a private, V.I.P. area with its own restaurant, bar, pool, solarium and concierge. Yacht Club suites also offer butler service.

The state-of-the-art Pantheon Theater will host nightly entertainment, and young guests are sure to like the video game room, called Virtual World. An infinity pool will be situated at the aft of the ship, giving passengers a unique view of the ship's wake and the horizon.

Carnival Breeze, Carnival --- June 3, 2012 --- 3,690 passengers

Like its sister-ships Carnival Magic and Carnival Dream, the 4.5-star Carnival Breeze will feature the WaterWorks aqua park, the tranquil, kids-free Serenity area and extensive children's and teens' areas with activities for three age groups. Adults will enjoy the huge Cloud 9 spa, as well as the scenic whirlpools extending beyond the ship's beam.

Other new features include the laid-back RedFrog Pub, home to Carnival's exclusive house brew, ThirstyFrog Red and Cucina del Capitano, a specialty restaurant featuring family-style Italian fare. Accommodation options include "cove" balcony staterooms located close to the waterline, deluxe oceanview staterooms featuring two bathrooms, and spa staterooms and suites with exclusive amenities and spa privileges.

Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity --- October 12, 2012 --- 3,030 passengers

When it debuts, the 5.5-star Celebrity Reflection will be the fifth and final ship in Celebrity's popular Solstice class. Now-familiar Solstice-class features, such as the Lawn Club and AquaSpa are represented, along with new venues such as the Lawn Club Grill; The Alcoves, a cabana-style retreat; and the Art Studio, with hands-on instruction in things like painting, drawing, beading, mixology and cooking.

New AquaClass Suites feature 40-inch LCD televisions, large verandas and the service of a butler. Guests staying in these suites receive priority seating at the exclusive Blu restaurant, and unlimited access to AquaSpa facilities, including the Persian Garden and Relaxation Room.

Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian --- April 30, 2013 --- 4,000 passengers

As the newest member of an innovative fleet, the 5-star Norwegian Breakaway will incorporate the most popular elements of all of Norwegian's existing ships, as well as introduce some exciting new features. Staterooms will have a contemporary feel with clean, modern lines and a neutral palette with splashes of color. The extremely popular Studio staterooms from the Norwegian Epic, designed and priced with solo travelers in mind, will be featured, as well as an exclusive area called The Haven, a private enclave home to the most luxurious accommodations on the vessel, tucked away near the top of the ship.

Norwegian's ships are known for their unique hull artwork, and Norwegian Breakaway will be no different. Renowned pop artist Peter Max, whose other large projects have included an airplane and a stage for Woodstock, will paint the ship's hull. Few details about this ship's public spaces have been released at this time.

And now, the ships that will be refurbished and renamed:

Costa neoRomantica, Costa --- February 20, 2012 --- 1,800 passengers

Formerly the Costa Romantica, this 4-star ship is being completely restyled and refurbished before it emerges as the neoRomantica. Two half-decks and more than 100 cabins are being added, and an additional 120 cabins and suites will receive private balconies.

Among the other new features will be a wine bar, a coffee and sweets bar, a show lounge bar with a dance floor, a new specialty restaurant and the Samsara Spa, a wellness area with a gym, thalassotherapy pool, sauna and Turkish bath.

MV Voyager, Voyages of Discovery --- November 17, 2012 --- 556 passengers

Formerly the Alexander von Humboldt, the 3-star MV Voyager is small enough to reach off-the-beaten-path ports, yet large enough to offer all the comforts of cruising on a much larger ship. Eighty-six percent of staterooms feature ocean views, and all have a TV, hair dryer and safe. Suites come with a few extra perks, such as bathrobes, slippers, a fruit basket and bottle of champagne.

There are three restaurants onboard, two with open seating, plus four bars, an Internet center, a swimming pool, two hot tubs and a gym.

Royal Caribbean Introduces Dining Packages

http://www.shipcriticblog.com/royal-caribbean-introduces-dining-packages/?

Royal Caribbean International today announced seven dining packages for those who plan to dine in specialty restaurants ranging from $50 to $120 per person. The cruise line says the packages offer savings of “at least 25 percent” compared to the sum of the individual restaurants cover charges.

Additionally, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are offering exclusive reservation-only, themed parties for guests to join in a special onboard celebration. The dining packages and special parties aboard Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas are ideal to help celebrate an anniversary, birthday or milestone.

Aboard Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, guests have a choice of three dining packages. The Central Park Dining Package, at $65 per guest, includes Giovanni’s Table Italian Trattoria, 150 Central Park fine-dining restaurant and Chops Grille steakhouse, all located in the ship’s lush Central Park neighborhood. The Chef’s Dining Package, at $120 per guest, includes the five-course, gourmet Chef’s Table and wine pairing, 150 Central Park and Chops Grille. The Choice Dining Package includes Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table and a choice of Izumi Asian Cuisine or Solarium Bistro aboard Oasis of the Seas ($50 per guest) or Samba Grill Brazilian steakhouse aboard Allure of the Seas ($55 per guest.)

Guests aboard Radiance of the Seas may choose the Radiance Dining Package, which includes Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi and Samba Grill for $70 per guest. The Radiance Chef’s Dining Package adds the Chef’s Table, offering an opportunity to experience every onboard specialty dining venue at $120 per guest. Splendour of the Seas also offers a Chef’s Dining Package for $105 per guest, which includes the Chef’s Table, Chops Grille and Izumi.

Additionally, guests can opt to join in special reservation-only parties aboard the two ships that share the title of the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ships. In the evenings, guests can enjoy ‘Rita’s Fiesta’ in Rita’s Cantina on Allure of the Seas’ Boardwalk, which feature the restaurant’s most popular dishes and up to three non-alcoholic beverages for a $10 cover charge per guest, or $20 for up to three alcoholic beverages. The ‘Surf’s Up Party’ in the Seafood Shack on Oasis of the Seas’ Boardwalk also features the restaurant’s most popular dishes and three non-alcoholic beverages for a cover charge of $15 per guest, or $25 per guest for up to three alcoholic beverages.

Allure of the Seas also offers guests a 1920s-themed ‘Prohibition Party’ on every fifth night in the Jazz on 4 lounge in Entertainment Place. Guests are invited to don their favorite Jazz Age outfit and step back in time. This event is only open to guests ages 21 and older and has a cover charge of $35 per guest, which includes alcoholic beverages.

All specialty dining packages and celebration parties can be immediately reserved at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/PreCruisePlanner, as well as aboard the select ships.

Norwegian Cruise Line revamps Latitudes loyalty program

http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/post/2011/12/norwegian-cruise-line-latitudes-loyalty-program/578252/1?csp=34travel&
Norwegian Cruise Line today officially announced a major overhaul of its 16-year-old loyalty program that will bring more perks to customers who book the line's longer cruises.

The newly named Latitudes Rewards program (a slight change from its old name, Latitudes), will reward customers with one point for every night they spend on one of Norwegian's 11 ships. Until now, customers have gotten one point for each cruise taken, no matter its length.

The change, which has been leaking out on cruise fan message boards in recent days, means customers who sail regularly on seven-night or longer Norwegian sailings will accumulate more points and reach elite status faster than those sailing on shorter three- and four-night sailings.

As part of the change, Norwegian says that customers also will earn additional reward points when booking a suite; when booking nine months or more in advance; or when booking one of the line's monthly Latitudes Rewards Insider offers.

"The satisfaction and loyalty of our guests is very important to us," Norwegian CEO Kevin Sheehan says in a statement accompanying the announcement. "Our new Latitudes Rewards program demonstrates our commitment to delivering the highest levels of guest satisfaction while rewarding our loyal guests with enhanced benefits."

The Norwegian loyalty program will continue to have four tiers, but the number of points it takes to reach each of the tiers is changing. The lowest tier, called Bronze level, will be for customers who have amassed one to 19 points (until now it was for those who had sailed up to five cruises). The next tier, called Silver level, will be for customers who have earned 20 to 47 points (previously, it was for those who had sailed 6-9 cruises).

The top two tiers, Gold and Platinum, will be for customers who have earned 48-75 points or 76-plus points, respectively. Until now they have been for customers who had sailed 10-14 or 15-plus cruises, respectively.

In addition to current member benefits such as priority check-in, members-only cocktail parties and access to an on-board program representative, benefits have been added to the program, Norwegian says. Among them, for cruises departing on or after Dec. 5, will be such on-board perks as chocolate covered strawberries and nightly treats delivered to rooms, ship pins and discounts on photo gallery packages.

Latitudes Rewards members also will now be able to see their total rewards points, tier status and cruise history at ncl.com/myncl.

Norwegian says current Latitudes members automatically will be enrolled in the new Latitudes Rewards program and will remain in at least the same tier as they have been in until now. Depending on how many nights they have sailed with Norwegian and in what cabin categories, some customers may find themselves upgraded to a higher tier than in the past, the line says.

This is the first major change to Norwegian's loyalty program since it introduced a tier system for rewards in 2005. It's the first time the company has changed the way customers earn points.

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Courtyard Brookhollow - Marriott, Houston, TX

Brief Intro:
Upon arriving at the hotel you will be greeted with an older looking hotel from the outside. When entering the facility immediately inside the doors is the front desk, literally 10 feet from the door. This can become an issue when a lot of travelers are checking into the hotel at the same time and causes a huge back up out the door to the outside as there isn't much room to "wrap around" the check-in area.

Hotel Location:
The hotel itself is situated in a "questionable" part of Houston, its not quite on the outskirts but its also not in city limits. The other problem is the lack of food/restaurants established. There are two smaller restaurants in walking distance, a Mexican restaurant called Juanita and a sandwich shop called Antone's. I had the luxury of eating at both locations and I must say that Antone's was the best and was actually a halfway decent sandwich shop that wasn't over priced. The Mexican restaurant itself wasn't as good and the service wasn't great. For example, I ordered a Margarita, regular, on the rocks and it took me to ask the waiter twice where my drink was.

Hotel Facility:
It is fairly obvious that the hotel facility itself is on the older side of hotels but not horribly out of date. It seems like the entrance, lobby, main food and meeting areas were recently refreshed and are very nice contemporary style atmosphere about it. However, once you leave these areas you will quickly find out that this refresh stopped there! The carpeting throughout the hotel needs to be replaced including the rooms. The bathrooms also could use a refreshment but aren't absolutely horrible. The hotel does have a pool that was operational when I was there and was very clean. The hotel was clean and organized and my room was always cleaned and made up well when returning from a long day. There was also a small work out gym with a few gym items including a treadmill and bike.

Hotel Bar/Food/Breakfast:
The hotel did have a fairly decent breakfast selection and eating area which was staffed by a very nice staff and provided requested items very quickly and efficiently. There is free coffee (barista bold, no free Starbucks, sorry) which is "drinkable" coffee but the bar area provides a semi full Starbucks coffee menu along with the steep prices that come with it. I ordered a mocha latte one day and it was very well made and met my standards. I also ate breakfast here every morning and I must say, for hotel food, it made my top ten! I think mostly this was due to the very friendly and caring staff that were always friendly no matter how early it was or how tired I looked!

Final Words: Watch the Area...and your car!!
Upon leaving the hotel on the last morning that I was there I walked out of the side door of the facility to go to my rental car. To my surprise, right outside the door to the right I notice a car on cinder blocks!! No joke! So I am thinking, ok from my angle maybe they had two flat tires? No way! I walked around the car and I see all four tires are on cinder blocks!! Amazing. This occurred during a full hotel occupancy, right outside multiple rooms of the first and second floors AND right outside an exit door. I felt bad for whoever the car belonged too, let alone this happening in a HOTEL PARKING LOT! I strongly recommend parking your car on the other side of the hotel near the road where it can be seen by passing traffic at least.

Other than some improvements that can definitely be made the hotel is "acceptable" however, if you have the ability to stay at a hotel closer to the city I would recommend that option. I rate this hotel a 5.5/10 on my hotel review scale, and please, if you do stay at this location in the future, please make sure you don't leave ANY valuables in your car.

Venetian Las Vegas

I returned from my hotly anticipated trip to Las Vegas with my husband a few days ago.  I was dying to write a review about the Venetian, but decided to hold off for a few days while I cooled down because I was very upset with many aspects of my stay.  I am going to try to calmly explain my issues and hopefully someone else’s trip to Las Vegas won’t be ruined like mine was.

First, let me start off by giving a little information on why I chose the Venetian.  We were meeting up with a few friends and they had stayed at the Venetian about 3 years ago and raved about how wonderful everything was.  Their review plus all the awards this luxury hotel has sold us.  So we booked eight nights at about $200 a night plus taxes and the resort fee.

We live on the east coast and of course the day we were set to fly out, we were expecting a major hurricane to disrupt air travel all along the east coast.  I scrambled to change my flight and then was able to contact the Venetian to add an extra night on to our reservation.  The woman I spoke with was polite enough, so no issues there.  When it was time for our flight, we ended up being delayed for quite some time and instead of arriving in Las Vegas about 10:30 at night, we didn’t land until almost 2:00 in the morning.  My husband and I hopped into a taxi and were quickly whisked away to the Venetian.  Check in went smoothly enough, we were given a non-smoking room as requested and basically fell asleep the moment our heads hit the pillow.  We were a little annoyed that you have to walk through the smoky casino to get to the elevators, it made me think that I really wouldn’t want to bring my kids there.

The next morning, we were awoken by LOUD music out by the pool.  We shrugged it off and let it go; we normally wouldn’t have slept in late anyway.  What was annoying was the strong cigarette odor in our room.  Everything in the room smelled like cigarette smoke and we realized it was coming from the air vent.  We called the front desk; they said they would send security to search for the smoker since our entire floor was supposed to be non-smoking.  This was a continuing trend for the rest of the week.  We called at least once a day to let them know that we were again having cigarette smoke smell come through the vent.  It wasn’t until the last day that we were offered a room change.  By that point, we were checking out the next day and didn’t feel like lugging our 9 days worth of luggage downstairs to get our room changed so we just shut the air system off.

The strong cigarette odor in our room plus having to walk through the smoky casino to get everywhere was enough to ruin our stay, but unfortunately those weren’t the only issues we faced.  The lack of empathy we were met with upon each complaint about the smoke in our non-smoking room was a huge issue for us.  We were never offered anything, just for housekeeping to come and ionize our room which hadn’t helped in the past and wouldn’t solve the problem because the smoke was coming through the air vents.  

To continue on the trend of smoking issues, the non smoking areas weren’t enforced.  Many times we were in areas that were supposed to be non smoking and people were smoking both cigarettes and cigars.  I had complained about this also, but was told that there are signs posted and they do enforce the non-smoking areas.  I hadn’t witnessed anyone being told they shouldn’t be smoking regardless of where they were.

On numerous occasions we had to contact the front desk because our room wasn’t cleaned, which meant we didn’t get fresh towels.  Each time we were made to feel like it was our fault for either being in our room too late or come back too early.  Generally we were gone from 8 am – 3 or 4 pm which has always been plenty of time for the room to be cleaned at other hotels.  I guess not here.

During our stay, there was a conference, but the conference attendees never caused any issues for us.  My issue was with one night there was a party for all attendees which was near the Sands Expo area of the Venetian.  After the party was finished at the Sands Expo area, they were continuing the party at the pool. I’m not sure if the pool was closed to other guests or not, but my main concern was that there were only two of the eight elevators that were taking guests to their rooms, the other six were strictly for conference attendees who wished to go down to the pool.  There were a few security guards milling about while I waited over 40 minutes (with about 20 or 30 other guests) for an elevator.  Finally I asked if there were any other options and I was rudely told that the other elevators were for conference attendees only.  I guess the rest of us paying guests didn’t matter to them.  When I finally made it to my room, I called the front desk to complain.  I was told by the woman who answered that she had no idea there was a group of elevators blocked off for the party.  She assured me she would look into it and get back to me because I was interested in going out but didn’t want to be faced with the same issues getting back to my room.  Needless to say, I never heard back so I spent the rest of the evening listening to the loud music from the pool party.

I must mention that the friends of ours who we met up with in Vegas and who were also checked in at the Venetian had issues too.  Two days into their stay they were having so many issues, more than we dealt with, that they checked out of the Venetian and went to stay elsewhere.  They were much happier after they left. 

To be fair I must mention that the rooms were nice and the hotel was beautiful.  

To add the final nail into the coffin, we weren’t asked how our stay was at checkout which really upset me because I was ready to let them know exactly how I felt and see if they would even try to make it right.  Guess they didn't care enough to ask how our stay was.

Then, at the taxi pick up, we explicitly told the bellman that we needed to go to the airport and required a cab which accepts credit cards.  The bellman loaded our luggage into a cab, took the tip we handed him and waived us off.  Unfortunately for us, we were in a taxi that didn’t accept credit cards.  So we had to get dropped off at Treasure Island and had to load everything into a new cab that accepted credit cards.  All the while the cab driver was yelling at US because we should have known he didn’t take credit cards.  To be fair, we did pay him what we owed and did leave him a tip.  But to be honest, we shouldn’t have tipped someone who made us feel so stupid when we clearly requested a cab that accepted credit cards.

I was never happier in my life to get on an airplane and end my vacation.  If I do decide to go back to Vegas, I can assure you I will never even consider staying at the Venetian.

Hyatt Summerfield Suites Parsippany/Whippany - Review

http://www.whippany.summerfieldsuites.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/summerfield/index.jsp

I recently stayed at the Hyatt Summerfield Suites for a quick trip.  This hotel is very hard to find from Route 10, which is the main highway in Whippany also called “the strip”. There are many hotels on the this road and all are hard to get into regardless of which side of the road the hotel is on, mostly because the you have to make jug handle turns to get to anything. There is no signage on the road showing where the hotel is, unless you are watching the road signs which are very small. Add this to a fast moving four lanes of traffic and that can cause you to completely miss the turn.

The hotel is only about 5-8 years old. The main lobby is setup a little differently than most hotels. When you walk into the main lobby there is a small desk to the left of the doors. The individual checking me in was very efficient; however she wasn’t very personable or pleasant.

The Room:
The room was very large. Upon entering the room, you are presented with a large family room style setup with a small kitchen on the right. You have access to a full sized refrigerator, coffee maker, toaster, over/stove and full bar height eating area. There was food in the refrigerator already, not sure if it was from a previous person or if they stock them for use and charge you for you using the food. It seemed like some of it was left there from the previous people. (eww?)

The bedroom is separate from the main room and is off to the left, the room has its own doors and access way. To the left of the bed area is a very large, single sink bathroom. The counter tops were decent quality and the carpet area throughout the bedroom, but the bath room was all tile. The bathroom itself was decent, smaller side, with a regular standing shower/tub. The door jam entering the bathroom could have used some touch up and paint and the ceiling also could have used some touch up paint.

The room itself was semi quiet, however, a few nights into my stay a person stayed in the room directly above me. I could hear everything, every move the person made and even the person walking around. Thankfully the person was out the next day and it wasn’t too big of deal.

Every morning we had the opportunity to get continental breakfast which was included in our room. I am never a fan of these because they usually ALWAYS stink. This one was right on par with being HORRIBLE. The food that was served was gross, and the small pastries looked like they were sitting out for a week. They had some plain bagels which were super stale and a small selection of juices. The biggest thing everyone wants in the morning is a nice cup of coffee, let me say this, the coffee that was served at this hotel was the WORST coffee ever. It was marketed as "starbucks" made for Hyatt with their special blend of some sort. I am fairly certain that the coffee was Starbucks leftover coffee from failed coffee tests of new blends that failed the quality assurance testing. Junk!

Overall the stay wasn't too bad....I would probably opt to stay at the Marriot the next time which was across the street. 6/10

Philips FlexCare+ Rechargeable sonic toothbrush - Review

My husband and I have been contemplating purchasing an electric toothbrush for a while. We knew we wanted one that we could easily switch the brush heads so we would only need one unit and we wanted the UV sanitizing light. We finally decided to purchase the Philips FlexCare+ Rechargeable sonic toothbrush from Amazon.  Amazon offered a very reasonable price, a $15 rebate, and free shipping which made this $180 toothbrush only $112.49!  NICE!!

Here is a little information on the toothbrush from Philips Website:

Combining patented sonic technology and 5 brushing modes, FlexCare+ is your solution for complete gum care. Now you can improve your gum health after just 2 weeks of use.

Guides you to follow dental recommendations
Two-minute timer automatically tracks brushing time and turns the toothbrush off after two full minutes of brushing is complete.

30 seconds interval timer indicates when you have completed each quadrant of your mouth and signals for you to move on resulting in more consistent cleaning throughout your mouth

Proven to improve oral health

• Naturally whiter teeth with patented sonic technology
• Dynamic Cleaning Action and direct broader contact with each tooth, has proven to remove everyday stains, to help keep teeth naturally whiter.
• Improves gum health in just two weeks
• Optimal cleaning between teeth and along the gumline provides improved gum health in just two weeks. Giving a superior cleaning in between teeth and removes significantly more plaque to a manual toothbrush
• Clinically proven safe and gentle

Your Sonicare is safe to use on: braces (brush heads wear out sooner when used on braces), dental restorations (fillings, crowns, veneers) and periodontal pockets.

Provides a superior clean

• Dynamic cleaning action drives fluid between teeth
• Sonicare's unique dynamic action gently and effectively reaches deep between teeth and along the gumline.

UV Brush Head Sanitizer - Cleaner brush, better oral health
All-in-one sanitizing, charging and storage. The UV Brush Head Sanitizer helps keep your brush head free of bacteria. It kills up to 99% of bacteria and viruses.* (* E coli, S. mutans and Herpes simplex)

Angled brush head neck for better reach to back teeth
Uniquely angled brush head neck makes it easier to reach back teeth, removing plaque in those hard-to-reach areas.

Offers you a customized cleaning experience

• Easy-start program to acclimate to the Sonicare experience
• Gently increases power over first 14 uses to ease into the Sonicare experience

Five different modes for a better cleaning experience
The five modes include a clean mode for an outstanding clean in two minutes. A sensitive mode for gentle yet thorough cleaning of the gums. A refresh mode for a those quick one minute touch-ups. A massage mode to stimulate the gum and a gum care mode

Performance: Removes up to 83% of plaque in hard-to-reach areas

Health benefits: Improves gum health in only two weeks

Whitening benfits: Helps remove tea, coffee and other stains

Modes: 5 Modes: Clean, Sensitive, Massage, Refresh and Gum Care

Brush heads: 1 ProResults standard brush head for an All-Around Clean and 1 ProResults compact brush head for a Precision Clean

Speed: Up to 31,000 brush strokes per minute

Timer: Smarttimer and quadpacer

Ease of use

• Battery indicator: Illuminated icon indicates battery life
• Brush head system: Easy snap-on brush heads for optimal hygiene
• Brushing time: 42 2-minute brushings OR 3 weeks
• Display: Illuminated display indicates selected mode, becomes invisible when power is off.
• Handle: Slim ergonomic design and rubber grip for easy handling.

Items included

• Additional brush head color code rings: 3 pcs
• Brush head color rings: 3 color rings for easy sharing
• Charger: 1 multi-voltage charger with UV brush head sanitizer and 1 multi-voltage travel charger
• Sanitizer: 1 UV brush head sanitizer
• Travel charger: 1
• UV sanitizer: 1

Technical specifications
Battery: Rechargeable
Operating time (full to empty): Fully charged should provide 42 2-minute brushings (3 weeks)

Design and finishing
Color: Soft Sky Blue, White with sky blue grip and illuminated display
Chrome front panel: Yes

Service
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Power
Voltage: Multi-voltage charger

All around, this is a great toothbrush. I use it along with my husband, with the separate brush heads, and the process is very manageable. I did a lot of research before making this purchase and it paid off. I was a bit hesitant about spending so much for a toothbrush, but it is well worth it. My teeth have never felt cleaner.

The brush has several settings depending on time you want to dedicate to the brushing, based on sensitivity of gums and also includes a gum massage mode.

The battery charge is very solid. For two people using it at least two times a day every day, it lasts well over a week.

This toothbrush is much better than brushing manually. It leaves your mouth with a feeling of freshness. It has a very intense cleaning action (vibrates gums) and might take a little time to adjust to. However, I strongly believe that once you go Sonicare you'll never go back to manual brushing.

Expert's take: What new airline fees might come in 2011?

Expert's take: What new airline fees might come in 2011?

(CNN) -- It may seem like airlines have thought of every possible way to squeeze more money out of air travelers, charging extra for everything from early boarding to checking bags.

But hold on to your wallet: There's probably room for more fees. Might you eventually pay for holding your baby on your lap during a flight? Or talking to an airline employee during check in?

The trend of a la carte pricing -- charging rock bottom prices for base fares, then adding fees for anything extra -- helped domestic airlines deliver the biggest profits in a decade last year.

The industry collected $2.1 billion in fees during the third quarter of 2010 alone, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. That includes more than $900 million in baggage fees and almost $600 million in reservation change fees.

"I think (airlines) are addicted to the fees," said George Hobica, the founder of Airfarewatchdog.com. "They're always thinking about new fees because that's how they make money."

No wonder carriers may be tempted to come up with even more extra charges for fliers.

What exactly might they be? Hobica recently put together a list of possibilities for 2011 and it's not pretty.

But be aware that he based some of his guesses on fees already being charged in Europe, especially by low fare champ Ryanair, which may not materialize any time soon in the United States.

"Ryanair wants to charge to use the restroom," said Tom Parsons, CEO of BestFares.com, referring to the infamous idea floated by the carrier in recent years. "I don't think that's going to happen either."

With that in mind, here are some of Hobica's predictions:

Infant fees

Kids under 2 years of age can now fly on an adult's lap at no additional charge on domestic flights, but the FAA says that's not the safest place for children to be on planes.

"Travel would be safer if the kid was in a seat. The U.S. government is thinking of requiring this, but if they don't, maybe the airlines will encourage this" by implementing a fee, Hobica said.

Ryanair charges 20 euros (about $26) each way for any infant traveling on an adult's lap.

But U.S. airlines know they would severely upset many travelers if they implemented a similar fee, Parsons said. Unless all of them decided to act at one time, it would be a risky move for any carrier who tries it first.

"If one airline decides to do it and they all don't match very quickly, that will steer business away from (that one airline) in a New York minute," he said.

In-person check in fee

This is the most likely fee to be implemented by at least one airline in the near future, Hobica said.

Most travelers already print their boarding passes at home and some prepay checked bag fees online as well. If you drop off your luggage at a conveyor belt at the airport and scan your own boarding pass at the gate, there's little need for any human interaction -- unless something goes wrong. Need to speak with an airline employee? There might be a fee for that.

"The airlines could save a huge amount of money by eliminating the ground staff," Hobica said.

The CEO of Florida-based ultra low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines already floated such an idea last year.

Still, Parsons predicted it would likely result in a mess.

"What happens when your flights are canceled? You have to talk to a human so you going to tell me it's going to cost me $25 to go find out why my flight got canceled? I have a problem with that."

Credit card fee

Not that airlines want to deal with cash, but they may want to look for a way to recoup the merchant fees they pay to credit card companies, Hobica said. (Typically a few percent of each purchase price.)

Passengers using an airline-affiliated card to book tickets might be exempt from any fee, he said.

British Airways already charges 4.50 pounds (about $7) for bookings made within the United Kingdom using a credit card. Booking by debit card is free.

Meanwhile, Ryanair charges an "administration fee" of 5 euros (about $6.50) per each flight that's booked by any method other than a specific company's debit card. Another European ultra low cost carrier, easyJet, has a similar policy.

Checked bag fees by weight or distance

Shipping companies charge more for heavier items and those being transported longer distances, so airlines might think about doing the same, Hobica said.

But Parsons said such a system would be too complicated for domestic carriers to implement, at least for the moment. He predicted airlines will stick with the system they have now: one fee for bags weighing up to 50 pounds, and another for heavier items.

Carry-on bag fee

Last year, Spirit Airlines became the first domestic airline to charge passengers to use the overhead space, a move that caused a huge uproar and prompted many travelers to worry that other airlines would follow suit.

"No one else has copied it yet, but Spirit Airlines is still flying and it doesn't seem to have hurt them," Hobica said.

Other airlines are watching the developments very closely, he said. Still, this is the least likely new fee to be implemented in the near future, Hobica said.

Major airlines have already said they don't intend to charge for carry ons, but that doesn't mean they won't do it sometime down the road, Parsons added.

"I'm still trying to figure out all the different places they can hit us -- they've hit us pretty good so far," he said.

Discovery Expedition - Projection Alarm Clock

We were having guests for the holidays, so I thought it would be cute to purchase the Discovery Expedition - Projection Alarm Clock for the guest room.  Well, I was sadly mistaken!

Discovery Expedition Time & Temp Projections Alarm Clock displays thetime, date, indoor & outdoor temperature & projects them both on to the ceiling to soothing sounds once the alarm clock is activated.
Wake up to the soothing sounds of nature with a Discovery Expedition Alarm Clock 

• Enjoy any of clock radio's six nature sounds at the touch of a button
• Alarm projects time and indoor/ outdoor temperature display on any wall
• Wirelessly transmits the outdoor temperature directly from the remote 3-channel sensor to the clock
• Nature sounds include ocean waves, fireplace, flowing stream, paradise, spring rain and dusk
• Built-in AM/FM radio tuner with dual alarm function
• Daylight savings
• Digital alarm clock with alarm and snooze
• Model number 1626283
• Dimensions: 6 in.x 3 in.x 6 in.

Nothing about this product is what I expected.  The projection is ridiculous, you have to have it next to the wall you want to project the time on. It only projects behind it & not on the ceiling, and its only inches big. And the nature sounds are like a fuzzy radio sound, nothing soothing to them at all.

At first, the outside temp wouldn't work.  So, my husband reset it.  Then the inside temp wouldn't adjust.  So, my husband reset it.  This did not fix the problem.  My house is now supposedly a consistent 59.4 degrees according to this clock.  Fantastic!

Overall, I am VERY disappointed in this purchase.  I left it in the guest room, my company got a kick out of it.  I left the projection off since it was simply ridiculous. For how often our guest room is used, I will keep it since I didn't realize how poor quality it was until after the return date.  On the bright side, I do like that the outside temp works now.  About the only positive feature.

Please save your money!

Carmex Healing Cream - Review

"What keeps your lips healthy, now makes your skin happy"

With the winter in full swing here in the northeast, it is the time of the year I start my never ending search for a good hand lotion.  I think I finally found a keeper though! 

While reordering my favorite lip balm, "Carmex Original Tube" from http://www.drugstore.com/ ,  I stumbled upon a newer product offered by Carmex, the Carmex Healing Cream.  I decided to purchase this to see if it worked half as well as their lip balm does. 

I can report that I will not have to purchase a bunch of different hand creams any more!   As soon as my delivery came, I ripped open the box and immediately put on some of the cream.  This has by far become my favorite cream. It is nice and thick and not greasy at all. The fragrance is light, my husband has even used it a few times because it isn't "girly" like some other items I've purchased.

These Carmex products only run around $5.99 and if you have used their lip balms (which I'm sure you love),  you will want to try their Healing Cream.

For over 70 years people have come to love the healing power of Carmex® lip balms. Finally, Carmex® Skin Care is here with a new solution to heal, soothe and moisturize your dry skin. Available only at Walgreens, Walgreens.com and drugstore.com.


CARMEX® HEALING CREAM
Carmex® Healing Cream is made using a patent pending process that delivers concentrated healing and moisturization of your driest, roughest skin.
* Use on your driest skin— especially hands, feet, elbows and knees
* 9 healing ingredients penetrate and help repair your very dry, rough or cracked skin
* Concentrated—use a small amount
* Absorbs fast for a non-greasy feel; has a light, pleasant scent