Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale

AcesCruisetalk

Lifestyle • Travel

A review of the Ritz

Tom

September 22, 2024

Guest contributors: Acescruising

I will be posting some pictures from the Ritz over the next day or two on this page. Here is a video of my room.

Built as a St. Regis in 2009, it was quickly renovated to be a Ritz, and it is absolutely a beautiful property. From the moment you step foot in the lobby, you feel welcomed, comfortable and relaxed. Check in took less than 2 minutes, the staff was extremely pleasant and accommodating. They will offer you fruit and water and explain how to find your room. I chose to use a bellman, which made going up to the room much easier and relaxing.

The room was large and spacious (not cluttered) with a well placed TV and a beautiful view of the pool and Fort Lauderdale beach. The bed was pillowtop and comfortable. The pillows were not my favorite, however, I always have issues with pillows. I have no doubt you will be extremely comfortable and relaxed in your room. The TV in your room allows you to connect to Netflix and Pandora, if you'd like to kick back with a movie or music of your choice.

In the morning, coffee and water will be set by the elevators, complimentary to guests, a nice touch.

Burlock Coast, the restaurant on site had great food, service and atmosphere. The bar was fun and enjoyable. I had breakfast here each morning and had dinner once. All of my meals were the proper size, temp and tasted great. The service is next level, everyone is cheerful and happy to help with a smile.

The pool bar and pool area is spacious and never crowded like other hotels. Even on Saturday, there were plenty of chairs and space to hang at the pool and enjoy the property.

I highly recommend the Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale for any type of trip. Want to do a week in Fort Lauderdale? This is the place to stay. Want to do a couple nights pre cruise, the Ritz will help you start your trip with comfort style. Even a staycation, the Ritz will be amazing. The spa and gym will get your day started.

Let me know how I can help get you booked at the Ritz!

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Virgin Voyage

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Acescruising

In March of 2024, I took a cruise aboard the Scarlet Lady, the first ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet, Here is my quick review of that cruise and ship!

For those not familiar, Virgin Voyages is a fairly new cruise line with a different approach to cruising and its ship builds. Focused on a romantic feel, with smaller venues on board the ship, its certainly is a new take on cruising.

The Scarlet Lady launched in 2019 to much fanfare. A new cruise line with a new concept, giving even more options to a growing industry.

The ship itself stands out with its red color inside and out. You know, just by its look and colors this ship is special. Inside the ship, the venues are noticeably smaller than cruise ships of past. Mainly the dining areas, you will find yourself in a more intimate venue each night enjoying a different menu. I loved the food and the selection for all meals, especially at dinner. The one drawback is you are sitting in very close quarters to other passengers, which does give it somewhat of a crowded feel.

The sports bar and arcade is a neat venue with wings and popcorn pretty much all day, however, they only have two tvs. It becomes an issue when there is a popular game everyone wants to watch. There is nowhere to sit, or even stand! A massive drawback for sports fans.

Sadly, I felt this way about most events on board, karaoke was fun, but crowded, the casino was crowded and of course the pool deck was crowded (this goes for every contemporary cruise line.). Whenever there was a cruise line event going on, the hosting venue was stressed with passengers. As nice as the ship is, that seems to be a common observation by many cruisers.

The balcony staterooms have the same issue as the bathrooms and shower are tiny. The living space is alright, typical in the industry with a new twist on lighting and layout. Id certainly be comfortable booking a balcony again.

The 5 night cruise went to Puerto Plata Dominican Republic and Bimini island, which has a beach club exclusive to VV guests. It has a great beach and pool area. A nice itinerary with a lot to do.

In closing, VV has great service and food, a cool, hip and romantic atmosphere and interesting events and entertainment on board. Very unique and exclusive to VV.

The drawbacks are smaller venues and new twists on dining that some people don't care for. (switching dining rooms every night).

I do recommend sailing on Virgin Voyages and I look forward to exploring their newer ships and longer itineraries. Let me know how I can help!

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Tom@Acescruising

November 10, 2024

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Acescruising

In January, I sailed a 7 night cruise on the Celebrity APEX.

Full Pictures here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/raffles/albums/72177720320151217/

This review will be a quick overview of what cruiselife is like on board. I will also briefly discuss the ports we visited; San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Puerto Plata, and some activities you may want to try in each port.

The Celebrity APEX is part of the EDGE class series Celebrity started in 2018. The APEX started sailing in 2019.

APEX still feels brand new, is well maintained and is easy to navigate.

One of the big differences for the Apex are the infinite balcony cabins. These cabins do make your room larger, however, the trade off is you do not have the traditional balcony experience. You can see an example of an infinite balcony here: INFINITE BALCONY

This cruise I had to stay in an ocean view. It was a nice room, really convenient to get around the ship. You can view that here: MIDSHIP WINDOW

Some of my favorite venues on the ship are Raw on five and the Martini bar. The Martini bar has a wide open feel and is great for socializing.

Generally speaking the APEX has a lot of nice spaces to relax, such as the magic carpet and the rooftop terrace, however, some spaces leave you wondering why more space was not allocated. Craft Social is way too small, as is the casino and the sunset bar is so crowded, it's hard to enjoy. I often found myself wondering why so many of the most popular places are too small.

The food and dining areas are excellent, lots of selection at the buffet and plenty of places to sit. The smaller dining venues add to the dinner experience, which was nice.

We visited four ports on this cruise, which was nice.

San Juan - I did a city bike ride with Shore excursions group. The guides were amazing, the tour was fun and informative, the bikes were kind old but they worked. I would do this tour again if it was a different route so I could see more.

St, Maarten - I did a bike ride here as well. It went around the city and some of the popular viewing spots. After that, I went to BIG BASTARDS and rented a chair. Its right on the beach and I would love to go back. I also saw about 15 turtles while I was swimming right off the beach.

St. Thomas - We docked at Crown bay, which is kinda away from where I liked to be, so I stayed on board. There are tons of things to do in St. Thomas. From beaching to snorkeling, there is something for everyone in ST. Thomas.

Puerto Plata DR - I rented a private van here and went up the coast about 30 minutes to Cabarete, where I used to live. I just walked around and enjoyed my surroundings. DR is another place that has a lot of different things to do and try, a very active port. Lots of people go hiking and waterfall diving.

See all of my cruise info and reviews here https://cruisetalk.locals.com/

Check out sailings on the APEX here: SAIL THE APEX

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Tom@Acescruising

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European Grand Adventure

Biking my way across the Danube

Acescruising

Im off to a grand adventure!

Join me on this page and IG: acescruising. I will have updates about this exciting, adventurous and informative trip!

Day one - (June 15/16)

I chose to fly NORSE airline from MCO so I could sit in premium. I got a good deal to fly one way to London. I have about 6 hours to use in London but I do have to transfer airports. I have plans to meet up with a local couple I met on a cruise last year. That evening I will fly to Amsterdam and stay the night at an airport hotel.

Day two - June 17

I will take the train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam to board the Celebrity Silhouette (I plan on doing a live stream for VIP members from the ship at cruisetalk.locals.com approx 4pm local time. (around 10am EST) We sail for the Norwegian Fjords!!

Day 3 (day one of the cruise)

A nice sea day to rest, recover and catch up on work.

Day 4

Molde, Norway. The town of Roses! I booked a small group tour with the cruise line. This tour includes a ferry ride through the Fjords, and of course the Trollstigen! This road was opened just before WW2 and is famous for its hairpin turns. Should be a great day!

Day 5

Olden, Norway - I booked with the cruise line, going to do a troll car (electric buggy) through Jostedalsbreen National Park!

Day 6 -

Alesund, Norway.

More stunning views of Norway and an excursion with the cruise line visiting Stigfoss waterfall and Stordal church.

Day 7

Stavanger, Norway - the last stop on the Fjords cruise

Today I will head out to pulpit rock. A short hike takes us 2000 feet above Lysefjord to famous Pulpit rock, a cliffside with absolutely no safety precautions! Someone just died there a few weeks ago.

Day 9 -

After A day at sea, I will tour a bit around Rotterdam before going back to Amsterdam for two nights.

Pro tip - keep track of your travels with your mytrip page on my website! https://www.acescruising.com/MyTrips/login

Days 9 and 10 (June 24)

Post cruise, I will stay at the Sofitel legend in Amsterdam. This hotel is the oldest in Amsterdam very famous and filled with luxury. I am looking forward to staying at this hotel. The next day I have two tours planned, a bike ride around the city and in the evening a tour of some of the hot spots in Amsterdam. More to come!

Day 11

I will take an early train to Brussels, Belgium. After about a two hour ride, Ill go to my city center hotel and meet my tour, which includes waffles, whisky and chocolate.

Day 12 - Right now, this is open and I do not have any plan. However I will find something soon.

Day 13/14

A short flight to Berlin. I'm staying in the city center and have a bike ride tour that afternoon. The following day, I have left open, however, I intend to book an excursion of some sort soon.

Day 15-18 (June 30-July 3)

Today I will take a one way tour from Berlin to Prague. The tour his some highlights and takes around 7 hours. Should be a great day. Once I get to Prague, I have booked a stay at Hotel Kralov for 3 nights. I have a few things in mind for Prague but nothing official just yet.

Day 19 (July 3)

Today starts a Backroads (travel vendor) River cruise and Bike ride through the Danube River Valley. We will take a bus ride from Prague to Vilshofen, Germany to board the beautiful AMA Sonata! Ill have lots of videos and pictures to share along the way. I have chosen the Vilshofen Route: 32 Miles

Day 20

Passau - We have a few different adventures to do today, first I will be riding the Austrian Hills Route: 35 Miles, and then a walking tour of Passau that afternoon. The ship will sail at 10PM so plenty of time for activities.

Day 21

Linz, Austria - I havent decided what to do yet, there is a full day of excursions that sound interesting however I also want to bike ride. I will report back on this later.

Day 22

Melk, Austria. This will be probably the longest and toughest day of biking on the tour. I chose the The Hills Are Alive Route: 42 Miles. Should be some great views and countryside viewing. The highlight probably being the Melk Abbey, however, there will be a lot of great sights to take in.

Day 23

Vienna - According to my map, this should be an easy riding day. Klosterneuburg Loop: 28 Miles. No hills really and a lot of wine on the route! Cant wait.

Day 24

Bratslavia, Slovakia - Bratislava Route: 46 Miles. Lots of castles, villages and Donau-Auen National Park, one of the last remaining wetlands in Europe. Not to mention, biergartens!

Day 25 - Budapest - will be the last day of the cruise/bike tour. We have walking tours planned.

Day 26-29

I will stay in Budapest for some post cruise touring.

Day 30 (July 14) I return home.

I gave a very short summary of this trip, however, I will be posting daily while away, There may be updates and changes and highlights to follow! I hope to hear some questions and comments from all of you. Follow me on IG: acescruising and of course on locals VIP cruisetalk.locals.com

Thank you for all your support!

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