Stephanie Serino's Travel Blog

It’s stupendous! It’s colossal! It’s Royal Caribbean ’s Allure of the Seas . Aerial view of Allure of the Seas The Allure of the Seas made her debut in November 2010 as the largest ship afloat (a fraction of an inch larger than her sister Oasis of the Seas ).  She accommodates about 6,000 passengers in 2,700 staterooms. None of those passengers are complaining about being bored. The first carousel at sea Kids of all ages will jump at the chance to cruise on this leviathan. Little kids will love the Merry-Go-Round, the Dreamworks characters parade, and the H20 Zone kids pool area with sprawling octopus sprinkler. Older kids will like the 3-D movies (featuring Kung Fu Panda 2 this summer), ice skating rink, and 9-hole miniature golf course. Even teens will be impressed by ship features like the 9-deck high Zip line, FlowRider surf simulator, and Rock climbing walls. FlowRider surf simulator Grown ups will appreciate the vast dining and entertainment options. Live entertain

Moonlight Sonata Dining Room on Celebrity Eclipse Day 3. Toured Celebrity Cruises ’ Celebrity Eclipse - such a sexy ship! I loved the decor, especially in all the restaurants. Click here for my photos .Visited the trade show in the afternoon before my classes. The Conference Banquet was just OK but the entertainment was pretty good (especially Mosaic ). Day 4. Went for a nice walk before the tour of Royal Caribbean ’s Allure of the Seas . I wasn't sure I'd like this behemoth- currently the largest ship at afloat. It has a zip-line,  a surf machine, a merry-go-round, an ice rink, a rock-climbing wall, etc. It also has a comedy club, a jazz lounge and the Central Park area was really pretty. Click here for my photos . Central Park on Allure of the Seas

The view of the intercoastal waterway from my balcony at the Hyatt Pier 66 Day 1.  My flight was delayed (they couldn't get it started) so I caught a later connection and missed a couple classes. I did enjoy the Silversea , Seabourn , and Azamara presentations. Then I met the lovely Noelle for a tour of the RitzCarlton Fort Lauderdale . Gorgeous! Check out my photos here. We enjoyed a drink watching the beach. Then back to my hotel to dine outside at Pelican Landing on the dock of Pier 66. Bed early at H yatt Pier 66 . Day 2 Woke up early (well, early for me) and did a little work before my tour of Regent Cruises' Seven Seas Navigator . Much smaller than the Mariner and her sister the Voyager, I wanted to see how she compared. The verandah suites are just as nice. After the tour, I went back to the Hyatt to check in and download photos. Then back to class, learning all about the Baltic Sea ports. Had sushi for dinner at China Grill . Jumped in the jacuzzi and

It looks like Spring has finally sprung, so I hope you are enjoying the season. I spent the entire first quarter of 2011 busy at my desk, and I’m ready to get out of town. This weekend I will be attending a Cruise Conference in Fort Lauderdale, which will take me out of the office from Thursday, April 14, until Tuesday, April 19. I am looking forward to touring Regent ’s Seven Seas Navigator , Celebrity Cruises ’ Celebrity Eclipse and Royal Caribbean ’s Allure of the Seas (check back here for photos). Next week, I’ll be out of the office from Wednesday, April 20, until Monday, April 25. I will be checking voicemails and emails frequently and working a couple hours each day. The FROSCH Hotline is there to assist you with any travel emergencies while I am away. Thanks for your patience during the next few weeks!

The Ritz Carlton Toronto lobby The Ritz Carlton Toronto welcomed my mother and me this past weekend. We made heroic efforts to experience all the facilities in two nights, and here is our review. Click here for my photos . DÉCOR: We both loved the décor (warm and contemporary) and the attention to detail (every single light fixture was attractive). Canadian touches were featured throughout the hotel, from the bronze maple leaves embedded in the lobby’s marble floor, to a stunning Inuit marble carving displayed by our elevators on the 16 th floor. THE SERVICE: Every staff member that we encountered was friendly (which I expected) but also seemed sincerely desirous to assist us in anything. Everyone offered concierge-like services in an effort to make sure we had a lovely time in Toronto (including the in-room dining staff!). Many staff members acknowledged us by name, which was impressive during such a short stay. Even the doormen were memorably charming.  The chee